Wii had fun...

at our friends home, in Bear Delaware, over the weekend. We get together with this family at least three times a year. Once a year just the moms get together. Also, there's always camp Manatawny where we see each other.

It's funny how we met and became friends, and it's curious that we stay friends. First we met at camp,-- of course. Lisa and I didn't talk much the first two years that we worked together. She was the 'CHOSEN' office help. Our third year we started hanging out, talking and laughing a lot! Our friendship was born. We only had contact with one another once a year at camp for several years after we became friends. Then the director of the week retired and we had a one year staff reunion. Lisa and I wanted our families to meet and be friends too. So our families continuted the annual reunion over Memorial day weekend. Once a year wasn't quite enough, so we added Labor Day weekend. Twice a year wasn't enough so we added a winter visit.

We have very different family cultures. Chuck's and I have a life that is so disorganized compared to theirs. First, we have twice as many children. Second, I work outside the home and go to college. (Lisa works like a dog as a volunteer, she's my hero!) Third, Chuck is gone more than he's home. But Lisa's husband is home nearly every night, except for the occasional business trip or scout camping trip. Fourth, our boys are VERY different. They like some of the same things, but aren't yet GREAT friends. Our kids world views may be the same because they come from Christians homes but, they don't always appreciate each other. (They don't realize it, but they learn from each other.)

Lisa's family's life is SO much more calm compared to ours. They are always prepared, we usually fly by the seat of our pants (yes! even with four boys, they roll with it). Although Lisa says she's a procrastinator, I believe there are degrees of procrastination. My mom gets a task done the day it's assigned. Lisa may mull the task over a week, and then complete the task with days to spare. I'm usually doing the task in the car ride on the way, the day its due! See what I mean? (I defend, it's my creative personality. I'm more creative under pressure. What can I say, it works for me.)

Anyway, given the differences in our families we have a great time together. We learn so much from each other. We are encouraged in our walk with the Lord. Watching one another parent is a blessing; as is parenting six boys with four parents for a few days. With out a doubt, I can truly say "Because I know them, I've been changed for the better, and for good."

Of course no relationship is complete without a little competitiveness. We always play games-- men against the women. Usually we play spades and the DIVA's always lose to the DUDS (we ladies aren't bitter, really!) Today the men challenged us to a game on Wii. What fun we had boxing!!! Men against the women. Guess who won? The DUDS! Lisa and I have decided to resort to cheating the next time we get together. Long live the DIVAS! Long live a friendship that's unlikely, but been one of the greatest blessings of my life! Thanks for putting up with us and our crew. We love you and can't wait to do it again.