Friday, May 23, 2008

Lifelong Friends

Jeanine made a trip down to Texas from Oklahoma last weekend with her cute family and got to spend a night at our house. I've been wanting to post flashback pictures of Jeanine since last September. I got the idea right after her birthday (Traci got to enjoy a birthday flashback, instead). I was going to wait clear until her next birthday, but I just couldn't wait any longer.

Jeanine is my longest running friend. I have known her since we were Sunbeams...the age of our children. It's weird to think that our moms were our age when they met. I have no memory of a time I didn't know Jeanine. I don't even know what it's like not to have her as a friend. What a blessing, huh? I feel sorry for the rest of you. Jeanine is fantastic. I have so many fun memories that include Jeanine. From tree swings to dances, dolls, dates, dress-up, science projects, Laurel projects, you name it. She moved away a few times during childhood, but always came back...and we always kept in touch during her times away.

We had a great time visiting with her family...she has all boys, like us. Aside from the fact that I was dragging a little that weekend (sorry about that), I had a blast. Our boys got along splendidly. Parker has not stopped talking about William since he left. They're just four months apart and I always hoped they would get along. We'll have to plan a visit again soon. While sitting and visiting and taking our kids to the park, I couldn't help but think if we had met at this time of life rather than in early childhood, I would still choose Jeanine as a friend.


The Early Years
I'm not sure if these are in order or not.

Our birthdays are just five days apart so we got baptized the same day. We sang the Baptism song together. I have very vivid memories of rehearsing it with her mom the week before.


Jamie Bishoff's Birthday Party


I think the next two pictures are when Jeanine moved away and the girls in our primary class had a little going away party at my house.



This was probably when Jeanine was in town for a visit.


Again, Jeanine was in town (Brea) visiting family, so my mom drove me up to spend the day.



She moved back to Corona in 8th grade I think. These are the good old junior high days...the most awkward time of life for me.

Swimming at my house


8th Grade Valentine's Dance


8th Grade Friendship Pictures


Crazy side note...As of last week, of all nine girls in the next two pictures, seven of us are now connected through the wonderful world of blogger. Just a warning to those of you who recently found my blog...I post flashback pictures every Friday. You can safely bet you'll occasionally show up in those.

8th Grade Luau


Junior High Graduation


High School

A Young Women trip to the Los Angeles temple to see the Christmas lights.


EFY


A choir trip to Knotts Berry Farm


Youth Conference when we were on the Stake Youth Committee


We did our Laurel Project together (back when they were called Laurel Projects). It's an awful picture, but this is one of my favorite memories of Jeanine. We put together an entire musical program at a nursing home with music from the 20's, 30's and 40's. We had an incredible experience.


Girls night out at Disneyland Hotel


Winter Formal...Senior Year


Madrigal trip to Hawaii...Senior Year
You can all witness my mad scrapbook skills...the epitome of a 90's scrapbook.



School Days


Scholarship Awards


In my bathroom getting ready for Senior Dinner Dance.


Graduation


The five of us all went away to Utah to school...3 different schools. We met in Salt Lake City at Christmas time one year.


Jeanine and I at my wedding.


I'm looking forward to making many more memories.

18 comments:

Unknown said...

I have a friend that sounds alot like yours. We have been friends since we were 10. Loved the pictures!!!!

Kelly said...

That was a trip down memory lane, and I don't even know her!! She sounds fantastic! I love all your flashback pictures- you are not only brave, but totally organized to have so many and have them on hand. One of these days I will go and get some from my parents house and get on some old ones of me- what a treat that will be.
I have to say, that I totally see Parker in the picture of you in the Guess shirt and shorts! I had that shirt, but sadly, I was much older than you wearing it!! So cute!

jeanine said...

Oh my goodness. I can't believe how many pictures you have... you have quite a few that I don't think I have... like the Knott's one. Wow. And I don't know if I have one from our Laurel Project either. And I KNOW I don't have Mad Tour scrapbooked... it's only half way done. One day when I'm current on everything else I"ll have to go back and finish.

I have been meaning to post about this trip... with old pics included but I'm having camera/picture dowloading issues. Just wait though... I think I have some pictures that you don't (or at least that you didn't post)

William has been talking about Parker too. I'm so glad that they got along so well!

You guys will have to come up and visit sometime!

Genn said...

I didn't know you and Jeanine have been friends all your lives! That is really special. Kinda like me and Kelly. Oh some of the old pictures I have of us...I am not sure i would be willing to share them on my blog! hee hee
And I see that every Friday I may have to be a little bit fearful what might be posted on your blog! I forgot about some of those things! Lots of fun memories!

Erin said...

Okay those outfits kill me. What were we all thinking actually aiming to look like that.
All the pics are cool though.

I have a friend like that. Franchesca Reed. We were baptized on the same day along with Kip. She lives in Rochester, NY and is so good to me. She flies in at least once a year and was my Maid of Honor! Bussom Buddies are awesome!

Crystal said...

Jeanine is awesome!! You couldn't have said better things about her. I do believe she is a very true friend to everyone she meets. But I didn't ever realize how long ya'll knew eachother. That makes it even more fun. Great pictures! I didn't realize that you, Jeanine, Jessica, and Natalie hung out so much. I knew ya'll were friends but I didn't realize how much ya'll did together. Fun, Fun!

Amanda B. said...

Sounds like an awesome friend! But, no need to feel sorry for me- I have a pretty darn good one too! :):) Her birthday is coming up in a week or so and I will post then. I have said this before, but I really do love the old pictures! I've GOT to get a scanner!

Traci Elizabeth said...

I LOVE JEANINE!

Lauri said...

Gee, you found quite a lot of pictures. The one I like the best is the one of you getting ready for the Sr. dinner/dance. What is Traci doing??!!

Lauri said...

I was just reading your side bars. Interesting comment by Reid. He has alway just taken it in stride but he obviously knows it's different. How did you respond?

Moms Are Contagious said...

That is SO fun that you have been friends with her that long. I have a friend that I have been with since Kindergarten so I kind of know...only a few years later.

Jenn said...

I LOVED looking at all the pictures of you and Jeanine and some of the other girls too! What fun you guys had. Jeanine is awesome, I am glad I know her too.

Heidi said...

Okay... I LOVE the thigh highs! SO FUNNY! I totally remember that being so cool!

Karen said...

Love the flashback pics! You are such a loyal friend! What a wonderful quality!

Abbey said...

That is so fun to look back at all your fun times. I also find it interesting that you had an 8th grade friendship picture, i have one too. Must have been the time era!1

jeanine said...

Thanks for all the nice things you guys have said... you're starting to embarrass me!

Kelly said...

These pictures cracked me up big time! Memories... we all had such fun in junior high and high school!

Autumn said...

What great pictures!! That laurel project sounds terrific. I had a Guess shirt just like that. Ahh. Its so fun to see such similar clothes-formals, and kids wear alike.