aunt laurel

I never planned to be "the favorite aunt"
because you typically get that title when you're the "single aunt"
and I never really planned on that.

But, for now, that's where I'm at.

And if the Lord needed me to be single for a season (because I actually believe He did...not forever though...let's be clear...but for a season), I assume He needed me to take the role of "aunt laurel" very seriously (and that part IS forever).
And I do.
Take it seriously. I mean.

I love these kids.
They are the source of so many good things that come in and out of my little heart.
And I'm grateful for siblings who share their children with that heart of mine...my mother heart.

I got to be with my family for a 48-hour Christmas (as a surprise...how fun is that?). It was delightful and much-needed and a blessing in many ways.

Sure, it was great to be with my parents and have my surprise appearance make them cry (because really...how fun is that?)

And sure it was great to see my siblings and have my brother David jump out of a closet and scare the living day lights out of me the first night (because really...how fun is that?)

But mostly, it was great because I give and get a whole lotta love from these kiddos:

(okay, so these kids aren't so much "kiddos" anymore. Isaac (15) and Hannah (13). Too tall. Too old. Too cool.)

(This is what "good-bye" looks like with my brothers kiddos. And I love it.)

Sometimes I think being aunt laurel is like the best job on the planet.
I get to just love them.
Without any of the responsibility.
Just love.

And though someday, I want to try my hand at the responsiblity part too, for now...
well, for now...
the Lord lets me be aunt laurel.