I'm bad at goodbyes.

So this past Friday was my last day at my job. And although it started out like any day, it didn't end that way.

You see in the 9 months I was there, I became very close to a few people, but one family in particular.  I began work, as their son, William was only 2 months old and had recently come in as well. I quickly began a texting and notification liaison between Megan and Justin for anything William related. :)
In the months to follow, William quickly became known as "my" baby. We truly bonded.
He would laugh and crawl to me (or walk, as he learned to do in my last month) as soon as I would walk in the door.
I would send texts and photos daily to Megan and Justin whenever possible just so they would know how our "Bub's" day was going. If he was in a good mood, feeling ill, or just needed extra cuddles, I would let them know.
It's been like this every day for 9 months.
And then Friday came around...

Bub usually didn't come in Fridays, so it was a nice surprise to see both Justin and Megan dropping off William.
I could tell Megan had been crying but I forced myself to keep it together.
They said, they wanted to drop William off with me for a few hours since it was my last day and then they handed me a gift. I gave them both hugs and told them how much I was going to miss them, especially William.
I opened their gift as they left and immediately began to cry. It was perfect! And their card - so very sweet.
I was left wishing I had said more. I immediately sent them a message to thank them.
After that, my tears would come and go throughout the day. The floodgates had been opened...

William was able to stay with me 'til about 2 in the afternoon when Megan returned for him. I could feel the knot in my throat start to form as I began to gather his things. I gave both him and Megan another big hug and thanked her again for the gift. And watched them leave for my last time.

I'm not socially awkward, I never have been, but I'm terrible at goodbyes. I never say what I truly mean to. I never get what I want to known, across. I'm always left with, "I should've said this..."

So for Megan and Justin and Bub:

Being able to care for William these last nine months has been a pleasure! I've seen him grow for only a short time and am truly saddened I will miss out on more. We've laughed and played so much together; I will not forget the time we've spent.

Being able to connect with someone so tiny can be difficult at times but he chose me from the start and I am honored. He made all my bad days, fun. He always put a smile on my face. And I sincerely missed him every Friday and weekend.
I will truly miss not seeing you all daily... You have become my family. And this is exactly how I feel, like I am leaving my family.

I'm thankful for social media, for text messages, and photos so I know we can keep in touch, although it won't be entirely the same.

I'm grateful for our friendship.

I know we will see each other again. So until then, I love you all.

xoxo - L

C.J.'s "Uncle" Mike's

Okay, so I've had a few people ask me about two certain young men in our lives that are constantly in my pictures. So I thought I'd take a little time and let you know a little about them. I am referring to C.J.'s, Uncle Mike's. Yes, there are two of them. :)
We met both while living in Japan and they are the only two great things I got from being there. They both work for the same company Erick works for.
What makes this relationship even better is that Mike and Mike have known each other for years now - they are really good friends.
And now they have become so dear to us that we most definitely consider them family.
And they are so good to C.J. - someone of course who is not related to them but they do so much for him and care for him as if he was  blood.
I am always touched by their generosity and love. But I constantly have to get after them. I think they spoil C.J. more than we do!

With Uncle Mike in Ostuni, IT

This Uncle Mike is Mike Nation from Alabama. Literally a kid at heart. He comes from a great extended family. We share so many things in common and are constantly making each other laugh. We have a lot of fun using Instagram, tagging each other in funny photos that remind us of one another.
Mike and I can talk about absolutely EVERYTHING - religion, politics, people. Something I don't and can't do with a lot of people, really. He laughs at my sarcasm and how blunt I can be.
He is determined and driven and has a "good head on his shoulders." He carries lots of ambition, that I definitely see huge successes in his future.
We talk and say when C.J. is older he will spend summer's at Uncle Mike's house and give us a break.

With Uncle Mike in Nagoya, 

This Uncle Mike is Mike Holtorf of Minnesota.
And the second youngest {next to C.J. ;) } in our group. Born in '86, I am another "Mom" to him - not literally, mostly figuratively, we joke.
We spend our days chatting and playing Words with Friends or Domino! (He'll cut me off from playing against him sometimes because he hates when I beat him.)
Next to my best friend, he has turned into someone I am very close to and can rely on. We can talk about our lives and always have good advice for one another. I've truly come to trust him in all aspects.
He is one of the nicest people I have met; a true sweetheart.
He has the best time with C.J. playing cards or phone games.
He has traveled everywhere and will soon be joining us here in Italy! I can't wait to see him!








These two men will definitely continue to always be a huge part in our lives. They've proven to be more reliable, giving, and helpful than a lot of people we've known our whole lives.
And always in competition to see who will get C.J. the better gift. haha
I love them like brothers.
Another plus is how they will ask me to cook for them. If you really want a compliment to go to my head, ask me to cook or bake for you. I love doing it already as it is but it's an awesome feeling to have someone other than my husband and child ask for something specific.
And to the single ladies - these handsome men are still up for grabs so if you are interested in these hard working guys, let me know. ;)
I can always put in a good word.

Timeout for now Houston

Today is my last day in Houston... Before these plans began to take place, I did not know when this day would come. I have to admit, and I've told a few people my opinion, I do not like this city. After just a few months of being here, I was ready to leave. This city is most definitely not a place I would like to settle into. I do not want C.J. to attend school here; I don't want our family to grow here. Almost everything about this place, screams to me to get out. Maybe this seems a little harsh, not everyone will understand. Now that this day is here, I am more than ready to move on. But before I do head out, I would like to take the time to talk about a few people that have made our stay here bearable ;)

Shara:

My 30th Birthday dinner at Outback

Although Shara and I didn't start off on the right foot, our friendship has truly blossomed into something wonderful. In the beginning, with everything going on a work, we were both a little uncertain as to whether we could trust each other or not. But as we slowly opened up and began to actually talk to one another we began to see that we both had so much in common. It didn't take long after that for both of us to realize we had found a confidant in each other. Shara was super supportive the rest of our days at the bank and she not only helped me through rough times at work, but through some personal ones as well. She was super sweet and always offered a listening ear. She was kind enough to let C.J. and I stay with her when we were in between places and for that week and a half - we had the best time. :) You've truly been an excellent friend Shara and I wish you all the best! Thank you for everything you have done for both C.J. and me!!

Jessica, Greg, & Jake :

Three of the best people I have had the opportunity of getting to know. Jessica and I became instant buddies at the bank, pretty much from day one. I met the rest of the entourage through her. :) Although there is somewhat of an age difference between us, it has never been an issue. We bonded instantly over our love for the office Keurig machine and the wonderful variety of flavored coffees. And of course there was also the fact that we despised our job...(you were one of two good things I got from that place.) In our chats, there was never a dull moment. We've had so many long conversations, interesting dinners, and fun get together's...I'm going to miss them all. I'm going to miss hanging out with you on a weekly basis. I'm going to miss my workout buddy. I'm going to miss our coffee time too. I could go on and on but mostly, thank you for always being there for me. You've never judged, you've never strayed, you've been someone I could rely on from the very beginning. Thank you for being the epitome of a great friend. And thank you (again) for always looking into my condo while I was out of town. ;) 

A night out!

As for Greg and Jake, what can I say, you two or some of the sweetest and funniest guys I have ever met. Being around you all has always been fun! Thanks for taking me (and C.J.) in without any hesitations. I will miss our witty banter. Take care of each other.
To our new friend, Brent: Thanks for all your help with the move buddy. :) Couldn't have done it without you. I wish you all the best in your new life here in Texas!


Finally to my cousin Monica:

Christmas 2011

We've been through so much together through our lives. You are my family, my friend, my blessing. Thank you for everything you continue to do for me and for your God-son, C.J. :) Thank you, to both you and Robert for letting us into your home. Thank you for looking out for us. I will miss our nights' out (or in), our festive family talks over cocktails, our dinner get together's, and basically just being close to you again. Thank you for your help and guidance through the tough times and for your never ending support through it all. I am so thankful to always have you in my life. You have always been and forever will be my favorite cousin. I love you!

"Don't be dismayed at goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetime, is certain for those who are friends." ~ Richard Bach

An Ode to Friends

I have some really amazing people in my life. I am so blessed to have not just one but five people I have truly connected with and have been able to hold such meaningful relationships with. My best friends are scattered all over the country but never too far from when I need them. I hope with some true investment, these friendships will last at least 40 years, if not more.

Daniela at SMU

Jeanette in Italy

My two oldest friends are Daniela and Jeanette. I met Jeanette at Los Fresnos Junior High - we were 12 and as scrawny as could possibly be. I met Daniela at Besteiro Middle School in Brownsville, TX. We met in band. (Makes me laugh to think so.)
I am so happy to say that even through all these years and as many times as we have moved, we never lost touch with each other. There is lots of BBMing, constant emailing, and of course our dear Facebook. I am so proud of both of these beautiful ladies as they are extremely accomplished business-woman. Chatch, (a childhood nickname that to this day I am not quite sure how it originated) currently lives in Dallas, TX. And Nettie (who is currently working on a record, keeping my fingers crossed for her) resides in Miami, FL. They both have very promising futures. But they are also both so busy that we can never end up in Brownsville at the same time to visit with each other. It has been many years since I have seen either of them. I am trying to plan trips to see them both and so they can finally meet C.J.  But God-willing a visit will not be too far in the future.

Matt & Me - 2005

My dear Matty. I met Matt in 2003 after I moved to Greenville, SC. We have a funny relationship in which it is just our way to insult each other at every meet and greet. Yet we both know it is out of love. Here is a guy that always keeps a smile on my face. Our friendship has always been one of being straight-forward with each other - I appreciate that a lot. I never had to "walk on eggshells" with Matt. If it bothered me, I let him know. And he of course, does not have a censor button, so it works out great. Matt has been and will always continue to be a big part of my life. He currently lives in Jacksonville, FL but we've managed to stay connected and visit many times during the years. We've had great Thanksgiving's spent with his entire family in Greenville and he visited with us while we lived in Charleston and we have also traveled to Jacksonville to see him. He made me so happy one year because he came up to Charleston from Jacksonville, basically just for a day, to attend my Baby Shower. It was a great surprise! He was my big helper. :) We haven't seen each other since 2009 but we are planning a get together for maybe next summer. Either way, we're never short of a text message.

Jessica and I in Georgia

Now here is a relationship that has definitely seen its ups and downs. But through it all, has only made it stronger. It doesn't matter what has happened between us, our bond could never truly be broken. We've both been through hell and back and have only come out wiser, more resilient, and most grateful. I met Jessica also in February of 2003 first as roommates - by chance, then became friends - by choice, and finally met the bonds of sisterhood. Our relationship did quickly see some turns for the worst but we are proof of what deceitful manipulation and hurtful rumors can do. We believe we've been able to bounce back from so many "break-ups" because we shared so many happy, wonderful memories as well. When we both look back into our early 20's, there isn't a happy memory that we don't have of each other. Even things today will make us think of one another and we have to let the other one know. As complicated as our friendship may seem to others, to us, it's not. We've managed to put all our past history behind us and that is what matters. We are both in such loving places in our lives right now. She is newly married with a beautiful baby girl, they currently live in Greenville, SC. It is nice to know that we can share these moments with each other. We check in with one another at least once every other day and allow our friendship to continue to grow. I am happy to still have her as my friend.

With Koren on my 25th Birthday

I met this lovely lady in 2006 while working at Wachovia in Greenville, SC. Something inside us just instantly clicked and we have been great friends ever since. In just 5 little years, our friendship has become one of the most important aspects of my life. We have seen each other grow as wives, then as mothers - I am so grateful to have been a part of so many of her important life moments and that she has been a part of mine. She is the first person I call at a moments' notice; day or night, we are there for one another. She currently lives in Jersey Shore, PA and I have been lucky enough to visit the last 2 years. I pray that our families will continue to grow up together as they have. Aside from our connection, our husbands have also managed to form a good friendship as well. Erick and Brad got along so well from the beginning simply by their palate for good beer and cigars. And our kids, Ellie and C.J. may have a current Love/Hate relationship, after all they are only children, we know that one day they will be great pals as well. I am excited to think of how we will all continue to grow, not just as friends anymore, but as family. I have been so blessed by her friendship.

PA Trip 2011

Koren, Brad, Ellie, Me, & C.J.

                                                
Our 10 day vacation in Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania spent with The Sutliff's. Next to our immediate family-members, this beautiful family of three are some of the most important people in our lives.