list for lis

The new family I gained when I got married.

I got a lot of great things when I married my husband. Obviously, my husband was the greatest, but I think a close second is his sister. Lisa is truly one of my best friends and she is the older sister I always wanted. I am certain that a better sister-in-law does not exist. Today is Lisa's birthday and to honor her I made a list of 26 things I love about her (she is turning 26).

1. She is such a good mama to her little boy and she treats her role as a mother with a sanctity that is uncommon.
2. She doesn't place value on things-- she has her priorities in order and is so great at taking pride and pleasure in things that are meaningful.
3. She is a fantastic cook and is always willing to invite people over for dinner.
4. She knows how to have fun. Lis and I can laugh and laugh.
5. She has a rebellious streak that completely complements that same side of me. When I first married my husband I thought that I might be a little too wild for Lisa's taste, but I quickly found that she and I are two peas in a pod when it comes to going against the grain from time to time.
6. She is SO good at relating to people and making you feel like you are important. I honestly feel like I could trust her with anything and she would never be judgmental.
7. She is open and honest. She doesn't mince words and I love that I always know I can get the truth from her.
8. She is generous. I think I still owe her $15.00 from a wedding gift that we bought together like 2 months ago. Sorry Lis, I'll get that to you soon.
9. She has been one step ahead of me in many big events in our lives (ie: getting married, having a baby, breastfeeding etc.), so she has always given me such great advice about what to expect, what worked for her, what I should do differently etc. She is totally my go-to girl when I have a question about something going on in my life.
10. She is not easily embarrassed. Neither am I. This has made for some classic and candid conversations regarding the aforementioned topics (getting married, having a baby etc.). And I am so grateful I have her to talk to about all of those things.
11. She has made her home a haven where the spirit can reside.
12. She is fiercly loyal to her mom and her brother.
13. She takes time for people even if it is inconvenient for her. My first year of college (well before we were family) I was feeling a little lonely and sad being away from home and my boyfriend--now husband (her brother). I didn't know who else to call, so I got brave and called her. She could tell I was sad so she immediately dropped what she was doing and took me to get ice cream and talk. I have always remembered that sweet act of kindness.
14. She stands up for what she knows is right and she takes action to make a difference. She is the one calling the corporate offices of clothing companies to tell them that what is printed on their shirts is offensive and inappropriate.
15. She gets stuff done. I don't think I know anyone that is better at just going out and getting things done and being efficient with time.
16. She makes friends very easily and has a knack for making everyone around her feel welcome and comfortable.
17. She can do hard things. She has been through some pretty rough times in her life and she is such a great example of relying on the Savior and her faith to get through them.
18. She has a strong and unwavering testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and she shares it often both through words and example.
19. She has a beautiful voice and I love that she sang at my wedding luncheon.
20. She isn't prideful. If she feels like she has an imperfection or weakness, she admits it and tries to work on it. I admire this quality in her immensely.
21. She mows our lawn for us :).
22. She is a planner and she thinks ahead. Sometimes I am not very good at that, so I am always grateful I have her to keep me in line when it comes to planning family events and such.
23. She can be the life of the party at times, and at other times she can sit quietly and talk one on one with someone to make them feel included.
24. If she sees a need she doesn't wait to ask if she can do something, she just takes action and does it. I love that about her and I need to be more like that.
25. She strives to make meaningful traditions for our family.
26. She epitomizes the charge to "bear one another's burdens" and she truly is the best at mourning with you in times of need, but also rejoicing with you in times of gladness.

See, I told you I had the best sister-in-law there ever was.

Lis, I love you so much and I hope you can have a happy day.

I love this picture of Lisa with her little Logan.