But still. Mari has been just a few doors down for the last 5 years. When my life went from normalish to totally insane, she was there, going totally insane with me. When the kids and I do anything like go to the pool or the park or the zoo, they just assume that Mari and her posse will be there too. And when we are all alone at a park they ask, where's Mari? And then I have to explain to them that sometimes people just do things as a family and they get confused because they don't really know what that's like.
Okay I'm going to be fine. I'll just be like all the other moms who plan playdates and hang out with friends when I invite them over for dinner or a morning at the pool or something. It's going to be fine. But I'm not happy about this. Not even a little bit.
I have to say this though. I know that God brought the Higerds into our neighborhood. They have been such a huge blessing to us and our kids. But I think that God brought Mari into my life because He knew I needed her. I know that's a teeny bit narcissistic to think it was all about me. But I'm totally convinced that our friendship has kept me from killing a child. So basically God brought Mari into my life for my kids' protection. Kidding! But seriously. It has been a giant gift to have such a kindred spirit living so close to me. I've been spoiled.
Okay that's enough of that. There are so many great pics to share from the last 5 years. They are kind of in order.
In case you can't understand her, she's talking about how she only wants to play at Grace's or watch TV cuz Grace's legos (and iPad) are way better than hers.
