Treasures in Jars of Clay...

Epic Slumber Party & Shenanigans

Brought to you by the January 2026 Freeze

What started as a simple trip to Austin to see an old friend turned into one for the books… but that’s a story for another day.

By midweek, the real planning began. Joellan and I were texting back and forth nonstop with our “must bring” lists. I kept saying, just add that to my pile. And oh, there was a pile. Chris helped me load the car Wednesday night and mercy… it was packed. Homemade biscuit fixings, pumpkin bread, chicken spaghetti, fresh eggs from my girls, snacks upon snacks, a case of wine, and enough food to feed a small army. Just in case we “starved,” you know. Joellan showed up just as prepared with soup makings, puzzles, and all the cozy extras.

Before the weather locked us in, Carole, Joellan and I made sure to sneak in a meal out Thursday evening. We figured it would be the one guaranteed eat out meal of the whole stretch and we were right. It felt like a calm before the storm moment and such a sweet little meal together.

Friday we kicked things off with a trip out to camp. All the nurses got a hiking tour and let me tell you, it was a hike. We saw where the cabins will be, Orenda the clinic, the dining hall, activity areas, and the beautiful waterfront. Construction is moving along and it is looking so good. We are excited in that deep, grateful, heart girl kind of way. We went over to the old HOH and measured the length of the war canoe path. Can you believe it's 150 yards? That's far, like really FAR!!! We shared lunch, wandered Hobby Lobby for a little crafting fun, and made a run to Ollie’s for a new pot and pan set for Carole plus a much needed soup pot for the weekend ahead.

Before long, everyone was home at Carole’s, bags unpacked, and comfy clothes or pj’s on. And they stayed on for days. That is my kind of dress code. We woke Saturday to a full winter wonderland. The kind that makes you slow down whether you planned to or not. The days blurred together in the best way. Homemade biscuits and jam, scrambled eggs, chicken spaghetti, minestrone soup, tamales, popcorn, endless snacks, and warm drinks. I crocheted THREE scarves... whew! And lots of laughter, lots of laughter! The boys, Charlie the beagle and Deets the bernadoodle, barked incessantly at the buck that showed up just outside Carole's window, and played hard but voted strongly against the frozen ground.

We worked puzzles, played games, stayed up too late, watched movies, binged a new show, read books, took naps, slept in, and did a little work depending on who you asked. We even added beauty face masks to the mix, because winter storm survival apparently includes snacks, puzzles, and glowing skin. And in a true act of bravery and trust, Carole let Joellan and I clean out the fridge and fully rearrange and organize her kitchen. That right there is real friendship. I’m not sure if that counts as a miracle or a service project.

I even made it into the hot tub during the big “warm up” to 31 degrees and it felt like a tropical vacation. It might have even counted as my bath for the day and made put on "real" clothes.

Joellan headed home Tuesday evening. Carole had to reluctantly head back to school Wednesday morning. Bailey treated Carole and me to dinner at the Lakehouse Tuesday evening, which was such a sweet thing to do. Bailey and I got out of the house on Wednesday and had lunch with Joeleigh! We had to get of our pj's, the real world was slowly sneaking in. Bailey left Wednesday evening, and just like that the house grew quiet again. Carole went to bed early and I packed…

I made it home Thursday with mostly clear roads until Howe, then a little slick and slow going. Our road and driveway were the worst part, but worth every careful mile.

Grateful for deep friendships, shared history, camp dreams in progress, full tables, warm kitchens, and the kind of weekends you cannot plan but will never forget.

Freeze all you want, January. In true Jane fashion girls are resourceful and know how to make it a party.