Something that I have appreciated for my entire life is my family's Czech background. My mother's family moved to the United States when my mother was six years old, and being the first generation born here on my mother's side has provided me with unique experiences throughout my life. Although there are too many special moments, memories, and situations to name, these are some quirks that my family experiences and embraces. I wouldn't trade them for anything.

Everyone is bilingual (at the least). Everyone. But. Me.

I feel guilty whenever my family who lives in the Czech Republic has to talk to me in English. I'm lucky that everyone is so smart. It would be so cool to know the language.

It's a struggle trying to keep the family tree straight when you haven't ever met most of the people.

I'm grateful that I have met some of the people on my mother's side, but I was so young when I did that I struggle to keep the relations straight.

I know about everyone's lives, though, because I've friended them all on Facebook. Which means I can't read half of my news feed.

I don't mind, though. I love keeping up with everyone's lives through pictures and broken Google translations. It's truly funny when the Czech idioms and jokes translate into gibberish.

Talking on the phone with my family is a challenge due to time differences and international costs.

When my grandma is over in the Czech Republic, I sometimes get woken up by her quickly checking in. I don't even mind that it's way too early, and she doesn't mind that I'm all groggy and confused.

Traditional Czech food is so good.

(Czech Paprikash)

So good.

(Fried Carp and Potato Salad)

(Chlebíčky)

And there's even better desserts.

(Apple Strudel- Jablečný štrůdl)

(Marble Bundt Cake – Mramorová bábovka)

(Czech Crepes)

(Beehive Cookies- These are a Christmas cookie that contains rum, vodka, or both. They can get you buzzed-- pun intended).

Honestly, I'm just spoiled when it comes to food because of them.

And I'm not at all sorry about it.

But also, we drink warm beverages and open-faced sandwiches.

Please stop yelling at me for not putting any of my drinks in the refrigerator. They don't need to be there. Eat my chlebíčky; you'll feel better.

(Shameless self-promotion: I made these).

I know all about the Czech Republic's policies and laws; frankly, I'm jealous.

Because I pay for my college tuition. And I need to worry about things like crippling college debt and a lack of health care.

People are always talking to each other in the wrong language.

Sometimes over the phone, there will be a confusing conglomeration of my grandma talking to me in Czech and her talking to her nieces in English. Or sometimes my grandma is just walking around the house talking in Czech, and I need to chase her around in order to get a word in and ask her to repeat everything she just said. I wouldn't change it for the world.

Sometimes the language switches mid-conversation. Or mid-sentence.

"Wait! You switched!"

I never remember that my grandparents have such strong accents.

I'm so used to it that when someone tells me that they can't understand them, my automatic response is always "Really?" I'm not trying to be rude; I just don't consciously hear it anymore.

But then when it's brought up to me, I remember how much I love the sound.

It is such a pretty accent. Sometimes it's important to appreciate the little unique things about the people you love.

We get to celebrate Czech St. Nicholas Day- Mikulás.

Because candy is more charming when it's tied in to something close to your family.

Our family's history is super interesting. The stories are truly irreplaceable.

I don't think I'll ever feel like I've heard enough when my grandma is talking about her life in the Czech Republic, what it was like moving here, or what it was like for my mother and uncle being immigrants in a new school. My family is a never-ending well of one-of-a-kind stories, and I'm grateful to have such a unique experience in my life filled with loving people.