Kristi - I love Kristi. She is a great older sister, and a domestic queen. She makes the most beautiful goodies, that are so pretty I don't want to eat them... until I take a bite, and taste how incredibly delicious they are. I remember being so excited for Science Club days in High School, when she would come and spend lunch with me (there others there too, I guess), and she would usually bring goodies :) Everyone in my physics class hated me a little bit because every week I'd walk in with the remnants of some delightful dessert.
Dustin - Dustin was my childhood hero. I always wanted to be just like him. I chose trumpet as my band instrument, took French instead of Spanish, and cried every holiday and birthday for the two years he was on his mission. It broke my heart that my hero was gone on my birthday, when I was supposed to be happy. Now, he has a sweet family, and it is always a pleasure to catch up with him when he comes up to visit. He is very intelligent, a genius when it comes to music, and a man who believes firmly in the teachings of the church. By the way, I still have my Dustin bear from when I was four, fur all messed up from too much love.
Nick - Nick and I didn't get along when we were younger, but I remember as clear as if it were yesterday the time I first realized I loved him. It's weird to have a memory like that, but with as much as we butted heads, it is what it is. Well, he had run away when I was like, six or seven, and Dustin and my Dad went out to find him. I remember waiting at home with my Mom, Kristi, and Ashley, and just bawling my eyes out. I was so afraid that they wouldn't find him, and I couldn't stand the thought of that. It made me realize that I really do love him, and since that day, I've never forgotten just how much I love him. Now, he is serving for his country, and I have so much respect for him. He has chosen a wonderful spouse, and I am happy that they have found happiness together. I love Nick, and I wish I was better at showing it.
Ashley - Growing up, Ashley and I were pretty close. Once everyone else moved out, I definitely considered her my best friend. I was pretty annoyed when Zach came along and stole my best friend (though I've forgiven him now, especially since he fathered such an adorable little girl). She is just so fun to talk to, and has become quite the crafting queen. She can create little projects that look so simple, but I know if I were to try them, they would come out as a wreck. She is fun and caring, and is great fun to spend time with. I love the chance I get to see her for lunches and dinners throughout the week, and the chance it gives me to have some girl talk time :) I don't know what I'm going to do if she moves out of the Chandler-Gilbert area and I can't just drop by any old time.
Dad - I love my daddy. And I call him Daddy, too. He is such a wonderful grandpa, and I can't wait until I have kids for him to wrestle around with, too. He brought me up in such a way that I know how to respect my Mother, something I regret to see not happening in families around me. He has always shown his love for his wife (in high school I thought he did a little TOO much!), and I love that he wants the world to know that they are still madly in love. He is willing to cook and clean, and taught me that the traditional stereotypes are not to be upheld in this family. I did my share of lawn-mowing, and the boys did their share of cleaning the house. I am so glad that he taught me how to do things like hang up paintings, grout, and other household fixes that most girls my age would balk at. Happy Father's Day, Daddy. I love you.
Mom - Aside from my husband, my mother is my best friend. After Zach came and stole Ashley from me, I had the wonderful opportunity to grow a very close relationship with my mother, and I wouldn't trade that for the world. I love any opportunity I have to spend time with her, even if we just go walk around Barnes and Noble and Costco. I love talking to her, and I love her selfless heart. She is a great mother, and has taught me all the important things I need to know in this life. Because of her, I can cook, clean, sew a little, maintain a house, manage a budget, and a countless number of other useful things. I'm so glad she took the time to teach me, especially now that I'm married and can see how many people get married without knowing how to just throw stuff in a pot and have it come out good. I look forward to spending time with her, and I am so glad she is my mother.
Spouses, nieces and nephews - All of my siblings have chosen wonderful spouses. Cliff is a great man who is always willing to lend a hand, and his goofy nature makes it a pleasure to spend time with him. Sarah is such a blast, I love it when she comes up and we can talk about books or crafts or other things together. Lindsay is a wonderful woman, who is such a blessing to Nick. She is fun and good at so many things, and it seems like she's always learning something new. Zach is fun, and I love that he has so many similar interests as Justin, because I know how much Justin enjoys talking to Zach about sports, politics, economics, everything. My nieces and nephews are all so very different, but all such fun. I love playing with them and seeing how quickly they learn and grow. I love spending time with them, and am always excited for family events when the whole gaggle of kids will be there.
The Clements - I could not have asked for better in-laws if I had picked them myself. Mom Clement is such a selfless, loving person, and has made me feel so welcome in their family. I'm so grateful for her, and I love spending time with her. She is always willing to teach me her recipes, or invite Justin and I over for dinner. We know the door is always open, and that is such a blessing to me. Justin's Dad is a great role model, and I could never thank him enough for all that he taught Justin. Justin is such a great man, and I know that is largely due to the way he was brought up. Travis, Luke and Natalie are all wonderful siblings, and I'm so glad I get to be part of their family. I love watching them all interact, seeing them tease each other, and watching them as they go through junior high, high school, college, and develop into the men and woman they will become.
Justin - This man is the love of my life. He is a great husband, and respects me so very much. He is just the right mix of nerdy, goofy, loving, and righteous. I always look forward to when he comes home, and wish I had more time to spend with him. I remember when we were dating, I had a few criteria for my husband-to-be, one of which was regarding my nieces and nephews. I've always loved them so much, and my husband had to understand that. Well, when he first came over and met Jenny, he wasn't just okay with me running off to play with her, he was right there with me, wrestling with Jenny too, being a human jungle jim. I knew from then on that he would make a wonderful father. He is so kind, and always willing to help me. There have been times that I'm sure I've been overly needy, but he is always right there, getting me whatever I need, and making sure I'm taken care of. He is willing to help around the house, and does all the manly stuff like getting the oil changed in the car for me. I love him so very much, and I am so glad that I get to spend eternity with him. He is the man of my dreams. And it sure doesn't hurt that he's mighty fine looking :)
