I am most thankful for....

Chris- My best friend, my husband, my safety. You love ME 110% even when I am unlikable, you joke with me, you bicker with me, and you love my Mom as much as I do. You are a AMAZING father!  Oct 4th, 2006 will always be my best day ever!

Shawn- You give me lots of spontaneous hugs and, "I love you's". You make me feel as though I am special to you. That means A LOT to me, because being a step-mom is VERY difficult and has been one of my greatest fears since marrying your Dad.

Mason- You are such a miracle every day. I always wanted you, but never thought I would have you (a child of my own). I love you so much that I can't even tell you! Your belly laughs and smiles brings so much joy to our home.

Mom- Thanks for creating and loving us. The one thing that I appreciate the most is that you let us make our own choices... whether good or bad. When we needed hugs and forgiveness or congrats you were quick to give them. I am thankful that you care for my husband, my house when I am not home.

Kara- A sister is so special. The years may be busy making time amongst us short, but there is a love that doesn't change, fade, forget, or die. Thanks for welcoming Chris and Shawn into our family. Thanks for your faithfulness. You are a wonderful example of a mother and wife-I am thankful for that!

Terry- I am thankful that you love my sister and together you have created a wonderful family. You work hard for your family and live a strong example. Your words are solid and true and I appreciate that.

Trevor- You were the first born grandchild...my nephew! I remember when I was in Hawaii I would talk to you on the phone, your Mom says you knew me by pictures. When I flew into Chicago you came with your Mom to pick me up. I got to the airport at 4am, took at taxi to your hotel and snuck quietly into bed. As soon as my head hit the pillow, you sat up and said so sweetly and softly..."Auntie Al?" We snuggled together after that, you were not shy or scared of a stranger.... you hugged me with love, even though you were too young to remember ever meeting me before. I have felt a love and sense of protection for you as if you were my own child. We had many "dates" that I cherish so much!

Girls- I laughed with delight when I found out you guys were twins...how fun! Granny wrote in her blog that she was thankful for God's perfect timing. You girls are heros! You may not know it or even understand, but when you were born it was a hard time in our family. It was your arrival into the world that helped Granny carry on. She was sad and life was hard. I invited her to move to Hawaii with me...but she quickly said "no, she needed the kids", needed "her girls".
Emily- I love your fierceness, your spunky yet soft attitude. You are a lot like me in some ways. Stubborn, filled with love for babies and animals.  A natural caregiver.
Erin- Oh, I LOVE your style. You are so amazing how you can just make up your mind to do or learn something...then you just do it, simple as that! You and I are also alike in ways. Sometimes we prefer to sit back and watch life, sometimes we like to be in the middle of life... either is good, right!? Creative and determined.

Levi- Despite the fact that you threw numerous baseballs at my head I love you! I cannot understand...but I have always felt as though I am supposed to protect you. I don't mean protect you from life, you are stubborn and smart... you will be fine! :) I worry about your heart...the scarred, hidden areas. I always have, and always will don't know why! I love your humor...as wack as it is at times. Your wedding is just days away, I am thankful you found Kayla. Someone to love you as you are (smells and all)!

Kayla- Our family is thankful that you were brought into Pop's life and our family! I am thankful that you are thoughtful of our Mom! I haven't seen Pops this happy, relaxed, and content in a looooooong time. He doesn't love easily or quickly.... but I can see he LOVES you!

Dad- I am thankful for my memories of our family farm...of us growing up.

In-Laws (all)- THANKS FOR CHRIS! I love him and need him very much! I have always felt warmly welcomed by you all, I appreciate that!

I am also thankful for food on the table, a free country, a job, and our little meeting in Manawa. I feel like our family is at home there! 
 I pray I will always be thankful for having the Bible at my bedside, and having Jesus as my brother.