Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Random Thoughts of Gratitude

I've had a few friends take on the idea of blogging or "status updating" every day about something for which they are grateful. I figured if I did the same thing, I'd be "that girl" who takes someone elses idea and makes it her own, which I always thought was kind of annoying. So I definitely don't want to be "that girl." Instead, I figured I'd make a list of sorts to show my gratitude. And since it's alread Nov 17, more than halfway through the month, the list won't be nearly as awesome as my friends' "thankful-post-per-day" thing! So, here are is my first list! PEOPLE! I can't believe I'm admitting to this, but it is a segway into my disclaimer. I embarrassingly have a ridiculous number of friends on facebook. I don't use that social networking site as much as I used to, but even still, 1000+ friends is something to be proud of (or as mentioned previously, quite embarrassing). So, having known so many fantastic people, if I don't include you in this list, you have my apologies. And chances are, I am still quite grateful for you, but just don't have the time to go through every single person who has touched my life! With that being said, here's the list!!! :) 1.) Family!

I know it's lame to lump this one into something so broad, but give me a break. I've got amazing family! I went home to Colorado this weekend (I will post more later, when I have my pictures loaded to the computer) and it was FABULOUS! We always have such a great time.

  • I got to visit my grandparents, who are such great people. If you've met Grandpa Lee and Grandma Shirley, I already think you are so much better off than if you haven't. They are the most loving, charitable, giving, spiritual, fun grandparents anyone could ever ask for. One of my favorite things about them is that there are TONS of people that refer to them as Grandma and Grandpa Carlson! :) LOVE that! And even though Grandpa has alzheimers, he's still so loving and Grandma is so strong to be plugging along while he's got that.
  • My family is so fun! My parents are so involved in everything anyone does. Back to when we were in high school, they were always at all our concerts, games, banquets, whatever. They were there! And now that they have a sleu of grandchildren, they still manage to make all the soccer games, plays and the like. They're so supportive and work so hard to make sure that everything runs smoothely in the family.
  • Along the same lines, my siblings are awesome. As the youngest, I've been able to take a little something with me from all of them and they have all influenced me so much! I loved being home this weekend, because I was reminded of things like: what great a Dad Cory is, how much alike all my sisters are, how adorable all my neices and nephews are, how funny my brothers-in-law are, how fun it is to hang out and spend time with my sibs and their spouses, how smart Sadie is (she gave an amazing talk in Sacrament meeting on Courage), and just how great family is! :) LOVE it!
  • I love having a tight-knit extended family too. I am blessed to have so many friends that are my cousins! I'm so glad I grew up close to family. Even when I went to College @ BYU, I still had family close by. I was able to live in Grandma's condo with Tawny, at another point with Anna, in the same ward as Jayci, etc! It was so great being so close to them and knowing that I didn't have to get on a plane to fly to Colorado to see family!

  • I think I mention him in every post I write, but I can't pass over my cute hubster! Collin is so amazing and treats me so well. He teaches me every day and has helped me to become such a better person. My testimony has been strengthened with his help; we read the scriptures together, we go to the temple together, we pray together! He has had an incredible impact on my life and I feel so blessed to spend eternity with him!

The last part of this large lump list of family is In-Laws! I married into such an incredible family. Collin's siblings and parents are so much fun, and so interested in everyone's well-being. His parents are serving a mission in Uganda, Africa, and are such great examples of amazing members of the church. They have so much love to give, which they spread to their family and everyone they see. I feel so blessed that 4 out of his 6 siblings live only an hour away from us and that we get to see them so much here in Utah! I love them! I'm blessed to be a Thornton, Carlson and Rothey!! I love family!

1 comment:

MEG said...

I love your family too ;) I'd say each member of your family has had an impact on me in some way and that they have been a blessing in my life. That's including Lee and Shirley and all of your aunts and uncles on the Carlson side but not excluding your parents and sisters too! You ARE a lucky gal!