Family is everything . . .

I was washing the dishes tonight and having a conversation with my sweet husband about the importance of families and some of the trials we have been through. We discussed the good, as well as, some of the bad decisions we have made and the effect they have had on us and our children. We discussed the things we have learned from the results of such decisions, also both good and bad. We are struggling with my income being the only income while Brian finishes his schooling, but we are happy. We know that we are where we are supposed to be and doing what we are supposed to be doing. Our children are even happy, except when we tell them to pick up their toys and bedrooms or put their clothes away, but isn't that the way children are supposed to be? I love my children; they are my world.
I guess the reason for my "journal entry" tonight is that the conversation I was having with Brian brought back some thoughts I had toward my own sisters and brothers. We thought we were pretty close growing up, but lately I realized how little I know about the goings on in their lives. I had no idea my sister was in a car accident until 3 days after it happened and the sad thing is that I found out about it on Facebook. What has this world come to? Can we not pick up the telephone if the miles prevent us from visiting face to face? Brian talks to his sisters and brother almost weekly, if not a couple times a week. I had to take a step back and think about the relationship I want to have with my sisters and brothers again. I have resolved to call them once a week; I told them I want to know everything that happened during the week. I wanted to know about the small things; I wanted to know about the big things. I had no idea my niece was still having cross-eyed problems and that her little sister was starting to have some of the same problems. There may not be a whole lot I can do monetarily or physically to help, but I can keep them in my prayers and that, I think, can be the most important contribution I can make. So to those wonderful sisters and brothers reading this blog enrty, get your news ready and expect my phone call! You all play a very important part in my life and each of you hold a special place in my heart; I love you Peggy and Jonathan, Nancy and Greg, Stephen and Lindsay, Thayne and Amber, Elizabeth and Brett, and Andrea. I also love the children that you have brought into this family and have yet to bring into the family.
All my love, your big sister