Friends

Sappy warning:  This post is sappy.  OK, go...  :)

I have some of the most incredible friends.  If you are someone I am blessed to call friend, thank you.  Really.  Through all of the amazing people I am friends with, I learn so many things and am so often uplifted and encouraged.  Today, I felt like talking about some of them... 

First, Tara.  Tara and I met through church years ago.  We both struggled to get pregnant around the same time (not on purpose) and were both nervous to tell the other one when we were pregnant with our first born.  Tara, her husband, Matt and I decided it would be fabulous to have brunch together at an awesome little restaurant in Austin.  At ~10 weeks pregnant at this point, and having already gained about 15 pounds, I knew we were going to tell them we were pregnant.  I still don't know how the conversation happened, but at one point, I looked at her husband who was saying to my husband almost simultaneously, "Wait, did we tell you were were pregnant?"  I looked over at Tara with tears in my eyes - we were only two weeks apart.  I'm not sure I can ever thank God enough for Tara during my pregnancy or the continuing friendship with her over the years.  She and I complained together and just chatted together the entire time.  She is smart, beautiful, and hands down one of the best moms I know.  Love you, T.

Next, "The Ad Girls."  This is the name I have given to five of the most amazing ladies I have worked with and have continued to be able to be friends with over the years.  The Ad Girls and I met while all working at an advertising agency in Austin.  At first, none of us were really overly close, but at some point, we all got to know each other a little more.  They are all Christian, brilliant, gorgeous on the inside and out, and now spread across the western U.S. and world.  Each one of these friends inspires me in different and wonderful ways.  Laura, is so smart.  SO smart.  I can always see her seemingly setting her mind on something and just getting it done.  Blythe, is an athlete and animal lover.  I will never run a marathon, but Blythe has done it a few times and I am in awe of her for that.  She also has one of the biggest hearts of anyone I know.  If there is a stray animal on the side of the road, she will have it in her possession and will find a home for it.  Amy, is awesome.  (Sorry to use the A with A here, but she is.)  Amy is one of those friends you just know would drop everything to see you.  She is kind and has a stealth sense of humor.  Meaning, when you least expect it, she'll say one of the funniest things you've ever heard.  Sommer, is my world traveler friend.  As someone with a terrible fear of flying, she shows me the world and reminds me that I really need to let this fear go.  Angela, is currently traveling around the world on a mission trip.  Now really, do I really need to say why that is amazing?  She is literally living in tents and meeting with some of the poorest people on the planet to tell them God does love them and that things will be better after this.  Amazing.  In fact, if you pray, would you please pray for Angela and her travels?  This week I have been thinking of these ladies and thanking God for who they are and that I get to call them friend.

OK, so I also have many, many more friends than I can't mention without making it a novel.  So, I'm collectively going through what I'm most thankful for in all of my friends.  My Washington/Seattle friends are still pretty new and we're all really still just getting to know one another.  But, from so many of these women I am already inspired.  I'm inspired by all of the women who have three or more children, who can still get dressed everyday, keep their houses organized, make dinner most every night, and don't complain about any of it at all.  I'm thankful for my Facebook friends.  Yes, friends.  Most of these friends are in Texas, or the south in general, and many have been my friend since junior high or high school.  So often, I wish I could physically see some of these people and give them a giant squeeze, but, for now, Facebook will have to suffice.  Thank you for keeping active so that I can "see" you. 

Finally, I cannot write a post about friends without mentioning my very best friend - Matt.  I'm really not going to write a long, sappy story here (most of you probably know it anyway); I'll keep it short.  Matt is the most amazing man I've ever known.  He is the one person who knows me best, has seen my worst, and loves me unconditionally.  I am thankful he has been with me through all of the toughest moments in my life and will continue to do so for the remainder of my life.  He is an amazing dad.  The kind of dad I wish I had had.  He can make our daughter giggle like no one else.  A few weeks ago, I was having a really hard time with adoption anxiety and Matt held me in his arms as I was uncontrollably crying and prayed with me.  Honestly, I've been a whole lot less anxious after that.  So, thank you, Matt, for more than I can say. 

OK - enough sappy.  Thank you, friends.  Thank you for continuing to pray for us and our adoption, thank you for inspiring me in so many ways.  Really.  I love you all.