thank you

...Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. "Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more."

Christmas is, just as much as Thanksgiving, a time for gratitude.


I am so thankful for:

- My parents, who expect me to always do my best.
- Megan, who thinks I'm much better than I truly am.
- Tanner, who willingly discusses any intelligent subject for any length of time.
- Jessica, who loves me, always.

- My grandparents, who teach more than they realize.
- Uncle Michael, who is truly my friend.
- Aunt Lisa, who is always positive.
- Uncle Todd and Aunt Allison, who take care of me while away from home.
- Uncle Brad, who is always kind.
- Jared, my cousin, who is happily bribed into friendship.
- Abby, who has already mastered the Mitton humor.
- Desiree, who cannot imagine how much I respect her.
- Christian, who is always smiling.

- James Grant, my oldest friend.
- Veronica Gomes, my best friend.
- Abby Spackman, who has put up with more from me than anyone outside my family.
- Andy Fererra, who has never let me down.
- Mary Houghton, my favorite roommate, and my sounding board.
- Christian Lobo, who constantly challenges me to do better and pulls me back to reality.

- Mrs. Simpkins and her joy in us.
- Mrs. Roeding and her love of reading.
- Mrs. Fickes and her style.
- Mr. Malone and his willingness to be a teacher, mentor, and friend.
- Mr. Thompson and his ability to think critically and ask real questions.
- Mr. Hill and his desire to explore uncertainty while holding onto sound convictions.

- Lori Dalrymple and her smile.
- Debra Stewart and her love for my family and me.
- Eva Gomes, the best role model for any young woman.
- Barbara Stevens and her joyful laugh.
- Laura Smith and her strong spirit.
- Mary Lyn Westenhaver, our closest Young Women's advisor.

But mostly, I am thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ. He loved me enough to suffer for my sins, to feel my fears and loneliness, my immense physical pain. He knows me better than anyone else ever will, and I am so thankful for the hope that He brings into my life. Through Him I can find peace. Because of Him, we can have joy.