Meeting Leigh Ann

Last June, when I had been blogging only about a month, another blogger, "Momma Roar", left me a comment on this recipe:

"Oh that looks yummy! I will have to try that one! I have two boys, too (ages 5 and 6 months - with a daughter in between the boys).

Will be trying this recipe soon. Thanks so much for sharing it!"

This was the first comment I'd ever received from someone I didn't personally know. And, one day later, she left me another comment saying she'd baked and loved these cookies (THE BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies you will EVER eat!) So, I clicked on the link...and thus, it began. My friendship with Leigh Ann.

What began as a mutual love of cooking and baking and all things Southern Living quickly grew into a real friendship...talking and emailing about our families, mothering, potty training, recipes, blogging, shoes, purses, and anything and everything in between. And during the course of getting to know her, I learned that she knew and grew up in the same small town as my college roommate, Lynn. Enter eerie music.

SO, when we traveled back East to introduce our friends and family to Lincoln a few weeks ago, I knew I just had to meet her in person.



We met at Cracker Barrel for dinner, and you know, I'd like to tell you what we talked about, but I hardly remember. (Partially because I was stuffing my face full of Chicken Fried Chicken and a brownie sundae!) But, really, because I felt like I was having dinner with an old friend, and we both talk so fast and so much that there was NO way to process it all. (Ok, so that's true and all, but honestly, if I told you the places our conversation went, you'd prefer that I kept it to myself.)

I don't know how or why Leigh Ann and I have connected like we have, but I know that God had His hand in it. Because day by day, as I care for my boys, and share my stories, and recipes (yes, I will do that, again!) and struggles, and the hilarity that comes with mothering little ones, she is here encouraging me, laughing with me, and challenging me to be a better mother and wife.

So, LA...I'm SO glad that we finally met in person. Thank you for sharing that yummy meal with me and for driving, in the rain, to meet me. But, mostly, thank you for cheering me on as I face day-to-day motherhood, and for encouraging me with your comments and emails and chats. You are a true friend and I'm so thankful to God for you!