Getting it under control...

First of all- This is my 25th post. Woo Hoo!!

Second, life continues to go well. I moved in with Becky and Andy almost 3 weeks ago, and started my new job about 4 weeks ago. Thus far life is going really well. I am trying to be aware of the things that I can do to serve Becky and Andy, because I really want this living arrangement to work. So far I think it is going well. We've done some fun things, and some not so fun things. But honestly I really think this is going to be a good situation. There have already been some nights where I got great support from both of them.

OK- I just decided what this post is going to be about. My fantastical family. It has been a while since I posted about them.

First- My Parents:

Mom and Dad are gearing up for a big move. Even though I am a career woman now, and most likely will not be joining them in their new house, they still called me to ask which bedroom I wanted. I love that they find it important that I still have a place to call home, even if I've never lived there. This does however complicate the question "Where are you from?". The House in Texas sold less than 12 hours after going on the market. I don't blame them for swooping in and buying it, It's a great house. I love that my parents want me to belong, no matter where they go. In the last few years, I have learned that Home is definitely where the heart is. Mom and Dad taught me how to live a good life. They taught me how to love and serve my family and friends. And that we are required to love our family. But if we choose to like our family, it is an extra bonus for us. My siblings and parents are my best friends. I would take hanging out with them over my college friends any day of the week. My parents taught me how to be friends with my siblings, and the whole family has been stronger because of my two amazing, stable, loving parents.

Heather. My sister Heather had a birthday this month. A big birthday. She's my older sister and I have always looked up to her. When I was little I looked at her and admired how smart and determined she was. Now I look to her as a great mother and friend who has supported me and empathized with me, and trusted me with her honest, true and rawest feelings. I had always seen Heather as this amazing superstar. She made plans and rolled with the punches, stayed faithful in adversity. I remember the day that I realized Heather was a person with fears and hope, but also a wonderful woman of faith. She was getting ready to leave on her mission, and we went to have a talk near the Denver Temple. We had our first real heart to heart there, and I recognized her as one of my best friends. Heather married Cody. He is great, and balances Heather's personality. I love him to pieces. He is so concerned for me and my welfare. He is always there to listen, and has named himself as the president of my fan club. I can't imagine Heather marrying anyone better.

Kathryn. Kate was always to independent, free thinking sister. Kate was going to conquer the world, and do it all in one day. Kate is an amazing mother. I only hope that one day, when I have kids, that I will be able to measure up to who and what she has become. Kate is one who will do anything for you, even if it means she may fall behind in taking care of herself. The day she told me she was getting married I went home and cried. I didn't understand why she would want to stop being my sister and leave our family for this man she had just started dating a few months earlier. However, only a few days into the engagement, I learned that Kate wasn't leaving out family, just making it bigger. She brought Dan in. He is fantastic. Dan is a wonderful man. It was really through Kate and Dan that I learned about how marriage strengthens all three families. And that when you get married, you really do marry the whole family. I have spent multiple holidays with Dan's family. They are fantastic. Dan may not be a man of many words, but the words he does say are filled with love and support. He is always ready with a hug, and an encouraging word. I am really glad Kate picked him. And that he picked Kate.

Adam. Adam has always been my big brother. I know that he was disappointed when I turned out to be a girl instead of a boy. Hey, I don't blame him. I always looked up to Adam as my big brother. On the Playground at school, I always won the my brother could beat up your brother argument. It's not that my brother was always the biggest or strongest (even though he usually was) it was because I knew that my brother loved me and would do anything to protect me. I'm sure there were times when we would not get along, and there is still debate as to what happened on New Years Eve 1990. But my brother has always loved me. He was the first one to ask me to dance at my first Stake Dance when I turned 14. I was the last one to dance with him at his last Stake Dance before he went off to college. He wrote me an amazing letter when he was on his mission. I still cherish it to this day. It's just a great connection when he tells me why he loves me and what he sees in me. It's very rare for a 17 year old girl to get that sort of love and encouragement from an older brother. But He's just that special. Adam married Lisa. I first met Lisa on my 19th birthday. I knew as soon as I met her in the car on the way to the family dinner that there was something special about her. Lisa is one of my best friends. She is so supportive of Adam and of all the things our family is and loves. She has been a wonderful addition and is a great sister. I truly consider Lisa to be one of my sisters. I remember the first day that Lisa and I really sat and talked. I had just had my wisdom teeth out, and Lisa came over to spend the day with me. We sat and talked and I told her that if she wanted to marry my brother, the sisters and I were all ok with that. I think my mom always worried about the girl Adam would marry because it might be hard for her to fit in with the already tight-knit circle of sisters. Lisa has fit right in from day one. She is a blessing and an example.

Becky is my baby sister and best friend. We have definitely had our differences and even had fights before. Once we came out to college we learned to be better friends, and less selfish friends together. Becky and I lived together. There are so many examples of love that she has given me, and there are far to many to name. But one of my favorite bonding moments happened when she was engaged to he husband Andy. About a month before her wedding, I broke up with the man I thought I was going to marry. This was hard on many levels. But I remember the nights that followed, curling up in bed with my sister, knowing that she loved me and wanted me to be happy. I knew that even though she was getting married, she would always love me and support me. He husband Andrew is great. He is a great friend. We can sit and talk for hours. He is genuinely interested in me, and what I'm interested in. Becky and Andy were married young, and I have got to watch them grow, buy their first home, and learn lessons that must be learned during everyone's lives. A few weeks ago, I came home and was having a bad day. Becky and Andy Followed me up to my room, and sat with me. Andy slowly slipped out and ran me a hot bath while Becky went downstairs and made me some tea. They are so loving and caring.

It has been so great to write this post. I think that sometimes it is so easy to get caught up in the day to day, and sometimes I start to take the people I care for the most for granted. So, for all of my family members out there. I'm glad that we're stuck together for the long haul. I love you so much!!!