Finally !!

Many thanks to Rachel for sending me 5 interview questions. I am FINALLY going to answer them ! (Go ahead and say it ... It's about time !)

So, here goes ... Sorry, it took me so long.

1. How did/does the age difference between you and SJ affect your relationship?

Having the opportunity to watch your younger sister grow up from the very beginning and being able to really understand it all has been totally an incredible experience. Some backup explanation is probably necessary for those of you who don't know us personally. SJ was born just a few months after I graduated from high school. I was an adult already (the inspiration for the name of this blog - SJ is the SIXTH OF SIX). My siblings and I threw my Mom a surprise baby shower! (That bassinette was crammed full of stuff). We had the opportunity to give her her middle name! (If she was born in the AM hours, her middle name would be Dawn - if she was born in the PM hours, her middle name would be Eve/Evelyn - SHE WAS BORN IN THE WEE HOURS OF THE MORNING on that wonderful October day). I embarrasingly admit that she was a novelty at first. I willingly changed her diapers (what normal 18 year old would do that?), I watched her willingly without being asked ( my friends were put on the back burner for a while), I bought all kinds of things frilly and PINK (even though I really didn't have the money to do so).

I SPOILED HER from the git go.

SJ was in my wedding even before she was able to walk down the aisle as a flower girl. My son was born one week before she turned one. She was an aunt twice before she started kindergarten. SJ was like one of my own, like my very own daughter. My boys and she did things with each other all the time. They played, they fought ... they grew up together. They went to high school together (all 3 of them at the same time one year). Not only did I support my boys in all their endeavors, I did it for her too. I went to her sporting events, I went to the Friday night football games (my alma mater also - Go VIKINGS!) and watched the band perform, I traveled (with my parents and kids) far and wide to watch the band competions, I went to parades the band was in, I was on pins and needles when the band went to London to perform (ask her someday about the bomb scare), I bought raffle tickets and fundraiser items, I had to be there before she left for the Homecoming dances and Proms to take pictures, I went to her graduation from high school and college too. I did it all, just like I did with my boys because, well ... it was like she was one of my own! My baby sister ... the little girl I never had.

When SJ got older and decided to move away from the area, I watched and sobbed as she and her boyfriend (now husband) drove away to start a new life somewhere she had never been. I vividly remember that wooden giraffe in the back window staring back at me (she still has it too). I was lost and felt like I had just lost my best friend ... for days and days afterwards. I wished that I had had the courage back then to do what she did - leave everything behind and start over new. (Of course my boys would have come with me, but I never left). I still live in the town where SJ was born and grew up. I was the maid of honor in her wedding and I was extremely honored when she asked me.

SJ and I both have our lives to live on opposite sides of the United States, so we don't get to talk as much as we used to, but we still keep in touch. I travel to CO as often as I can. She sends pictures of her family. We IM when time allows (the time difference sucks!) We talk on the phone from time to time (although it is usually a bit late for me, but she is worth staying up for).

She gets me (I think) and I get her (I think)!

SJ has always listened when I was going through tough times - offering advice, not telling me what to do! SJ introduced me to the blogging world and with her encouragement, here I am !! Another great way to keep in touch and inform each other about the comings and goings of our lives. (And it doesn't even matter what time it is !) SJ is still one of my best friends. I still miss the fact that I can't see her whenever I want. I have kidded her often that I was the test case (1st child) and she is the polished, final result (last child) !!

I love all my siblings dearly, but there will always be something special about the youngest. (Ask my brothers and other sister - they would probably tell you the same thing).

SJ was beautiful then ...

And still is now ...


Hugs and Kisses and Lots of Love to SJ - my baby sister.

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This post is so much longer than I thought it would be (and I need to get to bed) so questions 2 thru 5 will appear Tuesday night (PROMISE)
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2. What is one thing you want to do before you die? (That's kind of a morbid question, sorry)

3. Do you worry more or less about your kids when they are adults?

4. Are you hoping for more grandkids?

5. What type of work do you do?

1. If you want to do this meme, although I think most already have, leave me a comment saying, "Interview me." (If I don't have your email address already, either leave it in the comment or email me at youremail@.com)

2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.

3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.

4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.

5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.