Wednesday, December 10, 2008

My Family

These last few weeks I've been doing A LOT of thinking. More thinking and crying than usual. But it has helped me realize everything I'm grateful for. First and foremost, I'm grateful for my family. They have been there through everything in my life. They've celebrated with me through the good times and cried with me through the bad times. I could not have made it through my hard times without them there telling me that everything will be alright and will work out for the best. I have more older brothers and sisters to look up to than most people and the best parents I could ask for. They all are huge example for me. There is something in every one of them that I admire. My dad's humor. My mom's patience. Chris's love for his family. Patricia's kindness. Lizz's sweet tenderness. Grant's gentleness-though he tries to hide it. Jared's love for everyone. Marissa's courage. Ryan's determination. Amy's energy. Nick's happiness. James's humility. Jerrica's sweet, happy heart. Mari's testimony. I would be lucky to be half as amazing as they are. I have grown up with the best examples anyone could ask for. I am truly lucky. I have always grown up hating being the youngest, but lately I'm starting to realize it more and more that I absolutely love it. Not many can say that they are the younger sister of seven amazing people and the daughter of two wonderful parents and the aunt of 12 beautiful kids. How lucky I am. I always hated not having younger brothers and sisters, but I realized that I have 12 nieces and nephews that in some ways are my younger brothers and sisters. I love all of them so much and feel the responsibility of being an example for them. They always find a way to put a smile on my face, even when I try my hardest to fight it. I hope they look up to me and see someone who loves them more than they can ever try to imagine. I love watching them grow and watching my brothers and sisters raise such beautiful children. I am so blessed to be surrounded by such amazing people who are strong in the gospel and who have so much to give. I hope they realize how special they are and how much they mean to me. Thank you to every single one of you! I will forever be grateful for my family.

7 comments:

  1. Aly, I love you so much! I love reading your comments and I'm very grateful that you are part of our family. You add spice and fun to almost every situation! You are gentle and tender and I love being with you! Thank you for always trying to do your best! You are a great example to me of how fun it is to have fun! I really do love you! ~Mom

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  2. ah Aly, you made me cry! If only you knew how lucky I am to have a baby sister as "rad" as you are!
    You are more of an example to me than you know. The best is ALWAYS saved for last. You complete our family.
    My boys look up to you and love you so much.
    Thanks for being you!
    Love you sister,
    Lizz

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  3. why do you have to make me get all teary! That was a sweet post. I agree with you, we do have an amazing family! I'm glad you know how much we love you and that we enjoy every part of you, and you know my girls absolutely adore you! You're a great example to us and them! Love you sister!

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  4. wait....ENERGY? What the freak does that mean? I'm a spaz?

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  5. It means your bubbly Amy. I love that about you. You're very happy and optimistic. It's a good thing Amy. I promise.

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  6. Boof,
    I love you so much. You are my baby. I have loved you since you were conceived. How grateful I am that you are my little girl. You make our family complete. All your siblings love and adore their baby sister. All your nieces and nephews think you walk on water. Your mom and I love you more than life itself. You truly are a blessing to our lives. I love you always princess.
    Dad

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  7. Aly, I dont think it was fair that you put this up. I cried. I love you! Thank you for being my little sister. We learn a lot from you too. You'ld be surprised at how much I look up to you. I love you forever sister.

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