Thank You

Well, I've been slacking on my gratitude journal lately. But.. seeing as how today is Thanksgiving.. I think it's the perfect time to catch up!

Today, I am grateful for so many things.

That my Savior loves me. He knows me personally, and has experienced all the same exact trials that I have gone through, am going through, and will go through. He was willing to sacrifice His life for me. The one thing He wants, more than anything is for us to all be together again, as brothers, sisters, and parents.

For patriarchal blessings.

That I am able to express an attitude of gratitude.

For the Holy Ghost, and the fact that I can have his comfort always, if I obey and keep the commandments.

For my dad. My dad is an incredible person. He has always been there for me.. even when I didn't want him to be. I love him so very much. And I consider myself the luckiest girl in the world because I was blessed to have him as my father, my dad, and one of my very best friends. I cannot express how much I love him in words. He means the world to me. I'm so grateful that we have the close relationship that we do, and that I can go to him whenever I need or want to. I don't think I would be the same person I am today if I didn't have him as my dad. I'm so grateful for all that he has done for me, for how much he cares about me, and how badly he wants to see me succeed.

For Danielle. To me, Danielle is not my "step-mom". Whenever I think about that title, I always imagine Cinderella's evil step-mother.. and that is definitely not who Danielle is. She is a mother to me, a best friend, a shoulder to cry on, a shopping buddy, and so many other things. I'm so very grateful that she is in my life. And I'm so glad that we have the close relationship that we do. I love it when people ask if I like my step-mom. Because my answer is always along the lines of "Yes. I love her so much.. she is one of my very best friends!" I love seeing the surprised looks on the face of the person who asked the question. I consider myself so lucky to have the kind of relationship with her that I do. I'm so grateful for all that she has done for me.. she is such a blessing in my life. And I'm so grateful that she was able to bring Kyler and Semaya into this world. I love both of them so much, and now that they're here, I can't imagine a world without them.

For my mom. My mom is my hero. She has gone through so much.. but she still stands strong. She is an amazing example of compassion and kindness to me. She rarely if ever speaks an unkind word about anyone. She is always thinking of others. She will always put her family and her children before herself. I want to be exactly like her when I grow up. Dorky-ness and all. [: I miss her so much. But I'm so grateful that I have the opportunity to see her this weekend for a few hours. :D My mom is my superhero, and I couldn't have asked to have been sent to anyone else.

For Ben. I know I've listed Ben a few times in my gratitude journal, but I really really am super thankful that he is in my life. He really brings out the best in me. He is kind, and gentle. He is funny and playful. He is talented and smart. His testimony is so strong. He loves me. For me. He didn't want me to cut my hair short, but when I did, he said he still loved me the same. That really means a lot to me.. and no, I didn't cut my hair just as a test.. haha. But I'm so grateful that he loves me inside and out. It's such a comfort to know that someone cares so genuinely for me. He only wants what's best for me, and takes care of me the best ways he knows how. And I can't thank him enough. I am so blessed.

For what little patience I have. [:

For my siblings.

For my bed.

For my friends.

For electricity.

For my hair.

For my shoes.

For my job.

For my ward.

For music.

For creativity.

For my professors.

For the gospel.

For the scriptures.

For clothes.

For sunshine.

For rain.

For snow.

For summer, winter, spring, & fall

For flowers.

For grass.

For trees.

For mountains.

For cupcakes.

For mirrors.

For my testimony.

For indoor plumbing.

For bees.

For warm blankets & hot cocoa.

For the Atonement.

For President Monson.

For the priesthood.

For holy places.

For the commandments.

For the Word of Wisdom.

For the plan of happiness.

For colors.

For sounds.

For miracles.

For family.

For mercy.

For repentance.

For personal revelation.

For sleep.

And so much more..