Jolene and Jody,

I wanted to wish you a Happy 30th Birthday!!!

Jody and Jolene probably 8 years ago

I seriously can’t believe that you are 30, when I moved away you were 17 and that’s how I remember you both. I know that seems silly since I’ve seen one or both of you almost every year since then but that’s how it is. You are my baby sisters and always will be.

Jody and Jolene, 30 years ago

I couldn’t be more proud of you guys. You both have beautiful babies, and pretty great guys. You have both grown up to be fantastic women and I’m happy that you are my friends as well as my sisters.

Jody is holding her two boys, Brayden and Conner and Jolene last year

Jolene with both her kids Olivia and Max this Memorial day

Jolene with Max, probably 10 or 11 years ago

Jolene with Olivia this past Easter

Who would have guessed I would have felt this way when we were little? Its not easy being the older sister of twins, its probably not easy being the older sister period, but I say twins are especially bad. First off there is the fact that I was pretty much only known as “The twins’ sister” no one ever knew my name, I guess they didn’t know theirs either or I would have been Jolene and Jody’s sister. Then there was the incredible teamwork that twins have. They ganged up on me so seamlessly as we were growing up it was unbelievable. One knew just what the other wanted her to do (to me) without speaking. There were some serious all out wars; screaming, biting and pinching. How else was I suppose to protect myself?

Jody, Christy (me) and Jolene

I didn’t know it at the time but I was so jealous of the bond that you two share. We all have almost always been close but you two are so much closer. As it should be.

Our cousin Robbie, Jolene, Jody and me

I’m sorry that I’m not there to celebrate with you in person, but know that I’m there in spirit. I’m really sorry that I didn’t get your cards sent out in time, I hope this makes up for it.

I love you two! Have a very happy 30th birthday.

Christy

Jody, Memaw (our Grandma) and Jolene

Jolene, our Mom and Jody

Me and our cousin Melissa in the back, Jolene and Jody in the front

Jolene, Our cousin Robbie and Jody in front, me in back

****Sorry about the bad pictures, most were scanned and I couldn’t do much to fix them.

Conrad Elliott came blazing into this world Thursday night July 30, 2009 which just happens to be his Mother’s 21 birthday. What a perfect birthday present.

Conrad’s proud parents are our good friends Anthony and Maggie. We’ve been friends with Anthony for years and have seen him through some very good times and very bad times as you so often do with chosen family. I am so please to say this is the happiest if not most tired I’ve ever seen him.

Conrad is a big boy weighing in at 9 lbs 2 oz. Maggie was a champ and pushed him out in only 20 minutes. He is 21 1/2 long and has lots of hair just like his parents.

Maggie I have a few bits of advice for you, you know since I’ve a veteran and all.

Let Anthony help and take his opinions to heart. That was one of the hardest things for me. Waldo wants to be a part of every decision when it comes to Lily but I think I know it all, so I had to learn to compromise and sometimes be very persuasive so I still get my way.

Enjoy every minute. I know you’ve heard it before but its so true. They grow up so fast. I still can’t believe Lily’s 7 months old.

Sleep when Conrad sleeps, at least at first.

Most importantly Conrad is your baby so listen to that amazing Mother’s instinct and ignore everyone else, including your Mom and people like me. But listen to me because you know I know it all. Lol.

Congrats you guys!

I have to include a few more pictures because I never know when to stop.

Look at those legs, edible.

I made Maggie unwrap him so I could finally see a chubby baby.

And the hair.

Remember I’m here if you need anything.