Thankful November: Day 21

I'm thankful for...Steph!

Youngsters -- Jake, Kendra, Steph, and I

Circa 2006, but I love this one of us!

Guess what? Today is my best friend's birthday! Do you have a friend that you have spent your entire life with? I do. We went to preschool together, grade school, and even high school. In fact, the first time we were ever living in different cities was when we were 19 and heading for our first year of college. Then just a year later and we were together again and eventually living together. I know how incredibly special it is to have someone who is your best friend for your entire life because that's what Steph is for me.

The best part about our friendship is that it runs deep. It runs to places that few friendships go. I love that no matter what is going on in my life or hers, we can be a simple text, phone call, facebook message away. And the best part is that a simple "I just watched "Shag" and missed you." message can mean just as much as a full out conversation.

Steph,

I hope you have a simply wonderful birthday! Thank you for being a friend that goes beyond words and for always being there and loving me through all these years. I cannot imagine anyone else I would have rather grown up with. I love you! Can't wait to see you again soon!

Thankful November: Day 20

I'm thankful for...Alana.

Christmas Extravaganza 2008 - Alana, Me, Nicki - We love Christmas Cheer!

Today is my dear friend, Alana's, birthday! YAY! Since I'm still bumming that I couldn't be in Valentine to spend the weekend celebrating with Breaking Dawn, Holiday Previews, Italian feasts, and the like, I figured I would simply remember Alana by writing about her!

In a few words, Alana is -- Ah-mazing! Organized! Super Party Planner! Excel Spreadsheet Extraordinaire! Dedicated! My Role Model!

No joke -- not only has Alana become one of my closest friends, she is also the person I consider to be my biggest role model. She lives her life for others. She is always working to make sure everyone around her is being served by her work. For me, she emulates what it means to be servant for Christ by the time and effort she puts into serving others Not only that, she is the easiest person to talk to. Any time. Any place. Any subject. She can be a sounding board or can offer that piece of advice that just makes everything finally fall into place.

I have known Alana my entire life as her youngest sister is my very best friend. However it wasn't until about 5 years ago when she moved in with us that I got to know her on a deeper level. I look back and am so blessed that God allowed her to take the chance to move back to Eau Claire and to then take over the dorm mom job at Immanuel. Having her there during that time in my life has helped me grow and learn from her. She has taught me so many ah-mazing things from the glorious workings of an Excel spreadsheet to the importance of immersing yourself in the Scriptures to stay rooted in Christ.

Alana,
I am beyond words thankful for how you have shown me what it means to be a strong woman and a follower of Christ. Thank you for being an example and role model! I hope you had a splendid birthday! I love you!

Thankful November: Day 13

I'm thankful for...Megan!

Attending a boarding school for high school and then college have given me the chance to make some of the more priceless friends. Megan is no execption. We first bonded over the Freshman Newcomer's Party and our friendship has only blossomed. (minus my Junior/her Sophomore year, but who's counting!) In my close group of friends, I admire Megan because she is not afraid to do new things. Like play college Softball. {there is something great about going to a college softball game and being like "Yep...she's my friend and she's a rockstar catcher!"} OR Buy a house. Yep, she did that and she's my friend. P.S. She has a great new house!

Megs,
Thank you for being an amazing friend and for showing me that it's okay to take leaps and try something new! I miss and love you lots!

By the way -- tune in next week for a couple of friends who get to celebrate birthdays and who I'm super thankful for!

Thankful November: Day 12

I'm thankful for ... my dear friend, Nicki!

Check out how awesome we were in high school! 

Reasons why I'm thankful for Nicki:

1. Our friendship is easy. I can call her at any time and we pick up right were we left off. 
2. She states her mind. This is one of the things I admire the most about her. She will always tell you how she feels and you never have to wonder if there is more.
3. She loves and cares for her family. She gave up her career, moved home, and is taking care of her mother and younger brother as her mom battles brain cancer. That's a huge move for a 27 year old. One I truly admire her for taking and not once questioning.
4. She knows my deep secrets and still loves me.
5. She is one motivated girl! She runs 10ks like they're nothing, she's doing a 1 year grad program and kicking butt. She sets her mind to something and always sees it through!
6. We just get each other and there is something extremely comforting in that fact

Nemo, my love, Thank you for finding it in your heart to love me and be my friend in though we hated each other during grade school. Rooming with you our freshman year of high school changed my life. (Room 106: The Room With The Secret Door!) I love you! ~ Jello :-)