31 Days of May ~ Day 24

I couldn't decide between Tara's edited version of what today's post is supposed to be and what the original is so I'm going to do both.
24.  Favorite Things and Letter to My Parents.
Oprah's Favorite Things show was always one of my very favorites.  I loved seeing the people so excited for the amazing gifts they got from such a generous lady, especially the last couple years of the show where she gave them to people so deserving of them.  Going to her show with my mom was on my bucket list but obviously that dream will not come true as tomorrow is her last show.  I'm not giving anything away and my meager list of favorite things is nothing compared to her's but here it is...

My Camera and the pictures I take with it.

Candles.  I love a good candle.

My Tom's, love these and they are so comfortable.

Pink, I love the color Pink.  I'm drawn to it.

My iPod Touch.
Burt's Bees lip balm, the minty one.

(there is more than this but it's all i can think of right now, i'll add more as i think of them)

Letter to my parents, oh dear.  Where do I start?

Mom and Dad,

I'm not good with words but I will attempt to tell you how much I love you and how much you both mean to me.    

I'm so thankful for the two of you and I'm glad I chose you as my parents in the pre-existence.  I'm so thankful you two didn't throw in the towel and walk away during the times when it would have been much easier to do so.  You both toughed it out and worked it out with each other when things got hard and, to me, that is such an important lesson to teach your children.  Don't give up.  I'm so thankful I don't come from a broken home and I know my parents love each other for who they are and can accept each other for who they aren't.

You both gave me, Jade and Chelsie a great childhood.  We never had a want for anything and I know that we weren't wealthy by any means.  You both sacrificed so much so we could have the things we wanted and are awesome parents.  We are such a strong, loving family and it's because of you.

I hated our "family day" Sundays because my friends didn't have to do that with their families, they could be out doing something and I felt like I was missing out.  But now, none of that obviously matters.  We bonded during those Sundays of togetherness even though we didn't like it then and thought our friends were more important.

There was never a question in my mind of how important us kids were to you both growing up.  It's in every Jr. Jazz basketball game, softball game, basketball game, volleyball game, dance/Phi-Del competition and recital you both sat through because you love us.

Mom, what can I say?  We've grown up together since you had me at 18.  We are so close and I'm so thankful for our relationship.  I'm so lucky to have a mom that I can share my ups and downs with and you have no judgement on me.  Your kids are you most prized possession and we all know that because of how you raised us.  I love spending time together, just the two of us and the fun we have.  You truly are one of my very best friends.  

Dad, thank you for everything you've taught me and continue to teach me.  Thank you for always being there to help us when we need anything.  You are such an awesome father and I'm so glad you're mine.  I loved being your little fishing buddy when I was little, although I'm sure I didn't help you catch any fish.  I remember sitting on your lap in the Datsun on our way home from fishing one day and you let me steer the car, I thought that was just the coolest thing.  One of my favorite memories of you is when we were camping at Twin Lakes.  It was getting dark and you were sitting by the fire listening to The Rolling Stones, and the song "You Can't Always Get What You Want" was playing.  You told me that song was true, that you can't always get what you want but if you try you get what you need.  I don't know why that particular memory sticks out so much but it does and I love it.  It is something I've carried with me and it's so true to my life right now.

You both are priceless in my life.  I see you, I hear you and what you say matters to me.  I love you both.