Dearest Christinieeee,

       

           Where do I even begin?   I have been trying to put this post together for 2 weeks now, and in true "Jan" fashion, it is happening near the last minute (As you very well remember me pulling all nighters doing homework and baking rolls...this is not new).  

          I am so glad that I get to tell you how awesome you are right now.   I have literally been thinking about you every day for the last 2 weeks, digging through old pictures and thinking of all our memories, how much of an inspiration you have been to me, and your amazing dedication and influence as a friend,   I could do a whole blog about it- so one post is hard.  I wish I was better with my words so I could make this post as meaningful as I feel about it. 

          Well let's start at the beginning.  I was excited when I found out that we were going to be roommates.  It's so fun/funny to think back to that fall of 2006 semester in apartment 208.  Forget the dorms, 208 was by far the best way to start college.  

One of my first memories of living with you is when we decided to make these picture frames (whose idea was this?? haha) ......I remember you making a shrine to yourself.  You filled the picture frame up with a plethora of your senior pictures.  I remember hearing your adorable little laugh across the hall as you put it together thinking it would be the best joke for people to think you were so obsessed with yourself.    This is when I discovered two of my favorite qualities about you:  1)  You have the best sense of humor that I still miss having as part of my life 24 hours a day (especially between the hours of 1-4am.  and 2) You were not worried about what others would think of you.  You have this humble sense of confidence that I have always admired.  You seem to always have a sure knowledge of who you are and what kind of person you are trying to become.   Not only do you have that confidence about yourself, but you have that confidence in others.  You always see them for their best self and consequentially it encourages those around you to be lifted up and become someone beyond what they are capable of being on their own.  It is one of my favorite things about you.  I know at times when I have had a hard time believing in myself, you have been their to remind me.  Thank you so much for that. 

Remember that time that you creatively made the coolest costume ever?  I loved how excited you are about simple things in life.  Look at your smile!! (You are so pretty.)  I remember you finding these spider web leggings or something - and had the idea to stuff them with newspaper, tie them to yourself, (along with puttin a pair on) but I think it was the silly string that did you in.   You were going around that whole night spraying people with silly string.  Who thinks of this stuff?  You do.  You are so creative.  It was the best -- You are the best. 

I loved when you would come to Pocatello with us.  It was always so much fun!!

Just for sake of mentioning- I cherish our mailbox trips in the middle of the night while we would be wrapped in our warmest blanket, nose-hairs freezing, hopes high that we would receive mail, and admiring the beauty of the temple being built on the hill.  Then we would go inside and talk about all our dreams, future husbands, children and goals (did we ever do our homework?).  I love seeing all of those dreams come true for you.  You deserve every last one of them. 

I think near the end of our 208 experience...we were all getting pretty obsessed with each other.  I looked and looked and couldn't find the pictures we took in my sister's studio together.... that was the best.  As I was sitting here thinking back on fall semester in 208- I don't have any memories outside of our apartment.  We had so much fun i don't think we ever left.  People would always be over and there was always some party going on.  You were usually the person that would make that happen - you are so good at making everyone feel welcome, comfortable and loved. 

After being roommates, I am happy that we stayed so close.  I loved when you would come down and stay with me in Provo when you came to see Harrison.  I loved being a part of your and Harrison's dating and courtship (do normal people use that word?).   I hoped Harrison was the one for you as you would come home every night glowing and giddy.  I was so happy that you found someone that could make you so happy and recognize your amazingness and not just your smokin' hot good looks.   This birthday present from him is a prime example of how aware he is of you and your needs.  I have always looked up to the two of you and the relationship you guys have.  It takes both of your humility, patience, love and sacrifice to create what you guys have and to be the example you are.  It's amazing to me what you guys are able to do together and how you have been able to sacrifice so much time together for our country.   You are so strong.

I'm so glad I could come to your wedding.  I think you are one of the prettiest people I know.  You were the most beautiful bride and you are always so happy, calm and loving- which just makes you all the more beautiful of a person.  

One of my favorite memories, by far is when I came to Portland to see you and Jack while Harrison was in Jordan.  I always love when I get a chance to be around you because I always come away being a better person.  I remember a few months ago calling to complain to you because Jason was going to be gone for 4 months.  You sat, listened and sympathized (as you have every time I have brought a concern to you) and it wasn't until later in the conversation that I found out that Harrison was getting deployed for 9 months.  That is a perfect example of your selflessness and your care and concern for others. 

You are the best mom.  Jack and Fisher are so lucky to have you. 

There were a lot of people who questioned me when I decided to stay home from my mission and marry Jason.   Not you.  You believed in me and trusted me and helped me feel secure in my decision.  You always give the greatest advice that helps me in making the biggest life decisions.

Now if only we could live in the same city so Harrison and Jason can be besties, too.... 

This was our last time we saw each other.  This was forever ago....  That is a problem!! 

Christine- I hope you have the happiest of birthdays.  I am realizing that it's the hard times in life that bring out our true character.   Lucky for you, you have so much goodness in your character that this time of challenge, with 2 young children and Harrison being gone, is bringing out the best parts of you.   You are such an example! This situation you are in right now has shown so many people (as you can see on this blog and so many more) how strong, courageous, amazing, loving, patient solid and giving you are which, in turn, encourages others to be the same. You are so good at making those around you better.  I know because of your influence, I am.  I could go on and on and on.

Thank you for being you.   You are so good at it.

I love you!

Jan

I just found this picture of Jack from my wedding.  He is so adorable!