After 20 Years (but with digital pictures and minus the gangsters)

Somehow despite my bossy take charge personality, I have managed to make (and keep) some extraordinary girlfriends.  It's funny because I don't actually remember how we met, but I know it's been since junior high and maybe if you want to be technical, 5th grade.  I know it's cliche, but we have gone through everything together (a certain party that STILL gets brought up by our parents comes to mind) - birthdays, proms, college parties, weddings, and most recently, babies! 

Unfortunately we live in different cities (and while Kel and I were in Dubai - different continents), but when we are together it's as if we lived next door.  Our friendship is easy and it's so fun to see how we all have evolved into wives and mothers while still up for girls' night out. 

Now for your entertainment - going old school

 My 16th Birthday...we are in the MINIVAN!  Note how I can barely see over the wheel!

 What is wrong with my hair (and Mel's???)

21st birthday in Austin (working the leopard print)

And now.

 The kids.

All of us.  Mel - 2 boys, Lora - 2 girls, Me - 2 boys

I love this picture!  The kids are all doing crazy things and we are trying to smile through it all!

Melodi and Lora, I look forward to 20 (plus) more!  

10 Things I’ve Learned From Doubling Our Amount of Offspring

1. No matter how much you prepare #1 for #2, he will still be pissed, jealous, and act like a bipolar monkey.

2. You only thought you knew what exhaustion was.

3. Napping while baby naps is great advice, but then no one will be clothed, eat, or smell nice.

4. Crying doesn’t bother me at all and, furthermore, crying analysis is my new specialty (as in he’s ok, that’s not his hurt cry).

5. I can bathe, brush the teeth of #1, and read him three stories while #2 screams the entire time.

6. I can feed #2 and simultaneously have an in depth discussion with #1 about where sharks live, what they eat (people and fish), and why “Open Water” is not an appropriate movie for a three year old.

7. My mealtime is a luxury.

8. Man to man defense is the way to go; I will not move to a zone coverage.

9. #1 is still too young to realize that he is being worked and gladly fetches wipes, beers pacifiers, and anything else I’m too lazy to get myself.

10. Dinner is a term used extremely loosely these days. Before #2 I was an avid cook and loved trying new recipes. Now, peanut butter and jelly with a side of sliced apples is our gourmet meal.