Friends or family {I say both}

Beyond blessed is how I would say it! Tonight I was reflecting on my life, on my friends, and relationships. As I thought about it all I was so amazed at how blessed I am to have a friend for life as my family member. My sister in law Cherie is such a dear friend to me. Some may inherit a sister in law; I truly feel I inherited a sister and a true friend! We are able to talk about our daughters with each other in a way that no one else can and listen to each other for the real issues. Some may think that because Cherie is younger than me that we would be very different as far as mothering. Of course we have some differences but really when it all comes down to it we want the best for our girls. We have the bond of being mothers each to two beautiful girls. Cherie and I can talk about Emma and her life. Even now Cherie is helping me deal with the loss of my Dad because she has experienced and still does experience the loss of someone so close to her! She is helping me to know that in time life will get easier. I see her strength and I am amazed at her ability to be so strong. Cherie is so giving of herself and her time. She is willing to take the time to invest in a relationship that has built into a great friendship! We just talked tonight about how so often a friendship now days is so hard because only one person works for it while the other is self absorbed. I know people are busy but there comes a point and time when you know whether the relationship is worth having. Sadly most times it is not. I have always heard if you find one true friend in life you are more blessed than to have 50 to 100 shallow friendships. It is so true! I have had friends come and I have had friendships go but I know the ones that will last a lifetime. I could tell you all their names right now. Just because you had a best friend for a even a long period of time doesn't mean they will be there 2 or 15 years down the road. I am just so blessed to know Cherie will always be in my life not only because she is family but because she is my friend.

This is a couple Christmas's ago Cherie has Leah our little sister on her lap.

My awesome family!

 God blessed me so much with my husbands family. I have an amazing extended family. I have never thought of them like "in-laws". Have we had our moments with each other were we shook our heads and went what in the world are they thinking?!?! Yes of course we have but you know what that's what makes us family and truly friends to each other! I love that we share our concerns about one each other's lives with each other. If we didn't would we truly be caring about them the way we ought to. I am not saying that we judge each other I truly feel that we have genuine concern about each others well being. I know they do and it took me awhile to realize that and my husband pointing it out of course :) But I know if they express concern it's truly concern and not judgement because I know they love us and our family! Beyond blessed how many people can say that have amazing relationships with their spouse's family. I can I love them very much and I know they love me!