some formal introductions

As I've said before, we're all completely different. I absolutely love every single member of my family. Since you've been keeping up with reading my little perspective blog, I believe it's about time you get a chance to be introduced to each member in my posse of peoples...

Big Papa - My amazing father! Oh my goodness it seriously has brought tears to my eyes when I've taken to time to meditate on the blessing of having such a wonderful daddy. He's nothing but a big kid, but he's always there for me no matter what. He's always strengthening me in my faith. He's always bending over backwards so I can live my life to the fullest. I hope and pray I can someday marry someone as incredible as he is.

Miss Lady - that woman who waddles around (because she's due in a month!) and pours herself out for me and my sibs. The best part about my mom is over the years, she hasn't just been my mom, she's become one of my best friends and we tell each other everything. Even though she'll admit any day that motherhood is tough stuff, she's my role model and inspiration to strive to become a good mom someday.

Stephy - My one and only big brother. I don't mind telling him that he can be an idiot, because he can. But so can I. And he's always there to be that one brave person who will pull me aside and tell me I'm being stupid. He is seriously my best friend in the whole world and I don't know where I'd be without him. He's a passionate lover of God, a total goober, a friggin' giant softy - and when he sees I need a defender to step in, he's ever-ready to rescue me. 

Joey-boy - is the love of my life. He is always always always able to make me smile even on my worst days. He is the most loyal and loving guy you'll ever meet because I can tell him anything about myself and he won't judge me or tell anyone else. Although he's a bit shy, once he's comfortable around you, you'll fall in love with his goofy personality. He is as stubborn as a rock. He gets an idea in his head and no matter how wrong everyone else tells him he is he'll stick with it forever (that makes for one solid Catholic young man)

Ja'Paul - has something to say about everything...oh wait, thats exactly like me. He is a complete sweetheart. The most outgoing person you'll ever meet, he's stolen the hearts of many. Smartest kid in the world as well, particularly with history trivia. I'm a history major with a 3.9 GPA and he still knows more than me. Facts just stick with him. Its pretty amazing. I wish I could just bring him to class with me. Though he gets on my nerves for something or another on a daily basis, he will never cease to amaze me with how compassionate (and once again, friggin' huge) of a brother he is.

Louie - is a total sweetheart. Queen of arts and crafts. Totally kindhearted, she is soft-spoken and completely adorable. I went through a shy stage, and often she reminds me of me when I was her age. She's absolutely fun to tease because she's one of the few siblings who won't slap me for joking around with her. I love watching her grow up as she enters her teenage years and becomes a gorgeous young woman of God.

MARIE! - is a name I holler often. She is my pain in the rear because she knows exactly the right things to say and do to completely drive me up the wall. Most people would look at us and tell me to take a pill and grow up - which I am trying to do so very hard. But Marie is good for me. She is always ready to let me know when I'm doing something wrong, which can be a very good thing most of the time. Every so often we have good days when we joke around and laugh with each other...Praise God those are becoming more common as the years continue (and self-control increases). Underneath all our arguments and bickering, at the end of the day she is my sister - who is a replica of how I acted when I was 11 - and I do love her dearly. 

Philly - is that kid everyone is in love with. Its hard being a little man when you're surrounded by demanding sisters and humongous brothers, but he manages quite well. I truly believe that Phillip will be the next Stephen and have a hoard of girls constantly falling for him left and right because he is just that adorable and amazing. He practices his 'stud muffin' skills on his big sister - half of my stuffed animals are compliments of him. Although his main goal in life right now is along the lines of defeating Bowser in his Mario game, I know he is going to be just as outstanding as his big brothers when he gets older.

Janie-Bug - is a mini-me. She looks and acts exactly like me which brightens my life. Even though she's got a little sassy temper and a classic five-year-old shriek that'll make you cringe, she's also got a huge heart and gives the best hugs in the world. At five, she has such a vocabulary and though she's surrounded by so many people, she has her very own personality that is a fiery attitude complete with daily Sylvester-style impromptu comic routines.

Lil' Pete - is my baby. Not really, but still. He is the most adorable and gorgeous little almost three year old you've ever seen. The terrible twos shine bright with this one but he's also got "youngest of a lot of people" syndrome which includes songs and movie quotes you'd just die if you heard a little one reciting.  He's growing up much too fast for his Godmother to bear, but someday I know he'll be another giant Sylvester boy that everyone will know and adore.

Baby Andrew - well I haven't exactly met this kid yet. But he's going to be a Sylvester...which means he's going to be freaking awesome. (Can't wait to hold you in a month, big man!)

And there you have it. The #2 perspective of the incredible family I have been given. They are simply amazing and I cannot express how thankful I am for each and every one of them :)