Happy Birthday Jill!

If you have a blog because of me, if you read blogs because of me, if you now even know what blogs are because of me then really it is because of my friend Jill. She is the one that convinced me that I actually had something to write about to start a blog. Today is Jill's birthday.
The above photos is Jill and I in 1989 in my dorm room at BYU. (Michelle can I just apologize that you had to look at the gigantic girls face everyday what was I thinking. If you look over Jill's shoulder you can see a picture of Chris Pien, again what was I thinking!)

Jill was the first person I met in my life from Michigan. She is seriously the most generous person I know. The reason I can honestly say that is because she gives and NEVER expects anything back. She is the definition of unconditional. I remember when I first met her, she had all these scrunchies that her mom had made for her to take to school. (I of course could not use them with my short hair, again what was I thinking?) But everyone on the floor loved them. She used to give them away and then had her mom make a bunch for everyone and send them to her. That is Jill, if she has something great she wants you to have it to.

Jill loves to read and because of her I now do to. She again is very generous. When she found out that I went to my bookshelf and didn't have a book to read, she went to DI (Goodwill) and bought me a box of books, cleaned them up and sent them to me.
Jill is a photographer. You can see her online portfolio here. She is the first photographer that I have ever seen that brings treats for you kids to keep them smiling. She has such a way with being able to catch the real you.

You can never leave Jill's house empty handed. If you have ever read the Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, That is Jill. Just when I visited her in May I was reminded of this as I walked out of her house with treats and drinks for my kids for our drive to Salt Lake. She would give you the shirt off of her back.

Jill has a 6th sense. She is very concerned for the "little guy" and never wants to hurt anyone's feelings. Thus is why I don't know Jill to gossip. She would do everything for everyone. She is not selfish or ever selfserving. That is one of the reasons why she is a great mother.

Jill has been a wonderful friend to me and saved me thousands of dollars in therapy. I have cried on her couch and her shoulder. She is one of the best listeners I know and is cautious to offer her opinion until she thinks you are ready to hear it.

Jill is one of the hardest workers I know. In the dorms she worked at Dunkin Donuts. And had to get up at 4:30 every morning to "make the donuts" She was one of a kind that way!

Jill is incredibly organized and clean. One time after I was married my mother-in-law was coming to visit. She snuck in my home and cleaned it top to bottoms while I was at work. (I still feel so bad for you having to clean that sick-0 bathroom) That is where her 6th sense comes in. She saw a need and just went and did it.

If you have Jill as a friend than you know what I mean when I say she is one of a kind. She remembers birthdays, anniversaries and special days in your lives, which makes them even that much more special.

She has brought so many into the blogging world and taught us to love to read, look out for each other and taught us the art of "Good Mail". She comments on every single post that she reads.

Jill I love you and hope you have a wonderful day.

Click on this link and wish her a happy birthday. even if you don't ever comment on my blog or don't know Jill, pay it forward and wish her a happy birthday!