Then..... and Now....

Bobby and I never had children of our own, but I have been blessed with WONDERFUL nieces and nephews. As they are growing up, I have pondered on how they were then and how they are now. First there was Courtney.When i think of her one word comes to mind. OVERACHIEVER. And that's not a bad thing. I can remember when she started school, she would question things from the teacher that she didn't know or understand. AND question a grade if she disagreed. I can remember telling my sister (her mom) she was going to be every teacher nightmare. I should know, as I am a teacher:) That wonderful "overachiever" is now a part-time nurse, wife and wonderful new (stay at home) mom to the apple of all our eyes, Rader.Then came Allison. She should have been mine (at least that is what her mother tells me all the time, "She's just like you"). I feel a kindred spirit with Allison bc we are both that poor middle child. You know the one that feels like they get left out of everything. Allison is like me in many ways, laid back(mostly), expensive taste( at least while I was single), and loves the beach (any and all). She is now a college grad with her masters and getting ready for 2 exciting events, new teaching job and upcoming wedding (welcome to the madness that is our family, Caleb).And the third of my older sister's children, Brandon, AKA the "chosen one" or the "golden child" as referred to by his sisters that love him madly. Brandon was the first boy in a long line of girls. My mom had 3 daughters and the first 2 grandchildren were also girls. We didn't quite know what to do with a boy at first, but learned quickly. I will NEVER forget one visit from Brandon in which my mom (his grandma) and I took him to McD's to eat and play. He decided to climb up inside that outdoor thingy and refused to come down. Guess who got to go in after him:) Never forget that one. Brandon is now getting ready to finish his first year at Cleveland State Community College, where he is playing baseball. Looking forward to seeing what else the future holds for him. My younger sister has 2 children. First, came Kaitlyn. One word for her "drama". Guess that goes along with a typical 8th grader. She will begin her high school career next year. She has wonderful Christian friends at our church, so I think she'll be ok. Then came Kaleb ( a few days earlier than we expected). When i think of Kaleb one word comes to mind "lawnmower". That child would "mow" for hours with his little green plastice mower. We even had to take it to the beach. I try to pray for each one of them daily (future plans, future spouses, ......) 2 down and 3 to go!!!!:)