Sentimental Saturday

I'm sure it's a combination of a lot of things, but today I am really missing my family--you know, the one I was born into. I was standing in the dressing room trying on clothes and I caught a glimpse of my thighs in the mirror and thought, "Yep, there are those Waite family thunder thighs I inherited. And, those wide birthing hips--yep I think those came from my grandma.

It was at that moment I realized that I am who I am because of where I came from and that's a good thing. My upbringing wasn't perfect, but neither was yours. I am grateful for the family I was born into. I wouldn't have had it any other way, even though I was almost convinced once that I was adopted from Mexico. But, whatever.

This picture was taken when I was probably around 6 or 7 (I'm on the bottom right). I vividly remember having this picture taken and thinking how pretty I felt in my homemade dress. These were happy times. I also love this picture because it shows my parents at around the age I am now and they had six kids at the time just like us, 3 girls and 3 boys. The only difference is that they weren't done--we are!

This picture was taken in 1997 (I think) and included the two youngest in our family, or what I like to call the two bonus children.

This picture was taken last summer after Molly and Scott's wedding. It includes all 8 siblings, their spouses and 18 of the now 21 grandchildren.

Anytime we all get together it is always a great time. There is always lots of laughter and almost always a little drama. We can be pretty crazy and a little crude (the siblings that is) but we love each other so much and genuinely enjoy each others company.

I love all my siblings and consider them all my closest friends. Truly.

Excuse the cheese while I say a little something about each one them.

This is Anna, the first born and natural leader of the pack. Anna was meant to be the oldest and she is a great example to all of us. She and I weren't very close growing up. In fact, we fought most of the time and honestly, I didn't like her very much. I just couldn't compete with her coolness. She had the better clothes, make-up, bedroom and boyfriend. I do have some good memories, but most of those began in our adult years. Anna and I really bonded after we were both married and had our first child within a few months of each other. We have grown closer through the years as we have shared our struggles and successes. Anna is not only a sister who I love and respect deeply, but she is a dear friend.

Tim is number 2. Most of my memories of Tim growing up were him beating the crap out of me. I'm pretty sure that I had some of those beatings coming to me, but man was he tough! I knew exactly what to say to get him fired up and I wasn't afraid to do it. Tim has always been really funny. He loves comedy and can really make people laugh. Tim is such a neat person with so many gifts and talents. He is a devoted father and new dad to his miracle baby Jesse. He happens to be married to one of my favorite people ever. I love Tim and look up to him in so many ways. I wonder if he knows how many people truly admire him?

Sherod is one of a kind! He and I are only 13 months apart and were very close growing up. We got in all kinds of trouble together and he was always the first to blame everything on me. He taught me a lot about life and bodily functions and how to push a stroller with a child in it off a tall cliff (don't worry, she survived). We were particularly close in High School where he was only a grade ahead of me. He looked out for me and hung out with me even when it wasn't the cool thing to do. Sherod is really, really funny (as you can tell by this picture). He gets a little overboard with his sarcasm, but he makes me laugh and knows how to have a good time. He is a successful business man and has made a great life for his wife and 3 boys. I admire him more than he probably knows and I'm grateful to have him as my brother.

Amanda is number 5 (just two years younger than me). We weren't close at all growing up but I now consider her one of my closest friends. She is an amazing person with a heart of gold. She is super talented and amazes me with her many natural abilities. She has the most beautiful smile and gorgeous hair. She is a talented dancer and a great athlete. She is more patient than I could ever hope to be. Amanda has helped me through some of my darkest days and has contributed to the person I am today. I am extremely grateful for Amanda and for her continued support and example.

Drew is number six and probably had it the roughest growing up. I'm really not sure how he ever survived past age 8. I swear, this guy must have 9 lives. I regret so much not getting to know him better growing up. I guess I spent too much time picking on him and I hope he will someday be able to forgive me. Don't get me wrong, he dished out quite a bit too. This guy is a piece of work. I have never known anyone who could conquer technical projects like he does. He has produced and filmed movies, commercials and has worked on endless other major projects. He has MAJOR talent! I'm convinced that he is going to make it BIG someday and that's why I decided to give Tait the middle name of Andrew. Maybe Tait will be the heir to some big fortune someday as my brother's namesake. Actually, Drew introduced Rob and I and that is why I am forever indebted to him. I love this guy and I am so proud of him and all he has accomplished.

Molly is the miracle baby that my parents tried YEARS to have. She was spoiled rotten! She was born when I was 12 and she was MY baby. She was born with tons of personality and was so much fun to help raise. I loved to show her off to my friends and to take places. She was always around teenagers and I think sort of always felt robbed of a "normal" childhood, but I think she had it pretty good. Molly is beautiful inside and out. She has so many talents and a love for life and others. She is kind hearted and strong willed which has served her well. She is everybody's friend and she doesn't know a stranger. Molly holds a special place in my heart and I hope she knows how much she is loved.

Last, but definitely not least, there's Sam. This boy has given us all a run for our money! He might have had it hard being the youngest and especially following Molly--the star of the show, but he has held his own. I feel a little sad when it comes to Sam because I feel like I don't know him very well. I was out of the house by the time he was old enough to really remember me. I have lived out of state for more than half his life and so I feel a little like a stranger to him. I hope Sam knows that he is as much a part of this big family as any of us and that we all want the best for him. Sam is really smart and I know that he is working on making a place for himself in this world. I know that he is capable of so much if he will just realize his worth. I love him very much and hope that I have many more opportunities to get to know him better.

Thank you Mom and Dad for all you have done for me, for happy memories and for providing me with 7 wonderful friends. What more could I ask for?