Thankful..

Thanksgiving has arrived, and I realized I have never done a true blog post of what I am thankful for on the very day we are reminded to be thankful. So here are some things, in no particular order, in which I am indescribably thankful for.

My family, but that should go without saying. They are my rock, and I love them with every bit of me. I am thankful for my father for being the comedian and the provider, I know he would travel to the ends of the earth to make everyone in my family happy and still smiles about it no matter how hard it is. My mother, she is the shrink of the family (and to many friends) she loves so unconditionally and cares so deeply about each person in our family, and it shows in every one of her actions. My sister Beth, I am thankful for my perma-best friend, she truly is my best friend in every way and am always astounded at her  many talents, she is incredible. My new brother Landon, he is the perfect match for my sister, the love he shows to her and the way he treats her is a constant reminder that love is real and that I should settle for nothing less than perfect for me. My brother Nate, for being an example of how to live my life. And lastly, my little brother Ryan, this boy is a Saint. I am thankful for his teasing and constant care of his poor older sister:] and am floored by his selflessness and know that the people of India are so appreciative of him this Thanksgiving season.

My friends, they all bring something different to my life which I thrive off of. I have met some amazing people that have meant so much to me. I know there is no way I could ever repay them for everything they have brought to my life, but I am so unbelievably thankful for every last one of them.

The Gospel, there have been many times where I have wondered what my life would be like without my faith in the Gospel, and I can promise you it would be much different than what it is now. The knowledge I have gained through the teachings of the Spirit is unlike anything I have ever felt or experienced. It truly is my foundation and I am beyond thankful for it everyday. 

My health, the ability I have to move, walk, run, and most importantly dance is honestly something I am thankful for daily. Dancing is my love and my passion and I don't know what I would so without it. As well, I am grateful to not be slowed by any sort of disease, or hindrance of my mind. 

My education, I am so thankful that I have been able to attend college and in fact graduate (just two more classes to go) I simply cannot wait for that feeling of accomplishment and know all of my hard work will all pay off in the end. 

Travel, I am so thankful that my parents have put such an emphasis on seeing the world since before I was born. They have always wanted each one of their children to see the world and experience as many different cultures and types of people as possible. It's not often you find a mother willing to send her daughters(one being 15) to Bolivia and Peru by themselves to work, but my mother did.  I am also thankful that we didn't always travel in the most luxurious ways, don't get me wrong, we stayed in some nice places, but what I remember the most are the rugged, true to culture places we would see and stay. I crave my new adventures, and am so thankful to have had them and can't wait to have more.

My babies in Ecuador, the lessons they taught me and the way they have touched my soul is something that has effected me so greatly. I can never truly express my gratitude for that experience.

and then, of course, there are the silly little things..

My bed, my car, books, water bottles, the dodo, chocolate, burts bees, mens deoderant, phones, computers, shopping, make up, ear plugs, socks, television shows, flannel, herbal tea, kissing, planes, quotes, pictures, nail polish, contacts, baths, lamps, bobby pins, sweat shirts, all things fun, etc.

So friends, these are just a few of the things I am thankful for! 

What do you remember on this day of thanks?

xx,

m