Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Happy 1st Birthday Arden

I can't believe my spit up spewing, diaper filling, screaming little bundle of baby is turning one today! Arden, my youngest and fifth niece is the big 0-1! 
She is one of the funniest little girls I know, laughing and spitting and screaming with so much intensity! Standing out in the crowd of estrogen seems impossible but this adorable girl has done it and done it well! I love the gap between her front teeth and how she wants to walk so bad but can't quite get it. She still gets mad when you leave the room and she can't see what's going on and she's about as squirmy as a captured fugitive. But that smile, that laugh, that girl! I love her so darn much! We celebrate on Saturday, but today I celebrate the sixth addition to my auntie brood and I will adore her just as I do each and every one of my bouncing, growing, gorgeous babes! 

Happy Birthday Arden Caroline! 

Love,
Aunt Neisha 

The Knight

Sorry I've been gone so long, it's been a long month. 
My grandfather passed away a few days ago. While he was fighting pneumonia, among other alements, I sat down to write my nieces and nephews a story which turned into a story for the doctors and nurses at the hospital and ended as a goodbye to my grandfather at his funeral. The story is true. It is inspired by my grandmother and grandfather's life together. It is one of my most favorite fairy tales and is one of my biggest inspirations for writing, as well as loving (tied with my other grandparents story). I'd like to share their love story with you all. So, please enjoy! 

Once Upon A Time... 

There was a young and beautiful maiden who had just lost her Prince Charming. She was left in a cold tower along with her three young children as her swollen belly grew with the weight of a fourth. 
Soon her days were full of three bustling boys and one sweet little girl. The maiden felt so much love for her little blessings but worried about them growing up without the strength and protection of a father. As she searched the village and scoured the countryside for someone to help her family, the maiden began to feel hopeless. 
One day, while pushing her littlest through the market, a gleam caught her eye. Standing there sparkling in the sun was a Knight in Shining Armor. He was tall and strong and, most importantly, kind. 
He smiled at the young maiden and asked if he could be of service to the young woman, Knights can always sense when they’re needed. The maiden graciously accepted his help and soon after his hand. 
The Knight had a young daughter of his own and soon a sixth child, another boy arrived. He built his love a castle of their own and filled the days with patience, understanding, love, and laughter. 
The maiden had found herself enveloped in true love that would last a lifetime. 

This is not just a Fairy Tale, though the story is pretty magical. 
This is the story of how a man loved a woman. The story of how a man loved his children. The story of how a man loved his grand children, and great-grandchildren. 
The story of how heroes exist in this world in the form of men. 
This is the story about the man in this room. 
He is the head of a family. He has a wife, six children, five children-in-law, fourteen grandchildren, eight grandchildren-in-law, and twelve great-grandchildren along with siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and countless friends that cherish him. We have all been blessed by this sweet and gentle man’s kindness. 
We found that magic still exists in this world, and a very large amount is held within his heart. 
So please, if you could take care of it for us we’d all be so grateful. 

Oh, and most importantly, 
They All Lived Happily Ever After 



The End

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

A Short Cut

My oldest niece, Avery, decided to make a big contribution this past week. She had ten inches of hair cut off and donated it to Locks of Love, so that she could help children who are fighting for their lives have pretty hair too. At five years old Avery has learned to be kind, generous, and giving. An aunts dream. She is so very proud of her donation and of her fun new do. Av was the queen of pony tails and is still getting used to her short locks but she's totally rocking her short style! I'm so proud of my baby girl!
Love, Aunt Neisha