November 5, 2005
On the topic of "Saying Thank-you" many names come to mind. I feel like we are so blessed to have the countless loved ones in our life. I want to take this moment to express our gratitude and thankfulness to all of you.
- Thank you God for blessing me with this life.
-Thank you Mom and Dad for being the most wonderful in-laws a daughter could ever dream of having. We appreciate your hospitality to take us in during the remodeling of our house. We are forever grateful for all that you have done. Our children are blessed to have grandparents that take the time to teach them so much about life. From board games to guitar lessons to bike riding to grocery shopping to knitting to computer playing they are learning so much. Your great big bear hugs will forever be remembered!
-Thank you Mom, the one who knows me inside and out. I appreciate everything you have done in my life to make me who I am today. If you only knew how much our friendship/relationship meant to me, it might make you cry tears of joy! The countless talks, meals, visits, and chats over cups of coffee are much appreciated.
-Thank you Dad for taking this adoption as an opportunity to get closer to me, John and all the kids. Your support throughout this journey has made us closer. The kids enjoy every moment they spend with you and Julia just adores you. Thanks again!
-Thank you to to all the Aunts and Uncles. Aunt Tanya you have never failed me my whole life. Enough said! Uncle Jack, Aunt Lisa, Aunt Tanya M., and all the wonderful family up in Oregon. Your encouraging words and support throughout our adoption has been very helpful. We look forward to all of you meeting the girls.
-Thanks Brad, Connie, Matt, Janet, Jeremy, and Elena. You all have been wonderful brothers and sisters and very supportive when at times I am sure you were thinking we are crazy. Did I say were? You guys are great!
-Thanks to all of our other relatives. Jeda, Uncle Paul, Aunt Luba and all the cousins have been so supportive of us. It is so nice to have such a wonderful extended family.
-A special thanks to Grandma Marge and our adopted "Grandma" Kathleen. The love you have poured on our family makes us luckier than winning the lottery. From encouraging phone calls at just the right moment, to heartfelt cards nestled between bills and junk mail, to the most delicious homecooked meals delivered right to my door, I will always remember the example you both have set. One day, I hope to be as awesome a woman as both of you are.
-To all the woman in my e-team at church- Tonya, Jenny, Denise, Traci, Laura, Sharon, Lisa, Brandy, Tiffany, Mona, Lorene, Jan, Andrea, April, and Penny. I have gotten so much out of being in a "small group". Thanks for being there during some of my lowest moments......you know who you are. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for the countless prayers and loving support.
-Thanks to the women I scrapbook with. Michele, Melinda, Angelica, Maryann, and Misty. You know we do so much more together but still I appreciate those special times that we get together to scrapbook and talk into the wee hours of the night. Oh how I miss those times. One day, we will do it again........I promise. Thank you for being so much like me!
-A great big, giant, humongous THANK YOU to our church. So many of you pray for us continually and I know it has impacted our lives tremendously. For that we will aways be thankful. Also, thank you for the financial support for this adoption, the numerous bags of clothes for our children (you know who you are), the offers to babysit, the offers to help with our house, and the continual follow-ups to see how we are doing. A special thank you to all of the "older" ladies (did I say that?) who are part of circle. Is it still called that? We loved all the wonderful meals you provided. I look forward to sharing December 13.
-Last but not least, Thank you to all of the wonderful people we have met through adoption. We cannot say enough good things about Adoption Ark and the wonderful support group they have formed for all their familes. I am so thankful for meeting Letizia, Courtney, Jessica, Laura, Karen, Annie, and Alla in Russia. I also thank Lynn across the street who has become a good friend through adoption. May you bring your children home soon. I also appreciate the very wonderful ladies at Stewart Title in Reedley. Without you, I would have pulled my hair out of frustration. Keep up the good work!