1. My incredible husband.
He treats me like a queen and our kids like the treasures they are to us. But is doesn't just end with us, he treats everyone with compassion, respect and love (even perfect strangers). I will sometimes tell him that he is too nice (I am very cynical) but he just does it and sometimes people hurt him but it never stops him from helping the next person.
2. My oldest, Cole.
He is my first greatest joy. Having been told I may not have children, going through fertility treatments and a difficult pregnancy, his birth was a happy day for me. I held him and all the heartache and difficulties melted away. The last 18 years with him have been wonderful. He was a loving, outgoing, confident child and now young man, who has such a bright future ahead of him. He makes friends easily because people know how much he is really interested in them. I can't wait to see what the years bring him!
3. My Charlie.
My joy doubled the day Charlie was born. I had a curious, active four year old who could run circles around us (still does) and then Charlie with his peaceful, loving spirit came into our home. He balances out his brother and they are the best of friends! As an infant and then toddler, Charlie would wait patiently while I dealt with his high-maintenance brother without a complaint and then he knew he would have my attention. He still waits patiently for others. He is my peace. My heart broke the day almost 11 years ago when he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes but he has been my hero. As a three year old, he would never complain about the shots, blood tests, etc (we did battle over eating, he didn't want to) and even as a 14 year old, he rarely complains even though we know it SUCKS! He deals with so much and is still the calming spirit in our home.
4. Syd, Sissa, Squid or Wampus (depending on who you are)
Our family was complete the day Syd was born. After two boys, a little girl was a change for us. Her joyful personality has had the four of us in giggles from the very first moment. That same personality is what makes our home the stomping ground for her numerous friends, people love to be around her. She is smart, witty and high maintenance. She is fierce defender of anything she perceives as a wrong and is very tender-hearted. She is my best girlfriend!
5. My wonderful parents, Therice and Hazel
My Dad has always been my hero, not just for his unwavering sacrifice to his country but for that same sacrifice to his family. He adores my Mom and treats her like a queen. From a young age, I knew how a husband should treat a wife and was told by my Dad to never accept anything less. My Dad is also my peace, my love of all kinds music comes from the way he helped me deal with problems. My Mom is an incredible, smart, loving woman. I grew up knowing I wanted to be just like her. She raised seven very different, stubborn kids, sometimes with no husband around, and survived it! She never stopped learning even though she had obtained her Bachelors degree before marrying my Dad. Whereever we were stationed, she would find some way to take class or learn something new. She passed her love of learning onto her children and so when she was getting her Masters degree, we were right there rooting for her and helping with research. Both of my parents are my strength. I know I can do anything because they told me I could!
6. My in-laws.
Beverleigh and Keith are Eric's parents and that should be enough but they are also wonderful people. They are very generous, loving and service-minded not just with their family but in the church and community as well. People know they can ask them to do something and it will be done correctly and with love. I couldn't have asked for better in-laws.
7. My siblings.
I have four older brothers, an older sister and a younger sister. Growing up they were my best friends, we didn't need anyone else. We had our arguments (or discussions as we called them) and sometimes we could be mad for days but if anyone or anything threatened another one of us, we would rally and take care of it. I always wanted a boy first because I wanted my other children to experience the joy of having an older brother who would love and protect them. I had four! My older sister, Lilley, is 10 years older than I am and waited a long time for me to join the family. She and my sister, Julia, were my only real girlfriends growing up. They are to this day, my best friends.
8. The gospel of Jesus Christ.
I am grateful for Jesus Christ and his ultimate sacrifice. His gospel makes me want to be a better person and to live one day with my family in the eternities.
9. My friends
I have been so blessed through the years to have many people come in and out of my life. They have added to who I am and been there just as I needed them.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
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