Happy Birthday, Lauren! -

Today. Today is my best friend Lauren's 26th birthday. 

I spent all day Friday throwing a pity party for myself because she wasn't 1 hour away to go and spoil, she was a whole 2 states away in Alabama. She moved there in January and we've been apart for 6 whole long stinkin' months and it has been THE WORST. Not to be dramatic or anything, but it has. I've missed her sooo much. 

~ One of my favorite pictures of Lauren. Dec. 2013 ~ Yes, she's a knockout. ~

Last year for her birthday we went to St. Augustine in August (it was so hot we almost died), did little photoshoots around the historic district, got deluged by rain and almost bought a ridiculously priced umbrella from some posh store, and had lunch at The Columbia, (we had sangria and flan too).  And then we went into this nice little courtyard at the National Guard and were nicely and promptly escorted back out by a man in full uniform, which means I love telling the story starting like this: "So  Lauren and I were thrown out of the National Guard......". Great story. 

So you know it's a little bit of a let down to go from that high of a birthday time to......no time at all. Nothin'. 

Gosh, I miss you, bestie. 

If I were there, I'd drag you away to that French place that has the audacity to be closed on Mondays and I'd take a million pictures of your adorable and funny self, and you'd probably flash your sad puppy dog face just for me because you know I love it and start laughing every single time. 

I'd probably choke up during the prayer over the food, thanking God for you, and you'd probably squeeze my hand, because you knew. And then we'd stuff our faces with French food and swear off eating anything for days, until suddenly we'd spy dessert and that'd be over in an instant. 

We'd talk and laugh about hysterical things that just aren't as funny online as they are in person. We'd catch up on life news that is just easier to share face to face, and I probably would laugh at every.single.thing.you.said. because I'd forgotten how great your laugh was, and how dry your wit is. 

Hey, remember when were in St. Augustine and that lady walked right past me (with my curly red hair) and went up to you and was like "Oh my goodness, your hair is just AMAZING!! Is it naturally curly??", and you were looking at me sideways like: "Does she not realize your hair is curly and red?" HAHAAHahhaa. That was hilarious. I just stood there like: "Well this is new." Hahhahahaa!!

I just miss being around you. I'm so thankful for internet and Instagram and blogs, but none of those can send really good hugs, so I can't wait until I get to hug you in person soon!!!!! All. the. hugs. You should start feeling the hugs in advance. *huuuuuuugggg* :) 

I hope you have the most wonderful, beautiful, lovely, exciting birthday. 

You are 26 on the 26th!! I think one of your 26 things should be talking to me on the phone. ;) 

I love you, my drop-dead-gorgeous, actually-could-be-Pocahontas, wonderful, special, loving, funny, gracious, deep-hearted, Christ loving, dearest best friend. I thank God upon every single remembrance of you. 

"The path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day." ~ Proverbs 4:18

Thank you for blessing me with your friendship. Thank you for sharing life with me, in the joy and sorrow. Thank you for walking beside me and bearing my sorrows and holding me through the tears. Thank you for making me laugh so much I can't breathe and my ribs ache. There are many good reasons we are best friends, and I can't even begin to list them all! :) You are a delight to my heart and good for my soul. 

I love you to the moon and back and all the stars in between. 

Happy 26th Birthday, Lauren!!!!! 

With love always,

~ Jean Marie ~