23 years 364 days...

There are some things I understand... And others that make NO sense to me at all... Tomorrow is my 24th birthday--even though I may try to tell you it'll be my 25th. I have spent most my my birthdays away from my sisters since I went to college... However, we always are able to come home and have the weekend together. This year is gonna suck. I'm in Bush Alaska. Hannah is in Paisley and Laura is in American Falls. There is no way we'll be able to all get together at Mom and Dad's house with the whole family for dinner, birthday cake and a little Guitar Hero. :)

I have so many things to be thankful for. I am grateful for two very loving, compassionate parents who have taught us kids the value of honesty, respect, hard work, a giving spirit, and most important the importance of unconditional love.

I am lucky to have all four grandparents who are my go-to's when I don't like what Mom or Dad say. :) They've always been right there to support us and hug us when we needed it most.

I was lucky to have my sassy great grandma until I was 22 years old. She taught me many tricks in the kitchen, showed me that life is supposed to be fun, laughed with me and always had room in her bed for her great-grandkids.

I have 4 best friends--Ash, Hannah, Laura and Joe. Regardless of the issue I know that they'll always be on my side in the end. They've seen me at my best and at my worst and somehow still talk to me through it all.

I am thankful for my many many aunts and uncles, great-aunts, great-uncles, third cousins we call uncle, etc. They've always been there for a laugh, a cry, a piece of advice or to tell me that I've made a poor choice. I love getting to spend a few minutes talking to each of them in the random times they happen to call or I catch them. They've housed me for basketball camps, long weekends, and summer vacations. They have supported me in every life choice I've made from my goal to become a teacher to my summer teaching in Italy to my big move to the Bush.

I am thankful for some awesome friends, both old and new, who've always had a smile for me when I needed it most. Some of them are my drinking buddies, others my study buddies, some my co-workers, others my awesome cousins. Regardless of how we met, I am so blessed to have so many awesome people surrounding me.

I guess I am just in a bit of a reflecting mood this mornings. Perhaps its because I'm putting off the sub plans I need to create for tomorrow and Tuesday... Perhaps its because I haven't caught up on sleep yet. In any case, days like today--the last day of my 23rd year--I know I am blessed.