Shine 2021

This past weekend was my fifth SHINE conference with Noonday. It was also my first virtual one - and if I’m being honest, hopefully my last. But it was still wonderful, primarily due to this group of women!

Connection is truly the primary force that keeps us so tightly bound to Noonday. So when we found out we wouldn’t be gathering with hundreds in Austin, we quickly pivoted to Plan B (a familiar move in these many months of pandemic living). We rented a house in the Atlanta area, and gals came in from four other states to join us (preceded by COVID tests for each of us).

Dissecting the new line, being inspired together by artisan speakers, new ideas, and more defined our time together - plus SO much laughter. It was balm to our weary souls.

We celebrated each other, too - it’s not easy to stick with this job, particularly when the bulk of it is virtual these days. But it’s worth it - and accolades help! 

We truly hope to be back in Austin this time next year. But until then, my cup feels full.

Laura Turns Double-Digits

Evidently everyone in the family gets to experience a Covid-style birthday...sigh. Fortunately, the tradition of Laura spending her big day with Meghan remained intact. And while outings like Stars and Strikes were vetoed by us, my suggestion of re-enacting Cupcake Wars was met with great approval!

The girls baked the cupcakes first, then played various things while they cooled. Eventually it was time! There were three rounds, each with a different theme, to be interpreted as they so chose. It was so fun to listen to them comment, laugh, etc. - they clearly enjoyed themselves!

The remainder of the day was spent hanging out, with a flank steak and crescent rolls dinner at home - followed by a cake featuring The Boys!

It’s hard to believe it’s been a decade since Laura joined our family - but even harder to imagine our family without her!