ANDERSON: March 2012

So I've had something on my mind lately & I hesitate to blog about it, but that's what a blog is for...right?!

So I came across this quote on Pinterest and it hit a nerve. Thinking of my past I have a lot of bitter-sweet memories. When I graduated high school I was pretty sure I had life figured out, down to what degree I was going to school for, who my friends were, & who I was going to marry. Boy, was I wrong?!?!

Reality Is:

* It's almost my 23rd birthday & I haven't gotten my degree yet :]

* I married a wonderful man that I didn't even know was even an option <3

* I can literally count my good friends on one hand...

The 3 & a half years after I graduated & before I got married were VERY defining years!

-I sent my high school boyfriend of 2 years on an LDS mission.

-I lived with friends & also lost those friends.

-I had my first "college" relationship which ended in heart break.

-I moved in with Angie, Ryann, & Carlie.

-I got my patriarchal blessing.

-Met my future husband & made one of the hardest/best decisions of my life to marry him.

I'm sharing these things not so that I can have a pity party or stay stuck in the past, but just to share how thankful I am for those years.

My Friends: Those years taught me that I am a good friend & I deserve friends that are as good of friends as I try to be to them. Shout out to Dee & Allie! Love you gals! & Lately I am especially thankful for my workout buddy Kady. She really has been such a good friend. She always lets me cry on her shoulder & even sends me flowers on a bad day. :]

My Relationships: I learned that you can love someone with all of your heart & not like them & how they treat you at the same time. I know that sounds crazy but if you've ever been in a relationship like that you know exactly what I'm talking about. I also learned that the right decision is not always the easy one, but if you go to the Lord with your questions & concerns he will always help you & give you the strength to get through any trial.

Ryann & Carlie: I can barely put into words how much I love these two little girls. It was such a gift to be able to live with them. When I moved into their home I was kind of in a sad place. But those little girls carried such a sweet spirit with them that I spent every minute I could with them. They saved my life. They will always have such a special place in my heart. <3

Patriarchal Blessing: I was lucky enough to share this day with my parents. It was such a spiritual experience & the support they gave me will never be forgotten. I love my wonderful parents so much!

Cory: He came in to my life at the most unexpected time. I had just ended my college relationship & was waiting to see if me & my high school boyfriend still wanted to date after he got home off his mission. When Cory called & asked me out on a date I was shocked. I was finally in a really happy place in my life & thought that one date couldn't hurt. I'm glad that I said yes because he has made me the happiest girl ever since...

I know that God blessed my broken road that lead me right to where I am today. I have a wonderful life. My husband is amazing & I am so thankful for my family & my amazing in-laws. I have a select few friends that I can count on and I know now that quality is much better than quantity.

My past was painful, but I wouldn't change a thing because it brought me to where I am today.