So much to be thankful for...

I didn't get the chance to have Thanksgiving with my whole family. That actually really made me sad. I miss my mom and dad and brothers and Katy soo much! and don't get me started on Annie and Max. But I was still lucky enough to eat two meals with two very great families. I spent the first one with my brother Ryan and his wife and her family. I felt a little awkward, being the outsider, but it was so great to be with some true Wisconsinites. I felt so at home. Then I spent the other one with Megan's husbands family. They are really like my extended family ( I don't mean they are like them, I mean they are practically my extended family) and Cory's grandma is so classy, I love it. I never feel out of place there because they are all so welcoming and act like I'm just one of them.
Well at Ryan and Jenny's we went around and said something that we were grateful for and then jokingly went around saying what we were ungrateful for. I actually struggled with that one because I don't actually have anything that I'm not grateful...everything lately has fallen into place (knock on wood). well, here are a few things I am grateful for.....

1. My family. Each and every one of them are so different from each other but they all have taught me something and helped me so much at different points in my life. Megan is seriously my hero sister. I would probably be dead without her. Ryan and Tyler I just observe and learn, they're kinda the quiet type. Jared and Jake are so cute and soo smart and I am so proud of them and the example they are to their friends. And my parents, they never divorced, never beat us, and always provided food and shelter for us and always encouraged us to do exactly what we wanted to do. Those are things a lot of kids can't say that their parents did. And all my in laws. Cory has a lot of patience with me hanging around all the time and puts meggie first in everything and Jenny is such an amazing mom and wife that never gives up and katy is such a good wife, i cant imagine my husband leaving for the army right after we got married...its incredible that she can do it!

2. Gina...she's been there with me through an awful lot. I would not be half the person I am if I didn't have her as my example through crappy high school and lame college. She really has kept me in line all these years and never left my side.

3. Kaitlyn...I'm very glad she started working at The Factory not too long ago. I found an amazing friend and new roommate all in one! and our Wednesday nights at work could not possibly get any better...just wait til we put it all on youtube.

4. Dog Lady. That lady whose dog I'm watching this weekend has no idea how much she made my weekend. I am getting paid to play with a dog. I have been deprived of such privaleges forever and she has saved me.

5. My nephews, they are so cute and being there up until a few hours before Luke was born brought me so close to the spirit. He actually taught me a lot those 9 months he was in his moms stomach and made me think a lot more about heaven and where we come from and where we will end up.

6. My new apartment, it is really the greatest place in the world. I was getting so frustrated not being able to find a good place and this one seriously felt perfect. I love it and cannot wait to move in!

7. Animals...what would be my hobby if I didn'thave these blessed creatures?

8. I'm grateful for the people out there that still believe in God. The ones that speak out always seem to be so anti any sort of belief in a higher being. It's good to hear about the people that still believe every once in a while.

9. My dear car. He gets me everywhere and doesn't even want to die.

10. Lastly, my independence. I am thankful that I have the drive to go places and I'm not afraid of whatever life wants to throw at me and I'm grateful for the people that encourage me and tell me to just do what I want to do and don't hold me back.

And in the words of Josh Groban...There is so much to be thankful for!