Sisters...

...help the Mister who comes between me and my Sister...but Gee help the Sister who comes between me and my Man!!

Today my sisters have been CONSTANTLY on my mind. I have one who I live next to who has been a life-saver to my sanity since we moved here, one who is about to have baby #2, and one who just paid off a ton of debt that I'm so proud of! So I decided to do a post about each of them.

My sister Cami gave me a book of poems about sisters for my 19th birthday that I FINALLY read all the way through last night. I found one that describes my sisters to a T:

No One Knows Me Better than You, Sister

Our hearts are intertwined in a history of shared memories. We lived the same childhood, broke many of the same rules, and learned lessons from each other and from life.
Because of this, you understand not only where I've come from, but who I really am. We each have chosen our own path in life. Yet our paths inevitably converge again and again as time goes by, for we never lose sight of their origin.
Over the years, we've talked and laughed, listened and cried, supported and understood in ways no one else could. Even when we don't see eye to eye, I know you only want the best for me - just as I do for you.
No matter what else happens in my life - no matter how many times I change direction or make mistakes - I know you will always be there for me.
Your love is very special. It centers me and takes me back. It challenges me and leads me forward. I'm so glad that we will always be sisters and friends.

- Pamela Koehlinger

Sister #1 Melanie:

Melanie is the oldest sister. To me she is the teacher sister. She lets you make mistakes and shows you how to do better. I wanted her hair growing up! It was dark, curly, and BIG! I always loved it when she did my hair for school! I remember when we'd visit her after she had her first baby Bradley and lived in that tiny apartment. I got to see what she was like as a wife and mother. Watching her I couldn't wait to be a wife and mother myself one day. She had a cute way of decorating her home and still does (which is why we like the Merkley Christmas party at her house)! I admire her for her patience in teaching her kids to play the piano as well as anything their hearts desire to accomplish. She and Kari have had a great impact on my mothering/housekeeping skills.

Sister #2 Kari:

To me Kari is the mother sister. She is always making sure you are living to your fullest potential. Growing up I wanted her talent of dancing! I LOVED watching her clog and I LOVED her smile!!! Besides my own Mom, Kari is where I've learned a lot of my skills for cooking, cleaning, organizing (don't laugh), and taking care of kids. She may seem crazy busy all the time, but underneath I see she has it all together. One thing I remember about her is when Taci and I were fighting one day a long time ago, she made us do all our chores holding hands! Kari is also the sister that made sure we were always "fashionable" where ever we went! She is fun to be around and the parties are ALWAYS at Kari's.

Sister #3 Erin:

Erin to me is the sister who brings out the best in you. Growing up I loved to listen to her play the piano! Especially Christopher's Dream (I think that's its name) She is the sister who puts a passion in you to take risks and make mistakes. To do daring things and experience all life has to offer. Something I still do today. Because of her I've been ALL around the world and can't say enough of how grateful I am that I've had some amazing experiences most people will never get. One thing I remember most is when I drove for the first time on the interstate and she was with me. Erin would drive me NUTS when she would make me try to figure out where to go on my own! (rude I know) Thankfully before I had a nervous breakdown she would tell me which exit to take and what turns to make.

Sister #4 Taci:

Taci to me is the sister I always wanted to BE. Growing up she had this one shirt I would steal and wear when I knew she wouldn't be around to see me. I thought she looked SO beautiful in it, and I wanted to look just like her! She is also the one sister I fought with the most. I think it's because I'm jealous she can make our ENTIRE family laugh and smile at the drop of a hat with her funny "stories". She has an amazing talent of singing that she uses to entertain people and make them smile. One that melts hearts every time she uses it. Taci is also really good at anything! She trys EVERYTHING (including being a vegetarian) and isn't afraid if it doesn't work out. She just keeps going until she finds what she likes.

Sister #5 Camela:

a.k.a. Cami is the youngest sister and the baby of the family. Enough said...

Just kidding! Cami is the sister I was closest to. Maybe because Taci and I didn't get along all the time, and the other girls were into things I wasn't because of age difference growing up, but she is the one sister I share EVERYTHING with. Growing up it was favorite movies and books, neighborhood games, and secrets about boys! And it was a fairy-tale sharing a room with her until my senior year of high school (not really, she was a messy roommate). She is the sister that I still share my secrets with, dreams and goals with, and no matter how weird or stupid or out of reach they seem, she is the one to always tell me to go for it, or even jump on board with me! She is also the one I tend to lecture. I feel as her bigger sister that I have wisdom I need to pass on to her even if she does not want to hear it! Growing up we promised that we would be each others Maid of Honor at our wedding receptions:


And we were! Even at 9 months pregnant I was her beautiful maid of honor! (I didn't want to be called the matron of honor, it made me feel old)

Now that we're all "grown-up" and living outside of the home I've come to realize that I still rely on them like I did before. I ask for advice on how to raise my kids, cook new menus, where to go for fun, or just sit and chat. I'm so thankful I HAVE wonderful sisters that I can look up to and be with for the rest of eternity!


My sisters... I LOVE YOU!!! Thanks for always looking out for me and making me into the person I am today!!!