My sister is 40 today. It’s a milestone in our family because she’s the eldest of all us girls and I’ve been teasing her about turning 40 for the last two years.
“You know, you actually turn 40 twice, Erin. Once when you turn 39 because all you can think is OHMYGOD I’M GONNA BE 40 NEXT YEAR and then once when you truly turn 40.”
She reminded me that I’m a mere 14 months younger than she.
Guess who turns 39 this year? Yeah. That came right around and bit me in the butt, didn’t it?
Erin always got to do everything first. She got her license before I did, when she asked to go roller skating with her friends on a Saturday all by herself she got to go alone. Erin also got to make mistakes before I did so that I could watch her and tell myself that I didn’t want to make those same mistakes. (Let’s face it. I made all new ones. I wasn’t very smart.) She got married right out of high school and moved to New Mexico but came back to Illinois after her second baby.
She works harder than anyone else I know. It drives me crazy but I’ve seen her clean her house from top to bottom after working a full day and she seems to go, go, go long after any normal, rational person has lost steam. Nobody is as exacting as Erin.
She’s a crier. If anything sentimental happens, Erin will be crying. (Even though I watched as she gave birth to her third child and teared up, she gritted her teeth and pointed at me and screamed, “Don’t you dare cry right now, Kelly Marie!” because she’s also dramatic with that pointy finger of hers and likes to use both of my names when she scolds me.) The entire family has said at one time or another, “Oh, Lord. Someone get Erin a tissue because we know she’s gonna cry.” She’s a pretty crier, too. ANNOYING.
She’s an encourager. If you feel like you can’t do it she is right there telling you that you can.
She’s the first person I wanted to talk to when I found out that Maddie was back in my life and she’s the first person I will call when I think the world is crashing down upon me. All “what am I gonna do?” conversations start with my big sister. When I got a tattoo on my back she decided that she wanted one, too, and now all three of us have the same tattoos. Sometimes I like to point out that I GOT MINE FIRST but then I look at her tattoo and realize she went bigger and fancier than mine.
Happy Birthday, sister. I love you fiercely.
I know you’re crying as you read this so get a tissue, wipe your nose, and collect yourself you big baby.
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I’m sure Charlie Harper has some lurid comments to make about the 3 hot sisters. I’m going to sit down and watch a couple of episodes of 2 and a half men in honour of the 3ness and hotness and 40[ish]ness of you lot.
Happy Birthday Erin and if you cry at this post that is fine, as I am not a cryer and I did. Lovely lovely lovely post.
Happy birthday to your big sis!
AWWWW, how sweet. Makes me wish I had a sister.
well, you’re both crazy hot. Happy Birthday Erin!
My Kelly! I couldn’t ask for a better birthday…I am the subject of a blog. And the best blog of them all! I am a cryer and am doing so as I type. (Can’t freaking see and am pointing my finger at myself to STOP IT RIGHT NOW!!) So glad you created your own mistakes…it allowed us much more conversation over the years. And yes, as you turn 39 this April I will remind that you will do so TWICE!! By the way, have I ever told you that no matter what order we came in, YOIU ARE THE WIND BENEATH MY WINGS. I love you!
-Big sister
Awwww! I want a sister! Happy birthday, Erin!
She is crying…I just talked to her and she was reading this for the eighth time. Happy birfday Erin. I love you. And I’ve never teased you about your age because you’re both YEARS older than me..haha!
Awwwww. That is so sweet. I am a cryer too so don’t be ashamed Erin. Happy birthday. Know that u are loved and appreciated!
Happy 40th Birthday, Erin! Forty is great, by the way, and the subsequent years just keep getting better.
You had me crying too!
Happy B-day to Erin – 40 is actually a huge relief after all the dread leading up to it. And yes, in my experience, the whole turning 40 twice thing is entirely true. I hope you have two smashingly fantastic parties, Kelly, to celebrate both times through it. xo
Erin, what a beautiful gift to have such a loving set of sisters who openly express the joy of having you as the world’s greatest big sister. I will always remember the diligence to displayed with your pre-schoolers back in the day and how fastidiously you supported Parent Involvement. Happy 40th birthday from one big sis to another. Much love.
The “first person you want to call” thing is big, BIG. Love to your sister from another sister, Bossy.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Erin! Now I am all teary and trying to stop. Can you guys adopt me? All I ever wanted was one sister, but I won’t complain at getting three
I’m a twenty-year-old English Lit major and have found myself entirely captivated by your blog tonight. JUST stumbled upon it. Well, I know this is an old entry but wow, you and your sisters are all SO stunning and reading your words has made my night… (Seriously.) I have three sisters of my own and, like you, am incredibly blessed.
Much peace to you. I’m going to keep reading, and try to catch up.
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