I have so many pictures from this trip...I thought it would be fun to show at least one of all my siblings. I have one of everyone, except Traci who is now living in California. I hadn't planned on doing this, so I don't have a good one of every person.
Here is Trisha...I sure love this girl. Here she is the mother of 6 and still as patient, sweet and full of life as ever before. I only got to see her for a few days, but it was great to see her and her cute kids. Memories were made watching the kids dance late into bedtime. They were definitely channeling some "Napoleon Dynamite." haha
Tod. This is the brother I spent a couple of adult/single years with in my past. Boy was he a great friend. We were inseparable really. I always say Tod only needs one friend and when he married Michelle she replaced me. I don't mean this in a bad way, he is just a one on one kind of guy and I will always cherish the one-on-one time that we shared in those years. Now I see him at family things, but I mostly just watch the way he is with his family and know how lucky they are to have him.
Teri...just a pic of me with my mom and Trevik. I will use this pic to write about my mother. Seriously...can anyone out there relate to what this woman does on a day to day basis? I know I can't. There were so many quiet acts of love and service performed by her loving hands. Not only is she there to talk and cry with...but as us older kids selfishly stay up late playing cards or another volleyball game...she is there to clean, cook, and monitor the chaos quietly in the background. I am in awe every time I go home. We all try to "pitch in" and help...but it still tends to fall on her. I love you Mom...more than I am sure you know. Thanks so much for having us and making your home so welcoming! Thanks for being the woman that you are.
This is a pretty pathetic picture of the back of Ty...but that is all I got. Ty wasn't around much this visit home. He was workin hard and had a lot of wedding stuff going on with Katie's side of the family. It is always fun to have him around though. Anyone who knows Ty knows he is a great conversationalist and definitely brings a lot of energy with him! Love ya bro.
Tina...Weena! Love this girl. We got to spend lots of time together the first few weeks. Nick was out of town...so we even had some sleep overs. She is mother to 4 and keeping it all together. I love her little boys and that little Melrose so much. Out of all my family...I guess I would say I keep in the best touch with Tina. We talk a TON on the phone and I always feel like I can tell her anything. Tina could maybe be intimidating (with her good looks and lack of tack..ha ha...) but boy is she the BEST friend to have. Once you get to know her she is the MOST loyal and wonderful person. I love her and cried on my flight home...because we didn't really get to say goodbye. Love you girl!
Again..not the best pic...but one of Thomas (in the middle.) I got to spend more time with Thomas this trip, cause he is living at one of my parents houses...that sounds weird, they own a few. Anyway, there were lots of games and fun times with this fella. My favorite memory of him however, was his wonderful lesson (he is gospel doctrine teacher like myself) on the Crucifixion. I won't soon forget it. Thomas has a testimony that is so strong and there have been many a late night talks where he has taught me greatly. In fact, it is because of Thomas that I now read my scriptures daily. He has such an ability to testify of truth and make me want to be the best that I can be. I love this kid!
Tonya is next. Again, I got to spend quite a bit of time with Tonya this trip. Well...only when her kids were in bed. This girl...always has a baby at her feet. Much like this picture I guess. My favorite memories of Tonya for this trip would have to be the dice game and watching Ivy (her youngest) fall over herself every time someone would look her in the eye. I guess shyness runs in the family. It cracks me up. Tonya used to live here and has since moved back closer to home. I miss having some other sibling around to help me recover and adjust after coming back from Idaho...I always get so homesick after a trip like this. So I am missing ya sis...right now.
Tayne...Tayne. Just last summer I got to see you get engaged and go dress shopping with Brooke. The summer before I got to hear you pine over Brooke...(long story) and now in one short year you have the cutest baby ever and sweet Brooke to spend Eternity with. Tayne is such a great guy. Love him! Only got to see ya for like one day...but loved every second of it! Thanks for letting me tell you my "most embarrassing stories." It is always fun to share something and get a reaction...and you gave me one!
Troy is so much fun to be around. You were working like crazy this trip... I guess that is what happens when you get married and have a baby on the way. Anyway, I love you tons and just enjoy whenever you are around. I love the way you tease Weston and your sense of humor. Thanks for the great hugs...something I always look forward too. Thanks for the one on one time and just being you! I love you Troy!
Toby D....ha ha. I spend so much time with Toby this trip cause he is fresh off of his mission...and still has no job. I loved getting to know you more and talking about Sam and life. Toby is the sweetest brother I have. I think my favorite memory with you...will be singing with Mom and you and Truman. You have a great voice. You are way too lucky in the dice game and I only hope you are that lucky in the rest of your life. You deserve it. Also...thanks for running and doing 30 day shed with me...now that is LOVE! I loved looking at old pictures of you in Dance...you really do have a gift bro!
Truman...This kid is so much fun. Thanks for playing tennis with me and for being so patient and sweet. I wish I could have seen you more. I can't believe you are so handsome and tall and grown up. I won't see you for 3 more years. It makes me sad, but I am so thrilled you are going on a mission and doing what the Lord wants you to do. Don't doubt yourself Truman. You are absolutely amazing...in so many ways. Love ya!
Trevik! Usually I spend so much more time with you...But I guess you are growing up. It was fun to play games and see your silly sense of humor hasn't changed a bit. I loved playing volleyball with you...mainly because it was cool to see you growing up. I can't imagine if I had been born as number 13 in this family. So many strong personalities and examples older than you...but then you came along and you handle it famously. You are just as strong, funny and wonderful! I will remember your talk in Sacrament meeting on testimony. Your testimony is so pure and genuine and mature too. You are wise beyond your years. I am so thankful to have you as my brother.
Tate: last but for sure not least. My kids refer to you as Uncle Tate...but you are for sure my brother. It was so fun to see you swim this summer. I can't believe you are almost 12. I loved watching you with my kids and with the babies. You have such a gift to lead and be kind. I really cannot imagine myself in your shoes. Thanks for being my little brother. Thanks for being such an awesome example to all the neices and nephews to look up too. Sure love you!
