I KNOW WHAT YOU'RE THINKING!

You're thinking..."Andrea, it is not Thanksgiving anymore." But I just have had time to think today, and I wanted to share a few things that I am especially thankful for in my life.

I'm thankful for...
1. My wonderful parents. They are such a huge blessing to me. They have been faithful in the church and to each other for their entire lives. I have been blessed to have them as such amazing examples to me for my entire life. Thanks Mom and Dad.
2. My great siblings! I think I've been blessed with the most wonderful siblings on earth. They are all such great people. People that I can talk to about anything, and who I love and trust. Thank you Emily, Melissa, Cynthia, and John. And thanks for all marrying wonderful people too! I have such a great family!
3. My grandparents. I have learned so many life lessons from both sets of my grandparents. I wouldn't trade any of them. I'm so grateful to know that all four of them love me unconditionally, and want what is best for me in my life.
4. I'm thankful for all the rest of my extended family. I have such wonderful aunts and uncles and cousins on both sides. I am especially thankful for Deon and Lisa for letting me live with them two years ago and for Nancy and Dale who I have lived with for a year and a half now! Thank you so much for letting me live with you, and be a part of your family. I love you!
5. I'm thankful for Elder Crandell! I love Josh so much. He is my very best friend. I'm so glad that I get to be a part of his life while he is on his mission. I have grown and learned so much from having this experience.
6. The Crandells. I am so glad that I have gotten to know this amazing family for 2 1/2 years now! They are great people, and I have learned a lot from them over the past few years.
7. Everyone else that I did not name specifically. I love you all. And I am thankful for everyone who has touched my life.
8. My friends! I have such wonderful friends who really care about my well being. I am blessed to have friends that I've known since I was little, and those who I've only known for months. They are all wonderful people, and I have been touched by each of them individually.
9. School. I am thankful that I have the opportunity to attend school and learn new things daily. This is a wonderful blessing. It is a trial also, but it is wonderful to put to good use the mind Heavenly Father has given me.
10. The Gospel. It is such a blessing to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The knowledge that we have is amazing. I can't imagine thinking that when someone dies, that is the end. Life would be so much harder without the gospel.
11. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is our best friend. We can turn to him when we feel as if no one else is there. He loves us unconditionally, and knows us individually. I am so thankful for our older brother and for the sacrifice he made for us. I love him.
12. Our Heavenly Parents. I am not yet a mother, but from what I hear your parents love you more than anything. When I think of this, and think of the love our Heavenly Mother and Father must have for us I just get overwhelmed with joy. I am thankful that we will be able to return to them someday.
13. This beautiful earth. I have been trying to be more aware of my surroundings and really see everything through God's eyes. This earth is amazing. There is no possible way it could have just happened by chance.
14. A free country. I am thankful that we live in a country where we are free to worship how we please, elect who we want as leaders (well at least elect who the majority wants), and live a good life. There are so many people who do not have that same opportunity, and that makes me appreciate what I have.

Well, I could go on and on, but you're probably sick of reading now, so I won't. I am just so thankful for everything that I have been blessed with. Thank you for all of you who bless my life.