Sunday, April 11, 2010

To Jenny, my little sis.

Today is my sister's birthday.
She is 28!
Finally a grown up. (smile)
My sister is my best friend.
And I can truly say, I have never met a kinder, sweeter, more giving person than her.
I'm sure she gleaned most of those qualities from me. Not!
I remember when I was about five years old, thinking that having two brothers was great...but I was definitely missing out.
Dressing my younger brother in a dress and curling his hair, was not all it was cracked up to be.
My greatest desire was for a little sister.
So I began to pray.
Every.Single.Night.
I dreamed of what it would be like to have a sister.
I imagined all the wonderful things we would do together.
The years went by and I became a little desperate.
Begging my mom and dad for a sister.
As if they could decide to pop one out on command.
I had very serious talks with God about my NEED for a sister.
And God decided to answer my little girl prayers.
When I was 8 years old, my precious sister was born.
I died and went to heaven.
Figuratively speaking.
From the minute she entered the world, she was mine.
Jenny 14
I loved her with all of my heart.
I couldn't wait for her to share a room with me.
I remember I begged to have her crib in my room.
My mom obliged.
She was cool like that.
Then, when she was about two, I decided it was time to share a bed.
We did until I was in the 8th grade.
From the minute her hair grew long enough, I was her stylist.
Jenny really was the sweetest little girl.
She didn't have an ounce of brat in her.
And she was cuter than a bugs ear, and still is!
Jenny 6
I tease my mom about having it so easy with Jenny.
We lived on a 200 acre bible college campus.
We were home-schooled.
As kids we had free reign, and we always brought little Jenny on our adventures.
I often fought with my brother about who "got Jenny" for the day!
To this day, my sister is still my very best friend.
She is the most supportive person I have ever known.
She loves my kids like they were her own.
And she gives and loves unconditionally.
I cherish her.
Jenny 12
She is your mirror, shining back at you with a world of possibilities.
She is your witness, who sees you at your worst and best, and loves you anyway.
She is your partner in crime, your midnight companion, someone who knows when you are smiling, even in the dark.
She is your teacher, your defense attorney, your personal press agent, even your shrink.
~ Barbara Alpert
Jenny 13
To have a loving relationship with a sister is not simply to have a buddy or a confidant; it is to have a soul mate for life.
~Victoria Secunda


Did I mention she is a boat load of fun!
She also enjoys jumping in photos.
She often says, "Hey Julie, get one of me jumping!"
And so I do.
She's impressive.
And she wasn't even a cheerleader.
Jenny 5

So today, as with everyday, I am thankful for my sister.
The answer to my childhood prayers.
Jenny, I am so proud of the woman that you have become,
and of the amazing wife that you are to Kevin.
May this year be one that is filled with God's goodness.
I pray that He will richly bless you, as you continue to seek Him in all that you do.
You are an inspiration to this old sister of yours.
And know that it is true when I say...
A closer friend I'd never find than the one I call my sister!
Happy Birthday.



Don't forget, tomorrow is Mom n' Me Monday.
I would love to see your smiling faces!

Ni Hao Y'all

27 comments:

Lisa - Fine Sweet Life said...

What an incredible post!

Carrie said...

Oh, I just love this beautiful tribute to your sis! What a sweet story! ;)

Great pics, too!

Hope you're feeling better!

A said...

That has to be one of the most beautiful post I've read ever. Jenny is also very lucky to have a 'big sister' that loves her like you do. What an amazing relationship you have...

Happy Birthday Jenny!!

Stefanie said...

What a beautiful tribute to someone who you obviously adore :)

I know what a blessing it is to be so close to your sister. My sis is, after my husband, my closest confidante :)

LOVE the jumping pictures... Jenny (who was also an adorable sidekick) looks like a BUNCH of fun!

Happy Birthday Jenny!!

Heather said...

This is a beautiful post! The pictures of you are so sweet! You both are gorgeous!
What a blessing to have a sister!

Shannon K. said...

How do you always manage to bring tears to my eyes? I don't have a sister. I have one brother, and I love him more than life itself...but this (for the first time ever) has made me wonder what it would be like to have a sister. It's truly wonderful that you two are as close as you are!

Happy birthday to her...and wouldn't you know, she and I share a birthday!!

Eileen said...

I even got to meet your sister in China! She did seem like lots of fun.

Is she married now? Those are some great pictures!

Bossy Betty said...

What a wonderful tribute to your sister! Loved the pictures too!

ellieshine said...

What a fun tribute - your sister seems like so much fun! It is great to have a sister isn't it??

*Jess* said...

That is so incredibly sweet! I am so glad you two have a wonderful relationship :)

Unknown said...

What a sweet post...
so special that you two are so close :)
Have a great week!

Kim said...

I have to agree with everyone else. This post is so sweet & beautiful! Brought tears to my eyes as well! Sister's...what a beautifull blessing.

Tanya said...

Love, love , love this post! My sister is my BFF too...so yeah...I just really love this post!!! You & are sister look so alike...and check out those mommy guns in the second photo!!

Happy Birthday, Jenny!

P.S.
You've got me seriously thinking about having a third since Kaia really wants a baby sister and she'd be close to 8 if we got started trying for one soon. Hmmmmm...;o)

Cleo said...

My little sister was in the back of my mind throughout this absolutely beautiful commemoration to what sounds like an amazing young woman. Isn't it just dandy when God answers our prayers??? :)

la Happy - Sally said...

Julie, this is so sweet! It brought tears to my eyes. Jenny is such a blessing!

Amy J said...

Oh, you made me think of my little sister! She's my best friend, too, and just had her own birthday! Isn't it amazing to have a sister?

S.I.F. said...

I lvoe all the pictures, and I seriously love this post! I always wanted a sister too...

Lisa said...

Happy Birthday, Beautiful Jenny!!!!!! Such an awesome, awesome post, Julie!!!! One to treasure. Love you BOTH!

Monica said...

Beautiful post. Loved the photos of you and your sis! Always wanted a sister....
Blessings,
Monica

Amy Hook said...

What sweet thoughts about Jenny! There is nothing better in the whole entire world than a sister. I agree ;)!

Smart Money Mom said...

Hi! I just found your blog on another blog through Ultimate Blog Party...I LOVE this post, your pictures, your blog! I am now a follower!

http://smartmoneymomorg.blogspot.com/

TheFitHousewife said...

What a wonderful post! How awesome to be so close to your sister. I'm an only child so I can't even imagine. I totally wish I had a sister!

Happy Birthday to your sister.

BTY, dang girl, you have some nice arms there!

Marca said...

I love this post and the sweet words about your sister and your relationship. So beautifully written. It reminded me of my own sister and how grateful I am.

Jenny said...

Thanks Juls for the sweet post...you are my best friend and the most incredible older sister!!!! I love ya lots

Bethany said...

I love this! Great pictures. Especially the one of you in red holding your sis.

Hopping over from blog frog, by the way!

mperri said...

Funny thing: Why is she drinking GuaranĂ¡???lol
I mean... where on earth did you get it and how come you know it???

Anonymous said...

This is such a great post! I see such bickering between siblings so often and have not minded being an only child at all. But, you make me a little jealous! Must be wonderful having a sister that turns out to be a friend!

And on a side note, woman, where did you get those arms? You are cut! I'm so impressed!

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