Family Friday: Featuring My Sister Lilian

As the eldest child in my family, followed by three brothers (that I love), I really wanted a sister. On Wednesday November 23, 1966, the day before Thanksgiving, I was sitting in my 3rd grade class when my Dad came to my classroom and motioned for me to come out into the hallway. He came to tell me that my Mom had just delivered a baby that afternoon. "Guess what it is," Dad said to me. I immediately answered, "a brother." I think I may have sounded a little crestfallen. "Guess again," said Dad. I knew there was only one more option, but with amazement and questioning in my voice I said, "a sister?" I had my sister. Having a sister has been a blessing in my life and I am so grateful for Lilian.

When Lilian was just three years old I got to go on a Daddy/Daughter date with my Dad.That was a yearly primary activity. My Mom made me a new dress for the occasion and with the leftover fabric made a matching dress for Lilian. When Lilian discovered that she wasn't going on the date there was a bit of a fuss, so shortly after my date with Dad she got to wear her new dress and go on a Daddy/Daughter date too.

For several years my Dad was a meter reader for Mountain Fuel. He taught Lilian how to read gas meters when she was just a little girl; she had a little notebook and a pen and she would go up and down the street to the neighbors and knock on their doors and ask them if she could read their meters. I can remember looking out of my parents kitchen window and seeing Lilian knocking on doors and ringing doorbells.

Being a little girl and getting my baby sister was great! But growing up and having my sister as my friend is even better! In 1992 I was first introduced to scrap booking, I went home and called Lilian and told her all about it, I knew it was something she would love, and she does. She is the scrapbook queen and I'm not kidding! Her scrapbooks are always caught up and they are wonderful. She also makes beautiful cards. She is always on top of the newest ideas and gadgets, and she's always willing to share.

Not only is Lilian creative with her scrapbooks and cards, she makes the best sugar cookies you will ever eat. Besides being so delicious, she decorates them so beautifully, and you know what they say about presentation, it's everything. Every Valentine's Day she makes big heart shaped cookies and personalizes them for her family. One year for my birthday (at my request) she made me a big heart shaped "Lesley" cookie.

Lilian is a great photographer and now has a photography blog. She's ready for business. At the beach house this summer she took pictures of my family that turned out wonderful.

I was with Lilian when she took this picture. We are at an overlook directly above our beach house

I love to go to Lilian's house. Mike and I go frequently for a movie night, often inviting ourselves, but the great thing is, we know we can. We always feel welcome and wanted. When I started writing this post I asked Mike, "what do you have to say about Lilian?" His answer, "she's the best!"

I mentioned in Lilian's son Michael's post, that Lilian speaks Chinese. Well she really doesn't speak Chinese, but she does the funniest Chinese accent that keeps us laughing 'til the tears flow. She is so funny and a fun person to be around.

She loves her family very much and they love her. She is the Mother of five sons! The name of her blog is "My Life With Boys". She is devoted to all of her "boys" including her most important one, her husband Cory.

This is Lilian with all of her men in 2006; because of boys missions she hasn't had all of them together since 2006. How would you like to have all of those handsome guys adore you? (And they do adore her)

I have many, many stories about Lilian, but I love to tell about the time that we went to England to visit our parents while they were on their mission. Neither of us likes to fly; in fact we both hate to fly, so when our flight leaving Salt Lake was delayed due to "complications" we were both a little stressed. When it was finally time to board the plane we were both in tears as we said goodbye to our happy and smiling families. As soon as we were seated (in first class thanks to Cory) a flight attendant was already seeing to our needs when she asked us if we would like a drink, "a Bloody Mary?" Of course we told her "no thanks", but as soon as she left I looked at Lilian and said, "a Bloody Mary sounds pretty good right now."

Some things to know about my sister Lilian: She is very creative. She loves Disneyland. She goes to Disneyland a lot. She thinks of others. She is tender hearted. She loves Hugh Jackman (that's Lilian in the picture with him). She loves to chew on ice in a mug, it's her favorite snack. She has fun parties. She always feeds us well. She has a great laugh. She loves Mrs. Cavanaugh's Mindy Mints. She loves her family. She loves t'ocean. She loves the Tower Bridge; it's her bridge. She collects Wedgewood. She has a beautiful Christmas village. She's a good friend. All of her friends loves her. She works at a flooring store. She is a good person. She loves the Lord. We are all grateful that Lilian is in our family and we love her.

Lilian and all of her guys in 2006: Cory, Russell, Michael, Mickey, Lilian, Jacob, Taylor, and Alan