Happy Birthday, Maren!!!

Today is my little sister's birthday. I just thought I'd let her know we are thinking of her. I hope she doesn't mind that I used this picture but I think it's amazing. This is her ONE day after she had her 4th baby. Can you believe it? She looks so young and so good. I went to see her this day and she met me at the door of her room. Talk about some serious recovery.

Not only does Maren look great after having a baby, she is a great person. I have always said that it was lucky for me that she was born after me because I would not have been able to live up to her. She has always been the kindest person. She always looks for and finds the good in all people. She is one that you know will never talk ill of you. She is trustworthy and honest. She is a great mom and takes good care of her 4 sweet kids. She has a big challenge with them being so close in age but she is not only surviving the task but I can tell she is really enjoying the time with her sweet little ones. She is the best example of someone that lives her life following the prophet. She is a great example not only to me but our family and everyone she comes in contact with.
Growing up with Maren was always fun. You never knew what she was going to say or do. She is as smart as can be and very creative.

A few of my favorite memories:

1. One year she decided to be a hand for Halloween so her and my dad made a GIANT foam hand that was taller than her that she wore. It was great.
2. One night we were sitting around the dinner table listening to my dad on the phone. It sounded like he was talking to someone about a new job. We asked my mom if we were moving and before she could respond Maren burst out, "All right, we are finally getting OUT of this hell hole. (I think she was in elementary school when she said that. I think we were all so shocked we just started laughing.)
3. I remember when we were fighting one night. I wasn't saying very nice things to her and she finally just punched me and then started crying. I said, "Why are you crying? I'm the one that should be crying, you just hit me." Her response, "I hurt you physically but you hurt me mentally." :)
4. I loved the piano playing, even though it got her out of doing chores. I loved when she would play and we would sing cheesy songs together. i.e. 'A Window to His Love.'
5. I loved that Maren was never afraid to talk to anyone - no matter what age they were. (I was always so shy but I wanted to be that way.)
6. I remember not wanting to share clothes with her only to find my clothes on her or my clothes put away "differently" than how I put them. (I'm sure she got away with it sometimes.)
7. Two words: Cash Register
8. Playing raquetteball and having "fashion breaks"
9. I loved that all my friends enjoyed Maren. When I didn't want my little sister tagging along, my friends loved having her around. (refer to #5.)
10. My favorite memories now are long conversations about motherhood, politics, schools, caring for our homes, callings, etc.

Maren, you are a great sister and a wonderful friend. I love you dearly and am proud to say that you are my sister. I hope that I can grow up to be like you someday.