Cook Party of FIVE: December 2009

Throughout the years I have come to really appreciate the people in my family for who they are. As I get older I am able understand them and learn things I have never known before. Each year it seems I grow closer with a different family member. I love learning new things and really seeing people for who and what they are instead of what mistakes they may have made in their lifetime. We all make mistakes and then we learn from them and become better people.

There are so many different types of family. I have my mom's side of the family that I could not live without! I love each and every one of them and at some point in my life they have taught me to be a better, stronger person. I could go through the LARGE list of family members and tell an amazing fact or story about them, but there are way too many. I am just happy that I have such great people that I can call my aunts, cousins, uncles, and grandparents.

Another family I have is my dad's side. The most important person in that family recently passed away. She was the reason we all got together at certain times of the year and I can definitely say she was the rock of that side of the family. I have so many memories with my grandma that are good and bad. She was a strong independent lady that was at times very difficult to be around. I know that she made a huge impact on who I am today. I know we all miss her and it has been a little crazy since her passing. I know that she is missed by everyone.

Another family that I hold near and dear to my heart is Trevir's family. Trevir and I have been together 5 1/2 years on Christmas, so I have known his family for a long time now. They are so nice and welcoming and I couldn't have asked for betters in-laws! Throughout Trev and my ups and downs they have always been there and have been so easy to talk to. I love all of them.

The closest people to me are my mom, dad, and brother. My parents are the BEST parents that anyone could have! They have always helped me and stood beside me even when they thought I was wrong or just plain crazy. I know I was a crazy teenager, but I made it through because of them. There is no way I would be where I am today without them. They both are strong, hard-working people. I hope I will be just as good of a parent to Landin as they were to me. Now my brother and I weren't always close. We are five years apart and I think for the most part I was the annoying little sister for most of his teenage years. Thankfully, the past few years we have become a lot closer. I think having children around the same time and finally going through something together and not 5 years after him has helped. It might also be that I have become closer with his wife Cara. I love that I can text or call her for a stupid question about baby poop or baby teeth. I am just very thankful that I have become closer with both of them and will hopefully only become closer through the years.

Finally, and most importantly I have my own new family. As of August 2008 Trevir and I have started our own family and our own stories. Hopefully 20 years from now Landin will be able to reflect back on all of his aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents and appreciate each and every one of them for who they are and what impact they have made on his life. I especially hope that he will think that Trev and I are the best parents he could have ever had and that we made his life fantastic. **Hopefully he won't start asking for a brother or sister when he gets older. ;)

I love ALL of my family and with Christmas coming I hope we can all take a little time to appreciate each other and maybe forgive someone we have had a falling out with or at least just pray that each one of us will find happiness during this holiday season and in the new year!!