Friends

When I was growing up, we moved around quite a bit.  I went to 3 different elementary schools, 4 junior high/middle schools, and 2 high schools. (Although one was for just a month, I still count it).  All of these moves had both positive and negative effects.  On the plus side, I think it made our family closer.  I think it also made me more adaptable to different situations.  On the other hand, I think it made me hesitant to build strong, deep friendships.  I suppose I may have had that issue anyway, but who knows.

So, the other morning when I was praying that Jack would be able to form some good, positive friendships, I realized I may not be helping matters when he doesn't see me spending time with friends.  Is it hard as a mom to form deep friendships, or is it just hard as an adult in general--or is it just me? 

To that end, I am thankful for MOPS.  It is such a wonderful time of getting together with other moms and sharing our struggles and successes (generally more of the former than the latter!) and realizing I am not alone.  This weekend there was a fall party with our MOPS group, and the house where it was held was PERFECT for kids!  It looked like it was in a state park, with woods and a hill in the back and a creek at the bottom of the hill with lots of those little green ball seed things that the boys could throw into the creek or at the trees.  There was also a fire pit for grilling hot dogs and marshmallows, and the boys enjoyed helping by collecting sticks.  Even better, my boys played with a couple of boys they'd met through this small group we're in, and they all had fun tromping and collecting and playing.  And as we were leaving, Jack said, "It wasn't as much fun after Elijah and Josiah left."  Awww...how sweet!  I think this showed me that not only do I need to put all my children in situations where they can more easily make friends, but also that I need to put myself out there.  I need to go to MOPS parties and work parties and become more vulnerable to share things that are deeper than what I thought of "Modern Family" or what I did over the weekend.  It's so hard!