Happy Birthday, Dear Sister!

Today is my oldest sisters' (Too Many to Count) birthday. She is 10 years older than me, and I never thought we would be as close as we are. She is one of my best friends. I can't even begin to explain how dear to my heart she is. We have such an amazing relationship, and I would never trade it for the world. We always have such a wonderful time together. I only wish we could live closer. Everyone always tells us that they can tell when we are on the phone together because our voices change. I think they're crazy. When DH and I were first married he was surprised at how much we talked. We probably call eachother at least 3-4 times a day. What do we talk about? Anything and everthing. I know when her kids go to the dentist, have a soccer, Youth Conference, have an activity at school, did something funny, ran around naked, or anything else. I love knowing about her life and everything that goes along with it.

I remember growing up thinking how cool she was and how much I wanted to be like her. I used to ask her if I could sleep with her all the time. She would tell me that I could, but that I would have to sleep at the very top of the bed, in the corner, and that I would have to be SOOOO careful because at night she turns into an ostrich and kicks and screams, and spits. You can tell she really wanted me in there with her. Regardless of all that, I do remember sleeping with her on rare occasions.

For some reason her and my oldest brother thought it was funny to lock the younger siblings in the bathroom with the lights off and scare us. I was scared of the queen. Then, they'd open the door laughing. How rude.

One time she fell at school during a track meet and came home with her knee all disgusting and cut up. She wanted me to kiss it to make it feel better. I of course did not want to. She then MADE me do it, all the while laughing. I guess I was a good source of entertainment for her. And, to think after all the torture she put me through I still love her.

Now, I do also remember good things about her too. Everyone Halloween we would decorate our hallway to look like a cemetary. She would have us all make graves and decorate. She always made the moon with a witch flying through it. We made ghosts and hung them from the ceiling. We had a cat with yellow eyes. It was so much fun. I'm sure she didn't know this, but I looked forward to that activity with her every year.

She woke me up early one morning to take me horseback riding. I remember feeling so lucky and special. She gathered all the kids together so that we could make breakfast in bed for mom and dad. We camped together, laughed together, and shared together. She helped me learn how to drive. She helped me with English papers. We worked together on my Young Woman in Excellence award. She took me out before I got married and had a "sex" talk with me, just to make sure I would be prepared. She taught me by example how to be a good wife and mother. She's been the most amazing friend a person could ask for. When I grow up, I want to be just like her.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISTER!!!