This is my friend Christie and her family. I love her. And I love them. Of course, they don't look much like this anymore (the kids anyway). This was when we were all friends back in Boston. Now they look more like this.
But to the point. I owe Christie a lot. When the blond family that was my life line moved away Christie stepped in to fill the void and be my confidant, friend, sister, play-date buddy, and mentor. My oldest child is 9 months younger than her youngest for one thing and she stood by my side as I stepped into motherhood and coached me along the way. When my husband took a traveling job Christie taught me all the things that got her through single-parent weeks, the things that continue to get both of us through. She showed me you don't need a hubby around to repaint rooms, hang pictures, and deal with flooded basements (although I'm pretty sure her projects all turned out better than mine). She and her husband were our date night companions and Mike's pastry buddies.
Unfortunately, the traveling husband job that she prepared me for also took me away from her; I felt I had somehow betrayed our friendship by moving away but Christie was supportive as always.
I have always wanted to repay her but didn't know quite how I could. Then I read something on her blog. Christie had been doing some weekly service for a friend of hers but that friend was moving away and leaving a void she needed filled. (See, that's the kind of person Stie is, the favors she asks of people are to provide opportunities for her to serve you.) Now, I realize I'm a little late getting to it (Stie posted this plea back in march), but after much thought and discussion with the husband, I have decided that it's the least I can do after all you gave to me. So Christie, consider your favor granted. Mark your calendar for anytime after June and if you can find a way up here, I will provide you with your request to your hearts content.
And Stie, bring something pink.
