Family and Friends

I mention my friends and family in my posts quite often, so I thought it would be a good idea to show who they are.  

Mom and Dad:

 

My mom patiently schooled me until she saw me successfully graduated.  She's hard working and made of steel, I love her very much.  My dad taught me so many things that can't be found in books.  He's a knight without even knowing it.

Emily:

My horse crazy sister, Emily, who is so strong and so sensitive.  Her independent but serious spirit is as swift as the wind.  She's quiet and her smiles are hard to come by, but we are kindred spirits her and I.    We're so close though our interests are different at best, completely opposite at worst. She can not only hold her own on a horse, but she also has a genius eye for abstract photography and even though she won't ever tell you so, her heart is that of a true knight. 

Shane and Danielle
                                                                                                           
 This is my brother Shane and his wife Danielle.  He's a computer techie who always wants to inform me on the latest and greatest in the electronic world, but his wife makes sure he doesn't have his brain wired for too long.  My big brother and I may seem as compatible and loving as baking soda and vinegar, but I think we may be more similar than either of us would admit.  Shane and Danielle live with my furry nephew, Shiloh, about 15 minutes from my house.    
                                                 
Stacia:

I wish I had a better picture of her!  Stacia's one of the best friends I have.  She's probably freaking out right now that I am talking about her, but too bad.  She's a ninja and a knight and an artist and a musician, the list goes on, but most importantly she has such a sweet noble heart for the Lord and whenever I spend time with her I find myself loving Him more. She tolerates me, and all my issues how, I don't know.

My church kids:

The church we go to is small, a home church actually, and apart from me and Emily, these are the only kids there.  We play after church, swordfighting and riding ATVs, I jokingly call it "youth group".
Let me introduce you from left to right.  Preston: such a punk, such a free spirit!  Hope: affectionately called "Hopey" by everyone, she is the sparkle and laughter of the group.  Hannah: manages to be fun, loving and mature at the same time, she can be a bit of a mystery though....  Riley: obviously the youngest, she can hold her own in a sword fight, let me tell you! She's going to make a great knight some day.  Thomas: every group has got to have a clown, and that would definitely be Thomas, his tongue always seems to get him in trouble.  Jared: He's quiet and easy going but don't be fooled, Jared keeps everyone in line and it our official ATV driver, he likes to hit the bumps on purpose.     

Pastor Wellington:

If anyone has mastered the art of sarcasm and bantering it's Pastor Wellington, but don't tell him I said that.  Every Friday we have a small Bible Study, where I ask a theological question and then he talks for another two hours answering it.  He's my pastor/Jedi master/mentor all in one.  He tells me I'm sarcastic and sour, but that is sort of like the pot calling the kettle black.

Matthew:  I don't have a picture of him but Matt has been a good friend of mine for over 2 years now.  We met on a forum and I saw him and his family in person last summer at a Virgina conference.  He loves Jesus, blogging, animals, and filling up my inbox with useless messages.  Whenever I want to debate details on the Christian walk, sharpen my wit, or talk about books, I just go Skype Matt.   

Albert:

Albert is the dog equivalent to my son.  Isn't he so adorable?!  He's distrustful of strangers, but once you get to know him, he is very affectionate and playful.  Of course, he doesn't really listen to anyone but me.  He's a loyal, intelligent, active mutt and I love him.