So fun taking baby Nora to her first football game with my daughter and son-in-law- and of course, Nora’s favorite- Papa Buzz! She is so sweet and a little sack ‘o sugar that we got to pass around because- let’s face it- we all want to just hold her all the time- maybe most of the time! 😉 @lindseywilson85 @best_life_ahead_ and I used to come to games here over 20 years ago the first time we lived in northwest arkansas! It is truly a full circle moment! Had Jeff’s job not made him move- we probably would have stayed here but God had other plans and friends we needed to meet in other places- including Nora’s daddy @jordanwilson83. So 3 weeks back here for us and having so much fun seeing sweet faces we loved then and now! We are all a little older and have walked through deep valleys yet have become wiser and kinder and more grateful! It is all a gift and we don’t want to take any of it for granted or to miss a delicious drop. 
First Friday night game in the books! Jeff is so happy! Topped it off with a visit to Whataburger on the way home! Yummm!
Do you enjoy a Friday night game? Have you ever gone back to your high school or your kids old school after you moved away? How did it feel?
What a fun night learning to make an adorable wreath with @shopiveylane! We are old friends and I’ve admired her whimsical creations for a long time! When I had the opportunity to attend a workshop with @t2kuhle it was not just a “yes” but a “heck yes!” Didn’t they turn out great? And look at all these beautiful women! What you don’t see in this picture is my anxiety hiding behind my creation! Sometimes being the new girl is hard- we literally moved here 1 week ago from dallas! I was excited to attend until it was time to attend! Ever feel that way? I thought of a million reasons to stay home…there were so many boxes to unpack still, I couldn’t find my cute clothes (still in a box) and I won’t know anyone…just to name a few! Are you as good at creating excuses as I am? My sprained brain can get very creative! But…I put on my big girl pants, added a cute top and long vest to hide the stress eating from the past year, threw on a long necklace (to elongate the look from the stress eating) and walked in the door! There was my precious friend Tonya who I haven’t seen in real life (irl for the cool kids) in about 20 years! She was so friendly and adorable and hasn’t aged a bit- in fact- she is cuter than ever! 
I confessed my temptation to stay home and she totally understood but was glad I showed up anyway! I found a seat at the end of the table and was soon joined by a beautiful woman and her daughter-in-law who had come together! (That made my heart smile). Then out came the mesh, ribbons, bows and laughter- everyone working away to create the cutest wreath ever!
But perhaps the most important thing I learned last night was the importance of showing up even when you don’t feel like it! Of meeting new friends and being the first to say hello when others don’t. I think maybe everyone feels a little insecure? When we sat down- another sweet gal next to me said-“I don’t think I can do this!” By the end of the night she had figured out all the things and was ready to make another for fall! Do you ever go into something thinking “I can’t do new things?” I sure do! What is something you have done lately to step out of your comfort zone?
I’m not a big baker or cook! Actually that’s not accurate- there was a day when I could whip up anything and everything in the kitchen- and enjoy it! I loved entertaining friends, making a feast and creating a great spread!!! Given the opportunity, I think I’d still enjoy it again! The food, the friends and the fellowship is the best!!
The title may change and everything might not be perfectly laid out…but here we are! Do you want to join my journey? I’ve always “boasted” that I dive in where fools dare to tread! I was lying to myself! Over the past few years, I’ve become keenly aware of FEAR and perfectionism on my part! Perfectionism that paralyzes me from taking any step- even when I know this is what I need to do! Anyone? Or just me? This past year- especially- has been one of turmoil, anxiety and dread! 3 feelings I don’t typically “entertain!” We are deep in the center of the unknown and big time stress – yet- in the midst- I feel certain God is using it all for something greater in our lives and because there is someone out there…..(is it you?) ….that needs to hear our story! This has been confirmed by insight from close friends and acquaintances! “You have to share your story because someone- maybe just one- will be encouraged.” Are you the one? So….here we are where we started! I’m facing my fear by sharing these words out loud and inviting others to join the conversation. What keeps you up at night? Or…like me….bolts you wide awake in the early hours of the morning with your heart pounding out of your chest? If you are like me you might qualify your answer- because you don’t feel like your fears even matter considering all others are going through. But that is also a lie! Fear is fear is fear and it is magnified by so many things. Perhaps the more fear you feel the closer you are to that thing you are destined to do but keep avoiding! Maybe stepping into your fear- all the way like a deep puddle up to your shoulders -is the only escape to reach the other side to find clarity and peace! Only one way to find out- right? Have a friend who needs to hear this? Let’s walk through it together. Find it on fb! 
You never know what a day may bring! I remind myself of that everyday- on the good days and the hard days and the days that seem like they go on forever because you are in the “waiting room”- as I do fondly call it!
This Sweet Southern Life 