Friday Family Feature

Marianne is dynamite,

you better beware,

'cause she's

tick, tick, tick, tick,

BOOM! DYNAMITE! (clap, clap)

BOOM! DYNAMITE! (clap, clap)

Meet Marianne, my little sister, the youngest of five children.

Marianne and Me

(Pardon the quality of some of my pictures, my scanner wouldn't work, so I had to take pictures of pictures)

I know. Enjoy the laugh.

I am guessing I was in second, maybe third grade in that picture. My Grandma often got us matching Easter dresses. We usually got the same gifts for Christmas from her as well, but in different colors. (Except the year she gave me Power Ranger Soap when I was 16 years old. Marianne was lucky that year, I guess.)

Even though Marianne is two years my junior, everyone has always thought she was older than me. It bugged me growing up, but now I’m fine if someone thinks she is older (but I don't get that very often anymore).

Marianne and I actually didn't get along very well when we were younger. (oh the stories I could tell) I think the age difference made us a little more competitive, and I felt like she always had to do whatever I was doing. I also always wished I was as pretty as she was - she had all the boys after her. I wished I could tan as easy as her too. Fortunately, we grew up and grew closer.

(2001)

Marianne graduated from BYU-Hawaii only a few months after I graduated from college, remember how she is two years younger than me? (I didn't really dilly dally either) See? She totally had to do whatever I was doing. Just kidding.

Marianne is a personal trainer at an upscale gym. She also coordinates the fitness classes, does payroll, and rehab stuff, incase you were wondering. She's so smart, she solved my knee issues that I had since middle school that my Doctor couldn't even figure out. One of her favorite past times (besides shopping) is reading fitness magazines. Her car is usually full of them.

Marianne is the family beautician. She does our hair and makeup, and gives us fashion advice. She's so stylish. She has such fun clothes - even though they may just hang in her closet with the tags on them. She has a large wardrobe, and lots of cute shoes, but being a personal trainer, she can't really wear her sassy skirts and shoes to work.

Marianne is my shopping buddy (but no yard sales), and my booty-shakin' buddy. She always introduced me to good booty-shakin' music. We had lots of dance parties in our living room, and occassionally still do. We like to move it move it.

Marianne is a peppy, positive person. She is sweet and kind like our mom was. She cares about people, and wants what is best for them. She is also a peacemaker (except when she's driving). I admire her faith and her strength. She is such a good example to me. She is funny and silly, and a super aunty. The kids love her, even though now they may love her husband more... She is a good, and thoughtful wifey to her husband. She is a thoughtful daughter, and would help anyone if they needed her. She is stronger than she thinks she is, and I don't think she gives herself the credit she deserves. I love her and am so glad she is my sister. She is a beautiful person, inside and out.