Who are these people and why are they on my blog?

Caught this from another blog and thought it was a great idea. All the people on my "Friends" list are special to me for many reasons, but here's a few.....

Ashley - I'm just not sure what I'd do without her. She and I are a lot a like in a lot of ways. We've had many a bonding moment in marriage groups and on youth trips. She's just one of my favorite people ever. Very articulate and insightful!

Ben - Ben just makes me happy! He's funny1 And, he has a heart for the Lord and the church that is evident in all he does. He bleeds blue instead of WKU red, but I never said he was perfect!

Carla - Carla and her family are really special to me. We've bonded over Stroganoff and watergun wars, been to amusement parks and concerts, and she got me started scrapbooking. Her awesome children are good buddies to Megan and Andrew. I'm so sad she's moving away!

Carol - I love Carol and her family a ton. Our kids used to go to school together and her sweet husband was my boss for a while. She's so honest and open about the struggles she's faced, and shares her faith. Knowing her has strengthened my faith.

Elaina - She was my wedding coordinator and I was hers. We've known each other for about 15 years since Todd and I were college students. She and Steven are awesome and I treasure them as friends.

Elizabeth - This is one groovy chick! I'm so grateful that our youth group is full of such wonderful, Christian examples. Elizabeth just shines. She is so smart, beautiful and talented and is great at making anyone, regardless of their position in life, feel important and welcome.

Gilbert - Gilbert and his beautiful wife are great friends. They're wonderful examples and very genuine. Gilbert is great at making people think. He's been a listening ear for me through some very rough times and I appreciate him so much. He also has one of the cutest babies on the planet!

Joanna - Joanna makes me smile! She's always sweet and kind and has always made me feel welcome. She's always very giving and fun to scrapbook with! And...she's got the most perfect hair of anyone I know!

Larie - I love Larie and her family. She's super sweet and has a servant heart. She and Weston were always around when my kiddos were very little. In fact, Weston helped potty train Andrew when I was finishing my degree at Western and we used to hang out at the student center.

Lee - Hands down the best youth minister on the planet. Lee is really special to me. He's hip and fun and has the uncanny ability to be a friend to his youth group and still command their respect. He's been a great friend and listener when I've needed to vent, and I love how well we work together when I chaperone youth trips.

Melanie - I love Melanie and her whole family. I'll never forget the time she and Jared were babysitting for us and when we came home, Jared announced he wasn't going to have kids for a long time. Little did he know, they were already expecting! And, I'm not sure I've ever cried at a wedding as much as I did when Jared read his vows to Melanie. Melanie is so smart and loving. She is a wonderful Christian example to me.

Melissa - Melissa and her whole family are very dear to me. One of the joys of my life was being able to see her get married on a beach in Maui. She's very generous and being around her you can tell how important family is to her. She has two beautiful boys I love to kiss when I can. And, of course, she's just beautiful!

Michael - I couldn't even begin to list all the things I love about Michael! He's incredibly intelligent, creative, sensitive, handsome and witty. Being around him makes me want to be a better person and a better Christian. I love his poetry and, probably most of all, I love to hear him sing! His voice is increible.

Terri - I'm so greatful for Terri. I enjoy ever chance I get to be around her. She's fun to be with and to listen to. She and Kevin are so giving and wonderful to work with the youth and nursery at church. I'm glad we're friends!

Tiffany - Tiffany and Matt are simply some of my favorite people ever, and I'm a little sad we don't see each other more often. They teach me so much about Jesus everytime I'm in their presence. They were so kind to us when the kids were little and I was still taking classses. They've always made me feel so welcome, and their love for the Lord and for expanding his kingdom is inspiring. I also love tiffany's sense of humor!

Tonya - Tonya is awesome! She's so beautiful and so intelligent. She's always been so kind to me and is such an encouragement to be around. She's got a wonderful husband and an absolutely beautiful baby girl! Being around them you can tell they genuinely care for people.

Valerie - When I grow up I want to be Valerie. She has always amazed me. She's so beautiful, talented, smart and funny, but so incredibly humble. You can tell she loves the Lord by her speech and the way she treats the people around her. She makes everyone she talks to feel special.