1.My Parents
As I have grown up I have always known that I have a wonderful set of parents. They have always been the kind of people that I could go to with any problem or joy and know that I was supported 100%- granted, they may not always agree with my decisions but I know they will always love me regardless of my choices in life. I didn't fully realize how great I had it until Karl and I broke up and I moved home with them. It was a VERY hard decision for me because I was losing some of my freedom, you see Mom and Dad will always see me as their little girl and sometimes forget that I am almost 25---don't get my started on turning 25--- ANYWAY... I took off for some girl time with Rhea and came home to my old bedroom all set up and ready for me. How sweet is that. One of the most constant blessings, besides their love, that my parents have given me is a place to call home. A place to go that is always open for me. I have lots of other blessings associated with my parents but I think the biggest is how much they love me. (duh, right) :-)
2.My brother
I have the best younger brother in the entire world! Growing up we weren't always fond of eachother but since I graduated from high school we have been through so many changes, so many life altering situations and through it all we have leaned on eachother, cried with eachother, laughed with eachother and always known that if we have a problem we can come to eachother and talk it through. We have always been eachothers traveling companion as Mom and Dad often drug us on lots of LONG road trips, the best one was our last big trip to Yellowstone: I think it was the first trip we didn't fight and argue on because we were able to enjoy eachothers company full instead of bugging the heck out of eachother. Bill has always been a great ear to listen and has the best hugs in the world, espcially when that's all that you need to fix your world. He is the best!!!!!3. Dustin
Oh my handsome wonderful man! Dustin and I have been through a lot and it all showed both of us how much we love eachother, how much we value our relationship and how well we really fit together. He makes me laugh when I want to cry and holds me when the laughter isn't enough. He teases me, compliments me, encourges me, and most importantly he loves me! He truly loves me! He also puts up with my forgetfulness, my lack of knowledge on just about everything, he takes me on adventures to places like Ione and Moyie (if you haven't been there you haven't lived!), we go camping, we go boating, he covers me in mud when we're playing in the big S-10, he laughs with me and at me. Dustin is my other half and when he wasn't in my life everyday I was empty. I have never felt so full of life and love as I do when I am with him.4. Rhea and Keona
My first sister and neice! I love you! Rhea and I have been through so very much in our lives. From tiny infants to now adults we have enjoyed laughs and love and held eachother while we cried of those we have lost. Rhea is always my go-to friend and has picked me up when my world has come crashing down. I am blessed to have Rhea! Rhea has also allowed me to be part of beautiful Keona's life. From the moment Keona was born and I heard her cry for the first time I knew I loved her. Standing in the hospitol hallways my arms wrapped around Misti crying because we were so happy she was here! Keona is a light in my life, she is so funny and sweet and cute and TOUGH- that girl is just as awnry as her mother. They are truly two peas in a pod! I am so blessed by both of these wonderful girls!!!
5. Leah
OH my Leah! Leah and I are so similar it's scary!! We're two peas in a pod and when we are together it's always tons of fun!! Leah is my cheerleader, my dear sweet sister and friend! She can pick me up on my darkest, most stressful day and remind me that life is beautiful! While we have only gotten to be good friends this year I know that we will be a lifelong pair. :-) She has already been welcomed into my family and I know she will be part of it for a very long time.
6. Dustin's parents
Even though Dustin and I aren't married I still feel like Lorraine and Dennis are my other parents. They are wonderful to me and have always welcomed me with open arms. I am so blessed by them, by their generosity and love. They tease me and encourage me. Heck Dennis made me my ONLY birthday cake last year (Rhea made me a super yummy birthday cheesecake though). They include me in family activities and have really made me feel like part of the family. I know that they will be a huge part of my life for the rest of my life.
My life is so full of wonderful people who lift me up when I'm feeling down and encourage me along the path of life. My life has been marked with those people who have not done that which makes the blessings in my life shine even brighter. Thank you to all of you who are blessings in my life, I am truly, truly grateful for you!!
Dakota was watching Dustin ride the 4-wheeler but wasn't allowed to follow, it about drove her crazy!
