To my parents:

Ok, I know this is a little late, but forgive me... This blog is going to be dedicated to my parents! I wanted to do a Father's Day tribute, but I didn't want to leave my mom out of the fun... So enjoy:

I'll start with Mom. Sometimes I'm not sure if the images in my head are real memories, or just from pictures I've seen. But regardless, past and present, my mother has always been the image of beauty to me. Now, I'm not just talking about physical beauty, I'm talking about everything: the way she talks, the way she walks, listens, cooks, sleeps, cleans, and dresses. I remember being younger and thinking to myself that I want to be just like her when I grow up. At different times we had matching dresses that we would wear to church or on special occasions, and I remember standing in her closet looking at hers and thinking how lucky I was. She's such a great mom, and she's so very special to me. As I get closer to "grown up," I'm starting to see more of her in me, but I can only pray that I continue to learn from her and be more like her.

Now my dad, he has always been my hero - that is to say, my knight in shining armor. I've always imagined my dad as being able to accomplish anything, as breaking down any barrier. When I was younger, I remember going to the doctor with him to get stitches removed from his cheek. I believe it was a basketball accident (big surprise). As I sat in the chair next to him and heard the doctor call him Frankenstein, for the first time it occurred to me that he could get hurt. I know that may sound silly, but come on, I was a kid. Even today, I see him as invincible. I've seen him go through a lot of things, but I've never seen him give up. What I love about him is that he's my hero, but I still see him cry often (a lot from the pulpit). He has such a good heart. Through his tender heart and strength of character, I've learned a lot about leadership - a lot about servitude. He's definately been a motivation for me to accomplish what I dream of.

My parents make such a great team! I couldn't have been more blessed. They've both taught me so much about who I am, about who God is, about loving each other, and about the world around me ...And I'm missing home right now.

Love you guys so much!

Allie