Happy Birthday Jen!

In these trying economic times, one must get creative with the birthday presents they buy/make. Basically, today is my BFF's birthday, Jen formerly Mantuano, now Oswald. I thought to myself, hey, I could buy her a bunch of stuff she'd love from Williams Sonoma or one of those ridiculously unique online Etsy stores.... or I could give her the ultimate gift, I could dedicate one of my (um, free) blog entries just to her. It's like those American Express cards say, some things in life are priceless, so here goes:

Birthday Ode to Jen

In 2nd grade, you were mean to me, because you thought you were so smart.

But eventually, I grew on you, and the two of us were rarely apart.

In 6th grade, we were drama stars; in Jr. High, it was ASB.

In High school, we were boy crazy, and you still were smarter than me.

I could count on you to be responsible, and afraid of talking to strange boys.

You were oh so popular among everyone, & you had quite a collection of stuffed toys.

Each year we went to summer camp, to hang out at Hume Lake.

It's embarrassing to look back at how many clothes we would take!

I couldn't believe we were both on Homecoming court, best friends still our senior year.

You and I both lost, but hey that's cool, we didn't shed a tear.

And then off we went to colleges, but our friendship did not fade.

It wasn't long, till you were walking down the aisle as my best bridesmaid.

And then in time you got married too, your flower girl, my daughter.

I was so happy to see her in your wedding, it was so sweet that you had sought her.

Later, then in 2005, both of us had babies due - both to be born in June!

Mine a girl, yours a boy, who knows? maybe they'll unite one day soon.

When all is said and done, I must say this; your friendship's been a gift!

I'm thankful for your humor, your kindness, your phone calls give me a lift.

I used to be jealous that you were 6 months older than me,

but now I can laugh, and call you old, and give you this blog for free!

Happy Birthday Jen!

Here are some pics to capture our journey together!