Crawdads and Courtney

Crawdad hunting was on the kids "Bucket List" this summer...and Courtney declared that today was the day. All of those who really "know" me need no explanation of who Courtney is. For everyone else...let me explain.

I met Courtney 5 years ago when I was serving in the Primary (children's program) at church. She was the Primary Chorister. When it was my turn to do Sharing Time with the kids...she would always smile at me when I was talking - and the bonus was that she laughed at my jokes when all of the kids sat staring at me like I was a freak.

One day I was at the church for a midweek meeting. I came out into the parking lot and she was sitting in her minivan with the side door opened. Her van was dirty. (I don't say this to embarrass her - there IS a point)....she had a big, white, standard poodle sitting in the back seat. Her feet were kicked up on the dashboard and she was reading a book while she waited for her kids.

In an instant, I knew that this was someone I wanted to be friends with. She put everything "out there". She wasn't hiding anything. There was nothing artificial about her. She was genuine and real and had a kindness in her eyes that I hadn't often seen. I stopped and chatted with her - and KNEW that we were going to be great friends.

I later approached her at church and flat out asked her if she wanted to be friends. I know it seems unconventional - but that's how I roll, baby. Why deal with all of the superficial garbage? If you know that you click with someone...just do it, right?

She invited me over to her house and the rest was history. There was an immediate familiarity with her.

Throughout the past 5 1/2 years - we have developed a friendship that is precious to me. We have always been there for each other. I know her heart...and she knows mine. She has a nurturing spirit. She has encouraged me when I felt completely defeated. She has watched me cry the "ugly cry" on countless occasions...and I her. We don't even put our hands over our face to hide it.


We love each other's kids and are annoyed with each other's kids...depending on the day...but it doesn't change anything for us. We have had disagreements, knowing full well that we will talk and everything will be better by the end of the week...and it always is.

She once said that she would be happy just worming my dog with me. I know, big compliment :)


When we are together it is effortless. We have gone out to dinner and not said a word to each other because the food was SO good...and it was completely comfortable. We have sat in the sauna at the gym and both cried at how much weight we had gained...sitting there sweating, crying, and laughing.

We pee when we talk on the phone with each other. She is always jealous that I can do it quietly and not get caught...but I catch her every time.

She is a member of my extended family. My mother counts her as a daughter and my siblings love her, too.

She is like a Grandma to my children...minus the sagging breasts, gray hair, and polyester pants. She has treats for them...and gives them annoying toys that I would NEVER buy for them, myself. See? Like a Grandma.

She is my best friend...and I can't imagine if I had never met her.

My children love her. Her children love me. Our children love each other.

So, after all of that - nobody will have to ask why on earth Courtney took the kids hunting for crawdads while I was shopping for a birthday party gift. She is THAT cool.

Wow. If any of you are still reading ---- enjoy the pics from the Summer Crawdad Hunt.

* Note - Courtney did not abuse Bryce. She simply ignored his request to stay down stream and asked him to smile for the camera. He doesn't handle her saying "No" very well. It doesn't happen very often.

Thanks, Courtney for making my kids crawdad dreams come true.

I could watch paint dry with you. Much more enjoyable than watching a dog be wormed, I might add.