As many of you know that today is Juli's birthday. She happens to be in the one of the places she loves most, if not the her most favorite place...Disneyland. I have thought about her a little more often the last few days than I normally do; and dedicate this post to her.
One of the biggest jokes that I have with Juli is that I took about 2 years to convince her that she owed me $6. When I would bring it up she would rack her brain trying to remember why she owed me money at all. On one grateful day she wrote me out a check for $6. I started laughing and gave her check back and said those wonderful words that pranksters use quite often, "Just Kidding!" She rolled her eyes and, I hope I remember correctly, her chuckling with me.
I remember one Sunday afternoon when she was dating Dave. She was sitting at the table and said, "I wish Dave would call." I asked what his number was. I called him and told him that Juli wanted him to call her. Then I hung up. He called a minute or two later. I never learned if Dave thought Juli asked me to do that or if he knew I did on my own.
My mind goes back to pictures in the photo albums of when we were kids. For along time she was the only girl among 4 boys. I hope that I didn't treat her too poorly.
I remember her driving the Ranchero. How she would work at the school district warehouse. I have fond dreams of going miniature golfing with Juli, Cindy Jones, a neighbor down the street, and Kelly Savage, my friend next door. It seems we went every other week for most of the summer. Juli would drive. We sometimes would go to Leatherby's (I think) for ice cream. Such great memories.
I am thankful that she lives close by. She is patient with me and loves me.
I love to hear her talk about taking pictures. It is fun to see the fruits of her labor. I love to hear about her trips she takes with Dave and even the ones she takes on her own; especially to do the scrapbooking thing.
I am not sure if Juli would admit it, but she would give you the clothes off her back.
The other day I was tickling Nathan. I can get on top of Nathan, hold his arms above his head, and get pretty close to tickle him, but not touching him, he starts laughing. Juli is worse than that. I could pin her to the floor put her arms above her head and do nothing more and she would start laughing.
Unfortunately for Juli, she and I shared a bed when I was little. The way it really worked...I was such a wild sleeper that she often found herself on the floor. There wasn't much sharing involved. I sometimes wonder if she just started on the floor so as to get a good night's sleep. Maybe that's why when she got up she would take a blanket, curl up in a ball and lie on the heat vent in the dining room. I had never put those two things together. Sorry Juli.
I can't say that I remember watching Juli dance, but I remember her enjoying it. I remember her telling about her last visit with Sandy before he died. She talked about standing at the front window and watching him drive away.
Juli is very brave. Let me explain. Juli lived in Clinton. Jen and I was living in Logan. Dave was working in Carbon County or near there. She asked me to fly her down there. I had just gotten my private pilot's license and needed the hours. It was a good flight. One of the smoothest flights I have ever been on. The brave part was the fact that she trusted me to fly her down and back. On the way home we were over Spanish Fork Canyon. I asked if she wanted to take the controls. She replied, "No." I showed her how the control wheel and pedals worked. I then put my feet flat on the floor, and I sat on my hands. I said, "If you don't take control of the airplane we are going to crash into that mountain peak over there." She took control of the airplane and did very well.
Juli, I could continue with many more memories, but I had better get to bed. Let me finish with this; I love you dearly. You have a good heart (though your physical one may some work, you know what I mean). I love the quiet ways you do things and really expect nothing in return. Though it has been a while, I like leaving "cold hard cash" in your fridge. I love your creativeness. You work hard. You are a great example of how to run a home. I need some of your self discipline, do you have any to spare?
I love you. May Heavenly Father's richest blessings continue to be yours. May you have all that you need and continue to give as you have. We are all greatly blessed to know and have you with us. And may Grammy's cookie jar always be full.
With much love and affection,
OLD Man
A.K.A.
You favoritest little brother
Bartley
