thankful for friends

I am feeling so blessed today. I have the best friends in the world. Just sayin.

I met my four best friends in college, and we have been close for the last eight years.

Don't believe me? Here's the proof.

That top picture was taken our freshman year at Christmas time, baking cookies at my grandma's house. I think it might be the earliest pic of all five of us. The bottom pic was taken just a few weeks ago at our new house when all five girls and their hubby's/boyfriend's came to visit. What a perfect housewarming gift--having all five girls in one place!!

Since college, I have learned just how unique our friendships are. I don't think its normal to have four women in your life that know you so intimately and care for you so deeply. I have come to appreciate these women so much more in the last few years, as we have shared wedding weekends, baby births (well, one anyway!), big moves, and many other joyful events. And, for the first time (other than breaks in college), the five of us are living in four different cities. But now, more than ever, I have seen just how strong our friendships are. We have been corresponding via weekly (sometimes daily!) emails. But these aren't just your typical emails. They are like four-page emails filled with heartache, prayer requests, excitement, and just downright silly stories.

Anyway, in the midst of the craziness of life today (getting stuck in rush-hour traffic, attending an all-day professional development, and taking care of a one-year old), I was struck today with just how thankful I am to have these four women in my life, to get to live this messy life with them, and to watch them each grow in their own new families and careers.

On that note, its time for some chocolate!

Thanks for reading :)