Top 5 Tuesday - Influential People

I've been meaning to link up for awhile now to "Supernanny, Where Are You" and her Top 5 Tuesday. There have been several of these over the past few weeks that have caught my eye - like the Top 5 Places you love to shop (definitely would have listed Ann Taylor Loft and the Banana Republic OUTLET), or your Top 5 movie soundtracks (Moulin Rouge and Forrest Gump would have made my list), or last week's Top 5 asking all about how you got into this crazy, comment-addicted world of blogging & to link to your very FIRST post. (Oh my gosh...I can't believe I just linked that. Totally embarrassing.)

Seriously, I had no idea what I was getting myself into...and yes, I admit, I am slightly addicted. Right now I should be doing dishes, folding laundry, planning my story time and seminary lessons for this week, but instead, I am blogging.

My justification?

I haven't post anything in ALMOST A WEEK, and Noah is distracted with Play-Doh and fruit snacks right now so I'm seizing the opportunity. And this week's Top 5 is kind of sentimental (and you all know what a sap I am)...so here I go!

This week's question:
Who are the top 5 most influential people in your life? Who has helped define who you are, and why?

(DISCLAIMER: I know I will not be able to answer this as completely and thoughtfully as I'd like to with Noah running around all over the place. I'm also not sure how to narrow it down to just five people, but I'll give it a try.)

1) My mom - This is a given, I know, but since becoming a mother myself, I more fully understand the overwhelming influence a mother has on her children. She instilled a love for reading in me at an early age. She gave me a journal when I was barely six years old which fostered my love for writing. She shared her love for music by teaching us silly songs, belting out top hits together on our "Singing Machine", having me take piano lessons, and performing show tunes with her brothers and sisters at family reunions. She's taught me about faith, forgiveness, and overcoming obstacles in life...and I know I still have a lot to learn.

2) My dad - My dad has always been my biggest cheerleader, although he probably wouldn't appreciate that phrase very much...sorry, Dad. :) He took me to my first audition when I was six years old. We were even in "The Marvelous Land of Oz" together. He went to every single one of my plays and chorus concerts. Even now, at 31 years old, he'll tell me, "You know, Kelli, you should try out for American Idol." AS IF....and I've missed the age cutoff. darn...hahaha :) He still reminds me of the art contest I won when I was in first grade - "You remember that picture you drew of Cinderella and her carriage?" Unfortunately, I only inherited about 5% of my dad's artistic talent, but he's always willing to draw things for me whenever I need them whether it was a sign for my first classroom, a castle for Abby's b'day party, or a huge golf course mural in Noah's room. My dad would truly do anything for his kids.

3) My husband - We met on Halloween night, almost 13 years ago. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought we would have been married eight and a half months later, especially since I was only 19 years old. (GASP! I know.) We worked our way through school together. We built a home together. We've created a family together. And here we are 12 years later...still learning, still growing, still together.

4) My children - I never understood the depth of a mother's love until I became one. Since having my children, I feel like I have learned so much about gratitude, patience, faith, and unconditional love. Abby and Noah make me want to be a better person, a better mom, a better friend. They appreciate the simple things in life. They have such faith. They are so quick to forgive when Mommy's patience runs thin. They are always so willing to give a big hug and say I love you. They teach me so much every day. I'm so grateful that they are mine.

5) Wow! I can only pick one more? I can't do it. There are many people that have influenced my life for the better...my brothers, sisters, step-parents, friends, teachers, grandparents, students, church leaders. I have been fortunate to know so many genuinely good people and for that I feel truly blessed.