Daring to be....Me

Today is my little sister's 28th birthday.

And here is a list of 28 things I love about her...
1. I love her naturally rosy cheeks and beautiful complexion.
2. I love her love of all things "reality show."
3. I love her impeccable sense of style...especially when it comes to shoes.
4. I love that she loves the Cardinals!
5. I love her flare for the dramatic.
6. I love that she can appreciate the "finer things" of life.
7. I love the secrets that we share.
8. I love that she radiates heat while she sleeps (opposite of me).
9. I love that when she was little, she could make friends within 5 seconds flat.
10. I love it that, at a young age, she learned that it was OK to be different than her big sister.
11. I love how well she knows pop culture.
12. I love the blackmail that we have on each other. (i.e. powder puff girl, past boyfriends, etc.)
13. I love her blog. (If only she'd write more! :)
14. I love that, even though she could be settled for the rest of her life, she's not afraid to keep running after her dreams.
15. I love that she's happily married to a wonderful man who cherishes her.
16. I love how she makes me laugh.
17. I love that she can cook and sew, and has known how to do both for a very long time. (I'm still learning.)
18. I love her sensitive heart and ability to cry.
19. I love that she didn't tell on me to mom and dad (all the time) when we were kids.
20. I love how we've moved from just "sisters" to "friends."
21. I love that she loves to dance...esp. at family weddings. :)
22. I love how she's not afraid to speak her mind.
23. I love the fact that she often knows what I'm thinking with just a look.
24. I love it that she stinks at math...just like me. :)
25. I love how smart she is any so many other ways.
26. I love how naturally beautiful she is.
27. I love how her eyes get lost in her smile.
28. And most of all, I love that she's my sister--a bond that can never be broken.


I still remember the day that mom and dad called from the hospital telling me you were born. I wanted to name you and I think they humored me a bit, until obviously their name won out.

I remember them bringing you home...your thick, dark hair, pink cheeks and beautiful blue eyes. I was mesmerized.

I remember teaching you how to ride a bike for the first time...or at least pushing you down that hill at the end of our street and hoping that you'd figure it out before you were hurt too bad.

I remember watching you fall off that slide and break your arm. Sheer terror had struck. (1.) Would you be ok? (2.) How much trouble would I be in?

I remember our family vacations...playing in our play room on Noleman St...swimming together in the summer...getting you all ready for your first dance...watching you graduate college...

I remember your wedding day and how stunningly beautiful you looked.

And for all of those memories listed (and the ones that didn't make the cut) and to the millions more to come...I just want to say thanks.
What an amazing gift I've been given to have you as a sister.
I love you, L. More than you'll ever know.

Happy 28th Birthday!!!!