November 10th

Today I am thankful for family. We are so blessed to have the family we do. Some family we are not related to, only adopted into. Most specifically, on my heart right now, our parents. We both have the BEST parents and in-laws anyone could ask for. Because this is me writing this.. you get my take on things....

My mom has been a saving grace for me in recent years. After my parents divorce, we grew closer because she has had to fill the spot of two parents. She is my best friend, and I couldn't imagine a day not getting to talk to her. I call her with every funny story, mostly about Aniston, and I call her to vent! I cherish our time together, and Mal and I are both so truly blessed to have such a beautiful, caring, loving, spiritual, gentle, and gracious Mom. She is also such an awesome mother in law to our husbands. She loves them as her own, and she'd do anything for them!

Here are some pictures from my shower. I love them because they show just how much fun we have!

Sadly, my dad has not been in my life in recent years. After my parents divorce, things didn't go well for us, and eventually we grew apart. Don't get me wrong, we're both at fault, but it was my decision (or our decision - me and Mal's) to cut off contact with him. Even though I still know it was the right decision to make, it still hurts. I think about him everyday. I wonder if he misses us and if he thinks about us. It hurts me more to know that he is missing out on his grandchild, and soon to be grandchildren's lives. He was always so excited about becoming a grandparent. I pray for him daily, because it's the only thing I know to do. I pray that he knows how much I miss him and our relationship before the "break-up". The thing that is so hard, and the thing I struggle with everyday is that I don't want to know him now. I know how he is now, that's why I got away. I want to be around the old guy. The one that showed us his love through his eyes. So, all I can do is pray that he finds God, and God shows him love again.

In saying all that, not having my dad in my life has opened the door for other relationships to enter or blossom.

I am so grateful and thankful for my amazing in-laws. They have always made me feel like one of theirs. I have dated/been married to their son since 1998, 12 years for those counting, so they've seen me grow up. I know they love me and accept me and they would be there for me if I ever needed anything. They are also awesome grandparents, and they spoil our daughter just as grandparent should. I'll never forget the day we got married and my father in law hugged me and told me he loved me. It still sits as one of the all time, most special moments in my life, and i'll never forget it! My mother in law is also a special breed. I have never had one single "mother in law" moment with her. She would literally give anyone the shirt off of her back, and kill someone if they hurt one of her baby birds. Since the day she knew I loved her son, I've been one of her baby birds. She loves her children and grandchildren unconditionally, and lives everyday of her life serving us. I can always count on her to help me if I need her, and she'll be there in an instant to take care of Aniston. It makes me so sad to hear people talk bad about their mother n laws. I just shake my head and say a little "thank you prayer". Plus, she's a COYOTE which makes me love her more!

I'm also so grateful for our Bob. He has loved our mom and accepted us as his family. He is absolutely amazing with Aniston and she knows no other than "Poppa Bob". He has to have one of the most giving hearts around! An example, every time he comes to town and stays at our house.. he HAS to mow the yard. He loves to help us and do for us in any way he can!

I mentioned adoptive parents.. we have lots. Jerry and Kathy Baldwin are our "other parents". Their sons are our best friends, and we've grown up in their house. They've always included us in all their cookouts, parties, holidays and events. They are family. We love them dearly. They are some of the sweetest people you'll ever meet, and we are so thankful to have them in our lives. Aniston also loves her KK and Poppa J. She really thinks they are grandparents like Nana & Poppa Bob or Nanny & PawPaw. There are so many things I could say about how amazing they are, but Kathy's cooking and Jerry's grilling come to mind. She's the only person I've ever known that can make green beans that Randy will eat, and Jerry can grill some beer chicken that we make ourselves sick on! We love them! They are family, just like family is.

Here is a new picture of me and Kathy from my shower.

My other mother, Val, has always been an adoptive parent. She is one of the coolest people ever, and I know she loves me. She has been in my life before I was alive, and again, I know she'd be there for me if and when I needed her. She will drive to the other side of Texas for us, and we definitely don't get to see each other enough. Also, she has the best laugh, EVER. You can't be in a bad mood when you're around her.. and if you are, it doesn't last long.

And, me and Val from my shower.

Melton and Mindy Cusenbary are also high on our list. They have always been accepting of us, and treat us like one of their kids. They open their house and their pool to us anytime we want. We love them, and Aniston loves her NiNi and Poppy.

We are so blessed to have all of these amazing people in our lives. It makes my heart fill with joy to know that Aniston and Landrie will realize one day that they have a TON of grandparents, and because they are so loved, they won't have a clue that some of them, we're only adopted into their family!