I met Ryan and Michelle here in Roseburg before Mike and I were married. They graciously hosted me one weekend when I flew in to visit Mike. They were wonderful hosts and made me feel very welcome and at home (you can tell just by looking at them!) Lucky for us, our friendship has continued. They are such warm and friendly people - the kind of people you want to be around and be like. They're also very positive. This picture was taken with them and their cute daughter, Alison, the weekend I was here visiting ... little did I know I'd join them here in Roseburg less than a year later! ;) It was great to have instant friends when I moved here ... plus, see below.
This is the group we dined with at Thanksgiving. Don't they just look fun? The couple on the right in the back is Andy and Marcia Oshita. I met this wonderful couple while serving a mission in Santa Paula, California. We all haphazardly ended up in Roseburg (go figure!) They are very down-to-earth, and they've become like family. They are extremely gracious, generous, and kind, and we feel completely comfortable with them. Their lovely daughter, Jaime, is in front, and some of the Oshita's friends visiting from CA are to the left.
Aren't Erin and Lane a darling couple?? Again, the mission connection. Erin is the daughter of the Oshita's, so I met her and Lane on my mission when they were visiting Erin's parents. In this picture, they're visiting us in the hospital before I gave birth. What wonderful friends - they came to see us even BEFORE the baby was born (me in all my pregnant glory) - and again after. ;) They're great; we always enjoy hanging out with them. They were great hosts, as well, when I stayed with them one weekend after Mike and I were engaged.
This gorgeous mother-daughter duo is Cortney (left) and her mom, Debbie. I've recently gotten to know Debbie better, and she is such a delight to be around. I always, always laugh when I am with her. She's also quick to laugh - a strength I love and admire about her. She's witty, intelligent, and has a keen business sense. I've gone to her on a few occasions for work advice, and she's always been right on. This is one woman I love! Isn't she stunning? Her daughter is wonderful too!
Sometimes when I think of Mia I want to cry because she's been such a good friend. It was wonderful, too, because we were prego together for eight months (Aaron is a month older than her sweet daughter, Sophie.) My husband and I feel so fortunate to know the Schreiners - Mia and her husband, Carl. Mike met them through the local cycling club, and Mia actually helped me get my first job here at the newspaper. Carl cleaned the ear wax out of my ear (I know, gross) out of the kindness of his heart. (He's an ENT.) You know they are true friends. :) They, too, visited us in the hospital. They are lovely people!
I love all of our friends, near and far!!
