Once Upon a Time

I am only beginning to realize the extent of God's blessings to me in the forms of my brothers and sisters. As this new year begins, I hope that I will truly be able to recognize the true blessing that each of my six siblings are. I never cease to be amazed at their creativity and [some of their] musical talent. 

Sure, there are the typical sibling squabbles. 

No, we don't always get along. 

Yes, there are times when their necks are in danger of being wrung. 

I have struggled with patience, like everyone does at times. But the Lord has been good, and he always gives the exact amount of strength that is needed...plus a little more.

I'd like to list the ways I am appreciative of my siblings.

Katie: We've always been more than sisters...we've been good friends, and we've grown especially close in the last few years. Your constant whistling ministers to my heart, and I love joining you in a lively (if somewhat off-key) whistling match of Jingle Bells or the Man From Snowy River theme song. I love how you just spring up from bed each morning, ready to tackle the new day. You never steal the covers at night when we are unlucky enough to have to share the same bed. You always drool on your stuffed horse and not mine. I really appreciate the fact that you don't snore, and I am terribly sorry for the times I've kept you up at night with my own snoring. I love your drawings, and especially enjoyed the cartoon you drew for [and of] me. Life is wonderful. You just make it all the sweeter.

Brady: I enjoy the tight bond that you, me, and Katie have had ever since we were young. You never slam your school books down on the table when you're upset at the math problem that won't solve itself. Despite my complaints, I was laughing to myself when you were so full of caffeine that you jumped down the isles of TJ Maxx like a kangaroo on sugar high. I really do appreciate the hard work you do every day, and the fun we have with all of your hobbies, such as flying RC airplanes, driving RC cars in the sandbox, riding unicycles in the parade, climbing trees, and riding dirt bikes.

Abby: Your creativity continues to astound me. Your beautiful paper snowflakes, cute cards, and drawings are evident of your desire to help and please others with your abilities. You are wonderful with little children, and I like having you along with me when I babysit. You are coming along well with violin, and I know you love playing...if I didn't know better, I would think you couldn't get enough of it!

Riley: You, too, are progressing well in violin. You actually will pay a whole dollar sometimes for the privilege of receiving help from me. Your Lego creations are so cool! You admire your older brother so much that you are trying to learn unicycle so that you can be like him. You help take out the trash every Thursday, which is a mammoth job, considering that you have to do all of the shop trash, too. It's always a dirty job, but you come back with glowing, smudged cheeks and full, greasy smiles. Your yodeling and whistling and laughter and singing fills our days with sound.

Colby: What can I say, but that you are the exemplary little brother? We learn things from you every day. I like how you go around the room and pass out the Vitamin C to everybody, just like it's candy. I can't help but take a piece. Your big blue eyes can convince almost anyone of almost anything. Your Lego creations are awesome, too!

And of course there's Henry. The changes in our household that came from having a new little one in the house are all completely worth it! We are all loving your smiles that are becoming more and more regular. We've even heard you laugh a few times, already! I am looking forward to watching you grow up and become a young man. Though that seems far away.

I love you all, and can't imagine life without any of you!

But before I go, there is one more thing. I should probably explain the title for you..."Once Upon a Time." You're probably wondering what on earth that has to do with wonderful brothers and sisters [and pictures of apples]. I think I can explain that in just a few sentences...

Once Upon a Time, Brittany's blog was hacked by her younger sister who thought she didn't share enough about how much she loved and cherished her wonderful siblings.:-) And if you want to find out the things that I -- the unnamed younger sister, not Brittany -- cherish about Brittany, head right on over here. That's to make up for this blog post. :-) 

{Photo Credits: The unnamed younger sister}