Givin' Thanks

I know it's late, but what kind of person would I be if I didn't submit a Thanksgiving post? After all, I've definitely been blessed so much. I'm so thankful for my family. They have been there through it all my craziness, through the tears, and eventually letting go of me and supporting me in this first year of college. I always get so excited that my parents are interested in my future, that they want me to succeed. I've realized that this doesn't happen for everybody. I know that whatever I choose to study or to become, they will be there for me. I am an independent person, and I've been more than excited to get out of high school and start my life away from home, but I must admit that when I'm home I am sad to leave. I thought I wouldn't be sad anymore, but what I dread is the day when I'm not sad to leave, or when my family doesn't miss me anymore. My parents have taught me so much in the years I've grown up. They have given me a testimony of my Savior and raised me to love him. That is something so special to me. I love my parents & I don't show them that enough.

 I'm thankful for my little siblings. I am the oldest of 5. I love them each for their individuality...my parents have some crazy kids. I feel like the oldest 2 have grown up enough and don't need me around anymore. I hope they do! I'm always there for them. That's what keeps me sad, is that as I'm the oldest, I don't get to see them grow up. There are so many things each day my 6-year-old sister and my 8-year-old brother say that keep me laughing. Over the break, my brother Brayden asked if "Madonna" was a stage name. He is also creating a "resume" (literally, he air-quoted the word) of airport drawings for when he becomes an aviation architect. He also informed me that we celebrate Jesus' birth in the winter even though he was born in the spring. He is a little genius and I wish I could be there for all of his little tangents.

 My sister, Savannah was the sister I prayed for for many years. I cried at the ultrasound when my mom was pregnant with Brayden, which of course made my overly-emotional mother cry. Then I cried when I went to the ultrasound when she was pregnant with Savannah. She is nothing like what I thought a little sister would be. I am 12 years older than her, but there is still a sibling rivalry. She is the biggest, spoiled, sassiest princess I have ever encountered. Needless to say, she is a redhead. My mom thinks she will burn off all the craziness by the time she is a teenager, but I have a feeling she just says that to make her feel better. She came in upset into her room and told me she had a horrible life. When I told her she didn't, she reassured me that I didn't know what it was like to be her, and that I was not allowed to talk to her unless she was happy. I asked her why she was unhappy and she said "You're still talking! If you talk to me again, I will punch you. I don't want to punch you, so I wouldn't talk if I were you." Does that sum her up nicely? Thought so.

I'm also unbelievably grateful for my friends. I've always been an open book, so I love when 
people accept me for who I am...'cause they usually get all of me- the bad, the good, the weird. One of the biggest reasons I miss being home is living next door to my best friend, Nicole. All the years and all the houses I ever lived in as a kid never having anyone in 
my neighborhood to be my friend. Waiting was worth it! I was the luckiest person alive, & I miss basically living with my best friend for 7 years of my life. We're pretty much the same person, and it's sad to be away. I love her for always being the person I could do nothing and anything with, our inside jokes, and how excited she was for me to come to BYU. 

This goes to my best friends here in Utah. I was so scared that I wouldn't find friends that I could truly connect with. I have always had amazing friends and I was scared that wouldn't happen for me here. Well, I was wrong. I have had the best time at college with Alex and Annie (I really need an A name don't I...). I am so excited to be the crazy grandma that meets up with her college roommates, 60 years from now, cackling about all our crazy stories (we need some more guys...let this be your motivation). They definitely help me to be a better person & make me feel like I have a home away from home.

Last but never least I am so thankful to be at this school.  I am thankful for my testimony which got me to this point in my life. It's very humbling to think of who I may be if I wasn't a member of this church. It's more than just a religion or a church; it's something that has taught me to live better everyday, and that I can through Jesus Christ. I see how much my Heavenly Father has had a hand in my life and it's amazing. I don't deserve much of it. 

But what a year! Life is flying by & I just want to slow it down for a bit. I need to write thankful posts more often-there is so much I could write. Hope everyone's holiday was as great as mine was!