until next time...

'Family’; such a small word that holds within it so much dynamic, value, history, and meaning. My sister and her ‘family’ came out from Austin to stay with us and after a fun-filled 4^th of July and eight days of non-stop laughter it was time to say: ‘until next time’ since saying ‘good bye’ is a ‘no, no’. Nonetheless, as I dropped them off at the airport yesterday a big piece of my heart left with them. I could instantly taste the bitter sweet flavor of vacation-staycation come to an end. It’s in the readiness to return to the routine of things while desperately wishing you can hold on and stretch the time together just a ‘little’ longer. These last eight days however crazy and exhausting at times playing hostess, have also been incredible if only because of my incredible family.

With seven years between us and two very different journeys in life, my sister and I never dreamed that we’d be raising children together. All week long as I watched Hannah observe and ‘talk’ to her cousin Brylynn who is just one month older, my heart couldn’t stop melting. If there was a list of ‘cutest things in the entire world’ I’m pretty sure my baby and beautiful little niece staring at each other, laughing, and babbling to one another would be at the very top of that list. Their personalities are amazingly unique and tailor-made for this growing family of ours. God knew what He was doing when He sent their two beautiful souls to us and I cannot wait for every visit ahead as they grow up and develop the same special bond their mommies share.

And my oldest niece Mariah, who is now fifteen years old and wise beyond my comprehension…well, I’ll just say I never could’ve imagined thirteen years ago when she was just a toddler asking for ‘Blues Clues’ and apple juice, that we would be friends one day. She is too cool for school-- in the best possible way with the most twisted, at times disturbing, sense of humor. You simply cannot help but laugh at everything even when you think you probably shouldn’t. She is so funny and such a unique, quirky, beautiful, smart, and wholesome young woman who I grow more in awe of with every passing year. This family of ours would not be complete without her candid, off the wall, and witty contributions.

And my nephew Derrick; the sweetest little ten-year old you’ll ever meet. If there’s an insect or fly issue to be worked out, you better believe this boy is the first one to jump up and investigate the scene. And where there are babies; have no fear when Der Bear is near! He is quick to his feet when it comes time to help or play with them. He’s a wonderful big brother and a wonderful big cousin. Watching him grow up over the past seven years since my sister adopted him has been such a joy. I just cannot imagine a life without the sweet flavor he adds to it. He was always meant to be a part of this family.

Cody; the extra cool brother-in-law and fellow Taurus who I increasingly grow more and more fond of as we get to know each other better. In many ways we are so characteristically similar and like-minded. He’s easy going and easy to talk to, not to mention ‘on it’ when it comes to solving a problem. His intriguing knowledge about random things made me see how incredibly smart he is too. He’s a wonderful dad not only to Brylynn (his own biological child) but to Mariah and Derrick as well. He has been the only true father that either one of them has ever had and I couldn’t thank God enough for bringing him and my sister together. He was but one more ‘missing piece’ to the puzzle of our family and we’re all so thankful he was ‘found’. Again, God knew what He was doing.

And my sister; where do I even begin? The two of us…the ones with the babies of course…stayed up every night talking up a storm until we were down to the wire on time together. What did we do on the very last night when we were both beyond drained and exhausted you ask? I’ll tell you. WE. RALLIED. ON. like ROCKSTARS and marching soldiers at two in the morning! ‘Night cap’ in hand and deep, insightful conversations about balance, Life and God’s place in the center of it all; we were in our very own heaven on earth playing the “What if” game rather than the “I believe” game. “What if … _____?” I’ll just say it; YES, you wish you were there with us :) It was in the stillness of these nights and the comfort of her company and conversation that I realized how truly blessed I am to have been born into this family. Our souls all united and reflecting the beauty of unique family bonds.

Of course a family staycation wouldn’t be complete without the local siblings. It had been so long since the four of us: Davina, Ben, Josiah, and myself have been able to sit around a table together playing poker and rummy, to be joined by the husbands and [insert] lose to ‘The Queen’ Davina herself almost every time. The house was full of laughter as we took turns playing our hands and recalling childhood memories. It was in the simplicity of ‘being’ together that felt so reminiscent of our days growing up in the quirky and absurd family that we had. And if ever a moment of silence fell upon us, ‘Salad Fingers’ was sure to be lurking around in the shadows ready at any given moment to bring back the noise. There was also more sister bonding time with Olivia as Davina and I got to hang out with her one night in a midnight session of living-room yoga; dim lights, music and all. It was a new experience for all of us and a memory that we will always have. So often throughout the week my heart grew overjoyed to the point of explosion for all of the blessings and it was in those moments that I silently thanked God.

Life is a journey. It ‘ain’t about how fast I get there’ ‘it ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side’ it’s ‘all about the climb’ as Miley Cyrus would say :) I’m so happy that I’ve had the pleasure of ‘climbing’ through life in all of its crazy pages, chapters, twists and turns with My Family Clan. There’s nothing in the world like the Love of family growing ever deeper and wider as God’s prints grow more visible within it. As this family expands so too will that LoVe. I hold these last eight days in my heart forever ‘until next time’ with anticipation for every new memory as we create our ‘family history’ every day...I am blessed.