I am Thankful, to be Thankful

I am grateful for this time of year, that gives me more of an opportunity to realize all that I do have to be Thankful for. I am also grateful that I can get myself thinking about all that I am blessed with, and hopefully continue that Thankful attitude throughout the rest of the holiday season, and all throughout my life. I just wanted to list so many things that I have to be grateful for, in hopes that it will help me to dwell on those things, and not the things that I sometimes think that I "lack"... and hopefully, for the few of those of you who read this, you can realize too all that you have to be grateful for, and how Heavenly Father really does bless each one of us with so much, even through trials, and even if we don't always realize it.

Here goes: I am thankful for:

My Mom

My Dad

My Sister, Kellie

My Brother Eric, Sister-in-law Amber, and cutest Nephew ever!

My Awesome Co-workers

My Best friends, Jaimie and Jessica

So many great friends that support me in all I do, and that no matter how long we've been apart, I still love, and it feels like we haven't been apart

New friends: Those I have met in my ward, stake, and that I have acquired through their marriage to my friends.

My awesome ward, and all the opportunities that I have there

My challenging, but so rewarding calling

Being Single right now, and the opportunities that gives me (I will post about this later...)

My Amazing Grandma!

My wonderful Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins, who are so many in number, and who I know each by name, and love so much for all their love and support

Being able to laugh and be silly with family

My heritage, and all the people that have touched my life and moved on, and who's example I cherish so much

Good Movies

Good Music

Boots (and basically shoes in general... ) ;)

A house to live in, food to eat, clothes to wear (and everything that I have, ample for my needs)

The Priesthood in my home, and countless family members, and church leaders who honor that, and who I can look to as an example

Great books, and my love of reading

Technology, to entertain me, and to keep in touch with friends and family

The Blessings of being able to attend the temple

THE GOSPEL in my life!!!

The Book of Mormon

My Heavenly Father, and the power of prayer, and answers to prayer

The Atonement

The opportunities my job has given me, and all that I have learned through working there

The ability to have fun, and to be able to be social

The ability that I have to talk to anyone (I used to be so shy, so I am grateful for all that has helped me to be able to develop this!)

Dating- the good and the bad. I had a friend tell me once that there are no "bad" dates, only good dates, and good stories. Love it!

School- the opportunity that I had to go, and to be graduated!

Chocolate, and yummy treats in general

Thanksgiving Holiday

Christmas, and the Savior's Birth

Well, there are MANY, MANY more, but I will leave it at that for now. Hopefully we can all remember to be grateful for everything, the large and the small.

Busy, Busy, Busy

I am grateful for busy days! I know that sometimes I don't always think that, but really, I am. I have had many days at work, or other places that I haven't had a thing to do, and those days draaag on. I love it, (for the most part!) when I have a lot to do, and the day flies by, and I don't know where the time has gone. I know that I have been guilty (many times...) of complaining that I never have "free time" or time to do things that I want to do, but I have noticed that when I am busy, I try to make that extra time for those things that I really want to do.
I thought that when I graduated college, and didn't have homework anymore, I'd have so much free time... and really, a lot of times I do, but I am a different kind of busy nowadays. I am grateful for a full time job that keeps me busy 8 hours a day,and church, family, and friends that keep me busy all the other times. I have noticed in myself that when I keep busy, I focus less on feeling sorry for myself, and that things maybe aren't going exactly the way that I want them to. I also have noticed that when I am busy, I relish the times when I can sit and read, or watch movies, or just do absolutely nothing. So, next time I complain about being busy, I'll have this to look back and read about how I really am grateful for that!

Something Old, Something New...

I am grateful for trying new things! I know that this has taken some getting used to, because I am not always the person who loves change... in fact, it's really not always my favorite. But, its great. And, sometimes, it's really hard for me to go outside my box, and try things that scare me, or make me nervous. But, I've been getting better with age, I think!

Some recent experiences that I have had that have been good for me, and made me glad I tried them:

-Substitute teaching (so scary, especially when I have to teach them math!)

-Working full time (sometimes it's still rough)

-Lots of blind/first dates (this isn't necessarily all recent, but they happen, and are definitely things to learn from...)

-Wake surfing!

Well, I'm sure there are lots more, but I can't think of them right now. I'm sure I will later. I think, that by far, wake surfing was my favorite. I am glad that Jessica and Jim took me out on their boat, and helped me, and talked me into trying this! It was fun, and I wasn't as bad at it as I thought. Overall, I think that getting out of your comfort zone, and trying new things is really a great thing to do. Scary? yes. Hard? yes. But good. Especially for me. Especially now. It's hard not knowing exactly where life is going to go, or what you are going to do, but it will all work out. I have the gospel of Jesus Christ to tell me that. And that is not something that is new, but something that will always be there for me.

Anyway, I will continue to try new things, and be in new situations, because it is great to always be learning, and growing!! So, I think, all (maybe 10 of you) that read this, should take a challenge to step out of your box, and try something new!

Happy Sunday.

This is me wake surfing. See? It's really true!!

I Believe in Christ

I am so grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am grateful, and know that he atoned for me, and everything I go through. I know that He knows what I am going through, and I can use that power, and that help in my life. I am grateful to be able to renew the covenants I have made each week in Sacrament Meeting, and to remember the Atonement.
This is one of my favorite hymns, and it is also my testimony, and I feel the power in the words each time I sing it:

I Believe in Christ; he is my King!
With all my heart to him I'll sing;
I'll raise my voice in praise and joy,
In grand amens my tongue employ.
I believe in Christ; he is God's Son.
On earth to dwell his soul did come.
He healed the sick; the dead he raised.
Good works were his; his name be praised.

I believe in Christ; oh blessed name!
As Mary's Son, he came to reign
'Mid mortal men, his earthly kin,
To save them from the woes of sin.
I believe in Christ, who marked the path,
Who did gain all his Father hath,
Who said to men, "Come, follow me,
That ye, my friends, with God may be."

I believe in Christ- my Lord, my God!
My feet he plants on gospel sod.
I'll worship him with all my might;
He is the source of truth and light.
I believe in Christ; he ransoms me.
From Satan's grasp, he sets me free,
And I shall live with joy and love
In his eternal courts above.

I believe in Christ; he stands supreme!
From him I'll gain my fondest dream;
And while I strive through grief and pain,
His voice is heard: "Ye shall obtain."
I believe in Christ; so come what may,
With him I'll stand, in that great day
When on this earth he comes again
To rule among the sons of men.

(Hymn 134, Text by: Bruce R. McConkie)

I feel like I can always just say, "Amen" at the end of that song. I especially love the last verse, where it says, "I believe in Christ; so come what may". That helps me through anything that I am going through, because no matter what happens, I know that if I hold strong to my faith in Jesus Christ, I will be ok, and things will work out.

Chocolate.

I am grateful for chocolate! I have a major sweet tooth. All the time. Ha! I seriously love most things chocolate. Probably not the best thing, but still, its a weakness! I find that every time I eat a meal, I crave something sweet after. Hmmm. Guess that's why I'm trying to exercise, so that I can stay fit, and still eat the chocolate that I love. Justification? I think so :) My friend Jessica and I even go out to restaurants specifically to get dessert. We call them our "dessert nights", because when you normally go out to eat, you never have room for dessert, so we skip the meal, and go straight for the good stuff! Chilis molten cake is pretty much the best, as is the "fazookie" or something like that from Firehouse Pizza in Logan. I suggest you try them both! I also love peanut butter M&Ms, Twix, Whatchamacallits, and lots of others. So if you wanna try to get on my good side, just bring me any of these.

Let's go to the Movies!

I am very grateful for movies! I am kind of a movie fanatic. I love movies. All types of movies! It's so fun to sit down and pick a great show to watch, because there is a movie for every mood that you are ever in. There are the chick flicks, that, I have to say, are my very favorite. There are funny ones, (She's the man, The Proposal, 27 Dresses, etc.) sad ones (P.S. I Love You, Raising Helen...) ones that I watch when I want a good cry (Beaches, Charly) and many, many, many others! They are pretty great. There are also some of what my sister and I call our "Sunday Afternoon Movies" they consist of the classics, like Pride & Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma, Love Comes Softly, and lots of others. Some of my other favorites are Pirates (the first one is the best!), The Bourne movies, The Pelican Brief, Newsies, X-men, Mamma Mia, Crocodile Dundee, Footloose, The Man from Snowy River (Gotta love the Australian ones!), and so many others. I also love watching movies over and over again. I have a growing collection! I love to own the good ones, and watch them whenever I want! At the moment, I'm watching "The Truman Show". Crazy how people can think of stories like that. But really entertaining!

I also love to go to movies in the theaters. I have even gone multiple times in a week. Did you know that Tuesdays at the Megaplex theaters is cheaper? Only about $6 instead of $8 or 9! Score! I think I'm gonna finish now, because this is kind of a rambling post. But, movies are great. Its fun to be able to relax, and enjoy watching someone else's life unfold on the screen! Go and enjoy a good old classic, new release, or movie in the theater. Speaking of which, I haven't been to one in a while. Anyone want to go with me? :)

Nothin' like a good book!

I am grateful for good books! I love love love to read. I have since I have learned how to read. I love all kinds of books, and can remember the ones I used to love as a kid, and still do! I loved to read the "Nancy Drew" mysteries, "Goosebumps", "Boxcar Children", "The Egypt Game", and so many others. I loved to be read to, as well. I can remember my 6th grade class, when my teacher, Ms. Beckstead would read to us, and I remember loving the books, and really getting into them. Now, I still love it! Of course I have read Harry Potter, Twilight, The Hunger Games, and most of the popular ones. My genre of choice most of the time are LDS Romance, authors like Anita Stansfield (Because she sets some of her stories in Australia!), Michelle Ashman Bell, Betsy Brannon Green, and others with good stories. I also enjoy Nicholas Sparks, and Jane Austen. I've been trying to read all the classics! I don't always enjoy non-fiction, but I've been getting into some of those lately, and some church books. I just love being able to get away from life for a bit by immersing myself in a good book.

Workin' for a Living

Well... I am grateful for my job. Certain aspects of it! I am trying to turn over a new leaf, and this blog has been a good way for me to do that. I would like to list some things that are cool that I get to do/see because I work where I work. Oh. I work at the LDS Conference Center, in the Event Office, as an intern. (Yes, I do get paid. )

-I get to be at the Conference Center everyday. Have you been to that building? Amazing!! If you haven't taken a tour, you should. Especially of the roof! What a view!!

-I have a magical badge that gives me access to cool places. Like getting to the bathroom. haha. and the tunnels that enable me to walk from building to building without going outside in the winter cold!

-I work with such great people, I love to talk to them, and we laugh and have a lot of fun with what we do.

-I sometimes work later at night, and to walk out on temple square and see the Salt Lake Temple all lit up in the dark is such an amazing sight!

-I get to see backstage at places like the Assembly Hall, and Tabernacle, and other buildings on Temple Square.

-I get asked directions and questions all the time while walking on Temple Square, and I actually know the answers! I love helping all the tourists.

-I got hit on (in a good way!!) by a bunch of cute Scottish guys. :)

-I have a pretty flexible schedule, and don't have to wake up super early!

-I get to see my Dad and Brother a lot while at work, and eat lunch with them at least once a week.

-I have gotten to give a few tours, and those are fun! I learn a lot when I do them too.

-I get free meals a lot. A lot. Especially during conference!

-I have my very own desk.

-I have a name badge that is gold, and makes me look official. Or like a sister missionary.

So... its growing on me. I'm still figuring out what I want to do with my life, yes, even though I've been graduated from college a while! But this is a good place to learn so much, and experience new things!

This is me in the tunnel with my cool badge.

As Sisters in Zion

I am so grateful for the wonderful Relief Society Organization of the church! It really is the most amazing thing- an organization set up that we can meet as sisters each week, we can feel of the spirit together, get to know each other, help each other out, and learn so much from one another! I love going to my singles ward Relief Society and seeing all the sisters talk to one another and interact with each other, and genuinely care about what they are learning about from who they are talking to. I love how excited everyone gets when we hear of something fun, new, exciting, or really anything that goes on in another sister's life. I love going to Relief Society each Sunday, and learning from all who are there.

I have also witnessed the amazing-ness of when the Relief Society pulls together so often, and helps those who are in need of help, with anything! There was a funeral in our ward this past weekend, and it was so amazing to me to see that just after the funeral was over, the sisters were there to bring food for the family luncheon after, and so many of them came rolling in with pans and dishes full of yummy food! It's not just the food that matters, it's the thought and caring that genuinely go into each action that these sisters perform.

I am grateful for Relief Society, and am grateful for this gospel!

Summer, Summer, Summer

I am grateful for SUMMER! I seriously, seriously, love summer! So maybe this is turning into a "Things I Love" blog, but still, it works. Summer is my favorite season! If I ever moved anywhere else, it would be somewhere that it is warm most of the year!

Here are some of the reasons I LOVE summer: (Add to the list if I've missed anything you love!)
-Wearing flipflops
-Shortsleeve shirts, capris, and shorts
-Being outside!
-Driving with the windows down
-Swimming/laying out
-Family Vacations to Bear Lake
-It stays light until really late
-Campfires
-Camping (although I don't go all that often)
-Sunshine
-Ice Cream and Popsicles
-Outdoor movies and other activities
-Playing sports at a park
-S'mores
-Weddings
-Going Barefoot
-Concerts!

And so so many other things!! Summer is my favorite. So, its time to party it up because Summer is here!!!!






Some fun pictures from Bear Lake!

Good Ole' Utah!

I am grateful for this great place that I live! Granted, I don't really know anything else, since I've lived in the same place my whole life, but it is great! I love living in this valley, so close to all of my family and friends. I love that we have great summer weather, and, even though I complain, I sometimes like the snow, and that we have (mostly) 4 seasons here in Utah. I am grateful that I live so close to Temple Square, and the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints! I know that I take that for granted, and I shouldn't, because that is such an amazing thing, and a great opportunity to be so close, and visit often. I see hundreds of people each day and week who come to visit Temple Square, and are amazed at how wonderful it is, and all the history of the saints that is all around. I love you good ole' Utah!

This is the closest picture of my house that I could find on my computer! This is the standard "porch pose" picture that we take for everything major in our lives- start of school, weddings, graduations, and lots of other stuff. Its been a great house for 24 years!

Plus, its pretty much the coolest shape! ...And easiest to draw in school!

Fabulous Friends!

I am so grateful for such wonderful friends!! I have been blessed with many friends in my life, friends that have come at different times, for different reasons, that have made such an impact on me. All have been great examples, been there for me, made me laugh, helped me when times have been hard, listened to me, and so much more!

Jaimie & Jessica, my best friends! We have been the 3 of us since high school! We laugh a lot, and always have a great time together, no matter if we are out to dinner, scrapbooking, hanging around with Jaimie's boys, or anything that we do. I don't know what I would do without them!

The 7 of us who started "The Gang" (haha yep, cheesy name!) have been friends since high school. Many have gotten married, making a larger group of great friends! We have a blast when we get together, laughing so hard that I start to cry! It's always great to catch up, and be with friends.

Melissa and I have known each other since high school, but have become better friends more recently! We always have a good time "partying it up" at lots of singles things (haha!) and we have even been told we are "animals" on the dance floor! Whatever that means... :) We have a great time laughing and meeting new people.

Bree & Jaime, what can I say? Friends since we were young! Lots of good times swimming at the pool, birthday parties, sleepovers, and much more! I love these girls!

The For Every Scrapbook girls. Working together was so much fun, we were always laughing! I am so grateful to have gotten to know all of them, and for their examples to me! Its so fun to keep in touch even though we have all gone many different ways.

Music

I am so grateful for music! It seriously is the greatest thing ever! I love listening and singing (although not very good!) the hymns of the church, and primary songs. I can feel the spirit, and feel so good and uplifted when I hear them, and truly can feel the sermons and truth of the words that are in the songs. There have been many times that while singing, I have started bawling, and can't get through the rest of the song because they are so great. (which isn't really surprising, if you know me, haha) I love how I get something different each time I listen to a song, and how they can help me with things I am going through at different times. One of my favorites is "I Believe in Christ" the whole song is a testimony to me. I especially love the line, "I believe in Christ, so come what may" that helps me so much, and helps me get through when life is crazy!

On another note, I just love music in general! I probably have the craziest music collection with so many random songs and genres, I love it! I love listening and learning about all new kinds of music, and am (mostly) open to all of it! (I can't do the screamy stuff though...) I love how there is a song for any mood that I am in, at any moment of any day. I love that there are songs that I can relax and chill out to, my "Girl Power" playlist that helps me realize that I am single, and loving life, my party in the car songs, that I can turn on, and jam out to that can make me happy, no matter how I have been feeling throughout the day! I love that there are so many songs that I can listen to and bust out the moves to, even though I don't have the best rhythm. iTunes is pretty much my favorite, I love buying and listening to new music.

Country music is also pretty much fabulous! I sometimes go a little bit without listening to it, and then when I come back to it, I remember how it is my favorite! Plus, country concerts are amazing!

My latest favorites: Darius Rucker, Keith Urban (So Awesome!), ADELE, Runner Runner, Angels and Airwaves, Dierks Bentley, Glee!, John Denver, Kenny Chesney, and so many others. Seriously, I love music!

Happily Ever After

I am grateful for marriage, and weddings, and the blessings of the temple!

My cousin CC & her fiancee Bradon got married this past weekend. The wedding was beautiful! I love weddings, they are so much fun! The centerpieces, and the mix of colors they chose turned out great, and the day went great! They looked so happy, and so cute! It was fun to celebrate with them, and all of our family.

I am grateful for the blessings of marriage, and how two people commit to love each other, and work things out together for eternity. There really seems to be nothing better. I realize that it is hard, and takes lots of work, but what a blessing to be able to make the covenants in the temple to each other, and start a life and family with the person you love most! I am grateful for the wonderful day we were able to spend with CC & Bradon, and their example to me, and their love for each other.

Forgiveness

I am grateful for Forgiveness. What an amazing teaching this is. Elder Packer, in this past April General Conference said, "Latter-Day Saints are taught to love one another and to frankly forgive offenses."

I love this quote! I love the word "frankly" that he uses. Not after we sit and think about it, or if we decide that they deserve it, we just have to do it!

I am grateful that people are forgiving, and forgive me for I'm sure the many things that I do wrong each day, and for the things that I (hopefully unintentionally) do or say that could cause offense.

I am grateful that I can forgive, and how great that feels when I do, and get those harsh feelings and grudges out of my life, because then a huge weight is lifted off of my shoulders and I feel so much better, and closer to the spirit. Am I perfect this way? OF COURSE NOT! I have a very hard time sometimes, but I know that when I do allow forgiveness into my heart, my life is so much better, and Heavenly Father blesses me even more!

I am grateful that the Savior forgives us! What an amazing gift that we can repent, and ask for forgiveness, and He will give it to us! I am so grateful for His mercy!

Sunday

I am so grateful for Sundays! I love that it's a day that I can go to church, listen to wonderful lessons, talks, and testimonies, and feel of the spirit! I love that it is the one day where I know that I don't have anything that I need to get done, work or other obligations. It is a wonderful day of rest, to spend with friends and family. I look forward to it every week!

I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ, of Latter-Day Saints

I am so incredibly grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and for the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life!!

I am grateful for Joseph Smith, and that he restored the gospel to the earth, and all he sacrificed to bring the church forth. I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon, and I know that the words and teachings in it have blessed my life so much, and are continually an answer to my prayers. I know that Heavenly Father knows me, and loves me, and blesses me with the Holy Ghost to help and direct me in my life!

I have felt the spirit many many times, and I know that if we trust in the Lord, and have faith, He will guide and direct us in our lives.

I am learning (it's not an easy, but a continual process!) that the Lord will help us, but it will be in His timing, and that patience and complete trust in Him are essential!

I have a testimony of all these things, and that the gospel is true. I am so grateful for the blessing that I have to attend church each week, and partake of the Sacrament to renew my covenants with my Heavenly Father. I am so grateful for the spirit I feel during the Sunday meetings each week, and in my life when I ask Heavenly Father.

I am grateful for temples, and know that the covenants we make are essential, and such a blessing from Heavenly Father.

I know this gospel is true, and that I wouldn't be where I am today without it.

What an incredible thing to be grateful for, and something that I need to keep learning over and over!

"17 Miracles"

Wow. So today I had the awesome opportunity to see the show "17 Miracles" about the Mormon Pioneers, from the Martin and Willie Handcart Companies.

It was such an amazing movie, I'd recommend that all of you see it!

I am so grateful for the pioneers, and the early members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints! They sacrificed so much to be a part of this gospel, and to enable all of us who follow after them to enjoy the blessings of the gospel! They traveled miles and miles in the heat, rain, snow, and other horrible conditions. They ran out of food, clothing, and so many of them sacrificed their lives for their faith. What an amazing example and legacy that we have, and hopefully I can live up to that in my life, trust in the Lord, and have as much faith in Him as they did. There is so much we can learn from our ancestors and the heritage of the pioneers!

Memorial Day!

I am grateful for this Memorial Day holiday, where we can remember those we have lost, and also those who have sacrificed their time and lives for us in the service of our country.

I am grateful for my Grandparents!

My Grandma and Grandpa Hanson are some of the best people I know. I love them so much, and am so grateful for their examples in my life. Although Grandpa Hanson has passed away, I will remember his sense of humor, love of life and family, and his constant support and care for everyone he met. I know I will see him again! Grandma is also a great example of strength and love, and I look up to her so much! I love you Grandma, and am so grateful to be able to spend time with you and learn from you!

I am so grateful for my Grandma and Grandpa Baer! I love them so much! I am so grateful for their constant example of church service, and unfailing faith, and their love for their family! They supported everything all of their kids and grandkids did, and I have such great memories of them, and their love for me! I am grateful to have had them in my life, and am so grateful for the knowledge that I will see them again.

Pictures of Memorial Day 2011

I am also grateful for our troops! I can't even imagine what it would be like to serve in the military, but I am so grateful for those who are willing to. There are countless men and women who sacrifice time away from their families, and even their lives to help us keep our country free and safe. I am so thankful, and they are those who need to be remembered and acknowledged more than just on this day.

Here I go!

Family

So, here is the first post on this new blog, we'll see how it goes.

The first thing that I am grateful for is my wonderful family! I am so blessed to have all of them in my life! My mom and dad are such a great support to me, and such great examples. I don't know what I would do without them!

My siblings are so great! Eric, Kellie, and Amber, I love them so much! We laugh and joke, and have a fun spending time together. Most people probably wouldn't understand what we are talking about half the time because we quote movies, and weird ones at that! I do love them, and love every minute that I get to spend with them.

Our newest addition to the family is little Mason, and he is such a cute sweet baby! It's so fun to have a little one around, and I know his parents and aunts and grandparents all love him so much!

I am grateful for the blessings of the temple and the covenants we make, and the wonderful knowledge that we can be together forever.

I am also grateful for my extended family! And there are a lot of them!

Above is a picture of (mostly) all of the Hanson family, there are about 90 of us, and still counting! I love them all, and am so grateful for their love and support in my life!

This is one of the pictures I could find on my computer of the Baer Family! Guess we need to get an updated picture of all of us! The Baer clan also has over 90 people and still adding to it, which is so fun! I love all of them so much, its so fun when we get to spend time with them, and I am grateful for all of their examples and support!

I am so blessed to have a wonderful family!