As I watched my family prepare for Thanksgiving while writing this article, I realized that family is truly the best gift we have been given. I know that is not the case for everyone, and I am so sad for those who dread time with their families.

My family, however, is one amazing bunch. Like the stereotypical American family, the men lounge in the living room enjoying football while the women bustle around the kitchen. Everyone talks continually - no topic of conversation is too random to participate in. We discuss local news, the weather, and even popular diets. Laughter fills the house (and occasionally, so does smoke..) while the delicious Thanksgiving dishes are cooked to perfection.

I love how family holidays are a place of no pressure. You belong there. No one can doubt it or question it because these are your people. They will claim you, no matter how weird you get. They overlook your faults and offer an endless supply of hugs when needed. Family holidays are times when you can be unapologetically genuine and never worry about what others think of you.

I'm not sure how, but family get-togethers are the memories you can feel. The joy felt in those times can stick with you when you glance back at a picture or think about that day with the people you love. What a blessing it is to be surrounded by people God hand-picked to be my family. Each person has a unique personality and role that is different from the next, but just as valuable to the chemistry of the whole bunch.

Families support each other. I can't tell you how many of my family members have talked to me about these articles; how special it is to have people who value my thoughts enough to take time to read my articles! I never doubt whether my family is proud of the woman I am becoming. They are the greatest cheerleaders and make me so thankful to be part of their group.

Finally, I am thankful for the way families grow. Getting married has been such a new and wonderful experience because I've been welcomed into another family. It's so special to transition from a stranger to a part of the family - they chose to accept me. I am really grateful for that. I'm now a part of two really awesome families with people who love me, love Jesus, and love each other.

No matter what comes my way, I know my family will be by my side. They are so special to me and I hope to never take them for granted.

Photos taken by: Olivia Erickson