may thirtieth.

Today is a tremendously special day for two reasons, and lovely reasons at that. Birthdays, as you well know, are my most favorite thing in the whole world. I love to celebrate, and birthdays are a wonderful means of doing so. On this day, the thirtieth of May, my step-mom and one of my very best friends are both turning a year older. Allow me to introduce you to two of God's most beautiful creations: Shannon and Courtney.

This is Shannon.

She's been my step-mom since I was nine years old, but in the last five years or so, she's become one of my dearest friends. It's the biggest blessing have two moms who are so great, and I can't wait for the day to come when I get to show the same love to my children. There is no one else on the planet who encourages and supports like this lady does, and I am constantly lifted up by her thoughtfulness and random acts of the best kindness. I've lost count of the number of times I have discovered a package of several of my favorite things in the mail, just because she wanted me to know she was thinking about me. To say she is the best is a severe understatement, and I love her so much for all the dozens upon dozens of times she has brought a smile to my face simply by being there for me. I don't think it's possible for me to put into words just how much I love this dashing young lady, but I'll keep trying.

Happy birthday, Shannon!

I hope every one of your dreams come true during your fortieth year. And yes, I just told the world that you're forty, but only because there's no way they'll believe it, hot mama! I love you more than words could even begin to say!

This is Courtney.

 We met my freshman year at Western Carolina University, and it was honestly one of those love-at-first-sight moments. We had both just broken up with our long-time boyfriends, and instead of running wild, we honestly ran straight into each other. I have no doubt that the Lord brought us together at the most perfect moment, and she was right there by my side for some of the hardest days of my life. Aside from being rocks for each other, we were also those two girls who went absolutely nut-so when we got together. Who am I kidding? We are still, to this day, those crazy girls. I could tell you story after story about our wacky adventures, but this is my most favorite characteristic of us: she challenges me in ways that no one else does, and Christ's light shines so bright in her that it immediately extends to everyone who gets near her. I've been so blessed by this always fantastic friendship for the past five years, and I look forward to the rest of our lives as that friendship.

Happy birthday, Court Bourt!

I hope you know how much I love you and thank Jesus for you every single day, but especially on your very own day! I can't wait to have many, many more adventures with you that make us laugh so hard we...well, you know. ;)

"Most of us don't need a psychiatric therapist as much as a friend to be silly with."

-Robert Braun