A Bosom Friend

The other night my sister called and asked me when I received my young women recognition award. It took a few minutes to find it in my memory book, but I did find it... Feb. 4, 2001! Nine years ago! That got me thinking about what has happened to me during that time. As I looked through old photos I remembered the good old days with a special person who has helped me get to where I am today. Without her my life could have turned out very different. I could have missed out on six and a half years with my best friend, soul mate, and husband, and three beautiful and health children. That is why I am dedicating this entire post to my bosom friend Jennifer Marie Windel. Thank you for everything!

I met Jenny when I was working at the BYU Laundry. She is a true Texas Women who won't take no guff from no body! She is an amazing cook, sings like an angel, is very smart and motivated, and has a heart the size of Texas. (Did I mention that she sings like an angel?) She is the one who talked me into moving into the singles ward where I met Andy. She was a great emotional support when my first boyfriend dumped me, and helped keep things going between Andy and I when I wasn't sure I was ready to date him. She was continually talking to one of us trying to fan the flames of our relationship. Her hard work paid off and Andy and I started dating again. I know that being partly responsible for Andy and I getting together is a heavy burden to carry, but we will both be eternally grateful to her for it!

Here are a few pictures of the fun times we have had along the way.

Working at the laundry, haulin' hay on Labor Day, trap shooting in Levan, UT...

Picnicking at Maple Lake, going to Lagoon, seeing the Olympics in Utah, bowling, sleep overs, becoming the "other daughter"...

Feb. 2003

Jenny was a very important part in helping me get Andy to a Valentine's dinner hosted my the young women in my home ward. That was the day Andy and I started dating again. I am so glad you were part of it all Jenny!!

Don't mess with a Texas Women holdin' a gun!

After Andy and I moved to Texas for dental school we took a road trip to El Paso, TX to see Jenny and her family. We have come to love the Windel family. We are so glad they are willing to share Jenny Marie with us!

Jenny & Bradley

One of my favorite things about Jenny are her gorgeous blue eyes!

Darcy & Jenny are my two adopted sisters! (We love you too Brad!)

I love this pictures because it is of the people we named two of our children after. I mean if we are being honest with our selves Bradley is named for Brad Ellis who was dating Darcy. (Darcy isn't really a boys name and I knew they were going to get married.) Since Jenny was responsible for Andy and I getting married, we had to name our first born daughter after her. That is where Marie in Eliza Marie comes from. (We do love you too Abby!)

Bradley & Jenny at Maple Lake

It is always so sad to say good bye!

(Really I think Bradley really spilled water on her.)

Jenny, Karrie, Daniel & Darcy at the Manti Temple

Jenny flew to Utah for my sister Bethany's wedding and to surprise me. I hadn't seen her in almost two years!

Can't you see the family resemblance?

It is hard for me to put into words how much I love and appreciate Jenny Marie. I couldn't have picked a better friend to stand by me over the last 9 years, and she is still helping me today. Knowing that we are moving to North Carolina this year has been hard for me since we have such wonderful family and friends so close by. In N.C. we won't be close to any of our cousins or grandparents, but we will only be about 4 hours from our Auntie Jenny! Knowing that she is out there and that we will get to see her more often that ever two years is very exciting! We can't wait to see you again.

We love you the mostest Auntie Jenny!