I love my family!

During the week, my family is SO busy. We each have something to do almost everyday, and so I don't get to see much of them. I am blessed to be able to spend every Sunday with my family. As I get older, I've really begun to appreciate spending time with them. We always have fun whether we're playing a game, watching a movie, or even just talking with each other.

Last night, my friends and I attempted to go "ghost hunting" at a haunted house on the east side of town. Dylan and I had some time to spare previous to this so we sat and talked for an hour or so. He made a comment that really made me realize how lucky I am, explaining that he admires how close my family is. I am so grateful that if there is anything I know as a fact when I wake up every morning, it's that I will always have my family. Some find happiness from money and materialistic things, but those things will not always be there for you. At the end of the day, all you've got is your family.

I decided I would post about my family because they are some of the most important people in the world to me! Each one of them is unique and a piece of the puzzle. Without one, we would be incomplete. I want to talk about each one of them and why they are so important to me.

My mom and dad- the keystone of our family.

My dad: Brian is the best dad I could have ever dreamed of having. Although he is not my biological father, I consider him my dad because he does so much for me. He watches scary movies with me and I love spending time with him. He's so funny and exciting. He loves to read and play computer games. I admire his open heart to everyone. He never judges people or says negative things about others. He takes great care of me and I wouldn't be the same without him. I'm so glad he married my mom. Having him as a dad is an amazing blessing.

My mom: My mom is one of my BEST friends and I find this to be true as I get older. She does SO much for me. I am a forgetful person and find myself leaving things at home constantly when I go to school. She is such an amazing person because whenever I forget something I text her and 95% of the time she drives 15 miles into town to bring it to me. She has made me who I am today. I can't imagine my life without her. I know that years from now I'll probably be calling her everyday to ask for her advice or help. She is my hero and I hope to be just like her someday.

Natalie: Nat is my only full sibling. When she was born, I wanted to name her Pocahontas. Some people say we look EXACTLY the same. We certainly have a lot in common. Nat is one of my best friends. It's the greatest thing in the world to have a best friend whose room is right next to your own. She makes me laugh all the time and I love hanging out with her. She might be taller than I am now, but she'll always be my little sister.

Trenton: Trent is such a sweet little guy. He has grown up so fast. He is at the age where giving your big sister hugs isn't cool anymore. He is very smart too. I LOVE that when I come home from school during the year late at night from all of my extracurricular activities, Trent will run into my arms and tell me loves me and missed me (only when his friends aren't around of course). One day, and one day soon most likely, he's going to be taller and stronger than I am. He's growing up so fast and I wish time would just slow down. I tell him as often as I can that I love him so he doesn't forget it!!

Zane: Zane is the cutest little 5 year old you'll ever see. He is very sensitive with his feelings. Sometimes he says the cutest things and I will say, "Zane will you marry me?!" and he always says, "it's illegal!!". Once I kissed him on the cheek as I was walking out the door and he gasped and said, "I just kissed a girl for the first time!" He has a perfect little smile and he wants to be just like Trenton. I love his laugh and his sweet cuddly personality. I love Zane with all my heart.

Claire: Lala is my baby girl. She has the sweetest laugh and I love her personality. She can be quite the diva but she's a very loving little girl. When my mom first told us that she was pregnant with Claire, I really didn't think she and I would ever be close because I am 15 years older than she is. Boy, was I wrong! She stole my heart! I love to watch her curious little self explore the world. She is learning to talk and hasn't quite learned how to pronounce things right yet. My mom says she's just like me because I couldn't pronounce the "D" sound except for in "D"ad. Everything was "hot gog" (hot dog) or "guck" (duck). Claire discovered the light switch a few weeks ago and every time she turns off the light she says "Gark!" It's the cutest thing ever. I love her so so much. I worry that when I leave for college, Claire will forget who I am and that she has another big sister. It's a big fear of mine, but I hope she doesn't forget me.

This is my family. My life.

"A happier family is but an earlier heaven"