Love Fest 2006

My brothers love to have fests...eat fest, sleep fest etc...I have received so much love that I would like to dedicate a blog to giving some back.

I love James. I love that he works so hard and still comes home excited to see us. I love that he is kind and sensitive but strong and protective.

I love Alivia. I love that she makes me laugh, that her kisses get my face all wet, that she furrows her brow and looks at me then laughs, that her face lights up with I come into view and that she has retained all of her joy after being through so much.

I love my parents. My mom because she is so much like me, because she's crazy (in a really good way), because she rearranges me house, because she cares so deeply for Alivia, James and I. My dad because he thinks of all the questions I don't come up with, he makes me laugh, because he loves my mom so passionately and still lets me borrow her for weeks at a time.

I love my brothers (real and in-law). Andrew and Aaron for the Super Tramp CD, the chic-fil-a cow, the top 10 funniest people list that Alivia made, for loving my girl so much, and for putting up with a crazy big sister for so long. Matt (and Viv cause they are a package deal now) for caring for Alivia. John for his thoughtfulness (he comes to my house and sees things that need to be done and does them without a second thought). Chris for mowing our grass (so helpful) and having a great beard that makes me laugh sometimes. William for being William (if you've meet him you understand) for all the deep talks and the silly talks. You are all her favorite uncles (although the race continues)

I love my in-laws. Bill and Cynthia for helping out so much, cleaning our house, doing James' laundry when we were in the hospital, and being there at the hospital each day that first week.

I love my extended family. Marmie, Lisa, The Mike's, the Pete's, Rob- you all have made me smile during this crazy time and reminded me why I will always be an Allen at heart.

I love Rachel. She is the friend I have had the longest so she's seen the most of me. From the horrible 16 yr old she didn't like in English class to the Maid of honor at my wedding. I gave Alivia Rachel her name for a reason. She is amazing.

I love April. We have been through the hardest situations two friends could ever go through together and we haven't even been friends that long (3 years). We have cried and laughed together more times that I can remember and she makes my life in Lancaster so much better. Without her friendship...Don't even want to think what I would do. (I love her twins too!)

I love Leslie Ann Yoder..For some reason I love to say her whole name too. She can make me laugh at the craziness. Always could. She was my very first friend in Lancaster and has proven herself one of the truest. (her fam kids and hubby also make me laugh on a regular basis!)

I love Jamie. She has helped organize my life when I can't even think.

I love Tina, Ang and Kathy for treating me the same as before this began. For calling to check up but not pushing for news. For just being great fun.

I love Beth A. for being the best little sister I never had but always wanted. I have watched you grow up (I babysat you!) and now you are one of my girlfriends. I love that you are Livi's fairy godmother.

I love our MD. friends. They all make my life more fun. You call my hubby and see how he's holding up and you've either come to visit or offered to and that means the world. I laugh with you guys harder than with anyone. Usually to the point of tears!

I love Bri. She is actually understand what it feels like to have a sick child and she has given me such good advice how to deal.

I love all of you for praying and for posting (nice to know who's reading along. I would love to have everyone who reads just post their name so I could see how many people are reading this).

Thanks everyone.