Rehearsals

It's nice to have the chance to prepare, to reassure yourself that you're ready, and to perform without the pressure of an audience.

Thanks.

Yoga

I recently went to my first official yoga class with my sister. As an athlete, I loved the combination of strength and flexibility required, but I am also drawn to the peacefulness it inspires within me.

Thanks.

Yearbooks

My friends and I spend a lot of time going through old yearbooks and discussing the people and events recorded in them. I love the compilation of memories. I recently found my parents' old yearbooks and had a good laugh imagining what they were like in high school and seeing how much and how little had changed since then.

Thanks.

Pictures of Good Memories

You can never forget how that moment felt.

Thank you.

Christmas

I'm not sure I can successfully summarize all of the things about Christmas that I am grateful for.

Of course, the time with family and close friends is a blessing, especially in a house where we spend so much time laughing.

The presents, both wanted and needed, do not go unnoticed and I give thanks for all of them.

But the true meaning of Christmas always leaves me in awe, without words to fully express my gratitude. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of a man, who was also a God, and who I consider to be my savior. I don't spend much time discussing my religion or spiritual beliefs. I attend a Christian school where Christianity is assumed of all students and rarely questioned. When I do feel compelled to be open about the subject, it is in defense of my liberal views and how they fit into Christianity (which, I might add, they do with ease.) But here is a fact, I believe in Jesus, the One True Son of God, who came to this earth so that I may live without the guilt of my sins. And I owe my whole life, all the gratitude in my heart, to that.

Thank you and Merry Christmas.

The Kids Behind Me at Church

They sang so loudly, so passionately, so out of key. They couldn't contain their excitement for Christmas. I hope they got everything they asked for.

Wrapping Presents

It builds anticipation for the days ahead. Now I'm getting excited!

Thanks.

My Kiddos

My sisters and I have tag-teamed babysitting for the same family since the kids were born. They've now almost officially outgrown babysitters, with the exception of when they need rides places. As the kids are nearing 10 and 12-years-old, I'm grateful that I've gotten to be in their lives so actively since day one. They are amazing little monsters, frighteningly intelligent, and overwhelmingly athletic in their tiny toned bodies. I can't wait to see where these next few years take them, as they make their way through middle school, high school, and beyond. I have no doubt they will be accomplishing some really big things.

Thanks for being so fun, Ev and Colie. I love you guys.

Anniversaries

It's nice to celebrate successes in relationships. It's also nice, as in this case, to celebrate memories of people who have passed. It seems impossible that it has been four years since my grandpa passed away. He was a good man, but he was sick and in pain for much of his life as I remember it. His death, when it came, came as a blessing in disguise. But I will never forget the days spent in the hospital not knowing what was next or how our family came together to support my grandma through the decisions and the pain. With every bad comes good.

RIP Grandpa. We love you. I'm so grateful for the nearly 18 years I was able to spend with you.

George

George is my new cat. He's great.

My Home Church

My church is just as much a part of home to me as my house is. It has been a big part of my life since birth, it is how my parents met and where they were married, it is the church all of my grandparents attend, and I've known most of the congregation as long as I can remember. I am blessed to be able to come back after so much time away and still feel at home. I'm excited to be able to share my passions with the congregation and honored to be asked to do so.

Thank you FCC and everyone I know there.

Silly Traditions

The traditions we have in my family never cease to bring me to tears from laughter. From intentionally buying "cheap and thoughtless gifts" to watching unconventional and far from wholesome movies together at Christmas, we spend a lot of time laughing together.

Thank you.

Christmas Shopping

I love being able to buy and make gifts for the people that mean the most to me.

Thanks.

Christmas Break

Time to catch up on a full semester worth of sleep deprivation.

Thanks!

Meredith

Meredith is my older sister and biggest role model. She has guided my musical preferences, my idea of what it means to be "cool," my sense of humor, and my desire to live for something greater than myself, my whole life.

Meredith is an extremely gifted teacher, spending her time working with children with emotional and behavioral abilities. She is one of the primary reasons I want to be a social worker, so that I, too, can make an impact in the lives of these children.

Meredith is also the most determined, hard working person I have ever met. She knows how to excel at the things she puts her mind too and win everyone over in the process with that little bit of Keedy charm.

Thank you, Meredith, for walking before me so that I could find the courage to do big things. If you weren't there to go first and pave the way for me, I don't know where I would be today. You are beautiful and talented and so strong.

I love you.

Last Day of Finals

Yes yes yes.

So much relief.

Thanks.

Due Dates

I work best under pressure. If there were not due dates assigned to assignments, they would never get done for me. Like stress, due dates motivate me to finish my work in a timely manner. And it always feels great when you're done.

Thanks.

Lunch with Friends

It's the perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Thanks.

Nights With Great Stories

Some nights you just know you'll never forget.

Thanks to everyone who made it memorable.

Delicious Christmas Food

The Christmas season is one of few times when indulging in unreasonable amounts of chocolate and peppermint is socially acceptable. I'm grateful for that.

Thanks.

Comfort

Sometimes comfort is found in unexpected places or situations. Regardless of where you seek it, it is a blessing to find.

Thanks.

Wisdom

Thank you. Just thank you.

Anger

Anger is an emotion that tells you when something is wrong. I'm grateful for the warning sign that things need to change or that they're unfair. It takes a lot to make me truly mad, but I am thankful for the ability to feel so passionately and for the motivation it gives me to make changes.

Thanks.

Snow Days

There's nothing cozier than being bundled up inside, warm and safe, while the snow drifts outside your window. Snow certainly has it's downsides, but have a cozy day off is nice.

Thanks, Mother Nature.

Good Bye Kisses

Good byes are no fun, but I'm always thankful for the moment when you acknowledge how much that person means to you and send them on their way.

Thanks.

Meeting Friends' Families

I love knowing where my friends come from, what their lives are like away from school. I'm honored when I can get a glimpse into the life of my friends and their siblings.

Thanks.

Silly Games

We're supposed to be grown ups, but every once in awhile I'd prefer to still be a kid.

Thanks for playing with me, friends.

To Do Lists

I'd never get anything done without them.

Thanks.

Getting Off Work Early

It's like a 2 hour surprise vacation. And I really needed those 2 hours.

Thanks!

Doctors

As much as I try to avoid going to the doctor, they are around for a reason, and sometimes they're really quite helpful. Hopefully I'll be feeling better soon.

Thanks.