Family

“You do not get to chose your family, they are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.“

　
I am truly blessed in the family department. I have amazing parents and awesome brothers. I even have the best doggie sister. Not only are those 4 people and 1 little doggie amazingly wonderful, but I have the blessing of a fabulous extended family. Not only do I have those families, but I have the family of friends, my school community, and the cpk crew. As I grow a bit older I am seeing how I appreciate and are grateful for the many different aspects of the individual relationships I share with these people. Here are a few things that I have learned.

My dad is the BEST listener. He will take in all of the information being said and only give input when asked for or needed. He never takes sides, but helps you to see another point of view. My dad is a hard worker and has instilled that quality in all of his children. Things in life do not come easy and effort must be put forth for goals to be achieved and growth to occur. My mom always wants the best for us “children.” She would do anything to help make days a bit easier and calmer. She is there to ask questions to make sure everything is taken care of. My mom is the regulator of things and is an advocate for any decisions we make. My parents have shown through their lives and in raising me that you should always be thankful for everyone and everything you may encounter.

I have learned from my older brother that life is short and meant to be lived. Do what you want to do, go where you want to go, be who you are, and love every minute you have because you never know when it is your time to leave. Take advantage of every opportunity you are given and live it up! My younger brother has showed me the effects of a good smile and a big heart. He is strong yet soft, kind yet firm, trustworthy, and honest. He is my idea of a gentleman. He is personable and cares a great deal about others. I’d say personality wise I am most like him because we tend to put others first. They are both very different, but similar in the idea that they are two great men in my life.

Lacie has taught me to think like a queen and act like a queen and you shall receive treats. She is loyal and loving and when given you shall receive those things in return.

I am lucky to know and have a close relationship with many members of my extended family. I appreciate how we all live different lives, but know and understand the love that is shared. I look forward to various events that I know I will get to see everyone. I am fortunate enough to have close relationships with many members of my extended family. I may not talk to them every day, but I know they would be there in the drop of a second. My aunts are like more moms! They are special in that they are caring, understanding, and nurturing. My cousins are not just cousins, but friends. I appreciate all of these relationships because they are all so different. They have taught me that family is family and you are to be there for each other through thick and thin.

My school family is amazing. I love my co-workers and know that they are there to make work a bit easier. I know that we can lean on each other through the daily obstacles we overcome in teaching. Being able to bounce ideas back and forth, plan together, debrief lessons, discuss difficulties, have “therapy” sessions, or simply share a smile in the hallway (which goes a long way) help me realize how lucky I am to be a part of my school community. My co-workers have taught me that teaching is challenging, but priceless!

My CPK family holds a dear place in my heart. Hands down, they make me smile. Old School CPK will never and can never be forgotten. Over the past almost six years this is where I have made many friends that are all awesome. I have met some of my best friends here. I may not hang out with most people I have become friends with through working here, but that doesn’t mean I cherish their friendship any less. I have seen great examples of how life is amazing through working with people from many different backgrounds. I like how cpk brings many different people together. The only thing I have in common with a lot co-workers is the simple fact that we work at the same place. That’s is really all you need though. I look forward to my few shifts a week. There are also a few customers that hold a special place in my heart and enjoy the time they take to stop in and have a conversation.  My cpk family has taught me to accept everyone for who they are and their life experiences. You can learn a great deal about life from others.

My closest friends mean the world to me and I cherish our talks and fun times together. The thing that fascinates me about my friends is that we are all very different. I have a few things in common with one, some other things in common with another, and so on. Most of my closest friends have been there for a number of my growing-up years and I know that I can look forward to those friendships to continue. My closest friends have taught me to always be myself.

Idea of today’s blog: I AM BLESSED