Counting my blessings...

Can I just say that I am so blessed! I really am. I just have a GREAT life and I don't think I say it enough. I was laying in bed the other night after saying my prayers and just thinking about everything.

I have a GREAT family. They drive me NUTS sometimes (sometimes a majority of the time!! haha) but at the end of the day - they have my back. My grandparents are my most favorite part of my life. I can honestly say that everything good about me comes from them. I was my grandpa's shadow from the day I was born. My grandma taught me everything I know and love about the temple. She's my driving force as to why I prepared to go to the temple so fiercely from the age of 14. It was the best day of my life to have her as my escort the first time I went through. My grandpa passed down his gift of discernment (such a blessing and sometimes a curse as he and I both say), his love for all, and his incredible stubbornness to me. He is my measuring stick for every man I date. They love me through and through and have never asked me to change anything about me. They want the best for me and are my biggest cheerleaders. When I'm having a hard day or if I'm really upset it really is only my grandparents that can make me feel better. I just love them and I definitely wouldn't be the woman I am today if it wasn't for them. I owe them everything. I'm also a very lucky aunt of 15 kids....that's right - 15! They are all so adorable and I love them all and wish I could spend more time with them.

I have an AMAZING job. I do what I love and they actually pay me for it! It's amazing. I went to college and picked a major I thought would be fun and it turned out to be the best thing for me. Now don't get me wrong...I do ACTUALLY work even though it seems like I don't. I create opportunities on a daily basis for people to get OFF THEIR DUFFS and recreate! Turn off that TV people...there is SO much fun to be had and it's practically free! And I'm creating those opportunities. I love it. Recreation is my life...both professionally and personally. I live what I preach and that's a good feeling. People always comment that I don't sit still or that I'm always out of town or I'm always playing...and my response is: My personal life can't be trumped by my professional life. It is a competition and I love it because it's SO FUN! The ladies at work love Mondays because they come in ready to hear what crazy adventure I had over the weekend. Talk about a blessing. And this amazing job has allowed me the opportunity to do what I REALLY love - which is to travel. I've had so many opportunities that people only dream about. I've been to Holland, Belgium, Hawaii (not out of the country but I did it all out!), Italy, Israel, and I'm now planning a trip to Paris and London for my birthday. Wa-hoo!

I have the gospel - an amazing blessing in my life. My parents are both converts to the church. My father converted on his own and my mom converted with her immediate family...so our pioneers are within reach. I am grateful everyday for the courage it took my parents to join the church. I love this gospel! I love Joseph Smith. I had a blessing several years ago that told me that I should learn everything I can about Joseph Smith and emulate his example...and since that moment I've been a little obsessed. I have loved learning all I can about his life and what forged him into the prophet he was. Learning that helped me develop my relationship with my Heavenly Father. I am so grateful for a Father in Heaven who is constantly by my side and who loves me.

I have AMAZING friends. I have numerous amazing friends but there are just a few who I feel need honorable mention here. Let's start with my oldest friend - Emelie. Emelie and I became friends through weird coincidence. I was friends with her 2 brothers long before I ever knew her. In fact, he brother James took me to my senior prom and her brother Dan was my first kiss. I know...weird. haha. But it was Emelie that bonded me to that family. She and I became fast friends - roommates - best friends. She'll be in my life when I'm 90 and toothless. I can talk to her about anything and she laughs at my stupid antics - she encourages me - she's everything to me. And then there is Jen - or Jebba! Jen and I also met through odd circumstances. I always knew who she was cause she constantly called the guy I was "hanging out" with and it made me insanely jealous. But one day we met in the pool and started talking. We were two completely different individuals. She was CRAZY and slightly mixed up at the moment and I was naive and Molly Mormon and just stupid. But we started hanging out...we'd go to Gualberto's at 3 am - she'd call me and convince me to ditch class to go eat with her. We'd make random bets and just be totally insane together. She rubbed off on me and I on her and I think we both came out the better for it. She helps me be a little uninhibited in life and I help keep her grounded. We are perfect for each other. And last but CERTAINLY not least - Lisa. Oh Lisa. She has been there for me so many times it's ridiculous. She was literally my only friend there for a while - or at least I felt that way. She's so much fun to be with and she's so incredibly caring for everyone. She's a great sounding board and gives the best advice. She's amazing - I love her. 3 amazing women! Like I said - there are so many amazing friends that I could mention here - but then this blog would be a novel so I'll end it there. But if you are reading this - just know that I thank my Heavenly Father EVERY night for you....seriously...by name most likely. My friends are what keep me sane and lift me up. Thank you thank you thank you!

I could go on...the blessings just don't end!! So count 'em up people...you'll be amazed.