Birthday tribute to Brian

Happy Birthday Brian!!!

I have been thinking about this blog for a while now. My brother Brian and I are very different in a lot of ways, but different doesn't necessarily mean bad. Many times Brian brings different ideas to mind that I never would have thought of. Growing up I had a difficult time getting along with Brian because of our differences. Although as I look back I think most of that was because of me and not because of him. There were many times that he would ask me to come out and play a game with he and Cheryl and I would get all bent out of shape because I wasn't getting my own way. I would run into the house crying because he and Cheryl were being mean (I really did believe this). In reality they were fine I was just being selfish.

Brian and I had the opportunity to become better friends after he returned from his mission and I was completing my last few years of high school. We finally found common ground as we were in the single stage of life and struggling to understand the opposite sex. I recall conversations of how we both felt that we were great catches but it seemed that no one was fishing. I really enjoyed that time in life because of the closeness that he and I had finally felt. He was also very generous (as he always has been). He had bought a brand new truck and he was more than willing to let me take it places as he knew how much fun it was for me. It was unfortunate years later when he let me borrow his truck and I got in an accident. (oops so sorry!!!)

Brian has always excelled academically. He was one to come home right after school and immediately complete his homework. I don't know how I missed picking up this skill from him. He pulled very good grades in high school and even higher grades in college. He worked very hard to get his masters degree and I admire his drive and determination to get education and get the most out of that education. I can't even tell you how many times he has made the deans list. Many of those times he made it while working full time and working a part time job for Dominoes pizza on the side.

As I look at Brian now I am very proud of the husband and father that he has become. I see him work very hard to to help Shanalea out with the kids. He is a really fun dad to watch because his kids just love him. Brianna will watch (and even LOVES watching) Star Wars because her daddy likes it so much. You can tell that Brian really enjoys being a father to these three wonderful children. Brian is a wonderful older brother and I feel very blessed to have him be a part of my life. Thanks for all you do for me in addition to your love and concern for me. Happy Birthday!

P.S. turn up your speakers because this song is dedicated to you! (I don't know how good this copy is, but since it was the only one I took it!)