Happy Birthday VEETCH!

I don't typically do birthday tributes for people other than Randy, Hank and Max but today I'm making an exception for Sarah. Don't be mad if I haven't given you a birthday post...she has totally earned hers. Over the past 20 months of my blogging life she has left a comment on EVERY single post (over 132) and is usually the first one. So my dear sister...this is for you! We have come up with many names for each other over the years. They make no sense to anyone else but Sadonoveech, Francis, Veetch, Modon, Thuthe, Mug, Weech, Pal , Joseph, Man, Moletoe, and Sis all come to mind as terms of endearment I use for her. I don't know what I did to deserve a sister like Sarah but I can tell you right now, no one (except Kate of course) has a sister like me! Her faithful blog comments are just one indicator of the kind of friend she is. She has been my #1 fan my entire life and given me unwavering support through every single phase I've entered. She truthfully makes me want to be a better person everyday.

Unfortunately (or fortunately) I don't have a scanner because I could post some hilarious pictures from the past. I don't remember a time Sarah and I haven't been the best of friends. I'm pretty sure we played house and school well passed an acceptable age! As the years go by we still manage to act like small children. Case in point...the slip n' slide this summer.

We had no problem kicking the kids off the slide so we could go balls to the wall!

Or, act a fool on this miniature motorcycle.

We've played similar roles in life such as teachers pet at Highland Elementary, Clogger of the Month, Student Council Vice Pres. at Mr. Ridge Jr. High, supportive girlfriend to a missionary, and blushing bride. However, our latest role as mothers has to be my favorite yet. I love watching Sarah be a mom to Jack. She was born to be a mother. She has handled it with grace and ease like I knew she would. Not to mention the role she plays as aunt to my kids. They absolutely adore her! Through the ups and downs of motherhood, there are some days when our meaningless conversation is the only thing that gets me past the tantrums and sleepless nights. Sarah has a way of making me feel like everything is going to be alright. Just simply meeting at Target or Costco, going to lunch at JCW's, or hanging out while Hank is at preschool soothes my soul. I know the second we head our separate ways it will be approximately 5 seconds before we pick up our phones and call each other. We have the hardest time separating!

We are fortunate enough to be married to men who understand our relationship and aren't intimidated or threatened by it. They see that they have happier, more emotionally stable wives if they just walk in the other room as we discuss the latest drama on Days of Our Lives at length!

So to my dear sister/best friend/therapist/comedian/teacher/child psychiatrist/spiritual councilor and professional blog commenter...my heart is full of unwavering love for you! Happy Birthday Pal! Have the most incredible 26th year ever!
And, I am officially the first person to wish you Happy Birthday...notice the time this was posted.