i won't make apologies

I won't make apologies.

I just won't.

This is just the beginning.

I know I am blasting the blog with photos from our family reunion,

and even posting two times today, 

and maybe even will two times tomorrow! 

but I've never been more thrilled with the fact that I "blog",

like I am right this moment.

never more grateful 

that I have this forum to share and store my memories,

forever.

these moments above.

oh man.

they melt my heart.

fill me with joy.

make my heart burst with love.

and just leave me feeling so very, very, very grateful

that I have the family I do.

the sisters I do.

the nephews I do.

the son that I do.

the nieces that I do.

the grandpa that I do.

{and fiance, mom, brothers, grandma, and uncle and aunt that I do,

that didn't make it into this particular post}

I will admit that being the oldest of six kids has not always been the easiest thing.

I have felt that I have already helped raise 5 kids 

which has been enough kids to raise.

I have felt that I grew up without "things" 

cause let's face it, 

six kids on a budget is a very tight budget.

I have felt that being the oldest has left me so uber "responsible"

that I am one big conservative bore. 

but I'll tell you what.

I am the luckiest girl in the world. 

I look above,

and I feel guilty that my son doesn't have what I have. 

and I see my Best Friends.

People that know me better than anyone.

And love me more than anyone.

And people that I love,

more than anything. 

Talk about Security.

Obviously.

With Six of Us,

there have been, and will be

many, many trials.

We All have Distinct,

Strong

Personalities.

and sometimes we fight to all get along.

to always understand.

But we always do.

we always fight.

we always love.

something fierce.

and these annual memories that we make,

the commitment to ALL being together,

this tradition.

is something I will blog about till it's all on here.

cause it's something incredibly special.

this family is a BIG part of what makes me, Me. 

I wouldn't trade being the "Big Sister" 

in this clan for anything in the world.

-m-