Emily

Happy 24th Birthday Emily!

Today is the birthday of my sister. She is my favorite sister in the whole wide world! I am so grateful my mom decided that she could handle more chaos because by choosing to have a 5th child she gave me the most wonderul gift ever....a sister!

I still remember the day Emily was born. I had just turned 6 years old and I was in kindergarten. My mom had been up late the night before sewing of a new robe to wear in the hospital after she had Emily. (I think she did this with each baby... crazy, ambitious woman!) I even remember the robe, it was a teal color with soft velvety fabric.

I was so excited to have a sister. I was the only girl among 3 boys. Imagine that! I remember sitting in my kindergarten class wondering if my sister had been born yet. My parent's had made arrangements for me to go to my best friend Whitney's house after school. I remember my dad calling me on the phone to tell me that I had a new little sister. I asked what time she was born and what she looked like. I told my dad that I wanted to come and see her right at that moment. He told me I had to wait and I remember feeling so disappointed and anxious, but it gave me something to look forward to.

Later that evening my dad came home and we sat around the kitchen table and had a family council about what we would name this newest member of our family. We tried a few different names. Two of the names that I distinctly remember were Allison and Emily. I don't quite remember what ultimately made us decide, but we chose Emily Ann.

I remember going to see her for the first time in the hospital. I was so excited to finally have a sister. My brother Chad brought a baby picture of himself to see if they resembled each other. It was really cute to see him hold it up to the window and compare. We all sat and peered throught the glass window, longing to love her and hold her.

What a wonderful, talented and accomplished person Emily has become! We have had our quibbles through the years, but we're both growing up :) and I enjoy our relationship so much! There are so many reasons why I love Emily and so many memories we share.....she loves my children... she sings and dances with them in the kitchen...she plays the piano beautifully...she has a heart of gold.... she is a classy dresser.... she is a hard worker....she is beautiful inside and out.... I can be silly or serious with her and she gets me...she shares her bed when we come to visit.... she is kind....she calls to tell me she doesn't need advice, but she would like my opinion on things :)....I can tell her anything and even though she is at a totally different place in life, she still listens and laughs at all the right moments....she has a very warm personality....she has beautiful dark eyes I've always wanted....she is gracious....she's not afraid to tell me like it is....she always looks for opportunities to serve those around her....I have been filled with unexplainable joy at her accomplishments....I have been filled with unexplainable sorrow at her disappointments....She is such a bright spot in my life and I am so happy to have her in it!

Emily deserves all that is good. She is wonderful and I am so happy she's my sister! Happy birthday Emily!

(It's a watermelon rind and I think it really made my mom mad. She was worried Emily's cheeks would never be the same. They are just as beautiful as ever!)