From Lindsey

As your little sister, its been a fun journey being a spectator in your life.  When Jacob and I were little, you were not the ideal big sister.  You were bossy.  Mean.  You would make me do your chores and entice me to do them by giving me a timer.  When you left for college, we were glad to each have our own rooms and we thought it was funny that you called home like every day...and that was before free minutes.  Mom didn't mind though, she liked that you kept a connection and you could always make her laugh...you still can, although I'm not sure why- some of your jokes are downright silly.

After college you moved back for a bit and went to the singles ward and I got to know you in a different way, instead of being the bossy older sister- you were more like a friend.  We shared a room, and I didn't mind- except those nights when you got a little gassy "in your sleep".  You were a big cheerleader for Jacob and I in high school.  You attended some soccer games, my plays, and were there to talk about my dates when I got home.  You cheered on Jacob in the football stands and came home talking about how great he had done.

When it was my turn to move away, you were still close by, which was nice.  I remember coming home from college and instead of waitress-ing I worked for the same computer company you and Jacob were working at, which was nice, because we got to have lunch together...well, you and I did- Jacob was too cool for us.  There was this one time that a group of the salesmen invited me to go to lunch and I was nervous about it- so you came along too.  You bragged about all of my accomplishments the entire lunch to them. I remember being so embarrassed.  When I talked to Mom about it, she said I should be grateful- you were proud of me.  It took me a while to understand that.

Eventually you moved back to College Station, where I was certain you would spend your dying days.  We lived down the street from each other in these poor POOR houses.  We called your house the Turtle house because the floor had a hump like a turtle shell.  Mine was a bit better, but it had Skippy the Rat when we moved in.  Regardless of those conditions- we ate dinner together often.  I got to know Aaron better, which was fun.  We played 42 almost every Sunday- or at least that's what I remember.

When Todd graduated, we moved to East Texas.  We loved living there in Nacogdoches.  Our fondest memories of Nacogdoches were of course, bringing Ava home.  You took off work to be there with me.  Its funny because neither of us had kids, we weren't exactly sure what we were doing, but we worked it out.  You were there as I figured out a few things, cried through some other things, and began my journey as a Mom.  It's a blessing that you gave me that I have never been able to pay back, but I am grateful for it.

Not long after that, you would struggle through infertility, tests upon tests, until finally- Landry became a possibility.  I was embarrassed that I became pregnant at that time too.  It didn't seem fair- for you or for me.  I had barely figured out how to deal with Ava, you were hoping and praying upon praying to conceive, and here I was- surprised to be pregnant, and this time, with you.  I was so happy for you, though.  So grateful for the gift you had been given and I was estastic to meet Landry when he finally appeared after days of labor in a very, very cold room that you were "burning up" in.

Years have passed and along our trials, mistakes, joys, several scrapbooking retreats, and many happy moments- we have remained friends.  It is one of my greatest blessings.  I will forever be grateful for Cameron International for giving us a big enough moving package that we could fly you (and Landry) home for Dad's 70th birthday.  Those reunions play back in my mind and make me grateful all over again.  It was a wonderful 2 weeks to be with you and Landry.

Today you celebrate your 40th birthday and I so wish that I could surprise you with another reunion and be there with you to celebrate.  I am grateful you will have friends to lift you up on this day when we are so far away.  However, I have put together this blog and a few greetings from people all over the world sending their love and best wishes to you.  Perhaps in a way- the internet can bring the miles apart closer together on this, your special day.

Love ya tons,
Lindsey Noel