Sisterhood of the Traveling Shirt

Yep, you heard me right, the shirt. In high school, my friends and I were a little crazy and a little funny, I have to admit. It was at this time that the book series, "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" became popular and one of us read them, got everyone else to read them, and we were hooked. We decided that we could not sit idly by after reading such entertaining books, no, we needed to form our own sisterhood. Instead of pants, because there is no way we would have all fit into the same pair of pants, we picked up this handy shirt for a couple of bucks, and wah-lah...the sisterhood of the traveling shirt. Anneka so kindly sewed our initials into it, just so we all knew who was "in". We sent the shirt from person to person along with a traveling journal of our adventures while wearing it. I can't say that I have the journal and I don't know who does, but it's a shame, because I am sure it is highly entertaining. While our "sisterhood" has since died, I have remained close friends with all the girls that were once a part of the group. These friends were what helped me through really hard times in high school and were always there for me. I learned so much from them and have so many memories of hilarious as well as spiritual times we had together. Though we have all gone our seperate directions, gotten married, some of us are having babies or have kids, etc., I know I can still count on them and their friendships are important to me.

So here's a shoutout to the original members of the sisterhood!!

Abby: Abster is living in Texas with her husband Paxton. She is one of the funniest girls I know and I have always admired her ability to be herself without worrying what other people think. Abby is beautiful and her positive attitude and constant smile made a big difference to me in high school. We always laughed that Abby didn't even need to be told where a party was, she had an automatic radar and could detect anything fun. That's true of her, she is totally fun-loving, yet dedicated and persistent in accomplishing her goals.

Camille: (don't worry, I am totally not ashamed to post embarrassing pictures). Camille has been one of my best friends since the 6th grade, though I have to admit, I spent a good portion of my teen years being jealous of her because she is not only beautiful and charismatic, but she is good at EVERYTHING, including tennis, piano, watersports, and being incredibly smart. Well, I am happy to report that I got over my own insecurities and Camille and I have become inseperable since. We became roommates our freshman year at BYU and lived together through when I got married. Love this girl. She is finishing her last semester at BYU now and doing student teaching in elementary ed.

Kylee: Kylee has been one of my favorite people since I met her my sophomore year. She went to another junior high, so I didn't have the privledge of knowing her prior to then. We became instant friends when we met sophomore year and became locker partners. Kylee is random, crazy, and fun, not to mention LOUD. Because she has been through the divorce of her parents too, I clung to her while my parents divorced. She has been a rock in my life and someone I have always counted on. Ky, who is more often known as Bills or Billsey, has one year left of dental hygiene school at Idaho State University.

Haylee: I have always claimed Hay to be my best friend, whether she likes it or not. Though we were quite different too, we grew up in the same ward and eventually became very close. She was the popular one who always had a boyfriend and was loved by all. I was the sidekick who rarely dated and couldn't quite figure out who I was. However, I knew I could always count on her for a sympathetic ear and she always made me feel good about myself. We enjoyed countless hours together in her bed talking and laughing, eating, and hanging out. We have way too many memories to even recount, but Haylee has always been one of my greatest support systems. She just moved with her husband Justin and baby son Jackson to Tennessee to start a new adventure as her husband starts grad school there.

Anneka: While I claim Anneka to be one of my best friends as well, we started calling each other "forever friends" because we are cousins as well. It was because of Anneka that I met Camille. The two of them had been best friends since they were three and I joined the party when I moved to Idaho Falls in elementary school. Anneka is the most kind, genuine person I know and someone I constantly relied and still rely upon to for a listening ear and good advice. She is well-rounded and wise beyond her years. She knows how to diffuse any situation and is definitely one of the most loyal, caring people I know. Don't let that description fool you though, Anneka also knows how to have fun. She is hilarious in her own way and was constantly coming up with wild things for us to do to keep entertained in high school. She is currently living in Washington with her husband Jonny and her two kids, Addalyn, and brand new baby Hyrum.

(Ann is the second from the right...here with Kylee and some of their BYU-I friends).

While I wish everyone could have been there, Kylee, Camille, and I went to see the 2nd Sisterhood movie this weekend. I love their company and we had a fantabulous time. Here we are....in front of the theater.

Don't worry, whenever we have funny face pictures, Camille ALWAYS does that face, now I guess Kylee has adopted it too. Yikes!