Soon after we moved in, one neighbor had a get together in their backyard for the entire Jester Park neighborhood. We decided to go. We didn’t really know anyone but thought it was a good chance to meet some people. One particular couple we met at this party was the Velky’s. They were building the large grey house next door to the party couple, which I gaped out from my kitchen window because it was beautiful. I had heard rumors the homeowners has built a gym in their basement. That sounded uppity to me. I assumed the couple building this house was going to be uppity as well. We were introduced to JoDee and Brian at this get together, along with their 3 adorable kids. I remember Brian wearing a Hawkeye shirt and thought, well at least we cheer for the same team. I also remember them being incredibly sweet and their kids were similar in ages to ours.
Fast forward a few months after we had been living in our house, and Alena was in Kindergarten. She had decided to do a cheer clinic through the school and was performing at the Woodward Granger basketball game. We ventured to Woodward, (my first time ever), and into the high school, (which doesn’t leave the best impression). With 2 three year olds, we sat as still as possible on the bleachers during the game. I.e. we were up every 5 minutes for potty trips, trips for snacks, and trips to just follow 2 three year olds around...Finally halftime came and we watched our cute little girl do a a few cheers. I saw a couple sitting near us with two kids of their own, who were also pointing at the cheerleaders. They had a daughter in the mix as well. I thought it was as good a time as ever to introduce ourselves and make an acquaintance in the school district. Lindsay and Sean also had 3 kids, who were similar to the ages of our kids. After some discussion we realized they were our backdoor neighbors. Well look at that! We left the game with goodbyes and I had hopes we would be able to spend time with them again.
It was a couple months later before we met our friends, Shelly and Ryan. Shelly and Lindsay went to the same high school, (a year apart), and ironically ended up living directly across the street from each other. It was still winter and being cooped up was driving us bonkers. The city was having a movie night at the City Hall so we decided to go. We were introduced to The Modracek’s at this event. It was impossible not to like Shelly and Ryan from the beginning and as a bonus, their oldest, Claire, was in the same grade as Alena. It wasn’t until a year or so later that the girls really became good friends and today I would say Claire is Alena’s best friend.
As winter and spring ended, and the weather was warmer, we ventured out more in our neighborhood. By summer, we were spending evenings hanging out as adults after the kids went to bed. Sitting in someone’s drive way, music playing, cocktails in hands, learning about each other. Laughing about our past stories and looking forward to new adventures. Justin and I would go home from these meetings with happy hearts. We loved these new friendships we were forming and knew from the beginning they would be long lasting.
Fast forward now to 2018 and this 8some we have is amazing. Not to mention do we all get along great, but all of our kids do as well. There are a total of 11 kids, ages 4-10. These are the type of friends that don’t judge you for wearing sweats and no make up when you show up at their house. They don’t care what your house looks like as they realize how busy your life is as well. Up until a year ago, all of the ladies worked so we understood what it was like to be a full time working mom. The struggles of trying to balance work, kids, errands, activities, meals, etc. The guys enjoy watching and discussing sports, while the ladies enjoy working out, and telling crazy, all-too-familiar stories about our kids. We all have that middle child or second born who loves to test us but is so dang cute it’s hard to stay mad at him/her. No matter what, we always enjoy each other’s company regardless as to what we are doing and the impromptu get togethers are really the best. We pray for each other when someone in our family is ill, support each other when a child needs a ride somewhere or watched after school, and laugh with each other about anything and everything. True friends are found when you can be your goofy self around them and never worry about being judged.
For two years in a row now we have dressed each other up in crazy clothes and ventured out. Names are drawn and you are responsible for finding that person an outfit from a second hand store. Nothing cute or frilly. We are talking embarrassing outfits! Then we get together for the evening and take turns revealing the outfits chosen for us. The laughter rolling on these nights is uncontrollable and I wish I had a video of every reveal to look back on. This is not a time to be embarrassed or ashamed of what you are wearing. You have to own your chosen outfit and roll with it. The bonus is that everyone you are with looks just as ridiculous, (or sometimes worse!). We head out to a nice sit down dinner and then out on the town. This year we were quite brave and went to West Glen, (think uppity). The good thing about a few drinks is it increases your confidence. We all walked into that bar in West Des Moines confident in who we were and saddled up to the bar for another drink. We danced on the dance floor and watched as people strained their necks to look at our ridiculous outfits when we walked by them. Many came up to us and asked us what our “theme” was and why we were dressed up. After a brief explanation, each inquirer laughed and realized what a fabulous idea it was.
We always end the night back in Granger, at our local bar. If walking into a small town bar dressed ridiculous doesn’t break your confidence then you are set!
Some of my favorite moments are when we get together again after an outing like this and replay everything that happened that night. Missing pieces are filled in and things people didn’t realize happened are discussed. As always we end up laughing and laughing and laughing. The memories we are making with these people are lifelong. The memories our children make together are also life long. Camping trips, running through the neighborhood from house to house, pool parties, birthday parties, riding bikes in the cul de sac, roasting s’mores in someone’s driveway, Forth of July celebrations, bus rides to school...it is endless.
We are so grateful for our second little family, Jesterhood!
