Inspiration

This lady (Mona Lois) and her husband (James Kelly) are Brian and I's inspiration for raising our family and for "adopting a young family.'  You see, back in 1999 when I was a freshman in college at the U of A they became my home away from home family.  I began attending FBC Fayetteville and got involved in the college ministry.  They had a "Home Away from Home" program that connected college students with members of the church to help us stay connected.  Oh how they treated me so well! Invited me for dinner, called me to check on me, sent me care packages, etc.  However, the best part was getting to know their family.  They became my favorite family to babysit for and I loved the kids like they were my own siblings. I'm sorry to say that I didn't do it for free, hence my last post about knowing what I know now!

Anyway, not only were the kids a blast to play with, but well mannered and respectful.  I remember how ML mentioned that she wanted to teach her oldest son to carry a hanky because that was a gentleman thing to do, and it just wasn't done anymore. Well, guess what? Brian carries one!  When we hung around with ML and JK the kids were right there with us, a part of our conversation. I loved that! Most kids I had been around either a) were pushed away by their parents to go play, or b) had no desire to be around their parents.  They must be doing something right because the kids wanted to be there, and they wanted the kids to be there.

 

Without even knowing it, they were our mentors.  We were watching them and their family, taking our own mental notes. 

I went through some of my wedding photos to find this picture:

This is two out of the four of their kiddos I grew to love!  Sadly, their youngest was born a few weeks after we married and we both moved off and he doesn't know us like the others=/

And now, 10 years later and 7 years since seeing them, that sweet little girl has grown up into a beautiful young lady! Same great personality and manners.  Now I want her to move in with us to be Nat's "big sis" and our permanent babysitter! Offer is still open, Monaco!

 

 

 

 

There is just something special about this family! Love you all and hoping the next visit will be with all 6 of you!