Happy Birthday Julie!

I have the most amazing sister on the planet. She is creative, patient, kind, and has a wonderful sense of humor. Did you know that there are 101 ways to use a wash cloth? She can most certainly show you. When asked, my 10 year old tagged her as one of the happiest people she knew.

I am wowed by her loyalty to her family. She works 40+ hours per week as a speech pathologist in the school system. She manages a home and is one of those moms you look to and admire the relationship she has formed with her kids. She exemplifies the Proverbs 31 woman. Here is just a small excerpt

She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day. She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden. First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started. She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day. She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking. She's quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor. She doesn't worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear

When I ponder on some of my favorite memories these were some of the first to came to mind.

She was the first I celebrated with when finding out I could go on my first date. I vividly remember running into our bedroom (we always shared growing up). Jumping on the bed to Daryl Hall and John Oats, 'You Make My Dreams Come True' screaming, 'I can go. I can go!'

Speaking of sharing a bedroom. I will have to extend my apologies for kicking her in the eye intentionally while defending myself to her lunging into my space.

Then of course (she is going to kill me) for the numerous 'puking' episodes throughout our childhood. You see, Julie had a very sensitive stomach growing up and it only took a few times of me rolling over getting slathered in vomit to quickly recognize 'the preceding cough'. As soon as my slumbering body would catch even the slightest resemblance I would immediately bolt for the floor crying out in the dead of night 'm....o....m, she did it again!'.

Summers at the Freed house where met with to this day what I called 'slave labor'. Ban from the swimming pool or hanging out with friends we were contained on our country farm, miles from town to 'manage the home' for three months. This entailed cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping (on our bikes to town), lawn mowing, watching our two younger siblings, laundry, and the list goes on. Us in our beautiful red bandannas, would hit the ground running every morning to check off our list of chores. One of the highlights of the day was 'breaking' for lunch to catch our favorite soap, 'All My Children' before resuming our assigned tasks for the day.

Most recently in that past few years we walked 60 miles together over a three day week-end raising over $6000 for the Susan Komen Breast Cancer foundation. We were the Soul Sistas team and the number 2 team per capita in the at the Twin Cities event. Through sweat, tears, blisters, and sleeping on the ground we accomplished this amazing 'feat' together.

I can only conclude with the last few verses from Proverbs 31 that completely sums up my adoration of her.

Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise: "Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed them all!" Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the fear of God.

When interviewed today for her birthday, this is what I discovered. I asked 11 questions for her birthday being on the 11th.

1. What is something that people do in traffic that really bothers you?

Pass me and then go slow.

2. What is something your parents used to say to you as a child that you promised yourself you'd never say, but now you do?

Life isn't fair. (Ask Carter, he say, "I know, I know your mom told you life isn't fair!")

3. What is something you should throw away, but just can't.

Can't think of anything...I am a thrower though. So I guess everything I have I should have.

4. Rate your dancing ability on a scale of 1 - 10 and explain why you gave yourself that rating. Ooooo, tough one. If I am comparing myself to someone at a wedding dance, then I would say about a 6 or 7, however, if the comparison is Dancing With The Stars, I would say a 3! I think though, with training I wouldn't be half bad. I at least can find the beat!

5. What books have made a big impact on you?

I am primarily a fiction "read for enjoyment" kind of person, not a lot of BIG impact in that genre. However, some books that are high on my list are "The Five People That You Meet in Heaven", "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas", and "The Christmas Box"

6. What bores you?

Boring speakers at workshops or other continuing education events

7. What do you do when you want to relax?

I snuggle on the couch with my family.

8. What is your favorite season of the year and why?

Hands down it's fall! I love the colors, I love the 50-60 degree weather, I love homecoming parades and football games, I love wearing hooded sweatshirts, and I love the smell of outside when my kids come in from playing.

9. What was your high and your low last week?

My high was hearing that my friend Salli is CANCER FREE!! My low was attending a prayer service for a former staff member at the elementary school, who lost her battle with cancer.

10. If you were given $100,000 to celebrate someone or something, who or what would you celebrate?

I would celebrate the bond of women! And I would take all of the close women/girls in my life (sisters (x4), mothers (x2), daughter, nieces (x5), friends) on a weekend long retreat!

11. If you could be any age for the first of your life, what age would you choose and why?

I would definitely just want to be at the age I am at right now... only if I could freeze my kids at their ages too just for a little bit longer. It was a good night and I decided that today is a good day to be right where I am at... ever have one of those moments?

Happy Birthday!

I love you.

Jill