excellent hair

Every family is unique in terms of its dynamic among siblings, and much is made about birth order these days, and I don't know where you fall in your family, but I've gotta tell you, you missed out if you did not grow up with a big sister. Big sisters are awesome. Especially in my case, as my big sister is 8 years older than I am. So in this picture (taken on my 8th birthday, from the candle count) my big sister (on the left) is 16. When I was little, having a sister who was a teenager was like living with a cross between a Rock Star and Barbie. I mean, I got to live with someone who had an awesome wardrobe, and listened to the coolest music (a little ABBA, a little CCM, a little Hooked on Classics) plus also, she was beautiful. I mean, look at that hair! And she always had time for me. She let me climb in bed with her and snuggle in the morning, and she tucked me in at night. She explained the plot of the complicated books she was reading, but were too scary/grown-up for me to read (Flowers in the Attic anyone?) She was the best. When she went away to university I cried myself to sleep for a week. 
Not much has changed over the intervening years. She is still 8 years older than me, and still knows more about life, but is always willing to share that knowledge with me. She still has great clothes, and reads interesting books, and lets me know about new music that I might like. She still always has time and an encouraging word for the people she loves, no matter how far she is stretched. And when you give her a gift, she knows how to make you feel like you have chosen the best present in the world for her. She is the president of my unofficial fan club, one of the two founding members of the mutual admiration society, she is super smart, extremely talented, and she always smells good. She is my sister, and it is her birthday today. And see, she still always has excellent hair. (Though there is probably less styling product in it these days) 

Happy Birthday my beautiful sister!

Comments

[Marcia Van Drunen]

Andrea,
I
LOVE
LOVE
LOVE
your blog.
Your pics, content, cute hubs and baby, great fam, ideas, did I mention pics? and in particular your way with words.
splendid
keep going!!

[Marcia Van Drunen]

and would you LOOK at that birthday cake your Mama made for your little 8-year-old self!

[finger thumb]

Aw Marcia, you are making me blush. You are also making me happy. Its so good to know that someone is reading, and not just my mom and sister ;)
Oh, and that cake - my mom had this book called The Cut Up Cake Book, that showed you how to cut up standard square or circle or rectangular cakes, and make them into bunnies and space ships. You know, I should do a post about that book... It was awesome.

[MrLemurBoy]

The cut up cake book was indeed awesome.
Our sister is more awesome. Had lunch with her today, and it's always good getting her perspective on things :)

[Leni]

My four children are all awesome people (I might be slightly biased :) ); and for someone who is not artistic ,like my children are, that Cut up Cake Book was a must!! It made for many special birthdays!! and great memories.