Heidi

The birthday girl and her handsome boys, Carlos and Rocky.

Now and . . .




way back when!





June 8th is my big Sis's birthday and I got to spend it with her this year. Just for the record that would be 3 out of 4 siblings that I spent their most recent birthday at my house! (Wendy, I will expect you on March 8, 2011.) I cannot reminisce about the day she was born as I had not been born yet. I hear she was not overcome with joy upon my arrival as she bit my fingers when I was just a few days old. Luckily for us, we managed to get past our rocky start. When I was in kindergarten my pinkie finger got slammed into a door and broken. While in the nurse's office I asked them to go get Heidi out of her third grade classroom. I knew her presence would comfort me. I can still see the look of horror on her face when she saw my finger. That's when I started crying even harder!



We started off the birthday festivities with donuts for breakfast. Then we headed off to the Tucson Zoo. Heidi has always been a huge animal lover so I thought that would be a great way to spend the day. After Chris got home from work, he kindly offered to watch all the kiddos so we could do a little shopping and go out to eat without kiddos. We almost didn't know what to do with ourselves.



I am a very lucky girl to have Heidi as my big sister. Growing up we were best friends and had many memorable adventures together. Like the time we went in search of the Easter Bunny in the wee hours of Easter morning. We spent most of our time outside doing things like playing in the ditch, capturing critters and making mud pies. I remember one year at girls camp we were given awards and held up as an example for the other sisters to emulate. =) More than anything though, I think this sums up what kind of sister I have. When she was a senior in high school and I was a lowly freshman, she let me hang out with her and her friends all the time.


Heidi is an amazing and inspiring woman! She found her calling in life at a young age when she was an aid for a special education class. She graduated from college at 22 with a double major in elementary education and special education. Over time she went on to acquire two master's degrees. She has spent the past 14 years teaching those with the greatest needs in schools where the children have the least advantages. For several years she taught special ed preschool. Think about that one for a minute!



Her first son, Carlos was in her preschool class. He was living in a foster home at that time. Heidi decided she wanted to adopt him. Later on she adopted her second son, Rocky, who was also in the foster care system. She is a devoted and loving Mother. Her life has truly been a life of service and love. She has always been a wonderful example for me and for that I am so thankful. I love you, Heidi!!! Thanks for being the World's Best Big Sister!!!