Perspective...its bigger than you think

My Amazing Family - minus Daddy and Kaeleigh <3

Being away from home has given me a greater appreciation for my mom. I have learned that living in the "real world" isn't an easy thing. I miss the ease of living at home, knowing that when i get home its gonna be clean, i miss the ease of having my parents pay for things for me and not have not worry about money, i got into the habit when i was home of getting whatever i wanted and not worrying about how much money i was spending, my mom always told me "Aubrie, you NEED to learn that you cant always have everything you want" I of course wasnt going to listen, when working 30 hours a week at American Eagle Outfitters and Aerie, and making a pretty decent income, it was easy to get that pair of jeans I wanted, or those shoes that I 'had to have' but being out at college and depending on the income i have saved is far from what i have been used to. Learning that i dont need everything 'new thing' and realizing that I have more than enough to live by has been one of the things I have really learned to appreciate. I used to have to leave my wallet at home because i knew that I would easily drop $100 on a pair of new jeans, as the semester has gone on I have realized that I dont 'need' that new pair of jeans or the 'have to have' shoes, I am more than happy with everything I have. I am so thankful to have a mother that stressed the value of savings, i have been very lucky in the sense that i havent had to take out any student loans and i am so thankful that my parents have pushed me to realize that school should be the number one thing in my life right now. I have also learned that my family should be the number 1-7 in my life :] I have the best parents ever, they want nothing but perfection for me and they will do anything to make sure i get that, i have the best friend in the entire world; my 21 year old, older brother, Josh,

 hes serving his mission for The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints in the San Bernardino area, i cold not be more proud of him. December 20th 2011couldn't come fast enough! I have 2 amazing little sisters; Makenna who is 15 and just finished her freshman year in highschool,

 i am so proud of everything she has accomplished thus far in her life & Kaeleigh...my 13 year old perfect little angel,

 Then theres Braeden,

 hes the most energetic 12 year old in the entire world. I could not be more thankful and appreciative of my family. i dont know what I would do without them. Its taken me a while to take a couple steps back from my own life and realize how much they truly care...but I will forever and always be so grateful for my family <3 I will forever and always be daddys little princess and i woldnt have it any other way. i am so thankful to have my dad in my daily life. i may be thousands of miles away but hes always in my heart.