I have wanted my mom to be my Matron of Honor for about 10 years now. I waited 'til October (2 months before my engagement) to ask her, and she was so surprised and thrilled. We met in person on November 6, 1979, and she has always been my best friend, my best advisor, my best spiritual mentor, the one who knows me the best and loves me the most. She and my dad have invested so much time and money in my music lessons, which allowed me to go to college to become a music teacher. Mom's constant prayer support is the thing, I believe, that has kept me on the straight-and-narrow. Growing up in a Christian home contributed to me becoming a Christian at age 5, saving me from so many negative situations throughout my life. Mom, thanks also for always encouraging me to pray, read my Bible, manage my money, and stay healthy. I hope to be half of the great example you've been to me! I love you, Mom!!                               

April and I met in July 2008 during New Teacher training for the Higley Unified School District. She remembers me wearing yellow and being very happy and loud at my table. Coming from completely different walks-of-life made us very very unlikely friends. But just five months after meeting, we became sisters in Christ, best friends, and roommates. We have lived together (along with our dogs, Trixie and Napoleon) for the past 4 years and have both grown relationally and spiritually. We have helped each other through tough times and have had a blast traveling to California many times, Vegas twice, Colorado, and all over AZ. April, I can't imagine living with anyone else--thanks for being my first and only roommate and for preparing me for my future husband! :) love you, friend.                               

Heidi and I met in 1998 at a Joshua Harris' "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" conference. Heidi has been my longest, closest, strongest-Christian best friend. Favorite memories with her are taking classes together at Mesa Community College and playing piano with her on violin. We've played my September 11th tribute probably 15 times together since 2001. Jam sessions on piano, violin, and voice are the best with her! Heidi, I have always appreciated your encouragement, your loyalty, your mediation, and your wisdom. Besides that, you're so easy to talk to and to have fun with :) Love you, Heidi Jo.

Beki and I met in 2003 through Heidi Will, and I have blessed to have her in my life ever since. Some of my favorite memories with Beki are the pillow fight at Heidi's house, going to many of her Irish dancing events, her wedding with no shoes, our long spiritual conversations. I appreciate your Godly advice and and constant encouragement, Beki; you are a great friend and sister-in-Christ :) Love you, Beki.                               

Beth and I met in 1995 during our sophomore year at Dobson High School. We ate lunch together every day and became quick friends. While she decided to move to Tucson to go to UofA, I stayed here to go to her rival, ASU. During college, she became an even closer friend when she also became my sister-in-Christ. Our shared career (teaching) brings about the best conversations. I love talking to Beth about our hassles and victories related to our students and schools. Encouraging each other in the Lord--to be patient and to wait for God's best--has been such a huge part of my life. Our 15-year 'fight' has been who was going to move to the other's city...and although, I always thought Beth would move back here to Mesa...I think she won this one, since I'll be moving to Danny's neck of the woods. Love you, Beth!!                               

Jen and I met in 2001 when my brother started dating her! In March 2002, she became my sister-in-law. She is the amazing mom of my two sweet nephews, Levi and Abe. I enjoy talking to Jen and hanging out during family times. Best memories are being in her and Josh's wedding, our family camp-outs and camp-ins, and birthday/holiday get-togethers. Love you, Jen!                               

Gabriella is the new little girl in my life and heart in the last year. Danny's 9 year-old daughter is the apple of his eye and has quickly become a huge, amazing part of my life. Gabby loves to sing, dance, play with Legos and dolls, play softball, do cheer, and sing :) She is a very smart 4th grader who loves to write stories and draw pictures. She and I love to take pictures and to make music videos together. I love her dearly and am so looking forward to having her as my daughter.                               

Jaidah is Danny's adorable great-neice, daughter of Danny's neice, Christina. She is a sweetheart who loves shoes and dressing in pink. She just turned one in April.

I met Tom in 2001. He was a part of the search committee that was looking for a youth pastor at Napoleon Church of the Nazarene. Tom and I became friends and worked together in youth ministry at the church. Tom has always supported me, encouraged me, and lifted me up when I was down. I can always count on him for advice and guidance. What I appreciate about Tom is that Christ comes first in his life. He is a model of Christ's love and compassion.

I met Jason in 2001 as I started youth ministry at Napoleon Church of the Nazarene. Jason and I had a lot in common when it came to sports. We ushered together at the University of Notre Dame. What I appreciate about Jason is he is a good friend--one who is always there for me. Even if Jason and I have not seen each other for years, we can pick right up where we left off.

I met Nathan in 2010 when I was hiring him to be our youth pastor. Nathan is a man after God's own heart. Nathan and I work well together, because we trust each other. Nathan has become a very good friend and a great source of strength. He is very reliable, and I really appreciate that about him.

Levi is Amanda's 7 year-old nephew who is in 1st grade. Levi loves his new skateboard, is reading amazingly well, and loves playing with his little brother.

Abraham is Amanda's almost-five year-old nephew who loves dinosaurs and being the family clown. His infectious laugh and fun personality make everyone happy around him. It's rare to Not see him in any of his various costumes--Spiderman, Power Ranger, etc., etc.