One year older...

I have finally reached my favorite number... It's amazing how time flies...  But in the end it's all been fun!!!  I just wanted to take today and say how grateful I am for EVERYTHING in my life.  I am truly blessed, and everyday I realize how much more I am blessed.  I am so grateful for such a loving family who I adore.  I miss them all so much.  Now that we are all so spread out, everyone really has to depend on letters, phone calls, and email to stay in touch.  And I am so grateful for all of those.  I love all of my brothers and their wives.  I learn so much from them each time I talk to them.  They are the moms that I someday want to be, and the dads I hope to find in an Eternal companion.  I love my sweet sister who is now entering such and exciting time of her life.  I just wish I could be there to do it with her...  I am so grateful for such wonderful parents who never cease to teach me all I need to know.  They are the best parents ever.  There isn't a thing that they wouldn't do for me, and being so far away has truly proved that.  I love them with all of my heart. I am so grateful for such loving grandparents who are only a call away.  They are always there to listen, to give me a recipe, or just to sound excited to hear my voice.  Oh my sweet little nieces and nephews.  They are the light of my life.  I look forward to every time I get to talk to them.  To hear their sweet voices on the phone, and to listen to their stories.  I love them all so very much!  I am so thankful for all of my friends.  I have always been blessed with so many friends and I am always amazed at the things that they are willing to do for me.  I know that life is just easier because you have friends and family to share it with.  I love mail!  Especially because I am so far away from everyone that I love.  Mail is the highlight of my day!  Thanks to all who write me through, letters, email, and texts...  It is all mail, it's all a way to brighten my day and I truly appreciate it!!!  I am so happy here!  I love the Ciatto family!  We are having such a great time getting to know each other, and to love one another.  Each of the children have a special place in my heart.  I am so blessed to be a part of their family.  They are truly a beautiful family, and it is truly an honor to be able to be here with them.  I am so thankful for my membership in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I love it with all of my heart!  It blesses my life in so many ways.  It makes me who I am today.  I am so very happy with all that I have been blessed with, and I am looking forward to make this the best 29th year of my life!!!! 

PS....  oops... I totally forgot to post this... and ... I know I missed a lot of other things I am grateful for... but this is just a beginning....