birthday girls

Two of my favorite friends had birthdays this past week. I was lame and didn't call either of them to wish them a happy day. But that doesn't mean I don't love them or that I am not grateful for their friendship in my life..

SUZANNE

Suzanne and I met in Spokane. We were only neighbors for 10 short months.. it's amazing how you can meet someone and they instantly become your family away from home. When they moved away, I wondered how I could cope in that cold city without them. It was hard, but we managed. It's been more than five years since then, and I still daydream about what life would be like to have them as neighbors again. Suzanne is such an incredible woman and friend. She is determined, energetic, hard-working, inspirational, playful, naturally beautiful, supportive and the best listener. I love talking to her because she never beats around the bush. Even if we've gone months without talking, we can pick up right where we left off. I've seen her twice since Simon was born... both times I ended up bawling my eyes out. I can usually fake my emotions in public and pretend that I am doing "well" for most people, but when I get around Suzanne, I feel like I can let loose and be myself... even if that means crying like a baby in a busy restaurant! She truly brings out the best in people because she is so comfortable in her own skin. She is such an amazing wife, mother, YW president, triathlete and friend. I feel truly grateful to have her in my life. The picture above was taken a couple of years ago when Suz and Jason came to Vegas for a quick visit. It's not often that you find a couple where the men get along just as well as the women do, but it was easy to do with the Poulsens. We love them and can't wait to have one (or two) of their girls as future daughters-in-law! Happy Birthday, Suzanne!

VALERIE

My only room-roommate in college is finally 30! Val and I met in high school and took our relationship to the next level when we went away to college. It took us a little while to get along... because we are both bold, outspoken and always right. But after a month or so, we realized it would be better to be friends than enemies. There's no use competing with Val because she's WAY funnier than me. She is quick on her toes, talented at everything she dabbles in, caring, sassy and so much fun to be around. Every time I see Ellen DeGeneres on TV, I think of Val... every single time. She has a way with words and casually feeds punch lines under her breath like it's nobody's business. Val and I have remained close since the good ol' college days. I love being able to call her late at night when our husbands are out playing sports. She and her husband bought their first home within walking distance of my parents. She is the ultimate homemaker and always has a recipe on hand when I need it most. She is such a great mom to two adorable daughters. She is an awesome photographer!

I have Val's creative photography skills to thank for many of my favorite family pictures:

And way back in the day, Val was behind the camera for our engagement photos.. which made it a lot easier for Aaron and I to be ourselves...

I love you, Val and hope you had a wonderful birthday. Welcome to the "30 and thriving" club... Everything is downhill from here!