you know your family's cool when...

1. you call them and tell them that you fucked up and they tell you that (a) they have fucked up a lot along the way too and (b) they're going to help make sure that you survive the next few months

2. they make arrangements to take off work and drive 11 hours (to AND from) in order to see you graduate, then start planning their weekend six months ahead of time

3. when your family friends throw a party for your youth minister, they take the stuffed teddy bear you used to take on all of the tours (the tour mascot, as it was) to see him off

4. when you talk about thanksgiving, they ask if you're bringing "crystal" - the barbie doll representing your aunt who lives in alaska

5. they tell you they love you and they're not being paid to do it