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It's been a long day. It's 8:30 p.m. I didn't get a shower. And my ponytail could use a makeover. My New Year's resolution to exercise hasn't happened yet. That means after two children, my waist-line urgently needs some help. But right now, I can smell the scent of my cup of hot chocolate, and I look forward to the order of Cinnamon Melts that sits in front of me. I don't feel guilty. It's Monday night at McDonald's.

Across from me, Elizabeth dips her French fries in an unusual white sauce. I take a bite and agree it's a great combination, but have no idea what the white sauce is. Dara opens her hamburger that looks much better than the peanut butter and jelly sandwich I had for dinner. To my left, Amy enjoys her ice-cream sundae. And to my right, Kezia works on one of her two apple pies—one for her and one for the baby growing inside of her.

We're all very different women. Kezia works full-time and is expecting her first child. Elizabeth is a stay-at-home mom with three children. Dara helps her husband on their farm and substitutes as an aide in the schools, all while taking care of her three boys. Amy works part-time as a speech therapist and has an active, truck-loving son. I'm a stay-at-home mom with two girls, one who has special needs.

We all come from different backgrounds and families and from three different countries. We might be an unusual group of women, but we've come together because we have two things in common: We want to live lives that please God, and we desperately need friends!

We listen to one another, we share about what's in our hearts, and we laugh. We talk about our children and our spouses—the good and the not so good. We affirm Kezia for wanting to get back to her pre-pregnancy body after her baby is born. But we know how hard it is to even get back to your original weight. And there's no need to bring up stretch marks and gravity. On a second thought, maybe we should prepare her for what's to come.

It's past 10 p.m., and I've lost track of the time. I say good-bye to my friends, and we all get up to leave. I walk outside and the cool air feels refreshing. I'm thankful my husband encouraged me to come. I considered staying home after my long day, but he knew I needed to connect with these women.

We meet because we need relationships—people we can share the ups and downs of life with—because we're craving the close friendships that are sometimes sacrificed when raising small children. I value the time we spend together. It's a highlight of my week—Monday night at McDonald's.

Ellen Armendariz Stumbo is a pastor's wife and mom of two daughters ages 4 and 2. She's an advocate for individuals with Down syndrome. She also enjoys planning the Creative Activities for her MOPS group in Charles City, Iowa. Ellen blogs at elliestumbo.blogspot.com.

Copyright © 2009 by the author or Christianity Today International/MomSense magazine. Click here for reprint information on MomSense.

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