Without you....

It's not often in life when you get a friend who wiggles their way into your heart and leaves an imprint that changes you for the better. I am so blessed to have more than my fair share of these wonderful people in my life, but today, I want to tell you a little bit about five of my favorite people! (1) This crazy lady hugging a giant bear is Jen, Jen is my smile when I need one. She always has a "hallooooooo!" for everyone and honk or two to boot. We raised our kids together as neighbors for 6 years, the best 6 years I've had! When Jen is your buddy, you know a knock on the door means you're getting goodies--homemade! She's the scrapbooking queen! Sometimes she gets down on herself for not improving herself (her words, not mine). You see, Jen is a wife, a mother, a gatekeeper, a friend, a wonderful aunt sister etc.... Jen spends her time improving everyone else! She always leaves you better than she found ya. So, thanks Jen, for always being you! I hope you know how much I love ya!

















(2)This next photo is the female version of Hans Christian Anderson. My kids will sit and listen to her tell a story they've already heard 1100 times and not make a peep! She's my conscience, she never says a bad word about anyone! EVER! Not even when they deserve it. Yes, contrary to belief, Julie has been known to gossip a time or two, and my pal Dori, yep, just like Nemo, always finds a way to bring to light the good in everyone, even the most rotten of us. Dori is one of the best mothers I have ever had the privilege to know, if you need parenting advice, cal 1-800-DORI. Dori and I were instant friends, I knew at once that we were kindred spirits, and that we would always have each other! Thanks Dori for being my pal! I love ya!







(3) Do you by Chance, know my brother Chance? If you don't you're missing out on the chance of a lifetime. Ha, Ha, Ha! Okay, I'm done. But seriously, he's the greatest! He calls me on his way home from work, just because he's bored, now ladies, how many guys do you know that call their big sisters when they're bored? Aren't I lucky? Now, Chance has the most lovely wife, pictured in the photo below, and her name is Alyse, now, get this--I was driving down in Eastern Kentucky the other day, and I saw a sign at a dinky little hillbilly car dealership that said "Come on in today and take a Chance on a lease." I about lost it right then and there, I just about had to pull over from the tears gushing out of my eyes. Tears of laughter of course. This guy is just amazing! I am so lucky to have a little brother--I say little because I'm taller than him--poor puny guy--that is so wonderful! I love ya poochie! (That's his nickname)



(4) This lovely lady in blue is none other than my mom. Isn't she lovely? She works harder than any one I know at being a friend, at helping others. She would do anything for anyone, and she always taught us that people are more important than things. She's a school teacher, she's been teacher of the year, she even won the Wal-mart mother of the year award--she didn't get anything--but hey, we're talking about Wal-mart here okay. My brothers and my sister will testify that she's the queen of greatness! She's married to the funniest guy around, and takes his endless tormenting and teasing with a smile. Love ya mom! Thanks for always loving me, and for believing in me!

(5) My Prince Charming! Ah! The Dread Pirate Peterson, the rogue who stole my heart! Let me tell you a little bit about Austin. He doesn't say much, so when he does, he means it, and people listen. He's a big guy, so some people find him intimidating, when in actuality he's the most fun-loving, sweet and silly guy in town. He loves me no matter what I do, and I've been known to be rather rotten at times! I can't begin to tell ya how wonderful he is, words don't do him justice, words don't do any of these fine folk justice. So, I'll end this blog with....If you're happy and you know it, then you're face will surely show it, if you're happy and you know it...go and blog!