I don't know about you, but as an adult I haven't made many truly close friends. Most of the friends I have are really long-term. (Bethany's been my good friend for 20 years now. Ack! We're getting old.) But this past summer when I hosted Peanut, I unknowingly stepped into an incredible circle of friends.

It's one of the side benefits of hosting that no-one really mentions. In a lot of ways, and as cheesy as it may sound, my fellow host parents and I have become a family. We don't always agree, sometimes we annoy each other, but at the end of the day we love and understand each other. My Kidsave family has been such a huge source of support for me (as I hope I have been for them). I'm truly blessed.

Last night we all got together for a celebration (not one of our kids coming home, but something equally joyful). We vented, worried together, gave each other hope, reminisced, laughed, and hugged, hugged, hugged. (We're a huggy bunch.) I'm just so grateful to have these people in my life.

Sorry to get sappy. But some times (and some people) call for it.

p.s. Another note of gratitude. A huge T-H-A-N-K-S to Lisa -- the designer, creator, brains, and heart behind my new blog template. I love it.