Family

Today at Kelly's Korner Show Us Your Life it is Show Us Your Family.

Specifically the family you grew up with.

I think you have seen this picture before but it is the most recent one that includes my mother.

June 2008

Don't you love how happy Sophie is to be in the picture?!

My family consists of the most wonderful parents and the most fabulous sisters ever!

It is difficult to summarize the wonderfulness that is/was my parents.

My dad worked s0 hard for our family. He often had multiple jobs. He was a teacher, coach, principal, landscaper, drive-way paver, furniture salesman, grant administrator and state representative. And of course the most important job he held was father. He worked a lot but he always seemed to be there for us too. I am not sure how he did it (and still does). I am sure the man never sleeps!!

He taught us the importance of family, honesty, and the value of hard work.

My mom stayed at home with us. I knew she would always be there. She took care of all five of us girls pretty much by herself. (Remember Dad was working so she could be home). Seriously! How did she do it? I only have two and can't manage it very well some days!!

I realize now more than ever how much I depended on her. Funny how that happens when someone dies.

She was our rock. She could put us in our place - like it or not.

She also taught us the importance of family and how special the relationship of sisters is.

She was constantly thinking of others. She was very empathetic.

Dad took us to church pretty much every Sunday but it was Mom who taught us about faith and trusting God!

I would say that I am a pretty lucky girl to have been blessed with these 2!!

My sisters!!

I have 4 sisters - 2 sets of twins!!

I love that I was lucky enough to grow up in a large family. I have four built in best friends!! Each of my sisters is loyal and fabulous and special in her own special way!!

Allison is a teacher and the mother of 2 boys!! She amazes me with her energy and ability to juggle so much!!

Shannon is a health educator and the mother 1 little boy!! She is mom. She constantly thinks of others and is such a caregiver.

Jennifer is an athletic trainer!! She is caring and wears her heart on her sleeve. She has tons of friends and it is obvious why!!

Sarah is an attorney. She is smart, witty, clever, and a coffee snob!! Most importantly she is generous. She gave me her Twilight books!!

You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them. ~Desmond Tutu