Make Me Smile Monday

Today is my sister A's birthday. She's 7 years younger than me and we have no other siblings in between us to bridge the gap, but it's never really been necessary. She may not realize it (though I hope she does), but I've always been filled with an incredible (sometimes fiercely protective) love for my sister.

I remember the night my mom went into labour, waking up in the middle of the night my teeth chattering and knees knocking from the cold (we're talking Northern Ontario in March) as I climbed into the car to be taken to my grandparents house. I remember hearing that there had been some complications with her delivery and birth and that both mom and A had been through a rough time. I also remember my dad (typically a man of few words) carefully explaining to me and my brother what she had been through, that we might notice she had bloodshot eyes but that her eyes would get better (as would she) and everything would be ok. I remember the relief of knowing she would be ok and the joy of meeting her for the first time.

My sister has always been a very strong, independent person. Growing up she was often mistaken for being older than she really was (partly because she was tall and partly I think because she had two much older siblings) and seemed to fall into that role quite easily. She was always very responsible as a child and I think she felt older than she really was (much like a firstborn child tends to). She's always had a drive to do things on her own and has incredible back bone and determination.

She has also always been a very loving and tender hearted person. She's not quite as demonstrative as I am (I'm not very good at hiding what I'm feeling or thinking), but she feels very deeply. Some people you get to know very quickly because they "let it all hang out", but A's someone you're wise to take the time to really get to know. If you're patient you'll discover great depth and compassion there.

The wonderful thing about these two beautiful qualities of hers is how she's learning to use them as a new mom. I've watched her grow since the time I first heard she was pregnant and I know I will continue to see her grow. Making choices with the good of her children (baby number 2 is now on his or her way) and herself in mind caring for them with love and compassion and sticking to what she knows is best for them with that amazing determination of hers.

A, since I know you'll be reading this, what I'm trying to say, what I hope you know (not only today but everyday) is that I think you are so incredibly amazing and I love you so very much! You are so very important to me, Jason and our children and we are always here for you! Whenever you feel like you need a break we're here to help you find one!

You are irreplacable. No one else could ever play the role you do in our lives. You are one of the most important people in my life and you are one of my dearest friends. Happy Birthday!   

Make Me Smile Monday

I love to dance - at home that is! I love to dance around home when no ones watching. When I was younger I took jazz lessons for a few years and was on multiple dance teams as a part of my youth group. The thought of dancing at a wedding reception or Jack and Jill always sounds like so much fun, and at any given time I could imagine myself letting loose and getting out on the dance floor without a care in the world - but - I can never seem to muster up the courage to actually do it. Plenty of people simply have a drink to remedy this problem, but since I don't drink and don't think this would be a good reason to start this is obviously not the solution for me. ;)

When Jason's sister (who happens to be one of my dearest friends) got married they had the best dance reception ever! It began with the bride and groom followed by the father/daughter and mother/son dances. Then the bridal party joined the bride and groom for another dance. After this the guests were invited to join in on the celebration - and join in they did!

The thing you have to know about Jason's sister is that not only does she love to dance but she is someone who know's how to get out there and just have fun. This is something I really admire about her. What made it even better, was when the Jason's entire family (aunts, uncles, cousins - everyone - without the help of any liquid courage) made their way out onto the dance floor and all did the same! It was enough to even get ME out on the dance floor. It was so much fun seeing four generations out there letting loose, having so much fun!   

To me it comes back to this idea of confidence, which I've come to the conclusion is a bit of a practiced art. I've talked to a lot of people who I consider to be very confident, people who know how to get out there and do the things they want to do. What always amazes me is that it doesn't mean they're never afraid, or that they don't ever get nervous it's just that they decide to do it anyways and give it all they've got. And the result (from everything I've gathered) is that they simply have fun and are glad they did. As someone who hasn't made this a habit, I find it very encouraging, the thought that if I keep pushing myself over time it will get easier to do and the rewards will only get better with time!

Make Me Smile Monday

Our little man J has recently discovered clip-on ties. He has a buddy at church who's the same age as him who wears them and because of that he decided he wanted one, too. So a couple weeks ago he was given a few ties. One from Nana and Poppa and two from his aunt. This Sunday at church he proudly wore one of his new ties (for the second week in a row). He sat with us before the service enthusiastically pointing out to Jason one of the men from church who was also wearing a tie.

What makes it extra special is where his "new" ties came from. The one that was passed on from Nana used to be worn by two of his uncles, and the other two Jason wore when he was a little boy as well as J's cousin R who's 6 (and one of J's heroes). I love the significance of items like this that have been passed down from generation to generation. J likes to stretch up his arm as far as it can reach and tell us that one day he will be be a big man like daddy. The other day he even told Jason that one day he, his daddy and his poppa would all be men at the same time. I think he sees this as a way for him to connect with being a man in his own way now.    

In a world where masculinity can sometimes be equated with negative things, I love seeing my little guy find healthy ways to make the connection. I'm so incredibly grateful that J has so many great role models in his life! You know who you are and I just want to thank you for it!