Happy Birthday Sister!

Happy, Happy Birthday Dear Sister! You are so loved by the Allen Clan and we hope that you have a GREAT CELEBRATION TODAY! You mean so much to so many and I just wanted to use your birthday as an opportunity to let you know how very much I love and appreciate you! You are my sister, friend and role model. I know that I am a better person just by knowing you and having you in my life.
Our Ladies Bible Study Class just finished a Jennifer Rothchild study entitled, "The Fingerprints of God." What stood out to me the most through this study is that God spoke everything into existence, the earth, sky, heavens, beasts of the earth, etc. all with his commanding voice... that is, everything except man. When God created man he actually MADE him; therefore, we have the fingerprints of God all over us! I think you wear those beautiful fingerprints so well and are such an inspiration to me!
You are a sweet, gentle spirit full of integrity and grace. You are an amazing wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend and example. I have learned so much from you throughout the years and only hope that I have been able to face my own trials in life with as much faith and love as you.
Little Charlie and Kate are so blessed to have you as their mother. You make each new day special for them. You know what is important and never waste an opportunity to stop what you are doing to just play with them or teach them a new game (I am still so impressed that they know how to play jacks! I can't ever recall playing jacks until a few months ago when I played with your kids!)
From the time I found out I was pregnant with my sweet Emily I prayed that she would be a little girl so that Lila would have a sister just like you. When we found out she was in fact a girl I knew immediately I wanted to name her after you. The day she blessed us with her presence God showed His unwaivering faithfulness, love and protection in a very real way. I was so grateful to have my family there supporting us and lifting us up. I will never be able to adequately thank you for rushing to be by my side to pray for and over my sweet baby girl on the scariest day of my life. The sweet memory of seeing the two of you together warms my heart even today. I hope and pray that my Emily Summer grows up to be just like her Aunt Summer. You have every trait and characteristic that I pray she has someday. I already know she is special and I am so proud to be her Mommy.

I love that we grew up so close in age, (although it wasn't always fun sharing clothes and a car)but you were always there for me, sticking up for your little sister when people were mean or life was unfair. Thank you for walking life's journey ahead of me and for always looking back over your shoulder to make sure your little sister is still treking along behind you! Have a Very Happy Birthday! I Love You So Very Much!