Friendships that stand the test of time

Rachel and I became best friends in 6th grade. We met when we started playing soccer together. I am pretty sure we lived at opposite ends of the school district. I stunk at math and she was became my tutor. We thought it was the coolest thing when we got to stay the night at each others house on a school night. Rachel was always the one to keep me out of trouble and I was always the one to push the limits. With that said, we were still considered "goody-goodies" in high school along with our eight other best friends. Our group of girls : Amy, Tana, Molly, Amanda, Maggie, Susan, Cindy, Danielle and sometimes Michelle. We always tried to figure out how we ended up being friends. There are a few theories. The first being we all met in 6th grade (when 4 elementary schools merged) and I was being bullied by Sara Hardman and the girls stuck by me. (Pretty sure I narrowly made it through 6th grade alive). The other~ more realistic theory is that we were all raised in strong Christian homes, and we really respected our parents and they trusted us.

I look back now and realize that group of 6th grade girls that found me shaped me into who I am today. I am so grateful for them. I am also awed that our friendships have stood the test of time. We are still all very close.

 This is my beautiful friend Rachel. Life has played it's part in not allowing us to see each other for about 10 years, but this past weekend we showed "Life" that it had nothing on our friendship. Rachel has been blessed with an amazing husband that adores her and two beautiful little ones. It was so great to see a husband and wife so in love after 10 years of marriage and struggles life has brought them.

This is Averie, she got to spend "Girl's Day" with us at the Pavilion in Kansas City. We went to the Melting Pot. She declared it to be the best day ever. I'd have to agree....the chocolate absolutely helped in declaring it.

This is Nathan. Always full of expressions and nosies. The joy and excitement with EVERYTHING.

Rachel, Kevin, thank you for allowing me to spend Valentine's weekend with you and showing me beautiful love, patience and adoration. Your love for each other gives me hope. Rachel, I needed this weekend more than you know, and we need to make sure life doesn't step in and rob us of time from each other. Averie....my nails are still lovely!