Tina + Mikey = My BFF's

Mikey (being tall - sorry I chopped off your head)

T (with a hair color that changes every time she goes to the salon)

Jaden (standing), Devin (hiding), and Kamryn (being a princess)

When I was in college, I did an internship in the Athletic Department at Christopher Newport University in VA. Even though I was “supposed” to be trained by “someone else” – Tina took me under her wing. When I first met her, I remember specifically thinking to myself “this girl KNOWS her STUFF!” And after many years of knowing her in her career field, SHE DOES!

Homegirl is very knowledgable about sport specific training, physical therapy methods, and keeping a sports team physically, emotionally, and mentally in the best shape possible! Not only that, she’s a H.A.R.D. worker! She’ll put most people to shame b/c she’s a work horse that doesn’t “cut corners” just because no ones “watching”… And because of her work ethic and integrity T is now the Fitness Director at an indoor sports complex in Williamsburg, VA.

During my intership, I ended up falling in love with T! She too(!) loved to dance, her smile was ALWAYS present (even on a bad day), her cup was ALWAYS overflowingly FULL, and her advice was ALWAYS well thought out, ALWAYS from the best perspective possible, and ALWAYS truthful…

…Even when you DIDN’T wantttttt to hear it!!

While I’ve always admired her career “skillz”, they AIN’T got NOTHIN’

on her heart regarding her family and friends!!

Yes, she has a good career.

Yes, she has been successful.

But in a moments notice, if she had to – she would lay it ALL down for her hubby, Mikey, 2 sweet boys, Jaden and Devin and one precious little girl, Kamryn.

Tina and I prayed for what seemed like an eternity(!) for her to get pregnant with Jaden… and then Devin!

…Kam on the other hand!!!

Ohhhh, She’s a wholeeeee DIFFERENT story! Much like the BIG surprise she was coming into this world so quickly(!) on the heels of her brother, Devin - I have a feeling that life with that little princess is going to be FULLLLL. OF. SURPRISES.!!! :-)

Mom’s around the world look to people like Tina and wonder: “How in the WORLD does she do it working full time with 3 kids?” “How in the world does she keep it all together?” “How does she look SO STINKIN’ CALMMMM?”

And really the only thing I can come up with is this: She has a God given gift!

She’s even keeled by nature (even though she doesn’t think so), she’s incredibly generous and thoughtful (which only brings blessings back to her and her family), and she has an INCREDIBLE husband who helps her to raise their kids WELL!

Mikey (of whom I am the ONLYYY person who is “allowed” to call him that :-) ) is one of my favorite people! He’s the big ~6’4” teddy bear in my life that isn’t afraid to call just to say that he loves me. He’s called and talked to me about things that have been hard for him, yet did it out of love anyway. He loves his kids and his wife so much that it’s a blessing to watch. And he’s the one who got my little sister, Lisa, front row seats to see Toby Keith on her 21st birthday…

Friends, it doesn’t GET much better than Mickey and T!

I get to call them my best friends – and I don’t “deserve” the honor - b/c they are SUCH good people…. But God picked them out for me – so they’re basically stuck!!

T ~
Thanks for always sticking by me. The moment when you literally pulled the car to the side of the road - forcing me to “hear” you… it changed my life. That sweet baby boy, Jaden… he changed my life too. That man you call “husband” has helped make my life richer. Without you, my life would be different – and I’m so blessed that God put me in that Training Room at CNU “under your wing”…

Mikey... “my” Mikey ~

Thank you for being the big brother that I’ve needed all these years. Thanks for stepping up to the plate, being obedient and being the man God has called you to be – you have no idea the prayers that have been answered regarding your role as a husband and father. Not to mention the beauty it is to observe it from afar! Ohhh, and thanks for approving of my husband! You’ll neverrrr know how much my “decision” weighed upon your “approval”!

I love you both SOOOOO much!
Xoxoox,
“Your” E*