Our Adventure: Good Friends & Good Byes

I met Joy through a mutual friend (thank you Heidi). The first time we hung out she had me laughing so hard I had tears running down my cheeks. She's totally honest (which I love), smart, down-to-earth & very funny. We've become good friends over the last 6 years. She really gets me and what makes me tick too. She's been there for me through some really hard times in ways I'll never forget. Like the night I was home alone with the kids, Joel in the hospital with a blood clot, and Emily started running fever (which back then meant she would likely start to seize). I called her freaking out & she drove over handed me a glass of wine, told me to sit down, and began to clean my kitchen. She even scrubbed the floors...on her hands and knees. It's an image I won't forget. It was exactly what I needed right then & for some reason was very comforting to me and made me feel better. So, that's what Joy's like - a fantastic woman & a great friend.

Her husband (who also rocks, by the way) got an amazing job recently which is a huge answered prayer, but it's 2 hours away. I'm so thrilled for the opportunity for their family, but am, of course a bit on the sad side for my sake.

The thing is Joy has a daughter Emily's age, Miss Joan, and a son Jon's age, the awesome Shane. And...they get along great too. In fact, so great that no matter how many weeks it's been since they were apart they pick up right like no time has passed at all. The first time Emily met Joan they took instantly to each other and played and talked non-stop the whole evening. And, if I'm being totally honest I was really hoping they'd remain good friends through their teenage years & start hanging out on their own later on down the line.

They are all just great people & we really do love them. They will leave an absence when the move. The good news is that 2 hours away is totally doable for day trips. And I very much plan to make that happen. Like starting this summer. ;-)

And yes, Joy, I do think there will be some Skype coffee chats going on from time to time. Because I so want to hear about the adventures of you guys getting settled into your new town. I know it will be told in a very amusing and totally you way & I really look forward to hearing about it and cheering you guys on along the way.

Me & Joy looking pretty :-)