My Family

This is my family, some of my favorite people in the whole world!

We have been through many tough time together.

We have supported each other, loved each other, carried each other through times that we wouldn't have otherwise been able to do alone.

My family has been there for me in times when I needed them most.

Blood runs very thick in this family!

My mom and dad are ... amazing! They have raised 5 children with lots of patience, diligence, determination, grace and love. All 5 of us kids have put them through a lot of stress, pain and forced them to pray A LOT for their children. Not sure that I could have gotten through life with out them. They have also taught me so much about life. ... never give up when the going gets tough ... never! They have taught me that life hands us stuff that we don't like and people treat us with disrespect but it's our responsibility to forgive and love.
My parents taught me the value of hard work. They raised my siblings and I on a dairy farm and made us work ... cleaning the house, mowing the yard, raking endless leaves, working in the what felt like an enormous garden, canning and freezing from the garden, milking the cows, feeding the chickens, butchering chickens, feeding the young calves/cows before school ... it goes on and on...
I love and appreciate my parents who have supported me and loved me through some times when I needed them most. They never gave up on me, their daughter.

My oldest brother, Leonard, has been my rock at times. I have a lot of respect and appreciation for him. He's been through a lot in his lifetime and has been there for me through my tough times ... looking out for his little sister has been his role and he's done it well.
Matt and Melissa, his children, are ones that are much like my own children. I babysat them, changed their diapers, helped them grow up, etc.
Matt has always been good with his hands, a hard worker like his dad and grandpa. He's a good guy. Not much of a people person but loves his family time. Love this guy!
Melissa, she's my girl. I've loved being there for her as a little girl, teenager, dating, getting married and now as a new mommy. She has been there for me through my tough times the past nine years. She is a big sister to John Michael, Ben and Bekah. Her husband, Josh, (her high school sweetheart) is a perfect partner for her... a good balance for her.
Then there is little Paisley. Technically, she's my great niece but in my heart she's my grand baby. Love her! She looks like her daddy but has her mom's personality. Admittedly, she's pretty close to being my favorite.

My older brother, Allan, is one that is always coming up with creative ways to make life happen. He enjoys hiking, camping and hunting like I do. He is a server and does what he can to help out family. He is a great dad to his daughter, Steph. He's also been through some tough times and we've had some good life conversations. Allan is a man gifted with many talents.
Steph is fun to hang out with. I've also watched her grow up to be a beautiful young woman, inside and out. I love who she is. She is the other person in my family who is a workout fanatic like I am. It's nice to have someone who understands that part of me. :) We've had some good life conversations through her tough times too.

My sister, Lorraine and I are 13 months apart. For the month of August each year we are the same age. Growing up as kids and teenagers we pretty much "hated" each other. We never got along and put our mom through a lot of grief. Poor mom. I thought I wanted to be like my sis so I would get into her stuff without her permission and you know how that can cause issues. Not pretty.
Well, she moved to Florida because of this guy Norm :) (now her husband) and we quickly became friends and now is one of my best friends ever. She has listened to me cry, laugh, rave about issues, and shared in my joy.
Norm, my brother in law, what a good guy he is. My sister married well. He loves Jesus and cares for his family. He does this well.
Rachel is so fun. She is a gifted dancer. I love to watch her dance and use the gift that God gave her. She is now a freshman in college majoring in dance.
Elijah is a great kid. He has a 3rd degree black belt and carries that with honor and respect. I can see in him that God has gifted him in ways that will blow us away someday.

Larion is my little brother. He is only 11 months younger than I am. I can't imagine what it must have been like for my mom to have 3 babies within 24 months. Craziness.
Larion and I were buddies growing up. I was a tomboy and he was all-boy. I will always remember how we played with a big toy barn and animals on the patio on a regular basis. We played catch in the backyard for hours during the summer. I do have to say that I had a good arm when I was younger. Not so much anymore. We used to shoot guns together. We played in the barnyard together. We spent a lot of time together as children. My brother Larion is my friend.
Mackenzie is a gifted athlete. She has a tomboy, toughness about her. I hope she uses this to bring good to herself and others as she grows up.
Peyton can be a quiet, behind the scenes kid. He's a good baseball player and athlete as well. Sweet young boy.

My family ... life wouldn't be the same without them in my life. I am who I am because of growing up with them.