Jill #givethanks

 Day 1

I’m grateful for education and the different doors it has opened for me. I love that knowledge and learning live forever. I have learned about critical thinking, that I can do hard things, and amazing things about the human body. I have been able to meet some great people throughout my time in school! #givethanks

Day #2

I’m grateful for Hanna Nunn and her example to me. I miss her, but I’m grateful that she gets to share the gospel with other people. She’s the best! #givethanks

Day #3

Today, I #givethanks to my horse, Salsa. We bought her in 2014, and she has taught me so much.

Once, when we first got Salsa, I told my dad I didn’t think she was fast enough to be a breakaway horse. I quickly learned I was wrong and I’ve been so grateful to have been wrong.

She instilled confidence in me, she took me to nationals, a Canadian high school finals title, and a trip to the college national finals. She’s been there when I graduated high school, she was with me when I moved to Utah for college, and she was there when I got engaged.

Salsa has now made a new friend with my niece Lila, who will feed her handfuls of hay and Salsa will carefully eat it out of her little hands.

Anyone who knows Salsa knows she is ornery most of the time, but she sure knows her people and takes care of them. She also is quite particular. At a rodeo,

Hanna Nunn

took her over to give her some water. Apparently she didn’t like the water, so she picked up one side of the bucket with her mouth and threw it at Hanna, effectively soaking her. She knows when it’s game time, and if it’s not game time, she probably wants to eat.

So, thanks, Salsa! I’m sure glad Ben and

Staci Juhasz

let me have you, and

Traci Bevans Aipperspach

told me to write my name on you with Sharpie so I could claim you.

Day #4

A couple of years ago, I had a goat tying wreck that caused damage to my knee. While no surgery was required, recovery has been painful. I was able to return to make a couple more goat tying runs the next college rodeo season, and then the rest of the year was cancelled.

I have been active my whole life, and so for me, not being able to do what I wanted was frustrating. It’s been a long, slow process, but I’m starting to get back to being able to fully do what I love.

While goat tying likely isn’t in my future as a contestant, I still love coaching and helping others with it.

So, today I’m grateful for my body that has overcome injury and still carries me while. I #givethanks for the body that I have - imperfections and all.

Day #5

I feel so blessed to have these two in my life!

Bailey is always down for adventure. She has never been one to shy away from a challenge! She’s one of the most thoughtful, kind people I know. She’s a lifesaver

My family jokes about how I am book-smart but not exactly street-smart. Emmalee and I often say, “Are we the same person or are we the same person?” Needless to say, this made for some awesome rodeo adventures! Emmalee is one of the most driven and selfless people around. Emmalee is definitely the bomb.com

I #givethanks to these two. Thanks for always having my back!

Day #6

Grandparents make the world a better place! I’ve been so lucky to have so many awesome grandparents. So, today, I #givethanks for grandparents!

Grandma

Martha Nunn

and Grandpa Buck taught me how to work hard, appreciate what you have, and help those in need. They will drop everything to come and get you out of a bind. I’m grateful for their example of faith and hope.

Grandma

Carol Reeve Waite

and Grandpa Randy taught me to appreciate the outdoors. I remember going with them to see lots of cool things and cool places. They have supported me in going to school and are great advocates for education. I’m grateful for their example of adventure and selflessness.

Steve and

Karma Albiston

became our adopted grandparents and they are fantastic people. I remember helping with their garden and riding our pony, Sparky, around their hay field. I’m so grateful for their humor, kindness, and willingness to serve others.

Don Noyes

and

Linda Noyes

are the best grandparents-in-law I could have asked for. I love our auction Thursdays and I appreciate their love of family and animals. I’m grateful for their example of supporting others and dedication to the gospel.

Day #7

If there’s one thing that this pandemic has taught me, it’s that family is so important. There’s a purpose for God creating families. He knew we would need people to have our backs no matter what happens. He knew we would need people in our corner.

I am so grateful for my own family. It’s been really hard to not be able to go home for so long. I’m grateful for FaceTime so I can talk to them. My parents are excellent examples to me and my sisters. I can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done. My sisters are hilarious and kind. I’m so grateful for them.

The Perkins family has been such a blessing in my life. I’m so grateful for their examples. It’s been so fun to have become an aunt to the five cutest kids around. Ralph and Natalie have been so helpful and kind and I don’t know what we would have done without them in the last year.

Overall, I’m grateful to have such a great family as an anchor throughout all the storms around us. #givethanks

+Day #4