As the years have gone by and I've grown from baby to adult, there's more than a few things I've forgotten to say thank you for. Here's some of the few things I've never officially thanked you for as I've grown up:
1. Changing my diapers.
LOL this one goes without saying, but who else would've done it?
2. Teaching me to use utensils.
Probably wouldn't love food as much as I do now had I never learned how to properly eat it.
3. Taking billions of baby pictures.
Nothing better than seeing how much cuter I was than everyone else.
4. Making my favorite meal for dinner.
Nothing compares to homemade enchiladas, chili verde, DFC, or some good ol' salmon.
5. Letting me stay home from school when I didn't want to go.
Or picking me up when I fainted watching the 8th grade birthing video.
6. Taking me on family vacations any chance you could.
Remember the time mom reserved that god-awful hotel room in Key West, because I sure do.
7. Taking the fam to spend time with our grandparents.
If we hadn't driven 12 hours to Florida every year how else would Bopchi & GP have become my most favorite humans?
8. For buying me snacks on said 12-hour road trip.
No one likes sitting in a car with a b*tchy Lily, better yet, a hungry Lily. Thanks for doing everyone a solid and buying me Cheetos Puff and Smartfood Popcorn.
9. Not sugar-coating anything.
By being blunt, to the point, realistic, and sometimes harsh, I've learned to not sweat the small stuff and how to deal with the bigger issues.
10. Teaching me how to deal with my problems.
Whether it be from watching you two deal with your own issues, you helping me through mine, or some tough love, you have both taught me how to tough it out so I can handle things on my own.
11. Teaching me it is okay to not be okay.
Everyone has their moments and it's okay to ask for help sometimes.
12. Not allowing anything lower than a 'B'.
Even though Geometry, Chemistry, and Biology might not agree with you, by telling me my grades were important I've learned that they actually are.
13. Your dumb jokes, Dad.
Your humor has made me appreciate the dumber things in life. Without your puns and *Paul-isms* I'm not sure how I would make it through the day.
14. Your hard work, Momma.
It can't be an easy task mothering me, Emma, and Matthew, and especially not from a different state, but we don't say thank you enough. You have shown us all the true meaning of drive and motivation.
15. Slipping me $$$ when I didn't ask for it.
A little bit does in fact go a long way. Thanks for funding my Big Mac meals.
16. Coming to the majority of my soccer games.
I know they weren't that fun to watch, but it really did mean the world having my parents on the sidelines just so I could tell them to shut up later (thanks mom).
17. Helping me expand my palette.
Whether it be cheap wine or non-organic fruit, I now know the importance of quality food and how to appreciate good food.
18. Not laughing at me when I got my wisdom teeth out.
It was a traumatic time in my life and I'm thankful you didn't laugh, waiting until after to make fun of me. Bless the chipmunk cheeks.
19. Filling up the gas tank randomly.
Seriously, THANK YOU.
20. Sending me care packages at school...
Even if they had condoms in them.
21. Teaching me how to cook.
Since you've taught me to appreciate good food you've also taught me how to make good food. I sure appreciate it and I know my roomies will too.
22. Always going to the doctors office with me.
Shots are scary, and getting blood drawn is even worse. Thanks for sticking by my side when I yelled at the doctor.
23. Not letting my ego get too big.
Let's face it, I can be a yatch most of the time and you always seem to remind me just when I'm getting a little too full of myself. Thanks for keeping me grounded.
24. For being the best parents a girl could ask for.
I only listed 24 things I forget to thank you two for, but the list goes on and on and on. Thank you for being the best role models and for continually teaching me how to be a strong, independent, and driven young lady. Without you two life would be pretty dull.