You and I: Happy Birthday Nancy!!

Today is Nancy Knight's birthday. I wanted to take a few minutes to tell you followers of this blog why I love this woman so much.

When I first met Nancy I was 17 years old. A bunch of our friends met up at the Knight's house to play a game. It was one of those games that one person had to leave the room while the others discussed the plot against that person. Anyway, I was "IT," so I went into the room that the other "IT" people were going. It was a sewing/craft room, and Nancy was in there making a quilt. When I walked in, she asked who I was. I told her my name, which was followed by her saying, "Oooooohhhhhh....you're Jeanette." From that day forward, I knew I was intimidated by her. I wanted to prove to her that I made Craig happy. Of course, life happens. I wasn't always the best at making him happy. I "Dear Johned" him on his mission, I got engaged to some guy then broke up that engagement, started dating Craig when he got home from his mission, and I broke his heart multiple times after his mission. I think while those years were happening, she wasn't my biggest fan. Looking back, I would say it was my period of finding myself. Craig and I stayed close throughout it all regardless. He never gave up on me. He stood up for me and told his parents he wanted to be with me forever. It was meant to be.

Jump ahead to New Year's Eve 2009. Craig proposed. I feel I leaned on the help of Nancy so much when planning our wedding. I cannot EVER thank her enough for her help. She has been such a strong role model for me in that she is so generous. I hope to serve as she does. Our wedding was on such a beautiful day and such beautiful miracles happened. I felt the confirmation that this family, the Knight family, is where I am supposed to be forever.

Nancy is such a fantastic mother. She supports her children with love and kindness regardless of their mistakes and bad actions. When I found out I was pregnant, I was so nervous to tell Nancy. I knew I had some big shoes to follow with her and my own mother who has always sacrificed for my happiness. I could tell the monetary need to raise a child was Nancy's biggest worry for us. We have struggled. We have needed help financially. Doug and Nancy have stepped up to be an incredible support and help to us. It is so humbling to know they love us and want us to be okay.

Nancy is a perfect grandma. She told me that she didn't want to be in the delivery room when I was delivering Noah. When it came time to start the pushing, she stayed with my team of cheerleaders. I can see the intense love she has for Noah. It makes me so happy that he is so loved and will always be taken care of.