Our Fourth, etc., etc.

There are many things to celebrate today.

The fact that I practice religion freely.

The fact that you have a right to "plead the 5th."

The fact that I, as a woman, can practice free-speech on my blog.

And by all means:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Of course this is one of the most famous lines in American history, and it is certainly a favorite of mine.

Our family celebrated the holiday with my little sis yesterday. Good thing too, because it has been raining today. We partied with music, burgers, beans, potato salad, chocolate and lemon cake (two cakes, not one) and plenty of fireworks. We were soaking up our time with my sis, a.k.a. Auntie, because today is the day she left for her mission trip.

She'll be gone for nearly a year.

While I am so very proud of my little sis, I can't help but be a little sad. Okay, A LOT sad. For now, all my sadness is sitting inside me somewhere, but come Christmas my tears will be everywhere.

Actually, I'll be sad when my girls celebrate their birthdays this fall without their Auntie. I'll cry at Thanksgiving, who knows, maybe I'll even cry at Halloween. But Christmas will be the super-awful ball fest.

I'm used to not seeing her on birthdays, smaller holidays, and even a Thanksgiving or two (I really hate not seeing her for Turkey Day). But NEVER can I EVER remember a Christmas without her. If there is one person that I have always been with on Christmas, that is my sweet sister.

I'm going to miss the way we open presents. Our shopping trips. Splitting "Santa's" list for mom's stocking. Seeing who gets the wishbone. Watching Christmas Story. EATING TONS OF FOOD! And just chatting. But I'll miss the chatting everyday of the next year.

There are a few other dates that I will miss her, but I don't think they compare to Christmas. Well, maybe one. But that's another story, another time.

So for now, I'll leave you with some pictures I snapped of us today. Please excuse any puffiness, redness, or tear-streaks.









Ah, just seeing these pictures makes me want to cry. It's one thing for me to feel sad about my sister leaving. But as a mom to those little girls in the above pictures, it adds an entirely new level to the sadness. Not only do I see the sadness in the faces of my babies, but I see it on Auntie's face when she is leaving my daughters. I hurt for them all. Maybe I'm just sensitive, but this is all new for me. So tears can be expected, right?

Well, despite my pity party I am very excited for my sister. She is embarking on what I can only imagine will not only change her life, but quite possibly define it. I don't know how she can travel all of the countries she'll be traveling to and not be a changed woman.

She'll learn more about herself and others than I probably ever will. She'll gain wisdom that some of us never have the opportunity to gain. I know she is nervous, excited, scared, sad, and happy all at once. I am too. But most of all I am proud.

Allie-
I'll think of Sista Boom Boom, Beady Beady Loopy, and WHAT (the way you say it) when I'm missing you. That way I'll be laughing instead of crying.

One last thing Allie, I just have one mission for you (of course, this is aside from the mission you are truly there for), find a strapping young chap, charm him, bring him home for approval and give me some nieces or nephews.

Ooops, I also meant to say marry him between bringing him home and giving me some nieces/nephews. I know that is more in tune with your plans.

Love ya Boom!
-Lara