Haaaappy Burrrrrfday :)

Wishing this pretty lady a VERY happy birthday!

Yesterday she turned 23

and out of all the children in heaven I was given

the sweet blessing of sharing 21 and a half of those years with her.

Words cannot even begin to explain how much she means to me....

and as I think about our time together

my eyes fill with tears of gratitude for every moment we've shared.

I will admit many of those moments were spent

fighting, arguing, teasing or crying,

of course I was always the one crying

because either she had hit harder than I possibly could

or I was crying to get her in trouble

And I almost always got my way,

and usually still do to this day............

(and she will laugh when she sees this because I have always denied that)

I liked to think it was because I am the favorite child ;)

but to be quite honest

It's because she has ALWAYS been the bigger person

from the very beginning....

I learned to walk

by holding on to the back of her toy car as she drove it around our living room

I gained my first love of sports

by following her onto the volleyball court

I was taught how to dress by her flare for fashion

I was given the chance to see her overcome trials

and truly succeed

I learned from her tears of heartache and boys

I gained a hope for my future

as I saw her marry the many of her dreams for eternity

I saw true love as she carried her first child

and gave birth to that beautiful baby girl

Although she says she had to hold my hand until I was 20

I beg to differ

She never held my hand,

she held my heart.

All I ever wanted was to be just like her

walk like her, talk like her, and of course look like her.

She was my idol and to this day

I only hope that someday I can become like her

Her example and love are something I learn from everyday

Just like my mother, she is never quick to judge

she takes the time to truly understand those around her

and her heart of gold never ceases to amaze me.

I've watched her all along her journey

her ups and downs

her highs and lows

She's come so far is so few years

sometimes I can't believe my eyes.

Daughter.

Sister.

Wife.

and mother

Mother.

I only hope that someday I may amount to half her goodness.

I love you Jax

with all my heart!

Thank you for being the sister I always needed

Happy Happy Birthday

with many more to come :)

xoxo