And that is how you win Phase 10

 It has definitely been an eventful couple of days. I had the opportunity to hang out with people in all phases of life.  I am so lucky to get to know them and live life beside them.

Saturday morning I FINALLY got to see Amy Jo. She is definitely one of my best friends, and the only one who decided to live at school for the summer.  I wish she was here so I could see her all the time, but I know she is doing great things up in Bexley, where she leads Young Life.  It was so great just to get to talk to to her and share our lives.  Amy always asks me the hard questions and shows me how much I need fellowship.  I love her a lot.

The rest of Saturday was our annual block party.  This tradition has been going on for as long as I can remember.  I am so blessed to live in such a wonderful neighborhood.  We essentially just block of the road so that we can talk, eat, throw water balloons and go on scavenger hunts in the middle of the street.  Although many of the kids I grew up with were missing this year, it is really cool to see the next generation taking our place.

 

At the end of the night the women played Phase 10. Now, I don't think I've ever actually finished this game, but we were determined. Four hours later, my grandma won.  Life is so much like a game of Phase 10.  Everyone is on different phases. Sometimes we skip over people, other times we help unsuspecting people succeed.  Sometimes we feel like the luckiest people ever, other times we just want to give up.  I found it very fitting, that the oldest and wisest won this trying game.  While I was playing this game with a bunch of mothers I realized how much we can learn from people that are in a different phase in their lives. 

                

I ended my night at my new friend Alex's house, and ended up sharing a super secret adventure with Candace.  I have missed her a ton. We are definitely on the same phase in life and she always knows how to make me laugh.  I am so thankful for her encouragement and everything that she is in my life.

Sunday, I went to church and work. The storm cleared up just in time for our swim banquet.  These kids are so awesome, and full of crazy fun.  I love these eight weeks that I get to spend with them during the summer.  I am also thankful for Jordan and Derek.  Jordan is about to go to Disney World for an internship and Derek just graduated, he won the award for Mr. Average, but he is definitely anything but.  They make me laugh until I cry and listen to my (sometimes repetitive stories). 

       

The rest of the night I got to hang out with some high school friends at St. Charles.  I forgot how much I miss and love them all.  They are so full of life and fun. We had a water balloon wars and just talked about life.  These friends never cease to surprise me with their love, joy, and sincerity.                            

                                                           

I  then headed over to the Hagenbuch's.  They are such dear friends, I truly feel like I am part of their family.  It is such a blessing that they let me come over and just hang out with them.

I ended my night with some great friends.  Sorry this was so long, I just couldn't leave anyone out. So many friends, in so many phases of life.  Some moving forward, others stuck in a rut.  All of them with so many gifts to share.  So is this real life? I can definitely answer yes.  Let's "simply love" our neighbors no matter what phase they are in, and great adventures will come. 

"Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." -Mother Teresa