Family

I have been thinking a lot about how lucky Steve and I both are to have such amazing parents and siblings.  It rarely happens in the world as it has with us. We are truly blessed to have the relationships we do. 

Recently I have been going through old journals, photos, and videos for a school assignment.  Many brought tears and laughs.  I lay in bed the other night thinking about my childhood, in particularly the relationships that I have with my siblings from then until now.  I wanted to share a few things so that I can easily be reminded of my immense wealth in relationships in my family.

"To the outside world, we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other's hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time."  ~Clara Ortega

Sisters

 

I am pretty sure that I am going to get chastised for this post, but I couldn't resist.  I love these two wonderful sisters of mine so very much! They are funny, supportive, wonderful to my kids, understanding, easy to talk to, lots of fun, beautiful, motivating, talented, and the list could go on and on.  Although we didn't fight all that much growing up because I was the oldest and they the two youngest, I still never imagined being as close to them as I am now.  

I remember Neisha sleeping on my tummy when she was a baby.  Mom had plenty of drama to deal with thanks to Kelsee, that I had to "save" Neisha ; ) I was always so protective of her, to the other siblings and to any friends who picked on her. When I look at pictures it brings back memories of her little girl smile. She still has the same beautiful smile.  I remember how excited Neisha was when Elli was born and to this day the closeness they have I will always be grateful for. I remember calling her and mom every morning after Elli was born to come and be with me. I was a scared new mom! Neisha will not be. She has enough experience to be a pro already!

I remember when Kelsee was born looking like an indian baby.  I was so excited to have a sister. I read in my journal from that time and I thought she was the greatest thing to happen to this world. I can still hear her loud little voice from when she was just a toddler and preschooler. She loved to tell me all kinds of stories. I remember being concerned they were lies, but mom saying it was normal to show off at that age.  I remember her sassy attitude as she became a teenager, but always being envious of her personality.  I loved when she moved up here to school for a semester and we took a class together.  I hated when she moved back, despite her good reasoning!

Needless to say, I love these two and consider myself blessed beyond measure for the sisters I have been blessed with to have in my life. 

"A sister is a Forever Friend"

Brothers

 

My Brother Matt.

Adventurous

Protective

Encouraging

 

 My brother Kevin.

Dedicated

Faithful

Talented

My Brother Nate.

Hilarious

Devoted

Caring

Memories:

Matt- We became close when he moved up North by me.  He rescued me several times from uninvited guests, including birds, mice, and snakes. With no other family close, I loved having him around to keep me company and the kids begged for him to come over all the time.

Nate- While recently watching a video of when Elli was born I noticed something that is very typical of Nate, and it brought tears to my eyes. While everyone was huddled around the baby, Nate was sitting by me. Talking to me and calming me down from the experience.  He has always been thoughtful that way.

Kevin- When Kevin got married one of his friends said they always referred to him as "responsible Kevin."  Perfect way to describe him. I remember him always having spiritual quotes on his door, ceiling, etc. I have always looked up to his strong testimony. Anytime I need spiritual advice, he has been there.  I still like to go back and read a letter he wrote me after my divorce.

I feel so blessed to have these wonderful now 'men' in my life. They give me strength, support, comfort, protection, and always a good laugh.  I don't know if it is possible for a big sister to look up to three little brothers any more than I do. And for that, I will always be grateful!

The birds and the bees

We should not have had to have THE talk this early.

 I thought I had a few more good years left to prepare. 

I was wrong.

Birthday Boy

Happy Birthday to my Little Man!  I can't believe my baby is 5.  He is a handful- of fun, challenge, and excitement.  Life is never boring when Carter is around. Love this little buddy of mine!
Five things we love about Carter for his big 5:
1- He is still small enough to be a perfect snuggler and eyebrow rubber. Helps mom keep a little bit of baby.
2- When he is good he is the sweetest kid alive, when he is not being good, take cover.
3- How he loves SeaHawks, Jazz, and BYU (just like Dad and Grandpa).  He can't wait until they play each other.
4- His laugh makes everyone around him smile. 
5- There is no quiet when Carter is around. His chatter constantly fills our home. Questions, comments, observations, and anything to share his voice with us all.  I love how he tries to figure out the world.

I could go on and on. This is one special little guy. We feel so lucky to have the blessing of raising him in this world.

PS. What do you think about the light saber cake?  I was able to talk him out of a friend party this year and settle for just cake and ice cream with a few friends- as long as he got a light saber cake.  It was an ok attempt, despite the color problem,  but he loved it so it was worth it!

Up all night

Two nights ago Carter woke up about 2am.  He played fairly quietly in his room most of the night. When I went in to his room in the morning, he jumped up happy as can be and said,
"Mom, I finally did it! I stayed up all night!"
Very proud.  I couldn't help but laugh.
Last night, same thing.
My reaction however, was not laughter.

Happy Love Day!

Hope it is a great one! 

We love you all!