It is with immense gratitude that I offer this special Soulful 7 Conversation with my five sisters: Mahaley, Mary Carlisle, Belle, Harrison and Ramsey. It was a gift to gather on my parent’s screened porch at Buttermoon Farm to talk about our childhood, parenting, health, God and faith, and of course, our favorite books, TV shows and recipes!

Growing up in a household of six girls often felt like living in Grand Central Station in New York City—lots of energy, personalities and beaucoup de joy. The greatest compliment I could give my parents and what they created for us as a family is to try my best with David to recreate it with my own family. I giggle to think that along with the six children, the family menagerie also included dogs, cats (many litters of kittens!), goldfish, and talking parrots. Most of us shared a bedroom or bathroom with at least one sister. And all of us are guilty of swiping each other’s clothes! The kitchen table was and continues to be our altar and shared meals, now a whopping 38 of us— our family’s beloved liturgy. No family is perfect. We have weathered many a storm, and watched one another endure both triumphs and heartbreaks. I have witnessed my sisters drop everything and rush to my aid, and I for them. There is much joy and laughter and loyalty to be found in the six of us! If you live in Greenville or Spartanburg, South Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; or Nashville, Tennessee, you should look my sisters up because you aren’t going to find a finer human being or friend.