wicked weekend

36 hours does not seem like a long time, but as a team (or presidency), Andrea, Betsy and I have maximized the art of running away from home. Perfunctory credit and thanks are given to the husbands who tended the children for those long and lonely hours.

To increase our efficiency, we run away with organized lists of household needs, Dave Ramsey cash envelopes, and retail store coupons. We plan our itinerary with military strategem and waste no time on idle chitchat--From IKEA to Nordstrom Rack conversation focuses purely on solving world problems, how to better run the church, food storage, parenting and what we are planting in our gardens. We even buy the same clothes-- it increases efficiency. New to our retreat this year were adventures in Andrea's couponing passion, Betsy's fashion leap of faith (do not return the bright pink sweater) and the highlight of our trip: seeing the musical production of WICKED. We marvel that our friendship has evolved from 5 kids to 16 and has progressed from thrift store to Nordstrom jeans. Together, we have nearly missed international flights, cab rides and even the WICKED performance by mere minutes without even raising our heart rates. Collectively, we give new meaning to the term, "fly by the seat of your pants."

After time with these friends I feel uplifted and determined to be better. Andrea is the best example I know of consecrating her time, talents (she does have amazing talents) and everything she's been given, to building Zion. I know of no better example of pure charity than Betsy. 36 hours is not a long time, but I return home a better Mom, wife and friend because of the company I keep. I count these friendships as some of my greatest blessings.