Thankful

So, as probably 99% of the people that read this already know, I am Mormon. And proud of it. I've had some things on my heart and my mind and this is probably the most appropriate place to share them.

I have so much to be thankful for. Awesome family on both sides being one of them. Cody and I both have the most amazing parents that are always there for us. It's amazing to me that each set of parents (we have 3 between the two of us) are there for us when we need them in different but equal ways. We love them and have no clue what we'd do without them. 

I'm thankful for McKenna and her health. She has been without health insurance for over a year and the worst she's had is colds and a couple ear infections. We have been truly blessed with that. 

I am so very thankful for friends. With as awesome as we are I know it's hard to believe, but we don't have a lot of them. We've been in a position the last couple of years that have made it hard to cultivate friendships. We are looking forward to now being in a position again to do that.

Our friends Levi and Jessica (who MOVED and we MISS them) made it so easy to keep a friendship going in our situation. They understood and went above and beyond what they had to. They had us over ALL the time and kept me SANE. They gave me shoulders to cry on, ears to complain to, brains to pick. Seriously amazing people and I hate that they're gone. HATE it. 

My friend Kayli is also amazing. We have only met in person a couple times but she has also been a brain to pick. She is an AWESOME example and I'm so thankful for her influence. 

Then there is Liz. Liz has been my photography mentor, friend, and spiritual guide. She understands me and how my brain works (which is amazing in and of itself) and can explain things in a way I understand. She has been invaluable. Seriously. 

And Amanda. Amanda has been there for me through every phase. (She's Cody's cousin.) We've only met in person once but have talked on Facebook and through text seriously almost every day for I don't know how long. Years maybe? She has been with me through my ups and downs, faith and doubt, happiness and sadness. I'm so lucky to have her! 

Jillian. My sister-in-law. She loves me accepts me even though we have different belief systems. There is a deep level of acceptance between us and it's just awesome. 

There are others, and I don't mean to leave anyone out. 

I am thankful for Cody. He has been...everything I need. He has been my north star helping me to find my way. We have found our ways together, I think. I am so thankful for his introducing me to our faith. It has had such an impact on my life. We are so blessed to have been sealed to each other and our daughter in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple in March. It was an amazing experience. I am just beyond thankful to have and eternal marriage and family. I feel complete. I love the Temple and all that it stands for. Heavenly Father loves us so much that he created a way for us to exist in eternity as a family unit. I couldn't think of anyone that I'd rather make that eternal commitment to than Cody.

My heart is just so full right now. There are days that I struggle. Of course. Don't we all at times? But at the end of the day, I know how I feel and I know what I believe. I am so very thankful for the plan of salvation.