1. Being married to my favorite person. I knew that being married someday would be a "rewarding experience," but I didn't realize just how cool an experience it would be for me. Brad and I had a lot in common from the get-go, so it's been great to build on that and to even find out how different we are. I love that when he doesn't quite get me, he honestly tries to. I love seeing how he reacts with our kids...they can't get enough of their dad. I love that he's self motivated, that he is willing and able to try things out of the ordinary....
2. Being a mom. Okay, so it is the hardest thing I have ever done. Still, at the end of the day, I am so smitten with my kids. They inflict every possible emotion upon me, good and bad, and I am addicted to them. They make me want to be a better person. 
3. My Mom and Dad. They mean the world to me. Never have I relied so much on what they have taught me or the way they raised me. I think about it constantly as I interact with my kids. I love that they are young and vibrant and willing to continue serving us...even if it is from Italy. I miss piling on mom and dad's bed with everyone else and laughing about nonsencical things. Piling (and I mean piling) in the van for another Teton/Yellowstone/Bear Lake loop while waiting for my turn for a spot on the bench. I will never forget making up songs about ourselves and our cars while the rain doused our tent in Arches...come to think of it, I don't think the constant rainfall helped Tom's situation at all. My parents amaze me.
4. My brother and sisters. Who would've thought (as a young kid) that you'd care more about your siblings than your friends. I look forward to every visit, every phone call, e-mail, text message, you name it! I love love love them.
5. Travel. Oh man, just to get out of dodge. It is rejuvenating, freeing, liberating...I think you know what I'm getting at. I love new places, new faces, new surroundings.
