Mushy blog about my sister's wedding.

My sister got married two weekends ago.  Everyone is THRILLED!  The wedding was great.

Big events like weddings get people thinking about big picture life things.  I did not write a toast for my sister’s wedding.  Some people did, but in all the hoopla, we forgot to have people give their toasts.  So, since then I have been thinking about what kind of toast I would give if I gave one.  Several people offered to toast my sister’s wedding, so she asked me if I had a toast ready and if I would be hurt to not give one.   I said, “No, but give me 30 minutes notice and I will have one if you need one.”  I am glad she didn’t take me up on that.  I am a good public speaker and I like to make things up on the fly, but a wedding toast is a big deal and I wouldn’t have done my best in 30 minutes.

I think I would have done something about how we are generally opposites, but that is what makes us get along so well.  Once I started thinking about it, our differences started cracking me up.  One would think that since we are close in age, grew up during the same general time, and have the same parents and family, we would be similar.  Here are the ways that is not the case.

Me	My sister
I have puffy brown hair.  My sister has chased after me with a straightening iron in the past, and when she got done with me, I looked like I had the fattest head ever.	My sister has sleek read hair.  I always wanted red hair, but instead I was blessed with 3 red haired children.  Even when my sister’s hair curls up, it is in cute cascading ringlets.
I am not an outdoorsman.  I enjoy time outside in small amounts, but allergies and heat and bugs force me back inside before too long.	My sister hikes and camps and loves it.
I am short and stout.	My sister is tall and lean.
I love to wear colors and loud obnoxious patterns.  When I was introduced at the wedding the description of me was something like, fashionista to the color blind.  That fits perfectly.	My sister LOVES black V neck t-shirts.  For my sister’s bachelorette party, it was suggested that we wear something that is totally her.  I could only find a necklace that she had made me.  Three people showed up in jeans and black V neck t-shirts.  Their outfits were perfect.  I don’t own a single shirt that fit the criteria.

When we were kids, we would fight all the time.  Then, once when we were teens, she was going to the kitchen to get a drink and I asked her to get me one too.  I think I probably asked mostly to start a fight, but instead of fighting with me, she said ok and got me a drink.  This really made me think.  If she could do something nice for me, maybe I could do something nice for her.  Magically, ever since then, we have gotten along.  I think part of that is due to our differences.

These differences were really obvious as my sister planned her wedding.  It seemed like every decision that was made was the opposite of the decision I would have made.  The nice thing was that it was her wedding and not mine.  So, it was wonderful to just jump on whatever decision she made, and help make it a reality.  The result was amazing.  The ceremony was at her church and only the people closely connected to the wedding party were there.  This made it way easier to do pictures without having everyone wait around forever.  The reception was at the camp where my sister and her groom met.  This made it really special for them, and they put a lot of effort into making it amazing for everyone else.  There were hay rides, a s’more station, hammock gathering, games, break dancing, and strawberry shortcake.  There was some bad weather, but that lead to a lovely time of dancing in the rain and Dess ran through the puddles barefoot yelling, “I am so happy!”.  The whole event was amazing.

After writing all this, I realize we also have some similarities.

•        We both have great leadership skills.
•        We are both stubborn.
•        We are both hilarious.
•        We are both independent.
•        We are both caring and helpful.  Ok, she is more caring and helpful than I am, but I am working on it.
•        We are both creative and like to make things.  Although, when I make things, I like to use color and craziness, she likes to use detail and skill.

I guess I would end the toast with, “I am so blessed to have such a wonderful sister and that she has found someone to spend her life with.  I love you both so much”

Can anyone else think of ways we are alike or different?  Are you similar to your siblings?