HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MELISSA!

When I originally planned on doing something for my dearest sister's birthday I thought about posting many pictures and walking down memory lane with her.  Unfortunately, I have come to realize either she seems to have successfully kept herself out of most pictures or I have been horrible at getting any of her in them!

So, being deficient in pictures, and after spending time walking down memory lane, I've decided to give her Silver Boxes.

Silver Boxes Explained:
One Christmas, our parents read this book~

It was perfect timing, because we were unable to exchange 'physical' gifts that year.  The heart of the message that this book offers is basically that the things we say have a great impact in people's life. Positive words will build a healthy self esteem in an individual, while harsh words or lack of positive words will wound a person for a lifetime. So, "Silver Boxes" are those compliments or words of encouragement we give to people. They are those beautiful and precious gifts that they will treasure in their heart forever.

Another reason it was a perfect year for this wonderful gift, is that I was not feeling like my sister cared about me all that much (teenagers:).  The silver boxes I received from both her and my parents are some of the most memorable and precious gifts I have been given.

So in that vein,  I would like to dedicate today's post to my wonderful sister and give her Silver Boxes, within Memory Lane, this year for her birthday...

To my dearest sister,

Protector
Ever since we were little, you have always protected me...from adults you thought were being unfair to me, to the boys who didn't treat me right.

  I remember the mean kids, when we lived in Colorado, who would pick on us on our walk to and from school and how you verbally and physically protected me with your body ~ always placing yourself between me and them.  I can still see your protective slant for me today.  I think if I ever obtained a serious disease you would do whatever you possibly could to protect me from it.

Adventurer/Trip Companion
You've always been an adventurous person and encouraged me to do things I would not have even considered on my own.  Now, there were things I refused to follow you on, like the time you jumped off that dangerously high cliff on one of our many canoe trips (in a bikini!). 

Here you can see Melissa making fun of me for trying

to make my hair look good, even though that's nearly

impossible on the river.  But I think she's the pretty one!

And I was blessed to have had such a great built-in traveling companion.  It was so much fun giggling and singing in the back seat of our many road trips.  Remember "one bottle o' pop, two bottle o' pop/fish and chips and vinegar/don't put your dust in my dustpan"?  I think we sang that everytime we went somewhere.

Sentimental 
I love how sentimental you are.  I don't think I could ever be as much as you are, but I love the fact that you remember people's birthdays, keep in touch with EVERYONE you've ever known (at least it seems like it), keep up with family traditions and make new ones to treasure.

Care Taker
A wonderful mom of 5 beautiful children, you amaze me how you are able to love and care for each one of them without completely crashing every night (or maybe you do:-).  The amount of energy that must take!  Not only do you make the time and energy for them, but you always make sure the rest of your extended family is taken care of - like everytime our grandparents were in the hospital, and how you washed and folded all of my family's socks and underwear, and cleaned my house after I had surgery, and how you are ALWAYS willing to do whatever is needed to help out when I am in need.  I am so thankful you will be around when I grow old, because I will need you even more then - so you can't grow old too! : ) lol

Party Diva
Not only do you like to party (ever since you were a kid!), you want to make sure everyone else has a great time too!  I'll never forget my 30th birthday party.  You and mom made sure it was something specifically for me - time doing something I loved ~ scrapbooking ~ with a few special friends and family.  It was such an intimate and joyful time.  Not only do you go "all out" for the honoree, but you do it in a way that truely honors their interests to make it as special for them as possible.

Melissa at Dad's 60th Pirate Party

"The Governor's Daughter"

Melissa, I am so thankful God brought you into my life.  You have enriched who I am and have given me many fond memories to keep.  Thank you for loving me so unconditionally and taking care of me as only you, my big sister can.  I love you sis!

Happy birthday, Melissa!
Heather