Courtney Ann, the beloved model known as "Texas Thighs," grew up broke enough to understand real struggle. But that poverty became the foundation for a life most people only dream about. Supplied The model and content creator just spent 18 days touring five European cities with her family and watching Lana Del Rey perform in Milan. But life looked much different when she was young. "We were pretty broke growing up but I always knew there were people with way bigger problems and struggles than I had," Courtney says. "So I have always been grateful for what I have, and that has always been part of me. Even now I always remember how blessed I am. I try not to take anything for granted." Today, she's a proud mother planning bucket-list trips that include helicopter rides into Alaskan glaciers and ferry rides through Venice. The woman who found herself paycheck-to-paycheck now takes her children to see the world's most famous landmarks, like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain in Rome. "I remember just being in awe of how tiny we are in this huge world," Courtney says. "And how I felt so happy and lucky to experience this." Supplied Her great-grandmother Viola showed her how to do it. They'd watch I Love Lucy together, take road trips and go shopping. Courtney eventually honored her by choosing her youngest daughter's middle name, "Vi." "Granny was always my best friend growing up," Courtney recalls. "She was a hot mess sometimes but she lived her life her way and lived a full and long life." However, social media doesn't show the full picture. While followers see the modeling shots and travel photos, they miss something essential: Courtney is "a momma to all." At gatherings, she's the one holding babies, entertaining kids and making sure everyone's taken care of. Friends know exactly where to find her. From poverty to Paris, she's proving that gratitude isn't just about appreciating what you have. Sometimes it's about remembering where you came from while refusing to let it define where you're going. The post Model Courtney Ann Went From Scraping By to Spoiling Her Family With Luxury Vacations appeared first on Wonderwall.com.