Link Up The Love Tuesday

I've never participated in a link-up before, but this one was something I couldn't really pass up.  I saw the link-up on Sandpaper Kisses blog, and went to the Buttons and Birdcages blog for the link itself.

So here's my love:

1. My brother David and his fiancee Erin, who put together a really nice, last minute Father's Day get together at their house.  They bought and cooked the food, set up everything on their patio, and even bought my girls some bubbles to play with.  I'm incredibly lucky to be related to them!

2. My mom, who is nearly everything to me, and who has always given everything of herself for me and my brother.  She keeps on giving now, even when she's tired.  Not only that, but she lives with my grandmother, who is 88, and becoming less and less able to do things.  My mom takes care of her, too. She has literally spent her entire life as an adult taking care of someone.  And it's never been herself.  And she almost never complains.  When she does complain, she always ends up saying nice things in the end.  My mom is incredible.  If only I could be more like her!

3. My bloggy friend Rachel.  I 'met' her when her oldest son was very little and I used to leave lots of comments about how stinking cute he was (and still is!).  We ended up corresponding via email more and more, and have become friends.  I am so incredibly grateful for that friendship. She has such a positive outlook on everything, can find the good in everything and any situation, and helps me see what a kind and caring person I can be, too.

4. My grandmother's friend Carretta. She takes my grandmother to doctor's appointments and to and from church all the time, and it is helping my mom out a ton.  She is a really kind and giving person and I'm so grateful for her willingness to help out.

Okay, so I'm going to give this link up part a try.  Hopefully I can figure it out!