not just determined by blood

I am thankful that FAMILY 
is not just determined by blood. 

It is determined by love for each other. 
A deep connection of concern and care for each other. 

FAMILY are the people who are around when your world feels like it's falling apart. 

They are the people who show up at your door when you thought you didn't need anyone. 

They are the people who go with you on trips to the doctor when you just need someone in the room. 

They are the people who make you belly laugh and your face flush over the simplest things. 

They are the people who believe in you in the great times and the hard times. 

The people who celebrate with you in the little things. 

They are the people who at the sound of their voice, your day was brightened. 

They are the people that no matter what time or space is there it feels like you never left. 

They are the people who you can't get enough of - even if you don't see eye to eye on everything. 

This is what my FAMILY is to me.

I am thankful for my FAMILY.  

my FAMILY by blood 

and my EXTENDED FAMILY - by choice. 

I am thankful for my FAMILY'S EXTENDED FAMILY - by choice 

they are also MY FAMILY - by choice. 

I am thankful that in times of need and want, FAMILY shows up. 

Thank you for "showing up" for us. 

With all my love,
to my FAMILY! 

21 Suggestions for Success

by H. Jackson Brown Jr.

1. Marry the right person. This one decision will determine 90% of your happiness or misery.
2. Work at something you enjoy that is worthy of your time and talent.
3. Give people more than they expect & do it cheerfully.
4. Become the most positive & enthusiastic person you know.
5. Be forgiving of yourself & others.
6. Be generous.
7. Have a grateful heart.
8. Persistence, persistence, persistence.
9. Discipline yourself to save money on even the most modest salary.
10. Treat everyone you meet the way you want to be treated.
11. Commit yourself to constant improvement.
12. Commit yourself to quality.
13. Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power or prestige, but on relationships with people you love and respect.
14. Be loyal.
15. Be honest.
16. Be a self-starter.
17. Be decisive even if it means you'll sometimes be wrong.
18. Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life.
19. Be bold and courageous. When you look back on your life, you'll regret the things you didn't do more of than the ones you did.
20. Take good care of those you love.
21. Don't do anything that wouldn't make your Mom proud.