Keep Laughing

A little while ago I had a dear friend give me a gift.

I have thought a lot about this gift since receiving it.

She knows me well, and I think she knew that I would use it.

But, I also believe that she knew the quote on the front would be something that I would find great meaning in.

And she was right. 

There are so many reasons that I love this. 

But, mainly because it was a reminder that even when life gets challenging, we need to laugh.

Laughter works magic in my crazy little world. 

And there really are moments in each day that can make us laugh.

The choice is ours.

I never want to be so serious about life that I forget to laugh.

And I don't ever want to let the struggles, pressures and day to day responsibilities get so overwhelming where I don't laugh.

Thank you, my dear friend.....for reminding me to keep laughing.

Thank you for reminding me to keep finding joyful moments.

Thank you for my gift.

I'm laughing.

I really am. 

My Happy Family

Recently, I had the blessing of spending time with my family. 

I have always loved my family, but it wasn't until I moved far away from my family that I realized how much.

Being in a family of grown siblings is a funny thing.

I grew up in a home with nine siblings and loved the life I shared with them.

But, when everyone grows up and moves on with life, I've realized that it takes a lot of work to stay close.

We are spread around the country, but in our own ways, we made decisions early on to remain close.

And I'm so very grateful for that.

We've all grown up, we all have been shaped by different experiences in our lives and yet we all still share a common thread.

WE ARE A FAMILY.

And we always will be.

The more time that goes by, I feel like our family just keeps getting better.

And I love that.

I love my siblings. 

I love who they have become.

I really do love that they've chosen to marry some really awesome people.

There are no "in-laws"...they are my FAMILY.

And I'm grateful for those brave souls who made a decision to join our crazy bunch.

I also love each of my sweet nieces and nephews.

They are all growing up as well and are becoming great people. 

And so the circle keeps growing.

 

I love the saying, 

"A happy family is but an earlier heaven."

Do I believe that?

ABSOLUTELY.

I have enjoyed a small glimpse of what heaven will be.

So, thank you to my awesome family.

Life truly is richer because of you.