I apologize for not blogging much over the past few months. My internet situation was a little crazy. But that's beside the point. What I wanted to blog about today is how grateful I am that I had the opportunity to live with the Shillig 1 family. I lived there for the last 6 months and it was a wonderful experience.
I recently decided that I want to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and in that decision I decided to move back home to California. I am going home so I can do all the preparations for going on a mission. I figured it would the best place to do all the medical stuff I need to do. So obviously I won't be living with the Shillig 1 family any more. To show my appreciation to them I want to do a shout out to them all. I'll start from the youngest.
Gwen
I moved in when Gwen was only 8 days old and it has been amazing seeing her grow. Gwen is wonderful baby she is already so mobile and she is only 6 months old. I love when she falls asleep in my arms and when she speaks baby language. I loved watering the garden with her on my hip and I think she did too because she would always watch intently. I am grateful for every minute I spent with her.
Chloe
I could not believe how smart Chloe is when I first moved in. She has such an imagination and a lot of personality. I loved it when Chloe would want me to sing to her when I would put her down for a nap, she would always have me sing primary songs (I like to see the temple, I am a child of God, ect.). Chloe always wants to pray at meal time. Most of all I love that she started calling me Aunt Audge all by herself.
Dallin
Dallin is a very smart boy and loves to play. I was fortunate enough to be there for his baptism. I'm glad I got to share that experience with him. Dallin was quite the helper when I dug the garden. He and I would play catch and I enjoyed playing crazy eights with him. He would also let me ride his bike whenever I wanted. I'll miss my cards buddy.
Madison
Madison is an excellent helper and an avid reader. She and I read Harry Potter 7 together and it was hard for both of us wait to be together to read it. She is such a little scientist, I love talking about plants and animals with her. Sometimes she reminds me of my self when I was her age, only she is a lot smarter.
Hailey
Hailey and I were roommates and it was a wonderful experience. She is the cleanest roommate I have ever had. She has grown into such a beautiful, funny, and spiritual young woman. She skipped the 8th grade while I was here and I was able to see her be submerged into high school life. I sometimes was able to pick her up from school and it would just be me and her in the car, I will miss our little talks.
Brandon
Having a nephew that is only three years younger than me is something I wouldn't give up for the world. When I was in 3rd grade I got be Brandon's partner on a field trip because the 3rd graders were partners with the kindergardeners. Growing up Brandon and I would always wrestle and even till this day we still do. Brandon is one of my best friends. He is so funny and isn't afraid to act crazy. He is such a good older brother and a good helper to his mother. I will miss staying up late and just talking with him and Mandi.
Aaron
Aaron is my oldest brother and I am glad he is. He is such a wonderful person who is so giving. He is the one who suggested that I come live with him and I am so glad he did. He always wants to go do fun things or show you something cool. I enjoy playing on the Xbox with him because even though he blows me out of the water every time he's nice about it. He is a great patriarch in his home and makes his home a home of prayer (even at 4:30 in the morning sometimes, when he leaves for work). He was always there when I needed him even when I played it off like I didn't need him. He such a great brother and I love him so much. Thanks bro.
Mandi
Mandi and Aaron got married when I was very young so she has always been my sister. She was there at my baptism and when I entered high school life. She one of the best examples of a mother that I have. She and I have been close for a long time and I am so grateful for our relationship. Being with her for the past 6 months is one of the highlights of my life. I loved making jam and cooking with her. She is such a strong righteous woman who is very talented. She is so creative, caring, intelligent, neat, fun, wise, and so much more. I thank God for putting a friend like her in my life. I love you Mandi, so much.
I am so happy for you that you had such a wonderful experience. This post was so heartfelt. I loved reading it and I love you!
ReplyDeleteGosh, Audrey those were very nice words and very informative about Aaron's family. Thank you. I actually read it. I don't usually take the time to read the things people write. I feel like I know the family just from your writing. Love you and I hope you come and visit us before going on your mission.
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ReplyDeleteI was just trying to get caught up on the family blogs in between folding laundry & putting the girls down for naps... And what do I find? This fabulous post about our family. I loved all the pics you chose to use and the sweet things you shared about us. It made me cry & miss you. We loved having you here. The tomatoes are finally ripening & the melons are done. Oh yea- Gwen was only 5 days old, so you've known her longer than you thought :)
I LOVED this post and all of the pictures!! It made merealize how much I MISS Aarons family! These pictures are so cute, and I can't believe how much everyone has grown.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you've had the opportunity to be with and connect with all of our family. I miss all our family but I feel like I hardly know a thing about the Shillig 1 family, I didn't even know that Hailey was in High School! I'm glad that you shared your thoughts on them and what you love about them. I am always amazed by all your photography, but the ones that bring me the most happiness are definately the ones that portray different members of our family. I often find myself wishing that we were filthy rich and could pull off one of Jake's crazy ideas where we just buy a town and make it Shillig haven. Anyway I miss everyone in that family, so thanks for sharing your experiences with us all!
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