Aunties are like moms only cooler

Aunties are like moms only cooler…

I am so lucky to have had a childhood with an Aunt who was way cooler than my mom. My Auntie Kirsten, my mom’s younger sister, was that auntie. I have no idea why I called her Auntie Jean as a kid, apparently I couldn’t say Kirsten? Most of my childhood pictures from the 80s, auntie appeared to be smoking. I don’t remember her smoking but she looked so cool in the pictures. She never wore the same clothes twice. She had an outfit for every occasion. Kirsten always had the latest and greatest hair-do. She was a hair dresser and a fashionista. As a kid in the 80s she was my role model and my confidant. She cut my hair and helped me style my clothes. She pierced my ears. I dreamed of being just like her when I was a kid. I would crank Cyndi Lauper and dance around dreaming of one day being as cool as Auntie Jean.

Kirsten still inspires me to this day. She always taught me to be weird, wild, and unique but most of all too always be myself. I have had every hair cut I think you can have. I have had my hair all the colours of the rainbow. I have always preferred my hair short and she has helped me find so many amazing short hair cuts that make me feel confident. When Kirsten cut her hair off short, we almost had matching haircuts for a while. Now I dunno if I am still trying to be like her or if she’s trying to be like me. I got my love of fashion from my auntie. I even did a little modeling as a teenager. Shocker but I chose not to follow that path. I didn’t like to be other people’s version of beauty. I just have always wanted to be me.

Auntie Kirsten is the girl you want to go shopping with, despite her being painfully cheap, she will hit a thrift store and for a limited amount you will come out looking like a million bucks. She has an eye for fashion like I have never seen. Recently granny and I met her at a store where she arrived first and had so many amazing things set aside. I have more boots that I will ever need. I love a good boot. If you need fashion advice for any budget available I can arrange that she can be your cool auntie too.

I have many aunties out west in B.C. but I didn’t grow up with them smoking at my birthday parties and giving me weird haircuts and fashion advice. They are also cool just not in the same way as my one and only Ontario auntie.

When I found out I was going to be an auntie for the first time I was just a teenager, but I vowed to be like Auntie Jean, that cool auntie. I wanted to always be the fun one that my nephew would want to hang out with. My first nephew Landon forever changed my life. I didn’t know what love was until I saw this cutie. My heart instantly melted and I was so in love. To be an aunt is such a great honour. Landon forever changed my life by giving me a reason to keep going. Teenage years can suck. I wanted to watch him grow up. I wanted to always sing our hearts out in the car. From the time he was little he would just belt out song lyrics. He would always ask if I had his music when I picked him up. He would make music request after music request mostly “Presidents of the United States of America” oh the” kitty” song on repeat, haha. I still always crank the tunes and make him sing anytime were in a car together. Landon is now an adult who, after years of bugging, has a driver’s license and a job. He has grown up way to fast. He continues to make me proud. I still run and hug him every time I see him. I mean like “run and jump you better catch me I love you more than anything” auntie hug.

I am also an auntie to three awesome nephews who live in British Columbia. Christian, Delane and Diego. Oh boys you are the best. I am super sad we didn’t get the chance to grow up closer and spend more time having fun but you make every trip I make to B.C a million times more fun. From the time I first met all three of you, all of you have just been so accepting. You three have always kept in touch thanks in part by your mom and dad. You have kept me busy and always have me laughing. I am thankful with technology I can bug you all the time.

My last trip out west with my son I was over joyed to be able to take Christian on a road trip. He will tell you I almost killed him with my driving but it’s not true. We had a blast driving around in my rental Kia Soul visiting our families. You will forever be my son’s best buddy! Christian just graduated high school and is on to the next big chapter of life. I cannot wait to see what you do next. This kid is amazing at anything you need fixed or built. No project is too big.

Delane is smartest person I know. I have spent my whole life trying to solve a Rubik’s cube. This guy in no time flat, boom solved, like it’s no big deal. He’s an amazing artist. His drawings should be displayed in a fancy museum. He talked to me about video games I smiled and nodded but I have no idea what we were talking about. Oh and speaking of no idea what he’s talking about he learned Japanese. This nephew constantly amazes me. This is nephew I will be calling when I struggle with my son’s homework.

Diego the baby of the family he is the outdoors man. He would live outside if you let him. He shared with me many awesome adventure stories. I wanna come back and dirt bike with him. I absolutely enjoyed our long kayak adventure. He is the little brother who is glad he was the last boy. He thought my son was a lot because he was like the annoying little brother he never got haha. He made me laugh so much it hurt. He had a great idea for me to come back every year like an anniversary but it’s an “aunt” iversary. I just love this idea. Party every time I come back!

Last but not least finally after 4 nephews I have 1 niece, Aria. Aria is only a couple months apart from my son in age and they spend a lot of time together. Sometimes they even fight like brother and sister- like my brother and I used to as kids. I am so glad we have kids the same age that can grow up and enjoy times together. Aria reminds me how awesome it is to have a girl in the mix of all the boys. She’s cool and cut her hair off and was rocking a “faux hawk”. She hates to wear clothes, she’s wild and crazy, and she absolutely loves science and gross things. She makes me laugh a lot with her funny stories. She is her own girl wild and free. I have more auntie competition with this girl because she also has 3 other aunties but I vow to always be the best auntie ever. The cool auntie!

Thank you Auntie Kirsten for always being you! Thank you for always giving me fashion advice and cool hair-dos. Thank you for being an amazing GREAT auntie to my son. You took that promotion seriously. (As I finish this blog were heading to aunties house for lunch. My son will be in the hot tub)

Thank you to my amazing nephews and my niece. You five make every day the best. You always keep me smiling, laughing and grateful for you all being a part of my life. Love you all so very much! Thanks for having me your auntie. I am blessed.