family
Photography by Kasey Hulon Skipper
feature
“
. . . IT IS IMPORTANT
TO MAKE OUR
FAMILIES ONE OF
OUR TOP PRIORITIES
AND NEVER TAKE
THEM FOR GRANTED.
Family
IS A GREAT PART
OF OUR HEAVENLY
FATHER’S PLAN FOR
“
OUR LIVES.
m
MORNINGS ARE THE BUSIEST TIME FOR THE FAMILY. But, Molly has learned how to
multitask as mother, counselor, friend, protector, and nurse. “After the kids are at school,
I go to work until 4:00 PM. After school, it’s homework time. Then we go outside to take care
of the dogs. Next, everyone is off to cheerleading, football, or dance. At the end of the day,
we all come back home for supper.”
Each child brings something unique to the family. “Brittany, our oldest, has always been a
‘second mom’ figure and a leader of the group. Allison is always the dreamer, and Lauren is
the family clown. Kaitlyn loves babies as much as I do, while Leah loves dance and music. Michael is always busy. He is only still when he is asleep! They are all different, but each is such
blessing and joy in my life. Through tears and laughter, we have become a stronger family.”
All share in chores around the house, and Allison and Kaitlyn love helping their mom cook.
For Molly, it’s been a blessing have family so close by. “My parents, my sister and her
family, and my brother and his family live beside us… four houses in a row! My mom is the
greatest influence on the woman I have become today. She taught me the importance of
God, family, and love. My greatest wish is to pass this legacy on to my children and their
tree and decorations. At Christmas, we read Bible stories, cook, and enjoy making home-
children. In a world of chaos, it is important to make our families one of our top priorities and
made ornaments for our tree. Each child makes one homemade ornament each year and
never take them for granted. Family is a great part of our Heavenly Father’s plan for our lives.”
then buys one that fits them, also. But, the tree is never big enough for all those ornaments
The holiday season is the McKenzies’ favorite time of year. “Our holiday celebrations are
because everyone wants their ornament in the front! Traditions bring us closer, and that’s
about laughter and love and spending time with family and friends. During Thanksgiving,
what it’s all about.”
we all gather at my mom’s house and have a big family dinner. Every one helps with the
Molly realizes how blessed she is. “Psalm 127:3 reads, ‘Children are a reward from the
cooking… even the kids. Before we eat, we pray and then tell what we are thankful for. After
Lord.’ I firmly believe that parents have a great responsibility to love and care for their chil-
dinner, we have a big football game against each other in my mom’s backyard. It’s lots of
dren. My family has taught me unconditional love and a bond that will never be broken, no
fun! The kids love out running the adults! Afterward, we all help putting up the Christmas
matter the trials or storms that we face. We will face them together!”
Molly Arnette McKenzie resides in Dillon, South Carolina, with her husband Chris and their six children, Brittany, Allison, Lauren, Kaitlyn, Leah, and Michael.
Molly is currently employed with Hospice Care of South Carolina as the Patient Care Coordinator for Dillon and Marion Counties. She is a proud member of Dillon Church of God.
62
NOVEMBER 2015
SHEMAGAZINE.COM