Get your Gratitude on.

This year I am grateful for many things, however two items come specifically to mind. (besides my good looks and bank account)

*Family and Friends*

To be even more specific I'm extremely grateful for my husband James. There are many reasons why James is my best friend and husband! There are also many reasons why I treasure him dearly, but if I had to name only one reason it would be: because of the person he's helped me become.

You see, the one thing I really admire about James is how :emotionally strong, dependable and stable he is. He's a rock! He goes to work, then goes to school, then studies, read his scriptures and NEVER complains. He always makes time for me and holds the priesthood and gives me blessings as often as I ask. I've been envious for years how he doesn't let anything get to him, and sometimes I have literally wished I was him. (As weird as that might seem)

I am the opposite. I count calories, plan my activities, , organize my house and I do all these things to keep my world a safe place to live in. So that I don't suddenly have a conniption! I'm a walking stress maniac! I could say the nicest thing to someone and wonder the rest of the day if they took me the right way. I could give a person a 100 $$ and ponder if it was enough. I can take a compliment and turn it into a insult. Worry was installed in my DNA. Ask my mom! Its the one thing that I feel we are very similar in!

Anyways--The last two years have been growing years for me. Lots of Trials lots of blessings (also mentioned in previous posts) but the one thing that has stayed consistent and helped me along the way was James, and in some ways.....for a long time I didn't realize it.

Whenever I've had a problem/concern/worry--James and I have always talked about it. A lot of the time James will kinda and say something like : "Why are you worrying about that? You have no control over that situation.. just breathe and relax and let those things out of your mind. If you can't change them, don't think about them." Etc etc.

For the longest time, I kind of thought he was being a little insensitive. Guys have a need to provide for their wives, and so finding a solution or a answer to a problem seems (in their mind) to be helpful.. however girls on the other hand just like to be listened to. They don't always need a "Mr fix it". (Don't you just love gender roles and how differently we really are built?!)

James was my MR fix it though, because after our conversations his words stuck with me long after. When stress comes into my life I hear our echoes of our conversations in my mind, and I repeat it to myself daily. You know how the little cartoons show two voices on ones shoulder? One the devil, one a Angel. James is my Angel. He is my voice of sanity, my voice of logic. My motivation, self confidence, and drive to keep going when things get hard.

He has really helped me become such a stronger person and sometimes has forced me not to take the easy route or excuse but for that and I am soooo grateful.

The second thing I am grateful for is my Friends

"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out"

I've been in some pretty dark places in my life. However the Lord has put people in my life who truly "get it", who have had similar experiences and who offer their love and support.

They too-like James has been able to talk to me about REAL LIFE problems! Maybe not under the exact circumstances but they understand.

Remember how I said sometimes girls just need someone to listen? I have some of the most compassionate patient good listening friends ever.

We don't always hang out as often as we want, but we all talk consistently. I personally think that is what Friendship is... Communication. To be able to be yourself and express yourself freely.

When we do hang out--Its a blast, and I forget all the anxiety that I hold onto sometimes. It's like a mini vacation.

Just like James, My friends have opened new possibilities and thoughts that I never would have thought of it were not for their help...

and I can honestly say that each and every friend that I have.. I know I am friends with for a reason, they have directed me and inspired me and for that too... I am extremely grateful.

I know my Heavenly Father has provided a way for me. He really does want me to succeed. He's truly filled it with people to help me along the way whom I love dearly and get to enjoy it with.

Without my Family and Friends, I would be one confused, one side minded, lonely girl. Thank you all for all your love and support!

I love you all!!

Mwah! <3