While we were in Idaho last Christmas my BFF (along with Cody's, Kevin's and Julia's) moved across the country.
Well, to Colorado. But far enough that we could no longer play EVERY SINGLE DAY!
Our life changed when we got home. I now had to find a way to entertain myself and my kids. It was especially hard for me on Cody's long days. School days when he leaves home at 7 AM and gets back at 11 PM, and church days when he comes home for a quick dinner and then leaves again for meetings until 10:30 PM.
Don't get me wrong. I have LOTS of friends. But I needed that friend that we could play with whenever. The one that I didn't have to put my makeup on for or change out of my pajamas or clean my house. That friend that you could call and say, "I'm in a bind" and not feel bad for leaving her with your kids or your problems.
One of those friends.
This summer I told Cody we could survive the summer with our friends that we play with here and there but that I was nervous for Winter. It's harder to find things to do and places to go in the winter.
(Don't get me wrong all of 'these' friends are awesome too, our kids are just at different stages, and most of theirs are in school or quite a bit younger then mine!)
This summer we had awesome missionaries in our area.
The 2 Elders came to our house weekly for meals. They kept encouraging us to find someone in our neighborhood and invite them to do something.
We didn't have any idea who...
then a new family moved in around the corner.
A few months after they moved in I heard from another neighbor that they had kids.
Kevin and I made treats and took them over and they weren't home. :(
The next day we were at the park at 8:30 AM and as we were leaving the Mom and the little girl showed up!
We decided to stay at the park longer and consequently I found that friend that I needed!
(Thank you missionaries for encouraging us to take a step out of our comfort zone!)
It's fabulous. They live with in walking distance.
Their little girl is 2 months older then Kevin and their little boy is 7 months younger then Julia.
Today is one of Cody's long days.
We met them at the park this afternoon for a picnic.
They invited us over for dinner and fed us a delightful meal.
And to top things off I came home with a GIGANTIC rubbermaid container
of clothes for Julia to use this winter.
I've been to their house in my slippers, with no make up on, at 8 in the morning and at 8 at night.
We've had family dinners together, sat outside and chatted while the kids played, and picked apples together!
Kevin LOVES playing with Haile
and Julia LOVES keeping the toys from Liam!
And I love having my kids entertained and having someone to talk to!
We WILL survive another Winter in Wisconsin!
I feel truly blessed for great friends that become family
when family is so far away!
5 comments:
Friends make such a big difference. Last winter was the first time I didn't get winter blues and I know its because I had such great friends!
That is wonderful!
Sounds like I need one of those! Do you think it will take me three years like it did you?! I'll find one just as we're moving!
Ash, I had lots of good friends over the last 4 years. They just moved away one at a time and now I have one again! You'll find one don't worry!
Corey warned me not to read your blog because he thought I'd be jealous or feel dumped or something, but I am soooo happy you found that friend!! We're still looking... You're such a wonderful person that it KILLED ME that we were so close for so long before ever meeting! We're serious about Mt. Rushmore, if that interests you. Let's start figuring out plans because Corey LOVES to plan trips :) And maybe one day you and your parents will think that Denver is a great inbetween place for a long 2 week stay (hint, hint)
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