1.) My Gramps – My grandpa was diagnosed with Supranuclear Palsy. The past few years have been increasingly hard on my family as we’ve watched the disease take over his mind and body. Only going home a couple times a year, I notice a difference in him every time I see him. If there was one thing that made me feel guilty for moving away, it would be not being able to spend enough time with my grandpa at the end of his life. I realize now what a huge part of my life he has always been, always with his words of wisdom and encouragement.
2.) My Mom – Imagine my mom’s dismay when her only child tells her she’s moving across the country. (I actually told her on her birthday. Worst gift ever?) I know it has been hard on my mom to have her daughter be the only person in our entire family to move away. But even though it makes her sad, she knows that it is a good experience for me and tries her hardest to be supportive.
3.) My Boyfriend – I talk about him a lot so you’ve got to know by now that he’s pretty great right? If you’ve read our story you know that it’s kind of crazy how we got together. It’s still funny for me to think about how we started out versus what we have become. I can’t even explain how thankful I am for him. He is so supportive, so smart, so funny. I could lay on our living room floor laughing till my cheeks hurt with him every day for the rest of my life. I feel so lucky.
4.) My Business Growth – This has been such a fulfilling part of my year. My Etsy shop and my blog have been busier than ever before. It has been so so exciting and I am so thankful! Because of this great response, it really encourages me to continue to keep trying, keep thinking of new ideas, keep aspiring to get to where I want to be. The growth in my business has given me hope. It has raised my ambitions. It has inspired me. And it wouldn’t have happened without you.
5.) Our House – It was quite the process getting our house. Jordan and I drove around countless neighborhoods searching for For Rent signs for months. I’m basically so experienced now at finding these signs that I can spot them from a mile away. In one of our many excursions, we found a new For Rent sign. The house it had a garage, a fenced yard and (bonus) a HUGE palm tree in the yard. We went to get the number on the sign and noticed that it was missing a number! Only 6 digits! Nooo! Jordan ended up climbing into the backyard, looking through the window, and barely making out the correct number that was on the opposite side of the sign. We set up an appointment and as soon as I viewed the house, I knew it was the one. It was exactly what we needed with 2 bedrooms and a fenced off grassy yard for Penny, plus several amenities that made it extra special. I am so thankful that after all the ups and downs of our search we have ended up with a home that we both truly love.
Such a great list of things to be thankful for Julie. I’m happy to hear that your business and blog has flourished so quickly, but give yourself some credit too! You work hard! Thanks for hosting this link up party! I hope you have a great day! 🙂
Such a great post! Your house is so cute! And you and your mamma look exactly alike! I loved reading it 🙂 Thanks for hosting such a fabulous linked up party! It has been great reading all of the posts so far.
what a beautiful post! and thanks so much for hosting this linkup! it was fun! 🙂
Found you thru Casey’s blog! So glad I did! Great post and great blog! Looking forward to following your adventures!!
If you get a chance pop on over to our place 🙂
Linked up to you too! Thanks for hosting such an inspiring idea!
Kristine
http://www.jandmseyecandy.blogspot.com
your etsy shop is darling! I might have to place an order soon 🙂
Yay! I think the linkup is turning out to be a success!!!
Here’s to another year of success and great memories!!!!
xo
The photo of you and your Mom makes my heart smile [and my face, haha]. Thanks for putting this together – I love reading what everyone is thankful for!
you are so beautiful and this post is so sweet!
Grandpas are the best, aren’t they? 🙂 Mine happens to be my favorite person ever.
I’m sorry about his illness. D:
<3 Ashlynn.
You look so much like your mom (beautiful!) and you and your boyfriend make such a cute couple 😀
such an inspiring read! i will be joining next week 🙂