Thankful

 A little over a year ago I started my list of 1000 things I'm grateful for.  Not there yet but I recently passed the 500 mark which is a pretty significant accomplishment for this gal.  I seriously think it's helped me to become a more joyful person.  Anyway, feeling very lucky today for so many special relationships.  Many people feel fortunate for that rare close friend. The one who rearranges not only their schedule for you but also sacrifices time, energy, money.  Not really sure how it happened (except that God led us to a church that really takes care of us!)  but I have several of these "got your back" relationships and I feel like it's a little bit of heaven on earth.  People who make a bee line to talk to NiNi or give her a hug because they understand how hard these interactions are for her.  People who have brought us meals, flowers and cards to share in both our grief and joy over the years.  People who have cleaned our toilet, moved our furniture in 90 degree heat, and driven across town to spend time with us.  Friends who know me, I mean really know me...the good, the bad and the ugly...and amazingly still love me.  Next week Chris and I are taking our first real vacation without kids.  There are 5 different people (moms included) willing to use up precious PTO or their day off to hang out with our kids and taxi them around to their various activities.  Sometimes I have to pinch myself.  And it's so neat to watch our kids experience this.  Watch them literally grow up with their best friends. An entire community of people loving them, investing in their spiritual development, and giving us invaulable feedback on our parenting.  The kids may never really understand how rare all of this is, but I certainly do.



Here is Meagan and Claire when they were about 6 years old, and a recent shot of the whole crew at a church conference last month.

 

This may have been one of the first times we brought NiNi to Bible class and that is Emma with her.  They have another little friend that is blonde and the 3 of them together is like Charlie's Angels!