Show Us Your Life-- Your family!

Yesterday, Kelly at Kelly's Korner hosted Show Us Your Life (as she does every week). This week the topic is "Show us your family"... as in the family you grew up in! So I was thrilled to brag on mine! I'll start with....

My mom- my beautiful lala! If you've been following me long, then you have heard lots about her. She was a beautiful woman inside and out. She always had a smile on her face, was always laughing, and was the easiest person to talk to. Most of my high school friends loved her more than me!  She was the most sincere, amazing person ever. She taught me so much about life, love, and following Christ with no abandonment. She passed away when I was 18, and a piece of my heart went with her. She was my best friend and I miss her every single day! I was so blessed to have her as my mom for 18 years and I cannot wait until the day we are reunited once more.

My dad- when I was a little girl, I was a huge daddy's girl. I thought he had hung the moon. He coached me in basketball and softball growing up, and I thought that was the coolest thing. My dad was my hero! I loved laying in bed talking to him about life and laughing. During high school and early college, we went through some rough times. There were times when I wanted nothing to do with him. I learned a lot about my dad and who he was during that time. I learned a lot about forgiveness and giving things up to God during that time too. The struggles I went through with my dad taught me a lot about my heavenly Father, accepting people for who they are, as well as other aspects of my life. Today, God has restored our relationship. I enjoy spending time with my dad once more, and I consider him a close friend.

My big brother, Kevin. He is two years older than me. Growing up, I thought he was seriously the coolest person ever. He played basketball, baseball, and football and hung out with the "cool" crowd. He was a genius and his teachers loved him. I don't know if I had a single teacher that didn't ask me, "Harwood? Are you related to Kevin Harwood?!?" They loved him! And I did, too. We have gotten closer as we have gotten older. I am honored to have a brother who is so passionate about God, his family, and life in general. He is so funny and I treasure the time I get to spend with him!

My twin sister, Holly. She is seriously my other half. I am blessed not only with a twin, but with a best friend! We have lived together our entire lives (except for 3 months one summer when she lived in Colorado) and she is the perfect roommate. Holly is one of the kindest, funniest, silliest people I know. I love spending time with her and learning more about her heart. She is my better half! I am blessed to have someone to walk through all areas of life with- the ups and downs.

My little brother, Chase- or as I lovingly refer to him as- NoNo. The day my parents told me I would have a little brother, I was so upset. I wanted a little sister that I could dress up, not a smelly little brother! But I wouldn't change it for anything. He was the cutest little baby and has always been a joy to be around. When our mom was sick, Chase and I got really close. I took him everywhere with me- he was my mini me! He is now so much taller than me- it's crazy. He is seriously the funniest person I know! I laugh the entire time that we are together. He is probably the person I miss the most in Alabama!

So that is my family- the ones I grew up with! I was blessed for sure, especially with my siblings. My siblings are the best people I could ask for. I am so honored to call those three people my family!! I love you Harwood gang! :)

With my sibs :)