To Chuck From Lani

As a young 9-10 year old (Houston's age now) I remember being in grade school and we were supposed to dress like our favorite athlete. In my mind, I was the little sister of a big time football star so I proudly wore my big brother Chuck's football jersey.

I used to love sitting with dad and Chuck and watching sports. It instilled a love of competition and athleticism in me which paved my life. My love for sports led me to a life on the path of athletics which taught me many important life skills as well as to a husband that loved sports like I did.

When Chuck was a Senior I went to every one (minus 1) of his football games, even his away games! I loved it and loved the sport. It didn't matter if he was playing or not, Chuck was an example to me.

Having sports a part of my kids life has been important to me. I feel it teaches life skills that every child should have. At this level my kids are at, youth sports is heavily dependent on the coaches.

We signed 3 of our kids up for soccer. Not my best or favorite sport, but a sport I have come to really learn and enjoy. The director was begging for more coaches.

So, in honor of Chuck and our shared love of sports, despite not having a ton of spare time or ANY knowledge of the game other than the shape of the field and color of the ball, I signed up to assistant coach not 1, but 2 soccer teams.





Hadley and AJ's 6-7 year old team, and Hunter's 4-5 year old team.

For me not knowing anything about soccer, and not thinking I even liked the sport, this was a big deal for me.

Some days I would even bring my little assistant with me.

I ended up researching the game and learning to really enjoy it and might even coach again it was so fun!

The second thing that came up while thinking of how I could serve Chuck this year was when AJ asked for a "picture book" for Christmas. He wanted it to be like one I had created for Michael but wanted it to be about him. It was pretty close to Christmas and I was pretty busy- but I felt like that is probably how Chuck felt when mom asked him to help with the book. So I decided to make it a priority.

Thinking of Chuck diving into helping mom on her temple book inspired me to make this happen. So I spent a few VERY late nights gathering and compiling 2 picture books of AJ's life to give to him this morning on Christmas. They bring me joy and are very precious to review how blessed we have been especially throughout AJ's life.

Chuck, I am also blessed to be your sister. You are a wonderful brother and I am grateful that Heavenly Father sent us to the same family so we can learn and grow with each other throughout this earthly life.

I love you big brother! Love, Lani