La Casa

I love my little house.  It is delightful.  I love the white trim, my little office, my big windows, my cold hard wood floors which are perfect with slippers, the fact that there is color every where (even though I long for white in my living room), it's dreamy.  I am not sure what will become of our living situation once we say, "I do" but I know inevitably, my house will have other occupants and it will be nostalgic to drive by with our kids one day and tell them, "That's where Daddy proposed to Mommy."

Because of this fact, I cherish all the times right now when the house is neatly cleaned and a fire is going.  Here are a few pictures of the house all dolled up for Christmas time. 

While not overly Christmasy, my bedroom is finally complete so I had to share (minus knobs for my dresser).

A cute little ornament my parents got me for my Thanksgiving Eve gift.

These salad plates are so cute!  Also part of my Thanksgiving Eve gift, there are six which have the process of building a snowman, each one different.

My mentor from my first year of teaching gave this to me.  It is filled with notes from my first class and all of their pictures.  I read them every year, I loved those kiddos.

Cute little mini city from MBTweens, love it.

An inexpensive way to display all the Christmas cards we receive (this pic was taken a few weeks back in case you are wondering where your card is).

My dad has this set, I love it so he found one similar for me.

I had a difficult time deciding what to do with my mantel this year, so it isn't something I love per say.  I love all the pieces, just wanting something more cohesive.  The little manger scene was an engagement gift from Chris' parents.  Baby Jesus is missing, Chris' mom said we will get Him on our first married Christmas (kind of an ongoing joke from our first date).

A close up of the wreath I made for the mantel.

A larger version of our mini nativity scene.  My dad got me this one a few years ago.  It is made out of wood from Jerusalem.  I think it is beautimous.

And who could forget Jasper?  Here he is, enjoying his Christmas gifts.

Christmas Time is Here

It's a Christmas miracle!  My computer was simply needing a slight vacation as opposed to the death sentence I had written it.  Apologies for the posts back to back, but it is Christmas Eve and it just wouldn't be the same if I posted these after the fact.  So...

Feeling much like cattle at Silver Dollar City.

I L-O-V-E Christmas time, love it.  I love why we celebrate it, the togetherness which encompasses it, giving to others, the humility which seems to be brought as a result, I just really enjoy this time of year.  I also love the fact that this is my last Christmas with a Miss at the front of my name.  Chris and I started our relationship this time of year, so we have already started several traditions, and are sure to have more in the future.  Here are a few of our fun traditions, some new, some old:

• This year after spending some time trimming the tree and decking the halls, we enjoyed a nice sushi meal in front of the fireplace (and Elf on the TV).  I hope to continue this tradition next year =)
• On the night of Thanksgiving I have always watched Home Alone, Chris has entered in on this habit.  That Kevin gets me every time.
• I have also forced Chris to watch numerous other Christmas movies.  I would watch one every night if allowed, and if I could stay awake.

Traditions we intend to begin once we are married:

• I saw the idea of "Hope Notes" on a blog and just loved the idea.  At the end of the holiday season, the family takes time to write notes to other members of what they hope to see happen in the upcoming year.  These notes are tucked into each individuals stocking and packed away.  When the time comes to hang the stockings the following year, the notes can be read aloud to see what has been accomplished (and possibly bring some laughs along the way).  The notes can then be tucked into a journal to reflect on throughout the year. 
• It is very important to both of us to give to others.  While my overall prayer is we are able to do this year round, it always seems to tug at the heart strings a little more this time of year.  We have a few specific ideas of how we would like to do this in the future and Chris is excited to begin some next year.  He really is a great guy, I lucked out.
• There is always a real Christmas tree in the Boschen household.  I remember having one when we were young, but fake has always been our cup of tea.  After seeing my mom crawl under the tree to water it and the empty pathway to the tree in order to do so, as well as having a time limit for how long the lights could be on, I love my fake tree.  But, I also think of the Griswold's and their adventurous trip to seek out the tree which will overrun the living room and scorch Grandma's cat, that is what memories are made out of!  So, we will probably have a real tree for a period of time at least.
• Hot chocolate, whipped cream, and a candy cane, nuf said.  Drink sent from heaven this time of year and it will flow rapidly in our household.

There are some more sentimental jargon, but I won't bore you.  What are some of your festive holiday traditions? 

SIX MONTHS!

That's right folks!  Six months!  That just sounds so close it's crazy.  We are more than half way down on our engagement road.  I cannot believe it.  Not only does this weekend bring jubilant dancing in regards to six months, but tomorrow will be our two year anniversary.  The past two years have been wonderfully blissful and have really gone by quickly.  I mean, why shouldn't it when you have this guy to entertain you?

But, anywho... 

It is strange to think that this will be the last "anniversary" we celebrate on December 19th.  After this  year, our anniversary will be June 18, oh goosebumps.  To celebrate this occasion, we always reenact our first date; Christmas lights and McDonald's.  This year we decided to step it up a notch and are headed to Silver Dollar City tonight to see some epic lights and will hit up the crazy house on Luster and some double cheeseburgers tomorrow evening.  Ah, heavenly.

Christmas is right around the corner and then the New Year is among us.  This coming year is full of crazy wonderfulness. 

Mawage, Mawage is Whot Bwings us Togeder Tooday

Chris and I are very excited about our mawage.  We have amazing role models; parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, my sister and brother in law, friends.  With that being said, we know it is a lot of work.  I have heard from some that the first year of marriage is a walk in the park, others say it is a huge learning experience.  After we became engaged, I told Chris that I found it to be very important to go through premarital counseling with an actual counselor.  Our uncles will be officiating our wedding (more about the two of them on another post) and both live out of state, therefore having a consistent counseling plan would not have been possible.  Therefore, we have agreed upon a local Christian counselor who we will visit with at least six times between now and the wedding.
While we still intend to sit down and talk with our uncles about what we desire from our marriage and what we are/will do to work towards that, I am excited to sit with someone who is a trained counselor as well as Christian who can pick our brains.  I am a firm believer that if more couples participated in truthful, bold, fearless premarital counseling, there would be less divorces.  Both Chris and I have already agreed that once the vows are made, that's it.  So, we have a good seven months to really decide if we are ready to take those vows (I have no fear that we will not).  I know premarital counseling will not cure all of our problems, but will provide a setting for discussion so that we can work through it now.  However, I pray we are better equipped as a result of this.
So, all you young pups out there getting married soon (and I know there are several), I pray that you consider seeking marriage counseling or even finding a couple who has a few years under their belts who are willing to mentor you and be that bold sounding board.  One thing I am really excited about is the day where Chris and I are the more seasoned couple and are able to be there for a young couple (and all the bumps and amazingness between now and then).

The Time has Come to Weddify!

What is weddify might you ask?  Well, tonight ladies and gents I finished my LAST class of grad school.  That's right, no more teachers, no more books...  I have been working on my masters in counseling for two and a half years and I am d-o-n-e done!  Chris completed his second round of boards tonight (only one more, yay) so when he arrives into town from St. Lou we shall partake in ice cream to celebrate. 

Since I am finally done with school, it is time to allow myself to be more wedding minded.  I am sure it will still be somewhat subdued during the holiday season, but I am pumped nonetheless.  I hope to share some traditions Chris and I hope to have during this festive time of year throughout the month and continue to share some fun things about the big day as well as what is to come after.  So, get excited! (imagine someone saying that in a Kentucky accent, love me some Buggs)

First item on the to do list... crafting!  I completed my final summary on Sunday evening so after hitting up Michael's, Hobby Lobby, Dillon's, and Walgreen's on Monday night, I celebrated with a craft project.  My dear friend Danavee shared with me this idea and I jumped on it.

The problem with the candy cane look is I am not sure how to hang it, hence the "hanging by a string" look.

Not the best picture taking, but I think you get the gist.  Question now is with or without the white candy cane look?  I am leaning towards without.  If you would like to make your own, go to Danavee's site, she has all the links.

I love organizing and making things, but time has been obsolete for the past two and a half years.  But, not now!  And what better resource to put my craftiness desires to work than a wedding =)  I have ideas abounding and supplies already bought and in my spar-um (spare room).  Very ready to weddify!

On an unrelated note, I decided on a white mixer.  Still old fashioned looking but simple enough to match with anything.

Our Kitchen Needs a Vote

A few years back when my sister was married, my Grandma and Grandpa Arnold gave my sister a KitchenAid mixer.  Both of my grandmas love these mixers and feel they are timeless, so what better gift.  When Chris and I got engaged, my Grandma asked if that is what I would like.  I immediately said, YES!  I have always loved the look of these and I love to bake.  I find myself having these domestic like dreams of having an apron on and cooking a yummy dessert regularly and let's not forget some mashed potatoes.  While I know this is probably unrealistic, they are a nice focal point to a kitchen.  (I will be cooking, Chris will not starve, don't worry)

While I am excited to add this to my counter top come June, the color of my infamous mixer stands to be unknown.  I just can't decide.  Do I go with something that will always match everything, such as white or silver?  OR do I go with something more old school like aqua or pear?  I have no idea what our future kitchen will look like, and I know this mixer will be with us for years to come, but I just can't decide.  I am not the type that will match my entire kitchen around this one appliance.  I don't care if it doesn't match, to me that's half the fun. 

Therefore, I need some help.  Chris doesn't care, I promise I have asked him several times.  We do hope to have stainless steal appliances throughout the kitchen someday (i.e. several years from now).  What do you think?  Go bold or go home?  Or stick with something simple and classy?  So... here are some options:

I only included the silver, but the simple could be white, nickel, stainless steal, you get the picture.



Making Memories

One of the greatest things about our relationship, in my opinion, is how much we love spending time together and we have been able to do a lot of great things throughout our dating/engaged relationship.  Larger things, such as a trip to Orlando or Tennessee, rank just as high as the small things, ice cream dates and sushi take out.  A little while back, Chris and I were able to have a great weekend which I am sure will go down in the record books of memories to hold onto. 

Chris is in optometry school and they hold an annual "Eye" Ball to celebrate the fourth year students.  I was able to go last year and had a blast and this year was even better.  This is his fourth year, so the night was all about them.  They have all been separated since May for their rotations, so it was a blast to see them all together again.  I wasn't around for his undergrad years, but am blessed to have met so many great people from his grad school.  The girls have been so sweet to welcome me in and the guys are just hilarious.  Chris has great friends from high school and undergrad and now optometry school.  These are the people he will call when he gets a freakishly strange case at work and I have no clue what he is talking about, the group we will hopefully get to meet up with when an annual meeting comes up for the MOA, and let's never forget the golfing trips. 

Anyways, enough with the mushy and back to the "Eye" Ball.  It is always fun because we get to dress to impress.  It kind of feels like prom, only without the drama and I wasn't a fan of high school.  I won a free pair of frames and lenses (YEAH!) and Chris won a pair of sunglasses (something he doesn't need, but they were free so whatev).  Next time we are all together again, it will be graduation.  Crazy to think that I met this guy when he was just in his second year.  He has worked so hard and I am so very proud of him (and all of his friends for that matter). 



Jordan, Mark, and Chris



The great Laura



The Buggs, love them!

 After the "Eye" Ball, we headed back to the Bugg's house to get some shut eye.  We woke up pretty early the next morning and packed up his dad's SUV to move him home, another great memory.  We have had a long distance relationship from the get go, and it is just fun to have him here for 10 weeks!  It is going by fast, but it has been great to watch TV together during the week, go running, hang out before 8:30 on a Friday night... just great. 

Once the SUV was loaded up, we set forth to Columbia for the MU, OU game.  Chris is a crazy fan, seriously.  We don't miss games and I can be assured that through the entire game, his phone is glued to his hands and text messages are streaming in from his friend down in Texas, Andrew.  Making play by play comments and screaming the things via texting that I am sure I would hit him for if he said them to the TV.  The game did not disappoint and we were able to see his good friend Ryan and his wife Whitney in the process. 

So, as you can see, our weekend was chopped full of friends, fun, packing, dresses, and laughter.  Loved it.  As the count down to the wedding continues, it has been very nice to not have a life that revolves around a wedding.  Don't get me wrong, I am loving looking at blogs and dreaming and all that jazz, but its been nice.  School is wrapping up for me, only three more classes and a final before I am complete.  Which means, my list of blog ideas should be taking form sooner than later!  I will try to convince Chris to do a few guest post, we shall see.  Now we are off to a day of, what else, watching the MU game, cleaning my house (I am crazy excited about this) and putting up the Christmas decorations while eating some take out sushi (a new tradition we are trying out). 

Hello Out There!

Long time no blog, eh?  Sadly, not much has changed on the wedding front since the last post.  We do have our DJ booked, however this post will come later with a full blown survey of what you feel would be great music for our wedding.  So, be thinking about all those fabulous songs you can't help but dance to.

There is big news that is semi wedding related however...  Chris will be moving back to Springfield in a mere three weeks time!  Hip, Hip, HOORAY!!!  Friends and family are familiar with the bellowing I, Ashley, have broadcasted about being long distance for some time now.  Chris and I began dating in December, 2008 and every bit of it since than has been long distance.  It has been fun going up to St. Louis and getting away on weekends, as well as counting down the days until Friday when Chris would be driving home... most of the time.  But, I am SO excited to have a normal, in the same town, get to eat dinner together, sit and watch TV during the week, kind of relationship.  It will be saweet. 

I have been singing Annie to Chris for several weeks now (you know, "Together at last!  Together forever.  We're tying a knot, that nothin can sever").  Ten weeks of having the fiance at home sounds pretty swell.  Then, he heads off to KC for 16 weeks to finish up his rotations and I get to enjoy seeing my aunt, uncle, cousins, grandparents, and a few besties when I head up to visit.  YAY!

So, hopefully within the next few weeks I will have more time (2 months until graduation, thank you baby Jesus) to put into our little wedding bloggio.  Lots of ideas, lots of pictures, lots of sharing. 

Can you SEE the excitement!?!?!

Come and Get It!

I remember specifically the night of our engagement, when all is blissful and full of excitement, Chris made it quite clear that we would have GREAT food at the wedding.  Not good, great.  We will not be the couple who is so wrapped up in saying hello to everyone that our belly's are growling by the time we leave for the evening (we will be social, but have full intentions of enjoying the meal).  Chris and I want to sit and help ourselves to a good old, stick to your ribs kinda meal.  I threw out an idea to Chris that evening which he wrapped hold of and we contacted our caterer within the following few days.

Our wedding will be catered by Catering Creations!  Jason Conover, co-owner of this fine business, has catered several mouth watering meals at our church.  Pulled pork, chicken, green beans, salad, rolls, mmmm good.  Basically, our food will fit right in with our backyard wedding, bar-b-que!! 

Side note... our venue has a dinner bell which will be used at our wedding, this makes me smile.

CAKE!!!

I was ALL about picking out a cake lady for our big day.  I could eat wedding cake every day of the year and be oh so happy.  I quickly contacted two of my fine friends who I have held onto the memory of the taste of their wedding cakes.  Both of them used the same cake lady, so I took it as a green light to book her!  Our cake (actually cakes, we have six of them) will be made by the wonderful Sonja from Celebrations by Sonja. 

Her work is as delicious as it is beautiful.  I was so sad when I went to my appointment with her, however.  I had promised Chris we would go together for the whole trying out wedding cake experience, so we are holding off until November when he is in town and we can pick out some flavors then.  This didn't stop me from sitting down with her and sketching out my ideas and I must say, our cake table will be perfect.  I have begged my mom to purchase more than is needed because I want left overs, so we shall see.  The great thing is, Sonja throws in your cake topper for free so you are sure to have your dessert for your one year anniversary.  Just writing this post makes me want to convince Chris to order a cake for no good reason at all before our wedding, just because I love it that much.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words...

Within the past five years or so, when people I actually knew were getting hitched, one of the first questions after the engagement always seemed to be, "Who will photograph the wedding?"  Technically, my first project was to tackle was the venue, but only because I had a good idea of who would be our photographer, it was just a matter of booking.  I became familiar with Sarah Carter's work via some friends at work who were having their family shots done by her and my friend Danavee had her wedding shot by Sarah.  After showing her web site to Chris, my parents, and Chris' parents I had the go ahead and we had her booked!

We were fortunate enough to have our engagement pictures taken by Sarah and she did not disappoint.  It was great to become comfortable with how she worked.  While she banters back and forth with Whitney, Danavee, and myself via facebook, when it comes to picture time, she means business.  You could see her constantly looking around for perfect lighting and placement, trying new things, catching shots of us while we were just being casual, it was fun. 

I am very excited to see our photos from our wedding already.  If you are looking for a great photographer for your family, wedding, or if you just feel the need to see yourself on paper, I highly recommend Sarah Carter.

The Venue

I have always dreamed of an outdoor wedding.  I love all the natural colors, I love the fact that the reception can be blanketed with candles and Christmas lights, I love how you can move around, I just love it.  My mother however, not so much.  I secretly think she dreaded the day of my proposal because it would inevitably bring to reality how much I wanted an outdoor wedding.  I was pleasantly surprised by how she handled it and not once did she try to throw out any alternative location which included roofs and central air.  So, the hunt was on for an outdoor venue as soon as we were engaged. 

I checked out a few locations, but nothing was giving me that "wow" factor.  We are blessed to have several family members and friends so some were too small.  Others didn't fit my mother's checklist (there MUST be a back up if it rains and preferred it to be an already established area, not one that we had to mold from the ground up).  I felt like I contacted every recent bride and asked questions and looked all over the Internet.  One night my mom kindly lured me back to look at a place I dismissed because I felt it was too fancy.  I am going for a simple, laid back wedding and when I first looked at this location, I wasn't too sure about it.  She booked an appointment and asked if I would look at it with an open mind, knowing we could create it to be whatever my heart desired.  Mom always knows best!  From the moment we drove up the drive, my heart was sold and I knew this was where we would say I do. 

For more pictures, search for Tuscan Hill on facebook!

Chris and I will be getting married at Tuscan Hill in Strafford, MO, right outside of Springfield.  It is beautiful.  It encompasses everything I had in mind and we both love it.  Ceremony will be in the front yard, followed by the reception in the back.  This summer, 2010, is the first wedding season of the property, so it is fun to see all the wonderful things the owner is learning and adding to the venue which we will be able to enjoy.  I couldn't be more excited.  I ask now that every one begin praying for no rain on June 18, 2011 (and a cool breeze would be nice as well).  It is going to be a blast!!

The Wedding Party

The Ladies

Katie Parrish

Matron of Honor

Katie is my wonderful, beautiful, delightful sister and, most importantly, my best friend. Growing up together we had occasions of screaming but trumped these with several occasions of laughter and joy. It wasn’t until she moved out and left for college that I realized the influence she had over my life and I am forever grateful. She has taught me so much through her words, but more so through her actions. She is an amazing role model for a Godly wife and mother.  Katie and her husband Brian are currently located out in east Tennessee with their sweet little girl Kharis (and a new addition will be joining in February!).  Katie is living her dream as a stay at home mom, which I love.  We are always excited to get texts with pictures of Kharis or stories of her newest adventures.  I love my big sister and thankful to have such an amazing matron of honor.

Wirth…. I mean Ashly

Ashly and I met our freshmen year of college, lived together our sophomore year, and ended up in the same appartment complex for a period of time after college. Our memories are numerous including, but not limited to, Taco Bell runs, TV date nights, random practical jokes, stupid alarm clocks, Oprah, and lots of laughs.  She has such a genuine, caring, encouraging, way about her that you love her instantly. I love the fact that we have the same name and were “Wirth” and “Arnold” throughout college to our friends (and always will be).

Amy Broadhurst

Amy was another BFF from my college days. We met when Amy was a freshman and I was a sophomore and this little spitfire fit right in with our group of friends and we were instantly blessed by her presence. Her laugh is contagious and her laid back, yet extremely organized, mannerisms make me love her oh so much. Even though she headed back to Kansas City after college and I stuck around in Springfield, we keep in contact regularly and don’t miss a beat when we see each other.  Her smarty pants ways landed her a degree in ocupational therapy and she currently practices in Kansas City.  I always love hearing about her cases and admire how well she is doing so quickly.  I love me some Amster, what can I say?

Danavee Long

Danavee, Danavee, Danavee, how can you not love someone with a name like Danavee?!  Danavee entered into my life on a very stressful day, my first job interview! Luckily I was hired (I am sure the fact that I had on a dress that she owned helped in the matter) and we were placed down the hallway from each other. She instantly took me under her wing and through her, I was able to meet a lot of wonderful friends.  My teaching career has been highlighted with randomness provided from my great friend; an email that made me throw a breakfast sandwich, the infamous rat, Mr. Scarecrow, screams down the hallway, and so much more.  If I ever need a pick me up or great stern advice she is a few steps away and I love her for this fact. She has encouraged and pushed me so much through my growing up years after college and I am so thankful she was placed in my life. She is one amazing lady.  Danavee, her husband  Kenny, and their dog Sir Chester live in Springfield in there newly remodeled bathroom and kitchen home. =)

Christa Rupar

My lovely friend Christa was placed into my life during grad school. We sat by each other in our first class and quickly began to cultivate a friendship that has grown ten fold in the past two years. She is beautiful inside and out and we often talk about convincing our husbands to place us in the same zip code for their own sanity purposes.  I have loved getting to know her husband, Ryan, as well.  It always tickles me that he cooks and serves us when I go up to visit and refers to us as the "bopsey twins" (whatever that means).  Christa is an amazing servant and her love for the Lord shines through everything she does and says. I love having such and amazing role model my age that is walking beside me through these big steps in life. Christa and Ryan currently live in Joplin, although I pray daily he will mover her closer, with their dear old Montana. 

Erin Boschen

I was blessed to meet Erin and her great group of friends while I was working in the high school department at our church and quickly latched onto her personality.  Along with her friends, we enjoyed several movie, TV, hang out nights at my house and it has been so much fun to hang out with such a fun, outgoing, loud, and blunt little Boschen.  I will always love the fact that I knew her before Chris and she was the one who felt we would be a good match.  With all that being said, I am so excited for Erin to be my little sister. I genuinely enjoy hanging out with and talking with her and she is an all around great young lady. Erin heads up to my alma mater, SBU, to play soccer this coming year.  I am excited to see what her future holds, she is pretty swell =)

The Gents

Jeff Boschen
Best Man

Jeff has been the best brother I’ve ever had…it also helps that he is the only brother I’ve ever had but I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. Jeff is a great friend and as we have both gotten older we have really enjoyed spending time with each other. Whether it’s tennis, board games, or Jeopardy we always have a great time competing with each other. He is literally the smartest person I have ever met and is currently working on a degree in chemistry at Truman State University, after which I’m sure he will go on to do great things. I’m really blessed to have Jeff as a brother and to have him be a part of our wedding.

 

Bryan Otradovec 

 Bryan and I have been friends since we were in the 2nd grade and I’m quite sure he hasn’t stopped talking since. Anytime I hear my phone ring, it’s a safe bet to put your money on Bryan. We grew up together through junior high and high school and have shared many great times together. Bryan has always been there for me when I needed him and has an easygoing attitude that allows him to strike up conversation with anyone he meets. Bryan has been married to his wife Shannon for 2 years now and they live in Springfield with their Siberian Husky, Mia.

Andrew Guthrie

Andrew and I became friends during my sophomore and his freshman year at Mizzou. We even decided that we could tolerate each other enough to be roommates together for the next two years. Andrew thinks he is never wrong and I think he is never right so as you can imagine our arguments never came to a quick end. Our friendship was very George Costanza and Jerry Seinfeld, in that our meaningless conversations went on far too long and never ended with anything productive. We spent many weekends yelling our lungs out at basketball and football games only to recover during the week so we could do it all over again. Andrew has a great desire to serve the Lord in all that he does and is officially the second smartest person I know (sorry Jeff still has you beat). He has been one of my best friends for the last 7 years and I know we will continue to stay close. He is currently attending law school at Baylor University and will graduate in May of 2011 and will inevitably pursue a career that requires other people to listen to him talk.

Brandon Snider

Brandon and I go back to the days of little league baseball and Mighty Might football. Summer nights were spent at Earl Smith’s backyard baseball field doing hitting drills and being reminded continually not to sit down in the grass because it was swarming with crocodiles. All through elementary school, junior high, and high school Brandon and I have been close friends and spent tons of time together. I’ll still always wonder what part of his brain was not programmed right to make him an Atlanta Braves fan instead of a St. Louis Cardinals fan, but I’ve been able to look past that all these years. Brandon has always been a hard worker and I admire that quality in him. Brandon just recently graduate from the physician’s assistant graduate program at Missouri State and currently lives in Fort Gibson, OK with Allison his wife of 3 years and their Puggle, Gibbs.

Ryan Bandermann

BANDERMANN! If I had to describe Ryan it would be hardworking, dedicated, and trustworthy. Ryan and I started hanging out during my sophomore year at Mizzou and have been friends ever since. We spend lots of time on the Rec. football field and in the gym-playing pick up basketball games. Ryan was even there to listen to me scream in pain as I shredded my ACL during a flag football game and even helped work out the cramp that hurt surprisingly more than the tear did. Ryan was right there alongside Andrew and I during some exciting and frustrating Mizzou football and basketball games. Ryan graduated from Mizzou with a Masters in Physical Therapy and currently lives in Cape Girardeau, MO with his wife Whitney and their Boston Terrier, Kegan.

Jordan Jones

Jordan has been my roommate for the last 3 years as we both attended Optometry School in St. Louis. From the very beginning we have gotten along great and it has been great to have a close friend to get through all the tests, practicals, and boards over the past years. Fortunately we have had plenty of time for the finer things in life like long hot days out on the golf course. I would like to contend that when it comes to our golf games we are dead even but recent outcomes would suggest that I’ve fallen off pace a little but that is sure to turn around. Jordan is a blast to be around and has the kind of laugh that makes everyone around him laugh right along with him. He has a big heart and I know we will remain close friends throughout the years.