Thoughts and Memories of My Christine: HAPPY BIRTHDAY C-H-R-I-S-T-I-N-E!

Growing up, you would always write out my name like I did yours above, in birthday cards and notes...and sometimes you still do, for old times. So I thought it would be appropriate to start my note out to you in that same way for your 25th birthday. :)

Where do I begin? I have so many wonderful memories! Like the many times I would place my retainer on your pillow (gross!). Or the many slumber parties we would have in my bedroom, reading outloud from the Goosebumps books. Every year on Christmas Eve, I enjoyed playing Santa's spy for mom and dad - tricking you into telling me where you hid that years note to Santa Claus so the parents knew where to find it and write you back. Being your older sister, I also enjoyed the benefits of bossing you around.

"Christine, I'm hot - fan me!"

Despite the 5+ years age gap between us, I feel we have the best relationship any two sisters could share! When I moved away from home, our sisterly bond became even deeper. No not because we were no longer living under the same roof, but because we were getting older and wiser and our age gap seemed to just be getting smaller.

I am grateful for all the inside jokes we share. I am glad that you understand my "Friends" references, and even enjoy partaking in some yourself. It is awesome that we talk and share so much all the time, that after our dear father tells one of us something he then sarcastically says (knowing it's our first instinct), "Now hurry and go tell your sister!"

Christine, I admire you so much. You are such a beautiful daughter of God with a beautiful testimony and great outlook on life. You are a wonderful mother to two awesome boys, and I hope that I can be half the mother you are, to my Wesley. I am amazed by the strength you have from being an Army wife and for your positive attitude even when things are tough.

Not only do I feel blessed to call you my sister, but my best friend too! I am so lucky to be able to have such a wonderful sister and best friend in one person. Even though we live far apart and have our own busy lives, I know we will always be close.