my twin sisters...

My little sisters, the twins, had their 33rd birthday yesterday! My day was filled with a screaming baby, babysitting, running to and fro. I can finally sit down and do a little post about them. Rachel and Laura...born just minutes apart. Rachel is the dark headed one, Laura is the blond. They are so different. Tall, short. Dark, blond. Different interests. Different passions. But definitely connected. Since I now have twins of my own, I can see just HOW connected. They are the coolest girls. Seriously. Really cool and really fun.

Rachel is the mother to one gorgeous 10 year old named Annie. She is in graduate school at Penn State. She is beyond smart. She's studying some sort of cells. Ones that have to do with mono, I think. I asked her all about it when she and Annie came to visit in August, and I've already forgotten. Rachel and I used to bicker a LOT. Most of it was because of stubborn, headstrong me. She's always right, and that would infuriate me. Finally after 33 years of sisterhood, I'm realizing that she really is. She remembers everything. I had a few random questions when she was here...and she knew the answers. She's brilliant, and I'm convinced she could do ANYTHING she set her mind to.

Rachel is a wonderful mom. The kind that doesn't let opportunities for her daughter pass her by. Petting zoo? Check. Crafts at Roberts? Check. Trick or Treating at the mall? Check. She loves Annie immensely. I can guarantee Annie has never had to question that. Rachel loves her and is tender with her.

She's funny. She'll be the first to laugh at herself. You know what though? She doesn't laugh at other people, or talk about them. I think that's such a great quality. She is giving and thoughtful, and I love her.

Laura is wife to Gunnar, and mother to Elsie and Charlotte. They live in Washington. I LOVE it there. Her house is the cutest you will ever see. She has a talent for decorating. It looks and feels like a cottage. It's bright and cheery and spotless.

Laura is a riot. When she's in the right mood, you can't get her to stop. She's crazy and hilarious. Like, wet your pants hilarious. She's nice too. She inherited my Mom's ability to make people feel at ease around her. To make people feel important. She's naive in some ways, and really, really smart in others. She has a degree in social work, which I think really benefits her family and other relationships. She worked with an agency (social services-ish) until she started having kids.

She is a wonderful mom. I know she questions her abilites...all the time, but let it be known, she is capable and loving and perfect at it. Her kids are beautiful, and turning out just as funny as she is. She has a magnetic personality. I am happier when I'm around her. People are drawn to her and her genuine warmth. They really are.

Happy birthday you 2! I love you.