Long Time, No See

Three years ago our friends the Williams left us to move to Tallahassee, Florida to be on staff at Florida State. Remember? We never thought it would be the same again.

And well, it hasn't been.

With them to Florida they took this cooky spirit of uproarious laughter. I have laughed so hard around them I snorted and spit.

They took the surprising comfort of being able to talk about ANYTHING and I do mean anything. I have discussed things with Nicole that I may not have ever done so with any other human being.

I feel like I've known her since kindergarten.

So when she flew her little hiney back here to Oklahoma, I can't tell you how right it was to see her.

And laugh and talk and reintroduce our kids. The girls enjoyed hanging and talking about cell phones and music. Jourdan looked like she'd grown 2 feet. And I'm pretty sure she did.

The boys, who were only 4 when they last saw each other, picked up like they were best buds who lived next door to each other. Oh, how I wish they did! Next time, Nicole, if you are reading this, please come back sooner. Don't wait 3 years! Or I will blog about some of those crazy things we talk about and blame it all on you. Don't forget reading U.S. I'm not afraid to tell it to the world!

Free the Frogs

Is this not one of the cutest creatures that our Lord in Heaven has made? A tiny little green jewel put in our garden to eat those pesky mosquitos... a hopping wonder. Remember, our family loves frogs. In fact, growing up, I was a collector of frogs. At one time, my collection of ceramic, yarn and shell frogs numbered well over 100. And Kermit has always been quite dear to my heart. Why am I posting about this? Well, I have a certain, unnamed "friend" with the initials of NW who lives in Florida who is MURDERING these precious hoppers left and right. Using such outrageous weapons as Raid, PhoneBooks, and Umbrellas, this woman has taken the lives of several frogs, many who certainly have families back at the swamp, probably wives and several children. Join with me in my crusade to have this woman stopped, so she will get the message to FREE THE FROGS!!!!!!

Bye, Bye My Friendz

Cue the sad music. Can you hear it playing? I can, just as well as I can feel the tears running down my cheeks. Our friends, who have been part of our lives for 8 years, have moved away. I guess I am pretty lucky to be my age and not to really have had anyone I love move far away. But it doesn't make my sadness any less real. I can't tell you how my heart aches when I think of Corey, Nicole, Jourdan and C.J. not being around next basketball season. They have added so much to our time at ORU. Mostly, they have added FUN. It took me awhile to get to know Nicole, but let me tell you, I KNOW that girl because she shares. And she shares. Let me just put it this way, she talks about things that no other girl has ever said to me. Oh girl, I wish you were here now, just to crack me up again. Not that's it been all laughs. We have been through some pretty tough stretches together. Basketball losses. Husbands being away for long stretches. And terribly, the loss of her little girl. But through it all, I have to say Nicole's faith has made her a shining star. She has picked me up off the floor before, her soft voice saying, "It's OK Annie... God has a reason for this." And I do know He has a reason for this too, she and her family leaving. I KNOW that I know... and in my sadness, I find comfort in the blessing that has come to the Williams family. They are less than 3 hours from their native Georgia. Corey's new job is a great opportunity to work at a very strong school under a well-respected coach. I am truly happy for them. I know it sounds dramatic, but I don't know if I'll ever stop missing Nicole and her family. I hope she knows how dear she and her family have become to us in the last 8 years!!!!!