Our friends, Brad and Mindy, were kind enough to agree to have our kids this weekend so I could join David as he traveled with our Pastor. Unfortunately, Brad had to go to the hospital for an emergency appendectomy. So, he's in the hospital, Mindy is by his side, I'm here with the 5 kids, and David...well, he's enjoying New Spring Church in Anderson, SC (not sure where that fits in?!?).

This pic was taken around the holidays I think; Brad was feeling much better then! We're toasting who knows what with Welch's grape juice, a gift from our friends, the Welch's, who are tangled in this crazy weekend as well. They sat with Brad and Mindy late into the night as they awaited surgery, and then stayed through the early morning hours so Mindy wouldn't be alone. That's a circle of friends. Add to the list Amy and Chunks, who made time in their very hectic Sunday to watch my Lily and Luke for awhile so I could take the other kids for a quick visit with their dad. Someone to hold down the fort, someone to hold your hand, someone to hold your babies (even if your babies aren't so tiny anymore). Your "circle of friends" is much more than who you can call for free on your cell phone. It's who you know will answer that call, and follow through.

Glad to report that Brad came through surgery fine...things were very near being very bad, but Mindy has earned an "I told you so" big enough to last all year. Really, she's just happy her hubby is okay...but I bet he won't argue so much the next time.

Biggest regret of the weekend: missing Brad on heavy pain meds...certainly good for a few laughs!