Is it too early to say, "I love you"?

We all know that in relationships, it is better to be the receiver of the first, "I love you" rather than the giver. How many of us wanted our spouse to say those words first... "I love you". The words are often first spoken timidly, in case the receiver, well, doesn't receive them graciously. So, I find myself being the one to say, "I love you" first. You see, we moved to this town, not really knowing anyone. However, we have been so WELCOMED by all of our friends of friends. It is unlike any place we have ever lived. These people have welcomed us with open arms.

First, A & L are true angels with the most amazing servant's hearts. A cooked us the most amazing dinner last night, and they have shared all of the numbers of their "people". Not only that, but DH STAYED with them several times, and enjoyed A's cooking so much I thought he may never again settle for mine:)!! I really like A's combination of godly wisdom and good humor, and know our friendship will continue to grow!

Our first week here, G, who owns the BEST store here, Tampa Toiles, came by to see us and gave us 8 of her ADORABLE toile tumblers AND a monogrammed Tampa Toile towel for our kitchen. WOW! She also baked a great pound cake sandcastle of our new home! That same week, Mrs. M, who is a good friend of family friends from home, came by to meet us and brought a FANTASTIC pineapple cake from a great local restaurant and bakery, Wright's Deli. It turns out her grandson is in class with our triplets!! Do you see how the Lord has been weaving together our new life here?

Sweet L, whose husband went to Woodberry with our friend, M, came by and brought DELICIOUS cookies! It was fun to finally meet the person behind the voice I have talked to and emailed with prior to our move. I can't wait to get to know her better.

Then, we have J & D. We knew them when we lived in Dallas 11-13 years ago, though we didn't know each other well. We are delighted to be under D as one of the pastors at our new church. J & D are lots of fun and have welcomed us so wonderfully. Their children are around the same ages as ours, and they had our FOUR oldest for a playdate! K has been back for a second playdate! Plus, J made us the most delicious dinner on our first night in our new home! I can't wait to get to know J better too!

I can go on, friends! There is MORE! Can you believe it?! R has walked over to see us with her young boys, and even brought us flowers and clementines! She also took AH from me one morning last week, and has been so giving to our family. I am really excited about all of these women that can be my friends! B invited all of our children to her son's birthday party, and I loved an afternoon of getting to know everyone a little bit better. S was friendly at K's preschool, and K went to her son's birthday party (can you believe it... 2 birthday parties already!). Mrs. W came by to meet us and brought us a CHOCOLATE cake from Wright's Deli. I think my pants are fitting a little tighter these days! M and A have called to try to get together, and I owe them phone calls back! Yesterday, J, a childhood friend of H back home, called. I owe him a call too! W, who is friends with the owner of a company for whom I did home shows, came by last night and brought a whole cute heart bucket of goodies... plus homemade brownies! We just can't get over it. I can tell another W & her husband are going to be good friends. They make me laugh. Our son, A, went to their house after school yesterday! Even the ladies at the local children's store said to feel free to ask them anything. E called today to offer tomatoes! My phone is not working well, so I have several calls to return.

Do you see where I'm going with this? I am overwhelmed. Is it too early to say, "I love you"? 'Cause I am here to tell you, that I (heart) these new friends. I really do. (in a whisper) "Tampa friends, I LOVE you". There, I said it. I do. I LOVE YOU. I really do!