For my family.

Thanksgiving gives me a chance to step back and appreciate the blessings and good things about life. I wrote just a couple things to each of the members in my family.

Dear Daddy,



Thank you for being who you are. Even as a little girl I came to you with seemingly endless questions. I am humbled that Heavenly Father let me be your daughter. He must have known I needed a father who would listen to me ask questions like, "What color were a dinosaur's toenails?" I am thankful for what you do for our family. I don't know where I would be without you. I love you, Daddy.

Dear Little Mom,



I can't put into words how grateful I am for you. You have loved me my entire life without question. You spoke up for me and watched out for me when I needed you most, but somehow at the same time gave me the chance to grow and learn for myself. You have taught me the gospel, but beyond that, you have lived it. I am proud to call you my Little Mom. I love you, Mama Llama.

Dear Tori,



I am jealous of how you put that braid in your hair! But seriously. I do. But for real seriously now. Thank you for picking me up for church that whole year when I lived Downtown. I don't know if I ever told you how much that meant to me. I see now how much time that took and how much you must have loved me to make that drive every week. You are the coolest, fo sho. Your sense of humor always makes things better. I see how much you care about people. It reminds me to give in to my softer side when I start turning into a bitter old lady. I love you, Tori.

Dear Caitlin,



Thanks for letting me be born on your birthday. Hahaha! Really, I am grateful for the chance we had to get to know each other after you came back from Utah. I think about how we were both super wary of the Single's Ward and everything that is Charleston. It makes me laugh now. I feel like I can talk to you about almost anything (with the exception of bathroom stuff, because I just can't get past that kinda thing). I admire your willingness to serve in your calling. You always include me in things. It makes me feel like a million bucks. I love you, Caitlin.

Dear Courtney,



When we were younger, we were partners in crime. I always get so excited when I hear you are coming back for Christmas or for a little summer vacation. I wait for you to come out of the terminal, and we walk away arm in arm like no time has passed. It sounds weird, but I am grateful that you were married in the temple. It has shown me how dedicated you are to the Church. I can't wait to be an aunt in the next couple of months. I know you're going to be an amazing mother. I love you, Courtney.

Dear Brynn,



You are very special to me. I don't know if it is because you are my little sister or if it's because you're just so darn awesome. I relate to you in a lot of ways that I can't with other people...from being able to read an entire series of books within a couple days to surgeries to having the weirdest sleeping patterns ever. There are not many people who could stand to hear my night time rants or understand me the way you do. Remember when you used to color pictures for my wall? It always made me feel so special. Thank you. I love you, Brynn.

Dear Colton,



What it IS? I know I don't say it very often, but I'm proud of you. I felt like a fussy old sister when you got your Eagle Scout. I am grateful for you having the Priesthood and for going to Seminary even when you're ridiculously tired in the mornings. I have watched you grow into a young man (fussy old sister again) and I am excited for all of the good things you will do with your life. If you ever have a dumb day, just think about that time you threw the basketball to me and it hit me in the face. :)I love you, Colton.