the one about the youngest

My brother once said, Sequoia was me to the extreme. It's almost flattering having a mini version of yourself. Sequoia is a hoot. I'm cracking up typing this because I'm thinking of the little spaz. Sequoia has taught me a lot about hard work and about love. She is the most willing to put in the work and time into things she loves. She is the first willing to help Dad outside with the chores or farm work. She is the most disciplined with reaching her personal goals. She is the one that challenges herself and pushes herself because she wants to see the results of her work. It's amazing to me how she does that at her age when I would come up with excuses and ways to get out of anything. She loves nature. She loves being outside and spending time with Heavenly Father's creations. She shows her love through her time and touch. If she loves you, you will know because the chances of her climbing all over you will be very high. She thinks its necessary to be right next to you at any given moment just so you know she is present. I love the fact that she loves to show that love (most of the time that is). She's always willing to cuddle, hug, and spend a moment with you. I'm so thankful for her outgoing and sometimes unnecessary energy. I'm grateful to have a younger sister who cares so much to put forth work and to show love. I'm blessed to have her as a best friend. She strengthens and brings something to our family no one else could. She makes life interesting and I wouldn't want it any other way.

the one about my brother

Today we got the first email from Elder Sillivan!!
My little brother is the epitome of a Christlike man; he must have gotten that from my Father, as well as my angel mother. He has become one of my heroes so let me tell you everything he continues to teach me.
He teaches me to be a peacemaker. He learned a long time ago (through being the only boy in-between four sisters) that there are few things actually worth arguing about. He is far more mature than I sometimes give him credit for. He constantly reminds our younger sisters and me the importance of peace, to which, I'm grateful for.
He teaches me to be submissive. He is always willing to serve and do what he is asked by our dear sweet parents. He rarely complains and does as he is told out of respect and duty. Above all, he constantly is seeking to do God's will. I'm absolutely amazed by his devotion to our Father in Heaven.
He teaches me to laugh. He strives to enjoy every moment he's in. He cracks poor jokes and does odd dance moves but is always making those around him smile. If you're lucky enough to be someone he feels comfortable with, you're lucky to know his sense of humor and character.
He teaches me to work. Our parents taught us the value of hard work but no one quite understands it the way Steele does. He recognizes the importance of starting and finishing a project. He knows the work it takes to accomplish anything good and he puts in the time. He works hard and gives his very best at everything he does.
He teaches me to be obedient. He has always known the importance of being obedient to our parents and to Heavenly Father's commandments. He obeys out of love and not out of obligation.
He teaches me to love. Steele has a huge heart. There has always been something deep inside him that puts his loved ones first for everything. His family is his life and he would much rather be with them than anyone else. His focus has always been for his family now and his future family someday. He loves so much and so strong and his love for our Savior and for our God is astounding.
I know I have been blessed with the very best brother I could have ever received. I'm so proud of who he is and for the man that he will continue to become. I'm so thankful for the lessons I learn from him every day and for the example he has always set for me. He will forever be a hero of mine.

the one where i tell Sierra and Seth's story

one of the greatest blessings in my life is my incredible sister. i have looked up to, and modeled my life after hers for as long as i can remember. she is humble, intelligent, kind, beautiful, trustworthy, wise, confident, determined, adventurous, compassionate, patient, hard-working, loyal and valiant. she's been so inspiring to so many people, and once again she sets the example of getting married in the beautiful LDS temple in Manti. Seth is an amazing young man that has always loved and protected her. he's determined, loyal, hard-working, anchored, and is always willing to serve the Lord. he'll make a great husband and father and i'm so excited to be able to call him my brother.

and now for the moment you all have been waiting for,

here is their story:

so once upon a time Seth saw Sierra at youth conference
 (a church camp) when he was 14, and he was all like,

and so he was pretty much smitten by her awesomeness. 

so he probably stalked her for the next two years, 

 that part is unclear, but when they were 16 they officially met at youth conference.

Seth was all like,

but Sierra was like,

just kidding! 

so they started talking and he asked her to his junior prom and she accepted.

they had a great time. Seth wanted to date her right then and there, 

but Sierra wanted to make sure he was boyfriend material. 

so she actually rejected him a few times first.

but the next year they went to youth conference again and 

sierra saw that he was very compassionate and that he was kinda a hero at trek.

so she finally realized what a catch he was.

oh silly me, 

Seth is a cowboy.

so then Sierra was all like,

"ask me to be your girlfriend again!"

or something like that.

so he asked and she was like,

and Seth was like, "here comes the smolder."

so they dated for a couple years, and they were a super cute couple.

then Seth prepared to leave for his mission for our church. 

so they had to say goodbye for two years.

once he left, Sierra was devastated for months and months. 

they decided it was best to just move on.

the 2 years soon passed and Seth was coming home.

lucky for her i was there telling her to go meet him.

so she arrived at the church after he had just flown home from Argentina.

and she was all like,

and it was awkward for both of them

and Kaitlyn, (seth's little sister) and i were all like,

so they didn't just fall back into place. 

but Seth felt that he needed to see where things went with her so

he started making an effort again.

and Sierra was like,

and things started working out, especially after we moved 

back home for the summer.

we were able to see the Ramsays once a week.

and things were working out between them,

and Sierra remembered how she had felt when she was with him

but Sierra was planning on going on a mission.

her papers were finished, but Seth wanted her to make sure that

was the correct decision for her, he asked her to pray more whether 

she should go on a mission or get married.

and Sierra was like,

but after praying a lot about the situation, Sierra was amazed at her answer.

she had been reassured that this relationship was something she needed.

they had both had grown so much and were both so in love. 

they both had received answers that this relationship was something Heavenly Father

was pleased with and that they should get married.

so one weekend we were in the Sandhills Seth asked my father permission

to marry my amazing sister, and us siblings sat and watched through the window

of course my dad said yes,

and Chip (seth's dad) was all like,

haha!

so after 4 years, Sierra returned to youth conference as the photographer,

Seth had surprised her at the scene where she first decided he was the one.

he proposed 

and of course she said yes!

i know right?!

so some people were like,

and others like,

but most were like,

and Kaitlyn was like,

and Sierra got home and was like, "im getting married!"

and i was like,

just kidding! i was so happy for her! and i will look like Gus Gus at their wedding.

but i was also like, my best friend/sister/roomie is leaving me.

and i was just like,

 dont worry i'll figure out how to fend for myself.

but really i'm so excited for her and Seth to make this journey together.

But just know,

for you Sierra. I love you and you're my person.

So once again congratulations to the happy couple!

Love you both a ton!