thankfulness [lately]

this is my familias... circa fall 2010. so a few of us have changed a little since then :) lately i have been so incredibly thankful for these 5 people. they are absolutely beautiful inside and out. they all love Jesus which i realize doesn't happen too often in most families. the remind me to be thankful for game nights playing nerts until all hours of the morning, for beautiful haitian children that light up your world, & for time well spent together over coffee & gran's rusks. they remind me to not take myself to seriously, to laugh often, to love others well, & to make the most of every moment. they remind me that God is good, that He is in control, & that He loves me unconditionally... even when i don't deserve it in the least.

my parents are such a sweet picture of what a God-centered marriage looks like. they love the Lord & love each other so well. it has been a BLESSING to watch them fall more in love with God and each other as each year passes
my "little" brother, andrew, has turned out to be an incredible man of God. he has such a big heart for other people. so thankful for the man he is becoming... which is so wierd (but awesome at the same time) to see him grow up!

elaine is beautiful inside and out. she has a heart (and head) of gold :) i cannot even believe she is almost done with high school!!! her love for other people is absolutely contagious.

chrissy (aka my little twin) is growing into a beautiful little lady who loves Jesus and wants to be close to Him. she is beautifully strong. i love seeing her little personality continue to develop and grow! who knew that when i prayed & begged God for a little sister after andrew that He would give me TWO?!

in conclusion, i am blessed beyond belief with my family. this week i am reminded just how thankful i am for them and how often i forget to thank the Lord for His beautiful blessing. the end.