Thursday Thirteen #4 - Friends

I do this at the risk of leaving someone out, and I hate that, but I need to count my blessings. Here's a little bit about my friends (not listed in any order).

1. Susan moved to my neighborhood when we were 13 years old and in junior high. She was a red-headed, hot-tempered, out-going girl. I was a pretty calm, shy girl. We balanced eachother out and had a lot of fun. We drifted apart as we pursued our lives after high school, but we find our families living in the same (but different) neighborhood again, and enjoy our friendship again. She has calmed down some, goes by her middle name now, and is such a great God-loving woman. Although we don't constantly hang out or call eachother like high-school girls do, I still feel that connection to her as a true friend.

2. My husband, Terry, is the friend I like to be with and talk to the most, as he should be. When we first started dating, I felt so comfortable being with him (which was unusual for me to be with a boy). I knew that he was the man for me. We were married seven months after we first met, and have been together now for a little over nine years.

3. There was another boy, Mike, who was my friend for a few years before Terry came along. He was a chivalrous gentleman and treated me (and all other girls) like a queen. His mother trained him well. We tried being a little romantic, but the connection just wasn't there. Some boys are just better friends.

4. My mom is now my friend, at least I'm trying to work on that. She was not a happy lady while I was growing up, but got some help soon after I went to college about 15 years ago. She gives everything for others. She needs to take care of herself.

5. My older sister, Kristen, and I would fight like girls growing up. I think we stunted eachother's growth in the chest area. We would have some good moments--I remember laying on her bed reading scriptures together and then singing along to a Jane Wiedlin tape.

6. My younger sister Kimberly is becoming my friend again. There was a time when I felt distant from her, both geographically and spiritually. She had a baby boy in January and is currently having a very rough trial. She is pulling through it like a hero.

7. I've mentioned Heidi several times before, and I wouldn't dare to leave her out of this list. I love having her live with my family, and I hope she feels comforable here. Ant thinks she doesn't like us because she goes out with her friends almost every night--what 21-year-old doesn't? Heidi and Cutie have formed a special bond.

8. Natalie, April, Gretchen, and the other Brooke--the ladies I work with in Primary at church. Our planning meetings last forever because we get sidetracked in our conversations. April is a great organizer and has helped me develop a system to keep the kitchen bar cleared of clutter. Natalie's son and Bud are great friends and we carpool to preschool together. Gretchen just had her sixth child last week (which reminds me to take dinner tonight). Brooke seems like she has it all together.

9. Eric and Chris, a husband and wife who took on the charter school project together. It's amazing what a family can accomplish as they work together. Chris recently started her second trimester with her 8th pregnancy (they have two living children). They could use some prayers on her behalf.

10. Sandy is actually my mom's friend, but I put her on this list because of the service she has given us. She has been involved as a major support in most of the events of my parent's family.

11. Friends from the book club, who's participants change often, but we've met every month for over 3 (or is it 4?) years. I have come to depend upon that night out once a month.

12. Tiffany, who has become my imaginary friend. My husband has never met her, but we were friends from 1st grade to graduation. She got pregnant and married soon after graduation while I went to the other side of the state to college. I've only seen her a few times since then. We had some kind of falling out, not a confrontational one, letters and phone calls just went unanswered. I think life just took her one way and me another.

13. Then there's you. Yes you--the one reading this. I'm so glad you are here. I love it when you comment and lead me to your blog to share your life with me. We have so much in common.

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