Words by Allyson

I don't know how I got so lucky to be a part of my family, but I will always be grateful for it.

My mom came to visit me this month and there were a few moments where I found myself struck with how grateful I am that I get to be her daughter. Over Thanksgiving, I got to spend time with my brother and sister-in-law for what felt like the first time in a long time. These two experiences got me thinking a whole lot about how lucky I am.

I'm grateful for a family who love each other very much. I'm grateful for siblings who ask my advice, who remind me to be brave, who make me laugh, and who quote movies no one else has seen. I'm grateful for parents who love others and are kind, who taught their children truth, who always set a wonderful example for us, and still like to do fun things with us.

I spent Thanksgiving with my aunt and uncle in Indiana. My sister came up from Missouri, and two of my cousins with their spouses and children. We spent the days entertaining the little ones (mostly that was my sister....I'm not very much fun) and the evenings play games. It was a much needed break that did me so much good.

Now, I'm home with my game face on for the next two weeks until I finish my finals. This semester has been a particularly rough one, and while I've been doing so much better lately, some of my poorer choices at the beginning of the term are still manifesting their consequences. I won't be sorry to bid farewell to Fall 2014.

I'm ready. I've got a plan. Let's do this.

image via

The interior decor of the Ettal Abbey, located in in Bavaria, Germany

I know Thanksgiving was last week, but I am feeling particularly grateful today.

I'm grateful for professors who give you feedback, and no just a check on the top of your paper.
I'm grateful for airplanes, that get you back home in a matter of hours rather than a whole day.
I'm grateful for quiet libraries and productive mornings.
I'm grateful for my alarm, that I just changed to sound like the beach so it's awesome to wake up.
I'm grateful for dry shampoo when I'm looking a little rough.
I'm grateful for over-sized sweaters and fuzzy socks.
I'm grateful that Auburn beat Alabama, and FSU is ranked #1 :)
I'm grateful for books to help me wind down at the end of the day.
I'm grateful for my hairdryer that I use to warm up my sheets before I climb into them.
I'm grateful for my parents and siblings.
I'm grateful for Jesus and Heavenly Father.

Today, I'm just grateful.