family friday {{little loves edition}}

There are a only few things in my life that I feel truly define who I really am as a person. One of the most prominent being my title of Wife, followed secondly by Sister/Daughter, and then right behind that (and not very far behind) is Auntie (or Ti-ti as the little ones call me).

I have been privileged enough to bear that title since the tender little age of 7 years old when my oldest nephew Brennen was born into this world, and I have treasured that label ever since his arrival. When you’re 7 I don’t think you can really wrap your head around the significance of that sort of stuff, so as the kids have been growing up, I have grown into this title and role of “Auntie”. Over the years, God has continued to bless our families with beautiful little additions, and I have found that the title of Auntie has brought me more joy than I could have ever imagined possible.

There is nothing quite like getting to love my sister’s kids as if they are my very own, without actually having the responsibility of them being my own. It’s truly one of the biggest and greatest blessings I have ever been given! One of the things that I love most about being an Auntie, and especially becoming one at such a young age, is that fact that I have nephews and nieces in every stage of life. I have been able to see my oldest ones turn from precocious little people into these amazing teenagers that are becoming more like my friends rather than just little kiddos, but at the same time I have brand stinking new ones that I get to dote on and smooch all over.

I love that my conversations with them range from getting a drivers license & high school drama, all the way to down to which Star Wars character is cooler than the other, along with helping the littlest ones learn their sounds and letters, or even holding their tiny hands as the wobble through their first steps…but honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love getting to be a part of all their wonderful stages of life and watching each of them grow into new things each year.

I truly consider all of my nieces/nephews one of the things in my life that I treasure the most. It’s such an honor to watch them grow and be a part of their lives, to pray for them, and play with them, to be on the receiving end of their smooches, hugs, and giggles, and even to help hold them when something goes bad (of course that’s only when Mommy’s not around to comfort), to cheer them on from the sidelines, and support all their dreams in any way that I can.

I find all the things that they do to be more adorable and amazing than any other kid’s similar action, and it’s so fun to brag on them to all the people in my life. Some might even find it annoying how much I talk about them, but I don’t care because they are too darn cute to not brag on. I can only imagine that being a Mom to my own kids will magnify all these feelings times a million and that is super amazing to think about!! I can’t wait for that day to come and to add some cousins into the mix!

So, to Brennen, Bailey, Dakota, Rowan, Kaden, Avery, Brinley, Ethan, &baby Taylor (who’s still in utero), I love you more than you could ever know! Thanks for giving me the great privilege of being your Auntie and getting to share a part of your life!!!