Ashlee's Birthday!

The March birthdays were brought to a close yesterday, because yesterday, was Ashlee's :) Justin and Owen woke her up with their beautiful singing of "Happy Birthday" and they had cake and ice cream for breakfast. How fun is that? It's genius. Love it. We went to Olive Garden for her birthday lunch. It was a good time :) We celebrated last Sunday with the whole fam, since that was when all of us could be there.

How cute is she? I seriously have the greatest older sister.

The #1 thing about Ashlee is her heart. If you could measure it in some way, it'd be bigger than the population of China and India put together. She thinks of other people allllllllll the time. She's constantly helping people out in one way or another. Sometimes I'll ask her why she does certain things for other people (because she has a husband and child of her own to worry about) and her response is always the same, "Because if I was them, I'd want someone to do the same for me." She treats others how she wants to be treated. It can take people a lifetime to master that, and this sister of mine has done it, at such a young age. Sweet gal she is :) Here's a list of just a few things she's done with that heart of hers:

-She watched her friend's child until midnight, so her friend & her husband could have a night out.
-She made valentine treats and took them around to people in her neighborhood. A single middle-aged woman was extremely grateful for being thought of.
-She takes meals to people in her neighborhood so often.
-I guarantee she'll never forget your birthday.
-And if you're ever in the hospital for anything, she'll be your first visitor.
-She made a playgroup for moms to bring their kids to, for the kids to play, and the moms to chat. Because really, what mother doesn't need a break from the house at least once a week?
-She makes sure her husband has time to himself during the week, which I think is so great. I think a lot of wives expect their husbands to come home from work and take care of the house, without thinking that they do need time for themselves. Ashlee recognizes Justin's efforts at work and school, and wants him to have time for fun. & of course, he does the same for her by making sure she goes out with her friends during the week as well.
-At work one night, she was delivering. I noticed some crappy-looking cupcakes on a table and asked her if she knew where they came from. She said while she was on a delivery, she saw a girl selling them in the neighborhood and felt bad, so she stopped and bought a few. How kind is she?
-She is such a patient mom, and is giving Owen a wonderful childhood. One time he said he wanted ice cream for dinner, so that's what they had. That's the kind of mom I want to be. Ice cream for dinner every once in a while, who wouldn't want that? She's so fun.
-She has other people in mind all the time. She gives me (and I'm guessing other friends too) coupons to my favorite places when she gets them in the mail.
-One time I was getting ready for a date and was randomly breaking out in hives. Even though she was having a busy day, she ran to the store to get me benadryl and brought it in the nick of time :) She sure takes care of me.
-A long time ago I was in a bad relationship. She could see it. I remember she was over for Sunday dinner, and asked me to come talk with her outside. I remember sitting there on the porch with her. She told me about a relationship she had, that was similar to the one I was in. She explained how it affected her then, and how she saw those same affects in me. I knew she was right, and I knew what I should do. . . but I didn't do it for a long, long time after that talk. Even though it took me a while to get out of it, what she said to me that night, meant a lot.

If you haven't had a chance to meet my sister, you're missing out. She'll have your back no matter what. She'll stick up for you. She'll help you the moment you need it. & she'll never, and I mean never complain about it. And that my friends, is love.

Happy birthday Ash! I love you :)