The Post I Wrote for her 25th Birthday

There is a girl I've known, as I like to say, since before the womb. You may know her as Jen the Newlywed, but I like to refer to her as my BFF, or just plain Jen or Jennifer. (I've never been one to call her Jenny.) And when I say I've known her since the beginning of time, it's no lie. We've literally grown up together. I never even remember actually "meeting" her, I've just always known her, and boy oh boy do I love her to pieces. She's hilarious, witty, giving, beautiful, encouraging, loves the Lord and serves Him endlessly, loves music, loves her family and is a fabulous wife, sister and friend.

I don't think the Lord could have created two different BFF's when he created us, but throughout our life, our friendship has always just worked and it is one of the biggest blessings indeed. We used to joke about how if our parents weren't such good friends growing up, we probably wouldn't have "chosen" to be friends with each other, but I can't imagine not being her friend. The Lord knew I would need her and so he blessed me with her despite our parents being friends forever!

Not only did we grow up together, we did everything together. And I mean that quite literally! We went to the same church, same schools, same choir, same youth group and so on and so forth. We were inseparable! When we were kids back in the day, I was known to throw a fit if she couldn't spend the night for a reason or even hide at her house when my mom came to pick me up. I loved being with her, and still do to this day 25 years later.

I don't throw fits when I have to go home anymore, but I do throw fits when I don't get to see her as often as I'd like because we're both busy folks. We don't go to the same church anymore, but I know that she loves the Lord more now then ever and she has a husband she gets to go with every week. We aren't in the same youth group anymore, and frankly, I'm okay with that because as much as I loved my youthful days, I am glad they are over. Plus, she gets to be in a real live newlywed class and have newlywed friends and I love hearing about her new couple friends. And, we aren't in the same choir anymore, but at any given moment you can catch us harmonizing to anything and everything.

Even though we live two separate lives, nothing, and I mean nothing, has changed.

We still eat Chinese food whenever we get the chance.

She still knows when to encourage me and knows the exact thing to say.

We still act like total dorks and laugh our heads off.

She knows me better than I know myself.

I got to stand next to her on her wedding day, and one day, hopefully sooner than later, she'll stand next to me on mine.

Her parents are still like my second parents.

We still have more friends in common than anybody else I know.

Basically, I love this girl and I love that I got to celebrate her on her special 25th birthday, over Mexican food nonetheless. What's more appropriate than chips and queso? I hope and pray the Lord gives her 75 more blessed years! Enjoy a recap in pictures of our night.

Jen got a Snuggie for her birthday. I'm not only jealous that she got a Snuggie, but that it's leopard print. And, how is that for a lady liberty pose?

Of course, her precious Dad, Jack, made her this delightful Italian birthday cake. It tasted just as good as it looked.

Jack showing off his creation.

Jen excited about this creation.

Look how quaint. A Snuggie, a light (that came with the Snuggie, mind you) and People magazine. What more does a girl need?

Since Jeremy and Grant never got birthday cakes, Jack made them their own cake for this evening. It was priceless!

Grace was ecstatic about Jen's cake. Seriously ecstatic! It was her favorite. Here she is helping Jen blow out the candle.

Flowers from her sweet Dad!

I really want this Snuggie. And I'm not even kidding! Look, we both fit!

I love you, my dear, sweet, hilarious BFF and wouldn't trade you for anything in the world. Thank you for being one of the best friends a girl could ever wish for! I hope your 25th year is the best one yet! (And I am praying that perfect house shows up soon!)