Lesson's I've Learned from my Family

So this might not technically be considered a "creative cat" post, it's not a physical project so to speak. But one I'm even more proud of, and a little better to look at. I confess, this was all a ploy to show off my family. If you stop reading right now I'll only judge you a little bit:)

In this season of being grateful, one of the biggest things I am grateful for is my family. That is where everyone's story begins and ends, where the people who know us the best, love us the most, and made us who we are, are found. It never seems to matter how much time has passed since we have seen each other, we can always pick up right were we left off. What a blessing my family is to me! Another reason I love them so much is because they have TAUGHT me so much, especially my nieces and nephews. I love them like my own. I decided to dedicate a post to them, explaining things I have learned from them. Some are more serious, some are the lighter things in life. But ALL are important. The multitude of pictures hopefully make this an enjoyable read.

Another note: everyone in these pictures is related to me. I have 6 siblings and the 10 most adorable nieces and nephews.

1. Laugh often, and laugh much. You're going to get wrinkles anyway. They might as well be from laughing.




2. There is no friend like that of family. They are there for you no matter what.






3. Binki's are a kids best friend!










4. Making silly faces is something you never grow out of.













5. Girls aren't the only ones who wanna have fun!






6. We're all here because 2 people fell in love!






7. Real life can be a Fairytale.


8. Enjoy the season of life that you are in.








9. Late nights together bring out the silliest in us.




10. Take time to stop and smell the flowers.


11. It is very important to "share." Which is sometimes the hardest thing to do.






12. Dinosaurs are a boys best friend.




13. At least once, look at something through the eyes of a child who is seeing it for the first time.




14. FOOD IS GOOD!












15. Games, games, games. Card games, board games, mind games. Just games.






16. You're never too old to play dress up!








17. DIVA has no age limit.






18. There are more important things in life than having a clean house.


19. Daddies can be as versatile as Mommies.


20. Get your sleep. Anywhere, anytime, any place that you can.





















21. You are never to old to learn something new. Always love learning. When you stop learning you stop enjoying the world around you.








22. Never give up on your dreams, no matter how long it takes, how impossible they may seem or what you have to do to achieve them. The Lord ALWAYS keeps His promises. Always.






23. Love does not diminish the more people you share it with. It grows and grows and grows. There is more than enough love to go around.








24. There is nothing in the world as sweet as a baby.






25. No matter how wonderful something is, it is always made sweeter by sharing.


26. Just because someone isn't related by blood or marriage doesn't mean they aren't every bit as much family as those who are.






27. Sometimes when life is hard and there is nothing else to do you just need a good cry.



28. There is no bond like that of a sister.










29. Don't wake up the baby that is napping. Otherwise you get to take their nap for them. (This was a common threat breathed by my Mother. No doubt because SHE needed the peace and quiet:)


30. Sometimes you just need a little love. Never be afraid to go to your family for that.


31. No matter how tough a Petersen man looks or even is, they go to total MUSH when a baby comes around.








32. The little kids aren't the only ones who can fit in small spaces.