So ladies (and gents)...

I believe with all my heart that there are times in this life that we need our friends, I mean the really GREAT friends; the ones that will stay up late and pick the hair balls out of your dishwasher or take the cat to the ER...or maybe even loan you an extra anti-anxiety pill- those kind of friends.

Evelyn running out side after spilling blue pant on our back deck and then "dancing" in it- She said, she was "splashing in the rain"

 (thank goodness I had enough sense that day to buy the washable paint instead of acrylic)

and then running through the yard; very savage-like!

BECAUSE...sometimes our beloved spouses (who is my VERY BEST FRIEND of all), just physically CAN'T be there. I know this is a "home decor" blog...but, well it's also just me- and I am just a mom writing a blog about everyday life- which happens to involve home decor, because it is a true passion of mine; but sometimes (and lately, more times than usually), my blog is going to be just about...well, life.

 She insisted on bringing this balloon with us everywhere today...

and this is what is the most important thing in the world to me is...my little rascal and my husband; who truly is the best teacher I have ever had. I am an elementary teacher by trade, but my husband has taught me more than anyone I know. He is the most patient (let's face it- to live with me and all of my energy- he has GOT to be a good man), precious relationship in my life (next to my daughter);  you know you will read about people who claim they have the real deal- and I always think that if they have to voice it- then its not real. So I guess I shouldn't have judged...right? Because... (I know you shouldn't start a sentence with "because," and now that  I have told you  I am teacher- don't scold too bad!) that is exactly what I am about to say...I am so in "love" with my husband and truly miss him. He is just an amazing person in general. Someone you would "actually" want to hang out with...he's just a cool guy.

Evelyn and her daddy...

Notice the infamous cat in the picture (he follows us everywhere)

So this brings me back to the beginning...

With Greg being gone; I have missed my "buddy" so much- but, BUT (big BUT)...that is where good friends- no GREAT friends have stepped in and filled that gap as best as possible.

To all of those wonderful, amazing women (you know who you are)...this post if for you, and for all the women out there who have been a true friend to someone. Thank you for showing the those of us HOW to be a friend, and what it means to be a friend; because sometimes it's not always about who has the greatest, the best, the newest, the biggest...it's just about being THERE.

I think that when it comes down to it; and if we were all really honest with ourselves, we could leave all the "decorating, the glitz & glamour of it all," and just take what's real to us...the relationships in our lives that have made an imprint; and shaped us into who we are today, and what we want to be tomorrow. Having people in your life that not only support you and love you; but challenge you to be what they know you have the potential to become...now that is truly priceless.

 To all of you,. to all of those "priceless" friendships...Thank YOU. Thank you for being the example, and for setting the standard for those of us who needed to be reminded.

Thank you...

~Cheers & love~

Melissa