Shout Out...

...To Brenna...

Brenna.  Bren.  Brenzie.  B-ren.

This is Brenna McFarland.  And I love her a lot.  She's pretty awesome.  Brenna and I have been friends since we were little tiny.  I can't even remember the first time I met her, it was that far back.   Growing up, one minute we would be in a fight, then five minutes later we would be sticking fresh peas from the garden and a note of apology under the other's bedroom door.  Back to playing right after!  Bren and I are pretty dang different.  Opinions, sense of humors, sometimes priorities etc...but still...we seem to get each other pretty well.  We know each other's buttons and we know the lines not to cross.  Don't you dare cross any of those lines while she and I are together because the other will be right on your tail about it  - sticking up for the one attacked.  I love Bren because she unfailingly makes me laugh.  She's hilarious!  And we are hilarious together!  Playin' off of each other's jokes and all.  Brenna loves and let's love.  She has a way of making heavy things much lighter (without discrediting its actual hardness).  It just makes some of the hard things in life much more bearable.  She is honest and real, but kind and thoughtful.  She is ALWAYS herself - never two faced. The little things matter to her, and she helps others to realize their importance as well.  She is, in my opinion, very intelligent and logical, but has a heart of gold as well.   Bren is such an example to me of obedience.  She is obedient because she loves the Savior and does whatever He asks and expects.  I was lucky enough to live with Brenna for two years and not once did I see her skip her scripture reading/journal writing/prayer saying routine at night.  Not once did I see her refuse to do a calling, or do her visiting teaching.  It will be weird to not live with this girl anymore.  I am going to miss it like crazy!  I love it when Brenna laughs and I love it when Brenna sings.  I love that she loves Taylor Swift and finds joy in her music.  Heck, I just plain LOVE my Bren!  I love that she and I will be friends forever and I cherish the memories we have already made and the ones we have yet to make!

...To Becca...

Rebecca.  Becs.  Becca.

This is Rebecca Anne Cowan.  I love her a lot as well.  Obviously.  Becca and I have been friends since 7th grade.  However, we didn't get along for the first while that we knew each other because one time at one of my very first dances, she came up to me in the middle of dancing with a really cute boy and she told me I was doing it wrong.  It's okay...I made up for that a while later when I tackled her to the cement in 9th grade.  Now its just a whole bunch of lovin'!  Becca.  Becca.  Becca.  She is an angel.  She is a feisty, firecracker of an angel and it makes me love her that much more.  What a hoot!  Becca is the kind of girl who is selfless no matter what.  Asking her to do a favor doesn't happen because there is no need to ask.  She is already doing it, or offering to do some kind deed.  She notices and appreciates, more than a lot of people I know, the little things like the color and detail of a complete stranger's eyes, or someone's bracelet or ring.  She sees.  And what's better - she shares.  She shares the good things in life and helps me and so many others around her, to love life even when we don't feel like loving it quite so much.  She never ceases to be able to talk some sense into me with all of the wisdom that is bundled up in that little lady.  She is one of the most empathetic persons I have ever met.  She celebrates my joys with me, and is sometimes even more excited than I am.  She also, hurts when others hurt.  She does everything in her power to help and let me tell you, she.  Is.  A.  Powerful.  Help.  I honestly can't explain just how much I love my Becs.  I don't know where I would be, or what I would do without her.  She pulls me and lifts me.  She looks out for and defends me.  I trust her with my deepest darkest secrets, my crazy jokes, and with my life.  She is an eternal friend and incredible example to me.  This world is so much better because of Rebecca Anne Cowan.  I am truly blessed. :)