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There are few people in my life I feel really “get me”. The kind of people who  can finish my sentences before I do, better yet, know my thoughts before I even express them. These people pass no judgements and respect my feelings and thoughts wholeheartedly. They listen when I talk, show empathy when possible, love me unconditionally, and seek to understand instead of “fix”. I call these people my “therapy friends”, the ones I turn to when I need to see something outside the box, while still being accepted and loved. I have one of these friends in almost every corner of the earth: New York City, London, California, Arizona, Kansas, and Utah (just to name a few…). When I visit said locations I always schedule some “therapy”.

Some of my Utah therapy comes from this friend, Liza. (She is the person we considered naming our daughter after, but the NYC therapy beat her out… ;)) Liza and I met a few years ago here in California. I knew she was going to someone special to me immediately, our bond is way more sisterly than friendly. I love so many things about Liz, namely her perspective, and her humor. I believe a lot of things could be less complicated in life if we approached them with humor. Liza makes me laugh, and that is good therapy. She also understands my heart, good therapy too.

She is lovely, in every aspect of the word:

lizaeyesblogbetterShe is the type of friend you want to invite everywhere, who can make even the dullest party bright; the friend who makes you smile at just the thought of her. She lives too far from me, that’s for sure. I love discussing, almost anything with her, but especially her ideas on being true to self, accepting who we are as people, and raising children. She (and her husband Tom), are raising two: a set, a pair, a couple. Jackson and Aspen are two really neat kids:

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We met Jack when he was 18 months old. Funny story about Jack and Jaren. One night, Tom was out of town on business and Liz had an appointment she needed to be to. I was at open house and was unavailable to watch Jack. Jaren offered to have him over to our place. Liza’s appointment was late; Jack was already tired. Jaren did the best he could, but wondered why Jack-Jack kept rubbing his head on the couch and crying. What could it be? Hungry? Bored? For some reason, tired never crossed his mind. I don’t really remember what he did in the end, but Liza told us later  that when he got tired he rubbed his head on the couch, pillows, floor, etc. We always new Jack was going to be as charismatic as his parents. He is as handsome as them too:

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This is a great Jack story: He is thin. I will just get it out there. His parents are both extremely athletic. A few years ago Tom really got into running and now he races and competes in triathlons. Anyways, one day as Tom was getting ready for a run Jack decided he wanted to accompany him. Liza could hear him rustling through the clothes in his room getting his “running clothes” on. He came out in his Utah Jazz jersey and his Build-a-Bear shorts, turned around backwards, you know, so the tail hole was in the front. Oh, and he didn’t have underwear on. Needless to say, Jack had some extra cooling in the Southern regions on his little jog with Dad. 🙂

He is sweet.

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Liza told me to not talk to Penny when we met. She told me to ignore her. True story. Yes, I told you she was a good parent. Liza and Tom are two of the most gregarious people I know, full of life, energy, excitement, and humor. Their daughter Penny is more on the shy side, she operates a little bit better when no one really notices. Liza told me, “It is interesting having a child so different from yourself. My hope for her is that she grows up being comfortable in her own skin, whatever type if skin it may be.” I loved that. 

I could never ignore Henny Penny:

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It didn’t take her long to start laughing, and being silly. I think that is cool too. Inside every child, shy or not, there is a silly little person who loves to smile and laugh like all the rest.

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She is adorable:

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Together they make a perfect balance.

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Speaking of balance, I have always really admired Tom and Liza for their great relationship and the open communication they have with each other. Together they are really something special.

I love this image:loveitlizandtomblog

 

I really liked this one. I thought the grain was cool, the bokeh awesome, and the moment unposed and fresh. I just thought it was distinctive and cool:

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And this is Tom, I should have formally introduced him in the beginning. (Sorry, T!) He rides bikes, swims in oceans, runs on trails, and is great with money. He is good and nice.

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He is also a phenomenal dad:

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And Liza, an outstanding mom, one I admire and truly look-up to (even if she does tell you to ignore her kids…:)):

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And together they make one of my most favorite families…ever. Liza, Tom, Jack, and Penny may you continue making each other and this world feel love, comfort, joy, understanding, and laughter. Liza, may you continue offering therapy, for free. 😉 

I love you all very much. Thanks for the time together- Kam

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