This is my first time in the land of blogging. I am usually hard pressed to find the time to sit, let alone the time to write down the millions of thoughts that inhabit my mind daily. Of all the topics I would love to embark on, one in particular has been on my mind, rattling around as just a thought; now, thanks to the world of blogging, I am able to release this thought onto paper(screen) for the free world to enjoy! Perhaps its the upcoming holidays, or the fact that I just returned from a wonderful vacation with Blake in which we spent a little less than a month visiting family; whichever, my heart has been in a constant state of joy. Why you wonder? Well, although I have a million reasons for being in this state, lately it has been the amazing privilege that I, in a small part of my world, am known as 'Auntie Sam' to two wonderful nephews. With the arrival of my newest nephew, Tyler, emotions began to stir within me. The feeling continued with some pictures of Austin on his 4th birthday and of him playing on his little soccer team! It is amazing to me the love that I have for these little boys. I remember growing up, the incredible love and relationships that I shared with my aunts. Now, I find myself on the other side and I can't help but wonder if they will grow with fond memories of Auntie Sam and with the knowing that my love and support for them is unconditional and of abundance. As I think of them, I wish I could kiss their little noses, and tell them that in no comparison to their wonderful parents, I will always be here for them. So in ending, I am weakened by to small little men that are part of what Blake so passionately and endlessly loves--his brothers. With this, I have officially posted a piece of my mind and heart and leave with this for Austin and Tyler: "you are a connection to life, a tie to the past, and a road to the future."