Oh hi 4:15am! So nice to see you again...

Errr...not! Haha. Maybe I wake up at this time because I sleep randomly during the day when I have nothing else to do? Thats about my best guess.

Things at the Green household have been hectic lately, and I think the gravity of the situations going on around me have just started to soak in. As I sat in my front room yesterday with my girlfriends decorating signs and such for my graduating sisters it started to sink in...My little sisters aren't little anymore. And I am a grown up. That hits me at the most random of times, when I really take a second to stop and think about things going on around me. My friend Justina and her hubby just found out they are having a boy, many of my high school friends have babies, are married or engaged to be married, graduating their universities this month, and starting their lives. I'll admit, I have done my life somewhat unconventionally, and sometimes to the disapproval of my family, but where I am at, I couldnt be happier. God's got a plan.

I chose not to go to a 4 yr university for a handful of reasons, mainly I wanted to make money and not spend it. In doing so I was able to gain life experience, wisdom and accomplish so much more than lots of my friends stuck in a classroom. (Not to at all discredit the hard work you amazing people have done!) Let me elaborate. Getting a job as a newly 16 year old and maintaining it for going on 7 years is more than majority of people my age can say. A job with benefits that years down the line has paid for doctors visits, contacts, and now a good portion of major surgery...not to mention more coffee, tea and pastries for my fam and me than most people consume in a lifetime...hmm no wonder I lost all this weight the past month! *giggle*

In addition to that, how many people can say they have travelled the world on their own and on their own dime by the age of 21? I have seen, heard, touched, smelled, felt, walked, tasted, ridden, laughed, cried, danced and sang in the most amazing of places. I have made friends from Germany, Australia, London, Canada, so many states and many more places across the globe. The experiences and emotions felt cannot be put into words no matter how hard I may try, but the fact that I got to do all that with no one but my best friend was absolutely phenomenal. We now share an unspeakable bond that will undoubtedly tie us together for the rest of our lives.

That being said, I digress...my sisters are all grown up! Tiff moves out to UNCG in a couple months, and watching her turn from my lil baby sis to a full on woman within a matter of weeks it seems is enough to bring me to tears. I could not be prouder of the woman that she has become. This girl has made a consious note of my mistakes, learned from them, and in addition to that has just soared beyond the high expectations she has set for herself. Honor roll, prom queen, model/actress, pretty much every guys dream girl (stay away or I will be forced to hurt you :-P), and on top of that she has integrity, faith and a relationship with God that I as her older sister look up to. She is honestly my closest friend and I love the relationship and bond we share...not exactly sure how I am going to handle her not being here, but cannot express how excited I am for whatever her future may hold.

Natalie has blossomed overnight as well...not only is she physically just stunning, but this girl has incredible smarts beyond anyone else her age. Let me just preface her story with the fact that between my parents and I, we are mathematically challenged. And when I say that I mean we are terrible at it and highly dislike it. Hate may even be an appropriate word in my case. Now, Nat went to NC STATE math championships. Like, WOW right?! Studying things they wouldn't dare speak of around me back then haha. Not only that, but she is on honor roll, played volleyball and soccer this year as a freshman, again has a relationship with God to be admired, and has developed some of the most incredible art skills and sense of style. This girl can pick up a sketchbook and freehand a set of stairs, a plant, or a scene and make it look just inspired. She is starting to notice boys which to be blunt scares the crap outta me, because she is like a younger version of me in a sense, and I know how oblivious and naive I was/still am when it comes to relationships...heartbreak is one of those things everyone experiences, and although I have a feeling she will be more the heartbreaker, I still never want to see her get hurt like that. Thank goodness we have the type of relationship where we can talk and share experiences, and again, boys watch out, I will be your worst enemy if you hurt my girls!

Then there is Brookie. The age difference between us has always prevented us from having much in common, and unfortunately we weren't as close as I would've liked until recently. But this girl has amazed me with her constant cheery and peppy attitude, her compassion and affection for everyone and everything from small animals, to babies, to her peers, elders...you name it, this girl is just the epitome of a sweetheart. She is the kind of girl that will give you her jacket if its snowing, stick up for a friend being made fun of, and tell the boys off for being perverted...you go girl! She has always enjoyed dancing around the house and making up cheers, and just as of the past 2 yrs started dancing and cheering. JUST 2 YEARS...and she just made the VARSITY cheer team for next year as a freshman in high school!!!!! I am so exstatic for her. The light and positivity this teenager brings to this world is incredible. Academically she is a lot how I was, not super focused, but just yearning to be let out and have life experience. She works with the kiddos at church, quotes bible verses daily, and Between her talents and incredible attitude, I know she is going to do such great things.

Lots of people during my lifetime have asked me why I am the way I am, why my sisters are the way they are, and how come all of us have turned out to be so mature and compassionate for our young ages...being "grown up" and able to see a tiny bit more of the bigger picture, I will once again say what I have said so many times before...my parents. My parents have created an enviornment in which we are encouraged to set the bar higher. Be the exception, and don't let anything seem unnattainable. God has been present daily in our family life, during prayer at meals, church and church groups during the week, and clearly in my parents marraige and parenting. When most parents would give in to be their childs friend, my parents stood together and PARENTED. Now years later, the friendship and respect I have for them for all that they have put up with and overcome is astonishing. Although we argue as all families do, the bond the 6 of us have is completely unbreakable. No matter where we move to, travel to, or any mistakes any of us could make, we've got love like no other that will tie us together regardess.

Well, hows that for deep, 0'dark thirty!? Y'all see why I need to get back to workin? :)

In conclusion to this essay I have written about my fabulous family, I would like to wrap it up with the lyrics to a song called "Fingerprints of God" that has touched my heart and I hope that my sisters read this and get something from it as well. I love you guys!!!

and a happy thursday to anyone else who has read my ramblings thus far! xoxo!

I can see the tears filling Your eyes And I know where they're coming from

They're coming from a heart that's broken in two

By what you don't see

The person in the mirror

Doesn't look like the magazine

Oh, but when I look at you it's clear to me that...
I can see the fingerprints of God When I look at you

I can see the fingerprints of God And I know it's true

You're a masterpiece That all creation quietly applauds

And you're covered with the fingerprints of God

Never has there been and never again Will there be another you

Fashioned by God's hand And perfectly planned

To be just who you are

And what He's been creating Since the first beat of your heart

Is a living breathing priceless work of art and...

I can see the fingerprints of God When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God And I know it's true
You're a masterpiece That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God

Just look at you You're a wonder in the making

Oh, and God's not through, no In fact,

He's just getting started.....