Happy Birthday, Laurel!

Happy Birthday to my little sister, Laurel.

Today she turns 25 years old, and to celebrate her quarter of a century, I want to share with you my "Laurel Busath Lakey Top Ten"
which is a mix of memories and things all about my sister.

10. She is the only person that has made me so angry I kicked a hole in a door.
9. We loved to make up and put on plays as kids. Unfortunately, the plays tended to be vignettes of me making her do degrading things. Sorry, Laur.
8. Laurel has a great love and a great talent for photography and digital scrapbooking and I'm always more than a little jealous of her abilities.
7. Laurel loves to travel and has been to many more places than any of the rest of us. She always brings home stunning photographs from her destinations.
6. She is a terrific mother and wife and is fiercely loyal to her loved ones.
5. Laurel was on the dance team in high school and although I made fun of her high kicks, I was totally jealous that she was sooooo good at it.
4. She has always been a tender spirit and is thoughtful and loving. One memory I have is kind of funny, but typical Laurel: My mom had bought live lobsters and was steaming them. When Laurel saw what she was doing, she screamed at my mom and ran to her room--slammed the door--and cried many tears for the lives of the poor lobsters. Tender heart. Very sweet.
3. She and her husband Nathan have such a beautiful relationship. I'm so grateful to him for taking such good care of her. She truly deserves it.
2. I've seen my sister grow up and mature and learn, but I was not prepared for how much I would love seeing her as a mom to little Eli. She teaches me constantly about how to be a phenomenal parent.
1. As far as little sisters go, there is none better. She is a true gem and I'm so thankful for her. She is in my prayers every day as I ask the Lord to watch over her, but also as I thank him for the opportunity to have such a sister.

I love you, Laurel! Happy 25th!