We were so young

There are two words that bring millions and zillions of memories rushing into my mind. These words are

Youth Group

I was lucky enough to be a member of the St. Timothy's Youth Group for many years.

I learned to be better friends with my sister at youth group. I met my husband at youth group. I went on dozens of retreats with youth group. I did my internship in high school with my youth leader. I went on 5 mission trips with youth group (one as an adult leader). I played games, I sang worship, I read scripture, I argued, I laughed, I learned a lot about God and about myself.

Behind all of these events our youth leader was a driving force, her name is Shanda, and there is nothing she will not do for the youth group.

This week, due to economic hard times, the church cut her budget. A lot. This is a painful thought. I believe that youth group helped make me the person I am today and that it keeps countless youth connected to the church, each other and their community.

When I found out the first thing I did was call three of my closest friends from those good ole' days. Pat lives in Montana now and Libby is a pastor's wife in Loveland, Colorado and my sister, Kate, is a college student in Memphis. We have our own lives and worries and issues but we all had the same reaction, "What the heck were they thinking and how can we change it?"

I am not sure that we can change it, but we can pray about it.

And so, in honor of those good times, I will share a speckling of endless youth group photos. We were so young.

Thousand Island

Sauce on the Side

*Last night I was removing my nail polish at the kitchen counter. I reached for the remote, knocked over the remover and it drenched poor lil' Koda who was sleeping below. In order to further torture her I had to give her a bath to remove the stench.

*I need running shoes, the 25$ Payless sneakers aren't doing the trick now that I do more than just walk the dogs in them. As you know, I like buying shoes when they are cute and have fun little details or unique features (or if they are on sale). I do not like buying practical shoes. Any suggestions on a good running shoe for my tired tootsies?

*American Idol has begun again, I know this will make you jealous. Sadly, I will have to mock and judge by myself this season, but, on the up side we won't have to argue over the contestants I like that you hate. Someone I went to high school with is going to Hollywood, am I obligated to vote for him just because we once ran in the same theater crowd? Do you think I could be the NEXT American Idol?

Yes, that would be me, singing Manic Monday for our 80's themed girls night at Firkin...good times!

*Did I mention the dogs are sleeping on the bed again? Ooops. Our king sized bed is perfect for the two of us but it is empty with just me in it and it is too cold without my personal space heater (you). Loki sleeps at the bottom, where he always slept before we kicked him out, and Koda sleeps right up next to your pillow. They keep me comfy and cozy.

Koda and her spot by your pillow.

Loki has a sleepy face only a mother could love

And there you have it, this weeks sauce.

The Moon is made of cheese

I see the moon,

and the moon sees me.

The moon sees somebody I'd like to see.

So, God bless the moon,

and God bless me,

and God bless the somebody I'd like to see

Moon over Yuma, January 24th 2010