Here is a list of the people who keep me standing. (You'll have to excuse the multiple exclamation points... I am really this excited and thankful for my "village!") (Sorry too that some of the pictures aren't the best... its late and I have been thinking of this post for so long, I just want to post it!)
Andrew: These past two months, Andrew has worked 24/7 trying to learn as much as possible from his externships while also woo'ing residency programs. All to become an amazing doctor to impact the lives of his patients. Not only did he spend over 100hrs/week in Oregon and almost as much each week in Wisconsin, he also found time to spend many hours on the phone and web cam chatting with me and the kids. Andrew also sent letters (even one with small drawings for the kids... a bike for Alex and a castle for Elizabeth... she turned to me super excited and asked, "Dad's buying me a castle!?"). Andrew also spent an entire weekend with us at a hotel, eating out, touring LaCrosse, and even eating ice cream at a fun parlor. Andrew is an amazing man, husband, and father and I am so proud of him!
Carrie: Wonderful doesn't begin to describe this lady. She took it upon herself to adopt me and the kids these past weeks. Not only did she invite me over and cook dinner for us every Monday,(and most Wednesdays!), she also took my kids multiple nights (even if it was just to encourage me to hit up the store alone). And my favorite were our dates together! You are hilarious, a blast and I am super thankful for your friendship!Tony: Carrie's husband welcomed us with open arms every night we barged in on his family. Each Monday, he offered to take Elizabeth to the library for story time (which I normally can't do because of small group). And he babysat Elizabeth and Alexander multiple times so I could hang out with his wife. Tony, you're a "knuckle-head" and the kids and I think you're great!
Allison: Babe, I have had so much fun spending time with you these past few weeks! Everything from our 2am instant messaging chats, dinners, painting nights, random outings, correcting parties, and movie nights... love it all. And love you; your crazy fears, amazing ability to misplace things, and random forgetfulness. I love how I can totally relate to everything about you! You are a remarkable woman and I am still convinced you should move wherever we move!
Jenn: You have the most giving heart and I am so thankful for your friendship. We got to spend an entire weekend with Jenn in October before she left for an externship. And she even took me on a date to Sioux Falls! The kids adore you and I love spending time together. Jenn, you're wonderful and I love you!
Small Group: I can't stop telling everyone how wonderful this group of women are and how much they mean to me. With Andrew gone they continue to be my support; praying for and encouraging me, teaching me more and more about our amazing God, and making me laugh harder than I thought possible! Thank you for traveling with me to St. Paul for an amazing birthday weekend at the Women of Faith Conference! You ladies are Gods gift to me and I have learned so much from you.Bible Study: Even though Andrew's bible study no longer met at our place, they came over multiple times for dinner and even for a pumpkin carving party. Thank you for the adult conversation and for chasing my kids around, burning their never-ending energy! You guys are great people and I love spending time with you.
Amy: First of all, you are hilarious and secondly, your insight and intellect continue to teach, encourage, and inspire me. Thank you for randomly watching my kids so I could get out and also for staying up late for movie nights! You are schwonderful! 
Lindsey: Love our weekly prayer times and knowing that I have a sister in Christ who is always there for me. And thank you for the encouraging card and chocolates! Lindsey has also been helping me out with small group and I am super thankful that she led group for a month. It was wonderful to head to group Monday nights and be able to just relax. Lindsey you're a doll!
Mike: My brother is such a stud for not only joining me for dinner multiple times (and even cooking me a fabulous dinner) but also hanging out with the kids for me. They absolutely love their Uncle Mike and I think he's pretty great too. Love you bud!
Sam: Even though we haven't got to spend much time together these past couple months, I love chatting with you on the phone. You are hilarious and such a sweet-heart! Thanks for spending your birthday with me. I am super thrilled to have you in our family!
Christy: Thanks for joining me for coffee in the morning and watching the kids so I could spend a morning at the salon. Also, loved spending time with you at our painting parties and Sunday lunch. I always have a blast with you! I love your laugh!
Kim: You are such a joy to be around! Thanks for always inviting me and the kids over to your place. I always feel so comfortable and love laughing hysterically with you. The tacky party was by far the best party I've been to and I had a blast shopping and planning with you. You are a fun and an amazing woman!
Sharon: I am so glad you joined my small group for our trip to St. Paul. You are so much fun and I love spending time with you! Also, thanks for all the wonderful phone conversations... You listen to all my complaining and ranting and always offer encouragement and support. I couldn't pick a more wonderful family to be part of!
Sarah: Even from 1000 miles away, you have been a big support to me these past months. Despite your awful (in other words 24/7) morning sickness, you always take time to chat on the phone with me. I know I can always come to you with my best and worst days and you'll listen. Love you chica!
Courtney: Lady, you are my best friend. I am so thankful that after 5 years and over 400 miles away, our friendship continues to thrive. You are such a phenomenal woman and I learn so much from you as a wife, mom, sister, and friend! Thanks for always being patient and listening to me. You are a huge encourager in my life and I love you!
Mom & Dad: My parents drove 400 miles to hang out with my kiddos for a weekend while I traveled to St. Paul with my girlfriends over my birthday weekend. AND wouldn't you know, as soon as I left, the kids spiked fevers and started vomiting. All weekend my folks took care of my sick kids for me! Plus they took the kids shopping for a birthday present, card, and balloons for me and Mom had cake waiting when I got home! I love you guys!!
2 comments:
Christine, you are the amazing one! Thanks for letting me tag along for so many of your family activities. I'm glad the 8 weeks are over! What's the saying, "Behind every great man is a great woman"? Andrew would be lost without you.
Christine, Im so glad u have been blessed with so many wonderful people in your life. Im so lucky i have u not only as a sister in law, but as an amazing friend!! Thank u for having such a giving heart. Sharon
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