Happy birthday, Jo. :)

Joella's birthday is today.

I know Joella from college - she lived in the room next door to my during my freshman year. And she and I have been friends ever since! :) Jo and I also worked together as camp counselors at an all boy's camp. I taught horseback riding and she taught arts and crafts. We were lucky - we had our very own air conditioned cabin. Jo is also the first person that I ever drank with. I think I had one wine cooler - and I was (gasp!) 20. So really, any drunken debauchery that you all have been privy to with me is ALL JOELLA'S FAULT. That's the story I'm sticking to. Anyway, I looked and although I have pictures of those times, I don't have them in digital format. All the more reason to get a scanner - I KNOW.

I was even the maid of honor at her wedding...which was the wedding that I probably had the most fun at (no offense to anyone else!). The dancing at the reception was full of the people that were still in, or just out, of college. I want a party celebrating my wedding to be just as fun. As I recall, I even danced to YMCA, which really should prove to her that I love her as I so very much hate that song.

Joella and her husband just had a baby - after long, long, long last. Sarah Elizabeth was born very premature, but after months in the hospital, she is finally home with her family - right where she belongs. Jo and Mark have an amazing story about their baby - one that is so very wonderful. They tried years to have a baby and went through the process to adopt a baby from another country. Right in the middle of the process, they found out they were pregnant. No one in the Sommerhauser family has had the easiest times, but I like to think that they cherish their togetherness all the more.

This picture is one of the few digital ones I have of Jo and I. It was at our friends, Justin and Melissa Ryan's wedding. Man...we look good - if I do say so myself. :)


Happy birthday, Jo - here's to hoping this year is your best year yet!