HOOTIE = Way cooler than I was.

So I have this little brother.

His name is Hootie.

If you want to see how cool he is, you can go to this link HERE.. I posted this about a year and  half ago. OR, you could go to this link right

I've been thinking alot about family lately, and what I can do to fix or make things better between my siblings aand I. I don't really know what that would be, but....I'm tryin'.

Hootie and I are 8 years apart. All of the children in my family are fairly spread out, so....sometimes growing up, it felt like we were the only kids. We are at such different points in our lives, so that is a blessing, but also sometimes kind of hard. Despite the year difference, my older brother Sean (27) and Hootie (15) seem to be best friends. When we are all together, its a fun "boys" party for them. They talk, they laugh, they joke, they blow things up, they tease each other, they tease everybody else, and it is SOOO GREAT to see them getting along so well, especially as Sean used to be a bit more distant than he is now.

Its hard being out of the house, yet having family so close. Its like I'm there, but not really. If my little brother has a vocal recital, or a basketball game, or a play, or a festival, or WHATEVER....I have the opportunity to go see him! The only problem is that because I'm not "there" or " at home", I'm often forgot about, and nobody informs me of these things until the day of, or the hour before, which isn't enough time to clear my schedule and come. I know it makes me look ilke I don't care, or unsupportive of Hootie, but...I just wish that I had more notice.

Hootie is at a hard age. Being 15.....well, it sucks. I've been there, I know. It seems like everybody is yelling at you, that you can't do anything right, and all you want to do is be with your friends. But I've said it once, and I'll say it again: My little brother is really amazing. He is so talented at everything. He's a MUCH better singer and performer than I was at his age, (and probably will be when he's older), he's very atheletic and has perfected so many talents and skills that I would only dream of having. He has lots of friends, and he's pretty darn funny. He is very caring and thoughtful of other people, especially his friends. He is considerate of other people's feelings, and also, very sensitive to his own. Which....I think is a great thing. He's a great role model for his little second cousin's Ethan and Aiden (Who absolutely ADORE him), and he continues to grow older and and figure things out slowly. Unfortunately, Hootie and I have grown a little distant in the last year or so....mostly because of age and difference. Both of us are at an age where we're trying to figure ourselves out, and doing so sometimes leaves me not thinking about his or other feelings, and how sensative it is to be a teenager. I can't wait to see Hootie grow older and see what amazing things he decides to do with his life. In July he's going to China to represent his school, and I could not be more excited for him. He works hard in school, he gets almost perfect grades (better than mine, and I did pretty darn well!), and I have no doubt that if he continues to grow and work hard, it will pay off. I couldn't ask for a better younger brother. The sad part, is that he doesn't really know or understand how amazing he is and what potential he has. Maybe someday I can tell him that without him shruggin it off and sayin "yeah....wull, whatever. Thanks I guess." Because....seriuosly. The kid is a stud.

A couple weeks ago, we went to SEven Peaks together, and I wish we could do more things like that. I work in the afternoons, and he's got his friends and summer-fun planned out, but....it would be so fun to get closer to my little brother again, like we used to be. But its ok. Because....we'll get there. And even though we had one heck of a time pulling out that tube in the wave pool, (we had a good laugh!) and there was poop in the lazy river, Hootie taught me how to be young again, and how to have fun....something I wouldn't have had if I were to just lay on a towl and read Oprah. Sometimes I think I act older than I need to be, so having a guy like Hootie around to keep me on my toes might be just what I need in order to be a better sibling.

I love being around my family. I think they are wonderful, wonderful people. Sure, there are a lot of years between each of us, and we are at such different stages in our lives but....we''re still family, and I would do anything for any of them.