Family

This is a post I have been attempting to write for quite a while now. Suffice to say, I am my mother made over because every time I go to type I get choked up with tears, and end up writing writing and writing and writing until my post looks more like Gone With the Wind than a post. So I will try to condense my thoughts :)

                                                       Family- 2009

I have always been aware of how rare a find my family truly is. I'm not saying I've always appreciated them the way I should. Punching your sister in the nose or screaming at your brother to, "GROW UP!" when he's 9 doesn't really show true appreciation. But there has always been a piece of my heart that whispered, "you are a part of something unique. Treasure them."

Courtney, Kaleigh, Chloe and Aunt Gigi- Coronado Island, 2011

The older I have gotten the more I have realized this. I have a legacy that is more precious to me than anything material my family could ever give me. I have a legacy of generations of men and women who were hard workers; who were stubborn and funny and odd and sometimes straight up WEIRD (Uncle Possum?) but they loved the Lord with their whole hearts and dedicated their lives to teaching their children, and their children's children that the most important thing you could EVER do was to live your life for God.

Garrison and Gabe- Courtney and Drew's Wedding

My family has a bond that goes deeper than just blood. We are connected through a living God who loves us and has blessed us all with a relationship that I wouldn't give up for anything.

                                            Mom, Karianne, Courtney and Kaleigh- Courtney & Drew's Wedding

It's not often that your sister truly is your best friend, or your best memories don't come from high school, but from family dinners. It's not often that you can think of a family joke and start cracking up, even when you're by yourself in Walmart and you scare the people around you ( happened.)

                                Ciera, Libby, Kaleigh, Courtney & Karianne- Christmas 2010

When I think about how truly blessed and honored I am to be a part of this wonderful group of people- not just my parents and siblings, but my cousins and Aunts and Uncles and grandparents and great grandparents and seconds cousins' kids ( because yes we still count them as cousins)-I could get lost for hours, crying and thanking God for this great and precious gift He gave me.

I love my family :) Now go cry and love on your mutha! :)