Can I Brag?

Two more random facts about me - 1) I am a ridiculously proud and protective older sister, 2) I think my brothers are the coolest kids on the block.
With that being said, I just wanted to share a little about them... if you are interested, read on.

I was talking to my mom on the phone last night, and as many of you know, my parents and two younger brothers live in Japan. My parents are missionaries, and they have lived there (this trip) for I think around 4 or 5 years.
So Mom and I are catching up, talking about our latest recipe creations and how much our dogs shed, and I ask how Ian and Zack are doing and what they have been up to. (Ian is 18, Zack is 15)
Zack had recently been accepted into a pretty well-known high school over there that has an excellent basketball program. Perks are that he got a full scholarship, the coach is great, and he looooves it there. Downside is its 2 1/2 hours away from home. I didn't like that part so much, but since I can't be there to obsessively annoy and visit him, I made my mom and dad promise that they would. Plus it was really awesome to see how God just had control over the whole process of Zack getting this opportunity at this school (high school over there is pretty tough to get into, kind of like some colleges over here. Lots of tests, interviews, that kind of thing). So, the latest on that, Mom said, is that even thought he officially doesn't start school there until April, the coach called last night and asked if he would be able to play in their upcoming tournament next week. Big tournament, and no other freshman are playing. But they want him on the court. This kid rules the court. Dominates. Big sister grin here.
Well, these are my brothers so I can brag... they are modest about it, so they may kill me, but whatever.
This is all hearesay for me, and I can't wait to see for myself, but his coaches, teammates, and the fam are pretty impressed he has cultivated this talent to what it is.

Then there's Ian- this one rules the turn tables. He got into the music scene over there a couple of years ago, and the rest is history. As much as I love hip-hop, dancing, and beats, I don't have the talent to create it. He does. I just thought it was hilarious that Mom said they would be walking around downtown Nagano, and all these random people would know my brother not as Ian, but as 2Young, which is what his mentors deemed him when he started spinning for them because he was the youngest one around. It just cracks me up. He has loved music as far back as I can remember, and it just tickles me to death that he has this chance to do what he has a passion for. He works in a urban clothing store over there too, and has ousted me as the one in the family with the most shoes. Makes me proud...

Anyway, getting all sentimental..these are the two boys that when we were growing up made me laugh so hard my stomachs and cheeks would cramp up, and had the biggest hearts ever. Like when I was sick or after my car accident, and they hadn't even lost their first tooth yet, they doted on me more than my Mom did. Ian made me a shaker with a bell in it out of popsicle sticks once that I still have, and told me if I needed anything to ring it, so I wouldn't have to get up. And they they forgave me when I was a mean, moody, bossy older sister. I know I am partial, but so be it. I think they are amazing.

So I guess whenever Ben and I can make it to Japan, we will be taking in a few basketball games and hitting the clubs. Right now if my brothers are reading this they are rolling their eyes and groaning. And I love it.

xoxo
Dae

ps- My incredibly talented and phenomenal little sister will get her own bragging post later. Didn't want her to think she was getting out of this easy!