Face to face

We FINALLY took a trip to Birmingham to visit one of my dearest friends, Kristi and her family. And we had a fabulous time! Even though we talk on the phone or facebook just about every day it is so much better to be face to face and sit down and have a cup of coffee or a good meal together. Not to mention having our little ones play together and for Kristi to get to know my hubby a little better. It was nice being "face to face" :)

When you think of your closest relationships, who you think of? Yesterday at church our pastor talked about the access we now have to God through the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. It is really breathtaking if you think about it.....we can have a "face to face" relationship with Him every day if we are walking in obedience and trusting Him. I'm talking the Creator of the universe!! I think we get so busy with life that we forget what a priviledge it is to know Him and experience His love and forgiveness. 1 John 2:1 says, "My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate WITH the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous..." That little word "with" means face to face relationship. I pray as you begin this week that you enjoy that intimate relationship that God has offered us!

So, back to my "face to face" visit with the Whitings. I have to say that we were completely pampered while we were there! She cooked wonderful meals for us and Sophie gave up her comfy, TALL bed for us and we were able to just relax and have fun. The pictures tell most of the story....

Beginning with our stop at Peach Park

(if you are EVER driving north on I-65

and passing Clanton, AL -

you MUST stop! they have homemade ice cream

and the best chess cake ever) Lily's first taste of peach heaven :)

oh yeah!

the result:

playin' at Peach Park

And then there's love at first sight

she's not real sure

but he's persistant

and determined

not giving up :)

While we were there visiting Lily learned many things:

"how to be a princess" taught by G.G. (I mean Ariel :)

"how to squeeze yourself into a kitchen drawer"

taught by Shep

and "how to really give your friends some lovin'"

reminds me of the song that her Maw Maw sings to her:

"I love you, a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck" :)

us Mommies sure love our babies!

we spent some time at the park near Kristi's house and it was so beautiful -

the waterfall and the baby!

Lily loves Sophie....and I do too!!

after a day at the park:

as you can see.....Kristi's youngest 2

he is "all boy"

and she is "all girl"

and the only picture I got with all 3

Lily did great on the trip including the drive -

snacks are so helpful!

I wish we lived closer so we could spend time like this on a more regular basis. Maybe one day....