My Brothers and Sisters: A Tribute

Today Jared and Haley went back to school.  Jared is a senior; Haley started eighth grade.

Spending time with my family always makes me reflect on my brothers and sisters, and the incredible people that they are.  Because this is my blog and I can write whatever I want, I'm going to brag a little.


DANIEL

My brother Daniel is the oldest.  For most of my life I've been following in his footsteps, and it's always been a pretty great place to be.  I feel good about following him, because I know he'll never steer me wrong.  Daniel and I are both graduating from BYU this April.  I will have earned my degree in four years...he'll only have taken three (getting nearly perfect grades in the meantime.)  Daniel's talents are many.  He sings and plays the piano beautifully.  He's very smart and knows more about syntax and phonetics than any person I know.  He is amazingly determined and has an inner motivation and willpower that I admire and envy.  From 2007-2009 he dedicated his time and talents to serving a mission for our church in Brazil, showing me by his example the things that are most important to him.

Singing with BYU Men's Chorus

On his mission in Brazil

SUZANNE

 

Suzanne is one of the funniest, smartest, goofiest, nicest people that I know.  She loves plants, particularly flowers, and is an aspiring landscape architect.  When she achieves her dream, because I have no doubt that she will, she is going to be amazing.  Suzy is also one of the most compassionate people that I know.  Every day she tells me about how she wants to make the world a better place one underprivileged child at a time.  She is also one of the most well-rounded people I know; she plays the piano and the kazoo, loves to ride her dirt bike, plays soccer and softball, and is in love with all things that sparkle.  Suzy was the driving force that kept me going as I trained to run a half marathon last winter.  I never would have made it without her.  I think that metaphor holds true in many areas of my life.  Suzy is a great example to me in many aspects of my life.

Riding her dirt bike

2008-2009 Junior Miss

JARED

If only every little brother in the world was as great as my little brother...  Jared is big and strong, but also kind and friendly.  He is one of the hardest workers I know.  In the past few years I have watched him grow from an awkward little kid with a big grin and lots of knees and elbows to a fit and athletic young man with a big grin and lots of muscles.  But always the big grin.  Jared excels in school, on the football field, and on the wrestling mat.  He also plays the piano very well, though he sometimes hesitates to admit it, and he likes to draw.  He rides his dirt bike, plays paintball, water skis, and looks out for Haley.  Jared is an Eagle Scout and he has a strong testimony.  He is planning on and preparing for his mission, and I am so proud.  Although he really is huge--and seemingly growing all the time--Jared is a little softie on the inside.  I always know that when I come home, he'll be waiting by the door to give me a big hug (and maybe also to jump out and scare me.) 

Playing football

Water skiing, Summer 2009

HALEY

Haley is the caboose.  I was in second grade when she was born, so when she became a teenager earlier this year, I really felt quite dated.  When Haley was born I was so excited.  I promised myself that I was going to be the best big sister in the world.  Sometimes I wonder how I've done.  Haley is growing up to be a very accomplished young lady.  She sings and has been involved in the last couple of school musicals--the beginning of what looks to be a promising hobby.  Haley has some big shoes to fill, but she holds her own, always bringing something original and distinctly 'her' to the table.  She enjoys playing softball, and is very good at several positions, including catcher, third base, first base and outfield.  She also hits the ball harder than any thirteen-year-old has business doing.  I love to watch her play because she is so much better than I was at her age.  Haley has always had a vivid imagination and an extensive vocabulary for someone her age.  Every time I see her she is older and more grown up.  I hear her play the piano and feel amazed that that talented young lady could be my baby sister.

Solo at a choir concert

Playing catcher

Admit it.  If you were me, you'd brag too.