Philippians 1:3

Good Morning!

I slacked over the weekend and did not post my Day 2 and Day 3 things to be Thankful for so I thought I would do them and day 4 all in one post. :)

Day 2: My Dad

I am a different 22 year old. My dad died when I was 7 years old (as most of you know). Even though I only got to spend 7 short years with my dad, I feel like I have been with him my entire life. I am a coach's daughter. And I take great pride in that. My dad, like to most girls, is a hero in my eyes. He was loving, strong minded, sensitive, comical, and big hearted. I honestly am having trouble even writing about him because I just cannot put into words what he means to me. It is a feeling that is unexplainable. I would not trade the way life has turned out. I can honestly say that I have never been resentful to God for taking my father away so soon. This is probably because of the way my dad and mom taught me about God. They taught me that God gives and takes away. And that he is a merciful, loving, protective God. I have always seen what  happened as a chance for me to grow closer to God in a different way than most people my age. My dad was my daddy, my protector, my anchor. When he died, God quickly became that and ever since God has been addressed as Abba in my prayers. If you knew my Dad you would understand why it is hard to describe him without bursting with emotion. I was always his soft spot in his heart. We would stay up late and watch cheers while eating ice cream and I would fall asleep in his lap. I grew up seeing him as a coach and seeing how others perceived him and watching him amongst a crowd of people who all loved him. He was a mentor to many, and continues to be one to me in a different way. This thankfulness has turned more into a thankfulness for his life than for him but you get the idea. He was just magnificent. He was the father of an adoring daughter. I am sad that my children will never get his hug or his smile but I am joyful in knowing that my children will be raised knowing that their DaddyCam would love them to the moon and back.

Day 3: Collin Christopher Alexander

Where do I begin. He is my knight in Shining Armour, my comfort, my partner, my companion, my best friend. Collin and I have known of each other for a very long time and started dating our freshman year in College. That first night he gave me the best hug, and I knew then, that I didn't want to let go. He has always been supportive and honest and loving. He has the best personality. He knows me better than I know myself a lot of the times. What I feel for Collin, like my dad, is hard to explain, especially without sounding cliche or sappy. I love him. Bottom line. He has been beside me through so many things and his love has never faltered. I cannot wait to go through life with him. We understand each other and we are fine with just being together in silence. Mainly because nothing needs to be said, we know how each other feels. We can tell by the look in our eyes. Collin is the most sensitive and caring man I know. He will make the best father to our children. He is a great provider and Christian head of our household. I am an extremely proud wife. I am sorry that this sounds so sappy and lovey dovey and lofty but once you find that one person, you honestly don't care how you sound :)

Day 4: Anna Lynne Hicks, Sarah Soret & Kelsie Bryant

Once again, where do I start. Every girl needs that one best friend. Maybe it is her mom or her sister or the girl she grew up with. I just happen to be lucky, I have 3 of them.

Anna Lynne has been my best friend since I was 10 years old. We call each other cousins (because somehow down the line we are). We have so many memories together and know that no matter what is going on in our lives, we can go to each other. She never judges, never pushes, never parents. She is always what I need. We have seen each other at our worsts and bests. Anna Lynne is extremely caring, sensitive, and loyal. She can be the most awkward person ever but its one of the many reasons why I love her. We can talk for hours or sit in silence for hours. I have always admired her relationship with Christ and her strength through losing some of the closest people in her life. Our friendship has survived moves, college, and many other things. Anna Lynne is one of those people in my life that I cannot explain. She means more to me than words. She has always been that one person that I know I will always have if I need someone. She is my accountability partner. She is one of the best people I know. She is and will always be my best friend.

Sarah Ann Soret is my anchor. No matter what, she always says the perfect thing to make me feel better. We have been best friends since my junior year in high school. We have been up and down and up and down in our lives but she never stops caring. Our friendship has been through the wringer but at the end of the day, we know we love each other and would drop what we are doing to be with each other in a heart beat. Sarah is one of those friends that will give everything she has to make sure you are ok. We have had some of the strangest and funniest moments together. In a friendship group of mainly guys, we have been each others companion for many years. Sarah is probably the smartest person I know. She will one day be the president. I am so proud of her and where she is going in her life. She is my sister, my friend.

Kelsie Danielle Bryant. Oh dear where to start. We have been best friends/twins/attached-to-the-hip since sophomore year in high school. We bonded over Dr Noto's Honors World History Class, Aerobics, and my infamous Christian Humanities class with my brother-in-law. She has been my prom date, my shoulder to cry on, my Wendy's buddy, my hairdresser. We have gone through a lot together. She was there for me when my nephews where born and I for her when he dad was in the hospital. She is always awesome and fashionable and amazing. We honestly are so alike that it is ridiculous. She is graceful and forgiving. She is possibly the most talented person in the world. Her family is my second family. I am always at her house for father's day because her dad has been my dad for many years now. We have stayed up with each other through break-ups and make-ups. She is my Kels Kels :)

Ok :) I hope everyone had a good weekend and are adjusting to this time change ok. Collin and I had a nice, quiet weekend just enjoying each others company. I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Be Blessed,

Jessica