K is for Kin

I know I'm stumped when it's the end of the day and I can't think of something for the letter. I even visited about 30 other sites on the challenge for inspiration. Oh wait... can I use Kin? You're okay with that? Why, thank you.:-) I am a Fort Worth, Texas native and this is my family blog. So Kin, as in my extended kin of siblings should fill the bill just fine.

In fact, it's incredibly fitting as my sister Leah has been on my mind, in my heart and prayers constantly the last two days. Yesterday, she was admitted to the hospital for the second time this month. Her original symptoms of migraines and abdominal pain have increased ten fold since her release last week. If you're new here, I'm the third of four children in my family.

Lisa with her husband Kenny and their 3 boys 

My oldest sister Lisa, passed away 8 years ago this July from an extensive battle with Lupus in her early 30's. She was the classic first born, strong willed child. She was wonderfully just born older somehow. She had definite ideas of how things should go and would not budge. She was organized, purposeful and determined. She also loved fiercely and protectively. She was an amazing force to be reckoned with. She was two and 1/2 year older and 9 inches taller than me. I miss her terribly every day.

Leah with her four children

My next older sister, Leah and I are a day less than a year apart. We were dressed alike quite frequently and due to a learning disability on her part, were in the same level in school from 2nd grade going forward. We couldn't look more different or have more opposite personalities and I'm a better person for it. She is wacky, funny, the life of the room. She thrives on excitement, groups of people and works very well with the public. She smiles easily, teases, is light hearted and happy go lucky. She's one of the few brave people that gets me out of my shell and I act like a 9 year old with her. Yes, regression and I dare say she'd tell me it doesn't need to be labeled or that I'm -in love of course- hurting her head with my analyzing personality. She's so good at it, somehow, I'm not offended and I remember not to be quite so serious. Her husband Joe, is making sure she taking care of herself by getting treatment, which is really good for her.

Their wedding photo. I love this one as they are
holding Matthew

Louis and Bonnie's engagement picture

Louis is my wonderful caring, hard working, funny, quiet and well mannered younger brother- by 5 and 1/2 years.  He's the calmest and most dare I say, emotionally even keeled one of us. I think he has to be with 3 older sisters. We did take his storm troopers and GI Joe's as a kid and use them with our dolls growing up. He's grown up to be a thoughtful, generous, smart man with integrity. I'm very glad to have a brother, I've learned so much from him. Plus, he married a great girl giving me a wonderful little sister.

Yes, we all have L names. Here's a few pictures of all four of us growing up. The first four funny enough were all take at Christmas over the years at different grandparent's homes:

The teen years

One of the worst funniest pictures of us

The last picture of all 4 of us