Inspirations: Wall of Random: You know that feeling... ?

Random Quote: "Many things are possible for the person who has hope. Even more is possible for the person who has faith. And still more is possible for the person who knows how to love. But everything is possible for the person who practices all three virtues." ~Brother Lawrence

I think I have always had hope, even when the rope was running out. I know I'm still working on my faith. It's a day to day process, but I feel it building inside of me, especially when I see the blessings the Lord shares with me.

However, if there's one thing I know about it's love. No matter what kind of day I am having I know that I am loved. My family, my friends, and my coworkers who have become my dearest friends, and my students are all a part of that daily knowledge. They are a great support to me, and make me laugh and smile. I know that when I ask someone to send prayers or positive thoughts my way, they are on it. That's a good feeling to have. To know that you have people who will be there for you even when they are having rough days as well.

Although I would love to share more in-depth memories and testimonies of how friends have been there for me and shown me that they care, I actually have another love coming to mind. That's the love of my nieces and nephews.

Even as I write this, my youngest niece is leaning against my arm and snoring slightly. We just had a long day that included me painting her nails and toenails and working through our "school" papers. For me, that's the truth, and for her, it's some papers I wasn't going to use and I shared them with her. I was well-fed as I worked. She presented me with some McDonald's fries as well as a lovely, plastic t-bone. Yum! Cakes knows how to treat her aunt right! Lol.

More importantly is the love she shows me when she rushes to see me after I get home from work; the cheese she loves to share with me as our special "after-school snack"; the piano we play together, and the painting of nails (she takes that after her sister). It's the small things that build this HUGE picture of how much we are loved and appreciated.

Thinking back, I recall her older sisters and brother and when I used to watch them. The oldest of which is now 16. Time flies WAY TOO FAST!! However, I remember every picture that was drawn for me and even have some hanging up in my room still.

I love those pictures more than anything. I love those moments we have shared like: me watching them when there were only dirty diapers and screaming involved (Courtney had the cutest face when she cried), walking Breanna up and down singing and patting her back until she fell asleep because she hated sleeping, Dartangan had a set of lungs like you wouldn't believe, watching them grow and drawing pictures, making picture frames and t-shirts, shopping together at the mall, playing in the play area at the mall and riding the merry-go-round, hanging out at holidays and eating way too much, grabbing snacks at the store, watching television and movies while laughing up a storm, making cookies together, running in the sprinklers, playing rummy and poker (Dartangan taught me the second and I beat him at the first, lol), Breanna trying out her awesome nail designing skills and hair styles, plucking weeds in the garden (Christian was a good helper), seeing some of the best movies ever, and of course, cheese sharing and reading with Cakes.

Seriously, when it comes to my nieces and nephews, I feel the love. They are so much fun and an enjoyable mixture of hilarious and outrageous. I love them more than anything, and I know they love me. Their innocent and sweet love is so precious. They are my adopted children, and I would do anything for them. I think they know that by now, but if they do not, I'm about to publish it live.

If you have nieces and nephews, you know what I mean. Obviously, they have awesome aunts and/or uncles, lol. Keep spending time with them and let them know how much you love them!

I will finish this lovely blog with some pictures of my loving and sassy kiddos: