“Make New Friends- But Keep the Old
One is Silver and the other is Gold!”
[Tweet “One thing sure in life is this: THINGS CHANGE.”]
When Bethany was born, I was concerned that all her siblings were older and she wouldn’t have the joy of home schooling or playing with them; thereby not knowing them as her contemporaries.
Silly Cindy!!!! God is ALL WISE! He knew just what Bethany needed. (just like all of us)
Not only is she blessed by older siblings who bring so much love, maturity, and depth to her life, but God has put her in a quasi-family of sorts- friends that have morphed into family….
I call them “Framily ”
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The last six years, our family has been blessed to have Spencer and Amy in our lives via child care! The dimension and wealth they’ve brought to our little circle has been immeasureable! Then, five years ago, Finley (our granddaughter) joined our little merry band. Three years flew by and Cohen forged into our circle! What an eclectic mix of kids- and yet, they are friends. More than friends. They’ve learned and loved, looked out for, and encouraged one another- yes, they even have a spat or two like family but they always make up!
Friends + Family = “FRAMILY”!
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This summer we’ve attended Dazzler Camp, visited over half the parks in Lawrence, frequented McDonald playland, jumped on trampolines, taken nature walks, found, fed, freed a turtle, went swimming, boating, tubing, and KU bowling, visited The Natural History and Art Museum, played Wii games and baseball. We’ve watched movies and old re-runs, done art projects, baked muffins,
but most of all- lived loving God and each other- in the real nitty gritty days we call “LIFE”!
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This seems to be the biggest year of TRANSISTION to date! Spencer entered a new realm- 6th grade- aka Junior High! Amy entered third grade,
right next door to Bethany as she has merged part time into fourth grade. Finley started kindergarten and Cohen and I are starting a pre-school program.
Ever learning, ever changing, ever growing- FOREVER FRAMILY!
Like the Michael W. Smith song Friends, so eloquently puts it
“A friend’s a friend forever when the Lord’s the Lord of them!
and sometimes, our friends become FRAMILY.
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Remember- the circle of love can ever grow larger.
Surprising Treasures: Though changes inevitably course through our lives, God has placed much treasure in our lives with FAMILY, FRIENDS, and FRAMILY.
If you love each other and fit into the same picture frame- that’s Framily! And we have a big one!
Family + Friends = Framily. Well said sweetheart, well said!
Yesterday, FInley discovered a kids version of the song “Friends” and wanted to listen to it a hundred times! She was really getting in to singing it in the back seat- how timely! Then she said- “I”d like to gather all my friends with me and we could sing this on America’s Got Talent” 😉
Too cute! She’s a deep thinker and lover of people- that one! I remember I used to just bawl when I heard it! Friends and Family are such gifts from God. I count it joy that you are both to me! 🙂
BEAUTIFUL!! You are right! What a wonderful family we have. Bethany and The Barclays enrich our family on a daily basis. LOVE YOU ALL!
Oh Kris- I love your kids. Thank you for sharing them with us! Bethany couldn’t ask for better friends! (Amy is standing by me- she enjoyed seeing your post and her pictures! 🙂 )
Such a delightful concept – I like Jeff’s “formula” of Family + Friends = Framily! Whoever fits inside the frame – and isn’t there always room for one more?! God sure has a wonderfully big Framily and I’m so glad we find each other new sisters and brothers like you. Now, I hope you get some R&R as your charges grow into other areas, Cindy. Aren’t you exhausted keeping such a schedule of fun adventures? I am, just reading about it. 🙂 Hugs!
LOL! It’s been amazing as everyone has gone back to school….. I’m getting more one on one time with each one but since school is in session, no running around (except on Jeff’s day off- then it’s hard to keep up with him 🙂 )