26 Years Old

I turned 26 on the 26th. My "golden" birthday. Dan took work off, per his annual tradition so he could watch the kids while I went on all my outings. The kids decorated with streamers and balloons. Dad made my favorite "Norwegian breakfast" aka crepes- complete with chocolate milk and hashbrowns. Afterwards I went to the gym, ran a quick mile so I could be home in time to go to my Primary Presidency Meeting. After that, I met up with ten of my closest girl friends at "Grains of Montana". When lunch was over, I headed to the salon for eyelash extensions- only to find out that I didn't do enough research and I was getting the cheap temporary ones rather than the semi-permanent ones. I scrapped the appointment and came home and took a nap! When I woke up, Dan had pizza and a birthday cake waiting. After the kids went to bed, we stayed up and watched "Pure Luck" that he bought for me. It was a great day!

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Sometimes I have a poor attitude and I tell Dan I don't have any friends. Boy am I wrong! I've had/have so many friends no matter where we live, and I've failed to appreciate them in my life as much I should. I know that I could count on any one of these girls pictured above (and several others who weren't able to make it) if I needed something. Although I've been this lucky everywhere we've lived, it was this day, in particular that I realized I have been taking them for granted. I'm so thankful to have good friends- and it has renewed my testimony of womanhood and the power of charity and love. These girls, and so many more, make me want to become a better friend.

I've been blessed with good girl friends my whole life, and have fallen short of properly thanking them for their influence on my life. So, albeit several years late, here is my humble thank you.

Friends in Hermiston, you've helped shape me into who I am and were there for me during those embarrassing teenage years. I'm sorry you were stuck with me during high school...yikes.

Roommates and friends at BYU, I think of you often even though it was only 4 short months I knew you!

My beloved BIU 1st Ward friends in Boise, oh how I miss you. It was during this time that Dan and I made little decisions that made huge impacts on our spiritual lives today- thanks to your example.

Franna L. and Amy M.,- thank for you for being my friend when I didn't know anybody. Thank you for lifting my spirits while I was sick and pregnant, even when no one else knew.

Phoenix friends- my heart longs to be with you. Your four+ years of friendship carried me through a 7 month deployment, the birth of two babies, and made me feel like Phoenix was my home. I miss you all terribly.

All you girls pictured above, many others in the Biloxi ward, and even landlords and neighbors- I am so blessed to know you. Our friendship might be short, given our circumstances here at Keesler, but you'll be remembered with fond memories when we all go our separate ways!

 Mom, four sisters, three sister in laws, and mother in law- who have been my best girl friends of all. I don't thank you enough for the influence you've had, and still have on my life. I'm so thankful our relationship is eternal. I still have so much to learn from you. I love you.

Afton and Reese, I hope our relationship will continue to be stronger than any before. You're my daughters, and I long to be near you always. You and your brothers are my greatest accomplishments, and I want you to have every happiness in life that you deserve. I want to have a relationship close like Rory and Lorelai on Gilmore Girls! :)

I promise hormones aren't the cause of such a sentimental (and non-typical) post. I just feel so blessed to have had the influence of righteous, good women and mothers in my 26 years of life! I have lots to learn, and a long way to go, but I know I'll have good examples to teach me all along the way.

xoxo,

katie