What I Am Thankful For

Honestly, this year has been one of the hardest years for me in so many ways. It's interesting though, how when things get hard and we go through our variety of trials, we often become more grateful for all the things that go right in our lives. This is the case for me. I feel accutely aware of all the challenges I have faced lately, yet also very aware of how much Heavenly Father has blessed my life.

I am thankful for:
Sadie-To kiss her, to hear her laugh, to teach her new things, to cuddle with her, to have her here with us today. Whenever I am feeling grouchy because she is being a little stinker, I am reminded how blessed Nick and I are to even have her here with us today after her difficult start in life. I love you so much Sadie girl.
Friends-I remember in high school hanging out with people who I liked and had fun with but who weren't people I could really rely on. I look at my life now, and see how Heavenly Father has blessed me by placing the most amazing people all around me. I love who I surround myself with because everyone I know and associate with makes me a better person in one way or another. I am very blessed to be able to say that.
Family- Growing up second oldest in a family of nine definitely had it's challenges for sure, but I am grateful that my parents raised me to have high morals and standards. From a young age I was taught to say no to drugs, cigarettes, drinking, and anything that might take away my agency and cloud my judgement. Because of my parent's wisdom, I was able to avoid bad situations and make good decisions with assurity that I was doing what I was supposed to. (Not to say I didn't make bad decisions because, yes of course, I did. When it came to the important decisions though, I felt I made the right ones.) Thanks Mom and Dad.
Nick- (Who pooped out on me tonight...We were supposed to watch Captain America but he passed out from exhaustion before we even started it. :) ) He is flopped over on the couch next to me right now as I write this. I am grateful for his patience and for his optimistic attitude towards everything and everyone. He is a very kind and funny person and doesn't have a temper in the slightest degree. So grateful for that. He is smart and helps me figure out math/numbers when couponing. (Without him I would probably smash my calculator to smithereens! Ha Ha. Smithereens. Cool word.) He supports me in all of my hobbies and never yells at me when I make us late to church every Sunday. Love you Nick.
My sister Tara- She is my confidant. My shoulder to cry on. The person I call to share a good laugh with. The person I love to tease. :) My best friend. Who would know that after years of her pinning me down and bouncing up and down on my stomach making farts come out, I would feel this way. :) I didn't then...Do now. Love you sis. Thanks for everything.

Oh man, I have so many more things I could go on about. This can be part 1 because it is super duper late and Nick woke up, ready to go to bed.
TO BE CONTINUED...