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Sunday, November 28, 2010

2nd Annual Thankfuls - detailed (and long!)

I know I'm a few days late on this, but better late than never. I've thought a lot this month about what I'm especially grateful for and even thought about doing a "blessing a day" type of post daily, but let's face it...I'm a horrible blogger. So without futher ado...

*My mother. I can't even begin to explain how much I love her and appreciate her. Since I've moved out, I have grown to love her more than I ever thought possible. It's true that distance makes the heart grow fonder. I miss her daily. I've thought a lot about my life and specifically the struggles I had as a child with fears, depression, etc. I wasn't an easy child, but she was always there. The nights she slept in my bed, or in my parents' bed. The times she'd hold me during my worst times (she still does!). She never once made me feel less than her number one priority. I don't know how she did it. As I got older, she became more than my mom. She became my best friend and the funniest person I've ever known. No one can make me laugh harder than she does. We laugh all the time. We couldn't sit together at church without giggling uncontrollably. She knows me inside and out. I don't get it, but she can 'sense' what is going on without me telling her. Strange, but true. I could go on and on, but it would never fully express my gratitude for her. I thank my Heavenly Father and lucky stars for her specifically.

*My dad. I could have put them together and say I'm grateful for my parents as a whole, and while I am, it doesn't do them justice individually. My dad is my numero uno. Always has. I have been a daddy's girl my whole life. He is my biggest fan. He always seems impressed with me and my life regarless of how I feel about my own self and accomplishments. He worries about me, he cheers for me, and he supports me in all of my decisions. He treats my mom like a queen and my sister and me like princesses. He is my brothers' favorite guy and it's a no wonder. He is a special, special man and I'm just as thankful for him as I am my mom.

*My siblings. I am SO grateful for each of my siblings invididually. I have such a good relationship with each of them, and their spouses. I'm SO grateful for the gospel and adoption for allowing my sister and brother to be part of our family forever. I can't imagine how I'd be without them. And over the last year, events have brought us closer together. I'm grateful we love each other and spend time together. Movies, midnight 7-11 runs, lunch dates, etc. They're terrific. I am so grateful for the kids they have. I think I may love them more than my own siblings! :) Emily, Rachel, Nick, McKay, Eva, Kara, Adam, and the sweet baby we miss and baby to come.

*My job. I've said it before and I'll say it again, but I'm so lucky to work where I do. The values the company stands for and for the people I've worked with and work with today. Right now, in this period of my life, I couldn't ask for a better team than my branch. We are a branch of girls, but we all get along great, we laugh hard and work hard. Each one have been an inspiration to me and help me see the better in myself and encourage me to be better. I'm fortunate that management appreciates me. I try to work hard and earn trust and responsibility. I'm glad for an opportunity to get to know and help at another branch for a bit.

*My roommies. KayCee and Lidia. These two ladies have become more than best friends, they've become sisters. I couldn't have asked for better roommates and we have had a lot of fun. We love and respect each other and we all get along extremely well. I owe them a lot for things they've done for me.

*The gospel. Now that I'm out on my own, I've had to be better at getting myself to church and put myself out there in a *gulp* singles ward. Man, that's hard. I'm glad I'm in the ward I'm in. It's been a lot of fun and the bishopric is terrific. There are two people there who have been the sole reason I have stayed in the ward slowly getting to know people. Dana and Duane. Apart from the going to church aspect, the gospel in itself is the biggest blessing. This year has posed some hard times towards the Church and our leaders. I'm grateful and honored to say that I support them 100%. I have felt of the gospels truths and I'm a better person for it. I need to be better with all activities, but I know the Church is true.

*The opportunity to provide for myself. All things. I'm grateful for the means to pay my bills - and on time - each month. For the ability to buy my own groceries, gas, utilities, car, rent, etc. Especially in this economy, I'm so grateful.

*My experiences. I've experienced quite a bit the last few years that have dramatically changed me. I am such a different person now than I was 5 years ago. Obviously there's a lot I want to do and fix, but ultimately, I'm happy for the places I've been, the adventures I've had and the wicked trials I've conquered.

*Music. I can't live without it. It's the best way for me to feel and express emotions, my life's events, and there's just something about karaoke-ing in the car on a nice commute/drive!

*Technology - specifically my phone and laptop. I am always a second away from chatting with my family whenever I want/need and keeping up on the lives of my friends. Facebook and blogs have been a lot of fun to stay connected to people I haven't seen in years but I still know them daily.

*My car. Ah, it's a wonderful car. I got a new(er) car earlier this year and it has been such a champ.

*Prayer. I need to be better about this, but I love knowing help is just a prayer away.

*My calling. Quite a difference from my last few callings, but I love the opportunity to help and serve regardless of the "magnitude."

*Laughter. I laugh a lot. I live to laugh. I feel it's the way I survive. I laugh at the stupid things I do (I'm so awkward sometimes) and life is always funny.

I could sit all night and list every thing I can think of that I'm grateful for, but I had to express my greatest blessings. I can't go without saying it. I am such a lucky person and I don't realize it enough and I more often than not take it for granted. What a wonderful year it's been and hopes to creating more blessings in the year to come!

3 comments:

Reba said...

Great post Sammi. We are truly blessed in so many ways.

LisaL said...

I enjoyed reading your thankful list Sammi. It has been so long since I have seen you. When are you coming to visit me???

Nancy Wright said...

I haven't read your post for months. I'm sorry :( Thank you so much for the beautiful things you wrote about me in your Thankful blog. I love you so much! Thanks for being such a dear friend and daughter.