Happy Birthday to Crystal! I love you friend!!!!

BLOGJACKED!!!! Hello, it's me, Crystal's friend Wendi. I held Crystal's family hostage until she let me onto her blog. I'm doing a special blog today, to let you know that tomorrow is Crystal's birthday.

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Crystal is one of the cutest, funniest people I know. But if you've ever read her blog, then I'm sure you already know that for yourself. I met Crystal 5 years ago, when we moved to Cedar Hills. We used to be in the same ward until it split (it's split 3 times since then). But we have been friends ever since, and I'm sure will be for a very long time to come.

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So Crystal, I just wanted to thank you for being such a wonderful friend. There are friends that come, and friends that go, and you've left a mark on my heart forever. We've shared a lot of laughs, but we've also shared a lot of spiritual, tender moments. You, my dear, are the real deal.

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You are such a fun, and uplifting person to be around. People are drawn to you, because of the twinkle in your eye and the aura of joy that surrounds you.

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I'm so proud of the inner strength that you have. Just like everyone else in the world, you've had challenges, and you've made it through them all with grace, quiet strength, and dignity. You keep it real, but do not cry out for attention. You turn the other cheek, and never stoop. You're amazing, my sweet friend, and I would be a better person if I could be more like you.

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I wonder if there is anything that you cannot do. You magnify all of your callings in the church. You're a wiz with the sewing machine (I still love the pants you made Mimi with the ruffles on the bottom). You can cook like nobody's business (you know it's true). (Check out her food blog here.) I'm sure you were the most amazing English teacher ever--well second only to me of course! LOL

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So tomorrow on your birthday, I hope you have the best day ever, because you deserve it girlfriend!!! Love ya to death! Here's a little collection of my favorite memories with you...

I lost track of how many times our waiter winked at you last night, but look at the tender lovin care he gave you--your own bowl of lemons (that he packed up for you at the end of the night so you could take home) and your very own loaf of bread. He was complimenting you all night long, because you are hot stuff!!! No one would ever guess that you are 9 months pregnant, and due in just a few weeks. You look great!
When life hands you lemons, pull out the sugar and invite me over! We can make lemonade. Waiter givin you a little birthday hug. Could he be any funnier? I wish I had all of the pictures that we took on your camera last night. Seriously, I'm laughing right now just thinking about it. You need to blog about it when you get a second. What a funny night. But really, what night isn't?? I swear that all I do when I hang out with you is laugh. My cheeks were sore last night as I lay in bed from laughing for 4 hours!!Dinner at The Cheesecake Factory last night.

Happy Birthday to you Crystal (and Ali in 2 days). The best mint brownies ever (besides the ones that you make) and a gift card to Dear Lizzie (that you better use with me!)

Here we are last month at The Cheesecake Factory again. I love your migraine medicine. It makes you funny.
No, you're not drunk, although sometimes we act like we are. What was it you were saying last night about being able to hold your Coke?
Shopping at Ikea.
You like to claim that you have no decorating sense, but we know otherwise. Your house is exquisite (and yes, I can already hear your rebuttal--"It's all Mike. He's got a talent for these sort of things...", but you do too.)
This panini sandwhich and strawberry/spinach salad that you made for us a couple of months ago was to die for. Promise me that you will still remember me after you are famous and have your own cooking show.

This was at Noodles last year after we went boutiquing. Remember, we met Kelly that day? That was the first MIRL blogger experience.
Here's my sweet friend Crystal at my house last October right after Isabel was baptized. You showed up with a delicious salad, helped me get my luncheon ready, and were such a great friend to me this day. Thanks for all you do for me!
Here comes trouble! By the way, this waiter was so into you too.
This picture says it all.
Yet another late night at Chili's as we drowned our sorrows in chips and salsa. We laughed all night long at our self-portraits, and I remember you said this one was your favorite.

What's a party without you, girl? Last summer at the Luau at my house. You're a riot. Aloha, baby!
Here we are at Chili's last November when you announced to us all that you were pregnant. (Hee hee, except I already knew because Mimi told me during dance the day before.) I love knowing secrets--but notice that I didn't tell a soul!
A toast--"To Crystal and baby lima bean!"
You are so mischevious--that's why I have to always tag along. I've taken it upon myself to keep you out of trouble. It's a full time job.

You and your lemon water--thanks for getting me completely hooked. I can't even drink water without a lemon now thanks to you. And I get the lecture from Brian about how I'm ruining the enamel on my teeth...blah blah blah. I hold you personally responsible. Couples Bunko 2006--Oh my gosh! This seems like FOREVER ago! I'm pretty sure this is the ONLY picture I have of Mike. But I want to say that I think you married such a great guy. I think he's totally perfect for you, and it's fun watching the 2 of you interact. You have a great marriage, and I love that he's trying to be a good sport in this picture, although clearly he doesn't love dressing up.
PARK day! I love that our kids love to play together as much as we do. Very convenient.
Here we are in front of Capitol Theater when we went to see Mama Mia. SO hilarious. We stood and danced and laughed our heads off this night. Remember walking around all over the city afterwards trying to find someplace that was open so we could eat? I can't remember, did we end up eating or did we just give up and go home?
Celine Dion concert. Whoo, baby! This was such a fun show--and it was so much fun to be there with you cheering and screaming. You're such a groupy--LOL.
Seriously, Las Vegas with the girls. What a FUN trip! You are awesome Crystal!


Happy Birthday to a wonderful friend, and a remarkable woman!