thankful.

I have an infinite number of things to be thankful for. And it feels like this year, more than any other year, my heart is full of gratitude to the Lord for the life He has given me. So, in pictures, the top things I am thankful for this year.

Derek and I started dating almost 4 years ago and on January 16, 2010 we got married! I am so lucky and so thankful to have him as my husband. He truly is my best friend :)

 On January 20th, (four days after our wedding!) my little brother Kenny got deathly ill. We found out he had double pneumonia, caused by the MRSA virus. He nearly lost his life; all the doctors were telling us to start saying goodbye to him because there was no way his lungs would be able recover from the damage that was being caused. However, God healed my brother and today he is alive and well! He was in the hospital for over a month. That picture was taken a couple of days after he was able to wake up from the drug-induced coma he had been put in. Seeing my little brother smile again was one of the most thankful moments I've ever had. Medical professionals are astounded that he is not only alive but does not have any lingering effects from his illness. This next picture was taken in early June, only about 3 and a half months after he came home. I am so unbelievably thankful that my little brother is alive!

I am so thankful for my whole family. The only person missing from this picture of the Christenson side of the family is my grandma. I have great parents, great siblings, a beautiful niece, a great aunt and uncle, and great cousins! This picture was taken in March, after Kenny came home. Our out of town family came in to celebrate his being home from the hospital. We have become a stronger, closer family after the events of the past year and I love each and every one of them dearly.

I truly got blessed and married into a wonderful family. I have a great new mom, dad, and sister! They have been so supportive of us and have really welcomed me into the family. I love them and I am looking forward to getting to know them better after we move to Boston! I get to have my first Christmas with them this year; I'm very excited :)

My list could definitely continue, but these are the highlights. Happy Thanksgiving!