Thankful for many things

I'm thankful for many things.  Mostly my family.  I love my husband and children beyond words and I'm so thankful for the little things they do for me every day.  I talk a lot about them here.  But there are some family members I haven't told how much they mean to me.  My siblings.  There are a lot of us.  We get together as a whole family regularly but I live the furthest away from most of them so I don't get to see them much one on one.  I forget to tell them how much they mean to me and what I love about them.  So here I go...

Lisa- My only older sibling who quietly paves the way for the rest of us.  I love that Lisa is kind, gentle, and loving. She is is generous with all that she has.  I love being able to call her and get her feedback on whatever I might need advice on. I am thankful that she loves me the way I am and makes me feel like I matter. 
Jared- We are six years apart in age but he has always seemed older than that to me.  Jared is wise.  He is a thinker and I love watching him observe and process information.  Jared is able to sense when things are off.  Over the years he has come to me and asked me how I am, if things are okay.  I am thankful for that concern and love from him.
Beth-Beth and I have kids the same ages.  I love that I can call her up and arrange spontaneous outings with our kids.  She is great to ask advice and will give me honest feedback.  I love her ability to focus and accomplish the things she sets out to do.  I am thankful that she is my friend as well as my sister.
Aaron-I am thankful that he is who he is.  Its hard to explain really.  Ever since he was a little boy I always felt a connection with him.  He gets me.  He is funny and loving.  He cares and expresses his love regularly in his actions.  I am thankful for his big personality and quiet acts of kindness.
David-  I love his outlook on life.  He is a go getter, and he does just that.  He inspires me to push myself, to think outside the box, to try new things.  He has always been funny in a quiet witty way.  I know that David wants only the best for his family and am thankful for his encouragement and advice.
Shara- We are many years apart but I see so many traits that we have the same. I love that she is straight up with everyone she meets.  She has passion and is willing to make sacrifices to follow it.  She is independent but still needs love and support from her family. I am thankful that she appreciates her family and freely gives her love, friendship, and support to me as well.
Shawn- I went away to college when he was just a little boy.  I loved coming home and he was so excited to see me.  I love that he is willing to try and try again when life gets hard.  I appreciate his efforts to get to know my kids, and inquire how I am.  I am thankful for his insight on his life experiences.  They help me know how to help others. 

If you think about it, family and faith is the core or foundation for everything around us.  I am thankful to have such amazing siblings.  They teach me so much about life and how to live it.  They are my friends and my support.  I am so thankful for them.   

An old photo from my brothers wedding.  My family plus my sis-in-law.  Its the only one I could find with all my brothers and sisters together.