My mom — the person who knew me before I knew myself. She embodies elegance, grace, honor, beauty, cleverness, and unwavering love. Growing up, I never realized how great a mom I truly had. Creating custom-made popcorn and bubblegum hats for Crazy Hat Day, showing up to school functions, teaching me how to do life, helping with school, catching while I practiced pitching, being there when I needed her — and even when I didn’t. Valentine’s Day baskets. I thought nothing of it until I became an adult. When I talk about my childhood, so many people have told me, “You had a really good mom,” or “…hmm, yeah, my mom never did that.” People who knew me as a kid now tell me, “I don’t think you know this, but you had a really good mom. Sabina was amazing.” And honestly, at the time, I didn’t know it. My mom never boasted, and I know for a fact that she never got the recognition she earned and deserved. I am who I am today because of my mom. I love you, Mom.

“I mean, I would throw you in the air as high as I physically could,” is what my dad says when he talks about throwing me up in the air at my grandparents’ house. “…higher than the roof of your Granddaddy and Grandmother’s house.” Most people would think that my memories with my dad deal with softball, and that’s true — but there are so many more. From crying to my dad in the garage because I couldn’t remember my spelling words and saying, “It’s not fair that I don’t have a photographic memory,” to calling him to see if it was a good idea to go to Mexico, or calling him when I got broken up with. My dad is my dad, and there is only one man I would ever want to walk me down the aisle. I love you, Dad.

Amber, a criminal psychology major, has been my sister for 30 years. Before she was born, I remember wanting to name her Littlefoot from The Land Before Time — needless to say, she was not named that. Amber is not opposed to flipping someone off a porch. Some of the best memories I have with Amber are from when we lived together. I know this is cliché, but she has helped me more times than she is even aware of, and for that, I am truly indebted to her. She has a compassion and protectiveness for her family that is unmatched. I love her, and I would — and have — picked her to stand right next to me time and time again, no matter the occasion. She’s beautiful inside and out.

P.S. Amber saved the engagement photo shoot. Everything I was wearing came from her closet.

A little Angel sent from heaven in the form of my niece.

Celi is an avid reader, a history nerd, and has a thirst for learning and a deep love for family. I met Celi while teaching, when Frankie put my classroom next to hers. From chaperoning school dances, impromptu trips to Winstar, queso incidents, QT runs, birthday parties, anniversaries, trainings, parking lot incidents, nail appointments, holidays, and at times straight foolery — Celi has been there. She’s been there through the rough and tough times, as well as the joyous ones, but I guess that’s what family is for. It’s gang gang for life.

Where do I begin? Well, Shalisa and I met while we were both going to school at LSU–Shreveport in either 2011 or 2012. I have zero idea how this friendship cultivated; however, it has lasted over a decade! Shalisa has a vivacious personality and is always true to herself. I am so grateful that she has chosen to stand by my side on this day and for her friendship throughout the years.

Let’s see, I met Bethany shortly after graduating college and moving back to Arlington. Bethany has a vast knowledge of anything related to reading or books. We have had adventures together ranging from celebrating my sister’s birthday by “Wigging Out” to going over and having game night. I’m so very excited to have her stand by my side.

Frankie is magical — not my words, but so fitting. There when you need her and even when you don’t! A wealth of knowledge ranging from mechanics, showing cows, makeup, cooking, hunting, cruising, fashion, demoing, DIYing — and I’m sure I’ve left off things. Frankie has the “get it done” mentality. She is the friend I didn’t know I needed or wanted. It’s been a blessing having her in my life.

P.S. Frankie is the reason I was able to send out the wedding invitations on Valentine’s Day.

Senia is a freckle-faced whirlwind of joy! She brings poise and grace to everything she does. Watching Senia grow from a frizzy-haired ball player to a beautiful, athletic scholar has been a blessing. I am so excited that she gets to share this moment with me, considering I have been a part of so many of hers!

Hope is an avid bowler. She spends most of her time working with kids who have autism. Hope and I first met at a softball all-nighter tournament, and from there we just never stopped talking. From nail appointments, softball tournaments, parking lot incidents, and random nights out — if I’m down, then Hope is down. I couldn’t ask for anyone better to stand by my side.

Josh Chaves Junior has been making it snow in my classroom since before he was in school. JJ is an avid band player and has a deep connection with the Lord. He is kind, respectful, responsible, hardworking, and his comeback game is strong. I am so pleased to have him take on the responsibility of an usher.