The Red House/PP Gang

          While at Snow College this year, I have made some of the BEST friends I will ever have. Each one has touched my life and my soul with their kindness, sarcasm, humor, advice, and always playful personality. I have wanted to write about each one ever since I started this blog, but it is a bit overwhelming considering there just aren't words enough to pay them just tribute...but I'll try. Starting out, there were four of us, but we have added a few here and there and I still have a lot of fun while I am around them. They know me better than probably anyone else and they have had to put up with a lot of crap this year as I faced some of my biggest trials yet. They were there for me through several mental breakdowns, two family deaths, homework, roommate drama, family issues, and my personal life. I don't know how they do it.
          First, there is my absolute angel and best friend 'Skis'. This girl is remarkable. We have been attached at the hip since sophomore year and she has been through absolutely everything with me. She knows me inside out and upside down. In High School, we were best friends and it all seemed to come pretty natural. We did the normal things: girls night, played on sports teams together, hair/nails, and family. She became a part of my family and I longed to be a part of hers. She was everything for me: my personal hair dresser, my go to girl, my friend, my sister, the one who could make me laugh, who dried my tears, who encouraged my dreams and quieted my fears. She just did it all. We played softball and soccer together and she is extremely talented at both. 'Skis' is remarkably beautiful on the outside and even better on the inside. She is a daughter, a sister, a friend, a niece, a granddaughter, a cousin, and will one day make an incredible mom. It's hard to talk about her without talking about her family too.
          She spent countless hours at my house and loved to hang out with my brothers. I didn't mind of course-after all they were pretty fun! During softball season we lived at my house and during soccer season we lived at hers. Her mom is so typical rock star. She does the laundry, cleaning, is an incredible cook, and always has a hello ready with a smile. She is kind and helpful. Her dad is highly sarcastic and can turn the room upside down with laughter in a matter of minutes; but, he can listen too. He was our soccer coach. I always wanted really bad to fit in with her parents the way she seemed to fit in with mine. Her dad was famous for his analogies during half time to the team, but what I remember most is the speech he gave me after I had surgery. He was very gentle in his speaking and very compassionate. He understood what I was going through and protected me from a lot of pain both physically and emotionally. He became my watchmen. When I got hurt, I saw a side of him I never had before and I liked it a lot. 
          'Skis' has an older sister 'Rebel' who is always blunt and full of life. She has her own unique style to life and is highly individual. She doesn't know me like 'Skis' but has counseled me a few times when no one else knew what to say. She never judges and is quick to light up the room with smiles and laughter. She is a lot like her dad that way and I have really enjoyed getting to know her. I think she is the coolest in every way possible and I know how much she has influenced 'Skis' too. They are close-like sisters should be and loves unconditionally. 'Skis' also has a younger sister 'Sandy' who is mentally and physically handicap. When I first met 'Sandy', I was really scared and I didn't know quite how to act around her. All I had to do was watch the way 'Skis' treated her and I knew instantly the love and protective nature my friend had for her sister. She is still like that today and it just illustrates her character farther. She treats her sister with gentleness and tenderness. Because of the genuine love I have seen 'Skis' give to her little sister, I have come to love her too-in my own way. 'Sandy' can't understand much but I will say this of her, she has a great laugh-the most wonderful sound.
          Next, come her brothers. The younger one 'The Ute Fan' is exactly like the older one 'Ronaldinho'. Both love coke, fifa, and soccer. They are extremely talented and cracking jokes twenty-four seven. 'The Ute Fan' is a joy to be around and is always up to play any kind of game or go on any kind of adventure. He looks up to his brother-you can tell he just idolizes him. He is a way talented soccer player but likes to play basketball and volleyball too. He is the snuggler in the family and likes to play cards and watch movies with 'Skis'. This kid is simply a joy to be around. His sarcastic humor-again dad related-makes anyone around him feel like the world is a better and more fun place. He brings laughter into my life and I love this boy-even though he is a freaking ute fan! I could state the facts about him all day: he is left handed, uses more gel on his hair than any girl I've ever met, loves to watch football with his dad, and takes care of 'Sandy' like a friend. But, what the facts don't tell you how much happiness he has brought into my life. Mere words can't express my gratitude for this kid.
          'Ronaldinho' is actually one of the original four from the Red House/PP Gang, and he is also the younger brother to 'Skis'. Having him come up to Snow this year was both exciting and scary. I had known him obviously, but I knew things were going to be different. I always prayed for his acceptance and was nervous about receiving it. 'Ronaldinho' is one of those people who is quiet until you get to know him. When I first met him I thought he was nice but I didn't see all sides of him until he came down here. Like his brother, he is a MASTER at soccer-literally he can go through five defenders like nothing. He is confident on the soccer field because that seems to be the one place he is sure of himself. It's strange though, his confidence seems to shrink down whenever we play volleyball, or basketball and I can't figure out why. He just started playing volleyball this year and he is a natural. He blocks, he hits, he serves (heck, he jump serves), and he digs. I wish there was a way I could make him see how talented he is in all aspects of his life-not just on the soccer field. He loves Harry Potter more than anyone I know and knows everything about it. He is so much fun because of this and has created a little wizarding world of our own. He knows every character, every spell, every book by heart. AMAZING!
          He is a spiritual giant-though he doesn't always show it and is truly the smartest person I think I have ever met.  He is intelligent and hilarious-slightly inappropriate at times but always entertaining. 'Ronaldinho' is a great listener and has let me cry on his shoulder more times than he should have. Whenever I am around him I just feel like God is giving me a breath of fresh air. He is one of those friends it would just kill you to lose. The person who can change everything with one compliment. He lightens the mood and creates laughter out of any conversation. 'Ronaldinho' is very good looking but is still VL-his innocence is completely charming. He has a twinkle in his eye and works hard at everything he does. He loves to bowl, read (LOVE this about him!!), play cards, eat, play sports, and takes naps like no one's business. He has become one of the BEST friends I have ever had and each day with him truly feels like a gift. What an impact he has made in my life and in my attitude. 
          He drives like a bat out of he!l and loves to jam out on any occasion. 'Ronaldinho' loves to have fun but is never too busy to help me with my homework. He does a lot for other people and despite his cocky nature on the soccer field, is a pretty humble person. His idea of cooking involves cereal and chow mein. He loves powerade and french fry's.  He is in love with Dr. Horrible and Nacho Libre-two completely fantastic movies (both of which he can quote in his sleep on any given day), and he appreciates Nacho as much as I do!! He is preparing for a mission and will make a fantastic servant of the Lord. I know he is going to be successful in whatever he chooses to do because he is one of God's favorites. He has a way of touching people that I doubt he recognizes and yet I know this will be very useful later on. He is a great friend and he really see's people. He looks you in the eye when you talk and acknowledges the things most people miss. 'Ronaldinho' you are much more than you seem on the surface. I love you dude. 
          Let me skip back to 'Skis' for a minute. I talked about her pre-college a little bit but I haven't even begun to do her justice yet. I came to Snow College for one reason and one reason alone: her. I thought going with her would make the adjustment easier and more fun-and I was right to a certain extent. Last year when we were Freshmen, things seemed to be better than ever. We weren't in High School anymore and while we did live in separate apartment complex's, we still talked and hung out everyday. We explored the exciting new world of College together and we learned a lot. We branched out and met new people but knew that in each other, the real joy came. I missed our families but I enjoyed having her to myself a little bit more. We grew very close and spent countless hours talking, doing laundry, playing sports, watching movies, and having sleepovers (you are NEVER too old for sleepovers). Her sad, happy, angry, irritated, overwhelmed, and excited chocolate is Hershey's with almonds.
          It was our Sophomore year that seemed to draw a wedge between us. I don't know if it was a series of personal crises that I was dealing with or the new and shiny boyfriend she acquired, but something was off and for a long time I desperately ached for things to go back to the way they were. I was confused and sad that things were changing but what I didn't realize was that they couldn't stay the same forever. Our relationship is much different than it ever has been right now, but it's not better or worse-just different. We have added a few more people to a more permanent part of our lives and I have had to learn how to share her-not my favorite thing. We have certainly had our up's and down's, but above all: I LOVE THIS GIRL. She is just solid. She is there for me no matter what and has dealt with so much of my crap that she should be awarded a medal of valor or something.  
          'Skis' loves to take naps. She loves to text, read (again....LOVE this), loves playing sports, but likes to get her nails done, is a master of hair, is very smart, loves Powerade and Burnt Almond Fudge Ice-Cream and never gets tired of a trip to McDonalds. She is a little insecure sometimes though she has no reason to be-she looks amazing in sweats for heaven sakes, and she loves watching chick flicks as much as I do. My brothers always used to tease us about getting together to read books-he would call us the book nerds, and I loved every second of it. 'Skis' knows more about me than probably any other person on the earth and yet she doesn't judge me. She never tears me down for my mistakes or bad decisions, she always encourages and lifts with her positive example. She is a choice Spirit and knows her divine potential and role as a daughter of God.  She has been there through every hard assignment, bad boyfriend, tragedy, success, and trial in my life. She knows me-this is my angel. 
          Last but certainly not least by ANY means is 'Trisky'. 'Trisky' is the last and final member of our original fantastic four. Though he went to our High School, it wasn't until he came to Snow that we really made a connection as friends. 'Trisky' is hands down the MOST random, MOST ridiculous, MOST sarcastic and awesome person I have ever known. Truly half of the things he says make NO sense whatsoever-and that's the greatest part. He makes a joke out of every single sentence spoken out loud and he does voice imitations that send you through the roof laughing so hard you think your stomach is going to fall off. He is in every possible way the burning candle we all feed off of. He is an extremely talented volleyball player and is pretty much good at anything he tries. He texts more than anyone I know and I haven't met a person yet who hasn't fallen in love with his bubbly and outgoing personality. 'Trisky' is the only one-besides me-out of our group who actually likes to dance. He has random hidden talents like hula-hooping, loves to skype, and loves all the music I never knew existed.
           'Trisky' just received his mission call to Germany and has changed dramatically since that time. Sometimes when it's just me and him talking, I see his real heart and his faith and I stand amazed. He is truly the best example and keeps us in check a lot of the time. He is inspiring and strong-his light shines wherever he goes and people know there is something different about him. That's what's going to make HIM a great missionary. He will have people coming to the gospel not because of his wit or humor-though that will probably work too, but because of his perspective. He see's the joy and laughter in life and helps spread it around at all times of the day. He has also been there for me through a lot and had to take on a  lot pretty quick when we were hardly friends. He listens and gives exceptionally great advice. He is perfectly content with sitting around and talking, but loves to go on adventures too. 'Trisky' is that one person who can change any mood or attitude by simply being himself. He can't sit still for a whole movie to save his life, but loves to have movie marathon's. He is always up for volleyball (LOVE this!), and a quick trip to Mav Pad. 
          'Trisky' is one-hundred percent addicted to facebook but can put a smile on your face via computer at any given moment. His status updates and posts can make the librarian laugh. He has shown me a new way of looking at life and has really helped me to stay positive through a lot of the circumstances surrounding this year. He is the person who puts over a hundred new songs on my i-pod and makes me love them instantly. He comes to our family sit down dinner's (at McDonalds? yes), but is friends with EVERYONE and their dog. He dances like a crazy white wanna be and sends absurd confusing texts. 'Trisky' is roommates with 'Ronaldinho' and they live at The Red House. He makes up a lot of our crazy team names for intramurals and has a whimsical unique wit. This boy is truly awesome. He loves Harry Potter as much as the rest of us and casts spells frequently. He makes random video's to post on other people's walls at three o clock in the morning. In summary, he is one of those people God puts in your life to remind you to smile. To him, I say thank you-truly you make all the difference. 
          That's the fantastic four of us. We started out as a volleyball team-'Thee Attack', and we became a family. These people are my BEST friends, my listener's, my comedian's, my playmates, my spiritual needs, my laughter, and always: my home. I have found a little place in the world where I belong with them and they make me feel as if someone in the world cares. I feel less alone when I am with them and I know I could turn to anyone of them for help with anything. We play cards, we watch criminal minds, we make cookies, we play sports, we talk, we LIVE. Oh what complete and utter joy I have found. The happiness in my life has come so much from being a part of this group-a true privilege and honor. I am lucky to call them my friends, I am proud to call them my family, and I am forever grateful just to call them mine. The Lord works in mysterious ways that's something I have really learned, but this is something that I never would have anticipated. He sent me the special one's-probably because he knew I couldn't do with anything less. Thank You! 
          As a few last minute late entries, there have been a couple of people who we have adopted into our group. The first one 'The Artist' is truly a gorgeous person on the inside and out. She is so freaking talented that it's almost disgusting. She can draw and paint like I have never seen anyone. She is 'The Artist' and that role defines her both as a person and as my friend. She is different from most and usually looks like she just stepped out of a magazine at any given time. Her laughter is contagious and her singing voice is sensational. The word talented just doesn't do her justice. I think of it like this...When everyone was in heaven and God was passing out the talents, she was first in line. She is so much fun to be around and loves to talk and joke. The next addition to our little family is 'Miss Sarcastic'. She is also a lot of fun to be around. She has a great sense of humor and loves to joke around with people. She has a way of talking that makes you smile out of the corner of your mouth before just bursting out. She is also really beautiful and talented. The thing I love most about 'Miss Sarcastic' is that she holds her own and is just one tough girl. It's hard to describe her in words for some reason, she is just one of those people you need to meet to fully appreciate. She plays sports, quilts, watches movies, and loves to eat f'real's at Maverick. She has made a GREAT addition to the Red House/PP gang and I have loved getting to know her. 
          So lucky am I for the people God has chosen to place in my life. People that I can call friends. This is the definition of the Red House/PP Gang. They are accepting, they are adventurous, they are hilarious, they are unified. I love these people and I hope that just a few kind words about them can show everyone else what they meant to me-the absolute world. I will truly and deeply miss the memories and family we have created this year. Snow College would not have been the same without them, my social life would not have been the same without them-I would have not been the same without them. To them, I applaud them. I applaud their life, their personalities, their kindness, their passion, and always, their trust in me. I hope for a better day because of them and I live in a beautiful place when I am with them. Thank you.