LITTLE GIRL AND BOY IN AN ADVENTUROUS WORLD: Humble Gratitude to my Savior for all that I have

It's Christmas time and this year I decided I would enjoy every minute of it. Yes, it can get stressful if we let it. But I had a thought... "if we let it" we get so concerned with getting a billion things to show our love and affection, but this year it's more than just giving gifts to me. It's realizing what I already have... this year I'm trying to give and do things I wouldn't normally do. Like give cookies to a random friend at church! :) I am so grateful to everyone in my life that has taught me this... First on that list is my mother: I know she struggles every day to handle so much and I admire her for it. Next is my father: throughout my life he has always tried to provide for our family and even though he and mom don't think it's enough my entire life I have had a roof over my head and been able to eat a well balanced meal. Now onto my siblings: Kathleen (Katie) first... she is me, but 8 years older... or should I say I am her. I look up to her and I always have. At the age of 17 she went off to college and struggled to provide for herself, but I have always seen her as an amazing sister and now woman and mother! I love her dearly! Next, John: My big brother who was always there for me when I needed someone to beat up the stupid boys at school who would tease me or try to "hit on me" yeah, will never forget when I was in 6th grade and these 8th grade boys were trying to make cat calls at me and John asked mom if he could beat them with his drumsticks! :) Now Jeane, growing up she and I didn't always get along, but now as we are older I am finding out how much I absolutely love spending time with her and just being around her! I am so glad she is moving here because it means that if neither of us are going out that night we can stay in and watch a way good movie! LOVE IT! Finally is David, the best friend I've had since birth! The best friend that I will always have! Yeah, we would fight in front of family and play together at school or in my room growing up! So many memories with him! If it weren't for him I'm not sure if I would know many of the amazing people I know here in Utah! :) Now, to my in laws... Ryan first... he is such a wonderful husband and father and I am so glad that he captured my sister and didn't let her go on a mission! He is a shining priesthood example along with my dad and brothers! :) Adria, she is wonderful! I love having another sister and being able to talk to her and laugh with her! It's awesome! Now, my soon to be sister in law, Stephanie, I am soo happy that my oldest brother met her! She is amazing and perfect for him in every way and I am more than excited for their wedding this Saturday! :) Now, the nephews and niece: Michael, my buddy... he is such a wonderful and shining example to me. He has taught me in many ways how to love unconditionally. I know he works hard to help his mother and his family and I am ecstatic to go see him soon... Christi, the greatest young girl I will ever know! She puts up with three brothers and does it mostly with such love and compassion. She is a wonderful example as she glows every day! James, the little red headed indian! I know it's hard being young, but he doesn't mind and is the sportiest of them all! And William (Peanut) what a perfect angel in my eyes (yes, I know he isn't always perfect). Over the summer while those kids were here though I would just love to snuggle with him and have little talks with him. He is my angel! As you can see I am beyond grateful for my amazing family.

That being said I want to also say that I am grateful to my amazing friends throughout my life from birth to now! I have met so many wonderful people throughout my life and each has blessed me in some special way! THANK YOU!