my second mom

It's my oldest sister's birthday today. Lori has always been the second mother to me and my siblings. She is one of the most amazing people I know. I don't write about her often or post pictures of her when she comes to visit because she's not that kind of girl. She doesn't want or need any attention. She would rather be behind the camera than in front of it (so not like me.) The traditional birthday questions about Lori were posted on my private blog. I cried while compiling everyone's answers this morning. I feel so grateful to have been born to such good parents who were selfless and willing to have a big family. My siblings are truly some of my best friends and I feel blessed to have them in my life. My sisters, in particular, have a special place in my heart. There is a 17 age difference between the five of us. Cindy may not have been included once upon a time, but now she is one of the gang. We really need an updated picture of all five adult women!

Now let's talk a bit about Lori.. She is the "other brunette" in the pictures. The two of us often get mixed up for the other one. She is seven years older than me, but she and I have always been close. When she was in high school, I was 8-9. She was such an incredible sister to me and took me everywhere with her. I loved having a friend that could drive me to the movies and take me out to lunch! I remember being up in the mornings watching my older sisters get ready for high school. I was still in elementary and had a couple of hours to waste. I would watch Lori do her hair and put on her make-up and remember thinking that she was such a beautiful girl. I always looked up to her and wanted to be just like her.

Lori is like no other woman I know. She is brilliant. The girl had to walk to the high school when she was in 8th grade because the jr. high didn't have the classes she needed! She was a legend and became sterling scholar in mathematics her senior year. She graduated as a civil engineer and would be an excellent career woman, but she chooses to stay home with her children. This summer she will have baby number seven! I am so proud to call her sister!

Lori does it all. She knows everything about anything. She has MAD baking skills (and often made dinner for my family growing up.) She has single-handedly catered wedding receptions for my siblings. She can plan any party/get-together like a pro. She speaks Spanish, sews her own curtains, refinishes her basement (does the plumbing, electricity and everything.) I love when she comes to visit because she is the handy man around the house. I'll never forget coming into my kitchen (about a month before Simon was born) to find Lori under the sink fixing my faucet. She seriously does it all! She's a whiz on the computer and is the go-to girl if anyone has a problem. Chances are, if Lori says something-- she's right. She is patient, kind, sweet, generous, and loyal. When Lori has your back, the girl has your back! The top right hand picture is one of my favorites in the collage. That was a big day for me and my sisters. Lori graduated from BYU with honors, Debbie received her mission call and had just won my election for president of my high school. We celebrated big time that night! Lori was my campaign manager and I promise you, I would never have been able to run for office if it wasn't for my big sis. She helped me with everything (and paid for most of it too.) I remember hugging her after I won and her telling me how proud she was of me... it was a sweet mother/daughter moment. :) I am so lucky to have her in my life.

Lori was my mom's right arm. There is a reason she is the oldest-- she was born taking care of us all. I don't think there is anyone better equipped to be the mother of seven little people. As draining as it is to have a big family (financially, emotionally, physically...) there is nothing better a parent can do for their kids than give them siblings. There is nothing you can buy them, no amount of money, attention or praise better than a sibling. Obviously this is my opinion and I know that not everyone can or should have a big family, but if anyone is ready to take on the job, Lori is the mom to do it!

For as much time as we've spent together, I don't have hardly any pictures of the two of us. This was taken on Lori's wedding day. I was a senior in high school. The photographer made us get close and look at each other and Lori and I were having a hard time keeping a straight face. It still makes me laugh looking at it.

I love you, Lori and I am so grateful to be your little sis. Happy Birthday!