Praying for Friends {aka} Ordering Friends How You Order a Pizza

Growing up, my parents always had lots of friends.  We lived in a small community that was miles away from the nearest town but there were always plenty of other parents around that my parents could relate to, even if their kids weren't the same age.  The dad's hunted together, the mom's sat together at ball games or watched their kids play together, the families attended the same church, some of them sang together in a music group at church, and one of my favorite memories is of the "coffee club."  My parents and their friends would all take turns hosting coffee & snacks at their homes after Sunday night worship services.  They all laughed and shared stories...they could lean on each other, talk to each other, and laugh together.

Now, my husband and I are living in the house I grew up and attending the church I where I was raised.  Except we don't have the same type of group as my parents did.  There is no "coffee club" for newlywed couples because there's only two couples and we don't have all that much in common.  In a small church, our options are being involved with my parent's friends or being involved with the high school kids.  We picked the adult classes, of course, and we do enjoy and love them.  Their ages range from 10 to 30 years old than us but since most people at our church are married, we have enough in common.

But sometimes...it'd be nice to have friends who we have more in common with.  It's hard to find people who meet all of the "requirements" we'd have for our best-friend-couple.  Requirements such as...

• They'd have to be Christians.  I'd like for them to have similar beliefs to us so that there wouldn't be a whole lot of conflict.  My husband likes to argue...and different beliefs would surely mean the end of the friendship over time.  I'd also like it if they could come to our church.  =)  
• It'd be pretty great if they were our age...or close.  
• Coming to our church means they'd have to be local.  Which is preferred, since we'd be hanging out several times a week.  We don't have a whole lot of extra time, so it'd be best if they lived less than 15 minutes away.  
• This is huge!  They would have to be married without children.  Also, can they not have any immediate plans to make children?  Hanging out would be much easier without having to find a baby-sitter every time something cool is going on.  And if they have kids and we don't, we'd have lots of differences.  However...if we decide we want kids..they have to be ready to have kids, too.  So that we can continue being friends, of course. ;)
• They would have to be a little weird.  We love quirky, strange, interesting people.  Hopefully they have tattoos because while weird is good, they've still gotta be cool to chill with.  Haha 
• They'd have to like Zombie.  Period.
• They'd have their own sweet little doggy - NOT ANY CATS.  Mr. Robinson is allergic.  And their sweet little doggy would love Zombie & Zombie would love him/her.    
• It'd be nice if we had similar interests because then we'd have more to talk about and more to do together!  In a perfect world, the husband would love sports and music.  In the same perfect world, the wife would love blogging and would make an excellent work out partner.  :)  But she wouldn't be too skinny yet...we'd have to get in shape together.  
• They'd have to love food but not so much that they pick on my husband for being a picky eater.  He doesn't like that.  
• At this point, asking them to be hilarious and have great senses of humor wouldn't be asking too much.  I've already ordered them how most people order a pizza.
• It's necessary that they have good style.  Good style being defined as the wife shops at Express or at any sales rack, and the husband wears only Polo Ralph Lauren or nice suits & ties.  Also, Mr. Robinson needs for the husband to have at least one pair of Chucks.  Also again, it's be fun if the wives could get their nails done together.      
• Also, and this is most important, they've gotta be swingers.  Kidding.  Ha! =)  You should have seen your face!!  Seriously, it'd be really important all of us are devoted to our spouses & not tempted at all by the friend-couple.
• The husband has to be an intellectual.  The wife...not so much.  But she doesn't need to be ditz either.  
• The couple would enjoy a nice social adult beverage from time to time.
• Mr. Robinson would really enjoy a man friend who has excellent taste in movies & great actors.  Apparently this means really long action movies. 

The title of this post is "Praying for Friends."  Obviously, this is not my prayer.  This list is extensive, shallow, and impossible.  I know that you can't order friends like pizza's, but if we could...this is the couple we'd order.  Right now, there is one other married couple at our church.  The wive is my bridesmaid Brittany.  We love them, but our schedules never match up and we don't have very much in common.  We'd really love for God to send us a couple we have more in common with...and I know that He can.  We had friends before we got married, and we still stay in touch with them.  But we've moved.  Our friends are over an hour away OR more.  And we have less in common with them now...we're not asking for much!  Well, okay.  We are asking for a whole lot.  But we're only asking for one of these couples...not a whole group of them!  

Anyway, I just wanted to share this humorous list with y'all...but on a serious note, I wanted to document that lately I've really been praying for us to find some friends.  And I hope that God will send us some.  :)  

Coo Coo Kachoo, 

Mrs. Robinson

Part Six: Family & Wedding Party Pictures

[Part One] [Part Two] [Part Three] [Part Four] [Part Five]

Or, you can just click the "All About Our Love" tab up at the top to read our love story from the very beginning!  :)  

The Wedding was over and we were man and wife!  We made our way down the aisle and had a family & wedding party photo shoot before heading to the reception.    

Our sweet flour girl, Gracie, got all upset.  Apparently she was crying during the entire ceremony, but was able to hold it together.  She said that now that I'm married, we'll never see each other anymore.  I, however, think that she knew her mom should have been there for this.  Gracie's mom passed away from breast cancer in 2009.  Regardless of the reason for her tears, I love this picture of me comforting her.  :)  She wasn't in most of our group pictures as a result, though.

(L-R)  My Sister, Mom, Husband, myself, and Daddy

The Bride and Groom, Parents, Both Sets of Grandparents, & Flower Girl/Cousin

(L-R) Groom's Mom, Groom, Bride, and Groom's Dad

(L-R) Groom's Nana, Groom, Bride, Groom's Dad & Mom

 We got married just before the Pinterest wave hit, so I'd never seen any of the quirky family portraits.  All of our after-the-wedding photographs were nothing out of the ordinary, but they're classic and timeless.  We didn't want to spend all of our time taking posed photographs, so we instructed our photographer to take several group shots and to focus more on candid, action shots during the reception.  We are very happy with the pictures we have with our family.  They may not be anything weird or new or quirky, but everyone looks happy in front of a gorgeous, Southern backdrop and we were able to focus on spending time with our guests rather than posing for thousands of pictures.

April: Button Bosom-Buddies

I wanted to shine some light on the bloggers' buttons I keep in my side-bar.  We've swapped buttons because we like each other.  We e-mail, tweet, text, and comment on each other's stuff pretty regularly.  I don't keep their buttons because they paid me or because I paid them.  It's not about money.  I can't be bought.  (But if you want to try, shoot me an e-mail.  We'll talk, haha.)  I have their buttons because I think they're awesome ladies.  You should check out every single one of them...simply because I said so.. ;)

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Aloha, Y'all ~ My name is Tiffany, and I'm a Army Wife to a newly Graduated Drill SGT. We are currently stationed in the South at Ft. Jackson.  We recently moved here from HAWAII. I blog over at All Because Two People Fell in Love about our journey, living the Army life. I love to cook & bake, being in the kitchen is one of my favorite places. We also enjoy being outside weather with our pups, or just enjoying time together. I enjoy taking pictures and I'm a bit OCD when it comes to our home. My blog is a daily time capsule of our life one day at a time!!!!

& Tiffany is my blogging bff, or one of them at least.  We e-mail and stuff...we're even friends on Facebook!  She's an absolutely sweetheart and always has the best advice.  She's wise beyond her years when it comes to marriage.  AND she encourages me to stay healthy and motivated!  
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Hey! I'm Moo! I'm originally from Kentucky! I attended college at the University of Kentucky, where I met my husband! I'm now an Army Officer's wife, who has spent the last year cheering her husband on through countless schools, getting engaged, quitting my job, moving cross country, planning a wedding, marrying, moving cross country again, sending my husband off to war, being a newlywed, and trying to figure out this newlywed army wife life! If you read my blog, you will hear about my furbaby Skeeter, my obsession with the show Army Wives and the ups and downs of deployments. You'll see photos from all my travels, our newlywed life, and day to day randoms. This isn't how I thought my life would be, but I wouldn't have it any other way!
& Monica is my guilty pleasure girl.  She makes me feel better about myself when I eat horrible foods and drink too much by bonding with me over our bad habits.  I love e-mailing with her because we always send each other BOOKS!  She's southern & fabulous...and her blog is a must-read.  Oh, and if you ever need help getting into a bottle of wine when you've lost your cork screw, she's your girl.  :)     
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Hello, I'm Meg and I write over at Mr.C & Me. It's a lifestyle blog that features the day-to-day life of my husband and I. We are newlywed high school sweethearts who have traded in Illinois cornfields for cold Minnesota winters and are always on the look out for the next fun experience. We hope you'll pop over and follow along on our adventures as they range from the mundane to the insane and everything in between.& 
Megan and I were cut from the same mold...except when it comes to our religious and politcal beliefs.  :)  I adore this girl and if she didn't live in such a dreadfully cold place, I'd be coming to you live from her living room!  Make sure you go get a giggle from her blog...but don't be surprised when she slaps you with something insightful that causes you to suddenly become self-reflective.   

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Hey y'all! My name is Bethany and I am a [self-proclaimed] health guru; part-time hippie. If y'all need any health advice, or are in need of a good laugh, you're always welcome at my place! :) 

& 

I first started following Bethany's blog because I know her real-life twin.  Best. Decision. Ever.  She's...well, she's Bethany.  And you'll LOVE her!  I promise, she doesn't only blog about health stuff - she blogs about interesting things, too.  Oops!  I kid, I love learning from her in more ways that one.  She's honest, straight forward, and has as many soap-boxes as I do.  :)     

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Chickadee + Dudette = Chickadette... aka Ashley Marie. The girl from that thing. The blog about who she is.

www.chickadette.com / @iamchickadette / www.facebook.com/chickadette / www.chickadette.tumblr.com

& Oh, this one has one heck of a spirit.  I have several tattoos myself, and aspire to one day look like Chickadette with her wonderful ink (although I could never pull off arm-tattoos on my jiggy branches).  BUT, she is stunning and quirky and...if I'm ever a mother, I hope to have a mothering style similar to hers.  We already have some stuff in common, so I'm sure it'll be easy to pull off!  haha  I can't wait to have lots of wine with her one day when she's on her way to Charleston to model some stuff.  Yep, for real.  She's awesome...check her out, and do it now.    
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&    Lo here. Much like the rest of these lovely ladies gracing the pages of My New Wife Life, I too like to blog all about it. What's it? It is everything I deem worthy of recording. With the occasional poop story. So basically nothing too very awesome. So you probably shouldn't read my blog. It's really lame. In fact I dare you not to read it. But if you insist upon reading my rambles, please let me know you stopped by. Your comments are like the air I breath. I need them to survive.  & Lauren was the first blogger who reached out to me and sort of showed me the blogging-ropes.  I'm forever indebted to her, but I'd have it no other way.  She is absolutely hilarious in every. single. post.  She is honest and entertaining and she really puts it all out there.  You probably already follow her blog..she's that amazing...but if you don't, start.      &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 

My blog is mostly about being a newlywed. We'll be married for 6 months on April 8. We've been together about 4.5 years total. I started my blog at the beginning of the year, just as a place to keep track of pictures, memories, etc. from this new chapter of our lives as newlyweds, and homeowners.

I'm 24, work in marketing, and am equally obsessed with dogs and cats :-)

www.knottieddown.com  / @knottieddown

& Val and I have a lot in common!  We are both newlyweds trying to figure out what in the heck we are doing!  Our husbands didn't come with manuals, not sure about yours... but Val is sweet!  She always leaves great comments and I enjoy chatting away with her from time to time!  :)  And how precious is her button?  Her blog has a little of everything - love, fashion, recipes, life.  Check her out!   
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Hey y'all!  I'm Pamela & I blog over at Pamela's Place.  I am a 20 somethin southern girl, who loves sweet tea (& cupcakes!) more than anything.  You'll hear me talk a lot about my hubby (B) & our cute little furbaby, Bentley!  My place is your place, so come on over!

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I only recently started following Pamela's blog - we were "introduced" through a mutual friend because we are both trying to get into shape!  Since then, we have learned that we can talk and chatter away with each other with ease, and Pamela is a sweetheart!  She's married to some really tall guy and isn't a very adventurous cook, but she's not all bad.  ;)  Kidding, again!     

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Hey there! I am Amber and my sweet husband is Corey. We were both born and raised in the south and love our sweet tea, fried food, and country music (that last one may just be me). The Pless Press is our story of faith, marriage, crafting, cooking, and living life. We would love to have you stop by and share in our journey!

Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest
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Mrs. Amber is a wonderful lady to add to your list of daily reads.  She has encouraged me in  more ways that she probably knows, and is always writing a post that puts things into perspective for me.  Some bloggers, I enjoy reading because we have a lot in  common or I think they're funny.  There's something different about Amber because it doesn't matter if we ever meet in real life or not...she's my sister in Christ.  Give her blog a shot...you'll be impressed with this lady!     

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My name is Emily - but you can call me E-Ho.  I blog about stuff over at Hope Squared.  This stuff includes mostly my cat, but also for time to time I will add in something I cooked or sewed.  I don't cook often.  Nor sew. I am lousy at this domestic life.  I have been married for a year to a hunk name Steve - thankfully he likes my lazy wife ways.  
Blog // Twitter // Facebook 
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Remember Lauren from "Our Crazy Ever After" ???  I follow E-Ho's blog because of Lo-Ho.  ;)  Those are two peas in a pod...when we e-mail or tweeeeter each other, they even "write" alike.  What I'm trying to say is, while they BOTH are acutely original, if you like one you'll like the other.  Emily is a hoot.  She's done a tone of traveling and I will def be using her as my personal, unpaid travel agent next time I'm planning a trip.  :)  Sorry, unrelated!  Emily is fantastic...go check her out!  She's full of knowledge and humor and kitty snuggles!      

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Hello!  I'm Alison over at the Life of Two SoKools.  I'm a newlywed just trying to share a little of my life, whether it be awesome recipes, being frugal, or cute DIY projects.  Stop by.  I love meeting new people!
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Alison and her hubby are to-die-for precious.  I am such a fan of small blogs that are personal and cute and quirky and intimate.  That's what I love about Alison's blog (and about some of these other blogs, too).  She is honest and true to herself.     

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Hey there!  My name is Autumn.  I'm a 20-something, newly-married, West Virginia girl.  I met my husband in Florida, while I was having cancer treatments in 2009.  We got married on August 6, 2011.Best. Day. Ever. I was so excited to be a WIFE! When a girl gets married, she automatically becomes a "Mrs," but I believe that it may take a lifetime to become a true "Mrs." My blog is where I share all of the happenings, laughs, lessons, and discoveries that I have while I am learning to be a "Mrs."  I'm a "Mrs." in the Making! I hope to meet you soon!

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Autumn is my newest friend, and I already love her!  We wore the same wedding dress.  How 'bout 'dem apples, y'all!  Anyway, since she is new...I have a limited opinion of her,  BUT she is super sweet, her blog is still young, and she is learning lots of the same lessons I'm learning!  I love reading her blog and I know you will as well!  :)   

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I'm Bronwyn & I blog over at Our Beautiful Blessings. I began my blog as a virtual scrapbook to document my life as a newlywed and beyond. I'm a follower of Jesus Christ, a new wife, a college student, a pinterest addict, a crafter, and oh so much more. Follow me on Twitter. Email me atourbeautifulblessings@gmail.com. &Seriously?!  How cool of a name does this chick have?  Love it.  Anyway, this is my NEWEST button and my NEWEST bloggy-friend.  I'm pretty darn excited because her and her husband have a heart for missions, are newlyweds, and love the same Jesus we do!  I'm thrilled to have her button on my blog...I wish I could tell you more about her...but I can't.  Cuz she's brand new.  AND she has a little baby blog that needs some of YOUR lovin'.    
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Alright, now go!  Check 'em all out!  =)  It's Sunday, you guys have time!   And have a fabulous first day of April!