Brothers...

Big Bro

Medium bro

Little Bro?

So I am the middle of 5 kids.  It's always been a pretty great place to be. At least for me!!

Lately I've been feeling a lot of gratitude for my brothers.  

A few weeks ago my oldest brother, who I have to say is one of THE funniest people I have ever been blessed to know, was really sick.  He's still recovering from a gallbladder surgery gone VERY wrong (at Pioneer Valley Hospital).  It put SO much perspective on how incredibly lucky I am to have brothers like these men are!  Unfortunately, one of them is REALLY struggling emotionally right now with several 

aspects of his personal life so contact with him is difficult, but I can honestly say that I love my brothers unconditionally.  I am grateful for the opportunity I have to be so close to them and their families.  They are sincerely amazing people!!!  I wish that we had a better understanding of one SIL's choices and beliefs because it tends to be a challenge when she is so completely different from the rest of us.  I don't know where she's coming from in many aspects.  I regret not being able to connect with her and her children better.  I pray for the strength to be a better sister to all of them!  They are good people.

Duane, the oldest sib.  The comedy act, amazing dad, hard worker, and adoring husband.  The brother I talk to at least 3 times a week.  The one I share the most personality traits with.  The guy who will admit his weaknesses and sincerely try to overcome them.  One of the VERY few people in my life who I can honestly say has never once raised his voice at me or made me feel inadequate with any of his words or actions. Ever.  He has an incredible way of  helping see things from a different perspective with love and respect.  I appreciate him more than he will ever know for that.  Also for the years of letting me stay up late with him and his sweet wife Amy, who is more Sister than In-law, and watch movies or Saturday Night live reruns or listen to the Dr. Demento show on a Sunday night when I was supposed to be in bed.  He is the reason I wanted a son first.  I loved growing up having a big brother like Duane and I know that Heavenly Father put him where he is for so many reasons.  I am grateful for him, Amy and their 6 beautiful children!  They have all been through way too much the past 3 months.  I hope Santa visits them with a bag full of blessings!

Bryce is 13 and a1/2 months younger than me.  Always  called him Boo as a kid.  A Sweetheart.  A true provider.  We grew up close and I don't regret a second of it.  He did everything I was too afraid to do.  Tried to protect me.  He's one of those guys you just WANT to be around.  He's funnier than heck and could talk a  salesman out of his commission. He's your buddy the minute you meet him.  Long eyelashes and bald before he was 30, but a handsome guy. Married to a babe who makes it look way too easy!  Everything Becky does is beautiful.  She has a heart of gold and makes me laugh!  They have 4 gorgeous children who are equally as lovable!  Bryce is a spiritual guy   with a love for serving The Lord and his family.  I respect his devotion.  I wish we had more time to just talk and laugh together!!!!  

Eric. Born 18 months after Bryce.  "The Caboose"  is what our mom called him.  We loved to tease him and he loved to fight it.  Unselfish and generous. Strong willed and strong bodied.  Sensitive and thoughtful.  Extremely hard working and devoted to his wife and 2 little boys who were born with huge hearts and sweet smiles.  Quick tempered but always there if you really need some help.  An awesome cook.  A little league lacrosse coach and  fanatic.  I wish his life were easier so he'd be able to enjoy it a little more!  I know he means well and I know that Heavenly Father loves him more than he knows. 

I hope that they ALL know how much I appreciate the opportunity to be in their lives!