I am grateful............

Wow, this blogging thing really helps. Since I have shared so much sorrow, I thought it would be best to share the good that came with the bad.
For starters, my earliest memories had to be with My Best Friend in the world- Karen. She was my step mother's niece. well, she still is.. but she doesn't speak to her either. So I guess she was my "Step cousin". We grew up close, we were always together. I feel sorry for people who don't have a best friend. It is so nice to have someone who doesn't judge you, is always there and a confidant. We have had more laughs than I could possibly count. we were goofy, still are. I lived with her family for a while because they knew it wasn't easy living at my house with the stepmother. I felt really bad when I left her out of high school and moved to Florida. we always kept in touch but it was hard not seeing her often. Her life took a turn for the worse as well- she lost both parents and her aunt and sister in a short period of time. We never would imagined as kids that we would grow up and everyone would be gone. We still have a great connection and humor is our medicine. We don't have to go anywhere or need any entertainment, we can just laugh about old times and I miss her so much. We still have the phone, but its not the same.
I have many great friends! I wouldn't want to leave anyone out, you know who you are:) at least I hope you do.
My parents were a blessing. I had great parents, they were good people who instilled values in us, never abusive or mean spirited. I have no regrets at all about them knowing my true feelings.
My grandparents who lived right next door. The sweetest people you could meet. My grandfather passed on not too long after my dad. It was so hard to see them in so much pain. My gram is still alive! 93 :) we made it up there for her 90th birthday to suprise her. she is the kindest soul. I remember as kids how everyone would come in the house and she would always have lots of food, the best banana bread in the world. At their house you truly left your troubles at the door. She always had the pink canadian mints in a bowl for everyone to eat. lots of goodies. we would often get in trouble for sneaking over to grandmas house and it would spoil our dinner.
My sister Chris! she is an angel on earth. Anyone who knows her can attest to that. she truly is one in a million. she is always there, we have helped eachother get through so much. I wish sometimes that Kayla could have a sister{S} like I do. I am not going to have more kids though. lol
so Hopefully she will have a best friend that is like a sister.:)
I am very grateful for my sister Shelly as well, we just have been distant for so long. I love her and miss her dearly. I hope we can be reconnected- she is finally getting her life back in order. I am proud of you shelly.
My brothers- I have already posted about how much they mean to me- never far from my thoughts and the memories I cherish.
My husband, he is my soul mate. I am very fortunate to have a husband that accepts me for who I am, and is so respectful and kind. He is my other half. I can be myself with him, as it should be, but there are many people who can't be themselves with their significant others. I am aware of how lucky I am.
My children, they are my world! they are sensitive, caring amazing kids. I love them dearly. I like that they balance each other. Kyle is level headed, cautious a little more on the conservative side. {which is fine} He thinks everything through thoroughly and Kayla is the throw caution to the wind, live free,,, always looking for the rainbows kind of child. Hopefully they will learn from each other and gain those needed qualities from each. I love that I can talk with my kids and they are not afraid to talk to me. I do need to lighten up some and have some "more fun," that is my only regret. They both have a sense of humor and enthusiasm which helps.

My health- as far as I know I am fairly healthy. Except for the poundage I plan to lose this year. seriously this time..... :)
There are many more things I am grateful for - I just can't fit it all into the blog today.... I may possibly have to edit in the future.
I am grateful...