Day 7: Mi Familia

Day 7: Describe your relationship with your siblings/parents

I love my family.

So this will be fun!

Meet my parents.

I wrote a lot about my relationship with my Daddio and Momma back on Father's and Mother's Day, respectively.

They are amazing people, and parents.  Together they have taught me how to work hard for the things I want in life, be respectful, be humble, and be gracious.

My relationships with Mom and Dad are definitely different.  But I am happy to say that although they are different relationships - they are each wonderful in their own ways.

I love it when my Dad laughs so hard he cries and his face turns bright red (usually when he's watching Blue Collar Comedy Tour).  I also love the way his face lights up when he sees his grandkiddos (both two and four-legged).

He doesn't always listen so good.  But it is one of the things that I have grown to love and expect from him.  He is my protector.  Ever since I was a little girl, and even to this day, I know that my Dad will take care of me.  Along with Ryan and my Bubba.

I also love getting Mom all riled up and laughing hysterically.  This usually happens whenever Ryan and I are around her... And always happens when Rachy, Ryan and I are around her.

Just the other night while driving home from a wedding, Ryan and I told Mom that her car horn was lame sounding.  We then discussed my Subaru horn, and then Ryan's Mustang horn.  I declared, "Ryan, I don't think I've ever honked your horn."

Lots of laughter and tears followed as Mom said, "Well, you guys have been married over a year now.  I was sure you had honked his horn by now!"  Good grief.

I feel equally blessed to have wonderful in-laws.

Danny and Chris have accepted and welcomed me into their home and life since Day 1.

I feel very at ease around them, and know I can be myself.  I am thankful every day that they raised Ryan to be the man that he is today.

I am the third in a line of four.  Between my brother's marriage and Ryan's sister's marriage - I am the proud sister-in-law of another sister and brother.  One thing that I am completely proud to say is that all of my sisters and both of my brothers were a part of our wedding.

Moving on.

Haas Family Picture - 2009

Katie is the eldest.  Growing up I idolized her, and wanted to do everything she did, the way she did it.  Over the last few years, our relationship hasn't been what it once was - but I hope to change that.  She is raising her daughter, Jaiden to be a fantastic young girl.  It's hard to believe she will be 11 next month.

Joshy is next.  He is my Bubba, my protector.  Josh makes me laugh with his brutal honesty, and sometimes drives me a little coo-coo with how laid back he is.  He is a wonderful father to Mia, Kennedy, and Riley - and it has been so much fun watching him and Haley raise their kids, and see him turn into the family man.

I don't know where to begin with my baby sister, Rachel.  I need to write a post just for/about her.  But again, I wouldn't know where to start.  She is my best friend.  And our relationship has only gotten stronger as we've grown up together.  When we get together... Watch out.  Things can get a little crazy, in a show tunes singing, show tunes dancing, butt grabbing, hoot smacking sort of way.  We are completely silly, and like to drive Ryan crazy by singing  Super Troupers.

This is us together at Momma's birthday dinner.  We realized that both of our tops had little flowers or "blossoms" on them.  Since neither of us were blessed in that "region" we liked to think that the tops were a symbol of what we don't have.

Haley has been my sister-in-law for over 4 years now.  It is amazing how time has flown by.  I have really enjoyed watching her and Joshy grow their family (I say that like they are are growing a garden!).  Haley is so laid back, and I know that even though she usually has three kids running around her and asking her for something - I can talk to her about anything.  I only hope she feels the same.  I like to call her and ask how she's doing.  It usually takes her a second to process the question and then respond.  Understandably so.

Cara is my fourth sister.  She may be the newest to join my heart, but I love her just as much as the others.  I only wish we didn't live so far away.  I know that I can talk to Cara about anything, and she always gives sound, unbiased advice.  I can't talk to her and not laugh.  I know we didn't technically become sisters until Ry and I were married... But to tell you the truth, I felt like she has been my sister from the beginning.  She is housing a little nugget that should make his debut in mid-October, and I know she is going to be wonderful Mommy.  I can't wait to meet this little guy!!

Finally, meet Webb.  My lone brother-in-law (for now!).  This guy cracks me up, and we share a bond since we are the two in-laws to the Peters family.  I can't imagine a better guy to share that bond with.  He likes to use words like insufferable to describe waiting for us at a surprise meal, and he really loves the song Tonto.  I don't think I'll ever get tired of this guy bustin' a move to that song.  Like Cara, Webb is going to be a great dad when Baby Webb arrives.

All in all, I feel that I am beyond lucky and blessed to have the big family that I do.  They each hold a very special place in my heart and life, that I would not trade for anything.  I have learned so much in my relatively few years, but perhaps the biggest thing is to know that even though you can't choose your family - I wouldn't have mine any other way.

I love you, guys!!

Take Luck,

LP