Sindee mania!!!!!

It was my sister's birthday on July 23rd, and yet again, I am late sending out her birthday presents. For me this year, it's been a real test of endurance to get presents out on time. I guess it's a worthwhile problem to have - (too!?!) many people I love enough to make something special for. This year I went all out for my sister though, making four things I thought she could use and would love.

A dish towel proclaiming the goodness of veggies, because she has started cooking more frequently in the last year or so.


A make up bag out of cool oil cloth I found a while back (and knew one day would have a great project to use it). The picture it's sitting next to is one that she painted a couple of years ago for me for the holidays.



A felt bookmark, because she is one of my favorite sweetie chickens and also loves to read. I love it and want to make myself one now! (The book underneath the bookmark is Zadie Smith's On Beauty; I especially love her book, White Teeth. Hands down, one of the funniest books I've ever read!)




And finally, I made another felt mascot. But a cutesy little squirrel or some other benign little animal wouldn't do for my sister. So I thought a skunk would be more fitting. And I love her! She's so cute, and yet could unleash a stink on you you wouldn't soon forget! :) I love it and I really hope my sister loves her too!




My sister and I have a pretty unique relationship. We are actually cousins. My aunt adopted me when I was really young and so my cousin and I grew up together as sisters. We are pretty much the same age, only one month separates our birthdays. So yeah, pretty much twins. Mom even dressed us like twins often. Growing up with a sibling the same age was a blessing and a challenge. It was great to have someone to navigate puberty and the trials of figuring out who you are with, but it could also be a great challenge to figure all that out with someone else right next to you also fighting to figure all that stuff out with. But we are at a stage that I really love now, we are close and love one another more than each could ever explain. I know she is there for me no matter what. And as we move through life, I know that we will always have one another and that makes me feel incredibly secure, loved and truly blessed. She is one of my best friends in the whole world and I cherish every memory of our childhood and look forward to the milestones we will cross together! (Love you, seestar!)

Before I go - today is my 9 year anniversary!!!! I am thrilled! I've been telling everyone today, I'm shameless, I know! We spent all day together, nothing out of the ordinary, but it was bliss. I am more in love today that I have ever been. I am so blessed to have Chris in my life and hope our next 9 years are as exciting, loving and full of joy as the past 9 have been. I love you, Chris!