Faces

Meet my people! You won't often find that pictures are included in my posts. However, sometimes being able to put a face to a name feels like the greatest thing in the world. SO, here are a few of my dearest friends. Friends that are woven through much of my writing and are a huge part of my world. 

... in no particular order :)

I walked into college orientation three years ago, and Caitlin sat behind me. I knew nobody, was incredibly nervous, and turned around and made some ridiculous comment about how cute her purse was. She moved up a row, and we've been friends ever since. A year later, she was planning a wedding! The most beautiful wedding ever planned. Want to see? See pictures {here}.Alex has become much like an older brother figure to me, and I'm so grateful for his example of how a man should treat his wife. Separately, they are two incredible people. But together? They are going to change the world.

She's bold, she's brave, she's beautiful. She's 17, crazy in love with Jesus, and captain of her cheer team. She's got a heart for the hurting, and a big huge smile that lights up any room. She's going to study neuropsychology when she graduates, at least that's the plan right now... and she's going to rock it. She's the tiniest little thing you'll ever see, but is learning everyday how to claim her huge identity as a speaker, a dreamer, and a catalyst. She's also my little sister. and I'm incredibly proud of her.





Want to hear a crazy God story? Just ask either of us how we met. CRAZY God story. Brandi fills many roles in my life. She's a sounding board, an encourager, and knows exactly how to put me in my place when I act like a crazy wild mess. She's the most hard-working, selfless mom. She has great style and is extremely fit. She's a nurse. Jesus is the core of her home. I want to be like her when I grow up. And then there's little S. She is a complete girlie-girl, a sassy drama queen, and the most tender-hearted four year old you'll ever meet. Our adventures are unmatched, and I adore her. I adore them both.

It's almost impossible to figure out how to adequately pay tribute to this sweet girl in a small paragraph. I feel that a book would be more appropriate. The best way to give you a picture of our friendship is this: She's totally left brain. I'm totally right brain. She's logical, rational, and way good at math. and I'm, well, not. So the two of us make this perfect little best friend team complete with crazy fights, sweet conversations, and a whole lot of weird. We're crazy weird together. In the best way. She's a deep thinker, the best communicator, and the most loyal soul. Becs, I love you.

I enter into their home, and somehow I feel safer. The Spirit of God is so alive, the laughter is contagious, and the story-telling is endless. Paul is swimming in knowledge and would definitely be considered a genius, Erin is hilariously funny and the most ebullient person you'll ever meet. Together they have cultivated a space that is marked by indescribable joy and perfect peace. Eva is curious, articulate, and loves to read. She's a girl after my own heart. Baby B? Well, he's just as sweet and gentle as can be. and I can't wait to watch him grow.

Chris. Carolyn. Henry. Charlie. Sam. My favorite Sacramento family. I lived with these amazing red-heads for nine months, and let me tell you: it was anything but boring. Dad is the BEST cook on whole entire planet, and momma is the most patient, flexible person I know. The brothers are fun, animated balls of energy. Henry and I are a lot alike, and I like to think that's why we have a love/hate relationship. Mostly love :) Charlie is classic middle child: easy going, hilarious, and rolls with the punches. Sammy Lou is wild and imaginative and gives the best hugs. When I get to visit, a piece of my heart feels like it's back where it belongs.

 Katelyn is my seat buddy for this year's obnoxious concoction of nursing school classes. Oh my goodness, do we have fun. She is tender-hearted and spirited, focused and resilient, and the perfect person to be crazy with. I think my most favorite thing about this sweet friend is her deep deep love for family. She represents devotion and faithfulness and flawlessly demonstrates the beauty that comes from a life spent with those you love. I love learning from your example, Kate. Thank you.





Look how gorgeous she is. Isn't she gorgeous? She's gorgeous. and her heart flawlessly matches the beauty that you see in the picture. Her heart is so intent on doing the right thing. all the time. and I'm pretty sure she would kill for any member of her family, and any of her true friends. She loves them that much. She's a graceful dancer and an intuitive soul. She is headed to Sac State this semester to study to be an orthodontist. Yeah. She's super smart! She's just the whole package. Intelligent, faithful, and filled with love. So thankful to know her and have the chance to watch her grow. You are a light in the dark, my friend.







To be honest, words escape me when it comes to the incredible Heather. Where do I even begin? She is fiercely loyal. Fiercely loyal. She is the definition of bold, the definition of sincere, and the definition of brave. She is studying to be a nurse (a profession in which she will SOAR), and I feel blessed beyond measure to be able to journey alongside her. Though she fills many roles... fiancee, momma, daughter, student... I am most selfishly grateful that she fills the role of friend. She will be a special part of my world for my whole life long, of this I am sure.






Not only is she my most favorite photographer: see photos{here}, she is head-over-heels in love with Jesus and living this out every single day. Our friendship journey has been wild, and the stories are riddled with many tears, intense joys, hard goodbyes, exhilarating hellos, harsh challenges, and major victories. Oh, and did I mention she lives hundreds of miles away?? She does. But somehow, by the sweet grace of God, we do life together. And I love it.