25. See Everyone in My Family

There are a couple of things on my list that were changed slightly and this is one of them. The original goal was to have everyone in my family together at one time. It almost happened when everyone but one sister went to Utah over spring break. However, there is still a chance that it could still happen by the end of year. I changed the goal to see everyone in my family which was accomplished by mid-March but to make it a little more challenging I added in getting a picture taken with each person individually.

Here are pictures of me with each family member and a little write up about some things I love about that person. 

My Mom brought me into this world so I have to love her for that. J I enjoy the chats we have and I appreciate that she wants me to fulfill my dreams, desires and goals. One of my favourite memories with my mom as a child was making paper dolls. We would draw out the people and make clothes for them. She is pretty good at drawing. Something I admire about my mom is that she is a great example of a good visiting teacher. She not only does the standard once a month visit but keeps in constant contact and builds a friendship with those she visit teaches. That caring extends to others as well. She also has a Scottish accent which is pretty awesome and made the name Primrose cool before the “Hunger Games” did. 

   

One thing I love about my Dad is how much he loves to create memories for all of us and he loves it when we talk about good childhood memories. Last summer we were sitting in Dairy Queen and my Dad asked me if I wanted anything and I said no. I then started talking about how when I was a child and we had a DQ kids pack, I often got a dilly bar. Next thing I knew he bought me a dilly bar. Hahaha. Some of my most memorable gifts were the ones he made for me which includes a toy box and a doll house. I also appreciate all the spiders he saved me from. My Dad is a great example of a protector and a provider. He is also very caring and accepts many opportunities to serve without expecting anything in return. To me he is the real Duane "The Rock" Johnson. Ironically, he was a wrestler in High School. 

I wasn’t one of those children who asked for or expected a lot but I know that when I have needed or will ever need help, whether financially or in other ways, that my parents are there for me.  

I have the great blessing of being born a twin, she was born first and then about 7 minutes later I was born. Not only is Melissa my twin sister but she is my best friend.  We could never stay mad at each other for long and would often write apology notes to each other. I can’t believe how long we have lived apart now. It was hard for me when she first decided to move out on her own but I am happy for her and where she is at in her life and I am grateful for the beautiful children she has who call me Auntie. We talk on the phone at least once a week and keep up-to-date with our lives. I feel that I can relate to her the most out of everyone in my family and that even though we are at different stages in our lives that she understands where I am coming from and I feel that I too understand where she is coming from. We don’t agree on everything but I think we agree on the most important things.

I have lots of fun memories of my brother Craig. Melissa, Craig and I would often play together ... did you know that Barbie’s and Ninja Turtles can be friends? Craig also had quite the imagination and would make up game shows. He would be the host and Melissa and I would be the contestants.  When Alexandra was a baby he was the leader in making up puppet show skits for her. Craig doesn’t talk a lot on the phone but I really enjoy the talks we have in person. I enjoy hearing about his hopes and dreams and I hope that he will accomplish them.  

One of the things Melissa and I did fight over at 11 years old was our baby sister, Alexandra. Whose turn was it to hold her, feed her, etc. Who needs baby dolls when you have a real baby to help care for? At 19 years old, she is no longer a baby but is now an adult who is in college and driving. Alex has been a good resource as I prepare for my trip to Germany as she has take German language courses. I had fun hanging out with her for a bit last week. Although, she is an adult now, she is still my little sister and I still feel a need to protect her in some ways and I hope she can still look up to me as her big sister.  

   

Mikayla is the baby of the family who I have called my little princess since she was born. At 13 years old, she is not so little anymore, although I told her that she will always be my little princess. I was 17 when Mikayla was born and have been mistaken for her mom many times including this past Saturday at West Edmonton Mall. I have been there for many of her firsts: First time laughing (Alexandra and I were playing Go Go Stop), first time walking, first day of school and most recently I took her for her first pedicure. I had a lot of fun hanging out with her this past week and it makes me kind of sad that she is growing up but happy that she is able to be more independent. When I don’t know the meaning of an acronym or shortened word, I often ask Mikayla what the meaning is. Because of her I know that “jelly” means jealous and “YOLO” means “You Only Live Once”. Mikayla might not like me for saying this but one of the most precious moments of my recent trip home was when she asked me if I wanted to have a sleepover with her in her room. It made me feel loved; she really is such a sweet girl. Like Alex, I also feel the need to protect Miky and I want to be someone she can look up to. 

   

Jonathan (JJ) is my brother-in-law and so far my only in-law relative. He can be annoying at times but is mostly a pretty cool guy. What I love most about him is how happy he makes Melissa. I also admire his work ethic and how hard he works to provide for his family. I enjoy the times I have spent with him and really do enjoy talking to him. He knows he is smart so I don’t want to build up his ego too much but he really does have a wealth of knowledge which is one of the reasons I enjoy talking to him. I am also grateful for the times he drives to Salt Lake to pick me up at the airport.   

Sariah is my first niece and from the first time holding her at a week old I have loved being an Auntie. Sariah is probably the best person at making me feel loved. Recently she was telling me about someone who was visiting and she said “but I didn’t cry when (they) left, I only cry for you because you’re the best”. I also call my nieces my little princesses and Sariah is defiantly a little princess, in a good way. She loves watching princess movies and the colour pink ... just like me. J She even wore a princess crown in the family pictures we had taken last year. Sariah also loves to call family members and has become quite the conversationalist. She even knows when my lunch break is. I love it when she calls me and talking to this precious 7 year old. I also love how much she looks like me. 

Rebekah just turned 6 and I also love spending time with her. She is the little jokester of the family. I think it’s so cute when little kids tell jokes and also when they understand jokes that other people say. Every now and then I will talk to her on the phone and she will tell me that she is Sariah. I have learned though, that if I play along and pretend to believe that she is Sariah, she will tell me that she is Bekah. She also has so much energy that sometimes I get tired just watching her bounce and jump and run. Like Sariah, she also enjoys hugs and cuddles and likes princess-y things. Although, only 6 years old, Rebekah has developed an interest in Family History. Asking questions about her family tree and wanting to know how everyone is connected. I anticipate that she will be the genealogist of the next generation. 

Miriam is such a sweetheart and I love just cuddling with her and playing with ponies. She always makes me laugh too. She also loves to talk on the phone and I love how she says “Oh, hello Auntie”. She recently turned three years old and although she is tiny, she is feisty, she can stand her ground. I love her little personality! 

Over spring break I went to visit for 10 days and not only was I requested to sleep in their bunk bed but I had to have all three girls sleep next to me, which made for an interesting sleep. Although, I needed a massage when I got back home I was kind of sad to have to sleep by myself, not have anyone demand all of my attention and I even missed all the jumping on my back and giving “monkey rides”.

    

Joshua is my little nephew and I love that I was able to be in Utah when he was born on New Year’s Day in 2012. Although, he is such a mommy’s boy he will come to me and want to play. He loves to sing and clap and is also starting to talk on the phone. However, he is still working on saying Auntie.

August 10 Update: I talked to Joshua on the phone today because he wanted to tell me that he can now say Auntie! Made my day. :)

Melissa is currently pregnant with baby #5 due late November. I am really excited to meet the newest member of the family. He or she is going to be born into a great family and a pretty awesome extended family too. I love watching our family grow and look forward to the other members that will continue to join our family.