Friend Makin' Monday : BFFs

Good morning, Poodles! Even though I'm not quite among the living after a long holiday weekend I'm still going to attempt some Friend Makin'.

The Friend Makin' this week is being hosted by Kelli at Outside My Kitchen Window. Head on over to her place to get the instructions and to link up if you feel like joining the fun. Kelli's task for this FMM is this:

Tell us about your BFF. How did you meet? Was it BFFs at first sight? How long have you been friends? What makes him/her your BFF? What is it about this person that makes him/her so special to you?

Now then, just because I'm a rule-breaker free spirit I'm going to bend this a little bit. I don't know that I can choose just one "BFF" in my life. God has blessed me with many amazing friends, and they all mean something a little different to me. So I'm going to spin this my own direction and introduce y'all to some of the most fantastic folks ever!

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My best long-term-been-there-through-thick-and-thin-knows-all-about-me-but-still-somehow-loves-me friend:

Jodi

Jo and I are BFFs that also just happen to be cousins. She is my partner in crime, but always manages to keep me out of trouble. Obviously, we go way back and our relationship shows it. She's incredibly intelligent, driven, motivated, and funny. Plus, she'll own your face in a game of basketball. Her drive and determination have always inspired me, and that determination (paired with God's grace) has gotten her into vet school working towards her dream career. I couldn't make a BFF list w/o Mugget.

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My best 12-year-long-give-it-to-me-straight-you're-going-to-hear-this-whether-you-like-it-or-not friend:

Jason

Jay and I have been friends since my sophomore year of high school and somehow our BFF-dom has just stuck through the years. He is one of those few people that are honest with me even when it's probably not very fun. He knows how I'll react to situations, he knows what I'm thinking, he knows what I'm about to say, and because he knows all of this he helps keep me in check. He's an amazing man of God and his self-discipline is part of what inspired me to train for my up-coming 5K. God has brought him a long way and I'm honored to have been part of that journey with him!

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My best compassionate-thoughtful-selfless-hilarious-sisters-separated-at-birth-cut-from-the-same-cloth-running-buddy friend:

Rachel

Although we haven't been friends quite as long as some of my other BFFs, Rach and I just "get" each other. We have similar pasts, we want similar futures, we find the same things funny, and we share about 1,478 inside jokes. I'm sure people that know us think we're attached at the hip sometimes. She is one of the sweetest and most thoughtful people I know. She loves her family immensely, and is truly a beautiful creation in Christ. She is truly a treasure that some man is going to be lucky to find someday. Our late-night tailgating sessions have done a lot for our relationship! :)

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My best motivational-straightforward-bubbly-direct-blunt-inspirational-smokin'-hot-bride-to-be friend:

Becky

We share a birthday and always joke that we're twins...born 2 years apart. We share the same bossy strong personality, and we would rather be dancing than doing almost anything else. Becky is such a motivator for me through all the 5K fun. It's been an honor and a privileged to be Becky's Maid of Honor and to help her plan her wedding. I'm so happy for her future with Nathan...even if it means him taking her 8+ hours away from The Foursome. I know God has big plans for her and I can't wait to see her grow and blend into her new role as Nathan's wife!

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My best world-traveling-globe-trotting-fabulously-cultured-intelligent-Godly-hilarious-words-of-wisdom-giving-domestic-diva friend:

Jenn

Jenn and I have grown closer over the past 6 months or so, and it's truly been a pleasure. She and I share the same love for cooking and all things domestic. She is one of the best cooks I know! She is intelligent, successful, motivated, self-sufficient, and beautiful! She puts her relationship with God first and always inspires me to do the same! I feel like I'm a more well-rounded person for knowing Jenn. I look forward to her emails every morning!

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Finally...

My best known-them-since-birth-put-them-through-hell-yet-they-love-me-the-same-always-in-my-corner-always-my-prayer-warriors-sound-advice-giving friends:

Tim, my Dad; Julie, my Mom; and Adam, my brother.

Being able to say that I count my family as some of my best friends has been a long time coming. We're a lot alike, and although that works to our advantage now, it hasn't always been that way. They have loved me fiercely since the day that I was born...even when it probably wasn't easy to feel that way. The fact that God has given us a second chance at a close relationship is a huge blessing in my life. I trust them completely, and I can't think of better advice-givers. I know that no matter what life brings me or where it takes me they will support me and pray for me.

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Thanks so much for stopping by! I would love to hear about who you hold near and dear! If you're not taking part in the Friend Makin' Monday fun then tell me, who is your BFF(s)? What makes them special? I'd love to hear about it!

Happy FMM,