Thanks

I decided that before I dive into the hours of cooking and cleaning I still have ahead of me before the reveal of Jia's Thanksgiving Spectacular 2010, I would sit down and take a moment to reflect on what I am truly thankful for.

I am thankful for my parents. All of them. I don't have a typical set of parents like everyone else. One Mom, and one Dad. I don't even have the double set you get when your folks set up. I am blessed in so many ways to have so many parents in my life, even those who have passed on. I am thankful for my mother, Lisa, who gave me life and then possibly saved it by sacrificing her own. I am thankful for my father, Carl, for doing what he could to be a good Dad to me when I was a little girl . . . when a girl really needs to have a Daddy.

I am thankful for my Grandmother Margaret, who became my mother when I was little, and gave up what should have been her retired years to raise a two year old. I am thankful for my aunt Paula, whom my readers know as Motherly, because that's just what she is, motherly in every way, shape and form. She is my Mom. I likewise am thankful for my uncle Fred, Paula's husband who may not have been my best friend while growing up, but became quite the friend and role model that I eventually needed. I am thankful for my aunt Debbie, who had to raise me during my rotten years. When I was a spoiled little child, and when I was an inexperienced young adult, new to the real world. I am thankful for my Grandmother Betty, who didn't get to raise me, but is in turn helping to raise my little brothers, and because of that, I know that they will be okay. I am thankful for my step-mother, Miki, who has proven that she is a strong and independent woman, and who does what she can to provide a stable environment for my brothers, in a world that sometimes is not so stable.

I am thankful for my dear in-laws who have raised me in spirit since I was a fourteen year old girl they caught crawling out of Matt's bedroom window. Steve, Matt's Dad, is my father. Emma, Matt's Mom, is my mother. There are no two ways about it. She is also one of my best friends.

I am thankful for aunts and uncles, all of which I love and adore. Kathy, Joe, Kathy, Elden, Marilyn, Johnny, Terri, Kim, Debbie, Hal, Becci, T, Carol, Jack, Curtis, Sherrie, Mark and Patty. And the many more great aunts and uncles that still remain here on this earth, as well as those that have gone too soon, including my sweet aunt Vera, who passed this year.

I am thankful for my siblings, whether they are siblings in spirit, blood, or whether blood has nothing to do with it. Tiffany, my oldest sister who is my shining example of how to overcome adversity with grace and a shining dedication to motherhood and hard work. I'm grateful for her husband Rob, who has helped to give her the life she deserves. I am grateful for my younger sister Kristine, one of my best friends, who can laugh with me over the fights of our youth, and celebrate memories at the same time. I'm grateful for her boyfriend Alex, and his family, who help to care for her and be a family for her while the rest of us are further away. I'm grateful for my younger brothers, Johnny and Nico, who have had to grow up a little too fast, just like I had to. But despite the distance between us, they have a big sister who loves them completely. I'm grateful for my brother and sister in law, Andy and Megan who I love completely and who I hope to see more of in the coming year.

I'm grateful for nieces and nephews, and those are adding up. Samantha, my first little niece who is now twelve and going to the temple. Isabel, my sweet little growing up too fast Isabel. Emilee, the sweet snuggle bug I miss so much. Lily, who I've yet to meet (and that hurts). Noah, my first nephew who is so energetic and smart. Hannah, the little talker who makes me laugh. Leah, my beautiful little niece. And the newest addition, Trey, who I watched come into this world.

I'm grateful for cousins, who may not have been my actual siblings, but let's face it, they might as well have been! There are just too damn many to name here but I'm going to try... Jimmy, Christine, DJ, Ricky, Robbie, Tina, Mitzi, Jason, Tory, Holly, Stevie, Joey, Joshua, Emily, Amie, Josh, Jamie, Greg, Mandy, Brooke, Johnny, Anthony, Max, Alle, Chelsea, Sterling, Jared, Derek, Sheila, Hollie, Golden, Weston, Logen, Samantha, Candice... and so many second and third cousins I grew up with. Especially Brandon who needs prayers right now for his little girl.

I'm grateful for Matt's extended family as well. The cousins I have recently gotten to know over Facebook, Wendy, Carmel, Kristi and more.... as well as his aunt and uncles who have become a part of my own family. Especially Dawn, Don and Tammy who came to visit us this year.

I'm thankful for the Church, and especially the Cherry Hills Ward that has provided the spiritual family that we've really needed this year. They have helped to support us so much and that can never be properly repaid, but we will try. I'm thankful for my visiting teachers this year (Rachel, Jill and Ashley), who have helped to lead, guide and sometimes drag me kicking and screaming out of my house in an attempt to overcome fears, make new friends and seek a healthy life. I'm thankful for a loving Heavenly Father, and for Jesus Christ who gave the ultimate gift.

I'm grateful for the friends I have here in the state that I can see in person, Jen, Joe and especially the Mittons.

I'm grateful for our best friend, Josh, who is as much a part of our family as any blood relative.

I'm thankful for friends I have made in other states, and I'm thankful for Facebook so I have the ability to stay in touch with them. Audra, Desi, Chrissy, Steph, April, Jessica, Dana, Caroline...

And I am thankful of course to my amazing readers. You bring a light into my life. You have made this year easier in times of darkness and stress. You have prayed with me, laughed with me, and cried with me. Sometimes you've laughed at me, which frankly, I encourage. And you've shared you lives with me too.

And most importantly, I am thankful for my husband, my best friend, my soul mate, my other half,
my big bear, my pain the backside, my cover stealing, leaving socks in the living room, singing Christmas Carols too early, weird, amazing, handsome, admirable and wonderful man you.

Thank you.

All of you.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving.