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my family.my favorite things.

Well, when I see the quote run around the internet that "the best things in life aren't things..." my initial reaction is 'that doesn't make any sense. Obviously if you are thinking of something that isn't a "thing" then you should not be using that phrase'. BUT instead of being a brat, I will just get the point. Yes, my family are my favorite things. And let me tell you the reasons why:

My dad is very brave. He works tirelessly and always has to provide for our family. He has sacrificed a lot of things, including, to a great extent, his social life, his hobbies, to keep our family going. I am so proud of him. He also sacrifices his own time serving in church, and has for a long time. My dad is also an excellent listener. He is wise, and weighs out what you say and gives his advice, then let's you decide.

I think what I really admire about my mom is that she always seems to be true to herself. I don't know if she has ever said something she didn't mean,or done something she didn't put effort into. She volunteers at Toys for Tots every holiday season, just because. And she is good at it. She spends extra time in her library,  unpaid just to organize or clean, or to sew new awnings. She was awarded for her work with the Boy Scouts of America last year. I'm not just complimenting her volunteer work here though (even though it is very admirable), what I'm trying to say is even if it isn't her first choice, she works hard to make it something that fits her. And something that makes her happy.

Jen will tell you that everyone says she is so strong, but that she doesn't feel strong. She is crazy. She is so strong and every day I think about her and the things she deals with and I love her. On a lighter note, we have always said Jen is one of a kind. I have never met anyone that is just like her. Dramatic in the best possible way!

My favorite thing about Adam is he is always up for adventure. Anytime we are at a family gathering and Eric  says, "hey, let's play a game," Adam is the first one in. He's traveled the world and done some amazing things in his life. Concerts, parties, costumes, remodeling, yeah, sure! Why not?

Stefanie is the most loyal person I have ever met. I wish others always returned the loyalty that she offers to them.She is also a great public speaker. She can be long winded, but it's never to anyone's chagrin, because what she has to say is better than whatever else you would be doing.One time in high school she was assigned devotional for seminary. She ended up taking the entire hour to give her devotional and the seminary teacher didn't stop her. And I believe she was asked to give it again on her second free hour. She's just. that. good.    

Sometimes people are intimidated by Lisa. They do not know how to read her. People that don't try to get to know her are missing out. Big time.Those that do start to recognize the satisfaction of having Lisa as your friend. She is really witty, she has a loud and boisterous personality (in a similar way to my dad, that only certain people get to see). Lisa appears to have a hard exterior, but she is deeply compassionate and sensitive. We have cried together on many occasions. If you are struggling through something, she will feel it with you.

Kelli is a 6 year younger version of myself. Alright, not exactly (although her boyfriend DID got to the same mission that my husband did. Just saying.). When Kelli went to middle school is probably when I first started to realize how similar we are. The heartaches you endure through teenhood, Kelli and I went through them together at different times. I love having conversations with her and watching her grow into an amazing woman. She is smart, she is a work horse, and she is afraid to open up to people. Getting things out of her is hard, but rewarding. She is also freakishly strong, a trait I wish we shared.

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