Plans?

The kids and I had a fun night tonight, hanging out at a friend's house. I actually was referred to as the rescue party, which made me laugh. Who says you can't party with a bunch of kids and some junk food?! Throw in a little chocolate and life is good. My friend is facing some intense life situations that would land most people in a loony bin but by the grace of God and some good friends she continues to walk forward and try to honor God in her life. Trial by fire, is putting it lightly. I almost didn't go to hang out tonight because I figured it would be a much better "mommy" thing if I stayed home and put the kids to bed at the proper time. Well, both the boys and me were glad we went. They got to play at someone else's house and stay up past bedtime- waaayyy past bedtime (which I'm sure no matter how much I dream still won't translate into them sleeping in- one can dream though). It was nice to just sit and talk though interrupted on a regular basis by the thud of boys wrestling, a toddler making sure he wasn't missing any excitement, a scream or two from a mad 3 year old when life didn't work his way and a preteen girl, who is so precariously on the precipice between childhood and young woman. We did have girl time for awhile and then kicked her out of the room we were in so we could talk about grown up stuff. It certainly didn't feel like we were there as late as we were, and it was totally worth it.
I truly admire my friend and am glad that I get to be one of the people walking alongside of her on this journey called life. We laugh and cry sometimes at the same time and remind each other that no matter what there truly is a greater plan. I'm so glad because my plans never seem to quite turn out like I thought anyway.