My family is one of the greatest gifts heavenly father has given me. The older I get the more I realize, I WAS NOT PLACED IN MY FAMILY BY ACCIDENT. We are all SO weird. I decided to use old pictures, because they are more.. comical.
God gives us families so that we can grow together, learn how to love selflessly, and how to serve others. Not only do we do those things with our family, families are meant to have FUN together. This is me and my mom at Disney land. I WAS OBSESSED WITH JASMINE. My mom helps me to reach my dreams, even if my dream was to meet Jasmine. No matter how crazy my dreams sounds she cheers me on. She is my number one fan and tells me anything is possible. When things don't work out she never says I told you so. She helps me dust off my scraped knees and move on with a better plan. She has taught me how to laugh when I want to cry, how to remain positive when NOTHING is going as planned and to trust in God.
This is me and my dad. I couldn't find a picture with his face. with me. I will have to ask my mom for a better one of us. He is teaching me how to shoot a gun, so some day when I need to hunt for my own food I WILL KNOW HOW. That was my first time learning how to shoot. My dad has taught me so many other great things so that if need be I will know how to take care of myself. He has taught me to be strong, even though some times it's easier to be weak. He calls me his little viking. The thing I love most about this man.. is even though he is super tough... He is also a teddy bear and listens to me when I am acting like a total.. girl. hahah. He cries when he shares his testimony about Joseph Smith and Jesus Christ. Or when ever he talks about how much he loves his kids. When I was speaking in church before my mission i couldn't look at him or his big blue eyes would be red and filled with tears. He has taken care of me my whole life, he goes with out so that we, his family can have. He is the ultimate example of selfless Christ like love.
This is Cody, my oldest brother. He used to call me sweets. As you can see He's not only super tough but he loves his baby sister! No matter what bratty teenage stage he was in he was always SO kind to me. He would let hang out with him and his friends, even though I was super obnoxious at times. Cody is a HUGE reason I chose to come on a mission. When I was in second grade he was the first of my family to go on a mission. We were asked who our heroes were and I drew a picture of him in a black suit, white shirt a tie and the missionary name tag holding a book of mormon. Cody has never been mean to me. He has always helped me to feel his love and support. Even though I was a brat growing up. He is always there to tease me and to protect me. Boys were always afraid to come over when Cody is around because... he is built tough. He is the brother that is super funny and super tender. yet super manly. When I was little he could be taking a nap and all I would have to do is ask and he would wake up and jump on the trampoline with me no questions asked. He spoiled me. I know I can always count on having fun when I am with him! He is an incredible dad. Watching him with his daughter Taylor is enough to melt any ones heart.
This is me and Travis on my birthday. Travis is an incredible example of patience. He is absolutely HILARIOUS. He knows how to make people laugh. Travy is seriously the best dad ever. Watching him with my nephews is so sweet. He also served a mission and married his beautiful wife shortly after he got home. It was really cool to see how much they love each other. Even though marriage is hard they are still crazy about each other. I have always loved creepily observing them and I hope to some day have a family like that. He is a comedian and a spiritual giant. He is one of those people that when he tries something he instantly becomes pro. It's pushed me to not be afraid to try. To give everything a shot before I decide I can't do it. To be fearless and just go for it. he doesn't know this but when He was on a mission I used to sneak in his room and play with all of his lego sets that were like super intense. :) He is really smart, driven and talented. He doesn't waste his talents either, he expands them and is always learning new things and becoming a better person each day.
hahah Maddie... WE USED TO FIGHT LIKE CATS AND DOGS. Holy cow, do I love her. Some of my funniest memories have been made with mads. She has been through so many HARD trials in her young life. Maddie even though we fought was always really protective of me. If some one wasn't treating me right she was sure to be there to defend me. She is one of my best friends now. She doesn't give up either or lose hope, even though at times it would make sense to be discouraged. She pushes through with a bright smile on her face and lights up the world around her. We have the same laugh and our voices are almost identical. When she was in high school and her friends would call I would always pretend to be her. ohh she would get so mad. Even though we used to beat each other up we have really grown to love each other so much. I know that no matter where I am or what I am doing maddie will love and support me. She is like my dad, She gives her all to make those around her feel taken care of, protected and loved. She is one of the most selfless people I have met. She has inspired me so much and has influenced me more than she could ever know. I love hearing about her new mom experiences, I have yet to see it in action because she had Franklin right after I left on my mission. I do know that my parents are super proud of the mommy she is. It doesn't surprise me that she is a good mom. She used to try and be a mother hen to me when I was little and take care of my every little move, she would always try to do my hair and make me look pretty. I would get so mad because I HATED GETTING PRETTIED UP. That was a huge reason we fought. She always wanted to help me with fashion tips and girly things and I was so stubborn and would rather go roll around in the mud and be stinky than have curlers in my hair. But after many years of trying her advice.. sort of sunk in. I have now realized. I can look like a girl and ride a motorcycle, a wake board, or skate board. :) Maddie is a well rounded individual. She knows how to have class, and she knows how to be crazy.
This is me and Jordan. We are the closest in age. Holy cow. He is maestro. My teacher. He has taught me SO much. from, learning how to wake board, skate board, snowboard, and everything between... oh and when I can't do something I get so frustrated. When he would take me snowboarding and I would get so mad because I wasn't as good as him he'd stay so calm and help me through it. "Follow my trail little buddy and I will help you through" He has taught me to rely on Christ, the Atonement and to never settle for less than the best. Jordan is a pro communicator. When ever I am acting crazy he could talk me out of a temper tantrum. He is one of the most calm, patient, level headed people I know. He is diligent in everything he does, He is obedient, with exactness. He was one of the best missionaries. He is one of the most spiritually in tune people. No matter what stage of life I am in his advice is ALWAYS an answer to my prayers. Especially when I am here on my mission and feeling discouraged. he has helped me push through. Jordy is a true gentlemen. Even being my brother he would always get my door for me.
Learning to follow my siblings has taught me to follow my savior. Just as they look out for and protect me, watch over me and set examples for me the savior has set the ultimate example for me... The love of my parents has taught me to understand my father in heavens love for me. As I am learning that families are genetically made to love and support each other no matter what to bring each other back to Christ and Heavenly Father. They are the people who love you no matter what dumb choices you make.
Meet our oldest brother, Jesus Christ.
He has made it possible for me to return home to live with my father in heaven for ever. He has made repentance possible, he has made it possible for me to over come all my weaknesses and to trust those around me. Because of Jesus Christ and his example he set we know how to live our lives to find happiness joy and peace in a world that isn't.. exactly peaceful.
I am grateful that families are eternal through the priesthood power of God and his temples. My family is forever and because of Jesus Christ we can all live together after this life, to never be parted or lost from one another. I don't know where I would be with out the love of my family and the hope the Gospel of Jesus Christ provides. I know that Jesus Christ is not only my Savior but he is my big brother and he loves me. He protects me and he guides me and keeps me close to God each and every day.
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