(18) - It Takes A Village To Raise A Child

At this moment in time I am here with the family for conference weekend and I'm with all my siblings, their spouses, and their hoards of children.  I recently returned from a two year mission to the Dominican Republic.  While I was away two of my sisters and one sister-in-law gave birth to 3 little tykes.  Needless to say, I wasn't here for these three events and when I came home I was greeted by three new faces, and they were, in return, greeted by one as well.  There are 8 of them in total between my brothers and sisters, and I'll tell you what, they seem like an army of little men and women running around causing havoc.  If it's not cheerios on the ground getting smashed into the carpet, it's falling down the stairs and bonking their heads.  They are like a reality tv show.  Sometimes I feel overwhelmed and fed up with how much they annoy and overwhelm, but then I stand back and truly see how precious these little guys are.  They are gifts of god.  It generally takes a smile from their banana smeared faces to melt my heart.  They are little angels and give me a good laugh.  Now that I'm home I have more time to get to know these little guys and play with them.  Despite their constant annoyance I love my nieces and nephews and am glad to be their big "Uncle Sterling."