April girls.

Happy Birthday Julie!  It is hard to remember life without Julie.  She came into my life as a dance teacher.  I was in total awe in her class -- not only of the way she moved, but the way she made each class a journey.  It was a well crafted masterpiece. Something from the warm-up would lead to something in the technique section which would build into something bigger across the floor, and then then there it was: a beautiful pattern with all the class elements coming full circle as the pinnacle of class.  I was amazed even then.  And then later as I tried my hand at teaching, I was twice astounded.  (I found that my class more resembled a head-scratching twisted backtracking desert trail!)
 But that is Julie.  She does so many things with such grace.  I remember also having the end of the semester review with her -- to discuss grades and attendance.  She was so loving and talked to me like a sister -- even then.  I think I cried or was trying not to cry -- not because of my grade :) -- because I could just feel her love for me and her concern for me and what I was going through outside of class.
 That has not changed in all my interactions following. Her life is well crafted just like her class... We all can see the amazing things she does.  When you know Julie -- you feel like you have a cheerleaer on your side.  She always builds me up.  Which is funny -- because I always feel so far behind her!  
Energy.  Spiritual power.  Grace.  Love. 
I love you  Julie!

And Happy Birthday to April!  My first memory of April is of her smiling eyes and her sweet giggle.  I remember seeing April and Mike -- this newly wed couple as such a perfect pair.  These are still the things I think of  when I think of April.  But I am so grateful for the time that I have had to sit and talk with April, to watch her in action as a mother, to get to know her at a deeper level. 
 I admire her fortitude.  Her absolute integrity.  She stands tall in her own shoes and makes tracks!  I always learn from her wisdom and foresight.  She has so much depth and strength -- yet such a tender heart.  I can think of many times when I have seen her serving and picking up the slack for me or for others -- without saying a word.  She works hard but she is quick to smile and laugh and enjoy life. 
Strength.  Leadership.  Service.  Love. 
I love you April!

There is so much to say about these beautiful ladies.  I could fill a book with all the ways I wish and hope to be like them.  2 amazing examples of motherhood and of sisterhood and womanhood :)

**And may I take just a moment to thank Rachael for getting this started.  Not just because some of the words have been about me -- although I truly appreciate the love I have felt from those words -- but also for the opportunity to write down some of my feelings that would not otherwise get expressed exactly.