30 Days of Thankfulness, Day 1!

Today is the first day of '30 days of thankfulness' and I would like to start it out with a very special family who I've become very close to over the past 2 1/2 years.

2 1/2 years ago, I was coming out of my sophomore year of high school, had recently lost my grandmother (within a month of meeting them) and was also dealing with the splitting of my childhood church and all of the lovely drama that goes with it.

I met them in the new church nursery, I was watching their then 3 year old son. A new member class was also starting, so I agreed to babysitt for them at their home for their two boys, Connor and Liam. At this time, the mother was also pregnant with their 3rd child, their first little girl.

The summer went by and I got increasingly close to them. That october they welcomed little Lucy into the world. I still remember the first time I held her just over 2 years ago. She was so tiny, so soft, and so innocent. The first things I said to her, was 'I'll never say no'. 2 years later...I've said no...a lot...but that little girl has taught me so much. She has taught me how to love in a way that I did not know was possible. She is difficult, and loud, and obnoxious, and stubborn, and moody...but she's wonderful. She has so much spunk, and is SO smart, and she's probably the most adorable girl on earth (maybe I'm a little biased...) but she is the little sister I never knew I was missing out on.

Then there are her brothers, Connor and Liam. They are like my little brothers. Connor is now 9 1/2, he's one of the smartest and most mature (most of the time...) kids I know. He reads, A LOT, and he is strong about the things he is passionate about, he doesn't back down just because someone disagrees. YEah he's a pain in the side, but the love he has for his little brother and sister is amazing. Seeing all 3 of them cuddled up on the couch is a real joy for me :)

Lastly, Liam. Liam is different...he's constantly in 'Liam Land' and is always thinking up something new. As taxing as that can get, he keeps life interesting. Plus he's the sweetest little boy I know. He has a heart of gold, and no matter how bizarre his ideas are, he usually wants to help people. Plus, he is SO creative. He can go down to the basement and come up with a dozen really good pictures that he just drew.

Finally, Trish and Nate. They are like, parents mixed with sibblings mixed with really good friends. They have taught me so much about life, and living it the way I want to, and not the way others want me to. They've taught me about different views of the world, and constantly give me great advice. Plus...they talk about some pretty funny stories, and are quite entertaining.

Captin Rex (Connor), Angry Cupcake (Lucy) and Viking Warrior (Liam)

I really love this family, like my own. They've not only taught me a lot, but the've added so much to my life and have become a major part of it, and I am SO thankful for everything they have done...they've contributed to my life so much and can't imagine my life without them!