So Proud

I don't talk much about my family, mostly because i write this to keep my family and friends up to date with all that is going on in my life over in India, but today i want to write about something a little different.

Ryan and i are so very blessed in our families, we both have amazing parents, brothers and sisters (i have 3 gorgeous sisters, and Ryan has 2 amazing brothers and one very free spirited and fun loving sister).

I have the strongest mother that walks the planet, she has suffered more than anyone i know and yet maintains unfailing faith in God endlessly, she is an inspiration and a role model for me every day. She is so loving and kind and i miss her daily. My Dad is amazing man and has taught me so much about life and regardless of my many mistakes along the way has always stood by me! I still am a daddies girl to this very day!

My sisters, wow, what an amazing bunch! Kris, who is my best friend and complete partner in crime has been such a big part of my life for so long. She and i have been through some great times and some really hard times, but none the less we never back down from helping each other. We can say what needs to be said even if it hurts and we know that we are just trying to help each other. She became a mother young but has overcome so much and i am so proud of her in her continuing on towards her goals. Kristin's son Isaiah has got to be the sweetest boy, sometimes the things of affection that he says can just knock you on your butt as his heart is so sweet and so kind. I cant believe what a wonderfully handsome young man he is growing up to be (inside and out), to me he is still a little guy, but he is growing up so fast! Kim, reminds me most of my mother, she is an amazing woman and seeing her with her family is very inspiring for me. She has such a kind and very open heart, and would do anything for those she loves. She has raised 2 gorgeous girls, Kaeley and Emily, they are so graceful and beautiful. Both so very unique but certainly i can see in them Kristin and myself, Kaeley is most like me when i was younger and Emily like Kris...I truly enjoyed spending time with them, even though it was very short, this summer and i cant wait to get back. Kim's husband Johnny is a great man! He is a very strong and dedicated father and husband, although he seems soft spoken he truly has much to say and i admire him in his choice of education. Julie, well she is the sister that holds the "sisterhood" together, she is brilliant and she is the one who when you need to hear something but don't want to she will tell it to you like it is. She is a graceful woman full of strength and I truly admire her. She has raised two amazing sons Kaden and Kory, These boys are just plain adorable! I regret that i have spent the least amount of time with Kaden and Kory as the last time i saw Kory he was an infant, but they are growing so fast and i enjoyed spending time with them as they are very affectionate and sweet. I cant wait to see what these two Blondie's get into next and to watch them grow into the amazing young men they are going to be, Julie has got her hands full with 2 boys a year apart. Her husband Joel is very fun to be around, and has a great sense of humor! Next time he works on the set of an Evanescence video i would like a souvenier though LOL.

I have got the greatest mother in law, she is so very supportive and open about all things. If she has something to say she is going to say it and i applaud her honesty and openness. I enjoy that since Ryan left for India that her and i have communicated more and more and i cant wait to get to know her better. Jane you are a strong independent woman and i need to say thank you for raising such an amazing man. I know you are so very proud of him and as you should be, he is an outstanding pilot, the best husband any woman could ask for and will be the greatest loving father. I just want you to know that you raised a great man, actually you raised 3 amazing men and one AMAZING daughter!

There are so many other family members to name, but honestly Ryan knows his brothers and sister best, all i can say is that Sarah's smile and good nature is certainly contagious and i love being near her, she is a ray of sunshine. Jordan is making his way into this world and following his dream and we are so proud of him and he continues on towards his goals. Matt, sadly i know him least of all, but he seems to be a great man, kind and dedicated to his wife.

I attached this picture, because these are all of our nieces and nephews and this picture was taken just a week ago...When i saw it i cried, because sometimes i forget that these little people grow into such amazing big people and that if you aren't looking you can miss it! I am biased, yes, but i have the most handsome and adorable little nieces and nephews on the planet, and i hope very soon we will be adding a cousin or two for them, to make this photo complete....The greatest part about that is i know that Isaiah, Kaeley, Emily, Kaden, and Kory will all welcome their new cousins with open arms!

We love you all!!!! There are aunts and uncles and cousins i didn't name(simply because that would take forever), but we love and appreciate you all!!!!