Share the Love

Upon celebrating her 300th post, Adiel named me as a recipient of the "Sharing the Love" award. As explained in her post:

"This award was created by Crystal, who's son Noah received a heart transplant. She created it in honor of the donor that saved her son's life.

In order to accept this award, I have to link back to Crystal's Blog and then share the award with other blogs that I read and love."

First off, thanks to Adiel. Know that if you hadn't given me the award, I'd be giving it to you :) Adiel is one of the truest friends in my life. We have known each other for about 10 years (holy crap) and even with a slight 4 year interim of not really seeing each other, we have recently rekindled an incredible friendship with her offering me help and support in so many ways. She is so fun and her blog often gives me the lift needed to finish out a boring day. So thanks, Ads. I love ya.

This pleasant little surprise came at a good time with what I'd been planning to blog about today. The blogs I love the most seem to translate into the people I love the most. No, I'm not playing favorites among my friends, but I am admitting that I love my sisters more than the rest of you. :) No offense, of course. So the blogs to which I'm giving the "Sharing the Love" award are:

My Little Corner of the World
The Ashley Adventures
Dear to my Heart

The reason I said this award fit into what I was going to post about is that I've been so grateful lately for the technology that allows me to continue to stay in better touch with people, especially my sisters. I think we've always been a close group of siblings, but my sisters became my best friends about the time I started college. I love spending time with each of them, but as we get older and as our (well, their more than my) lives progress sometimes it's hard to see or talk to each other as much as we might like. But I know I can always glance at their blogs for a quick run-down of what I've been missing. This certainly doesn't replace real one-on-one time with my sisters, but it helps hold me over.

I respect and love each of my sisters for many reasons. Some of those reasons are universal for the three of them while still others are unique to each one. So I'd quickly like to explain one reason I love each of my sisters.

Jen, you teach me what love and family are about. When I was at your house yesterday and saw your face light up when you got that text from Strider, I thought, "Wow. Now that's true love. More than 15 years with the guy and he still does that to her." Your relationship with your husband and kids are unreal to me, and I am so grateful that one more of God's children will get the chance to be a part of your loving home.

Ash, you epitomize the word "service" for me. I used to think that no one could match up with Dad's willingness and desire to help other people, but you and Nic are beginning to prove me wrong. The little things you do make such a big impact. The Dr. Peppers, the bag from Yellowstone, keeping me entertained with emails at work, Friends quotes in my inbox, agreeing to come to the Breaking Dawn party when you haven't read the books...all those things combine to create who you are--a loving and thoughtful sister and wife. And what a great example your future kids will see in you and Nic.

Jess, you make all those corny sisters quotes real to me. Case in point--I just googled "sister quotes" and these were the first on the list:

Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of. You know whatever you do, they'll still be there. ~Amy Li

A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost. ~Marion C. Garretty

Is solace anywhere more comforting than in the arms of a sister. ~Alice Walker

If you don't understand how a woman could both love her sister dearly and want to wring her neck at the same time, then you were probably an only child. ~Linda Sunshine

Corny, yes. But they're all so true! You are a best friend, a true friend, a confidante and a mentor. I think you're the only sister I still fight with :) but I see that as a good thing. It means we're still close, it means our lives are still somewhat parallel. I love talking to you about cheer, having someone so close that is going through the same frustrations as me. I love helping you unpack or clean or giving you feedback on choreography because it's a chance to spend time with you. I love that you always forgive me when I act like an idiot but aren't afraid to be honest when you're bugged by me :)

Jen, Ash, and Jess, thanks for who you are and the roles you play in my life. Thanks for never seeming to mind a third wheel when I hang out with you and your husbands. Thanks for the things you teach me every day about life. I love each of you and all of you (meaning as individuals and as my sisters collectively). P.S. I'm so excited for Friday. Who cares about the book? It's GIRLS NIGHT TIME!