Ladies lunch

I've been wanting to write all week about my plans from last weekend, but as I wrote on Monday, the craziness of this time of year has begun.  This is nothing compared to next week, but that is another post...this one is about the fabulous time I had with some friends last weekend.

When my best friend Stephanie married her husband, I gained an entirely new set of friends.  Pat had a group of friends since high school that were very close and had stayed in touch through the college years and beyond.  Many of them had stayed local for college, and had local college friends, and the group just kind of kept growing.  It was through this group that Andrew and I met.  At our wedding, we had a picture taken of our group, and the group has been added to by additional spouses and children.  Of course, the "children" part is what can make getting together so very challenging.  Several weeks ago I attended a baby shower of the "newest" friend, and because everyone's life was so crazy, I was the only one there.  I decided this just couldn't be, and so I sent out a message about a ladies' lunch and proposed a date.  Our husbands have often been together, but the ladies always are home with the kids or just being the the "responsible" ones, so I decided it was our turn.  Ironically the date I proposed suited everyone, and the plans were made!  We spent several hours just hanging out and chatting, and I truly can't explain how much I needed that time.  I've never been one to particularly relish "girl time", but as I've grown older I recognize how important it is to maintain such special friendships.  It was a dreary day, but I was cheered immensely by getting to spend the day with these fabulous ladies.  Our friendships are such blessings!