people

I think most of you that read this blog know about most of the people I talk about on here...

But just in case not - I wanted to take some time to write about some pretty special people in my life.... I'm going to start with {Dan and} the people who I can't remember life without.  I don't want to make it too long of a post - so we're sticking with the folks who I met years and years ago :)  Then we'll fast forward to the college and current years :)

There's husband Dan - I think most of you know him.....

He's my husband, co-worker, confidant, special someone and probably the most amazing person I've met.  Why?  He has helped to mold me into who I am today.  I know I did a lot of growing {thanks to family and friends} before we met - but I also came into our relationship with a lot of baggage. I like to think that, unbeknown to him at the time, I am one of the reasons God had him follow the college path of Psychology.  {well - the Sociology/Criminal Justice I can't claim.... thank goodness}  ;)  He's funny, cute, quirky and a person that I am so very honored to spend the rest of my days with.  He knows how crazy I am and loves me anyway.  He accepts my wide range of emotions - even though I don't think he understands them at all ;)

And now.....  "let's start at the very beginning..... that's a very goo place to start....."

My family....

November 11th, 1985 I was blessed to be born into this family.  Mom {Nancy} Dad {Mark} and older sister {Kirsten}.  They've seen me through {9+} broken bones, bad hair and break ups.  Even when Dan and I were crazy enough to date, get engaged and married in a period of 6 months and 11 days - they were always there for me.  The raised me in a fabulously supportive home that truly has given me a solid foundation for a marriage and {hopefully} a family someday.

and another picture - just because it's awesome....

You must also meet Grandma and Grandpa....  

These are my dad's parents - they also have been pivotal in my upbringing.  They have ALWAYS been there for me {and the rest of their grandkids} without fail.  I have them to thank for numerous childhood vacations {South Dakota x2, St Louis, Branson, Mackinaw Island, San Diego, Disney Land, over 13 Tucson vacations, and more that I am probably now forgetting, not because they weren't great, but because I only got 3 hours of sleep last night} as well as demonstrating a God-centered marriage, life and walk with the Lord.  They pray everyday for all of their kids, grandkids and their friends; they are also well-known for striking up spunky conversations with the stranger next to them.  Everyone that meets them feels loved.  They have created a lasting legacy of love, care for all and a never-ending giving spirit. I am so thankful to have them in my life and pray that someday a child of ours could be held by them.  I love you both so very much.

My first, life-long friend - Amy....

I can't remember life without Amy.  We met about 24 years ago and since have shared Christmases, Birthdays, Gymnastics {meets, practice, bad leotards, you name it} together.  Amy is my sister.  We may not look alike, have the same parents or share the same blood - but we are sisters. It's also been amazing to seen the various paths life has brought us on.  No matter the phase, season to time in our lives - something has always been the same.  It never ceases to surprise me when we chat on the phone, text, whatever and we both have the same 'ah-ha' moment - even about random things like quilting ;)  She is one that I know will be in my life forever - and I am so excited to share so many more similarities with her - and hopefully - someday - our little bambinos can be singing "Feliz Navidad" together for many years to come ;)  Amy kind of became a friend by default {thanks to our mothers} but is a sister and best friend by choice, by want and by love :)

**Side note - I'm still trying to find a certain picture of us from kidhood :) **

Then - in kindergarten - came Andrea.....

Sorry love - had to post this one.... You're just too cute!

Anyways - Andrea and I met in Kindergarten/first grade when we both went to Madison Elementary School.  Fun fact - we were both the 'ring leaders' in our kindergarten carnival/circus! {She was in PM kindergarten, I was in AM}  Anyways - from the get go - I wanted nothing more than to be her friend.  Back in the day - Andrea wore what was called an FM system - she had a hearing aid in each ear with cords that went down to a hip-pack she wore so she could hear the teacher.  I thought this was awesome - so, one day, I shoved playdough in my ears, connected it with string and finished it off with the yarn ending in my own hip-pack and went to school.  Needless to say it didn't go over too well.  BUT - luckily - she erased this from her memory {doesn't remember it at all} and we've been best friends ever since :) She is the reason I know and love Sign Language and the reason we have Moses and Maizy :) I can't even begin to express how much I love our time together {we try to plan a girl's weekend once a year - going to eat at the Melting Pot and then a musical}  I wish we lived closer - but know that whenever I need her - she'd be there :)

In the near future I'll post more about more of the amazing people in my life that I oftentimes chat about on here :)