The Year After...

It's crazy how much can change in one year. Sometimes that change brings happiness and sometimes it brings hard times. As I think of a moment in my life where a year has significantly played a role, I come upon the year after I was born. I know it sounds silly because I personally can't recall details of me being a year old, but there was an important moment that took place during that time of my life. It was the moment where one of the most genuine guys came into my life and I became an older sister for the first time.

While being an older sister has its pressures, it's also one of the greatest blessings. What makes things more unique is that year difference. That year difference has made all the difference. In a way it's like we go through things together. I start high school. Then he starts high school. I go to college. He goes to college. And because it all happens within a one year time frame, we can learn from each other and our experiences. We know a lot of the same people and both have a future to look forward to around the same time of our lives. We both push and encourage each other to be the best versions of ourselves and to go after our dreams.

However, I should warn you about this kid. If you meet him, don't be surprised if you quickly want to make him your best friend. It will either be his heart of gold, his witty sense of humor, or his ability to see people for who they really are that gets you. One of our friends and I have concluded to call it the "Eric spell." He seriously knows how to win people over and what is so great about it, is that he is just being himself. He has this way of making you feel like the most important person with out sugar coating it. You know, just being real. He will go above and beyond to be a good son, brother, grandson, and friend.

One of his biggest passions is soccer. When he was about 5 years old, my parents signed him up to be on his first soccer team. We were running late for his first game and since he listened to everything our older brother told him, he ran into the middle of a girls game and started kicking the ball. The coach had to stop the game to get him out, but the crowd loved him. And the crowd has loved him ever since. 15 years later he has accomplished a great deal with his soccer career. As captain of the Justin Siena Braves Varsity team, he led them to their first MCAL championship game his senior year. He has been recognized as best defensive player, best offensive player, and all county player 4 years in a row. And this past year continued to do his thing at Linfield College in McMinville, Oregon. He doesn't plan to just stop there. He hopes to play Division 1 soccer and make it to the pros. Some people have discouraged him from going after this dream because of his height, others because of the difficulty of that dream alone, but I say that they are forgetting that he is Eric Gutierrez. He is a legend in the making. You remember that when it comes true. Either way I know he will go above and beyond to be someone great in this world because he was meant for something amazing!

Love you twin. Thank you for being my inspiration, one of my reasons to smile.

Every warrior needs a shield...

There are some days where I think I have it all figured out. There are also some days where I question it all. But no matter the day, I always have someone to share it with and that is my beautiful little sister, Giselle.

I was about 6 years old when she was born. I remember I was not very happy when I first knew I was going to have a sister because I would no longer be the only girl. But that quickly changed and I couldn't be happier. She looks up to me because I'm her older sister, but honestly I have learned so much from her. When I think of confidence and strength, she's the first to come to my mind. My brothers are really protective of us, but they are a little less with her simply because of her strong character. She doesn't break easily and it's one of the many reasons that make her one of the most beautiful girls I have ever known. She's a real catch. Boys, you better be smart!

It's funny because people are actually surprised to hear that I have a sister. One of my friends came over once and saw pictures of her and she thought I hired her to play the role of my sister. Nope, I'm just blessed. Seriously, people always say that a girl needs an older brother, and that's true, but a girl also needs a little sister. I don't know what I would do without her. She has been my shield. This past spring break, I was having one of those times, where things kind of suck and you don't really know when they will get better. Going back to school was going to be hard for me, but she made it easier by spending her spring break with me at school. Having her there made all the difference and before I knew it things got better.

Everything's always better when we're together. From watching One Tree Hill and The Bachlorette, to working out, staying up late talking, and to sharing our clothes (even if sometimes we fight about it), it's all better because we get to do it together. And it's those moments that make everything worth it all over again. She's my walking diary. That's a pretty big deal to me. Opening up is not the easiest thing for me, especially when having to admit to mistakes or insecurities. I'm her older sister. I'm not supposed to make mistakes or be insecure. I'm supposed to live up to a higher standard. But see that's why she is so great. She sees me for who I am. She knows the pressures I put on myself and no matter what she is proud of who I am. She doesn't judge me and always loves me. She's the one that reminds me to breathe and enjoy the moments that lie before me. She doesn't need me to be perfect, she just needs me to be her older sister, her warrior and it's the least I can do for my shield. We're one for the other. So this post is to her, one of my blessings and reasons to smile!

Love you cubs. <3

Citations : Shield picture. http://www.ashleygale.co.uk/dat/?p=388

My Little Man...

Today I am thankful for my little brother Christopher. Ever since he was born, he has been a big part of my life. I have always been extra protective of him. And we have always had a very special relationship. He was a big reason why leaving for college was so difficult. But he was also a big reason why even my worst days weren't so bad. He called me every night to check up on me. And he would tell me about his day. He's one of the greatest kids ever. Anyone who knows him, would agree. He always knows how to put a smile on your face. And he's the reason why the saying "kids say the darnest things" exists. This kid will make you laugh for days!!

One of my favorite things about him is his immensely big heart and the wisdom he has for a 10 year-old. I said I was protective of him, but now that he is older, he is way more protective of me, especially when it comes to boys. He's pretty good at giving me advice and knows when something is wrong. Everyday he never seizes to amaze me. Yesterday for example he noticed I had not eaten anything and he went into the kitchen to prepare me what he called a surprise. And it was a great surprise. He prepared me a delicious plate of fruit which we shared and enjoyed with a conversation. It's those little things that he does that set him a part and make me look at my life and realize how blessed I am to be his older sister. There's no doubt in my mind he is going to grow up to do great things with his life. I just wish he wasn't growing up so fast! Love my little man <3