A Sister's Toast...

It is finally here....Tara and Drew are getting married tomorrow. I cannot tell you how excited we all are and cannot wait for all the hard work to come together tomorrow. Tara has a busy day planned today for us and of course tomorrow, but I wanted to make sure and take a second and share this with yall. As her Matron of Honor and Maid of Honor, Nicole and I have to give toasts tonight at the Rehearsal Dinner....below is mine.

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Take a stroll down memory lane with me if you will…almost 22 years ago to the day, December 17th, 1986. I am in a hospital waiting room in the delivery ward. I am almost 6 years old and the itty bitty spunky red head next to me is 3. We are sitting with our Nina, and it just so happens to be her birthday. We are waiting the arrival of our newest little brother or sister. I have to add that in the true spirit of our Mother, we are wearing matching snowman shirts made by my Mom for this occasion.

We are coloring pictures and anxiously awaiting the baby. I look up at Nina and say, “I hope this baby is a boy, I really don’t want another sister like Tara!”

As Nina is getting on to me, we think we hear a baby crying. After what seems like an eternity to this adorable 5.5 year old, Dad comes out and tells us HER name is Nicole Carol and to come back and see her. Another sister…we go back there and I somewhat get over my longing for a brother and am excited to see Nicole….Tara stood in the door way and refused to get near her….sure signs of our future =).

Well I was right, I really did not want another sister and she was nothing like Tara =). I kid…growing up with 2 sisters is an experience that will forever live with me. Yes, it had its ups and downs, fighting over everything from clothes and shoes to who was in charge when Mom and Dad were gone, which you both know I was ALWAYS in charge =). But we never ceased to have nights of laughing all night long, weekends of decorating our own Christmas Trees, weeks of cheer and pom tryouts practice and helping each other and of course the occasional crashing of me and Shane’s dates in high school. Little did I know that was just the tip of the iceberg from what was to come in our later years. I could not live without you and thank God that He has blessed me with you both.

Tara – I cannot even begin to express how proud of you I am. If you remember, I actually thought you were never going to get any bigger (she was ITTY BITTY as a kid) and would be a red-headed midget. Seriously yall, she was a little, shy girl that blossomed later in her Senior Year. You have no idea how many stupid boys are kicking themselves as they ignored a little short skinny Tara with braces most of high school. It was like she became a WOMAN over night and she did not have time for these “boys”. Too little, too late!! But now, you are a tall, gorgeous, smart force to be reckoned with and nothing makes me prouder. You are an amazing aunt to Claire and Owen and they love you so much. You and I have a relationship unlike no other and I love you for that everyday. You are going to make an excellent wife and mother one day as God has huge plans for you.

Drew – I am so excited that you are joining our family…mainly because I always wanted an older brother =). Anyone that can make Tara as happy as you have over the last 5 years, we love and welcome with open arms. I personally see her joy everyday. We were blessed with Shane 7 years ago and now we have been blessed again with you. We are a crazy family, but mostly crazy about each other. I can promise you that our family will always have fun together and be there for you always. We look forward to many many years of craziness to come with you and Tara…and hopefully a couple sweet babies…along the way!

To the both of you – Remember to always keep God first in your marriage as he brought you together 5 years ago with His plans already made for this weekend exactly. If you remember to always keep Him first and to pray to Him, you will forever be guided and taken care of and there is no greater feeling.

We love you so much!! Cheers!!