The past few days I've wondered how much different motherhood will be from aunthood... I have so much fun being an aunt to my nieces and nephews. They bring such joy into my life.

I attended my 8 year old nieces school dance program. I was excited to meet the classmates my niece has described to me at various times throughout the year. Kayla was so happy and proud to see me. She motioned for me to come over to her and her classmates. She introduced me to all her classmates. I talked with them, gave them high fives for getting good grades on their spelling pre-tests, asked them about their dance etc. After I picked Kayla up from school that day, she laughed and said all my friends said they want an aunt just like you, and I'm so lucky to have such a fun aunt. It made me feel good that even at her age she still appreciates me.

I love how she loves me, and makes me feel so loved. I hope she always feels that way. I have such a deep love for my nieces and nephews. Its hard for me to comprehend that my love for my own children will someday be even stronger. We all went out to dinner the other night, and Kayla and I arrived before everyone else, so we had some nice time to chat. She told me she thought I should work in a restaurant because I look good in an apron hahaha! I said well Kayla, I like to travel a lot I don't think I could do all I want to on that salary. Her reply was well then get a second job at Publix, then you could get cheap food! haha Why didn't I think of that? :) She also told me who she thought would make a great husband for me, and was telling me all the pros as to why that should work out haha.. I got to talk with her about where I want to get married, and why it is important to get married in the temple, the house of God. I got to tell her why learning about the real meaning of Easter is important. She is such a delight, and a spiritual giant at such a young age! She is at such a fun age! She can talk grown up, and she can reason pretty well, but she still has the innocents of a child. I'm grateful to my sister for allowing me to be so involved in their lives. I can't imagine my life without the blessing of these girls. They have taught me so much, and have shown me a love I've never before experienced. Its not just my nieces, I have very special nephews too! I just don't have the privilege of living with them too. My family has been blessed with the best, choice little children, and I'm so glad I get to call them mine! My siblings let me play with them and teach them funny tricks that sometimes get them in trouble-- Ex: I have these things called "pop pops" that I purchased in Indiana, and they are like snapping pops on steroids. (Sound identical to a 22 shotgun) I have had so much fun throwing them at both those I know, and perfect strangers frightening nearly anyone within hearing distance. Everyone thinks a real gun has gone off.. Lori, was on the phone with State Farm technical support outside (for a computer problem with her agency) , and Kayla found one I had left in the car, and decided to scare her mommy. She threw it down and Lori jumped and screamed and scared the guy on the phone half to death! Leaving him with a few accidental choice words hahaha!! .. Lori came in the house all upset and told me I needed to stop because she talks to important people on the phone, and I need to set a better example on that. I just looked dead at her and busted up laughing!! (which she ended up laughing too). Kayla came in my room to hid, and crack up laughing because she knew I wouldn't yell at her, and would tell her "good job!" accompanied with a high five and tons of laughter! I love these kids :)

What can I say? she knows I'm cool! ;)