my best friend is a model

Well, I think so anyways :) She's actually a first grade teacher and I'm sure all the little children look up at her in awe when ever she's reading a story or teaching math.  Caitlin and I have known each other since 7th grade...when I bravely asked if I could sit at the lunch table with her.  We were in Singing Sevies Choir together and we made sure we sat by each other every day...eyeing the boys across the risers, making each other laugh with our inside jokes. She still makes me laugh until my face turns red and my eyes are watering.   

My twin sister and I became friends with Caitlin at the perfect time in our lives. Seventh grade was hard and I don't know how I would have made it through without her. She liked me for me and we didn't have to pretend to be someone we weren't when we were around each other.  We could be our silly selves while having dance parties to Backstreet Boys and laugh until we couldn't breathe. 

I think it's truly amazing that after 14 years we are still as close as ever.  We have watched each other grow up, been there through heartache, during the best times, during uncertain times. I remember in college whenever I needed my best friend she would jump in her car and drive an hour to see me and tell me everything was going to be okay. She has reassured me time after time and we have supported each other in everything that we do.

 I can't tell you how happy I am that we still get to see each other. I know someday we'll get to live in the same city...maybe eat at the same lunch table just like we did when we were twelve. 

A Very Special Wedding (Part 2)

Yesterday after summer school I jetted south to start the wedding festivities.  My friend Jamie (the bride-to-be) and I spent the night girl talking and watching Say Yes to the Dress. We called it a night pretty early. After all, the next day was a very important one and we needed our beauty sleep.

Don't you just love weddings? They are so romantic. If you're married, they remind you of your own wedding and the vows you made to your husband. They remind you how lucky you are to be with them and how amazing it is that you get to spend the rest of your life together. I wish Martin had been able to join me this weekend, but work took precedence. I had a good replacement date though...I got to spend the evening with my older sister. 

We made wishes to our butterflies so they would carry them up to the heavens

We ate way too much while watching the DJ rock to the music in his own little world 

I felt so honored to be a part of the big day so I made sure I had practiced my reading extensively.  Jamie wasn't too fond of my idea to use an accent while reading in front of her guests...too bad because my British accent isn't too shabby if I do say so myself.

It was a beautiful day and a beautiful wedding. The mountain location was so serene. The perfect place to exchange vows. Jamie and her new husband Mike are so incredibly happy. When we were lounging around watching T.V. last night I couldn't help but notice what an amazing relationship they have...the way they talk to each other will make your heart melt.  They are so very lucky to have each other. 

A Very Special Wedding

Tomorrow I head off to start the wedding festivities of my very good friend and old college roommate!

I can not wait to see her exchange her vows with her best friend and love of her life. 

This evening I was practicing my reading for the ceremony.

Martin was trying to be helpful by making it feel like I was presenting in front of a real live crowd...crying babies, people playing with their cats, booing.  I told him people don't boo at weddings...or bring cats.

At least I'm prepared for anything now.

Now I just need to decide which pair of shoes to wear with my new polka dot dress...

Reunited and it feels so good!

Yesterday I was the bravest I've been in a long time.

I drove ALL the way to Colorado Springs...BY MYSELF!

(applause here)

I only got lost once and I only got scared once when there was a stupid spider on the seat next to me (seriously spiders, it's not funny anymore!)

I got to spend the day visiting my old college roommate, Jamie...

See her new house (which is incredible)!

Her new puppy!

And her new engagement ring!
(she's been very busy)

I love getting together with Jamie...we hadn't seen each other since my own wedding last summer, yet it didn't feel like a day had gone by since we'd seen each other last.  

That's when you know it's a true friendship.  

Happy Birthday!

My best friend is celebrating her Golden Birthday today! 25 on the 25th!

Dear Caitlin,

I hope you have the best day! Are you bringing cupcakes 

to share with your class today? If five year olds know how to do anything, it's knowing how to celebrate someones birthday! I hope you get to do something fun today...and I can't wait to help you celebrate this weekend :)

Love,

Jessica 

(wish we could give you a big hug today!)

Love #5

I love my best friend Caitlin.

I have known Caitlin since Preschool.

We re-met in 7th grade choir. After months of difficult days in junior high, Caitlin was a ray of sunshine in my life.

Here are a few reasons why I love Caitlin...

1. She is the funniest person I know

2. She gets me

3. She is sooo beautiful...with blonde or brown hair :)

4. She is kind

5. She is a kindergarten teacher too!

6. We can be ourselves around each other

7. She'll drive an hour in rush hour traffic to come visit me

8. She's honest

9. We have been best friends for 13 years

10. We can talk or not talk for hours and still not run out of things to not talk about :)
11. She introduced me to many cool things i.e. the movie Dirty Dancing, the Backstreet Boys and Kraft Mac and Cheese

12. She has been a part of so many important moments in my life

*I can't wait until we both have children and then they can be best friends too*