Families ARE Forever

I have had so much on my mind today. I have so much to be grateful for. I have a wonderful husband who does so much for me and a loving family.

(way old!)

 It's so weird being so far away from my brothers and sister. I am so used to being able to see them whenever I want or choosing to avoid them for the day. But now we are all grown up.. well except Zack... 

It's different, actually being gone and living apart from everyone, than just thinking about it. I always knew that someday it would happen and we would probably be spread out. I just never knew I would miss them so badly. It's so weird living with three boys who aren't MY brothers. Mostly because I could pretty much interact with my brothers however I wanted and they just put it off as me being crazy. But in this situation... Idk this family is different.

I grew up in a VERY Stapley family. I know most of you don't really know what that means but.. We are a super crazy, fun loving, slightly rude, pretty crude, awesome family. We love one another even when we hate each other. If you are family we would do anything for you. We "adopt" in pretty frequently and we may be judgmental but that's what family is for. 

(Some of my family)

Being here.. in this household with my new family.. I guess its just different. I don't know how to act or react to things. It's not bad but VERY different. I know they are trying their best and trying to get to know me, but being as different and growing up way different from them, I know it is hard. But that is why we are here on earth right? To do hard things and know that we can get through them. 

I am so excited for this Christmas. Probably more than normal. I get to spend time with not only Ethan's family and hopefully get to know them a little bit more, but I get to spend time with my crazy family. I never knew I could be so grateful for something I hated growing up. Don't get me wrong I loved going to my family gatherings and seeing my cousins.. but I also hated it at the same time. I hated that I couldn't be that happy all year. I hated that my brothers and sister had to go too. I wanted them to stay home and let me have all the fun. Selfish.. I know! But that is how it was. 

This year I am so excited to spend it with those crazy weirdo's. It may be the last for awhile that we can do so. With everyone going their own way, we may not be able to get together for a while. 

And then there is my grandpa. He is pretty much the most amazing grandpa I have ever had. Okay, okay I cheated, he is the only grandpa I have had. BUT! To be fair, he is pretty amazing. I haven't gotten to spend much time with him lately because.. well lets face it I have been kinda twitterpated this past year. I kinda feel bad about it too. See this past year he has been really sick. We found out he had Myelodysplastic syndrome (a.k.a preleukemia) in about March (I believe) and he seems to be doing okay. But it's still scary and it made me realize that even my grandpa, who seemed invisible to me, is not. He is getting old (almost 80) and one day he is going to pass away. Sorry to get all depressing right then. Pretty much it just made me realize I need to call him more often and go see him. I do feel though, that no matter how much time I spend with him, I will always feel it wasn't enough. 

(Grandpa dancing at mine and Ethan's wedding)

I love being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am so glad my grandpa took me to church. I am grateful to have had awesome church leaders and to have their examples in my life. I am so grateful to know that one day, I WILL see my family again and we can be just as crazy in Heaven. 

Families Are Forever my friends.