LOVE

I got this idea from my friend Carrie... seeing how it is Valentines Day and all, I am going to blog everyday about things- well let's say people I LOVE...

today...my Friends.

I have always been lucky in the friend department. Really lucky. I have had so many good friends and in fact I say all the time "My best friend so-and-so..." and most of the time I am referring to different people. I feel like everyone I get close to is my "best friend". I just love having friends to work out with, have girls nights, chat, shop whatever! Friends are so improtant to me and I have had some truly great ones. Here is a list of the best friends I have had (in order of age) and a little of what they have tought me:

Jessica: "best friend growing up..down the street...from elementary school" Jess has taught me that even if you don't stay in touch everyday there is a magical spark between some friends that never goes away. We can (and do) go for months without talking, and when we see each other again... it's like we're five years old again and down at the creek or palying in the snow. Like no time has ever passed. There is a deep emotional connection that goes beyond anything superficial that has grown for more that 20 years- crazy!

Jeff: "best "guy friend" growing up" Jeff taught me a lot about boys. He was a great listening ear and he taught me that you should never EVER under and circumstance let your best guy "friend" kiss you- because it totally ruins everyting. :)

Rindee: "best friend from 5th grade on... " Rind has always been a spiritual ROCK...but at the same time has always been adventurous and sporty. Her family is the perfect example of what I want to be. She has such a loving, caring personality and everyone falls in love with her. She has always been a low-pressure constant friend.

Heather: "best friend in junior high... as a teenager..." Heb has taught me that no matter what happens in life you can always make the very best of things and come out on top. She has been through some rough stuff, and has always managed to have a great attitude and outlook. She also taugh me how to flirt and loved me throuh the "awkward years".

Juline: "best friend from high school who lives in new Jersey..." Jewls taught me that even if the first thing you say to someone (case in point- the first thing I said to her was, "hey, your short") you can laugh it off - and become great friends. She has the best laugh. She has made her way from California to New Jersey and is always up for adventure, and isn't afraid of new things.

Shannon: "best friend in high school" Shan-0 taught me that even if you have a crazy family you can still somehow be normal. She greaved with me and cried many times over our lost siblings and we understood each other when no one else did.

Kelsie: "best friend in college" Kels helped me to fall in love with Derek... I might never have met him if it weren't for her. We cried a lot over first heartbreaks...ad first time away at college. She taught me that girlfriends can be family when family is far away. She also taught me that I am so So SO glad that I never had a missionary. :)

Lindsey: "best friend at utah state... best workout buddy" Lindsey taught me to love the guitar and pilates. She watched me decorate and re-decorate our first apartment and our second, and third. She taught me to never give up on fitness ever if you are supremely frustrated, but also that it's ok to skip your workout and watch American Idol.

Charlyn: "best married-couple-friend" Charlyn taught me that every once and a while you really can find a couple where you love the wife and the husbands get along swimmingly. she taught me that you don't have to go to bed early just because you are married and that you can stay up all night laughing because your husband thinks there is a Peep fairy.

Megan: "best friend in Optometry school... as a mom... shopping buddy" Megan has taught me so much about being a mom, and still maintaining a sense of self. And most important, that that doesn't make you a selfish person and it makes you a better mom and wife. She has taught me that Heavenly Father has impeccable timing and that if we listen he will direct every moment of our lives. She also taught me that not only "rich" people shop at the Gap-and not only poor people shop at Goodwill.

Bekah: "best friend in Optometry school... spiritual upper...girls nighter"Bekah has taught me to never stop dreaming in life. you are never to old for a new hobby. she hastaught me to believe in who you are as woman in the potential that you have. She has taught me that a good attitude changes you and everyone around you. She has taught me to protect my children and not ever be afraind to stand up for what you feel inside.

All of these and many more people I am lucky enough to have as best friends. I am not always the best friend- but all these people have managed to love me despite my flaky, ditsy, scattered brain and I am so glad they stuck with me and I hope that they still know how much their friendships mean to me. I am 100% positive the Heavenly Father has sent me these people in my life exactly when I needed them. I have many more friends than the ones listed-- and the thought occcured to me just now that someone might feel bad that they aren't on my list. If you think you are one of my best friends and have been forgotten, feel free to tell me so and I'll add you to the list :) Love to all!