I am thankful for....

2008 was a great year. I was officially cancer free, traveled many places, saw lots of friends, made some new friends, started a new job, bought a new vehicle, moved into a great house, celebrated two years of dating Matthew, adopted Bow who's the love of my life (sorry Matt!), and realized how important friends and family truly are.

2008 was also a sad year, because I found out one of my favorite Great Aunts Beverly was diagnosed with Stage III bladder cancer, my grandma was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and had a defibulator put in her chest b/c her heart only pumps at 19%, and every time I turned around someone new was diagnosed with cancer.

However, I am very thankful for everyone who helped me get through the highs and lows. Here is a list of my favorite people in no particular order.

1. Matthew - I really don't know what I did to deserve someone this awesome in my life. He puts up with me when I get bossy (which is hardly ever-ha!). He always gives me crap about pampering Bows, but when I turn my back he is doing something sweet like making her a scrambled egg or tucking her in bed. He also stood by me when I went through the ugly cancer journey. Most of all he loves me.

2. My parents - My parents have always been close to me and vice versa, but they always support my decisions, help me out when I need advice and know when to tell me to stop being a worry wort. I really appreciate living so close to my parents, because they are an important part of my life.

3. My brother - I know that David really wishes I'd leave him alone most days, but I love having him close by. He is fun to hang out with, good for a laugh and reaches tall stuff for me. :-) I don't understand siblings who are not close, because I don't know what my life would be like without my baby brother.

4. My extended family (in Iowa, California, Wisconsin, Michigan, etc.) - I love my family. They put up with me and still claim me as one of them. :-) I appreciate all the time, phone calls and letters I share with my aunts, uncles, great aunts, cousins, second cousins and all others. Especially my grandparents. I know I am truly lucky to have a grandpa and grandma who are able to live in their own home, drive and be an active part of my life.

5. My Omaha/Lincoln chicas (Jennifer, Nellie, Betsy, Emily, Libby) - These girls make me laugh! They are silly and fun and make me want to get in the car and drive south, because I know one of them will be around to hang out, listen to me and give great advice. Every time I think of a fun event we did in the past I smile. Like road trips, reading Cosmo, sleepovers, doing our hair, 4th of July picnics, etc.

6. My Sioux City amigos/amigas (Nick, Sara - my Sara(h) twin, Holly, Jon, Lacey, Bryan, Jon A., Kerri, Chris, Beau, Amy, Jolene, Julie W. and everyone else) - My friends from Sioux City, whether they still live here or not, are a big part of me. They helped mold me into the person I am today. They are always around to help when I need help, go to dinner, kick backa and relax or just talk. I am really glad that a bunch of my Sioux City friends were able to travel to Beau and Amy's wedding to share in their special day. And I love movie nights and game nights with them. (And I am especially thankful for Sara who set Matt and I up. What a wise little matchmaker.)

7. My doggie Bows - I love Bows. She can always make me laugh, I can't stay mad at her when she looks at me with her puppy dog eyes and she tilts her head just like she is listening to what I am saying. She is good for cuddles, kisses and walks. She is the reason I get outside so much and she makes my whole family happy. Also, she is a great doggie to shop for because she looks good in everything!

Okay, enough sappy stuff. I am grateful for all of you who are reading this, too! I love ya all!