...I Realized How Grateful I Am (Part Two)...

So because I did a post about the girls, I figure I better be fair and do one about the boys. Really though- these men have truly made me the person I am today. I grew up with (almost) all of them and it's been fun, crazy, strange and overall amazing.

My dad is incredible. He's probably better than your dad- I'm just sayin'. He's patient, kind, soft-spoken, incredibly intelligent and a huge goof. Some of my most precious and meaningful discussions have been with my dad. He's helped me so much to learn and grow. We didn't always get along when I was an angsty adolescent but I can honestly say that my dad is one of my best friends. He supports me in my decisions and gives guidance when necessary. He trusts me and respects me and loves me. I love my dad so much and am eternally grateful to be his daughter.

My oldest brother Dan is awesome. He's smart, funny, sarcastic and just fun to be around. While he can be a bit intimidating, he's just a big softy at heart. And I love him for it.

My next brother, Tom, is a really funny guy. He's witty, kind and just a good person. I know if I ever need anything I can go to Tom- even when his wife Jenn and I are craving Sonic at 10pm. Yep- he's that good of a guy :)

My nephew Owen is pretty amazing. He's a true boy- making messes, playing in mud and often covered in bruises. I love spending time with him and watching him grow up. I also love that he calls me "Susan"- awesome.



Jon is my third brother. I hated him growing up. But you have to understand- he's the closest in age to me and made it his life goal to make me miserable. Such is life as the only girl. Jon and I are actually good friends now and I visit him and his family often (not because I have favorites- just because they live the closest to me). Jon is a goofy, ridiculous and super laid-back person. He's one of those people who don't seem to have to work as hard as the rest of us- things just work out for him. Which makes me still hate him just a little..... but he is very smart and hard-working. We have good times.

Ok- truth: I really go and visit Jon because he has two super cute little boys. Graham is the oldest and he's hilarious. And insane. Mainly just insane actually. He's full of energy and makes me laugh all the time. I love playing with him. He's my little buddy and I'm his "Sue-sue".




Colin is Jon's younger son and the newest addition to our family. He's still a teensy baby but he's so fun to watch. He really is a sweet little guy and is going to have to learn to hold his own pretty soon with Graham as an older brother.

And last, but never least, is Sam. Sam is my youngest brother and he's a pretty awesome kid. We're eight years apart so I haven't been around to see him grow up these last few years which makes me a little sad. Sam's a really cool kid- he's crazy smart, really witty and an all-around good guy. I kind of miss my little farty sometimes (the nickname was given out of endearment... I promise!) and I'm excited to see how he continues to grow and change.

So those are my boys. I love my dad as well as my brothers. I've loved watching my brothers raise their sons (and daughters) and be such wonderful husbands and fathers. Let's just say that my future husband is going to have a lot to live up to. And I'm grateful for it.

...I Realized How Grateful I Am...

...for these amazing women in my life. I am so blessed to be related to each of them. And this is why:

My mother is incredible. She's my best friend and biggest fan. She can comfort me when no one else can and she can say exactly the right thing to put me back in my place if I ever need it (which I never do of course).

Oh- and also because she does this when she can't find the right lid to match a tupperware container:

Jenn is pretty amazing. She was my first sister-in-law and has taught me a lot about having sisters. News flash: sisters are completely different than brothers. But so much more awesome in a lot of ways. I'm so grateful to have her to talk to and laugh with.

I'm also grateful to Jenn for giving me such AMAZING nieces- Tori and Lizzie. They're pretty darn fun and hilarious. Tori always surprises me with how smart she is and Lizzie...well, she's just Lizzie. Her knees are always scraped up and she's totally stubborn but kind of awesome. And they say she looks like me so she can't go wrong there, right?

I also love them because I am their favorite aunt. At least I should be by now- I've been vying for the position for years and I let them do things like this to me (so I have to be the favorite):

Kelsi is probably one of the coolest and most fun, laid-back people I know. She's a great sister-in-law and we have a lot of fun together just chatting and making fun of my brother (it's pretty easy to do).

Annarose is just awesome. First- because she married my brother Dan and it just takes an awesome person to do that. Second- because she's so kind and patient. I really enjoy just talking to her and being around her.

And third- because she had this little chub of a baby. Eva Rose (aka Tula) is the cutest little squish-face in the world. I love her so much. She's so cuddly and calm.

Now my cousin Anna is pretty special to me. Cheesy- yes, but also very true. We were born nine days apart and grew up being best friends. I have all brothers so Anna was pretty much my sister growing up. We had so many adventures together and keep having more even though she is all sorts of old and married now. I'm so grateful for her- she's a wonderful person and my closest friend.

Oh- and also because she does things like this with me:

My other cousin Amie is just amazing. We have some good times together, which is pretty funny considering how we hated eachother as kids. No seriously- hated eachother. We're not quite sure why but I'm glad we're so close now. I love Ames!

And we all love Jimmy Eat World concerts. Seriously- best cousins ever.

So there you have it- I'm the luckiest person to have such amazing women in my life. I'm so grateful for each of them every single day. I always loved having all brothers but now I'm realizing that I need these women more and more as my life progresses. So thank you to all the incredible women in my life, the ones listed above and the many more that aren't. I love you all and appreciate your influence in my life. It's definitely made me a better person.