No Frills, No Pics, Just Extended Editions!

I woke up this morning thinking about how lucky I am to have such a wonderful extended family. My children, my grand children, and Randy and I find most of our joy in our lives from sharing it with them, their personalities, and the things we do together. This is not an attempt to talk about them all, but I have had the joy's of thinking about some of them this morning and I am thankful for:

• A fun sister and her sweet husband (Alyson and Jeff), who went out of their way to include, create, and MAKE SURE we had a fun time on our vacation to Arkansas. They always want us to have a good time, and I have noticed that it is sharing that fun, that makes it fun for all of us!!
• A Mom and Dad and a Mother-in-Law and Father-in-Law who have instilled in us the joy of our heart swelling on July 4th because we love our country.
• The simple enjoyment of my in-laws to drive through Oregon and share in their heritage and home.
• A Mom and Dad who open their home all summer long to the comings and goings of close, distant, and virtually unknown relatives!
• Brothers on both sides, who laugh and share their great sense of humors with us.
• A sister in law, Jennifer, that has endured tough cancer treatments this year, and is emerging stronger and more beautiful than ever. (And the tender side of her jock husband, Kirk)

I realize many people don't have much extended family. Wow, was I blessed to have more than anyone could ask for. I love them all, and as the years go by, I'm sure all of them will end up on my blog at some point or another. Cousins, Aunts, Uncles,-wow-I am lucky!