The 50 most influential people.

So, you know how Time Magazine put's out a 50 most influential people issue? I feel like I could do an issue of my own. There have been a countless number of individuals in my life that have had an incredible impact on how my life has turned out thus far. There have been so many friends, family members, teachers, leaders, and even strangers have been extremely influential to me; a lot of them probably more than they even realize. About a week ago I went to lunch with one of my bestest friends Emilie (was Wilson & now is Nuttall). It was so much fun.

Side note: You know you have good friends when you can go for a while without seeing them, and when you do get together it seems like you've never been apart.

We met up at the Pizza Factory, and she brought her two DARLING little girls; Claire and Lucy. Did I say they are darling? Cause they are... Em's mom Leilani and one of our friends Lisa Mckell ended up coming to meet us there as well, and it was such a good time. We went up to Em's mom's new house after and just hung out and chatted for a few hours. I loved every minute of it.

After I left it really made me think about how Em and I became friends and what an impact she had on my life.

It all began here...

Yep. Timpanogos High School Drill team. I was a brand new little sophomore and Em was a Jr. My family had moved into our new house in Cher Apple a few years before and Em and I were in the same ward, but it wasn't until drill that we became super close. We were pretty much inseparable. We're talking Sunday dinners, school night sleepovers, and family trips. The both of us were blonde haired things and people always said we looked alike (believe me, i wish!)

So, why do I bring this up? Well, after hanging out with Em last week I got to thinking about what an impact she had on my life and although she probably doesn't realize it, I attribute a lot of who I've turned out to be to her.

You hear a lot about "what high school is going to be like," as your going in as a sophomore. The fun new senior boys, going to dances, driving, etc. I distinctly remember someone telling me how high school was the best because you got an hour and a half for release time, a.k.a seminary, and you could just leave and go get food and nobody cared. Ummmm...amazing. I signed up for seminary as my last class period of the day so, duh, I could leave school early. Now, don't get me wrong, I was a good little girl. I haven't ever been much of a trouble maker, and I liked church and all that. My thoughts of not going to seminary had nothing to do with not wanting to be there, but more so to do with the fact that I could leave and go play if I wanted.

With that being said, back to Emilie. Summer drill team practice was intense. 6:00-9:00 AM M-F with some Saturday practices as well. So, Em and I, (and the rest of the team) became super close over the summer. I remember when it was time for school to start Emilie had me come with her to the seminary open house. She said she knew my teacher, and he was awesome and she wanted me to meet him. His name was Brother Bartholomew, and she was right. Em took me in to meet him, and it was amazing how sincere and genuine he was right from the beginning. I was intrigued by the relationship that he and Emilie had, and how Em talked so much of how she loved seminary. Remember, at this point I was still thinking seminary took place at Einstein's Bagels down the street.

Long story short. Brother B and I became very good friends as well. He taught me so many things that year. I feel like I really learned what it meant to live and love the gospel. Emilie's example and testimony was a huge part of that as well. My sophomore year was a great push in the right direction. I had so many good influences in my life. My group of friends were all really good kids that had so much fun without making dumb choices. I saw firsthand what the power of a good example was. It was such a great spring board to where I have been led today.

Emilie is amazing. She is one of the most kind, honest, genuine, beautiful, driven, charitable people I know. She really has a light around her, and you can see love in her eyes. I will be forever grateful to her for her friendship and example.

Love you Emmie!! xoxoxo