B(r)others

       My big brother, Josh, is a good looking lad enlisted in the United States Army. He is currently stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, where his favorite pastimes include snowboarding and building igloos with his buddies. Josh is 20 years old and the first of my mother's biological children. I was Baby #2 - really, my father affectionately titled me such when I was born and he refused to call me Lexi - and then came William Wesley, who is now 15 years in age. It's sort of difficult to believe! Billy, named after the very Great Grandpa Bill who I am currently caring for, played primarily football from age 7 and recently stopped to pursue other activities. He's always been the most serious athlete of the family, dabbling in sport after sport after sport, and this summer he's working hard at Lagoon. The kid's a genius, but don't tell him that! In the year 2000 our baby brother Andrew came along. Though he isn't really the baby of the family anymore (that claim belongs to our stepsister, Mookie), he'll always be the precious "Squirt." There's nothing he can't do.

       Since my mother's remarriage to my grand ol' stepdad Chris (formally known to me as Christoph; not to be mistaken with "Take Me Out" boy) in 2007, I have gained 4 sisters - Erin, Haley, Paige, and Mookie - and 2 brothers, Nate and Brock. I love them all and they have each had a special impact in my life. Brock being my age and Mook being my baby sis, these two have become just as close to me as my three biological brothers. Don't worry, there will be more to come on these folks, but today I'd like to talk about the boys I grew up with and why they've turned me into me!



2 words: Future. Stud.

        When Andrew was a toddler, my favorite thing to do was lay on my parents' bed with him in my arms and watch movies. He would hold his bottle in one hand and with the other reach up and scratch his little fingers against my jaw until he fell asleep. As Andrew's grown up, it has been fascinating to watch his ever-expanding mind work magic. He is innovative, contemplative, compassionate, and spiritually connected beyond words. Andrew is a leader and a teacher, and it will always be a privilege to learn from him.



Little Billy playing for Sky View's junior league



       As my fellow middle child, Billy has learned to be diplomatic. He is quick to control himself and remarkable at finding creative ways to handle difficult situations. Apart from being athletically gifted, Bill has a knack for bringing people together. I've never talked to a kid his age who didn't tell me that Billy is hilarious. Crazy? Sometimes. But it works so well for him. Despite his social ingenuity, he's no less a fighter than a lover. Billy has the faith to stand up for what he believes in and the strength to stand for those who can't do it themselves. The power of his unfailing courage is something I can hardly hope to match one day. From Billy I am always learning how to overcome challenges and find joy in life, even in the most dire of circumstances.



       Joshy Washy didn't know how to say Lexi when he was two years old, so instead I was duly termed his "baby sexy." Mom says he wanted to carry me and help me with everything when I was an infant, and whether he still wants to or not, he continues to be my rock and protector. One of my favorite stories is the one in which Josh hung me up on the dresser drawer knob by my diaper and then told my mother that I had climbed up there and done it myself.  I remember the big green chair in our house where he sat with me on his knee and taught me to read when I was four. While Josh's natural tendency to leadership used to drive me up a wall when he would babysit, I've come to understand what a necessity and blessing it was during our childhood and is now as he impresses his higher-ups and sets a high standard for his comrades. Being the tagalong little sister, I could write a novel about the man I've been honored to observe throughout my life as he's gained experience and knowledge and shared it with me. I suppose it should be sufficient to summarize that Josh has taught me to be grateful for all that I have been given and to never, ever be afraid to stand alone.



Dad and Josh-wa at boot camp graduation, Fort Benning, GA



       They say that home is where the heart is, yes? Well, Andrew is the only one of us four kids still living in the home we all hailed from. As mentioned previously, Josh is in the Lone Star state, I'm braving the West Coast, and Billy moved down to my dad's at the beginning of the summer. I find home in many places, and particularly in these four reaches of the world. Though they may never know it for certain, each one of these valiant young men has a little piece of my heart with them wherever they may wander. I love you, my brave lions.

P.S. I believe I failed to mention that they're the coolest cats on this warm globe. And it needs to be known.



Happy family-ing!