my best friend from high school and i were talking yesterday about the people who have influenced our lives without even knowing it. she said my mom was one of hers, because of something she said many years ago. i started thinking about people who have influenced my life outside of the obvious (mom, grandma, dad). i have a pretty good sized list, but i know i left many off of it. i'll probably think of them the minute this posts.

1. my kindergarten teacher, mrs. sandsted. she was beautiful and nice, and she hugged me tight one day when a boy made fun of my homemade polyester pant suit. that was back in the days when teachers could actually hug kids without getting in trouble. i was influenced by her kindness.

2. a girl named shannon, who went to grade school with me. she got pregnant in 7th grade and had the baby. she held her head up high every day and never once let the world see how scared she must have been. i was influenced by her courage.

3. my best high school friend, whose life has been like a soap opera. look at her now. i'm influenced by her grace, her faith and her friendship. and her cooking skills.

4. a guy named mark smither. he was my first "mentor" and taught me why some headlines suck and some don't. hearing his name always makes me smile. i was influenced by his ability to make the best of me.

5. a man named doug lee, who is an example of someone who can live by faith and still walk in the world. i am influenced by his light.

6. my friend anne. she can out-martha martha, and she taught me the value of quality, simplicity and using bleach wherever necessary. she also gave me my first bible, and is someone i think of often. i am influenced by her attention to detail.

7. my sister-in-law kathy. she's amazing and beautiful and absolutely full of life. she's my role model for raising boys, and for honoring mother nature and making the most of every day. i am influenced by her coolness.

8. my bobbi. she's the most talented person i know on this planet, and she knows me inside and out. i was influenced by her the day i met her, and the reasons change daily.

9. the woman in church who lost a son. she manages to smile every day. i am influenced by her strength.

10. this may fall into the "expected" role, but my husband is the person who makes the biggest influence in my life. he never says a bad word about anyone. i've never met a man who loves his kids more. he is good at absolutely everything he tries. he is not a quitter. he's also humble and kind and patient and best of all, he loves me and isn't afraid to say it. i am influenced by his constant good moods and his ability to put up with me.