Friday, February 23, 2007

Favorite Photo Friday -- Flashback







I can't believe it is Flashback time again! Seems like just yesterday...

Anyhoo, last week I honored my sister, Jody, and this week I am paying tribute to my cousin Michelle. She has always been more like a sister than anything else. We lived close, so the three of us spent all of our time together growing up. Went on all our vacations together, spent every holiday together, had sleepovers, etc. Michelle didn't have any siblings, so it was all about the three of us! Actually, when I mentioned last week that I may have been less than perfect to my little sis in the beginning...I had a partner in crime... and her name is Michelle! We, being the older and wiser(NOT) of the threesome, used to play some awful tricks on poor Jody. I remember being in Traverse City (our annual summer vacation spot), laying by the pool and telling Jody to go retrieve our "whatevers" from the room because we had forgotten them. When sweet Jody would ask "why me?" we would cleverly reply, "because you're the fastest runner. " Satisfied with that logic, she would run back up to our hotel room to get our stuff and return only to see that we has DISAPPEARED! Ha Ha! Hilarious, weren't we? I cringe just thinking about it now, because it was so cruel, but we thought we were the funniest gals around! All this to say, Michelle and I have always done A LOT of one thing, and that is laugh. We have both had our share of bumps along this road of life, but together we always manage to laugh about something or another until we're about ready to pee our pants. She, unfortunately, lives far away now. (In beautiful, sunny Florida!) So, we don't spend all of our time together anymore. We have to settle for weekly phone calls and vacations (which we still take together). But, one thing has NOT changed...when we are together, we are gonna be laughing. Side-splitting, tear spilling, hurts so good LAUGHING.
It is so nice to have someone like her in my life. She is my family, and a true friend, and a blast to be with. She is also someone whom I respect and admire for her ambition, work ethic, and dedication. She is a terrific mom (of 2 wonderful kids), and a very successful career woman.
Lily also knows and loves her Aunt Michelle. We bring her name up in conversation on a regular basis, and they "chat" on the phone quite frequently. I believe Lily already understands (in her own way) that those near and dear to one's heart don't necessarily live near to one's home.
We love you, Michelle, and miss you like crazy!!!!
I also want to give a shout out to her son Harrison today. It is his 6th birthday...
Happy Birthday, Big guy! Wish we were there to celebrate with you, but we'll party next time we're all together in June!

13 comments:

redmaryjanes said...

Look at those Speedo bathing suits! Classic!!

Beckyb said...

Those are too fun - yep, I have some cousins that mean a lot to me too!! Family is a blessing!

Anne Marie said...

How lucky you are!

Steffie B. said...

You are lucky to have such terrific family bonds! ;)

Gwen Oatsvall said...

what a blessed childhood and because of that you will make sure lily has those same people in her life ... heritage is something so important and lily's has begun !!!

Dannye said...

Your flashback Friday photos are so great, you are such a brave woman to post them and so confident when you do so. And I love the flashback stories too.

You have such a great close family, so blessed...

aimeeg said...

I love the flashback photos!

dawn said...

The little person in the red looks just like Danny from the Beckerings Tribe.

Lovely post as always.

Thannks for the advice on getting my blog redone.

Nikki said...

Oh Dawn, that is hilarious!
The little person in red is ME!

kitchu said...

My cousin growing up was truly my best friend! I love how close knit our extended family is, it really is a blessing and I know you can relate. The pictures are classic!
Kris

Anonymous said...

Nikki, what a funny and heartwarming story. It sounds like you gals were the 3 Muskateers! I hope Harrison has a wonderful birthday too.

P.S. I liked the comment you left me about Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillipe. I agree with you - I am SURE it was his fault (lol)! :)

Hugs,
Jonni

PandaMom said...

So great! I have a cousin, too that I adored growing up with. She is five years older, but we were sooo close. Love your Flashback Friday....I might have to take up this idea, too! ; )

t~ said...

Like the flashback photos! Just found your site off of someone elses, you know how that goes. Your daughter is beautiful and a true inspiration to those of us still holding out hope that dreams do come true.