family

i just have to say...i LOVE my family. i'm not just talking about jerry and the boys. i'm talking about the larrison family, the teipen family, extended family, etc. we had the pleasure of going to the annual teipen cookout this weekend and i was reminded in so many ways of how thankful i should be for the family i married into. it's become sort of a reunion for jerry's family with all kinds of extended family and friends coming and is always such a joy for everyone. to sit and catch up with people who you literally see once a year is something i have come to truly treasure. this year i was not let down one bit as i got to visit with such sincere, kind, thoughtful, and just plain wonderful people. one of jerry's second cousins in particular is so genuine and makes you feel so warm inside just by being in her presence. she truly listens to you when you speak and you sense her care and concern as she wants to know every detail about your children and your life. i just feel so blessed. i love my in-laws so much, especially for how they take care of my children. and of course my parents are irreplacable in every way. jerry and i are both very close to our brothers and their families. not everyone can brag about their family, but i definitely have every right too. they make me happy...happy to be around, happy to know, happy to love, and happy to see, whether it's once a week or once a year.