Already Warning You It's Sappy

Well I am just going to get on with it and write this blog. I have to admit it has taken me all day to muster up the courage to write it. However, I think it is important for you all to know how essential ya'll are to my life, seriously.
To begin I have to be a bit preachy but suck it up people! Anyway "Adam fell that men might be, men are that they might have joy". Honestly I never really understood the significance of that verse. Scripture Mastery...seminary in general... was not my strong suit, but when I read this again and read the chapter as a whole it made perfect sense. Our lives are supposed to be joyful. So I began to think what brings me joy? Many things do like: the pets, chocolate, movies, books, games but really the only one that I thought of at the time was my family. In all this world you guys bring me the most joy. So I figure a) you should know this and b) you should know why, thus the following list.

>Ma- You are the strongest woman I know. You don't comprise your morals when at times I'm sure life would be much easier if you did. You love your husband as fiercely as you love us kids. You have a personality, opinion, and intelligence. I have yet to meet a mom like you. And you're my mom and you've been a great one and that in itself comes with a whole list of reasons I love you.

Dad- I have never met someone who hasn't liked you. Every time my friends or others meet you I always have the report back that you are just the nicest guy ever. You have never used foul language, at least in front of me (Shut Up doesn't count). You also have unwavering morals, but you love unconditionally. You have always been there for games, concerts, plays, talks, Mom-Dad-Sheryl dates, and blessings. I can depend on you for all the things in life even the mundane chores like introducing me when I'm too shy.

Amber- I'll always be your monkey girl, even if I don't physically get to hang on you anymore I'd be with you every day if I could. You are such a wise person. You provide emotional support, humor, companionship, and love non stop no matter where you are. You're someone who understands the lure of stories and how they can suck you in for repeatedly three hour discussions. You're a leader through example.

Natalie- I used to brag about you being a model with your dark alluring looks. You were the cool sister who gave me all her old clothes. But you are more than just superficiality. You can pick a goal and achieve it. I refuse to listen to motivational speakers, but I admit I look forward to your daily quotes. They inspire me not only with their ideas, but because I know you use them to achieve your goals and to help others. With your brisk attitude and indomitable spirit you force people to be better, including myself.

Zach- We had the typical brother younger sister relationship when I was little. But now I have found someone that I can talk to about horribly boring topics like history and politics. Not only are you a good conversationalist but you have watched out for me even when I was melodramatic teen. You pulled strings for my first two jobs and have kept tabs on me throughout the years. You are a brave person and you follow your heart where ever it takes you.

Cara- I used to look through your composition notebook where you sketched and wrote lyrics. I was envious of your skills. You draw these amazing pictures and were part of a functioning band. I still wish I could draw but now I sink into your work. That woodburning is absorbing. You are such a strong person. You struck out on your own as a young person and made it. You are independent woman and you've created your life.

Lauren- You took me around with your friends. You're eighth grade horribly dramatic sister was allowed to hang out with the coolest people she knew...high schoolers! You have been like a second mom, making sure I'm taking care of in all areas of my life and only at the cost of sharing a bed after watching "Signs". Middle school was bearable because of you. It sucked when you went to college. But you still continue to care for me even when I was suppose to be helping you with Adam.

Carl- I've built a deck with you and ran nine miles (the last one with a sprained ankle might I add). You let me be whoever I want to be and when I don't have the courage I can look to you. Even if it seems impossible you do it and I get to witness that no matter of hard physically or emotionally a task may be you overcome the obstacles and provide a path I can follow.

Mike C.- I met you one night while I was putting together a Garfield puzzle. It took a looong time to win me over. If I recall it took many years for me to warm up to you. Yet you persisted. You have a personality that is warming to everybody and even I couldn't hold a grudge. Your personable skills amaze me. I don't have the courage to be as open and friendly to everybody. You can make a friend out of anybody.

Holly- You're my sister in every way that counts. You have been someone that I can talk to you about difficult subjects and enjoy the awesome times in life. I haven't forgotten that I got to hear first that Alex was due on my birthday. You have a gently demeanor and I always feel welcome when you're around.

Sean- I'll say it, you intimidated me. You are so smart and sure of everything you say and believe it's hard to be confident of what I'm think especially if I already doubts. However, as scary as it might be I know you can provide and answer or somewhere to look for an answer. The strength of your beliefs have helped mine even from afar.

And Of Course...
Michael- Even though you probably won't read this. Amber says and even has a sign that says she married her best friend. I would read that hanging on her wall and wish the same for myself. I didn't see how it was possible as my best friend and only one I'd ever had was Hayley. Yet I don't think I can say she is my best friend anymore because I met you. In you I have found the strongest connection to a person. Not only are you my best friend,and a good one you aren't a 'sunshine friend' as Ma would say you're an amazing person. I can look to you for strength, laughter, love, hope, confidence, and anything else I need.In addition you accept me as I am but push me to be better just like "Saint" Michael should. You're a great person even if you try to hide behind the mumbles...BPB.

With that I hope you all realize these are just short little blurbs about how I feel about you. It is hard to encompass all I really feel into a blog. I hope though that I show it when I see you. You all are truly the most important source of joy in my life. I love you all and hope you aren't too cheesed out by this.