Tis The Season

It might be the fact that Thanksgiving is next week or just that I've done a lot of thinking lately but either way, I am so blessed to have the people around me that I do.

Seems like people are always coming and going. Yes there are people that I am still 'friends' with thanks to the superficial Facebook instant messaging chats and wall posts but there are so many people that I can't go without on a weekly, or even daily basis.

First is my family. There are ups and downs always just like any other family but at the end of the day, they mean the world to me. I'd do anything for em and I pray that each of them knows that. I can't imagine thinking the word family without them. Savannah has such a sweet spirit about her and it is so humbling to know how much she looks up to me. Taylor and his witty sense of humor keeps our family smiling and laughing. Mom is the hardest working woman I've ever met. If it's not her church calling its decorating the school. If it's not the school it's cleaning the house and making sure we've all got a homemade dinner every night. She cares about others and will to anything physically possible to help the people around her. And then there's dad. I get emotional just talking about that man. All I can say is he is such a great example to me of what kind of a person I want to be someday. I love you all.

I can't mention family without mentioning my grandparents and my billion aunts, uncles, and cousins. It's been awesome to get closer to them as I've gotten older. I've been visinting Grandma Becky more and more and it's now turned into a weekly thing. What a strong, caring woman with such a sense of humor!! Bruce and Franky, you are the next best thing to my parents I love you both so much. Jess, I've looked up to you as a big sister ever since I can remember. You're such an example to me of the kind of wife, sister, and friend that I want to be. I love you cuz. Jack, Jake, and your families you guys are the greatest. The big brothers I never had. Jake to be nice big brother and Jack to tease the heck out of me. :)

Second is Nick. Wow oh wow. What an amazing person. Nick you are so strong and such an example to me. I've never met anyone who cares so much for his family and isn't shy of showing it. Your siblings look up to you with so much respect and deservedly so. Thank you for always being there and treating me like absolute royalty. I don't know what I did to deserve to have you in my life right now but do know I love every moment of it. I need to say thanks to your family as well for inviting me in their home and making me feel so welcome. You all are so great!

Kelly, Beth, Milo, and little Malia. I know we are related through spirit and really, you guys have made such a huge impact in my life. Beth you are such an amazing mother and friend. You're one of the biggest examples to me of the kind of mom I want to be. Thank you for always making me smile and keep my head up whenever I talk to you. I love being around you and your family and feeling that strong love that is in your home. You guys are amazing.

Thanks to my friends that have been there for me when things get rough. Candice: you are my hero :) Janie girl: Best roomie ever! Kyle: You have been there for me through everything for years and I'm so grateful for that. Thank you for the support and love you've shown me unconditionally. Matsky: You and your pointy shoes are fantastic. Thanks for all the letters and chocolate and making me smile every week. You're the best. Miss JJ: You made me feel so loved from day one. Thank you for being my personal therapist and always knowing exactly what do say. Jenn: I miss you at OPCC but I'm so glad we've got our friendship. I love how we don't see each other for months and we do lunch and we can pick up exactly where we left off :) Jess, Marissa, Litch, and Elsh: I'll never forget us dancing the night away together. Thanks for keeping me sane!!

There are a million other people that I could mention here but this is really starting to drag. I just want to say how grateful I am that I'm so blessed to have so many people in my life who have shown their love and support through everything this past couple years.

My final thanks is for the most important man in my life. It is because of his love and sacrifice that I am here today. He's saved my life over and over again despite my obvious lack of deserving. I am so grateful for the blessings that comes with his atonement. I've hit rock bottom and been completely alone but there's never been a moment where I have doubted his presence. His love is there unconditionally and his spirit can be too if we let him. I don't know where I'd be without the gospel and the light it's brought into my life.

Take a moment to think about who you're grateful for this holiday season and take a minute to thank them. I love you all!