Lamb Chops and French Toast

After Emily's party last Saturday, we headed into Charlotte to my cousin Lucas and his girlfriend's new apartment. It was nice to finally meet Laela, who prepared an incredible dinner for us: lamb chops, rice, zucchini & yellow squash, and salad! Luke had asked Perry to teach him how to build his own computer, so the guys worked on that all night while the girls just talked! We had a wonderful time visiting them. We were their 1st overnight guests- thanks for having us! I'm sad I didn't get any pictures though :(

In the morning, Perry & I woke up early and went another part of Charlotte to my friend Sara Almond's new place! She moved there from Cary for a better job opportunity and I miss her. We ate breakfast at Eddie's Place- we all ordered the french toast! I thoroughly enjoyed mine with hot cocoa, bacon & grits and finished Perry's hashbrowns! After a tour of her apartment, Sara had to finish getting ready for the Panther's game so we left for home. It was so good to see her, even for just a short visit! Pics from Sara's iPhone:

Beck'um & Cam

I'd like to introduce you to Becky, my best friend from my days at UNC-Charlotte! Sadly, we had not seen each other in over a year & a half (since my wedding in 11/2009)!!! When she informed me that she & her husband Cameron would be spending the weekend with her sister in Durham, we both knew we had to get together! We met for lunch at California Pizza Kitchen at The Streets at Southpoint... it was WONDERFUL to see them!

We asked 2 older ladies to take a picture for us... one held the camera & one instructed us to remove our sunglasses for the picture! Haha!!

Very Merry Monday

The next day (2 days after Christmas) Perry & I went to Concord with his parents to visit my sister-in-law Cassy & family. It was awesome to witness the girls' energy and excitement about Christmas! We. love. them.

Uncle P ♥'s his nieces

Emily

"Little Lauren"

"Big Lauren"

Silly faces with Aunt Lew! 
{Concerning fact: my left eyeball seems to like turning inward... 
it won't really get stuck like that, right?}

I have never written about my bestie Sayra {no, she doesn't really spell her name like that. It's Sara, but I've said "Say-ra" since high school}. She is AWESOME! One night she shared a yummy meal of taco soup & cornbread, paired with salad, with me & Perry. Then we improvised with what I had in the kitchen and made a sad-looking strange-colored Christmas tree cake. My excuse is that we didn't have the proper supplies *wink*. It was still fun & yummy.

Cute little guy... almonds from Sara Almond, of course!!

Perry & I also visited my Dad & Karlene in Virginia before Christmas {pictures to come... once I find them}. What a wonderful, glorious Christmas we had filled with family & friends, warmth & laughter!!! "An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'" {Luke 2:9-12}

People change

"People change and forget to tell each other"- a sad fact of life?
(Quote by Lillian Hellman)

Bless his big heart. Perry has listened to my chatter for the past 7+ months about a particular personal matter that's been on my mind. Last night over dinner, I asked him to listen as I vented about more of the mess that was slowly unfolding. He in turn whipped out the "because I care for you, I gotta say this" bit... And. he. was. so. right! I need to stop being a people-pleaser. I have a lot to get off my chest and will spend some time considering the best way to confront said person without being brash, abrasive, or hurtful. That's the last thing I want to do!

Speaking of dinner, the vegetable-of-the-day was fresh steamed green beans from our nextdoor neighbor, Howard. He brought over bags FULL of blessings! We now have a watermelon, 7 ears of corn, 7 banana peppers, 5 hot red peppers, 4 yellow squash, 2 cucumbers, 2 tomatoes, and lots of green beans :)