Blessed

I am very blessed.

It's not very often that I dwell on the reality and truth of the abundant blessings I've received in my life. Truth be told, I'm very spoiled!  Let me list a few from last week alone.

• My brother, Joe, and sister-in-law, Ruth Ann, now only live 3 hours away from me instead of 4 1/2.


• This means that my nephews: Roman (4), Judah (2) and Silas (1) are also only 3 hours away 
• Wisconsin is the home of great an amazing hamburgers. I ate probably the best burger I've ever had in my life last Thursday.
• Moving is not so scary after all. All of my small fears after saying goodbye to such a beautiful house that has been home to two generations of Pomettos faded away in the peace that came in Wisconsin. Joe and Ruth Ann have found a beautiful house to build into a home.
• LATTES. Ruth Ann unearthed an espresso maker and milk frother (that is quite certainly not a word, but it should be) while unpacking and the hours spent trying to clean it and get it running again were well worth it.... again and again and again!
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• My older brother is the best. (Not that you have the time or desire to read my blog, but I think you're really awesome too, Tony!) He has such a strong love for his family and especially his wife. This man worked basically around the clock the first few days during the move to get the house set up and begin organizing. "No greater love is there than this, then to lay down your life for your friends." A vivid memory that I will probably cherish forever is his half-dazed search for bedding so that he could finally go to bed on Wednesday night, that man works so hard! 
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• My nephews are three of the sweetest boys I've ever met. After a week of affection and baby kisses, cuddle requests (no matter how whiney), a seemingly endless stream of snot that seemed to always land on my clothes (I actually find this endearing as well... what is wrong with me?!), the frantic searches for Aunt Mary in the mornings, requests to spend "all day with me", and fun silly made-up-games it's such a blessing to be able to carry those memories into the reality of my single-bedroom apartment and work-eat-sleep-lifestyle.
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• And for the Piece de Resistance, my sister-in-law, Ruth Ann, rocks! I want to be just like her when I grow up and have a family of my own. She was overflowing with love and (though she'd never agree with me through her objective humility) patience with her boys and her husband during the move. Moving is not easy, especially when you're also leaving behind such a great family in Boone, where her mom lives. She bore it like a true woman of God and allowed the experience to draw her closer to Him. It was beautiful to be able to assist her during the week in her acts of love for her family.
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Joe and Ruthie, I love you and the boys very much and I am so grateful that you allowed me to help you last week. It was a true pleasure and I am so excited to see what life brings you in Wisconsin.