General Conference

I am still alive and I am still grateful. However, General Conference has reminded me that I need to acknowledge my gratitude more often! Thanks to President Monson's talk about gratitude, I was rebuked and am here to give out some more gratitude.

I love that he talked about being grateful for things that aren't material things. It is so easy for me to say "I'm grateful for my house. I'm grateful for my car." But really...what's most important to me in my life? Well let me tell you.

I'm grateful for my parents. They are the people I probably take the most for granted, but they do the most for me. My parents are always so concerned/proud/excited/prayerful/supportive, etc. about me. They are my #1 fans (at least I think they are...) and I always know I can turn to them. They give me the greatest advice and always have listening ears for me to vent or cry to. I'm grateful for my siblings (and in-laws). They always know how to make me laugh and I love whenever I get to spend time with them! I am so blessed with such talented siblings. We are each so different and unique and I'm in constant awe at how talented the rest of them are. Kristen is the kindest and most patient person I have ever met. She is always looking at how she can help other people around her. She's always so positive about anything and everything thrown at her. Melanie is so lively and friendly to everyone around her. She always has so many friends and is busy doing something. She's also super crafty and is always making the cutest things. Brandon is good at anything he tries...it really makes me sick. He can play any sport, play any song on the piano (the first time through), and is a genius. Alex and Robbie are just lucky to have married into the family. ;) But they have brought their own talents. Alex being the amazing doctor that he is (not to mention working out all the time) and Robbie being able to fix any computer problem PLUS fly helicopters in his spare time. Seriously...what am I doing in this amazingly talented family?? :)

I'm grateful for my nieces and nephews. They bring so much joy into my life, it's not even funny. I feel so blessed to see Mason and Jade so much with them being so close (even though Jade's only 2 weeks old...I've seen her 5 times!). I was also so blessed this year to get to see Adeline and Xander several times, plus I get to see them at Christmas time!! I love being an aunt!! I'm grateful for my roommates. They are so great and I love all the time (which is maybe 20 minutes/week) I get to spend with them! :) We have been friends for a long time and I feel blessed to have them as my examples and mentors. We are all in such a crazy time of life right now and can empathize and cry and laugh with each other. :) I'm grateful for my students. I looked out at them this week while they were all sitting on the kiva in front of me and realized just how much I love them and will miss them when they move on to 3rd grade. Some days I think that can't come soon enough and other days I can't believe how fast the year is going. I know there is still so much time left, though, so I'm glad I get some more time with them.
**Imagine picture of my class**
But most of all, I'm grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. He has lifted my burdens time and time again. He has paid the price to make it necessary for me to live forever with Him and my family. He gives me the strength to make it through each and every crazy day of my life. He is my Savior and my Redeemer. I love Him!!