Friendship has given me strength throughout this tough time in life!  

This weekend was one full of time spent with friends and loved ones which has brought me so much joy and laughter!  I feel stronger having had this time with everyone!

I was surprised by my dear friend Katie (from Ohio) on Saturday.  She drove in for the weekend and had a friend from elementary school through high school meet us for lunch on Saturday.  It was such a wonderful surprise to walk into a favorite restaurant and be greeted by Amy.  It has been years since I last ran into her at the mall and even then we barely caught up with each other.  This lunch was such a blessing for me!  I loved catching up as well asreminiscing about old times when we had sleep overs and were in school together!  These two women are some of the friends I will hold dear to me since we have seen each other through so much of our lives!

Saturday evening Keith and I got to go out with our dear friends, Chris and Melissa.  We were actually on a real double date and it was wonderful!  We met at the Moore family's FAVORITE restaurant where we shared drinks, food and great conversation.  Then Keith and I were surprised with a very generous gift from Melissa's family and some good friends!  We are so blessed to have so many wonderful people who love us and take such good care of us in so many ways!  This was a fantastic evening that we will cherish forever.

Today for Mother's day I chose to "runaway" with my mom and have some time with her alone!  We had a fantastic time together and even met up with Brad to have lunch in Libertyville with him.  It was so great to be with mom and Brad and have a chance to really talk without any distractions!  

Then tonight the girls and Keith gave me all my kid-made presents which are the sweetest gifts!  After that we went to my favoriteWauconda restaurant for a delicious meal and a fun time with my family.  

I am so blessed to have such a large support system who love us all so much!  The support and love I have received is almost overwhelming at times for me to think about!  I am constantly wondering how I will be able to thank all of you for all you do!