Happy Birthday to two great folks: Brian Spence and Carrie Sibold (the 19th of April).

Brian is a friend I met oh, about five and a half years ago through another friend. He’s a great guy who has been great support and a good cheerleader when I’ve needed someone to tell me things like, “It’s going to be okay. It really will” and when I didn’t want to date anyone, he encouraged with things like, “I think Jonathan might be different” and for that I am very grateful. Brian is currently livin’ it up in Guatemala for a bit. We’re praying for you and little Kobe, Brian! May this be your best year yet!

Brian and Kobe (as stolen from Brian)

Carrie is also celebrating the day of her birth on the 19th! Carrie and I met in 2002 as well, in the front office off Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp, when she was the Summer Program Director and I was a terrified first year counselor. Carrie kindly showed me to my cabin, helped me pick the best bed, set up my bedding and then introduced me to other folks so I wouldn’t feel so alone. She’s been a tremendous friend and I am very thankful the Lord brought us together in Iowa. In 2005, Carrie moved out to Seattle and we lived it up in Kirkland for a bit, then beautiful Renton and then in Bellevue until last year when she became a grown up and moved into a condo she bought for her very own. She gets to marry Dan Potter in September and he’s a pretty swell guy. We’re VERY excited for him to be part of our fun and festivities in the coming years!

Thank you for being the friend who loves my family, who is willing to tell me when I’m wrong, to hold my hand and pray with me when I’m hurt, to know the secrets about presents for Jonathan, to laugh at my silliness and be a little silly yourself and always, always be available if I need you. God has really blessed me with a friend like you.
Here are some of my favorite photos of Carrie from the last year:

Carrie dancing with Mark at the Century during her birthday dance last year

Carrie and me and April at Jimmy John’s on my birthday

Me, Carrie and Rachel at the Butchart Gardens in Victoria

Carrie and Frankie on the Fourth of July, boy was that a long walk!

Cheering for the Mariners:

The night Jonathan and I were engaged to be married

Carrie and Dan at the Christmas tree lighting at Westlake Center the day after Thanksgiving

Dan and Carrie at the CN Christmas Party

At my wedding prefunk celebration (aka bridal shower)

Doing the worm on an air mattress the night before my wedding

Carrie and Kleinie setting up before the big wedding

Carrie and Dan at our wedding, post J&K departure

Groundhog’s day celebration at the McPherson’s

Inside a giant guitar at the Pacific Science Center after watching U23D

Carrie and I the night she and Dan were engaged to be married

Dan and Carrie snowshoeing for Andy’s birthday celebration

Carrie and Brenda are Easter bunnies