I am from hide and go seek with the whole family, freeze tag in elementary school PE, and 3 Schwinn bikes.
I am from playing in the mud whenever it rains, enjoying all of its brown, sticky, gooey messiness.
I am from building small crumbling sand castles in Mr. Turtle our green plastic sandbox.

I am from outdated hand me downs, faded denim overalls, and scuffed, stained, worn out  cowboy boots.
I am from one long pink church dress because “You don’t need two.”
I am from dress up with my blue tulle Cinderella dress and light up shoes.

I am from the  Odyssey of the Mind World Finals 2012-2013 team.
From pin trading with new people from other states and countries.
Michigan driving me crazy with its unusually cold weather.

I am from crunchy fried chicken, crisp green beans, and buttered mashed potatoes.
I am from a golden, brown sugar crusted, Honey Baked ham for Christmas because turkey is for Thanksgiving.
I am from Papa John’s greasy bacon pizza on busy nights.

I am from blowing out candles on a vanilla cake, devouring chocolate ice cream, and celebrating every birthday with close friends and family.  
I am from birthday presents are always optional to bring, but you always must take one.
I am from hand written thank you notes “to be polite to your guests”.

I am from collecting little seashells after storms.
From tanning on the white gulf shores under the blazing sun.
Santa Rosa Beach forever stands in my memories as the best      Spring Break ever.

I am from a big family, lots of friends, and only one God.
I am from the fun of VBS every summer to learn the ways  of the Lord.
I am from aunts, uncles, a grandma, and cousins gathering around the     table and praying before any meal.

I am from “You are my sunshine”, “We all live in a yellow submarine”,  and any Alabama song.
I am from “Let’s Hear It For The Boy”, “Don’t You”, and U2 because that’s Mom’s style.
I am from “American Pie”, “Hotel California”, and Sir Elton John because that’s Dad’s style.

I am from the huge St. Louis Zoo.
From crazy late night karaoke.
Illinois grasps my heart, always being my second home.

My story is like spaghetti.
Tangled and mangled, but great tasting in the end.
A thick tomato sauce smothering and drowning me in bitter-sweetness.