Many Thanks!!

A few days late, I know; but still. I thought this year I would tell my many (many, many) family members why I am thankful for them:

-Chad--because you are a hero among men; because you make me beautiful! (See bedroom wall for more.)

-Coren--because you changed motherhood from fear to bliss!

-Pops--because you taught me how to recognize the heroes among men; because you are my solid, wise and happy father!

-Momma--because you are everything good and gentle and strong that I remember from my childhood/teenage years!

-Andrea--because you were willing to come in and pick up where Momma left off; because you love us like crazy; because you are patient and forgiving!

-Sue-Stanley--because you're my favorite literature/movie/music buddy; because you stay up with me till 3 am to talk about whatever; because you treated your sisters like queens!

-Mel--because you are everything I wished Garrett to have; because you fit right in with our weirdnesses; because you make me feel like a million bucks!

-Genevieve--because you are crazy! because you tell people you're a popstar, and you enjoy Mothra, and you already know how to have strong opinions!

-Aeris--because you have no sense of personal boundaries; because you are the happiest face to see in the morning!

-Cian--because you still won't let me hold you (grrr!); because you have a giant smile!

-Seanny--because you are perfect for Tera; because you are just another big brother, totally comfortable, like you've been a Sorensen since birth; because you are always ready for the next big outdoor activity!

-Tera--because you are Tera; because you are the person I go to for advice on life; because you have a neverending wall of calm, which is a constant comfort for the rest of us!

-Shmoody--because you loved me best when you were a baby (yes, you did!); because you are a fabulous big sister; because your hair is beautiful!

-Benny--because you have the best giggle ever; because you are soft and tender!

-Megamoo--because we all know exactly how you're feeling by just looking at your face; because you are unique; because you already have a teenager's stubbornness!

-Nacy--because you are squishable; because you can scream at police siren frequencies!

-David--because you are a weirdo; because you always have a new musician for us to listen to; because you have a dry, sarcastic humor!

-Rinny--because you light up my world; because you are always ready for an adventure; because you are sassy; because you make me feel better whenever I talk to you!

-Porter--because you are also a weirdo; because you never tire of our ridiculous conversations; because you are an example of integrity!

-Brittney--because you are Brittney; because you are an anchor for others; because you are always a joy to hang out with!

-Launa--because you finally like me (hooray!); because you love taking care of Coren; because you have incredible eyelashes!

-Jean--because you are tender; because you have the greatest laugh to listen to!

-Amber--because you used to sing all over the house; because you have a fabulous smile!

-Special--because you are solid; because you were always my partner in imagination; because you have talent coming out of your ears; because you are an ideal brother!

-Shorty--because you are the definition of happiness and joy; because you constantly make me laugh; because you are kind and good and compassionate; because you are also an ideal brother!

-Brooklyn--because you let me be a big sister; because your smile makes life better; because you talk to me and listen to me!

-Kyra--because you are Kyra; because you are strong and wise and happy; because you are someone that others look up to, even if they're older; because you just rock my world and bring me joy!

-Prestone--because you make me feel important; because you're always happy to see me; because you have excellent stories!

-Jesse--because you are crazy! because you are the resident monkey; because you make me laugh and make me exhausted!

-Mike (Dad)--because you raised a hero among men! because you are wise and faithful; because you are ever-interested in the accomplishments of your children!

-Stacy (Mom)--because you are warmth and comfort! because you have no greater joy than having us around; because you have wonderful advice; because you have endless compassion!

-Brandon--because you are smarter than me; because you are always fun to talk to; because you are a character of strength and confidence; because you make the party better!

-Ciara--because you are another sister I was always waiting for; because you are always fabulous company; because you love to spend time with me, and you teach me so much about being an excellent mother!

-Shlecka--because you are already a teenager; because you have a one-of-a-kind imagination; because you are so animated!

-Noah--because you have a large head; because you have the most smiley face; because you are a great buddy for Coren!

-Toddums--because you are a giant among men! because you welcomed me right in to the family; because you are a loyal friend and a great listener; because you are always game for high adventure! because you are a rockin' missionary!

-Summy--because you always make me happy; because you like having me around; because you are fun and tender and sassy all at the same time; because you are just good, in all the choices you make!

And the list keeps growing! I love you, my family! I love that there are more of you every year! I love every in-law and step that comes in and fills another hole in my utopian world! My life wouldn't be the same without any one of you!! Thank you! Thank you! And I thank my Heavenly Father every night for letting me be a part of your lives! There's no better place!