Weekend with my family - my mom, my sister and brother in law...what a special time it was! My mom is so very sweet, she is still sharp and has a twinkle in her eye! She loves shopping, flowers, good food, sweets, her family, and Jesus...over the years I've learned a lot from her. She was always so hospitable, my dad would bring people home for dinner with little warning, his family was over frequently, dropping by for the evening. Every Christmas she made tons of candy and allowed us to make boxes to give our friends. She was at church volunteering in the office or any where they needed help, my dad was usually leading, teaching, talking...mom was working or spending time with someone. They even let one of my friends - not even a close friend - live with us when I was a sophomore in high school. Helen was having trouble with her mom, she lived with us, my mom even made her skating costumes! They gave up the master bedroom for Helen. I really don't remember either of them complaining or questioning the decision to let her stay with us.

My sister and I used to joke (ok we still joke about everything) about which of us was acting like mom or starting to look like her. I think we both do now! Julie taught me to love by sharing her life with me, always welcoming me into her home and life - always. She has become my favorite prayer warrior, I love that we're both studying John in BSF now, I love talking to her about what God is teaching me/us, how we're growing and learning. I love that she would be here for me in a minute and I for her. I love that my sister is my best friend.