Wednesday, November 17, 2010

The Fam...

I have the best family in the whole world. Two wonderful parents who have stuck together through thick and thin- giving all five of us kids wonderful childhood memories and everything we ever asked for.  My Mom is the best confidant and friend I've ever had, and my dad has taught me generosity and the value of doing for others.  They are the best example of working through it.  They've had the sickness and health, good times and bad- whatever life could throw, and they've never quit.  I love them so much. 

My three brothers and always cutest little sister have no idea how grateful I am for them.  I may not have always been the best at showing it, but I've always been entertained by them for sure.  Now that we're all older, I realize how much I took for granted, and missed out on a lot of fun when I was younger- wasting so much energy being embarrassed by them!  They truly are the best family I could ask for- and I'm thrilled to say that I love the in-laws too- and I'm totally impressed with how cute their children have turned out so far!

I married into an amazing family as well.  I am constantly reminded of just how lucky I am.  Today for instance, as I was benefiting once again from my fathers generosity, my mother-in-law was picking up not just one, but BOTH of my children from school because they were sick.  She had other things going, and dropped them to take care of our kids because we were out of town.  Thank you again Anah!  Jon's brothers have always been fun and their wives are wonderful.  Aunt Missy has become my kids "other mother" and Gage went as far as to say that I could still be his mom, but he wanted to live with Aunt Missy!  I am so lucky she was willing to help me through the summer- not having to be stressed out about the kids on the days that I work makes it so much easier to get the job done.  My sister-in-law has always been a great friend- I love hanging out with her when we can!

There are so many others, cousins, aunts, uncles- I really have a TON of family.  But I'm lucky to still have two of my favorite people around- my Grandma Verna and my Grandpa Bob.  My dad's mom is pluggin' away- and I just so happen to have gotten the sarcasm gene from her- we could talk for hours, and she always makes me feel beautiful.  She has the best stories, whistles with vibrato and has a spirit about her you can see.  I wish I were closer to her!  I'd love to see her more!  And my mom's dad, Grandpa Bob, has been a rock in my life since I started having memories.  I always thought he was such a handsome man.  I could always tell that my mom had a special place in his heart, and I loved seeing he and my grandma together.  He works so hard- even still.  He raised his family on farming in Delta, Utah and still works today as the Water-Master there.  He has a gut laugh that is so contagious and still chews on a toothpick all day long.  I have the best memories of my grandparents and I couldn't be more grateful to have had them in my life.

I'm sure everyone has reasons why their family is "the best."  I feel like I have proof!  (But unfortunately, there's not enough room for a picture of them all!)

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3 comments :

Joey said...

Thanks Stephanie...We really do come from a line of not just good but GREAT people. I love them too! Hope I measure up someday. Love your post!

The Holdaway Family said...

Wait...I thought I had the best family...weird... ;)

J, K, E & C Hadley said...

We all have great families, including extended families and married into families. I wish we were still as close as we once were as kids, we had some really fun times and for many years you were the sister I never had even if we did end up in different places in life. I love being your cousin and someday hope you meet your family!!