28 things I'm grateful for

28 blessings for 28 years, in (somewhat) chronological order...

1. I was born into the Gospel and reared by parents who love the Lord.
2. My Grandma came to live with us when I was young. We were very close and I loved her very much.
3. I was baptized and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
4. We lived in Frazer and learned to ski. My family met Susan through the disabled ski school at Winter Park and she continues to be a dear friend.
5. We were members of the Arvada Stake most of my youth and I had many good friends and examples there, including the Stum family.
6. I attended all 4 years of early morning seminary.
7. I was able to go to D'Evelyn Jr/Sr High school where I received an above average education and had the opportunity to participate in a number of extra-curricular activities.
8. I was involved in music and theatre, and got to play Yente my senior year.
9. I got my driver's license at 16 and have always had access to a car.
10. I had good friends in high school who respected my standards.
11. I was accepted, attended, and graduated from Brigham Young University.
12. Freshman year was hard, and not a lot of fun. It was then that I learned that there are things worth doing regardless of their ease or fun factor.
13. I seriously hurt my back while sledding. For years I considered this something of a curse, but the results of that injury have led my life in directions that have turned out to be great blessings.
14. Jennie and I got season passes to an amusement park one summer and while it wasn't the most productive summer of my life, we had a lot of fun.
15. I spent a semester studying in London. While there I also visited Scotland, Wales, and France.
16. I went to the Salt Lake Temple where I received my endowments and made covenants with the Lord.
17. I served a mission for the Church in Miami Florida. I met some amazing people there and made two especially good friends, Jamie Gephart and Derrick Allred.
18. I lived with Jennie upon returning from my mission making me a member of the BYU 135th ward, which I attended the remainder of my years at school. The bishop for most of that time was John Allen. He and his wife were very kind to me and were a great support.
19. I lived in an apartment with Audrey, Krysta, Liz, and Laura who are still four of my very best friends.
20. Krysta and I responded to an invitation to have lunch with some Evangelical students from California which led to three years of leadership of HOOF (Hosting students Of Other Faiths).
21. We went on a number of awesome road trips during college, two of the more memorable include the Church History trip to the East Coast, and the graduation trip to San Francisco.
22. I was able to attend the weddings of all my favorite roommates, most of which were in the Temple. I was also privileged to be a bride's maid to a number of them, including Audrey whose wedding involved an awesome trip to Hawaii.
23. I was offered an internship for the Church in the Public Affairs department.
24. I spent a year working at West Ridge Academy, a residential treatment center for at risk youth. I met some really great girls there and worked with some fantastic staff.
25. I was paired up with Matthew Kress for a singles ward spring dance and not quite seven months later we were married in the Salt Lake Temple. Not only did I marry a great guy, but his parents are also two of the greatest people I have known.
26. Hyrum was born and is my daily joy.
27. Matthew works hard and sacrifices so I can stay home and focus on the care of our family.
28. We've been led to Indiana where Matthew is attending graduate school at Purdue, and have been able to buy a house where we hope to grow a happy, healthy family.