Today, I am thankful for family

We attended my nephew's dedication at church today. As I have matured and gotten a little wiser, I have come to the conclusion that my family is the best. I have great in-laws, and I don't think I recognize that enough. We have walked through times of contention, disagreement, and flat out stupidity. I have said and done things, that if I could, I would go back in time and punch myself in the face for.
       At the end of the day, I have been adopted by a Mom and Dad who love me as if I were their own. They took me in when I needed a home as a kid. They attended my graduation, thought of me on my birthday for the past ELEVEN years. My in-laws are reliable; I know if I call Dad to help me put up chicken wire, or fix a busted pipe, he is there. I have a Mom who will arrange her days off to help me, or take the kids on the fly if I need a break. I am grateful for the relationship they have with my kids. It warms my heart to see Jairus so excited to be with them. Amelia is still pretty new, but I think she'll feel the same way.  I have two brothers who suffer in the summer heat to help with our roof. One of which has replaced windows in and has fixed my car NUMEROUS times. The other has spent hours weed whacking my enormous back yard before I got a lawn mower. We walked together on our graduation day. He spent an entire day in the hospital with me when I was very sick, even after I told him he could go, he stayed with me. I have been given two sisters.  One of which is on my short list of best good friends. She is sincere, and generous. Sometimes, she is the only one in the family who gets me. I have learned much about forgiveness by watching her, and walking together figuring this whole family thing out. My other sister is much quieter, and I am just excited about getting to know her more. Another thing I am not lacking in is nieces and a nephew. As a little girl, I LOVED LOVED LOVED my Auntie Anne. And looking back on our special relationship, I so want to be that kind of Auntie, except without the Billy Idol haircut and rubber bracelets (love you Anne!)
    Being in a family is sticky, but oh is it worth it??? WITHOUT A DOUBT!
There is so much more detail I could give about why I am in love with my family. I would be here until Christmas if I tried.