The house that built me.

I talk a lot about what it feels like to have my heart in two places.

Half of my heart is in Wisconsin, along with my roots.

As I get older, I learn more and more what a lovely life i have, and what incredible parents i have.

Parents who have sacrificed immensely so that I wouldn't have to worry about a lot of things people worry about. They've put their dreams and their things on the shelf for me. So that I could experience the life.

They said "no" plenty, but always to the right things. I wasn't spoiled rotten and I don't think i'm a brat, but you have my parents to thank for that. We never had a ton. My parents worried about money, they both worked hard, but i never had to go without. I don't have siblings, but i never felt alone. I fought with my mom, but i know she's the loves me more than anyone. She is strong, and funny, and sassy, and honest, resilient. My dad, he isn't perfect, but he is really good at being a dad. He is such a good man.

My parents are kind and generous and they raised me to be the same. They care about other people more than themselves in ways that are subtle and unassuming but so incredibly profound.

They do small things, every day that make other peoples lives better, and they honestly don't care about the recognition or the praise. They do it, because it's the right thing to do.

I have never doubted their love for me, or that they would move heaven and earth for me. They're such good people and i'm so thankful for them.

If you haven't noticed, I kind of lost myself a long the way for a minute, and finding all the missing pieces can some times take awhile...a long time....but the thing is, while you're looking, the people that love you are just there...waiting for you, helping you, loving you. It's not until you're on the other side, or at least half way through, that you even understand that they were always there.

And you're heart could just bust, because they're so great, and they don't ask for anything in return, even when you've been such  jerk, and so sad and dramatic.

the holidays are always good. I always remember who i am, and where i came from. I am a sucker for  traditions that are generations deep and centered around jesus.

I know where I come form and how important it is, i just need to be reminded from time to time. Growing up is so weird, and hard, and cool and sad and beautiful but there is no manual on how to do it.  It's nice to settle in the spot that always waiting for you. It's nice to be able to understand the importance of your family and your traditions.

And to just be grateful for all you have,  for all that people have done for you, and for all the people that walk along side you.

I think I've decided that my word for 2016 is "gratitude" for a lot of reasons, but mostly because i've spent too much time being real selfish, and it's time to give credit where it's due. It's time if flip my lens off me and on to something more important.

I'm real rambley, gushy, grateful mess. I have a lot to say, so, i'm sure there will be more to come this week.

Tomorrow, maybe i'll tell you why this week leading up to the new year is so sweet and special to me.  

For now, my parents, they're real special, and i love them with my whole entire being.