October 27th

What are the chances that 3 EXTREMELY important people in my life would have their birthdays fall right in a row? Well, that is my life. My sister, Jess, has her birthday October 27th, Seth, my son, has his birthday October 28th and Matt, my husband, has his birthday October 29th--can you believe it?

As you might imagine, it can get pretty crazy around here at the end of October. Halloween is my family's favorite holiday (for obvious reasons) and it is a nice "kick-start" into the holiday season. After October 27th, it seems like there is no turning back as I whirlwind through Wade's birthday (November 12th), Thanksgiving, and all the shopping, planning, baking, eating, traveling, etc that goes into Christmas.

Since this is my first year having a blog, I wanted to give each one of my little, birthday celebrator's a special post all to themselves--after all, they deserve it. In order to do this, I thought it would be best to start early and go in order, so, Jess, here you go....

Jess is my best (girl)friend in this entire world. Aside from Matt and my boys, no one knows me better! We have been friends since the day she was born. I just love her so much.

Jess and I have been through a lot of things together and we have always remained strong and closer than ever. I feel so blessed to have her live nearby me so I can see and/or talk to her everyday.

One year, for Christmas, she gave me a framed picture with a little saying across the bottom that said "I loved you too much to be just your friend, so God let me be your sister." That phrase sums up our relationship perfectly!

As a child, Jess was always the silly one. She was so fun-loving and always had a twinkle in her eye. She has always been the peacemaker in our family (classic middle child!) As a grown-up she is still so much fun and there is nothing like laughing or crying with someone who knows you like a sister does.

I am thrilled that Jess is, now, an official mommy, although she has been a second mom to my kids all of their lives. She is so kind and sweet to them. They adore Aunt Jess! She is a wonderful mom, already! I am so proud of her and how well she has done as a "first-time" mom.

Other words that describe my sister are: sensitive, giving, thoughtful, smart, spiritual, loving and caring. The things that I, most, enjoy, doing with Jess are: eating lunch together as often as possible, shopping, double-dating and, actually, anything else--I love to hang out with Jess!

So, Happy Birthday (early) to my sister! I hope this year is the best one, yet, for you!!

P.S. I hope you enjoy the pictures--just a little taste in our "growing up" life!