La Bella Vita: Current feeling: Thankful

Technically this is a life and style blog.. So, due to a recent turn of events I decided to make things a lil personal today. Growing up in a large family has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. Sure, I've had people make their fair share of comments such as, "You're all from the same two parents?" or my personal fave, "Wait, theres more of you?" Ten children doesn't seem like a lot when you're one of the ten... but apparently we make a scene everywhere we go.

Within the last year a lot has changed for me. My family has always been close but realizing how precious these times are and how quickly things can and will change has made us closer. I have 6 brothers and 3 sisters. One of my brothers is older than I am, making me number 2 of the clan. So I've had the shotgun seat watching all these little chitlins grow up. It wasn't until my sister, Ashton got married that I really started to slow down and "smell the roses." I think I sometimes have this false way of thinking things will always be this way but then reality hits and hits hard. My family physically will not be able to fit under the same roof much longer. Chad and I were both fortunate to stay close after we married. Ashton was the first to move far from the nest. Arkansas is a painful 14 hours away, but we make the best of it.

This weekend, My little brother proposed to his beauty of a girl and I was so thankful he asked me to help by photographing the moment. It's bittersweet to think we are adding another to the bunch yet the possibility of them moving away after the wedding is very high. Hence the turn of events that inspired this post. Jeremiah 29 :11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

God has a plan for each and every one of us. Plans for a hope and a future. I personally am excited to see the plans the Lord has for each of my brothers and sisters. In the meantime, I'm going to cherish every little moment and reminisce all the memories.