Gems...

Because every once and a while one might find themselves stumbling upon a "Gem."  Or at least that is the word that keeps running through my brain each time I hang out with this crew... 

GEM



You can just tell my looking at them!  They have something special.  (And if you can't see it, you're blind.)  They show more love than a million others out there.  They are completely simple, yet catching and exciting all at the same time.  I am tempted to look up the word gem just to see if my thoughts are descriptive enough. 

If I could give the word gem a definition it would include the names of people. 

Maggie and Ollie.  Granny.  Ms. Schutze. Mrs. Fisher.  At my age now, my own parents.  Joe and Lois.  Grandpa Tom.  Sally and Gus.  Doris. Ernie and Martha. Erika.  Julie. Alicia.  Alecia.  Debbie.  Lily. Ann. LeighAnn. Pastor Peters and Amy.  Jason.  I suppose my husband too. (but he's much more than a gem!) ... All from different stages and phases, but all have made a certain impact.  One that has set them apart from others.  

Now here comes my "wishy washyness" and I'm beginning to think, "Oh!  I should include them, and them, and them.  And don't forget about her, and her.  Oh, and them, and them, and them."  Of course, I would want all my friends to know that they are special and loved by me and have impacted me in some way. Yes!  I love you for sure!   But, sorry folks, like I said earlier... sometimes you come upon someone or something that just slathers the icing right on top of the cake!  And this is what I'm referring to here. 

So... what's the story?  It really isn't anything fancy dancy or whatnot.  We were just headed out of church one day and they introduced themselves.  And we like to visit too, so that probably helped.  We were invited out to visit for "hot dogs for the kids."  Of course we would love to come and visit.  Once, twice, third time unannounced, four, ... and a "hey... do you mind if we come out and sort of celebrate a certain five year old's Birthday?  We're in the middle of a move and he really loves running wild at your place and hasn't made too many friends here... (really just one, their grandson.)  Please don't do anything extra, we will bring cake and ice cream and have some simple fun." 

Uh.  Well, their "nothing extra" really was a WHOLE LOT OF FUN (you'll see below.)  Not just a few fireworks, but more like 45 minutes of fireworks for the kiddos to blow apart!  Lots of running, giggling, screaming, teasing, GHOST STORIES, VW bug rides, cardboard box rides, a treasure hunt, and lots of laughing and visiting.  Talk about a day that I wish lasted much much longer.  Honestly.

Thank you dear friends for loving on my family while we were here.  Our time was cut way to short and that is the truth!  I know my kiddos will ask about the "Pine Mountain people" for a looooong time.  They call you "Honey" just as your own grandkids do and that makes me smile and feel sad all at the same time.  You are a blessing to us and we hope nothing more than that our paths will cross again sometime.  You visit us, we'll visit you, doesn't matter... but let's do it!  I hope you know how comfortable we felt hanging out with you guys, you made us feel like part of your family, which is something that is extra special to Military Families.  Thank you always. 

"We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers."  1Thessalonians 1:2