Friend Makin' Monday: Best Friends

With Kasey on vacation for a whole month, Friend Makin' Monday will be popping up at a few different blogs over the month of July. Today Kelli @ Outside My Kitchen Window is hosting and the topic is best friends.

Over the years there have been several ladies that I have had some wonderful and close relationships with ~ and one of them is my mom. Yes, I have other amazing friends {and I'll mention them a little later}, but my mom has been a constant in my life for the last 36 years and our relationship has grown closer over the last ten years or so.

Honestly, I can't imagine life without her. She is one of my strongest supporters, a prayer warrior that I know I can ALWAYS depend on and one to also 'call me out' on issues that others might not be willing to. Her patience overwhelms me. Her love is constant. Her compassion abounds. Her heart for her children {and grandchildren} is one that I hope to emulate for all the years to come. Most importantly, I have learned so much watching her in her relationship with the Lord. She has always been completely transparent in her struggles and frustrations and 100% real through it all.

Even if she wasn't my mom ~ well, I'd love her still!

At the zoo last summer with Hope

As for those other ladies in my life ~ I have three that I talk to frequently. Hope is a friend from college that was in my wedding and has remained a close friend over the last 15 years {can you believe it's been that long, Hope?}. From road trips across the country, experiencing a car break-in in New York City, vacations with our husbands and visits with each other over the years, Hope has been so much fun to have as a friend. Over these last few years our relationship has grown even closer through a phone Bible-study that we are doing together. I have SO much enjoyed the time we've put aside to deepen our relationship with God and each other!

With Christin and Crystal

Christin and Crystal are two other ladies that are my everyday, up close and personal friends. There isn't a thing that I am hesitant to share with them {you two know exactly what I'm talking about}. Thankfully they both answer the phone when there are multiple calls in a day ~ even though they both have caller id. :) Both have been in my life in some way, shape or form over the last 10 years ~ from Bible studies, births of our children, and the many different facets of life. Love you guys!

Before I go on and on....I'd better remind you that there are other ladies talking about their best friends today too! Be sure to stop by Kelli @ Outside My Kitchen Window to see what others are saying today ~ and make some new bloggy friends of your own!