Happy Birthday to You!

We are lucky to have 2 birthdays today in our family tomorrow. I don’t think I’ll do a blog post every time its someone’s birthday in our extended families because, lets face it, that’s almost a hundred people. As much as I love them all, its not going to happen! But, since I am a REALLY bad sister and didn’t even get a birthday card in the mail to my little sister I figured I could do a quick blog about her.

Marilee rocks. If you don’t know her, you should really get to know her! She’s so much fun to be around. All her nieces and nephews love her to pieces. She is a great example to her ENTIRE family. Did I mention that she’s beautiful on top of all that?

She is 22 years old tomorrow and is currently serving a mission for our Church- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints- in the Puerto Rico San Juan Mission. Right now she is on the island of Curucao. She has been out for 9 months, and is officially half way finished with her mission. She is totally and 100% immersed in the work of the Lord, and she’s LOVING IT!
She just got transferred to Curacao a few weeks ago. Transferring to this island, she has to learn Dutch and a Spanish (i think?) dialect- Papiamento.

She is rockin’ it so far. Her first Sunday on Curucao, she had to bear her testimony and she said she just knew the basics, but- HELLO- being able to bear your testimony in a different language that you'd only been barely introduced to within the last few days, and understand what you are saying is awesome! Especially if you don’t blunder out any “I know the cow lives” or something about your father the potato (hey, it happens!). Yeah. She's pretty much amazing.

We have so many great stories of Mar-lie (our nickname for her!). Because of her, I can quote verbatim the entire movie of “The Little Mermaid”. Good times. She is 7 years younger than my younger brother, so she’s our caboose. I can’t imagine our family without her. When she was born she brought so much peace to our house, and continues to do that in her loving, sarcastic way.

I was impressed watching her grow up- she was a really great teenager-the kind you only hope and pray you’ll end up with ( and the best, darn babysitter around!). She’s always had a testimony of the gospel and that has been reflected in her actions all her life. I’ve always been able to count on her as a sister and a friend. Its been wonderful to watch her testimony grow even stronger now that she is on her mission!
Life is a little bland with out the spark of Marilee around. I miss joking around with her. Who else will laugh at my lame jokes (besides my kids) and knows all the inside jokes that we share together? But I know she’s where she’s supposed to be, and I know time will fly and she’ll be back home in no time, joking around with me again.

So for you, Marilee:
I wish I could tell you happy birthday and give you a great big-ol’ hug! Hope you’re lovin’ it with all the lizards out there. Let me know if you have any crazy lizard stories. You know how much I love them! You are an incredible example to me. How did I get to be so lucky to have so many amazing sisters! You’re no longer a “REAR” tard in my book. If you were here, I’d take you to lunch at Beach Hut for your birthday and eat some yummy, gooey, chocolaty for dessert. Then I’d leave you to bake in your car (its that time of year!) for a little bit. I miss you and love you so much. Remember that. On days when you can’t walk anymore, or talk anymore. We are here rooting for you and praying for you!
That’ll do, donkey. That’ll do.