chicago: the last stop "home"

the last leg of my chicago trip was three days in la grange, my old "home" town. it did not disappoint. i got to (finally) meet this little muffin who was born to my douala friend, kristie, in october. she is such a good babe. she just crawls around and smiles like this all day long.

and while watching brynn crawl around, i was able to get cozy on the couch and share some good chats with her momma. while we were sippin' joe, brynn's two older siblings and my e did some swimming in the hot tub. they were determined to get a picture of all three under water, flashing peace signs with their hands. it didn't quite turn out, but was pretty funny watching them try to make it happen.

i enjoyed lunch and some playground time with my dear friend steph and her eldest girlie, kate. it went by way too fast, but our time together will be cherished for some time.

and then, i got to eat some tasty pork belly with carmel corn and cherry reduction over polenta... my mouth stills smiles as i think of that lovely concoction on a plate! chicago, you've certainly got good eats!

and while noshing on that, i enjoyed the best three hours with these lovely ladies. like all my chicago peeps, they continue to be food for this momma's soul. it's hard to imagine that i don't get to enjoy their lovely companionship on a monthly basis like i once did, but being with them once again was a good reminder of how blessed i am. i kept thinking, "how is it possible for a girl to have this many wonderful people in their life?". i'm a lucky lady, even if i don't get to see them often, knowing that they are in my life is enough.

and then, on our way out of town i had lunch with this lovely lady and her lovely momma. megan and macy, you hold a special spot in our hearts!

then our taxi arrived, and our fabulous trip came to a halt. it was hard to get into that cab, but i must say, God used that time to tell me a few things...

moving to california felt like a mount mariah moment for me, taking all the faith that i could muster to believe that it was for good. but ten months later, i have to say, God has been faithful. just like those wonderful peeps in chicago, i have some new and equally amazing friends here. coming home to those ladies in my life was not disappointing. in fact, it was a good reminder that this is where i am supposed to be and that this is the "home" that has been carved out for my family now. i typically say that it takes a good two years to feel like you are rooted in your new surroundings, but that has not been the case for me this time around. after just ten short months, i know that i am home. thank you, sweet Jesus!