I am glad to be getting older. I think the years keep producing a better version of myself, and there is a lot of life still to be lived and memories to be made. As I reflect though, I have had many highlights over the years. Here are a few that come to mind in celebration of living a wonderful 27 years!
0-1 Born into an amazing family and the most loving parents. Got my name: Savanah Hope Verbeek.
2. My first memory: my dad saving me as I choked on a penny. Dad's are pretty handy at saving kids.
3. My baby brother was born. I wanted his name to be Brady, but I'm glad he's Cody. I remember the day he was born. I woke up to grandma Verbeek my parents bed. I was excited to be a big sister.
4. My baby sister was born! Life wouldn't have been soo colorful without my little sis around. Kassia, my little assia. I remember The first time I heard her cry in the hospital- it was funny sounding and we all laughed. She has brought us all so much joy.
5. I met my first friends, Brandon and Chelaine through the backyard fence. I also had a hand-me-down Pauple (so?) backpack ( a strange, alien looking teddybear thing) that was my pride and joy.
6. I learned to ride a two-wheeler. Showed my dad what I had learned after he got home from nightshift, in the dark street of our crescent at midnight. I waited up for him waaaay past bedtime.
7. We moved into a new house that my dad built with his bare hands. He is my hero. I got to go to a new school and ride the bus with my cousin Marissa.
8. My mom became my best friend. I thought I had no friends in grade three, but I always had her.
9. I got my first acoustic guitar, named "the paddle". I developed my first inappropriate crush on my guitar teacher Kevin.
10. I had my appendix out and was showered with sympathy. I also had my own little mini me who would follow me around and drive me nuts.... But secretly I loved it.
11. My family went to BC for the first time with our cousins, Jerrett and Craig. One of my favorite family vacays of all time!
12. I had my first kiss from the neighbor boy! Although it was much more like an experiment. Afterwards he scrunched up his face like he had kissed a frog so I threw leaves at him. So not like the movies! Also, my sister wrote me a secret note in my diary telling me she looked up to me. Her notes are always so thoughtful.
13. I got my horse Raven and had many equestrian adventures. The day I brought him home is one of my favorite memories. My mom also painted my bedroom this year. She spent a few weeks hand painting an amazing garden scene and made my room look like it was from a magazine. That room was my pride!
14. Our family went to Mexico and had an amazing time. It was there I realized I wanted to become a teacher. 14 was also the year I cruised around with my cousin and best friend Brianne, who got her license, and rocked 99 Red Balloons with the windows down in freezing weather.
15. Unknowingly, I met my future husband in the high school music program. 15 was also the year my brother tricked me into thinking he was nice. One day, when I was studying hard, he surprised me with Pringles, which turned out to be farts in a can.
16. Sweet 16. My Mom and Dad bought me an emerald guitar (my birthstone color) and I started to get into music. I also remember a beautiful letter my mom wrote. I am so lucky.
17. Experienced first love. Sigh. Also incredible friendships. I will never forget the Albino Rhino cake from Brianne and Josh, or the sea monkeys.
18. I'm pretty sure this is the year my dad stopped tucking me in after he got home from night shift. It's not the fact he stopped, but the fact that for 18years he made sure her tucked his kids into bed each night, even if he wasn't home for bedtime. This year I also started university, and the art of taking the long way round.
19. Started a band and dating my love Steve! Also became really close with my cherished friend Kessia, an answer to a lifetime of prayers.
20. I moved out on my own into a basement suite with random Asian roommates. I never had to borrow money or move back home. Yay I'm an adult! Also, I believe this is the year my brother introduced us to his love Tessia, who has become a beloved part of our family.
21. Steve and I travelled to Mexico to visit an orphanage and I worked with special needs kids. I also took a step back from school and my parents were supportive. They believed in me and knew I'd go back. I couldn't have done it without their faith in me.
22. I got engaged! I also spent the year in my favorite apartment on Jasper ave, learning about myself and growing with my family. My sister and I became closer and we made great memories.
23. The year I walked down the aisle, holding the arms of my parents who have given me an amazing life. I was welcomed by the most incredible family, a mom and dad in-law who are like second parents to me and love me just as I am.
24. An amazing year of traveling to England, and enjoying life with a supportive husband who helped me go back to school and achieve my dreams. Also a great year for music with Nathan Carroll, who has been a mentor and helped develop me as a musician and songwriter. Steve and I are so grateful for Nathan and Heidi, and their lovely kids.
25. Steve and I celebrated gaining two new in-laws, Andrew and Chanda, adding lots of love and fun to our family. Steve and I also took a second honeymoon to the Dominican. My little sister bought a house and got engaged, which made me very proud.
26. I finally graduated! My first niece was born (sweet Katelynn). I also celebrated two weddings as the maid of honor for Kessia (woot woot Vegas!) and Kassia's (woot Dominican!) I also gained a sister in law, Michelle. I began my traveling adventure with Steve, to see the world and how other people do life. It has been amazing.
27. My favorite part so far has been waking up and knowing that back home, people are thinking of me and sending their love. I am so blessed!
Also... The surprise hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia at sunrise wasn't to shabby either...
Thank you to all the people in my life that have challenged me, cared for me, and given such a rich life. Thank you to God who has had his hands in it all. 27 is going to be an amazing year!
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