My Forever Friend

This gorgeous young woman turned fifteen today.

Would you believe, that just fifteen short years ago, she was this beautiful baby girl?

It's true, but I can hardly believe it myself. You see this beautiful girl is my baby sister.....

I know, shocking isn't it.
Over the years I have had the privilege of watching her grow into the amazing young woman she is today. She is absolutely gorgeous.

Inside and out.

She is kind and polite to everyone she meets, loves and cares for those fortunate to be in her life, and a great listener for anyone wanting to talk. That's probably why people love being around her.

 She is extremely athletic and talented,

and she works hard at everything she does.

Most days she can be pretty girly, always picking out cute outfits, styling her hair, doing make-up and talking about boys non-stop.

She doesn't need any of it though, she would be drop dead gorgeous if she still dressed like this....

(on second thought, you might want to keep the cute outfits Booga!)

Even though she looks pretty girly, don't let her cuteness fool ya.

This girl ain't afraid to get dirty.

She loves being outdoors whether it's camping, climbing, hiking, or just a plain old romp in the woods. My baby sister is tough as nails and can do anything she puts her mind to.

I don't think she's afraid of anything.

If she is, she does a damn good job of conquering those fears.

She is a million different things all rolled into one perfectly sized person.

She is loyal and a great friend.

She is hilarious,

playful,

extremely goofy,

 and as she likes to point out all to often, a pretty good ba-donk-a-donk.

Best of all she's my sister, my forever friend.

 

Never try to be someone else, because you are perfect just the way you are baby girl. You are perfect as you.

I love you Booga!

Love, Jo

The Greatest Man I Know

Today was this wonderful man’s 40^th birthday.

He is a very strong, smart, gentle, playful, loving individual and an amazing father to his 4 children. I should know I’m one of them.

I couldn’t ask for a better dad, because I don’t believe a better one exists. Maybe I’m a little bit biased, but my dad is pretty great. As I was growing up he taught my siblings and I right from wrong, the value of hard work and much much more.

As I look back I have countless memories with dad of hide n’ go seek in the dark, foot races down the street, tucking me into bed, costume parties, learning to ride a horse, camping trips, climbing excursions, building snow forts, playing various other odd games.....

  

and wrestling (we were always wrestling).

He’s always there to cuddle up next to the t.v. with after a bad day at school. Always ready with a hug and a smile to brighten your day. He gives the best advice (even though I don’t always take it) and is always ready to help me with anything I need. Whether it’s pushing me to get back on a horse after a stay in the hospital or to let me know “there’s more fish in the sea,” I know he’s always got my back.

Sometimes he even helps me fly.....

He’s full of weird and inappropriate comments and thinks he’s way funnier than he really is, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

His weird sense of humor and ability to make anything fun has rubbed off on me, I think it’s rubbed off on all us kids.

    

He's extremely ornery and mischievous always ready to play a prank or give us a hard time. You can always tell by the look in his eyes.

My dad is a wonderful example and he has taught me so much. He’s taught me how to work hard for what I want while having the mind set to enjoy work. He’s taught me how to have fun and be myself, how to bless the people around me, he even taught me how to dance. Most importantly though he taught me Gods’ Word. Whenever I had a hard day growing up, I remember coming home and dad reading God’s Word to me or praying with me. He did the same when I was sick or hurt and I always felt better afterwards. I couldn’t ask for a better dad, he’s the best there is. I’m thankful for everything he has done for me over the years and everything he has taught me. I am grateful to be able to continue to learn from him and for his willingness to teach me. 

  Happy Birthday Dad! Thanks for all you do, I love you so much!! :)