So, the best part about my work trip to Orlando was that I got to surprise my best friend Jaime. I had secretly worked out with her fiancee, Phil, getting her out of the house, me sneaking into the house, and her coming home to me standing there. Needless to say, there was A LOT of hugging, jumping, laughing and tears. Well worth it, I must say!! I had also secretly concocted with one of her other bridesmaids to throw a wedding shower for her. She knew she was having the shower, but she didn't know I would be there for it. So fun!

I just love suprises. I love secretly planning sweet things for those that I love in order to suprise them. It's just the best feeling ever! My time with Jaime was so great and much needed. We were both needing some best friend time as she is preparing to get married. I was fortunate enough to have my best friend as my roommate while I was engaged. She helped me with many wedding related things, but most of all she was there for moral support. I hate that I live so far away from her during this happy and stressful time in her life. So I was incredibly thankful that God would orchestrate a free trip for me to see her.

During my visit, we did some wedding planning stuff, took her chocolate lab, Cola (who was just a puppy the last time I saw her!) to the beach, hung out at her new house (so nice!) and played the Wii, and had many late night hours of girl talk. And that is what I miss most- the hours and hours of girl talk. I don't know what it is about us girls, but we can TALK!!! And I love it!! For all of you out there who don't know what late night girl talk is about, let me share the rules with you:

1. No question/ topic is untouched.
2. Personal opinion/ experience on an issue is all that matters.
3. Tears are optional.
4. Laughing is a must.
5. You are guaranteed to walk away with a stronger friendship and deeper understanding of your friend.
6. The topic of boys is ALWAYS on the agenda.
7. No hour is too late.
8. Whatever is said stays between those present.
9. Whatever is said is NOT gossip.
10. It is a MUST for best friends.

Ladies, am I missing any other rules?

Jaime has been my best friend for 10 years (crazy!) and she has been my sister for 5. Jaime and I have been through the ups and downs of life together. We've been roommates and worked through the frustrations of doing household chores differently (or not at all! Jaime!!!), we've been there for each other through heart breaks and life successes, we've been poor together monetarily and rich together in ministry, we've laughed and cried together and stuck with each in the yelling and in the silence. We've watched each other grow into the woman God has created us to be, we've encouraged and empowered each other along in that process, and we've called each other out in it as well. I call her family because she has experienced just as much life with me as my immediate family and loved me through it all.

I have been praying for Jaime's husband for many, many years. Jaime is no ordinary girl, she's extraordinary. I knew that God was preparing just the right extraordinary guy for her. And honestly, God did not disappoint. Phil, Jaime's fiancee, is absolutely perfect for my sis. They are opposite in so many ways, and yet fit together perfectly, like 2 pieces of a puzzle. I am beyond-words-excited about their life together and can't wait to see in what extraordinary ways God is going to work in their lives. I'm just thankful I get to be along for the ride.

Love you always!!