everybody needs a friend

Were those too many pics of the same thing? Their expressions were adorably different in each one, I promise. Go look again...

Kathryn is a girl who is always trendy and fashionable and put together. Even in her pjs. Even in this last pic taken AFTER my Bodycombat class in her Lululemon threads. While I was busy sweating buckets and trying to keep my mic from sliding off my face, she barely perspired. I think she hangs out with me, because I (in my sad "comfort-over-fashion-even-if-it-makes-me-look-fat-and-homeless" mantra in life) make her look downright glamorous. But it's cool. I am okay with being the fashionista's wing person. Especially if it means I get to hold her baby. Because, you guys! This baby! My tiny, cuddly, nose-kissing kindred spirit. He makes me feel loved. Surely he doesn't do this for all the ladies...

EZ is so happy when he gets to see his rosy-cheeked friend, Quinn. His eyes light up with joyful recognition. And on this bright, sunny Texas afternoon on the porch swing, you've never seen two more content one-year-olds. Everybody needs a friend.

while the boys were out

For B's birthday, Bruce took the boys and a few of B's friends to go play laser tag. M was devastated she wasn't invited... until I pulled out the polish. Mani-pedis > gun shooting (at least for M). #suchagirl

(Sorry. All this instragramming I do instead of blogging... hashtags get addicting.)

he just wanted taco bell for his birthday dinner

B is a funny mix of emotionally sensitive, highly competitive, grateful, particular, obsessive, responsible, awkward, cool and laid back. There are plenty of things he gets worked up about and over-thinks: school spelling bees, new routines, and his hair. But there are a few things in life he doesn't mind--like the fact that I'm the worst birthday-celebrating mom out there and a terrible gift giver. Or that I pulled out a day-old pumpkin pie from Thanksgiving to stick some candles on. No matter what I do, he will say thank you and mean it from the bottom of his nine-year-old heart. B's a good kid. And if it weren't for those other three, Bruce and I might think we were perfect parents.

A few months ago, L's Primary teacher at church told me that he had raised his hand at the end of class one Sunday and asked, "Can I say something?" "Sure L," she responded. Then he stood up in front of the classroom, straightened his tie, and said, "Hey, guys. Do I look handsome?"

And that was it. That was all he wanted to say. Maybe he needs a little more love at home. Next FHE: humility.

the best things in life come in threes

Just off the top of my head, the Three Wise Men, Feng shui decorating and Power Puff girls come to mind. Oh yeah, and the Bryant girls.

Think about how sad and empty my life would have been if you hadn't come along. Nobody for me to boss around or iron a leg.

No one for me to lament to about Mom and Papa (and how they ruined our innocent lives with those haircuts).



I am the most modestly dressed in this picture above. You and Danielle were downright scandalous. I wonder if this was indicative.

I also have no pictures between our tween years and our twenties, which... is just as well. But remember this weekend from the pic below? Remember how we packed 500 billion things into 36 hours??? Two words: Argentinian restaurant. I am sure no one laughs as hard and as deliriously as we do when we are together. For sure not.

And so I know I bossed you around like you had nothing to teach me (I was just doing my job to maintain manifested truth about birth order), but in reality, you have always been the greatest example to me of thoughtfulness and compassion. I aspire to be like you.

I never have as much fun with anyone as I do when I'm with you two. Some friends have come close, but never as much. Not even Bruce (sorry, Bruce!).

I started to write all the things that only we would understand, but it's way too much and really best that it remain unsaid.... sometimes the truest words are not words at all.

But the bright, shining star over all of this: we are eternally bound. And as much as D tries her hardest to cut us out like dead weight, we're forever chained at the hip. Haha.

"And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common." {Acts 4:32}

Of one heart and of one soul. Happy 30th, Aud. Te amo con todo mi corazon.

Blog post originally found here, a blog created to celebrate Audrey by one of her dear friends. If you want to contribute, let me know. I'm sure she would love to read your words.