Friends-Apron giveaway

I spent some time last week with some very dear friends. We get together every so often and craft together. One of us tries to come up with a project or something we can work on - sometimes we end up just sitting around and talking. These two friends mean a lot to me. They are probably the two women I share the most with. We have been friends for a very long time. Our children have grown up together - although I kept having children so mine are still growing up. Saturday morning I spent time with my "stamping" friends. That was fun to sit and create with them. Saturday evening I spent time with other friends for a "girls night". It was so fun to laugh and play and connect with these beautiful young mothers. All whom I consider friends. I also think of my sweet sisters as my friends. We are connected on a different level but I turn to them and enjoy their time and energy like my friends. I think of us as the best of friends because of our family ties. The miles separate me from some of my friends but I do think of them and try to connect through email or cards and letters in the mail.

I have thought of how my connection with all these women started. As do most of my friendships, I met them through church. We are "sisters" in the gospel. The friendship I developed with my sisters in my family have helped me be a better friend to my "sisters" in the gospel. The gospel was our first connection. I have many friends all over because of our many moves and ties to church. We served in lots of different wards so my friends cross ward boundaries. Some of my friends are older than me, some much younger. I love how when you serve in the church you usually become friends with those you serve. Age is not an issue. Even though I may not agree with some parenting styles or other things my friends might do - the gospel connection keeps us on common ground. Now I do have friends outside the church. Some of these women have been outstanding examples to me as women who live their faith and are dedicated to their families. Some I have tried to share the gospel with, others I didn't. My connection to these ladies is a little different. I don't share some of my deepest feelings with these friends - I guess I worry about being judged or coming across to "churchy". I shouldn't - because they are great examples to me and I do value their friendships very much.

I love my husband and family and find great joy and fulfillment with being a wife and mother. But I am so grateful for friendships. My friends have many many times lifted and supported me in ways no one else could. Sometimes it was by listening other times by serving. Sometimes just knowing they were there to call or lean on was all I needed. The Lord really has blessed all of us with the gift of friendship. To all my many lovely friends, thank you for being who you are. Thank you for each of your special gifts that you give me and thank you for all the smiles and laughter I have shared with you! I am a better woman, mother, and wife because of my many friends!

So to honor my friends (this is everyone) I want to do an apron giveaway! I recently made the most adorable apron - and it is in keeping with the 4th of July theme - and I would like to give it away to one of my friends. I would post a picture but as usual can't find the camera when I want it - so just trust me - you will love it! All you have to do is leave a comment on this post and you are entered to win. On Monday evening - the night before we all leave on the trek - I will enter all the names and do the drawing at FHE. I will announce the winner Monday night. You will get the apron when I get back from trek unless you live across the street or down the street from me:) All I ask is you let me take your picture in the apron so I can post and show off one of my adorable friends! If you live far away I will mail it to you and you can take a picture for me! Love you all -