Happy Auntie Day!!

Today is a special day to commemorate aunts everywhere.  I have some pretty wonderful aunts who have made an impact both by example and by their friendship.  They have shared their homes, their gifts and most importantly, their love.  Thank you for being who you are and sharing your amazing talents with me.

Most importantly today, I want to celebrate being an aunt.  I have four wonderful nieces and three amazing nephews.  I have spent time with all of them this last week on a family trip.  They range in age from 10 1/2 to five months old.  Each of them have amazing personalities that makes them incredibly unique. 

Niece #1 has a lot of amazing talents - from art to basketball to singing.  When she is excited about something, she love to let you know it (and the opposite is true as well!).  She'll grow up finding her way to something that she is good at.

Nephew #1 has a learning challenge.  But, our family is extremely blessed that he is happy and loving.  He will milk a joke to death (and resurrect it over and over).  He is a genius on the computer and will probably end up making more money than the rest of us!

Niece #2 is a wonderful soul.  She loves to be the peacemaker and will often take the blame for things she didn't even do.  She can Jeckle & Hyde sometimes, but the older she gets, the more loving she becomes.  She'll be everyone's friend and everyone will love to have her.

Nephew #2 is a free spirited one.  He has the best imagination of anyone on the planet and can often be found playing by himself reliving the latest movie he's watched.  He can be stubborn, but maybe that's part of the creative process.

Niece #4 is free spirited in her own way.  She is never afraid to tell you want she thinks and normally .  She looks and talks like a pixie doll.  And she gives great hugs!!!  She will grow up to do whatever she wants to do.

Nephew #3 is a cute one - he's a boy's boy for sure.  He will gravitate to testosterone no matter where we are.  He's determined and someday when he's big enough, he'll pay back his sisters for all the "love" he's received.

Niece #3 is beautfiul.  She loves to smile and play, but once she's hungry or tired, she lets you know right away.  I'm grateful she is here so she can take care of her two brothers when all of the grownups are gone. 

With my age in life and no prospect of having kids any time soon, these kids are the closest things I have to my own.  Sometimes I scold them, sometimes I spoil them, but most importantly, I love them.  My prayer is that they grow up to be strong in the gospel of Jesus Christ, happy with their life choices, and close to their family!