Monday, April 13, 2009

Gratituesday: Birthdays and sisters

I mentioned that my sister Lindsay (above, left) came down from San Francisco to spend Easter weekend with us, but I didn't tell you she was also here to celebrate our birthdays together. She turned 27 in March, I turn 34 tomorrow (Tuesday).

Despite being only five hours away, she's a working girl -- a filming, editing, choreographing, dancing girl, so we don't get to see her very often. She's also my fashion consultant. Granted, I seek her company shopping, but you cannot blame her for my unhip clothing choices.

On Saturday, Lindsay, my mom, our friend Nancy and I spent a lovely lunch hour at our favorite hip, local Greek sports bar. She gave me some fabulous handmade earrings and a most awesome book. I gave her a cute bag and a new beach towel. (I definitely got the better gift.) Then my mom, sister and I headed to the mall to replace my most worn-out, stained, and shrunken clothing. (Thanks, Mom!!)

I'm not a big shopper, definitely not a big spender. I do go a little crazy buying books once in a while. When it comes to clothes, I know what I like -- natural fibers, classic styles, colors and patterns that hide stains without being gaudy -- and half the time it doesn't exist. Thus, my mother had to sew my wedding dress. I am determined to learn to make my own clothes.

But for now, I was extremely grateful to have a little help in dressing myself. I freaked my sister out with some of the items I pulled off the rack to admire, but in the end, I think she and my mom approved my choices.

Tomorrow I'm looking forward to another relaxing day -- out to lunch with my mom and the boys, dinner with my sweet hubby, and hopefully some time in my garden and knitting in between.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

My, sounds like you had a blast with your sister :) I believe I live merely an hour away from her?? Your sister is very pretty, just like YOU :D

Kathy's Red Door Welcome said...

Happy Birthday dear daughter. You have turned into a mighty fine young lady and I am proud to be your Mama!

Lift Up Your Hearts said...

What, no pictures of your new clothes? Happy Birthday, dear friend! I was thinking of you last night, how unusual it is to have a friend for so long that we have the history that we do, but also the blessing of growing CLOSER as adults instead of drifting apart. You are so precious to me!

Amanda said...

Oh, thank you!!

Emily, you are precious to me, too, dear friend!!! And I meant to take more pics of my clothes, and forgot. Oops! The shirt I'm wearing in that photo is new. :)

darlene said...

I've been following your blog for a long time now. Your church sounds so cool! Is it Episcopal? I've been wanting to read your other blog, but I guess you have to be "invited". Don't know how I can get that invite, but maybe you would tell me?
I'm looking for a church that's a good fit for me. Thanks!
Darlene

Anonymous said...

Happy b-day Amanda!

HausFrau said...

Hey, I just found your blog! I like it! We seem to have a lot in common.

I have the same problem as you finding clothes. I need utility and practicality and things that don't go out of style! lol I enjoy shopping at Goodwill. It's sorted by size so I get to see all the styles they have within ten feet. Can't get easier than that.

Amanda said...

HausFrau -- our Goodwill doesn't seem to organize by size or that would be really handy!!

Iris -- thank you! :)

Darlene - My other blog is a family photo blog, which I haven't updated in a few months, but I'd be happy to invite you! Our parish is Anglican, formerly Episcopal. Our diocese (region of parishes) voted to leave the Anglican Episcopal Church for theological and political reasons, so we are now under the headship of the Worldwide Anglican Communion.

Every parish is a little different, so you'd really have to attend to see if it worked for you. We didn't fit in the first five years we attended our church. I'm still not sure we do! But we felt called to be there, and we've made the parish our church home and our place of ministry. We have good friends there, and I get to help make the Sunday School what I want for my kids. :)

Toni said...

Happy Birthday to the two of you, what a great afternoon with your mom and sis sounds fun. I also have the clothes that are comfy and natural and hide those stains, I get a lot of them =stains that is--Have a wondreful day tommorow.

kathy said...

Happy Birthday to two beautiful sisters! What a lovely, relaxing time you all had and are going to have.

Enjoy the special treatment

Tammy said...

Happy Birthday Amanda!!!

darlene said...

I'm just surprised that a more mainstream-type church is a comfortable home for unschoolers, organic gardeners, and environmentalists. That's a very attractive combination to me.

Amanda said...

The Episcopal church is quite liberal in most areas of the country. We live in an extremely conservative area, and most of the churches are supportive of homeschooling. Our parish is heavy with educators, and very school-oriented.

Honestly, Darlene, I don't know that I would say it's a "comfortable home." Just because you love your parents, doesn't mean your home is comfortable. ;) But if you're willing to take on some extra chores and do a lot of negotiating, you might be able to make it more so.

Amanda said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
mandi said...

happy birthday! what a fun day!
hey- my sister lives in san fran too. she is also my fashion guide. as a matter of fact, i'm remembering in high school i got 'best dressed' in the yearbook. i showed her and she said "um...is this a joke?". so yeah, that sums up our fashion relationship!

Anonymous said...

Hey Amanda,
Glad your birthday was celebrated.
On your checklist, there are two items that I have ideas for the accomplishing. First, my Garden of Vegan cookbook has directions for making menstrual pads. Second, I was overwhelmed by that pray without ceasing rule, until I went to a training on healing prayer and we were asked to start by spending two minutes doing nothing with God. And it was weird and easy to do. It also made me realize how if you just invite and know that God is with you, life is a prayer. Is that cheating?
(Sarah)

Lynette said...

Happy Birthday!!

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