{Mom}

Last Monday was my mom's birthday, ( I won't give away her age.)

My mom does this special post for birthdays -- she makes a list of things you might not know about the birthday person (ie: ME, Sass, Clay-Bird, Carlee, Cami)

SO I decided I'd do the same for her...

1. She's the best friend you could ever ask for

2. She taught me how to truly listen to people

3. she (willingly) serves others

4. She loves and respects her mom and dad

5. She documents everything! Our family loves looking at all the pictures and home videos we have

6. Her nails are always perfect (she has been known to say "don't you just feel better when your toes are painted??")

7. She LOVES babies/kids

8. She puts a lot of time and effort into making our family vacations truly spectacular

9. She's a night owl (and my favorite person to stay up late with)

10. Our phone conversations are (most of the time) the only things that keep me sane up here

11. She's TOUGH, like, never ever ever complains

12. She doesn't splurge on herself (even though she should) but doesn't mind spending on others

13. Her favorite restaurant is Sweet Tomatoes

14. She loves magazines (I learned from the best)

15.She and my dad have the kind of marriage I hope and pray for

16. She forgives quickly

17. She's always up on the latest news

18. QT runs are an everyday occurrence for her (with my Dad)

19. She has always made sure that her kids look their best. We never went out without a cute outfit and our hair done (unless it was a Saturday and we were just doing chores and playing with friends)

20. She ages gracefully and still looks beautiful (please, PLEASE say I got these genes!!)

I love you forever and ever Mom.

XO

{Sassandra}

This is my best sister-friend Cassie
(also known as Sassy - which she is, or Sassandra when I'm feeling serious)

Yesterday was her 17th birthday!
(my! how time flies!)

I don't feel like Sass and I are 4 years apart... more like twins of the same age (obviously).
She's just as mature as me (if not more so)
She's kind, silly, and can make me laugh until it hurts
(which happens on a daily basis)

We spend hours upon hours with each other and I never get bored.

Sass is super stylish. She's been a hippie at heart since the age of six (not one of these hipsters who just jumped on the bandwagon). For instance: when we were younger, my mom wanted to redecorate the house, and she let us choose the themes for our rooms, Sass chose to paint her walls a bright lime green with these psychedelic tie-dye wallpaper squares and multi-colored bead strings instead of a door. She knows the Beatles songs (and history) better than anyone, she's artistic and creative, she's an amazing dancer and cheerleader, she makes everyone feel good about themselves, and she's my best friend.

Happy Birthday Sass...
I'll miss you more than you know up at school