The one with the family

I love my family. I say that all the time. But, it's because I know I got the best one. Everyone in my family is amazing. This past month, I got to know a lot of my family members really well. I guess that may be due to my grandpa passing away - It brought us all even closer. What I love most about my family is that we're all so talkative and open. We all share a lot of stories. No one really keeps to themselves (well, some more than others...but, you know what I'm saying).

While in Logan, we always end up sitting in the living room/dining room/kitchen area and talk. And talk and talk and talk. I really love it. This past visit, Austin came up, which helped me really get to know him and my own family better. I learned more about my parents and (mostly funny) stories they have. One story, told by just about anyone, is my absolute favorite. I think it's best told by my dad. Luckily, he just blogged about it last month :] Here is what he said:

I love fall. In fact, one fall 30 years ago dad did me the biggest favor ever. I had just come home from morning classes at USU. Mom and dad were in the kitchen. I don't remember all that was said except that dad gave me the best advice possible. "Jake," he told me, "there's a sale going on down at Cardon's Jeweler's. Go buy Lesa an engagement ring." It was more of a command than suggestion. That was October 8, 1980, the day I asked Lesa to marry me. It is without doubt the best decision I have ever made and the best advice I have ever followed.

Oh, I just love that. He makes it sound so simple. My parents are wonderful. I can really tell they love each other. I can also tell they really love their family. They have supported be through just about every little thing I've ever done. One song I really love is sung by Taylor Swift (of course). It makes me think of my parents - mainly my relationship with my mom. Really, it makes me bawl when I listen to it and really think. It's not a song I listen to while driving anymore :] Too many teary-eyed close calls not being able to see the road. It may be the music that helps, but read the lyrics and really think about it. Especially this time of year, it just gets me.

I'm five years old

It's getting cold

I've got my big coat on

I hear your laugh

And look up smiling at you

I run and run

Past the pumpkin patch

And the tractor rides

Look now -- the sky is gold

I hug your legs and fall asleep

On the way home

I don't know why all the trees change in the fall

I know you're not scared of anything at all

Don't know if Snow White's house is near or far away

But I know I had the best day

With you today

I'm thirteen now

And don't know how my friends

Could be so mean

I come home crying and you hold me tight and grab the keys

And we drive and drive

Until we've found a town

Far enough away

And we talk and window-shop

Until I've forgotten all their names

I don't know who I'm gonna talk to

Now at school

I know I'm laughing on the car ride home with you

Don't know how long it's gonna take to feel okay

But I know I had the best day

With you today

I have an excellent father

His strength is making me stronger

God smiles on my little brother

Inside and out

He's better than I am

I grew up in a pretty house

And I had space to run

And I had the best days with you

There is a video

I found from back when I was three

You set up a paint set in the kitchen

And you're talking to me

It's the age of princesses and pirate ships

And the seven dwarfs

Daddy's smart

And you're the prettiest lady in the whole wide world

Now I know why all the trees change in the fall

I know you were on my side

Even when I was wrong

And I love you for giving me your eyes

Staying back and watching me shine

And I didn't know if you knew

So I'm taking this chance to say

That I had the best day

With you today

She knows what she's talking about, that Taylor Swift. It's true, though. My mom was always there for me when I got in a "huge" fight with my friends at school because "omg! you like him?! I already told so-and-so that I like him so you can't like him! He wouldn't like you anyway!" ...That's usually how it went. But, in 6th grade... I'm just glad my mom was there and held back the giggles when I told her my oh-so traumatizing stories.

My parents are so good to support me in all my decisions. I would never make it in life without the amazing family I have.

I'm so glad I'm getting to know Austin's family too! I spend a good amount of time with his parents a few days ago and really got to talk with them. They are wonderful people, full of good stories and great advice. No wonder he's so great :]

If there is anything I want to do in life, it's marry a wonderful man in the temple and raise my family in the gospel. That's that. We'll have real love in our home, just like I always did.