We have so much to be thankful for!

One of my favorite holidays of the year is Thanksgiving. It is the start of the best time of the year, Christmas time. Every year, Thanksgiving comes at the perfect moment. I begin to miss my friends, family, and school gets to be a little stressful around that time. And there is no other feeling than walking through your front door.
But this year Thanksgiving is going to be quite different. It makes me so sad that I won't be able to spend Thanksgiving with the people I am thankful for the most, my family. So this is going to be a Thanksgiving shout out to the people I am so thankful for in my life.

Mom and Dad: It was wonderful getting to see you guys a few weeks ago. I know that at moments I was getting very frustrated but I had to remind myself that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I have done so much growing up here and I am so glad you got to see my Irish home and why I love this country so much. You guys have done so much for me over the past few years and I don't know who I would be with out your love and guidance. You have taught me everything I know and if it wasn't for you guys, I would be doing as well in Ireland as I am. So thank you for being the best parents I could ask for!

My goon of a brother, Evan: Thank you for being that protective older brother who wants nothing more for his baby sister. Thank you for always making me laugh with your new animals and all the weird stories that come from Whitewater. You are the first person I come to when I need to talk to someone, especially when I need to tell Mom and Dad something. I know that wherever we are in life, we will always have a good time doing some goon squad shenanigans. Thanks for always being my big brother, someone who I can lean on and someone who is always there for me. 

The Hogans, The Sochs, The Paparones, and The Burnies (yes, that includes you Rob!): It makes me so sad that I cannot be in  Kohler with all you wonderful people (Paparones, we always miss you at Thanksgiving!). I am so thankful to have all of you guys as a support system. Family is forever and you guys are honestly the best! I miss all your smiling faces and your warm hugs. I cannot wait to dive into that chocolate fountain in December and do our ever so famous karaoke! Don't have too much fun over Thanksgiving and make sure you pick a good name out of the hat for me! :) 

Nana and Pops: There are so many days here in Ireland when I look around and say "Nana and Pops would love it here." I am so thankful for you guys especially when it comes to college. You have supported me my whole life and have always told me to never stop giving up and to keep on trying. All I want to do is pick up the phone and here those two friendly voices saying they love me back. I cannot wait to give you guys a great big hug in December! 

Melanie Jean Abigail Tomal and Casey Allison Teresa Kaldahl: Where do I even begin with you guys?  You guys have been my support system during my whole experience. I don't know where I would be without you guys dealing with my venting about how much I miss home and how much I want to give you big hugs. I know that no matter what, you will always have the right thing to say. You guys bring out the best in me and I cannot thank you enough for dealing with my shenanigans. I am beyond jealous that you both get to study in London (or Mel, wherever you end up!) but I know you are going to have the time of your lives just like I am. I love you both to the moon and back. "When they point to the pictures, please tell them my name." 

MK, MC, Marge, Huds, Banana, and Molls: I don't think I can thank you guys enough... For real doe, we have endured a lot together over in this foreign country. I wouldn't want to do it with anyone else. You guys have seen me at my best and seen me at my worst, and you still love me. Which is very surprising because as you know, I am the worst when I am hungry and when I'm being an eejit. We have gone through a lot together and I can't imagine what my life in Ireland would be without you guys. I am so glad you are all smicks so I don't have to say goodbye. We have killed it here in Ireland this past semester and I can't wait for reunions back in South Bend and to show everyone all the loads of craic we had! I love you guys more than ever and thank you so much for making this semester one of the best! 

And to everybody else, thank you for being you. Thank you for reading my blog and all the support this past semester. I have never felt so loved from so far away! So thank you!!!! 

"May your stuffing be tasty 

May your turkey plump. 
May your potatoes and gravy 
Have nary a lump. 
May your yams be delicious 
And your pies take the prize. 
And may your Thanksgiving dinner 
Stay off your thighs." 

Have a blessed Thanksgiving filled with turkey, football, friends and family. We truly do have a lot to be thankful for! 

All my love,

Libby