Thursday, July 27, 2006

Big Melly Style

It's probably close to 10 years ago since I received that phone call from my brother. He was living and going to school in Toronto and he had called to tell me he was bringing a girl home for the weekend. Could they stay with us?

It wasn't long after that he said to me, "I'm going to ask her to marry me."

It wasn't long after that he called and said, "I just bought the ring. I think I might be sick."

It wasn't long after that they both called and said, "We're getting married."

And just like that, Mel became a part of our family.

Today is a celebration of her. Today is her birthday.

To continue with the Birthday Series, I give you 31 reasons I love Melody.

1. She is Auntie Mel and to Abby there's not much better in the world than Auntie Mel.
2. She married my brother.
3. After that first weekend meeting she sent me an email saying she hoped hadn't come across as shifty because she wasn't.
4. That's the email that made me love her. I wish I had kept it.
5. Also that first weekend at breakfast I watched her order and eat an entire "hungry man breakfast" and she's rather on the small side.
6. She doesn't get annoyed with me when I tell that story to everyone I know.
7. Once during a board game she uttered this phrase, "I have more black up in me than you". It's true, she does.
8. She came up with the best fake Balderdash answer ever. We still quote it. In the category of movies the answer was; When troops are down in spirit and numbers and death is the only hero...
9. She loves to play board games.
10. She's amazingly supportive from many miles away.
11. She makes a mean taco salad.
12. She's an incredible singer.
13. Once she successfully got Mike to try (and love) sushi. In fact he was craving some just last week.
14. Last year she drove here, by herself for the first time, so she wouldn't miss Mike's birthday.
15. Girl's night out for my birthday was Mel's suggestion.
16. She has her very own bowling ball.
17. She has a fishing license and will be taking Abby fishing next week.
18. She (and Dave) were both beyond helpful during the period following Maya's brith earlier this year.
19. Finally I have the sister I had hoped for.
20. She fit into our family like we had always been waiting for her.
21. My friends all love her.
22. Everybody loves her.
23. Even people who don't like people love her.
24. She's up for just about anything.
25. She seems to be able to easily talk Mike into things he doesn't think he wants to do.
26. She's tied with Robin for the sweetest person I have ever known.
27. She's a great listener.
28. She thinks I'm a good writer.
29. She loves me, Mike and the girls.
30. She loves my mom.
31. She loves my brother.

I could go on and on, but for some reason the rule for Mel is the 31 reasons I love her.

Happy birthday Mel. I'm sorry we can't be with you today, but we'll see you in a few days. Love and Hugs!

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