I remember when I was about 8, I asked my mom for a brother for Christmas. Considering that my parents had just gotten divorced, that was going to be a bit out of the question. (Around this time, I also thought that anyone that was an in-law was a lawyer. That’d be a scary world.) Years later, when Doug and I started dating seriously, any friends of mine who had met Doug’s family told me how amazing his family is. I must admit that they have met (and exceeded) all of the hype.
A couple of weeks ago, I was downtown Boise and trying to figure out where to grab a bite to eat. I texted Jason who could probably do his own little book on the fun things to see, do and eat in Boise. He called me back because his text was getting too long due to the fact that it was one of those “If you are (here), go (here)but if you are (here), go (here)”. When he called, I was standing outside Goldy’s, which sounded familiar to me so I mentioned that. He said, “You’re at Goldy’s? Is there a line? Go there.” (For the record, Goldy’s has the best pancakes I have ever tasted. I agree with his advice, even if there is somewhat of a line, “Go there.”) Not only is he “in the know” in regards to restaurants and the like but as evidenced here, Jason also provides entertaining moments with John. (And John absolutely adores his Uncle Jason.) Jason is a deep thinker with a sympathetic heart and he is one of the best hug-givers there is.
I mentioned earlier that I didn’t meet Greg until Doug and I had been married for a few months. Doug and I met shortly after Greg left to serve a mission in Uruguay. However, prior to meeting we were able to email a few times and get to know each other that way. It turned out to be a neat way to do it. I loved getting to know him through his mission stories and his testimony. Doug had told me that Greg was a bit of a prankster and really kept his mom on her toes; Greg definitely does appreciate a good joke or prank. Like Jason and Doug, Greg really knows his way around the kitchen and can make some very delicious meals. (Kudos to my mother-in-law and father-in-law for raising 3 boys that cook well.) He has a passion for nutrition and a desire to help others become better informed. He has a blog called Authoring Health & Change which has really great information about many aspects of nutrition. Greg is always willing to help with our random family projects or moves. He will give you honest and sincere answers to any advice you ask.
I never knew what I was missing in not having a sister until I got one. When Doug first described his siblings to me, he described Lisa as “the glue that holds everyone together”. She does it through a genuine care for each of us. I have loved getting to know her better and having a “sister” to talk to about anything. I also appreciate that we have the same line of thinking in regards to random things – disliking strategy games so that during family get-togethers our husbands can play Risk and get it out of their system. We both like to do puzzles but have yet to do one at a get-together. (Have I ever mentioned that I would love to have a “puzzle” room at our house where I just have a puzzle set up. Something about making order out of chaos helps me to unwind. However, I think that toddlers and puzzle-rooms do not mix.) Lisa is amazing and bright and has such a solid testimony that it is almost tangible.
I think I really did hit the jackpot in regards to siblings-in-law. They each bring so much to my life and have helped me to grow as a person. I am grateful for each of them and all that they are.
