about all the men in my life

I grew up with five brothers. And then I married into a family of seven boys. Add my ward of the state, my dad and grandfathers, and some step brothers into the mix, and that's a lot of testosterone.

Because I grew up with so many boys, I'm comfortable around them. Getting along with boys is way easier for me than getting along with girls when I first meet new people. Even as a teacher, I sometimes feel like I naturally bond with the boys better than the girls at the very first of the year.

Growing up with so many boys means that I've only mowed a lawn once in my life (there was always a boy around to do it), and that I can play legos and jump on the trampoline like the rest of 'em. This week I've been hanging out with several of the men in my life (in fact, some of the Emery boys are sleeping on our couch right now), and it's made me grateful for these strong men and the lessons I learn from them.

I feel the need to share some of those lessons today. Let's start at the top, shall we?

My dad. I don't even know how to start. Ever since that long winter that I stayed home, I have really admired my dad. We were both so fresh from grief that winter, trying hard to take care of all the siblings and remember what normal life was like. It made us close. He's exactly what I want my family to be like when I grow up. And the more I learn about this true love thing, and what it means to say goodbye to the love of your life for a little while, the more my dad becomes an absolute hero to me.

Then I have Taylor. Taylor is the older brother everyone hopes to have. He's the type of guy people call at 11pm when their car breaks down in the middle of nowhere and they need help. He's incredibly loyal, dependable, and hard-working. Every time he starts to date a girl, I think how lucky that girl would be to have him.

Next is my younger brother Covey. Nobody brings out the competitiveness in me like Covey. He's the best at everything he does (and so dang popular. people in high school used to ask me if I was his sister. No, he's my brother!). This summer when he came back from his mission, he would be outside doing yard work in the blazing heat whenever I came to visit (if he hadn't already left at 6am for his other job). He has great goals for his life, and he knows how to work hard to accomplish them.

And then there's John. Let's just say I've cried when all my brothers have left on their missions. But when John left a few months ago, I sobbed. I sobbed so hard I had to excuse myself for a while until I could control myself. He's so sweet, so smart, so caring and low-maintenance and loving. I have a soft spot for John, and I love his weekly letters.

I could go on and on. Sam of course deserves several blog posts about the things he's taught me and the influence he's had on my life. My ward of the state, my other brothers, and my brothers-in-law each have taught me so many things.

The thing about men is that they teach you how to be a woman. Because I grew up with so many men, I know what's important and what's not important. They teach me to get down to business and leave the extra frills off life. They teach me that being a woman is important, and being feminine is important. And they teach me how to play legos and jump on the trampoline like the best of them :)

So there you have it. I guess today I'm feeling especially grateful to all the men in my life. There are times when I think if I could just have a few little boys of my own running around, I'd be so happy.

Your turn.

Which man in your life has taught you the most?

Is it easier for you to get along with men or women?