Hey, Soul Sister

This is a bit overdue, but in celebration of birthday month, I wanted to give a shout-out to my sisters.  Rachael's birthday was July 14, and Sarah's birthday was July 28th.  I love July, but it can be a little crazy with all the fêtes.  Even so, here are some things I love about Sarah:

1.  Sarah is so girly, but she won't wear pink.  I don't get it, but that's just her.
2.  She's not afraid to share her opinion, but she manages to do it tactfully.  I envy that.
3.  She has fabulous hair, and she's willing to work hard to get it.
4.  Sarah is an amazing listener.  She has a Master's in Social Work (okay, one book report away from the MSW, but close enough!) and she always has others' best interests at heart.
5.  Sarah is the favorite auntie.  All the kiddos love her, and she's a fantastic babysitter.
6.  She kept pestering me to listen to the fantastic Train song "Hey, Soul Sister."  The first time I heard it, I totally fell in love with it.  And it will always remind me of her.
7.  Sarah is the most dedicated journal writer I have ever met.  She is always having to purchase new ones.  Uh, I'm still working on the one I purchased before I got married (our 5 year anniversary is next week).
8.  For a long time, Sarah thought the phrase was, "Happy as a Clown."  Love it.
9.  She almost always has four pair of sunglasses on her dashboard.  Girlfriend loves her accessories!
10.  Sarah is smart, beautiful, photogenic, outgoing and just all-around fabulous. 

 Happy Birthday, Sarah.  You are amazing.

Then there's Rachael, a.k.a. Mach.  I'm not entirely sure where the nickname "Mach" came from, but it certainly has stuck.  Good thing she doesn't mind it (just like I don't mind Mary Chewy . . . it's almost automatic).

Here are some things I love about Rachael.

1.  Mach is very organized.  She really appreciates when there is a plan.  And it makes her happy when everyone else is aware of and complicit with that plan.  But she's not a control-freak.

2.  Even though she has had a lot of internet problems at home and droids at work who won't let her access blogger, Rachael has planned and written several blog entries.  She's got them all saved somewhere, just waiting for her to have a free minute.
3.  Mach really shines at Christmas.  She has well over a hundred people she sends Christmas cards to every year, plus she does gifts for people at work and in the neighborhood and in her ward and at Bunco...sometimes I can't believe the effort she puts into it.  Every year, I stand in awe.
4.  Rachael does incredible birthday parties for her girls.  I actually didn't bring my camera to Lily's 3rd birthday (shocking, I know!  I didn't know what to do with myself!), but Sarah got some great shots.  For example :

Yes, she made the fabulous Little Mermaid cake by herself. Rock on.
6.  Rachael is the care-taker of the family.  She is also the peace-keeper and everybody's best friend.  She would do anything for anybody, and she often does.
7.  Mach is an awesome mother.  She makes sure her girls are happy and learning and active and properly disciplined. ;o)
8.  She is pretty low-maintenance.  Of the sisters, she and I are together on this one.  We are on one level of the beauty routine, while Bex and Sarah are on a totally different plane.  Neither is better than the other, it's just the amount of time and effort put into it; Mach and I just can't be bothered to do anything requiring more than 20 minutes.
9.  Mach is a calming influence.  She doesn't let things get to her (or, at least she doesn't show it).  I can be an emotional wreck, and when I talk to her (any time of the day or night), she can make things better.  She's not a miracle worker, but she has a good, level head on her shoulders.  I need that.
10.  Mach is a confidante in every sense of the word.  She is an incredible secret-keeper (and yes, I'm still a little bitter about the pregnancy secrets) and a very dear friend.  I don't know what I would do without her.

I love you, ladies.  You are the best.

*I haven't forgotten about you, Bex.  Your turn is coming, but it's not your birthday yet. ;o)