I think in order to get to know me you need to know some of the people who are important in my life. So let me introduce you to them!
My brother Steve and sister Teresa.The three of us are super close and always have been. Don’t get me wrong we have fought (and still have our moments) like siblings do, but when it comes down to it we are there for each other. I think we’re so close partly because there is a very small age gap (4 years between me the oldest and Teresa the youngest), and because we are all three albinos (which in itself is sorta a medical marvel). Espically when we were young we stuck out amoung other kids, but we never had to feel like we were weird because we knew there were at least two other people just like us.
My Mom and Dad
They are awesome! I’ve been lucky to have parents who have been together and loved each other for 27 years. They have always given the three of us all we need and been our biggest supporters. They have both done what it takes to give us a good life. Dad has picked up extra jobs when needed and Mom has been an inspiration by going back to college to become a middle school teacher. They have always told us that we need to follow our dreams and that we don’t have to be the best at something as long as we try our best.
The Six Cousin Circle
This is our own name for ourselves, but it consists of myself and my siblings Steve and Teresa, as well as our cousins Sarah (bottom left), Rachel (top middle), and Madison (bottom middle). The three are sisters and the six of us have grown up close together. Although Maddie is a lot younger than the rest of us she’s reached the age she can do things with us. We have been a great gruop together and although now that we are growing up our time together is less we still make time. We have gone on camping trips together, many many many movies nights, sleepovers at the grandparents, countless holidays, and (my favorite tradition) New Years Eve bowling night!
Gram and Pap
My grandparents have been a part of my life always. Some of my favorite memories with them include nights spent over at their house being spoiled, holidays at their home with the whole family, and just visiting them when I’m in the area. My favorite thing we do is that a few weeks before Christmas Gram and Pap have the cousins over and we decorate their Christmas tree and make Christmas cookies.
Dave
My little sister’s soon to be (May 16th) husband and my almost brother-in-law. Dave has been a part of our lives for a long time now. His famly were missionaries in Panama and Ecuador for most of his life. In fact he was born in Ecuador. Pretty cool huh? Anyways, his family came back to the states when he was 13 and joined our church. After a few years of liking one another Dave finally asked Teresa out and well the rest is history. They have been together 10 years and we are so happy Teresa found a good guy that we all love.
Abby
We met first when Abby led my French discussion table. I didn’t like her because she kept asking me specific questions and not letting me off the hook with easy responses. Who knew we’d become best friends! We were next door nieghbors the following year and grew to be wonderful friends. I forgave her for French table when I found out it got me a better grade because she did that. :o) Seriously though, Abby is the closest friend I have who is not related to me. Though our visits are once a year if we are lucky we talk all the time on the phone and it seems no matter how long we are apart we pick up where we left off. I know through it all she’s always there for me.
The Mustard Gathering
Here is a small portion of the kids I get to spend my time with at church. I’m lucky to be a part of the youth group and get to work with some great kids. Many of them I can remember when they were just small and now they are getting ready to graduate. They make me feel old! I really love the chance to spend my time with them though as well as the staff of adults who I work along side. It has been wonderful to have all these people be a part of my life the last three years.
Sam and Wyatt
My good friend Lorna (who I also love but do not have a picture of on the computer) has two of the most adorable little boys. Sam is 3 and Wyatt is 1. I love these little guys and they make me smile. Wyatt is one of the happiest laid back kids I’ve seen. He just smiles when you talk to him. Sam is my little buddy. Whenever he sees me around church he comes to greet me and wants me to play with him. I can’t imagine how they will grow while I’m away for a year!
Gus
Laugh and call me a crazy cat lady if you want, but this little orange guy brings me lots of smiles. I got Gus a few months after I graduated college and settled down with my first job and such. He was tiny and cute, and the only one left of his litter. I felt bad that he was alone so I brought him home. Although sometimes he drives me to the brink of insanity with getting into trouble, (you know like getting in and knocking over the trash can, amoung other things) he also makes me happy. When he curls up by me while I watch a movie it makes me smile. So crazy cat lady or whatever, but I’m going to miss the little guy.
So there you go. I know it was long, but there is a peak into the people (and a cat) that I love. A bit about me.
