Indulge me, please.

I just finished writing my latest article for my weekly newspaper column on the topic of Grandparents (and the lack-there-of in my kids lives due to death, illness and location) so I guess I am feeling a little weepy over all of my family being so far away. It got me thinking this morning how very lucky I am to know and love-oh so dearly- my cousins. I am the oldest of 13 grandchildren on my mother’s side. I have two siblings which means 10 maternal first cousins. Yes we are breeders. I was thinking how amazing it is that I not only love these kids (we will forever be “the kids”) but actually like them. Of the ten, five have transitioned into adulthood over the last several years. Three of us are married, the rest are still living the fun life.

So indulge me if you will (I know you will as most of my readers consists of these kids parents! Ha)
Check out this great group of kids….

J1 is married and one of the most wonderful men I know. He is kind and compassionate. He loves the outdoors and has one the most inviting personalities I know. I could sit and drink good beer and good coffee with him for hours on end.

J2 is a total stud. I am telling you ladies if I were in my early 20’s (and not related, of course – eeww….) I would be all over him. Loving and giving. Does missionary work and loves the snow. When he was a baby he was known for his hugs. A baby squeeze like nothing you have ever experienced. I am happy to report he is still one of my favorite people to hug.

Beardsley (a name loving smashed on him by his sister as a result of weird looking facial hair). Now this kid is slightly damaged. One too many “pants-ings” at the hands of his sisters and I, being left for an hour or so stranded on a toilet during potty-training days and then there was of course the time I dropped him and his head left a mammoth dent in the wall. (In my defense his head is HUGE!)But in spite of all this torture I am immensely proud of the man he is. He is honest (well…expect for…oh wait, his mom reads this…) and has a work ethic that any employer would love to have on their team. He is crazy funny and says much with very little.

Now for ma-ladies…

NM is without question one of the two funniest people I know, I of course am the other. She is beautiful (and single!) and is a life performer. She lives without limit (just ask the credit card company); life is never wasted on her. I think she is our collective baby. We all want to take care of her and also, want to live a little of her life…it is seriously fun. She, above all others, makes my heart sore with pride of who she is and also makes me want to get on a plane at least once a month to bring her to my home and keep her under house arrest. Did I mention she is FREAKING HILARIOUS!!!!????

Then there is my Godsend. KJF -the Godmother to my children, my therapist, my confidant, my reality check, my friend. This woman I tell anything to without being judged….and receive harsh, but accurate judgment. Advice I trust, input I rely on. I am a better woman because of her. She is smart, articulate and highly driven. She motivates anyone who knows her to push just a little more and to never settle for less than your best self.

So, how absolutely lucky am I? I cannot put into words how much I love being a part of this crazy clan. I am also grateful that even though we are separated by miles and miles, we are able to still stay in touch and all love each other as much as ever. Besides, we have to stick together. We share the blood of crazies….hehe….I am SO going to pay for that one. HA!

(Just the record there are 5 other cousins who are still growing up – and yes they are all fabulous too.)

So all my love to you: J1, J2, J3, KJF, NM, Beardsley, Twins, Mini Me, and baby N.