MOMO went HOME !

MOMO went home today.  I think her plane landed about 5:00 p.m and after the drive home she should be there by 8:00 p.m.   It was such a joy to have this woman in my home for a few days.  This wonderful lady came on faith.  Her and I had never met, yet she jumped on a plane, came to a place she had never been before, to meet a person she had never met before, to stay at a home she had never been before.  I can only dream of having that much faith.  I am in awe of her.  I don't think I have met a woman with that much strength in my life.  I do have to say I did not want to speak to her on Saturday.  My kids liked her more than the liked me as so did my dog.  So I almost sent her packing!  Everyone that met her was immediately drawn to her.  She is exactly like she speaks, warm and huggable.  She has stolen the hearts of those that have met her.  She whipped my butt about my protein (along with Miss Becky (those girls team tagged me)).  I will be good momo and have my protien smoothie every morning, as they are delicious and they put me into onederland!  I was sad today when you left, it was hard to let you go as I had such a wonderful time.  I have not laughed that hard in I don't know when.  I also have never screamed that much (those damn roller coasters) in my life.  Thanks for coming out here on just plain old faith, as you have enriched my life by the pleasure of meeting you and spending time with you.  My children all miss you already (especially JJ).  Thanks for coming, you will always be welcome in my home.

Your friend,

Rhonda

I am home, un-packed and a load of laundry in the washer.  I, too, was sad to go, but had to get back to "real" life.

I had the time of my life!  Yes, I did book this trip and go forth on faith!  A few years ago I might not have, but my husband has taught me many many things.  One of those is to be brave (but smart) and to trust in myself and my instincts.  From the board conversations and from texts and telephone conversations I did feel safe and welcomed.  God works in mysterious ways and has given me the gift of good friends in Southern California! 

Those wonderful children of Jerry and Rhonda!  Oh, they have totally captured my heart.  Each and every one of them!  I got to give hugs to all of them, pick up and carry Sara who always claimed my empty lap, Lexi and her goofy faces, Sean and his wonderful smile, and JJ who always managed to bring me my water bottle (because I alwasy managed to leave it someplace) and Mike who gave up his room for Becky and I.  And Pookie - who is always so helpful and takes such good care of her little siblings and is such a big help to momma most of the time!   I miss them all -- Rhonda - Put them in a box and mail them to me!!!!!!!

My family grew by leaps and bounds this weekend!  Family, to me, is not defined by blood but by hearts!  

Thank you, thank you, thank you!  I had such a marvelous time and felt so welcomed and totally enjoyed my time with my new relatives -- all of you!!!!!!

Next trip - LEGOLAND!!!!! 

More details about my trip later - just wanted to post my Thanks to Rhonda and Becky!  Two seriously awsome ladies!

PS:  Rhonda - you know why you always seem to gain weight after lots of exercise and hiking???  Hmmmm, wanna know????  Because you have not been feeding your muscles enough protein and when you put them to work, they hoard all the nutrients they can to use for fuel.  Now, if you feed your muscles the proper amount of protein daily then they won't feel so starved and won't hoard food when you put them to use!  Think about it.............makes sense?

Thank you my friend!  You are the most marvelous hostess ever!  Can't wait to do my scrap book for the kids and get it in the mail!

You know Ronda I know someone who forged forward with faith. 4 years ago. When I was going to Hawaishe to run the first Marathon I was talking to a fellow OH'er and  she sadi I need to get a life. I told herr to come with me. she and I met maybe very casually at a party. Said maybe 5 words to one another. We would talk back and forth on OH. So with that being said Luana came on faith and we have been close friends since. She is the sister I have never had. So I do understand. MoMo is that special person that has come into your life.
Glad you had a good time.
Liz

Girl, I so do love you and your friendship. When we meet , that was when I found out what true friendship is. You are more then a sister to me. You are my family.

I would jump to go anywhere with you.

We still need to go horse back riding. And we need to think about what we talked about, and set a plan/goal and just do it. Let me know.

Love you!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your friend for life

Lu

LIz,

Lu shared this story with me and it is beautiful.  She is an amazing girl herself.  I don't know how these girls gathered up the strength to do things like this, but the did and I am so proud to call both these ladies my friend.  Lu is a special gal and I have so enjoyed her friendship.  And what a good friend you are to her to look out for her and her special glassess!  (you know what I am talking about.  I am glad that she stepped out and got a life or I would have never met her and be able to tease her like I do!  lol.  LIz from all that Lu tells me, you a very very special person to.  Isn't if funny how these things happen our lifes?  Someone bigger than us must have their hand in all this meeting up of great friends.  I hope to meet you again Liz, as LuLu has spoken so highly of you.

Take care,

Rhonda

Rhonda,

So glad you all had such a wonderful time.  I can't wait til we meet sometime later this year for SF.  I so enjoyed meeting MoMo when she was here in Concord, so I knew that you'd all have a blast. 

Thanks for sharing your weekend with those of us who couldn't be there in the physical sense, but were there in spirit.

Hugs to all.
Barb

Rhonda, thank you so much for hosting MoMo and having everyone one over. It was a lot of fun. You have a lovely home and the kids are just as well behaved at home as they are when you take them out. I wish I could have spent more time with everyone. I reallyb enjouyed being part of the group. =)