That's What Friends Are For

The Saturday before Christmas, my BFFs and I got our kiddos together for a little Christmas party and gift exchange that we had been planning for several weeks prior.  Rebecca bravely generously opened up her beautiful new home to all of us and we enjoyed a great afternoon of catching up while the kids played together.  I miss my girlfriends SO much so I always look forward to any opportunity for us to get together when I'm in town.  

Our attempt at a group picture...........Comical, really..........

From Left to right....Betsy with Elijah and Koby, Me and Kyndall, Jennifer with Ava and Rebecca with Kate and Mason.  Our friend Laura was there too, but her kiddos weren't feeling up to coming so she offered to serve as photographer for this picture.  Thanks, Laura!!

Just for comparison's sake, look at this picture from the last time we attempted a group shot.  My, how things have changed!  Mason and Ava didn't even exist, and the rest of the kids looked so young!!

The gift exchange was the highlight of the party.  Betsy drew names ahead of time and then each Mommy gave a list of ideas for their child.  It worked out great!

Kyndall got this adorable art supply box from Kate, which was filled with stickers and Color Wonder markers and coloring books---All Minnie Mouse themed, of course!  It was the perfect gift and we are STILL enjoying it!  Gotta love those "magic" Color Wonder markers!  Best invention ever!

Kyndall wasted no time and got to work right away on her masterpiece

Elijah the stud muffin--I could eat him up!

 

Sweet baby Ava

Happy Mr. Mason

Somehow I neglected to get an individual shot of Kate and Koby---Probably because they were too busy with their new toys!

I've said it before, but at the risk of repeating myself I'll say it again.  I have the BEST friends any girl could ever ask for!  I have called these girls my friends since middle school and I am so thankful that we've stayed close all these years.  They surprised me during the party with a gift of my own---actually, several gifts!  I had no idea they were doing this, but they had been planning and scheming the whole thing all along.  They know what a difficult time I'm going through right now with my health.  They were the first ones I told (other than my family) when I got the bad news in early December.  Though their thoughts, prayers, support and love would've been enough, they put their creative heads together and came up with a wonderful surprise to cheer me up.  

A "pink paper package tied up with string"....... filled with a few of my "favorite things"

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As I opened each and every gift inside this bag, it was evident how much thought and love was put into it.  They know me SO well and knew exactly what it would take to cheer me up.  They included all of my favorites---My favorite types of candies and gum, my favorite snacks (and even a 6 pack of my favorite soda!), lip gloss, candles,  a Target gift card, a Chick-Fil-A gift card and my favorite......A gift card to Circle K to get ICEES!!!  The entire bag was filled with from top to bottom with all of my favorite things!  I think they know me better than I know myself. =)  However, my favorite part was the prayer frame that they put together for me.  Inside of it was a picture of my family, of Kyndall and a place where they had each written their prayers for me.  It is so special to me and it's something I will always cherish. 

Kyndall helped me open each of my gifts

My prayer frame

 

It was a great afternoon spent with my girls and one that I will always remember because of their generosity and love.  I hope and pray that none of them ever experience difficult times, but if they do I only hope I can be as supportive and comforting as they have been to me!  Love you girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!