Friends

Yes, we actually have friends! Rob and I were so excited! And still are... in fact, I was so worried about coming out here and having to make new friends. I kept complaining to Rob that I wouldn't actually be good at making friends. It honestly worried me. Our first night here however, Orchid and Al from upstairs came by just to say hello. They honestly just wanted to see who was here, what they could do to help, and to offer their hand if we ever needed it. I shut the door after that encounter and just looked at Rob and we both started jumping up and down that we had friends. Sounds corny, but we were excited.. and I was relieved that it could be that easy.

And it got even easier. This past week I rekindled a special friendship from days back. That's Carly and her Husband Carson up there. They live a street down from us, so we decided to do dinner. Sundays are hard out here because that is typically the day you would have dinner with your family. It was so nice to have noise in our home. I have missed noise.

I got to use my beautiful cast iron pot (thank you Ariza's) and I made, from scratch, spaghetti and meatballs. This family recipe isn't that difficult, but this was the first time I even attempted it.. for fear that I would be cursed from heaven for messing it up. It actually turned out beautifully. We don't have a dog, so I know they couldn't have thrown their meals to him... And no one got up to use the "bathroom" and their plates were still clean when they finished. I think it was a success! The only thing that went sour was the lack of seating. We made due.. but still.. I want those dumb couches.. I will have to make that phone call today.

The best part about the dinner portion was the fact that I got to see Carly again, and meet her Husband Carson for the first time. We kept making jokes that it was actually Rob & Carson on a date.. because Carly & I already know we like each other.. but it was Rob & Carson who were on trial...

Between jokes, good food, and competition.. I think they are off to a great start.

Last Sunday we did Game night upstairs with Orchid & Al. I LOVE games! My family can definitely back that statement up as well, because I seem to always be the game instigator. After game night, Rob & I decided it would be fun to start having people over. Its a great way to get to know other couples in the ward, and the noise.. I just love the noise.

Last night we decided we had better let these couples know that they were coming to our house. We had talked about it all week, but never thought to let them know. I made these "heart-o-grams" and taped them to their doors. It just was a simple heart, with something on it like.. "You're invited to the 1st Game Night @ The Brantinghams (105).. RSVP @ Church.. We love Friends." Yes, I did add that last part to ensure that people would actually come in fear that we wouldn't get friends. We figured we would just ask the couples at church if they could make it. We asked Orchid & Al, but they were busy.. So then we went to the Shirley's, right across the way from Orchid & Al. This is what we were handed. And yes, we love the Shirley's.

The cutest RSVP I have ever received. They will most certainly be on our favorites list. The Parkers are another couple that we wanted to get to know, but I didn't know where they lived. So at church I just simply said that we wanted to get to know them and would then want to come to game night, not really thinking they would come.

Game Night was a success as well! The Parkers are closest to the TV, and they actually came! The Shirley's are next, and then there is Carson & Carly. It was a great group. We played Taboo to start, and the boys won. Then we played couples to see which couple would win, and the Parkers aced everyone on that one. Then the Shirley's introduced a singing game to the group, and we are starting to think they did that on purpose because they were the only ones good at it. I think they just wanted to win.

It was such a great group of couples, and we are hoping that they had as much fun as we did. Rob and I want to continue to do this, but we have to introduce a new game almost every time. Next week I am introducing Snorta, and the Parkers are introducing Pit. Just the fact that they were even talking about a next week means we must have done something right. It was just nice to have people over, and to entertain.. Now I get why my parents love it so much. It is so fun to help other people have a good time.

The min. the door closed as the last guest was leaving, Rob & I just started jumping up and down, literally, because it feels so good to have friends like the ones we are starting to accumulate.

So thank you to all our new Friends, and the old ones rekindled. It was such a fun night, full of laughter and delicious food, and we hope to get to know you all better as the days pass. We greatly appreciate your kindness, and your willingness to play along. No matter the reason, or the hour, our door is always open.

Apartment 105, we are off to a great start. Keep the memories coming.