my fabulous family

it never ceases to amaze me the love i have for my family. and i mean, there's always an underlying love i have. but sometimes there are just bursts of *love* that hits me every now and again.

like last night when i called to talk to tony, and i had to leave a message. and i teared up just saying he should call me back. i miss driving and talking and shopping with that kid. we had a dang good time. he's one sharp cookie, sometimes i dont think he gets all the credit he deserves. (sometimes, being the key word there.)

today i've been thinking a lot about lynn. the more my back hurts, the more i think about her. and i feel like i shouldn't be complaining about what i'm going through. because it's nothing compared to what she's been through. and she's so strong. i mean, she's got a husband, two beautiful daughters, and so many other things to do. and i've got... me. what gives me the right to complain when there are people in so much worse situations. and then i call lynn. and she's happy, and excited. and i just love her. i look up to her so much!

so. as everyone knows, i burst out into song from any little phrase. and i miss elis reaction to me doing that. i swear, i usually did it more around him... just to get a reaction from him.... i know, a little juvenile but i got a good laugh. the more cold shoulder and annoyed looks i got from him, the more i loved him! maybe that's why i did everything i could to 'torture' him. like.. "go eli!" at soccer games, etc. one day maybe he'll love me. lol

there is no greater big brother than eric. seriously. you may think your older brother is awesome. but he's got nothin' on mine. i know i could call him up day or night and he'd do what ever was needed. no questions asked. and he has. i drove half way to wisconsin and back, just for my little (currently piece of crap) car. but i know he really cares about me. i mean, the day i arrived in rexburg was highlighted on his calender! he invites me to come sit with them at lunch. and one of my newer favorite memories of eric: he was the first person i wanted to go to when some jerk broke up with me. i didn't want to talk to my friends, as much as i love them. i just wanted a big hug and a good cry from someone i knew would relate and comfort me. there's something about family you can't get from friends. maybe it's our genetics? maybe it's because we have such a long history together? but for whatever reason, i love having him near by.

i love that dad and i have this connection, whenever we're in the car we just talk and talk and talk. i can criticize him about the conversation, and his driving, etc. but we just laugh about it. and somehow, the conversation never gets old. it's like a little window into this incredible genius of a mind that is always planning and scheming and such. my last day at home, i spent with dad. and i wouldn't've had it any other way. i also love the sports conversations we have. now that i'm away, he can just go on and on about the boys games. and i love hearing about what i'm missing. and when we're together, i can ask question after question trying to understand the games... and i learn so much stuff! and he never seems annoyed with the questions. i'm proud to say i'm a daddies girl.

so all of my friends say i have the greatest mom. and i can't lie. i do. i have the greatest mom in the world! i'm listening to the song 'impossible' from the brady cinderella. and thinking about it... this song defines her. to my mom... nothing is impossible. she's always doing something for our family. working. emails about the boys schoolwork. yw president. cooking. sewing. sport events of the boys. traveling. it's so great to know she does so so SO much for all of us, and can still show she loves each of individually. who would've thought she'd have the time to spend a night away with her daughter. but she did. yes... the car ruined some of the fun things planned. but a visit with grandma, room service, and a round of mini-golf was more than enough to see how much she loves me. i only hope as i grow up, i'll be able to have the same love, devotion, energy, optimism, endurance, faith, courage, etc that my mom has. she is a wonderful example of everything a mother should be.

i know that my family loves each other. and we support each other so thoroughly it could be exhausting, but it's not. because our love pushes us onward.

so, thank you family for the love and support, the memories and the future experiences together. i love you!