The JOY of having an amazing big sister

Today is my sister's birthday. My amazing, perfect, inspiring, hero of a sister, Joy.  Growing up it was a tough act to follow...all As on every report card, lead dancer in our performing group, perfect high-kicker, all the cute guys wanting to date her, accomplished pianist, fluent French speaker, powerful and obedient missionary,... you name it, she mastered it. 

As a mother of five (four boys and one girl), she continues to set the example for me.  Motherhood is something she does well and gives her all to because she knows it is what The Lord wants her to do.  I call her for advice on just about every topic under the sun, and she offers creative and wise solutions without fail.  Master scheduler ;), ultimate gift-giver (HOW can she be on time and on the money for 46 birthdays just on our side of the family?!), calling magnifier, triathlon placer, reunion planner, ETC!  Here is the latest proof for my praise: a picture of her handing out individual surprises to every member of my family when she came to stay over conference weekend. Yes, she does this every.single.time. 

And here we are enjoying our sister Saturday in the conference center 

In this month of things to be thankful for, she is one of my greatest blessings.  As I watch my girls, I see some of the same dynamics in their relationships and I'm so thankful they have each other.  They laugh, play, fight, make plans, work, sing and dance through their days together. Elle wants to be just like Ryn.  And who wouldn't?  Ryn is about as perfect as you can get, and Elle (also practically perfect in every way, but different ways) is already starting to feel some discouragement when she compares herself to such a wonderful standard. How well I remember those feelings (did you sense them way back at the beginning of this very post?).  Eventually I started to find my own gifts to develop and share. As a mother, I'm trying to encourage Elle to look to Ryn's example and follow it, but find herself at the same time.  Tricky. 

 So my heart sang last week to watch Elle AND Ryn win in different categories of their school art competition.  

In the email I received from the PTA inviting me to the awards assembly, they said my "child" had won.  I asked which one and they only responded with Ryn's name.  Thrilled for her--she stayed up late, late writing a really cute song for her entry--, but anticipating Elle's disappointment, my stomach twisted as they started announcing winners.  In this picture, You can't see the joy on Elle's face or the way she is clutching that ribbon to her heart or the joy on my face as I snapped it, when they announced her name, too. 

I know from experience that Elle (and Eden and Darren and Hope) will be forever blessed to follow in Ryn's footsteps. Even attempting to do that with Joy has pushed me to be my best in every way.  I love you, Joy!