Aunt Erin

My sister-in-love tagged me in this picture on that social network that we will just ignore for now.

Last year I wrote a post about the upcoming arrival of this child. They needed a "D" name.
They chose to name this one Divinity.

Ain't she just divine?

I have beautiful nieces and nephews. Just as PURDY as these silly little people that live with me.
For a person who grew up a lonely only, this aunt business is delightful.

I have several cousins with children who call us Aunt Erin and Uncle Gene. Both weddings gave me a great gaggle of new brothers and sisters to create beautiful babies for my viewing and bouncing pleasure.
Isn't that nice of them! Making me an Aunt.
I've tried to give them a good example by giving them beautiful nephews and nieces, I didn't even have to prod them to reciprocate. They were just kind enough to procreate. (Thanks ya'll!)

I'm not a grandparent yet, but becoming one may be partly why I started having children (I'm in no hurry [yet]), but being an aunt may just be the next best thing.

Some bigger little nephew and nieces recently moved down south, and near by. These are big enough to pick up the phone and call.
"Aunt Erin?" they answer with the voice of squeaky angels. Aunt Erin - a marvelous title.
"What do you want baby?" is my normal reply. What I mean is, "YES! Whatever you want! And right now!"

Necessity dictates that I can't always say yes to their every request. Like, "Can we come over?" Normally my answer is "YES! How soon?" But sometimes I have to say, "Oh, I'm so sorry, I'm 1100 miles away. So not right now but as soon as I get back." "Can we eat ice cream?" "No. But I'll run get some." "Can we start a blazing fire?" "Oh sweetie, no. (But go ask Uncle Gene)."

Aunt Erin.
I love it.
And I have THE most beautiful nieces and nephews. The blog space would be filled with pictures of these beauties, their pictures ALL hang on a bulletin board near the kitchen and back door. I stop to look often. You'll just have to come see for yourself.

God bless these extra little loves! 

Alex R.

Sabrina

Amelia

Grace

Haylie

Madison

Maggie

Braydon

Nathan

Brenton

McKenzie

Dakota

Destiny

Danielle

Dakendra

Divinity

Asia
Harleigh
DJ

Tina

Mikey

Christy

Lynn

and the other one of Vicky's girls . . . what is that child's name?
(update: that child's name is Ashley) 

All those great-nieces and nephews. 

(I'm a GREAT Aunt! Just can't remember their names for nothing. Guess that happens with greatness.)

And all those 2nd cousins who call me by that wonderful title. 

(I'm sure I'd forget some, so we'll just lump them all together). 

The miles separate us, some of you I rarely ever see. A few I have yet to meet. But you are loved and treasured and prayed for.

Dear Heavenly Father,

You have richly blessed me. 

You have taken the broken and made it whole. 

You take the lonely and set them in families. 

I am so thankful to You. 

I am thankful to you for Alex, Sabrina, Amelia, Grace, Haylie, Madison, Maggie, Braydon, Nathan, Brenton, McKenzie, Dakota, Destiny, Danielle, Dakendra, 

Divinity, Asia, Tina and her boys, Mikey and his baby, Christy and her girls and the one on the way, Lynn and her children, and the other one of Vicky's girls. (Ashley)

Lord, protect them. Send Your Word into their home and hearts that they may grow up with faith to please you. 

Lord, protect their parents. Bless them richly as they raise and train-up these little eternal souls. Open the eyes of those who are living in darkness so that they may walk in your glorious light. So, that they may be the parents that my nieces and nephews should have. Because I love them. 

You love them the most.

Redeem them.

Lord, help them to be thankful and responsible for this portion of the inheritance You have for them.

Lord, make the way plain for those seeking to do Your will, those who already walk with you. Continue to bless them, bless their home. 

Thank you for the honor of being an Aunt.

In Jesus name, 

Amen.