Family

I've been having a lot of chats about family lately with - well - different parts of my family :)

Family is a big part of my life and I've come to some big conclusions about mine - I've got some uber-strong people around me. The minute I stopped trying to make everyone in my family who I wanted them to be, I was able to appreciate them for what they do bring to my life. Of course I wish that some personalities meshed a little better with mine but that's what makes family dynamics stronger - different strengths and quirks.

At the beginning of the summer, I was at a family graduation party for my oldest niece. My nephew made a comment about how all of the women in my family were judgmental and didn't like anybody (referring to some of their friends). Atop my soapbox, I explained to him that we are a protective bunch and we are also the same protective ladies who would hoist you up on our shoulders in pride and encouragement - the same ladies who would drop everything when the people we love call to say they need us. The boy who has an answer for everything suddenly didn't...

I was raised in a family where aunts (or tias) play a very big role in your life - second only to mother and before father believe it or not. I love that role. I learned a lot from mine and my hope is that my nieces and nephews can and will learn a lot from me... I definitely may not be the best cook or housekeeper or be able to spoil them with stuff but I will always be there judgment free. Lectures and opinions are a given but no judging. It's great to see how things play out with all of them ... the teenagers definitely keep me young while simultaneously making me feel super old!