Grateful.

I've wanted to write this post for awhile. It was just hard for me to wrap my head around all of my thoughts. This month is going to bring a lot of change for me. I graduate tomorrow, May 2nd, I then get married on May 23rd (if you want an invite, click this link and fill out the form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1QfZ7xqIY8VcBHhrR1FQ3fLVQs4iNK_rmI4FlPzTsHls/viewform ). Then I start my first teaching job in August. As I reflect back on my life, and where I am now, I can't help but have a heart full of love and gratitude. I look at all the people who have blessed my life, and whether they know it or not, have helped to get me where I am today.

As I look at my experience through college, there is no way I would be graduating today if it weren't for my parents. Starting with them giving me a good foundation and teaching how to work, how to stay driven, and not to give up. They have helped me through college by letting me stay in their home rent free (thanks for not kicking me out ;) ) And supporting me every step of the way. I am forever grateful that I was able to grow up in a home where my parents supported me and gave me all they could. They've taught me so many lessons, even though some of them were hard to learn. I feel like I would not be the person I am today had it not been for my parents. I love them so much.

I am also so grateful that I have the opportunity to get married this month, to Jeremy. I wish you guys could feel in my heart how grateful I am for him. He is the most loving, caring, and kind person. We've had our ups and downs through our dating, but I know that he is the right guy for me. I am so blessed marry him and start my life with him.

I am also so grateful for my friends. I am so blessed to have some really great close friends. I know without these friends, my path in life would be completely different. I'm so grateful my friends love me no matter what, no matter how long we haven't seen each other, and no matter what stupid decisions I make. My heart is full of gratitude for them.

I had a bridal shower last night, and as my guests came, I couldn't help but feel so loved. I was so thankful for every person that walked through the door. I couldn't believe that that many people cared about me to come support me. It was truly an amazing feeling. From young women leaders, to friends, to relatives who took time out of their day to come and see me. Wow, it was awesome.

The past few months I have been somewhat focused on how scary this world seems to be becoming. Wars, crime, murders, and just plain crazy things that seem to be getting worse and worse. But reflecting on all these good things in my life, I realize that there IS so much good still. So much. So much love, so much kindness, and so much caring. How wonderful is that to realize? Heavenly Father truly is looking over each and everyone of us. He wants us to be happy. I just think of how great that is.

My heart is full. I want to thank everyone in my life that has gotten me to where I am today. I am blessed.