Family and Pizza

I was at the mall the other day with Steen (29, sister, real name Christine) and Jazz(3). Steen and I were talking about going out with the kids. I was telling her about when I take out all three kids (Madi(1) Jazz(3) Eli(2)) people tend to stare at me as if they feel very sorry for me. Jazz interrupted in a loud voice.
Jazz “You took out all three kids?”
Me “Ya Jazz sometimes I do”
Jazz “You took out Madi, JP and Mac”
Me (laughing) “Jazzy, Neen only has one kid, Madi.”
Jazz “JP and Mac not your kids Neen?”
I had to explain to her about JP (21, brother, abides in the basement) and Mac (19, not related, eats here, sleeps at home, works for JP)
It made me think about what makes a family. Tonight as JP, Kyle and I made Pizza in the kitchen; I pondered what makes a family. Sometimes you are born into one; some you marry into, sometimes you are lucky enough to be adopted. A good family is like a good pizza. You need lots of different ingredients. Lots of colors. Something cheesy to glue it all together, throw it all in the oven on a pan. When the temperature is turned up what comes out is delicious.
Families are a living thing, they grow and change. Even though there is no classification that encompasses Husband, Wife, Baby, Wife’s Sister, Niece, Nephew, Wife’s Brother, Wife’s Brother’s Employee and Wife’s Best Friend as immediate family, this is how we see each other. My extended family is even crazier, I have the typical aunt uncle, and grand parents but I also have 2nd Dad Laurie who fixes my car and flies in my best friend, and Christina Obrien whom I see as my ½ Pilipino sister. I have Olivia, brothers ex girlfriend, Madi’s favorite babysitter whom I used to babysit.
Madi has my family (as nuts as it is) she also has a Nana, Paw, Noni, Popi, Aunt and Great Aunt. Adding to these though are Madi’s Pilipino families The Abustan’s and Ludovica’s. So she has 4 Pilipino brothers a Pilipino sister and two extra Mom’s and Dad’s.
What an amazing full life we lead. God has given us such an amazing family. We love you all.