My sister, Jill by Susan

This being Jill's birthday, I thought I'd write a posting about her. We're 2 1/2 years apart in age and were able to spend a few years together in elementary school being 3 grades different. I remember especially her last year of Mingay (6th grade). I was having a difficult time in 3rd grade so when I was able to, I would try to find her during recess. It made that school year a little easier knowing my sister was close by.

This picture was taken July 6, 1953 and shows that many a time we would laugh together so much we'd end of crying - even in our "older" years we would do that!! It's something we inherited from our Mother. (ha ha)

Jill always had a desire to put together "shows" and we neighborhood kids had to perform. She'd teach us dance routines and put on quite the production with curtains hanging from the garage opening. Before the summer was over, she'd get our parents all to come sit on benches and watch us "do our thing" just the way she planned. Glad she was able to continue doing that through her life!

She had no idea that the summer of 1965 when everyone was gone to work, I would sneak her Book of Mormon and read it. I didn't know how to say the names correctly but as I read the introduction, the spirit testified what I read was true and I could not deny it. Everything I questioned as a child growing up was answered as I investigated the Church. How grateful I am for my sister having her Book of Mormon in the room that we shared.

Thanks, Jill - love you!

My sister, Judy by Susan

This being September 15th - Judy's birthday - I thought I'd write about her. We're 6 1/2 years apart in age and this picture was taken some time in 1951 - me being probably about 18 months & Judy about 8 years old.

Long ago Mom told me that when Judy saw me as a new baby sleeping in the bassinet and I kicked my blanket off, she saw my foot for the first time. She then saw Judy go to her room to pray.

I don't remember exactly what year it was, but Judy was working in a sewing plant. The clothes they made included a big appliqué of initials. I was so excited on Christmas that year when I opened a huge box (or maybe a suitcase) filled with all these clothes for me with my initials. I decided right then I wanted to learn to sew like my big sister.

Soon after I got my driver's license, I needed to go to a Church activity and didn't have a way to go. Judy offered me to take her little 2 seater red convertible. I took 2 of my friends that needed a ride (we squeezed in). I thought I was so cool driving on the Ventura Freeway in Judy's sports car. It was quite the car.

Growing up, I remember Judy always cooking such good food. One particular time was when I came home from BYU for Thanksgiving and Judy helped with the meal. The stuffing she made with water chestnuts and since that day I always make my stuffing adding water chestnuts.

Judy was a big help to me with my wedding. I wanted to make my own wedding dress so she helped me design it from a picture I found in a wedding magazine. We hunted for the fabric that would be perfect for the style and she helped me alter the pattern to make it into the design I wanted. I was never good at doing hair so she helped me. In 1969, the only way to make curls the way I wanted them was to use lots of curlers which Judy put in my hair 2 days before my wedding. She fixed my wiglet (the one she bought me years before) to add more fullness. The day of my wedding, she got up around 3 or 4am along with Mom to get me ready. My hair turned out just the way I wanted it which made for a happy bride.

Thanks, Judy........love you!