Brothers and Sisters...

I am extremely blessed to have 3 brothers, 2 sisters, 4 SIL's, 3 BIL's, and a possible SIL on the way...This post is about some of the SIL's in my life and the men that love them.

(Let me just say a quick little something about my first SIL, Natalie. I LOVE HER. She and I have been through the most together, and although she is 10 years my minor, and is very much the little sister I never had (although I have 2), our friendship has been such a wonderful part of my life and I cherish her. OK, enough mushies...on with the post...)



One year ago today, my SIL, Natalie, over at Raising Miracles, had her water break at 22 weeks pregnant. She sat in a hospital bed for the next 10 weeks, praying and crying out to God to keep her little baby safe and to protect her from doctors that were full of negativity. My BIL, Dan, worked tirelessly to continue to provide for their family, be a parent to the kids while Nat was in the hospital, and trying to keep things as normal as possible for all involved. As hard as I know this must have been for them, seeing their baby, Gracen, now so BIG and BEAUTIFUL is a wonderful testament to God's faithfulness.
"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:3-5 (niv)

I truly saw this loving couple, this dedicated mother and father, grow so much through this trial in their life...and YES, they suffered, but like God's Word says, it produced perseverance in them that I still can't wrap my brain around. And as far as their character goes, they are such a blessing to be around. They love the Lord with all their hearts, and it is evident how God used this time in their lives to grow them in every aspect. Hope...their experience gives me hope. It is giving others hope. Thank you Dan and Natalie for letting us be a part of your lives.

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I also have another amazing SIL, named Susan. I constantly ask my little brother, Manny, how he ever did it!! I mean the girl is gorgeous, sweet, SMART, and such a blessing to our family. I still don't know what he did to snag this girl up, but it helps me to know that there is DEFINITELY A GOD!! OK, just kidding, Manny, you know I love you, little bro..but, really, though, how did you do it???!!!!



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Last, but certainly not least, there is Chris. Cristobal to me. Another BIL. When I first met Chris a little over 10 years ago, I knew he was special. He is one of the goofiest, funniest, craziest people I have ever met. However, he also is one of the most intelligent and God fearing men I know. Recently he announced that he found someone special. OK, when he said he found someone, I guess in my head I had concocted a really interesting picture of what she, this someone special, would look like...and let me tell you, it was not a pretty picture. Not because Chris has bad taste women...on the contrary, his taste is definitely of the 'finer' kind. But, if you knew our Chris, as goofy as he is, well, you would understand. So, when I got to meet Kelley, I was blown away. She is also another truly beautiful, smart, woman of God.

I have to say that although Kelley is not my SIL, I am praying that God make that a temporary thing. I do believe that she would be an amazing addition to our family. This girl would fit in SO WELL with each of us kids in the family.

Speaking of Kelley, she just started her own blog today, and let me tell you, it will bless your flip flops off!! Check it out at Remember When We Danced. It is a wonderful post about love letters and I think you will be surprised at what she has to say. I loved it and look forward to her future posts.

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Even though I poke fun at my brother and BIL's, I do want you to know that I admire and respect them VERY MUCH. They are hard working men that are faithful providers, that love their country (2 of the have served in the military), and each of them are humble servants for HIM. They waited on the Lord to give them the helpmate in their lives and I see the fruit from their commitments to their wives/girlfriend in their actions and dedication towards these women. So, thank you Dan, Manny, and Chris for being such good friends to me...and then bringing these amazing women into my life, to also be my friends. I love each of you guys so much and thought that there would not be a girl 'good enough' for each of you, but God was so faithful to provide the perfect one. So, I am doubly blessed!!

Now, I can't wait to see who God has chosen for the baby of the family, Elisa. If you think Chris is goofy...she is a million times goofier!

(This is her on the right with my daughter...I love you, Baby, and you are going to make the most 'interesting' wife ;0)!!)