On the left is me and Michelle with our big sunglasses that we used to make fun of my mom for wearing. Sorry Mom, I now understand the perks of full coverage. Stacey is on the left. I took this picture of her last summer teasing her that I was going to make graduation announcements for her with them. I never followed through. She graduated in December from BYU. Way to go Stace!So here are some fun memories of our growing up years together:
- When you were born I would count how many kisses I gave one so that I made sure I gave the other the same amount. I was worried that I would accidentally give one of you special treatment. I loved to hold you and take care of you. I think I'm 6 or 7 years older than you. So I'm sure that I wasn't a lot of help, but I sure felt grown up when I got to hold you. Am I right Michelle? You are the one that has to tell me how old I am.
- "Goodness Gracious Great Balls of Fire" never had better choreography put to it as it did for your elementary talent show. I was honored to make up a gymnastics routine/dance complete with Little Tykes slide moves for you. Not that I had any clue what I was doing, but I thought it was so much fun.
- Ah, the days of "buddy partners." I don't know how we came up with this term, but we used it all the time. Annie and I would have one of you for our buddy partner to do chores with us and play with. I think we also used this system for coming up with parts for our programs for Dad and Mom. Buddy partners were paired for different songs or circus acts. I think I usually was buddy partners with Stace, but I think we switched on and off too.
- Annie and I would dress you up and do your hair and then have Mom watch you parade around and do your "fashion show." How many outfits did we make you change into? I think we had an evening gown, play clothes and career woman category.
- I pulled out your loose teeth even though I was a huge wimp at getting my own teeth pulled. My kids appreciate that I came experienced, so thank you for letting me train on you.
- When I was a senior in high school and should have been more responsible, do you remember our muddy bike ride? We rode through all the mud puddles and came home a mess. Mom was not so happy with me, and now I understand why, but it was so liberating then. We also had spitting contests that day. Clint tried to teach us all how to spit. I've never been good at that.
- I loved it when you came and stayed with me and Annie in Provo and lived the college life with us for a weekend. I remember putting mascara on you and getting dressed up and going out to dinner and a movie. Good girl times.
- After I got married and moved away, it was great when you and your friends came for a trip to Virginia. Josh was just a little baby, and it was great to reconnect. It was fun to hear your high school giggles and stories and music. It was a great trip where we got to tour all over D.C., with the highlight of "Aaron's Space Museum" and Busch Gardens.
There are many more good times, but I will save them for another trip down memory lane. Happy Birthday to two wonderful women that I'm so happy to call my sisters and greatest friends. I look up to both of you and love our conversations about the joys and challenges of motherhood, marriage, callings, and life. You are both so much fun, and I love to spend time with you even though we don't get to very often. Happy Birthday!
