Cheers to Friends

The past couple weeks have been somewhat emmotional for me as I had a dear friend and neighbor of mine move far away. I am really going to miss Natelie. She was one of those friends I could call up and complain to, invite her over for lunch, picnic in the park with, and dump my kids off on when I needed a break. She would do the same to me, which was all the more enjoyable, knowing I wasn't the only one who needed some friendship. It's all a bit devastating because those friendships don't come around every day. However, living away from family, I know the benefits of phones, good long distance plans, and emails. Thanks Natelie for everything!
Last week was also a time to meet new people for me. My sister, Lanita's, dear friend, whom I have never met, was in town and stopped by to drop off a package from Lanita for me. She stayed for a while and I was able to get to know her a bit. Her name is Jen, and she is becoming my family's 4th sister. I had a great time and really appreciated her help as I happend to be tending a couple kids at the time.
So, the lesson I've learned is that even though it's hard to say good-bye and it makes me wonder if friends are even worth it, knowing good, uplifting people have brought some of the greatest blessings in my life.
Here's a picture Peter took of Jen and I: