Family Isn't Always Who You Thought It Would Be

Ryan & Megan 2012

So 11 years ago now I fell in love and started our family.  Our family that is made up of us -- a little man named Kouper how is 8 now (OMG how did that happen?!?) and a sassy little lady named Makenzie (who is already 2).

my family is precious to me...I protect my family and hold on to it like it is a bubble that could pop at any moment!  You never know what is going to happen through out your life...so you have to protect what you have.  

Kouper (8) & Makenzie(2) 2012

Protection comes with a lot of work for a family, especially when Ryan and I started our family when we were 18 and 19.  11 years later there is so much to look back on and learn from, and be nostalgic about...but where we are today is so much better than were we were 11 years go...regardless of the quiet that is sometimes missing in our lives that wasn't there when children weren't present.  However, a quite house is only enjoyable in small quantities these days!

However when we talk about protection and family in our lives there is so much more to look at other than just the four of us.  I was an only child growing up so I always loved to surround myself with people...extended family if you might; however I have a hard time letting people in because I was always afraid of getting hurt -- and while I hate to admit it I feel like I am understand where Payton from One Tree Hill when she says that "People Always Leave"  I feel like there are so many people in my life that come in and make a huge impact on me, my kids, and my life...but then I make a personal decision that they don't enjoy and they chose to leave my life all together.

The Crazy 5 @ Beer Fest

But...over the last 2 years Ryan and I have really found a family in those people who we surround ourselves by.  We have found people who even tho they don't hear from me every day they know I love them...they would do anything for my children and would do with with out expecting anything in return.

Candice & Megan 2012

They are friends who might have lived only 1 mile away and because brothers and sisters to you but because of the (stupid) military are not living in the middle of no where with a tone of snow...but they are still there for you.  They still talk, text, video chat and do what ever needs to be done to keep the relationship alive...but each and everyday that they are gone they are missed and loved completely.

Chad - A Missed Friend

They are friends what you have known for all of your life...so long that you don't remember the first time that you met them.  And you went 10 years without talking to them, but once you started -- you can't imagine them not in your life for another 10 year period.  They don't know everything about you...but they know that they love you and your family.  They are Auntie and Uncle because they might as well be...They live 1/2 way across the US but thank god for texting and Facebook...it is like they are next door neighbors!

Ugly Sweater Party B-Day Fun  2012

But most of all they are the friends that change you and hit you fast.  This year someone that I wouldn't have expected not only because best friend but i love him like an older brother!   Today has reminded me that life is dynamic and changes daily...and when family grow there is nothing greater than that!  These are the friendships that you hold on to and never let go -- you know that there is mutual respect and love and as time goes by it really is more like extended family than friends!  But, these are the people that you know you don't want to live with out because life would suck!

I love each of the people that I hold in my heart as part of my extended family -- despite if they live 10 minutes or 10000 miles from.

You all know who you are...pictures help too lol...thank you for the memories that we share, and the ones that we have yet make!

(Candice & Jason, Scott & Miranda, Mer & Joe, Chad, and so many more...I love you!)