Fantastic Family

I feel blessed every day to have such an amazing family!

My parents, Kris & Greg are so loving and supportive. They have taught us girls to be independent, respectful, hard-working, compassionate, and confident women. 

While they may have their differences, my parents have always represented what being partners is all about. They love and care for each other, they talk about what is important to them, they share their thoughts and feelings, they do their best to live the way that Christ calls us to.

For 27 years (and counting!) they have set a great example of what love is.

I have two amazing sisters. They are my best friends, they have a piece of my heart.

My (little) sister Stephanie, who really isn't little anymore, is just the best person. Eighteen years old, with a heart of gold! She is so confident and brightens up my days! Steph always keeps me laughing, even when I want be mad at her. 

Steph is such a fashionista, she is never afraid to tell me when I need to get my (fashion) act together! She is fearless in her style and inspires me to be a little more adventurous.

Stephanie is in her freshman year of college, and is interested in learning more about marketing & communications.

My sister Kelli is truly a superwoman! She graduated (on time!) with her undergraduate degree in Middle Childhood Education and holds her Masters of Education. As if that wasn't enough, she managed to produce two beautiful boys, Jamey and Harper during her time in school!

Kelli now shares a home with her wonderful fiance, Kip and the boys. She works as a 7th & 8th grades Social Studies teacher at an urban charter school in Dayton, Ohio. 

Kelli always inspires me to do more and be more. She has had so many accomplishments, and has always pushed through the adversity and road bumps that came her way. I admire her faith, and her resilience!

Overall, I feel so blessed. I am lucky to have such a supportive and loving family, and I acknowledge that not everyone can say the same. 

Last, but surely not least is my wonderful boyfriend Joe. 

I actually met Joe when I was in elementary school. Our dads both coached Little League, our brother and sister played on the same team, our moms were on the PTA together. Before moving out West, Joe lived in the neighborhood I would later grow up in. When his family made their way back Ohio, Joe and I ran in a similar group. His brother and my sister went to freshman homecoming together! We always had our eye on each other, but it never seemed it stick. I am a firm believer that everything happens when it's meant to, and I know that God was shaping us into the people he planned for us to be, so that when we finally found each other again we were ready to be the best versions of ourselves, together.

After graduating with his degree in Wildlife Conservation Biology from Ohio University in Athens, Joe's gone on to do some pretty cool stuff! He spent the past summer in North Dakota doing field research on an endangered species of birds. Currently he is living in the mountains near San Bernardino, CA and working as a Naturalist at and Outdoor Education Center. Joe spends his days teaching middle schoolers about nature in an engaging, hands-on way! His enthusiasm and passion for animals and nature is infectious. 

Joe is so kind, loving, and incredibly patient. I couldn't be more thankful to have him in my life, and couldn't imagine anyone I'd rather adventure with.

"As for me and my household, 

we will serve the Lord"