Everytime this year we gives thanks for what we have. Well for me this year I must say, I have a lot to be thankful for.

First off my family. I thankful that I have a a grandmother that is healthy and still kicking. That I can go and see her whenever I want to. That she loves me and still will put up with me no matter what crap I bring her way. I’m thankful for my mom that keeps reminding me everyday that even though we have problems and see things sometimes very differently, we are not perfect but can still push through whatever comes our way. Then there is my Aunt Kelly, who has been there through everything! From elementary school plays, JROTC competitions, high school graduations, first cars, new jobs, and everything in between. She is one of the kindest, caring, loving, honest, and big hearted people that I am honored to know and privileged to call family. Then there is my cousin Taylor, who even though we didn’t become really close until I would say about high school, she is one of those people I can call (or text) about anything and she will listen. I’m also really glad that the past is still alive only in memory :) Then of course I am thankful for my Uncle Brian and Aunt Kara who without I would not have as many great family memories or be living in my house right now! Of course then there is my cousin Nate, Cousin Sammi, Cousin James, Cousin Daniel, Cousin Steve, Uncle Steve and Aunt Joyce, and Uncle Mark.

Then there is the extended family. Who I don’t really know all that well but I am very thankful that we still have time to get to know one another. 

But unlike some, I am thankful to have another family as well, my church family! In one month I will have been going to The Rock for “officially” one year! Yayy!!! It’s weird to look back and think about that…going to the same church for a year when before then I never attended a church at all. But now I can’t imagine not knowing these incredible people. First there is of course Pastor Chris. I am thankful that he challenges me in ways I didn’t know I could be challenged. I’m thankful that he has a joyful and godly spirit that brings light to me life. Then there is Vicki Lynn and I can’t express how thankful I am to know her. She has guided and keeps guiding me through my walk with God. I watch her live her day to day and I am so thankful that she is a great example of how to live a God filled life. I can’t of course forget Christine, who has been a great friend though out this whole past year. I’m thankful that she is not afraid to show weakness or share it with others. She to is another example of what it is to live a God filled life. I know that if I am ever in trouble she will do what she can to be there for me :) And then there Is Joe A. He has shown me what it means to live by the phrase, “Are you willing to give everything to follow God?” Him and his amazing family welcomed me with open arms when they didn’t have to at all and I am honored to be called an honorary Ancheta. The list could go on and on: Dana, Sarah A., Anna, Cheryl, Amie, Theresa, Jennifer, Sara F., Katelyn, Debbie, Anita, Crystal, Joe F., David, Steve, Jaron, Rob, Eric, Keith, Rodney, Derek,…see I could go on and on.

I guess you could say I have a third family as well. A family that comes and goes but that doesn’t matter because I am so thankful to have great friends who chose to love me because Lord knows they don’t have to. I’m thankful for my roommate Julia because she is here living a dream she wanted to. Even though sometimes it doesn’t feel like it sometimes she is a blessing to have around. Then there is my girl Ciera who I’ve known for gosh almost 5 years now! Wow lol I am thankful that she shows me what it means to be willing to gives everything you have for your family. I am also thankful she has one of the cutest kids I know, Jayden is a blessing! Janie and Janice I am thankful that they are always there for my Aunt Kelly. Life is hard but with those two I know that my Aunt is gonna be ok. There are so many friends to be thankful for: Heather K., Malinna, Jalyne, Jessica W., Trinity, Christa M., Christa R., Amanda, Laura, Allen, Stephanie, Kendall, Toni, Crystol, Jess M., Megan, Liz, Danette, Dominique, Shanna, and all the friends through out the years! I’m thankful for all the incredible friends past and present that I work with: Sherry, Krystal, Vera, Andy, Thedra, Laura, Laurie, Jennell, Hunter, Melinda, Sara, Jessica, Tine, Kelly, Kellie, and everyone else at Albertsons and Smith’s! If some might be reading this some would say that I forgot to mention someone in my work list of people lol. Last but not least I am thankful for a new friendship with my girl Meilani. It’s strange to think that I have known her for about a month now but it seems like I have known her for years. I am so thankful that she puts up with my bantering and jokes and yet still calls me a friend(I think lol). She may not want to admit it but I will, I am glad to call her a friend and happy that I have a friend who encourages me to go after dreams and who also, as strange as this may sound, keeps reminding me to stay young. She also welcomed me into her family (well her mom a.k.a Momma Rapp did) and for that I am also thankful.

With all these amazing and truly incredible people in my life, what is there is worry about? I am breathing, have a roof over my head, food on the table, I’m able to buy things that I want, great friends and family, and I have a God that loves me no matter what and who takes care of everything! He watches over everyone that I love and everyone that I don’t know yet. I sometimes forget that I am loved by so many people and I am truly thankful that He is always reminding me that I am loved. What else could I want and what else could I be thankful for :)