Dinner with friends...

I'm not trying to brag, but I have some pretty awesome friends. In the mile-long list of things to be thankful for, I could the friendships of my life in the top. My friends have sustained me, challenged me, nourished me, supported me and most importantly loved me. Because of that, we prioritize making time for our friendships. We have a group of dear people that have formed our CK dinner club that we try to break some bread with every few months. Our October date had to shift a little to accommodate a few extra friends because our buddies Jimmy, George, Bill, George Jr. and Barak were in town. Turns out they invited 1000s to their party and we clearly wanted a seat at THAT table!

As we were waiting in line to grab a quick refreshment we heard one of the entertainment guests warming up... we didn't pay too much attention until someone basically declared a stop in all activity with "HOLY COW THAT'S LADY GAGA!" We decided the drinks could wait, made our way to our fabulous seats and enjoyed the view. 

Since the event was high security ticket holders were encouraged to arrive early. Like 3 hours early. And when you are anywhere 3 hours early you need to figure out how to entertain yourself. For Cindy and I this meant practicing selfie skills and "woooo girl" faces. We clearly have them down. 

And what's dinner club without dinner... I present the most expensive pizza rolls you will ever taste. And honestly, they were awesome. 

My dear husband did not listen to the same music as I did growing up. I was giving him a quick history lesson on all things country. I'm a lucky girl - I can take him anywhere and he's always happy to just be with me. The feeling is mutual. 

And then the show began and we were on our feet. We were obnoxious, and loud and sang along with every single word and I loved every single minute of it. 

Cheers to good friends, good food, cold beer and America. 

We decided that no dinner party will ever top this night. You picked a fabulous theme, Fords. I mean, you didn't need to go to all this trouble, but we really appreciated the fun!

Next time, though, can we get seats at the "head table?"

This has been an awesome year of music for me. In November Cindy, Angie, Melinda and I got to see Adele and then we were graced with Gaga. Y'all. She is amazing. Her heart is so grand. She is graceful and dear and full of love. She addressed each President, she showed a message of respect and she set the most beautiful example for us all to be kinder whenever we can. 

My sweet Mom and Dad stayed home with the kids and I got this message when Gag made her debut. My mom was watching the show from her phone and sending me messages from my Dad's phone. 

I didn't think the night could get better, and Gaga is really really awesome. But y'all....

ALABAMA!!

I remember listening to Alabama and Ronnie Milsap in my dad's gold Corsica on our morning drives out to Rosenthal. Music was always on in our car and still in our home and the sounds of Alabama are some of my favorite. Even Ryan was rocking out with me. 

The night was one for the record books. What an honor to be part of such an amazing event. To stand united despite our differences and come together to focus on the similarity of helping our neighbor.