grateful

on this christmas i have so much to be thankful for. i have been so blessed during the year 2010, and i have learned so much, not only in school and work, but about myself. i have grown more than i ever thought possible, and i know that there will be plenty more stretching to come in the future. today, here are a FEW things (out of millions) that i am grateful for.

Jesus Christ- He died so that man could live. today, i celebrate his birth and the life he lived. i'm far from perfect, but i know that He is the reason that today is so special.

family-hoooly cow. i have the best family in the world. we've gone through a lot together, and i wouldn't trade them for the world. we can cry together, laugh together, and give each other bs...and it's okay. im grateful for the opportunity to show them how much i love them today. id give my life for them.

missionaries- today is the lovely day that families get to call their missionaries, and it's so great to be able to be in on one missionaries life and share in that with their family. i'm grateful for their example, for the hard work and dedication, and for the crappy things they eat. :) every time i talk to a missionary or get a letter in the mail, it's almost like i rededicate myself to the gospel and grow to love it even more. (love you, johnson fam)

joshua jack jenkins- the best brother in the ENTIRE world, and i love him with my entire heart. this is christmas #2 without him, and it doesn't get any easier without him running around in his underwear (hahaha), but i know without a doubt that he is continuing the lord's work and helping all the thais he can on the other side. i know that josh was watching over me christmas eve and all christmas day, and i know he didn't miss out on any of the action. his example makes me want to be a better person. honestly, we have no idea when our time is up here or when our mission is complete...so live life on the edge, LIGHTEN UP, be faithful to the gospel, be kind to everyone you meet, and talk to Heavenly Father night and day. what an awesome brother i have. and why "have", not "had"? because he's not gone. he's still mine. in fact, i'm pretty sure he plays a huge role in my life and continues to play big brother from the other side of the veil. SLEDTILDEAD.

i hope all of you had such a great christmas and enjoyed it with those whom you love, and that you remembered what REALLY is important. i know i remembered, and it had nothing to do with what was wrapped under the tree, but what i felt in my heart. merry christmas to all! :)