I Write the Songs . . . and Movies :)

I'll start with memories of Darrin. I was barely thirteen when Angela and Darrin got married. Even though I was still pretty young (and immature) when I first knew him, I never felt like he treated me differently than an adult. I appreciated that. Those early teens are weird years when you want independence and respect, but are also fairly childish still. There was one thing that I immediately loved about Darrin: he was a Star Wars fanatic. It didn't take much time to realize that he was an overall movie fanatic, really. I think he missed his calling in the film industry. :) I'm no longer surprised, but continuously amazed about how much he knows about movies - who makes them, various techniques and technologies. I find it impressive when people delve so deeply into things; I don't have that kind of passion for anything that pushes me to learn on a deep level. He's also always struck me as a humble, non-judgmental guy, just taking people as they are. Those are great qualities.

I'll always think of Raymond whenever I hear the song, "I Write the Songs". One of my first memories of him is playing and singing that song. I always felt really special because I shared my birthday with him. I loved it when he called me his birthday present when introducing me to people. I idolized him from the beginning. I loved it when I went to college and I got to be his student and be with him in the dance department. I got to know him a lot better, and wasn't disappointed to find him less than I thought he was. I appreciate his integrity. I never got any special treatment because I was his sister (not from him, anyway). The lowest grade I ever got in my dance classes was from him, but I got what I earned. One semester when he was directing DancEnsemble, I auditioned and he could have put me in the company but I didn't really deserve it. I honestly didn't resent that at all. I was sad not to have the opportunity to be in the company while he was director, but I could see that I wasn't good enough yet and I was glad that he didn't give me something I hadn't earned. I was, and am so proud that he's my brother.

So grateful for all of the "August kids". :)

August heroes

Note: This was actually submitted last year, but for purposes of organization I saved it to post this year.

My first memory of Rachael is really as a twelve-year-old, and now I'm old enough to have my own twelve-year-old (wow!)  But Rachael has always been a sweetheart and ready with love and compassion.  She is quick to laugh at everyone's jokes, even when they are not very funny (mine:). Her undying support makes me feel like I can do no wrong.  Yet as soft- and big-hearted as she is, she has great reserves of strength and power.  I love hearing about her birthing stories and how she uses them as a reference for accomplishing hard things.  I love going running with her and can't wait to cheer for her marathon!  Though I started out knowing her as a young girl, she has become quite an awe-inspiring woman.  Happy Birthday this month, Rachael!

And I've only been in the family three days longer than Darrin.  He's felt like a peer and a friend from day one.  I admire his diligence and kindness, and was really touched by his testimony at this last reunion of prayer and the Atonement.  But my favorite memories are watching he and Angela cutting a rug with their swing dancing!  Most girls can only dream of a husband who will take them dancing (even me, and I married a dancer! :)  Happy Birthday Darrin!  You're awesome!

--Julie