My People.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said: "You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you stop to look fear in the face... You must do the thing you think you can't do." Moving to Montpelier three years ago was terrifying to me. I've never been one to make friends easily or quickly. I am reserved and quiet when surrounded by people I don't know. I had to change when I moved to Montpelier. I knew no one.

I was so lucky to find the friends that I have found here. My people. They have stood by me when I cried with fear when we were worried about Shaun's job. They laughed with me when I laughed about life as a mom. They have always been there when I need a friend. I've never been surrounded by so many good people at one time. (in the picture below: Liz, Clover, Aleisha, Jenny and Jamie)

These girls have helped me re-learn the art of exercise. Every morning there is a group that walks. If it's warm, we walk at the park. When it's cold, we walk at the church. Sometimes we run. Sometimes we weight train. We've done Yoga videos. We play volleyball every Thursday night. There is even a clogging group.

I also think that one of the best parts of being here- is that I have re-learned the art of being a friend. I took my high school/ college friends for granted. We had been friends for so long that everything was easy. We already knew each others histories and quirks. When you make so many new friends at once- you have to re-learn how to ask questions. And it was different this time too... all of these women were also young moms. We are all in the same boat. We have similar routines. We yell at our kids for the same things.

We also get together for girls night/ movie night and we have lunch once a week (sometimes with kids sometimes without). Once in a while it's a phone call to see if you want to take the kids to the park. Or Biggest Loser parties. Around here- it seems that there is always an excuse to get together.

So thanks girls. For making it so easy for me to get over my fear. Thanks.