‘Modern Family’s’ Ariel Winter thanks sister for taking her in

Ariel Winter has reflected on 2013 with quite a bit of nostalgia.

The 15-year-old “Modern Family” actress shared several holiday posts thanking her friends and family for their support during her “wonderful” year.

Ariel, full name Ariel Winter Workman, spent quite a bit of 2012 embroiled in courtroom drama with her mother, Chrisoula Workman, who allegedly abused her physically and emotionally. A custody deal in December 2012 determined that Winter would continue to live with her adult sister Shanelle Gray and temporarily put Glenn Workman, her father, in charge of her finances, L.A. Now reported. Chrisoula Workman was stripped of custody in October 2012.

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Since then, and throughout 2013, things seemingly improved for the actress, who plays bookworm Alex Dunphy on the award-winning ABC comedy.

The actress posted a photo collage and thank-you note to the Grays on Instagram on Christmas Day.

“I would just like to say... I am so lucky to be a part of this amazing family. It’s been about a year and a half and at the same time, been the best year and a half of my life,” she wrote.

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“I love them more than I could ever describe and they’ve shown me more love than I ever thought was possible. They’ve each given me something incredible to carry with me for the rest of my life. They’ve taught me how to love unconditionally, how to give, how to forgive, how to find strength, how to comfort others, how to love myself, and how to be a young woman.”

Ariel continued to gush about her two nieces; the example that Shanelle, her “best friend,” has set for her; and how her brother-in-law, David, has been “the best father figure” to her.

Read the note in its entirety below.

On New Year’s Eve, the actress also posted a video collage of her year in social media.

“Happy New Year’s Eve everyone! I found a loooot of photos to put into my flip gram for you,” she wrote. “Goodbye 2013! You were wonderful. Here’s to 2014! #newyearseve #flipagram #family #friends #love #happiness”

Even though she caught the flu from her sister in 2014, a little illness didn’t dampen her spirits.

Ariel’s Christmas message:

“Merry Christmas <3 The Grays! I would just like to say... I am so lucky to be a part of this amazing family. It’s been about a year and a half and at the same time, been the best year and a half of my life. I love them more than I could ever describe and they’ve shown me more love than I ever thought was possible. They’ve each given me something incredible to carry with me for the rest of my life. They’ve taught me how to love unconditionally, how to give, how to forgive, how to find strength, how to comfort others, how to love myself, and how to be a young woman. My sister is my best friend and one day I can only pray to have a family like the one she has created. I hope to be even half of the incredible person she is. She’s done so many amazing things with her life and I will always look up to my big sister. I can’t thank them enough and hopefully one day I can do something to show them how grateful I am. My nieces are the lights of my life, my sister is my better half, and my brother in law has been the best father figure you could ever ask for. He’s the best dad and I couldn’t be happier we all have him. Thank you for all you’ve done for me guys, and for always being there. I’ll be here for anything, anytime, forever (we also live together...so just knock on my door anytime). I love you with all my heart. So here’s to the rest of my life with my spectacular family! Merry Christmas everyone. Please be thankful for the amazing people and things you have in your life this year. I know I am. @shanelle_gray @davidbarrygray”

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