Ode to Angie B!!

***EDIT:  I should have linked you to her blog so you can see her new work!  Here is is:  http://whimsypix.blogspot.com/  *****

 Angie Baker McReaken is a dear, dear friend of ours from our days in Logan, UT.  When I met Angie in college she was living in a big house around the corner from mine with 5 other amazing girls.  It was, by far, the cool house!  They made freezer meals, studied, played, danced, spied on boys, worked out, you name it - they did it together.  I was for sure an outsider but they all made me feel so comfortable and at home when I moved into the neighborhood.  Angie B was the best "welcoming friend" anyone could ask for.  She is fun, spunky, honest, quiet, loud, friendly, attentive, service minded, cheerful and a friend to everyone!  I am eternally indebted to Angie, not only for her friendship but also because she introduced me to Philip.  We both admire and love her so much for her strength and love she shows.  Angie joined the LDS church when she was in her early 20's ~ we've watched her testimony grow and she has shown amazing strength in her choices.  I remember when Angie had her first baby she emailed or texted or called (whatever we did back then?) and said "I have found my niche! Motherhood is for me!"  Boy she couldn't have been more right.  She was off and running and hasn't stopped since.  Thanks Ang...for being YOU!!

During the early years of our friendship Angie discovered that she loved photography.  She started clicking away and I was always her biggest fan.  Just thought I'd share some of her first work and show you how much she has progressed.  I'm sad that most of the more recent stuff is one my hard drive that suffered the flood (I think I can still recover it, just haven't tried yet) but again, this is just a sampling.   

In the early years we'd snap a shot of them too -- we stopped that real fast.:)

We are still her biggest fans 16 years later -- so we met her and her sweet family for a photo shoot in St. George last night.  Her photography has come a long way but more importantly - our friendship is still the best!

You know those friends that you don't need to keep in touch with everyday, week or even month?  You can forget each others birthdays and that's okay?  Yeah, that's Ang.  She's the best! One of Angie's best qualities is that she is friends with everyone.  She is always looking for someone to serve, and has many different circles of friends.  A quality I admire and try to emulate.

 As we were driving home from St. George last night I couldn't help but reflect on how many fun memories we have together. I feel like I have a lot of friends...because her friends are my friends.  She is so inclusive.   I have not a doubt in my mind that Angie B is always there for me -- we are family!

Why the ode to Ang you ask?  Because I actually did remember!  It's her birthday today.  I won't mention which one...but it's a pretty big deal.:)  I love you Angie B! Happy Birthday!!