Knowing the 4-1-1 on Your Brothers and Sisters…

This post is dedicated to 3 people – Keith, Adam and Jane… my 2 older brothers and 1 younger sister.

There’s something about having siblings – like it or not – you get to know them fairly well throughout the course of your life. I never really talk about my brothers on my blog… it’s funny, I’ve actually had people say to me, “So there’s more besides you and Jane?” Yes… there is. I have 2 older brothers who I’m just as close with, believe it or not.

We all got together yesterday morning for Father’s Day. My father cooks a mean pancake with bacon grease, and he did not disappoint yesterday morning. With 9 grandchildren running around on a 85 degree day, we were all just trying to eat, stay cool and keep an eye on the kids. With 7 boys – all 7 and under – you never know what could happen… especially when they’re talking building “base camps” and “let’s get the girls!” My sweet Taylor and Madison are both 9 years old… they are every bit girly and adorable as you would think a 9-year little girl would be. They were – in no uncertain terms – not excited about the boys trying to “get them.” But this is what makes family gatherings so much fun… it’s the organized chaos of laughter and craziness.

Which brings me to my own brothers and sister. He… he… he… let’s talk gifts. ๐Ÿ™‚

There are just some things I know about each one of them…

Keith will always be on time (unless something important comes up or there’s an emergency). Keith will always come bearing gifts – regardless if there’s a function calling for gifts or not. He’s just one of those guys. Keith usually goes for the I’ve-been-thinking-about-this-for-awhile type gift. It’s never one of those, I’m-on-the-way-and-picking-something-up. He’s thought about it. He’s scoured the internet/stores for that perfect gem. Case in point, he ordered for my father a Portugal Biking Jersey… which my dad LOVED! *Disclaimer – Keith does have a wife who helps, too!

Adam will always walk in with a smile. He’s just that type of guy. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Adam in a bad mood… ever. OK, when we were younger, yes… but as an adult, NO. Regardless if it’s raining bullets, Adam walks in with a smile and “Hey everyone!” That’s the type of guy he is. Gift-wise… Adam will always make sure the gift is a good one. He will spend a good amount of money on a gift – for the sheer pleasure of seeing you enjoy it. Adam got my father a gorgeous Ralph Lauren polo for Father’s Day. I don’t know if my father owns a Ralph Lauren polo, but it was beautiful and I can absolutely see my dad golfing away in it. *Disclaimer – Adam does have a wife who helps, too!

And then there’s my other half… my sister, Jane. Jane and I are SO ALIKE in so many ways, but it’s funny how different we are, too. Jane will give you the shirt off her back. She will drive from here to Timbuktu to help anyone. She will just be there for anyone in a heartbeat. That’s my Jane. When it comes to gifts… that’s where Keith, Adam and I love to “siblingly” harass Jane. Jane’s the “I owe you” in the gift department. Which just cracks us all up… she loves to find a beautiful card, write a beautiful message (which is priceless within itself…), and then it’s backed with, “I’m going to get you…” It’s the thing we know about Jane and find the most endearing. We were belly-laughing (along with Jane) yesterday when it came to her “turn” to give Dad something. The one thing that we all have known about our parents growing up… my father’s response to Jane’s card and “gift” was – “My gift is you.”

And so… Jane – you have complete rights to rip on me today. But then again… I did promise Keith a blog post. ๐Ÿ˜‰

About Audrey

Audrey McClelland has been a digital influencer since 2005. Sheโ€™s a mom of 5 and shares tips on her three favorite things: parenting, fashion and beauty. Sheโ€™s also a Contemporary Romance Author.

Sign Up To The Ultimate Style Newsletter for Moms

Categories

ShopStyle โ€œListโ€ Of all Things I Like and Blog About

Pinterest

6 Comments

  1. 6.21.10

    I love this.

    ๐Ÿ™‚

    Steph

  2. 6.21.10

    lol! I totally can relate to this. I am very close to my siblings and the inside jokes are unreal. Just the other day, I was talking to my brother and all the things we did as children. ๐Ÿ™‚ Good times.

  3. 6.21.10
    Jane said:

    What can I say? Birthdays and holidays just get sprung on me and there’s no time to prepare! ๐Ÿ˜‰ Although, Audrey, I DID get a gift for you in time for your birthday, didn’t I? *Disclaimer – Brian drove me to the store and said, “You’re not going to show up for your sister’s birthday empty-handed!

  4. 6.21.10
    Adam said:

    Audrey, I owe you a more clever response. Love ya Janie!

  5. 6.21.10

    Your family lines up just like mine…2 and 2. My sister is also the one who gets razzed about gifts. But it isn’t just the gift…it’s the wrapping. She never wraps. A Target bag is wrapping to her. But the lovely thing about families is when you can in good humor love and exploit strengths and weaknesses. Thanks for the lovely snippet of your family dynamic.

Comments are closed.