Highlights from my 18th year

As of today, I am 19. Its pretty crazy for me to think about- maybe that I've made it 19 years or maybe that it just doesn't feel as if I am that old.

Either way I am glad to see 19 come but at the same time 18 really was a great year. It had its not so good times as well but with the good comes the bad. In no particular order here are some (aka the ones I could think of right now) highlights of my 18th year: -The end of Senior year. This included senior prom, which was such a great time.

-Getting Invisaligns to straighten my teeth. I had the actual invisaligns from a little bit before my 18th birthday until about October. Now I wear a "retainer" constantly but will get to gradually wean off of it here soon.
-Graduation!! Seniors 2009 baby!! I graduated high school finishing 8th in my class. I got a couple good scholarships from the college and a couple outside ones as well.

-My graduation party! It was so much fun. I would go back to high school just to do it again! Ok, maybe not but it was pretty fun!

-Getting my Nikon DSLR camera. Its my baby ;) I love having it and eventually I plan to get off the P setting and unto the Manual one.

-Having my photography grow. Somewhat because of my Nikon but somewhat because of my talent as well. Having people ask me to take portraits for them and doing a number of photo shoots. My photography has really advanced lately and for that I am excited and hope it continues to grow.

-Regaining Whittney back as my closest friend. There was a short period of absence with our friendship, we kind of drifted apart, but towards the beginning of my 18th year we started to come back together and now I think we are closer than ever. And for that, I am grateful. She really is the greatest friend, scratch that, sister a girl could have.

-I started college and have found that it isn't really what I expected. It has its good and its bad, some days I like it and some days I don't. I have been doing pretty well and have passed all my courses with A's or B's. We will see with spring semester but I hope that holds true.

-I made the Deans list for fall semester. Barely. but it still counts =]

-I got to be in the live audience at one of Jack Hanna's specials. It was exciting. Living where I do that is probably the only opportunity I will ever have for something like this and the closest I will ever get to a celebrity. I got his autograph to ;)

- I did my first field through school. I was in a second grade classroom. I got very good feedback so despite my nervousness and all things like that I obviously did well enough to be commended on my efforts. I really hope I am making the right choice with teaching.

I know there is so much more that has happened this last year that is noteworthy but I can't think of anything else at the moment and I am running short on time. College has kept me on a short leash so far this semester, I haven't had the time for much other than homework.

Oh, I forgot to include the fact that I got this blog and I enjoy everything about it- so thank you all who read it- you have helped make my 18th year all the better!!!

Love,

On my calendar,

On todays date there are two words written followed by a few exclamation points. These words are important and not to be ignored. They are not lightly taken and after you read them you should start thinking about celebrating, which is what I plan to do because those words read: Kelleys Birthday!!!!! And that's an event that commends celebration in my book!

Kelley,

Happy 19th Birthday my dear friend! I am so glad you and I are such good friends you are a great best friend and I am ever so grateful to have you in my life. I love how open minded and how you fight for what you want no matter what you have to do to get there. Your determination and strong will are just a couple qualities that I admire in you and through that I am learning to be a better person. I love the way you think outside the box and you make me realize things that I wouldn't have thought of before. Your filled to the brim with great advice and you always help me no matter what my situation. You encourage me to shoot for the stars and never give up and that's just the thing I need to hear sometimes. Your always there for me and whenever I need something I know I can count on you. The best thing is- you always have the greatest stories. I love getting text messages from you they always brighten my day no matter how sad I may have been feeling. (Dea, I just sucked a hamster into the vacuum. Dea, I am wearing fat people shorts, you know the kind that are supposed to sweat fat off your legs?) Oh, Kelley. I'm so glad your one of my best friends. What would I do without you??

Happy Birthday Kelley!!!! Love ya girly!!!

Love,

The celebrating can't stop yet!

As you know, the holidays are over- the tree has been taken down, all that's left of the cookies are empty containers and crumbs, the presents have been unwrapped and safely tucked away in their own corner, Christmas specials no longer play on T.V., decorations are packed away until next year, schools are starting back up and people have put away their party pants and slickly slid back into the sluggish winter routine.

But that's not how it is in my neck of the woods. The celebrating can't stop yet!! Because why? Its my best friend Whittneys birthday and that, of course, deserves celebrating!

And what better way to start the celebration than writing a nice, heartfelt post to the best friend I speak of? Well, I can think of better ways but...someone so near and dear to my heart deserves a special post for her birthday just as the others I have posted for.

But once again I'm stuck. Its hard for me to express through words how truly special Whittney is and how much I appreciate her as a friend. And once again I will say how I will never be able to express those such things in their full context.

But I still try, so here I go:
Whittney,

First things first- Thank you for being such a great best friend. You are always there when I need you -no matter how big or small- I know I can count on you. Your humor makes even my worst days great and my bad mood disappears almost instantly when you start with the funny things you say. The crazy things you do makes every time we hang out an adventure and if the more you laugh the longer you live then thanks to you I will live forever! Your like an older sister to me and not only that but an inspiration to: Your tough skin and it doesn't matter what they think of me attitude makes me rethink and do things I normally wouldn't do because your right: it shouldn't matter what they think. Your way of thinking outside the box and your strong will inspire me as well. Keeping these things in mind you have helped me not only by being there for me when I needed you but my inspiring me to be a better person so that I have started working towards the things you have taught me which in turn has helped me out in more ways than you know- even when you are not around you are still affecting my life in so many ways.

I am so thankful to have you as my best friend and I don't think you have any idea how truly thankful I really am because words can't express the amount of gratefulness I feel. You really are the best friend a girl could ask for and I hope we stay the best of friends for a long time because I want a huge selection of ugly purses for when I grow old because then I can sell them on ebay as a vintage ugly purse collection =] Well okay maybe the real reason is because I like having someone around who always understands and someone who I can tell anything to and who is just the greatest person ever....but if anyone asks its because I have a knack for receiving ugly purses as gifts ;)

Here is a quote because I couldn't put thoughts into words as well as this person could:

"I don't know what I would do without you.
You are the most incredible person I've ever met
& I just want to thank you for everything you've done for me.
From the littlest things to the bigger things.
You are the most amazing friend a person could ever have
& I know I can talk to you whenever anything is bothering me.
You are reliable & trustworthy & so much more.
Having a person like you around brightens my day.
You always check up on me & see how I'm doing.
You always seem to make me feel better
& let me know that you care.
I know no matter what,
you won't walk out on me,
& all I can really do is thank you
& return the favor.
You mean the world to me
& whatever it is that you need, I'm here.
I'm gonna be here to talk to if you ever need me;
I'll try my best to give you advice,
or just be the person to lend a shoulder to you.
You are my best friend
& I just wanted you let you know how special of a person you are.
Thanks for everything."

Hope this year is all that you wish it to be and filled with many great memories!

Happy Birthday Whittney! Love ya girl!

Love,

A very special girl

celebrates her birthday today! Her softball teammates call her Shorty but most call her Taylor and today she turns 8!

I personally can't believe she is 8 already. This kid needs to stop growing! She has grown up so much in the past year. As I look at the pictures from a year ago its crazy to me exactly how much she has grown. I wish she could stay this little forever but I know from wishing the same wish on almost every kid I know, Its a wish that doesn't come true. I will be okay with it though because its amazing to watch her grow and change as she becomes older.

Here are a few photos from the past year:
January:
February:
March:

May:

June:

August:

September:

October:

November:

Just a few days ago:

Taylor,

First things first- I adore you. You are such an amazing girl. You have such a kind heart and you posses wisdom and maturity way beyond your years. You never cease to amaze me with the things you are capable of- the way you know exactly what to say or do when someone is feeling down, the way you adapt to make the best of any situation, the way your always there to lend a helping hand, your positive way of thinking and the wonderful way you can lift my spirits just by flashing me a smile. Your an inspiration to me and sometimes when I am feeling down all I need to do is think of you and that gives me the strength to keep going.

You are very special to me. We share a special bond and I hope that as you get older that bond between you and I strengthens. I hope you that you know I am here for you. Whatever you may need and however old you are, for anything I can help with- I will be here. Forever and always you will remain my little buddy, my best friend and in most ways your like my sister to.

Hope you have a happy birthday and that your eighth year is everything you could've asked for and more.

and don't forget how much I LOVE YOU! forever and always.

Love,

So I have this sister,

who celebrated her 12th birthday on the 12th! That means its her lucky year, and hopefully that turns out to be very true! She was so excited talking about how she is a preteen now! lol.

Dana,

Happy Birthday! I am very sorry I didn't get this up on your actual birthday, blame college- its not my fault! Lol. I just need you to know that I love you very much. I remember when I was little I would tell Mom all the time that I wanted a little sister. She said I was stuck there was not gonna be anymore kids for her but then I got my wish! I was ecstatic and still continue to be, even though you take my clothes despite how they do not fit you at all! I love all the notes you leave me. Its wonderful coming home and finding a note from you. And of course having my own personal model around is pretty awesome to. I am really glad that your my sister and I look forward to the many more fun moments that we will have together.

I love you very much and hope you had a great birthday...
and I am not just saying that because you seemed to like my present the best ;)

Love,

Oh brother.

its your birthday, its your birthday!

As you may have figured out today is my brothers birthday. Hes turning the big 'ol 16! Its pretty crazy to think my little brother (and yes Tony, you will always be my little brother no matter how much taller you are) is 16 already. Its been a crazy 16 years having him around but i wouldn't trade them for anything.

The picture I decided on I chose because of lack of choice- my brother does not corporate when someone has a camera pointed at him. Could you tell by the goofy smiling face he is making in this picture? The only reason we even got one is because of moms first day of school picture ritual, so this is Tony and Dana before their first day of school. So Tony, If you don't like it too bad, its your own fault anyway =]

Tony,

You are a great brother. I know I don't always show that I believe that statement is true and you don't always prove that statement to be true, you are the greatest brother for Dana and I and I would not trade you for any other brother. I remember when we were little and you got in trouble. You were not allowed to go outside and play with me but I really wanted you to. Mom gave you a choice, and you got spanked (because back then that was ok lol) a few times so that you could come outside with me. I also remember you firmly telling the lunch lady that I should not have to eat all my food if I did not want to. You've stood up and protected me so many times, just what brothers are for, and for that I thank you. Your quite the funny guy to, remember chewy chewy chewbacca? Hows frank and Timmy the talking toilet? And the time you bit me on the butt (who knows why) and I got in trouble for it? And don't forget about the day we played outside in the rain- what a crappy situation! Those were some very good times and I know we have many more good memories to come, I mean after all, we are sorta stuck with each other! =]
Just never forget that I love you. Despite the fights we get into, the times were I tease you and you get mad, when I scare you (Duh-duh-duh-duh- D-E-A!!!!, that was a good one you gotta admit!) and all the times I just can't even stand having you around, know that I love you and will always be here for you no matter how mad I am. Whether that's helping you avoid moms wrath by diverting her attention or scaring off a bully at school- I'm here for ya bro. Forever and always.

Have a great birthday, I Love You!

Love,

In a very short amount of time,

another celebration has come upon us. This event is also marked down as important in my book because without it, well, I wouldn't be here! This time the attention is turned towards my dad because now, its his birthday! This picture of my dad is a couple years old but its my favorite of him that I could find, it shows his silly personality and I just adore it!

Dear Dad,

First of all, Thank you for being a great dad. You have always been there for me whatever I may need. Your a great person to look to for support and guidance. Although your approach to helping me out may not be what I expected sometimes, you always seem to manage to get me through whatever life throws at me. Your hard work and dedication in any task that you take on has taught me to work hard -no matter how impossible it seems- I can do it. Your an inspiration: your talent with woodworking amazes me and I hope that I can perfect my talent as well as you've perfected yours.Thank you so much for everything you do and continue to do for me, for all the sacrifices and hard work you put into making sure Tony, Dana, and I are provided for. Your the best Dad anyone could ever ask for.

I wish you the best on your birthday and hope this year brings with it everything you could ever imagine.

Happy Birthday Dad, I love you!

Love,

[[Jodi]]palloooza!

A very important event has approached us, it only comes around once a year and we must be there to celebrate it in its entirety. This event has a significant meaning to me because its brought about a very important person in my life: my best friend.

What is this very important event that I speak of? Why, its Jodis birthday! Well, actually her birthday isn't until Wednesday but because she is so big into celebrating birthdays (not because she thinks she is more special than the average person, although she might be =]) she lets the celebration start today and go on for a week: a week that I have dubbed Jodipalloooza, just for entertainment purposes. And since I think shes special to I have decided to honor her birthday week by posting it at the start of it (but really because my dads birthday is Thursday and I wanted to spread out my posts a lil more, but don't tell Jodi that's why, lol.)

Now for the hard part. What do you write for your best friend on her birthday to let her know how truly special she is too you? How do you find a way with words to express how thankful you are when words could never do your gratefulness justice? The fact of the matter is, you try but you make sure that you don't just write it, but live it. And of course you just put a little memo at the end telling that person that words aren't enough. That works to ;) So here I go-
Dear Jodi,

First of all, I want to thank you for being such a great best friend. Your friendship was an unexpected blessing in my life, its unusual for two people with such an age gap between them to become as close as we are but in our case, its perfect. It has made our friendship all the more stronger. The age difference has given us both benefits and wisdom that is unlike any other friendship I've had and it helps us both in many ways, some of which I am sure we are still unaware of. I truly believe God meant for it to be this way.He made it work and gave us an indestructible bond that i know will last a lifetime. Your always there for me and with a kind heart and helping hand you help me even through my toughest times. I know I can go to you with anything and you wouldn't think twice about being there for me. And I hope you know the same goes for you: I am always here for you as well.

I never would've thought I would find some one who is so much like myself. It is such a wonderful feeling to know you have someone out there who always knows what your talking about and where your coming from. Someone who always understands and knows exactly what to do or say because they are the exact way themselves. It's great to share my dough with such a wonderful person (I'll have to tell y'all that story one of these days). And its great to know that no matter what happens I will always have a best friend in her (and she will always have a best friend in me) because first of all, she can't hate me because we are so much alike it would be horribly ironic because it would be like she disliked herself, and we also know we will always be best friends because nobody else likes us ;)

Like I said at the begginning, there will never be enough words to describe how thankful I am and how much her friendship means to me, but I found a quote in this book once that I think describes Jodi (and my other two best friends for that matter) really well.

"I think about how there are certain people who come into your life and leave a mark. I don’t mean the usual faint impression: He was cute, she was nice, they made me laugh, I wish id known her better, I remember the time she threw up in class. And I don’t just mean that they change you. A lot of people can change you- the first kid who called you a name, the first teacher who said you were smart, the first person who crowned you best friend. it’s the change you remember, the firsts and what they meant, not really the people. I am talking about the ones who, for whatever reason, are as much a part of you as your own soul. Their place in your heart is tender, a bruise of longing, a pulse of unfinished business. Just hearing their names pushes and pulls at you in a hundred ways, and when you try to define those hundred ways, describe them even to yourself, words are useless. If you had a lifetime to talk, there would still be things left unsaid."

Happy Birthday Jodi, Love ya lots!

Love,

August 17th,

Is another special day in my book. Today is my Moms birthday! She turns --- today. Ha, She would not want me to tell you how old she is and since today is her birthday, I will comply. My mom also doesn't like pictures, but I found this one of the two of us taken about two years ago. Mom,
First of all I want to wish you a Happy Birthday and I want you to know that I love you very much. Your a great role model and your always there for me and as your daughter I couldn't ask for more. Your the best there is. I thank you for everything you do for me and continue to do for me everyday. I hope that this year is everything you want it to be and that you find growing older isn't as bad as everyone seems to think but that you'll find things get better with age. But remember one thing: I love you!

Happy Birthday mom, I love you!
Love,

Today is a special day,

because Mikayla turns 5 today! She has been very excited for this birthday and it's all everyone has heard about the last few days. She has showed us many things she wants for her birthday but the majority of it has been anything and everything pony!

Mikayla has certainly grown in the past year. Although I hate knowing that she won't be little much longer, I love seeing her grow and change and it amazes me how much happens in only a year.

Here are a few pictures from the past year:

August 2008
December 2008
January 2009May 2009

June 2009

Dearest Mikayla,
You are crazy,

And silly,But still oh so sweet. I love you dearly and I hope this birthday brings with it everything you hoped for. You are such a wonderful little girl that I am very glad to know and I thank you for letting me be apart of your life. As you grow, never forget how amazing you are and how loved you are and that I will always be here for you.

Happy 5th Birthday Mikayla, I love you!

Love,