I have been delightedly anticipating this post for several months now. =]
Why?
Because this post is dedicated to my incredibly fantabulous second oldest sister, Olivia. <3
2010
If you've been around us or read our Christmas letter, then you already know this; but, for those of you who do not know, I mostly don't ever call her Olivia. =} The majority of the time, I speak to/refer to her as any of the following:
Oly
O
Olive
Olivette
Livs
Livvy
Liv
Livia
Olive-oil
Oliffe
Ollie, etc., etc., etc.!
2009
A few reasons (among many) why I like this girl:
She lets me sit in her lap =}
1994
She lets me ramble (and listens to me!); she plays piano duets with me and doesn't become impatient even when I interpret the piece differently than she does (heh heh); she is always so kind, patient, and understanding when she teaches or shows me something new; she pleasantly tolerates my rather spontaneous personality =P; annnnd
she *still* lets me sit in her lap!
2010
In 2008, our Oly-girl began experiencing major intestinal pain and discomfort. So much so that it hurt to eat or drink anything. She became very weak. We had no idea what the cause was.
When we brought her in to the hospital, she was diagnosed with Crohn's disease
(in a nut shell, your immune system starts attacking your intestinal tract).
After 12 days (if my memory serves me correctly) in the hospital, she came home!
The amount of tests, IVs, and all manner of unpleasantries she went through was exhausting; yet, God turned it into a very special time in her life. He was so faithful to carry us through. <3 To hear Liv's testimony is such a blessing!
An amazing group of friends chipped in to give her a get well gift!
The kindness shown to Olivia and our family during this time was truly overwhelming. <3
2008
This was right after she got home!
We took a special family outing =)
2008
O and I have done a lot together in the past couple years - it has been stellar! To begin our adventuring, the day after our beloved Evy was married, we both went down to Dallas, TX to attend (I was attending, she was a leader) a young ladies program for two months! =D
2010
I loved EXCEL (the program)!
However, two months away from home, I got a leetle home-sick. ;P
Yes-no, having Ollie there was an incalculable blessing! <3
2010
Things done together does, indeed, include shopping (with friends makes it 'specially fun)! =)
2011
Aren't they dears!
2011
Now, some of you may still be under the impression that Olivette is only ever pleasantly quiet, sophisticated, demure, and professional ... while she most definitely is, there is also another side of her personality ...
she is the most hilarious hobo-child ever!
Filled with,
Style,
{2010}
Wit,
{2010}
and Charm ;]
{2011}
All-light, all-light {my favorite way of saying 'all right' ;}, she is incredibly crazy; but, returning to her 'normal' self ... =]
She really super enjoys being an Ant to this little chum!
2011
2011
annnd more pictures *shing* =}
Happy 21st Birtday, Olive!
Pip-pip,
Phia
Post Script ~ All-light, since it is her 21st birtday {for that is how I like to say it}, and it only comes but once in her life, you must all comment about at least 1 thing you like/have noticed or appreciate about Olivia, right? Of course right. =) I shall then compile them and give them to her - because words of affirmation is her love language. =)
Post Post Script ~ Incredibly fantastical crazy lovahlee weather we have been having the past couple of days, yes?! =D It's certainly been a joy to be out in God's breath-taking creation - go on, do something outside! =)
