My Featured Friend.

Since our camera is out of commission for awhile... I need to get more creative with my blog so that there is still something for you to look at from time to time. I decided that if you want to know more about me... you might want to know more about some of my favorite people in the world. So, I am going to start a new theme of blogs called "My Featured Friend". Kind of cheesy, I know... but I thought it would be fun. Anyway... here is my first attempt to help you get to know one of my dearest friends in the whole world, one of my heroes, my sister...

Melissa Christensen Cooley

Since she is my sister, I guess you could say we met when I was born! I have always had a special bond with Missie. She is one of those people that makes you feel right at home. She doesn't judge you no matter what you do. She is someone that you can always go to for advice, for encouragement, for a yummy meal, a good chick flick... you name it! I have always admired her drive for serving others. She is the Primary President in her ward in Tooele, Utah and I'm sure she does an amazing job at it! I wish I could see her in action! She is so crafty. I have always admired her ability to make something beautiful out of practically anything. I had the privilege of working with her at one of my first jobs, a little flower shop called "Great Things" on Freedom Blvd in Provo. It was so fun to be taught some of her flower arranging skills and to kind of be her little understudy for a few years. It was even more fun to work with her when our parents owned Spanish Fork Floral. One of the qualities I truly admire in her is her love for her family. She is the mother of two beautiful girls. Both of them are truly little miracles and we 're so happy that they are alive and healthy today! She is married to an incredible man, Justin who I also admire and love with all of my heart. We have an even stronger bond now that we're both mothers partly because our children are so close in age. Lincoln and Millie (4 months apart) are pretty inseparable whenever they are in the same state... and Grace and Maddie (3 days apart) are so much alike it kills me! We can't wait until we get to see them again someday! So, here is a little 'blog interview' I put together to help you get to know her better...

• Happiest moment in life? I think my happiest moment was when I realized I had a boy who loved and cared for me just as much as I did for him. I still remember all of those first fluttery feelings. When I just couldn't believe I was experiencing movie like romance. And it just keeps getting better and better.
• If you were a color, what color would you be? I think probably green, because it represents my love of nature.
• What music are you into at the moment? I really like musicals and the soundtracks from movies.

• Nicest compliment you've ever been given? Justin really wanted me to watch "As Good as it Gets" when we were dating. He said that there was a scene near the end that said exactly how he felt about me. If you are familiar with the movie Jack Nicholson is a grumpy old man who doesn't get along with anyone. We begins to fall for a waitress, Helen Hunt, and he starts to change. Near the end of the movie, the scene, and quote that Justin wanted me to hear was this; *"I might be the only person on the face of the earth that knows you're the greatest woman on earth. I might be the only one who appreciates how amazing you are in every single thing that you do, and how you are with Spencer, "Spence,"(her son) and in every single thought that you have, and how you say what you mean, and how you almost always mean something that's all about being straight and good. I think most people miss that about you, and I watch them, wondering how they can watch you bring their food, and clear their tables and never get that they just met the greatest woman alive. And the fact that I get it makes me feel good, about me. " I still get all goose bumpy hearing it again.

• Biggest accomplishment? Living through the 2 births of my children.
• Favorite time of day? 6:45 pm, that is when Justin walks in the door each night.
• At 1:00 on a Tuesday, what would you typically be doing? Well, the girls would probably be resting or taking a nap. Which would have me on the computer checking all my "stuff".
• Life would be more simple if... We didn't have to worry about money. I really wish we could go back to the barter system.
• Playhouse Disney, or Nick, Jr? Noggin, I love all the preschool shows. But we probably watch more of the Nick shows like Wonder Pets, Dora and Diego. But we also like Little Einsteins and Mickey Mouse club house. Tivo is a great invention.
• Most embarrassing moment. Well most recently I was really embarrassed at a gathering of adults. It was a mini enrichment group and we were talking while we were working on our projects. I was asked why Justin waits until I go to bed to play his video games. I said "Well because when I am awake, I just prefer that he plays with me instead. " I turned all sorts of red since it was mixed company and not people I knew real well. I did some serious, " Oh, I didn't mean it like it sounded" stuff. They all just thought it was pretty funny.
• Middle School, or High School? Really not fond of either. Not good years of my life.
• Peanut Butter and Jelly, or Ham and Cheese? PBJ with crunchy
• Name two things you use every day. Diapers and hand sanitizer.
• How did you meet your husband? On a blind date. We were set up by one of my mission companions. A very long story.
• Describe yourself in two words. Reliable and hard working
• Favorite song? Well I have a few favorites. My favorite that makes me think of my girls is Celine Dion, A mothers Prayer. I first heard the song when she sang it on Oprah. They were showcasing her new CD and the book that she did with Anne Geddes. They had just had a lady who had the smallest preemie or something on the show and they talked all about it. The song is about leaving it up to god and you pray that they will grow up and be their best. I just started bawling my eyes out. With both of my kids, I had to leave them in Gods hands every night when I had to leave them at the hospital and go home with out them for weeks. So it is a very special song to me.
• And another one? My other favorite song is Josh Groban, When you say you love me. It just expresses in music the way I feel about my honey. I was also moved to tears the first time I ever heard this song.
• Favorite TV show? Oh Gosh, I have to choose just one? I think each day I have a favorite. LOL. But if I could only choose just one, well I would have to choose Good Things Utah. I watch it every single day.
• If you had $10,000 what would you do with it? Honestly, I would probably buy some new clothes, a plane ticket to visit my sister, and then put most of it towards our debt. That way we would only have our student loans and our house to pay off.
• Favorite place in the world, and why? Where ever my honey is. Honestly. I would find happiness as long as he was there.
• Target or Wal*Mart and why? Walmart, cuz that is the only thing we have out here in the sticks.
• What makes you laugh? My kids, especially Maddie. She is a hoot.
• Favorite movie and why? Circle of Friends. The story line just reminds me so much of myself. And how Minnie Drivers character sees herself.

I love my sister with all of my heart! I would do anything in the world for her. She is the best friend and big sister a girl could ask for! (see more of Missie and her sweet family here)