Only God have scripted these wonderful women into my life:
Seriously, when I look at this picture, all I can do is marvel.
On the far left is one of David's sisters, Greta. To think that when God granted me the desires of my heart in giving me David as my husband, He ALSO granted me Greta is a gift upon a gift! Greta is a kindred spirit. I love love love watching our kids play together. Jack and Isaiah were overheard playing behind the shed while in Oregon, making farting sounds and laughing uproariously each time. Later, Isaiah informed Uncle Mark that he had a best friend, Jack, who spits well. (Great. So glad my 6 year old has a reputation of being a good spitter. Ha!)
Next is Sara, on the other side of me. Ironically, I have known Sara most of my life. Her younger sister and I were good chums growing up. Sara married David's step-brother, which I think sounds really strange, so let's just say that she married David's brother, ok? If there was ever a family that I looked up to growing up, it was Sara's family. And now I am related to them. Wow.
Then Kathleen. I guess technically she is my step-sister-in-law, but we will just say she is my sister. Another kindred spirit with whom I share so many common interests! Former teachers, homeschooling, natural food loving mamas. Kathleen is a rare find. (And she makes a mean salsa too!)
In yellow is Janelle, another "sister". There are two super really important things about Janelle. First, she has four kids. That makes her pretty cool right there, right? I think so! She is a good mama and truly enjoys her kids...and it shows. I love that about her. And I love that she is Spencer's mommy. Spencer is going into 4th grade and Jack ADORES him. Follows him and copies him and generally hero-worships him. And Spencer takes it all in stride and includes and loves Jack. And I know that it takes a good mama to teach an older boy to endure that kind of affection. =) Here is Jack sitting with Spencer...literally sitting WITH Spencer:
Karyn wraps it up. I hope to share more about Karyn soon and all that we have in common. That will be a post for another day. But suffice it to say that the Lord provided an over-the-top blessing in this "sister". One of those gifts from Him where you can't help but laugh and know that God just wanted to bless your socks off through it. That's Karyn.
Between those mamas, we have 17 kids, spanning 6 months to 4th grade. 17 cousins whom are being raised in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 17 cousins to run and play "boys chase girls" with:
17 cousins to have birthday parties on Grandma's patio with:
8 girl cousins to paint toes with:
17 cousins to have an impromptu worship time with:
We are blessed beyond measure with our family and they way the Lord has so graciously written our lives together.
