happy birthday to you.

today is thee bff's birthday.

it also, just so happens to be her husband's birthday.

funny how that works. hehe.

i know i talk about her all the time, and honestly all the happy and special things i could say would never even put a dent in truly conveying how much she means to me and what a positive and loving influence she has been, is

and always will be in my life.

{this is the very first party we ever went to together}

{bridesmaid on her wedding day}

{day of her college graduation}

{cutest preggo flapper EVER}

so since i have nearly exhausted my praise on this sisterhood,

i figure it should be her turn to talk.

i sent her a list of a few questions to answer for you loves to get to know her.

mainly because i just feel super sad for anyone that doesn't have an ali in their lives,

or more specifically this actual ali in their lives.

enjoy...

Instead of asking 26 things you are looking forward to in the next year; let’s stick with 2 + 6 which is 8. So what are 8 things you are looking forward to about your upcoming year?

Thank you for not asking for 26 things...I don't think I could come up with that many!
1. Moving to Houston. Although I've enjoyed the last 300 years (okay, it's only been 5, but it feels like 300) that the hubby and I have been in Provo, we are ready to move on from the student life and be closer to our families.
2. Starting a new blog. I am currently working on a DIY/craft blog that I'm going to launch soon. I know, I know, there's already a million other blogs like that out there, but this one's different, I promise. I'll be sure to share it with you so you can let your lovely readers in on it because I'm sure it would peak their interest.
3. Jake to grow up. It may be because I'm a first time mom, or maybe because I know he's not going to stop growing, but I look forward to each new milestone. Next up: sitting up on his own and crawling. I can't wait for walking and talking, too. I'm ready to be able to really play!
4. Continuing to work on my New Year's weight loss resolution. I can't wait to get back into some of those clothes stashed in the top of my closet... who am I kidding, I want to have an excuse to buy new clothes.
5. Winning the lottery. Wait, the chances of that happening are nearly impossible? Okay, then I will go with the more realistic: starting our careers. My hubs is graduating from school in less than three months and has applied for what seems like a million jobs. I have several auditions lined up and an interview for a job teaching music to kids.
6. Singing. I love singing... obviously. I got two degrees in singing and jump at pretty much any opportunity to perform. I have a lot of competitions and auditions lined up and planned for in the next year and I'm working now to be able to kick butt at them.
7. Learning more about myself. I grow up more and more all the time and the majority of that is from learning new things about myself. There are always things to learn about yourself.
8. Doing more of the same. Life is pretty good right now, so I look forward to being able to do more of the same things that I love.

What fun plans do you have for your birthday?

We will probably go out to dinner. My hubs and I have the same birthday, so we usually go out to dinner to celebrate together because neither of us wants to really have to do anything because its our birthday. Plus, there's not really anything super fun we can do when we're living on a student budget and have a baby and nobody around to watch him for free.

If you could share any lesson you learned at 25, what would it be?

Don't be scared. I was scared to finish school, I was scared to have a baby (even though we decided to get pregnant, it was not an accident, it's still scary!), I was scared that both of my best friends were leaving me and moving far away, I was scared of a lot of things. But, guess what? I survived! Not only have I survived, but I've thrived. Things are going to happen in your life that you may not be prepared for, but you shouldn't be scared of those things happening, just embrace them and make the most out of life.

Write the story of our friendship. {in your words…haha}

It was both of our sophomore year of college and we were living in the same condo complex. I think we must have met one of the first few ward activities, but I can't remember exactly which. I do remember that when we met, we just clicked. Jessica is one of those people that everyone loves. I mean, it is really hard not to like her and those who don't are trying not to (not to mention completely crazy!). I guess I'm pretty likeable, too. Either way, we hit it off and never looked back. Through a series of circumstances that I will not disclose here (you never know who's reading!), Jessica spent a lot of time at my condo. My boyfriend, then fiance, (now husband) lived thousands of miles away in Texas so I needed a lot of girl time. So, lots of sleepovers, late-night movie (or Friends) marathons, spa nights, and girl dates ensued. I got engaged over Christmas break and Jessica was a perfect choice for one of my bridesmaids. She's a planner, like me, and has the most fabulous taste (in case you didn't already know), so she was SO helpful in helping me plan (and keep calm). But, I must say that even though we spent so much time together that whole school year and became so close, we became even closer after I got married (and left her in Utah to move to Louisiana). I would say that since I've been married, she and I have become sister-close. We are the kind of friends that can live far apart or close together, see each other every day or 2-3 times a year, talk/text multiple times a day or have a catch up session once every few months. It doesn't matter how often we speak/see each other because we will still be the same friends nonetheless. I love Jess like my own family and am so happy she and I are such close friends.

What is the best thing that happened to you this past year?
Thanks for saving the easiest for last! A LOT has happened this past year, but nothing can hold a candle to having my sweet baby boy back in July. He has completely changed my life for the better and made me a different, better person.

i think, or more like know, what sets her apart is that she literally is thee perfect friend.
not a perfect person, duh.
but definitely a perfect friend.
she never portrays any jealousy towards my relationships with others and makes an effort to welcome all my friends into her life, as well.
she knows exactly what to say and when i need to hear it, she makes any sad situation happy and any happy situation happier.
she is the perfect example of class and generosity.
she knows all my flaws and loves me anyway, knows all my jokes and still thinks i am funny, knows how truly selfish i can be and still thinks i am special.

so happy birthday love.
here's to 26 more together.
xoxo.