I was just thinkin...

I can’t count how many good examples and amazing influences I have had in my life. For some reason, friends, specifically have been on my mind. I strongly believe that friends make and shape one another…even if it is in little ways. Sometimes less is more. And, YES, I have friends to thank for so many lessons learned and memories made!

Bethany. Best friends since diapers. Has taught me how to be wild and crazy, yet balanced at the same time. In high school, nobody ever really knew that she had a “serious” side. I’ve tapped into this side very often and have had some of my greatest learning experiences from our conversations. A good word to describe her…WISE. I really could say a hundred things about Bethany, but will stop here since I talk about her so much.

Tiffany. Tough as tough can be. I swear this girl never cries. And she had good reason to cry on many occasions…remember “fight nights?” (Jk…gees…us girls were crazy). But really…when I saw tears in Tiff’s eyes for the first time, after Ruble brutally forced her head into the bed post, I knew it must have REALLY hurt. Tiff never fails to make me laugh at the most random moments with voicemails like, “Ummm…I just saw your boyfriend Ammon Vanmeter ride down the street on his sexy bike.” That’s it…messages as simple as that…that leave me with a huge grin. One thing I’ve always admired about Tiff is that she doesn’t gossip. You can trust her with your secrets. Also, the kind of friend that accepts you for who you are…no matter who you are.

Darly. Big “Brother.” You know how big brothers are always there to protect you? This is Darly for you. I’ll never forget the time she saved my face…literally and figuratively. I did something I’ll probably always regret during a high school basketball game…which led to a girl (and her ten friends) in my face ready to throw fists…and Darly had my back! Darly is loyal, and truly a good friend to have by your side. Darly knows who she is and has a strong, firm personality.

Erin. Don’t let her “soft” demeanor fool you. This girl will do anything and everything…well, let’s say anything that involves a brown bag, match, and **** (it’s a four letter word). It is all around fun when Erin is in the room. And if you thought you were good at sports..think again. Just put yourself next to her and you will realize you aren’t. A good word to describe Erin…DEDICATED. She has been an example of this as she has put others needs above her own…specifically Momma McClean’s needs during high school/college. She never speaks bad about anybody. Last but not least...she is a little scrammer.

Whitnee. Not a partner in crime, but always a cheerleader in crime. College wouldn’t have been the same without her. Bachelorette/Bachelor nights, chilling at the Cannon home, and driving aimlessly down the boulevard (not to pick up on guys…but to pick on guys). I take it back…we were partners in crime… together we executed the most classic prank ever! A 1 year long prank! Do wooden swans or construction cones ring a bell? (I’ll share the details in a post soon). A word that describes Whitnee…PERSERVERANCE. I look up to her for this and don’t know how she does it. Also, she has shown me by example, how family should be top priority in life. At times I wondered how she was so content skipping out on friend outings, to spend a night in with the family…but I 100% understand now.

Adri. Her smile is contagious. She is always giddy and manages to be happy even amidst challenges. A friend that I have always felt comfortable around. A friend that has so many talents…and I’m not exaggerating when I say MANY. She seems to learn and master more than most people can wrap their heads around…everything from baking to photography to sewing. If you haven’t had her homemade bread, you haven’t tasted goodness. A word that describes her…CARING. You can count on Adri to SINCERELY share your excitement with you when you have achieved something or to share you sorrow with you when you are having a hard time.

Shelly. Beautiful and easygoing. This is the kind of friend you were always a bit jealous of because all guys’ heads would turn for her. And the great thing is…she didn’t even know it…never strutting her stuff. I don’t think she recognized a lot of her great qualities…or was just humble enough to not publicly flash them everywhere. Just to name a few- smart, witty, goofy, persuasive, persistent, oh..and did I mention?…beautiful. It’s easy to pick up the phone and talk to her even if it has been a while…conversation is still as exciting as it was when we hung out on a daily basis. A quick example of her wit…I was her roomy when she got engaged and spent a while gawking at her ring. Didn’t get enough after the lights were out, so I asked if I could see it again. As soon as light hit the room, it wasn’t her ring in my face, but her bare butt!

Traci. A leader through example. Always has been a good friend, always will be. Full of life, because she has seen that life can be cut short. At the same time, has seen that life can be longer than expected through steadfast prayers and the Priesthood. A firm testimony before her Dad passed on, and even stronger after. A friend that knows what she wants, and gets it. Take her amazing husband for example:) Has a big heart and you can see this in the way she treats her kids. Carries herself with confidence. A person that I am glad to call friend.


More to come….time for bed