Gratitude: Amy and Janalyn

Today I was very grateful for the two awesome women my little brothers were fortunate enough to marry: Amy and Janalyn. I was thinking about them as I was driving over to Amy's house this morning. Amy babysits Halle for me every Wednesday so that I can volunteer in the girls' classes. I was thinking about how lucky I am to actually LIKE the girls my brothers married, let alone be able to call them two of my very best friends! Since I grew up without a sister, I had always dreamed of having one. I don't think I knew what I was missing out on until my brothers got married: first Carter to Amy, then a few years later Bryan married Janalyn. I admire so many things about both of them. Amy is one of the most laid back, easy going people I've ever met. She's a little more on the quiet side and is definitely not one show off or put herself in the limelight. I think her worst fear is speaking in public, especially in church! She is loyal, genuine and would do anything for her family. She shares Carter's love of all things football - specifically Utah and Oregon and is one of the most dedicated mom's I know.




And Janalyn, well, what's not to like about Janalyn? She's spunky, vivacious and always has something funny to say. One of the first things I remember noticing about Janalyn was what a great listener she is: whenever you talk to her she makes you feel like she totally understands and hears every word you said. When Bryan lost his best friend Cam, almost four years ago in a snowmobiling accident, Janalyn was there for him 24/7 just listening - which was exactely what my little brother needed. And for as stylish and put together she may seem on the outside, one of the her best qualities is that she'll be the first one to poke fun at herself and won't stop until everyone in the room is laughing! She's a great singer (she even played "Annie" when she was little!) served a mission in Brazil and can shop like nobody's business! Like Amy, she too helps me out with my girls when I need it (our whole family lives within 5 minutes of each other - how cool is that?)

They both are amazing people and I am so blessed to have them in my life. And the best part is, I have several other amazing sisters-in-law on the Smith side of the family who warrant an entirely separate post to this blog, so stay tuned!