Gratitude Challenge: Day 19 & 20

My last TWO days. This challenge has been a blessing. I have felt an added measure of gratitude for what I have in my life. Feeling gratitude is a heavenly attribute. I have much to be thankful for and I hope that I can express that every day, not just during this time of year.

Gratitude Challenge: Day 19

Parents

I'm grateful for my parents. They are remarkable individuals and have shaped me into the woman I am today. I do not know what I would do without my parents. Here is a little synopsis about each of them:

Daddy: I am grateful for my daddy! He is loving, generous, and helpful. My dad is also really smart when it comes to computers. He is also very dedicated; he's worked with the same company for over 20 years!! I love talking to my dad about anything and everything: politics, money, life, family, etc. I know that I can always go to my dad about advice and/or questions! Thanks DAD for all you do:)

Mommy: I am so grateful for my mom! She is talented, honest, and humble. I know that I can always go to my mom whenever I need her. I love being around my mom; she has a great sense of humor and can always make me laugh. I also love how giving my mom is; she is so good at being there for her children and helping them in any way possible. I am thankful for my mom! I love her and I am grateful for her example. She is such a strong woman and I know that she can accomplish anything she sets her mind to. She is so talented with her cooking skills, sewing abilities, knitting skills, etc. My mom is awesome!!!

Gratitude Challenge: Day 20

Husband

I saved the best for last...my HUSBAND! I am so grateful for my husband. We've been married for a year and a half and I seriously grow to love him more every day. He is so patient, understanding, and kind to me. He is my best friend and I do not know what I would ever do without him. Thank you, husband, for being such a good example and for doing what you can to make me happy every single day. You are amazing!

Gratitude Challenge: Day 13-18

 Gratitude Challenge: Day 13

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

I am grateful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It feels like it was just yesterday that I was baptized and confirmed a member of the church (it's been over 5 years now). I can't even begin to describe all the tremendous and overwhelming blessings I've received because of my decision to join the LDS church. I love my Heavenly Father and I know that He has a marvelous plan for me. I am so grateful for the church, the prophet, apostles, general authorities, and local leaders. I am grateful to all the individuals I have met since investigating the church; I am grateful for their examples and supportive ways. I would not be where I am today without strong, charitable, and supportive members of this church. Thank you!

Gratitude Challenge: Day 14

In-laws 

I am grateful for my in-laws. John and Delilas (my  father and mother-in-law) are wonderful, amazing individuals. I am so grateful to have married into such a great family with awesome parent-in-laws! Seriously!!! I am so so lucky! Here is a little synopsis about each of them:

John: My father-in-law is fun! I love how he is so patient with everyone around him. He is a great example to me of working hard, but also playing hard. I am always so impressed by how dedicated he is to everything he does whether it is work, church callings, working in the yard, playing with his kids, etc. He is busy, but he somehow always makes time for the most important things. I think Logan gets a lot of his personality from his awesome dad which is a very good thing:)

Delilas: I can't say enough about my amazing mother-in-law. I absolutely LOVE her. She is so easy to get along with. Logan definitely takes after his mother when it comes to his sense of humor. My mother-in-law has a GREAT sense of humor. She is also incredibly understanding, honest, and loving. She is also a wonderful mother/mother-in-law to six (seven, if you count me)--her children (plus me) absolutely adore her. Oh, and did I mention that we share the same birthday? We're practically twins. Logan always jokes that he married his mother..well that is definitely a compliment because my MIL is awesome!

I am so so thankful for my in-laws! They are awesome and I appreciate them so much. I also love how welcoming they have been to my family. I love that my parents and Logan's parents live close to each other and that they can build a relationship with one another (even while Logan and I are not there). It's awesome!

Gratitude Challenge: Day 15

Challenges/Trials 

I am grateful for challenges/trials. I know that the Lord gives us trials and burdens so that we can learn and become perfected in Him. I am grateful for the small or even big challenges/trials the Lord gives me. I know that it is part of the plan the Lord has for me. I know that as I endure my challenges/trials well and with a positive attitude, the Lord will give me strength to accomplish anything.

Gratitude Challenge: Day 16

Temples 

I am so grateful for temples. I know that being in the temple is the ultimate joy and peace that our Heavenly Father can give us. I know that in the temple we can do a sacred work in strengthening families. I know that the temple can provide us with comfort, joy, and an overwhelming peace that we can not get anywhere else. I love going to the temple and feeling Heavenly Father's love.

Gratitude Challenge: Day 17

Scriptures 

I'm grateful for the scriptures. I am so thankful that I have them to read and to learn from. It is such a blessing for me to have somewhere I can turn to for answers, guidance, and direction in my life. I know that I can be better at reading my scriptures every day, and I certainly intend to!

Gratitude Challenge: Day 18

Extended Family

I have a very large extended family and I have also married into Logan's family (which is also very big). I am grateful for aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, etc who have been wonderful blessings in my life. I am so thankful to have a wonderful extended family who really care about me. I love my family and I feel very fortunate to have been blessed with a great one:)

Gratitude Challenge: Day 9-12

I'm a little behind in posting my gratitude challenge, so please be patient with me...

Gratitude Challenge: Day 9

Photographs

I am grateful for photographs. We had the opportunity on Saturday afternoon (November 13) to get some pictures done with a friend from our church ward. Click here for a preview. Nicky is trying to build her portfolio for her new photography business. I think she did a superb job. Thanks, Nicky:)

I absolutely love photographs; there is something about looking through old pictures that gives me a sense of nostalgia for the special moments that made me the person I am today. I love creating memories with my family and friends; I especially think that memories are best shared when they are captured on camera or video. It's so fun being able to display photos in our home whether they are of us, family, or friends. I also love looking through photo albums and photography blogs. I am always struck at how well photographers can capture special moments. I think what separates mediocre photographers from great ones is how much time and effort the photographer takes to get to know their clients. I love photographs that really showcase the individuals...you can see it in their poses, their smiles, and their overall demeanor. I am grateful for the technologies that we have today that makes it possible for me to have my special moments documented. 

Listed below are a few of my all-time favorite photographers:

Jonathan Canlas- his photos are so fresh and absolutely original. Check out his wedding photos. I think he does a superb job at capturing real emotions. Love it!

Tracy Turpen- her photos are exquisite. I love the colors and the dramatic shots she takes. Simply amazing!

Jen Korth- her photos are beautiful! I absolutely love her style. She certainly has an eye for photography. Also, check out her birth portfolios. Incredible!!

Gratitude Challenge: Day 10

Children 

Logan and I were part of the primary program in our church ward on Sunday morning. It was a wonderful experience to hear the testimonies and experiences of three Primary children (yep, we only have three in our congregation). I am always struck by the innocence and sweet spirit each child has. It is a blessing to be around the Primary children; they teach us (adults) in so many ways through their patience, purity, and absolute joy. I hope to have the opportunity to raise children one day; I know they will be a tremendous blessing to our lives.

Gratitude Challenge: Day 11

Work

I'm so grateful for my job and the ability to work. I know that the Lord really wants us to use our talents and skills for the benefit of others. I get to work with children (well, more like teenagers) Monday-Friday. I love it. I am so glad that I have been given the opportunity to interact with children and develop their love for learning. I am also thankful that the Lord has placed wonderful opportunities in my way for me to work and share with others.

Gratitude Challenge: Day 12

Friends 

I don't know where I would be without friends. I know that the Lord places people in our lives for our benefit. I am grateful that the Lord has entrusted me with so many wonderful people that have shaped me into the person I am. 

 Anna, Angelina, and Abby

I am grateful to my two best friends from high school, Anna and Angelina. They are remarkable women. I am so thankful for their love and patience with me. I would have not been able to get through high school without them.

 Erin, Julie S, Julie P, Abby, Heidi, Sylvia, and Jaclyn

I am grateful for the PFF (pretty fun friends) that I met and became really great friends with in my college years. These women are amazing. I do not know what I would have done without them. We have had so much fun together. We are older now, many are married, and living in different states, but I know that if I ever needed anything I can always count on them. They are wonderful examples to me and I am so grateful for their friendships. 

 Logan, Abby, John, Allison, Maddison, and Adrian (we're just missing Britni and Adam)

Lastly, I am grateful for friends in Utah. It was hard moving out here and not knowing very many people, but I am grateful for good friends who like to play games and do things together. They are awesome! 

Gratitude Challenge: Day 6-8

Gratitude Challenge: Day 6

Sports

On Wednesday, I was grateful for sports. I'm grateful that I grew up with a family that loved to watch and play sports. I love SPORTS! I'm grateful that the Lord has given us recreational activities for our enjoyment. It's been a great experience to be in Provo; we've had the opportunity to attend many, many BYU sporting events.

Gratitude Challenge: Day 7

United States

Yesterday, Thursday, I was grateful for living in the United States. I'm grateful for this country and for the opportunities that I've been blessed with, just because of living here. I also kept thinking about how to celebrate Veteran's Day (in Virginia all the kids get out of school). This was my first time having to work for Veteran's Day. It was a humbling experience to reflect about all the individuals who have died for our country and those who continue to defend our country today. How grateful I am for their courage, loyalty, and pride in serving this country! I am so thankful that we have able men and women who make it a priority to serve their nation. Thank you for your service!    

Gratitude Challenge: Day 8

Technology 

(One day, we're going to own this baby! For now, our little Macbook will suffice)

Today, I am grateful for technology. I'm grateful for this modern convenience. It's been a blessing to have a laptop where I can type, review, and send my assignments into class. I'm also grateful for all the information that is available with just the click of a button. I'm grateful for g-mail blogger, facebook, and Skype so that I can keep in touch with family and friends. I applied for a job yesterday to work part-time as an ESL instructor to students overseas, but all within the comfort of my own home! The company uses Skype and other programs to initiate web-based learning to students in various Asian countries. Check out the website here. How grateful I am for technology and the resources it provides!

Note: I applied for the teaching job, but the company is on a hiring freeze until January. Bummer!    

Gratitude Challenge: Day 5

Today, I am grateful for womanhood. I am thankful that the Lord has placed women on this earth with divine responsibilities and characteristics. I will be eternally grateful for the amazing, talented, charitable, and strong women that the Lord has placed in my life. I am incredibly blessed to know so many wonderful women who amaze me every single day through their kindness, patience, and overwhelming love for me.

I am also very grateful to be a woman and to have a divine purpose. I know that as I come to understand my characteristics as a woman, I will be better equipped to use my talents and capabilities to bless the lives of those close to me.

One of the greatest examples to me of womanhood is my Grandma Sangbouasy. I really could go on and on about this amazing woman, but I will spare you:) She raised four children (including my father) on her own (my grandpa passed away early in life). She came to the United States with four young children, not knowing any English, and went straight to work. I have never met a stronger woman of diligence, sacrifice, faith, and patience. Her service, tenderness, and unconditional love for her family and friends encompass her whole being. She marvels at the opportunity to serve those around her. She is, without a doubt, one of the most selfless individuals I know. I love my grandmom. I am grateful for the woman she is and grateful for her example of what a true woman should be.

If you have a chance, take the time to read these amazing talks (given specifically to woman) about womanhood:

• "To Young Women" by Elder Jeffery R. Holland
• "Womanhood: The Highest Place of Honor" by President James E. Faust 
• "The Influence of Righteous Women" by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf 
• "The Spirit of Relief Society" by President Thomas S. Monson 
• "The Joy of Womanhood" by Sister Margaret D. Nadauld

"Women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity." -Margaret D. Nadauld

Gratitude Challenge: Day 3 & 4

I missed posting yesterday about what I am grateful for, so I am just going to combine yesterday and today's gratitude challenge. I have so much to be grateful for!

Gratitude Challenge: Day 3

Music

Yesterday, Sunday, I was grateful for music. I'm grateful for the ability to hear and listen to music. I think President David O. McKay said it best: "Music is truly the universal language, and when it is excellently expressed how deeply it moves our souls." How true! I love how music can touch my life. I love the peace and joy it brings. I love going to church and singing the hymns--I feel so much closer to my Heavenly Father when I am able to sing and rejoice of him. I got this overwhelming feeling as I was sitting in sacrament meeting yesterday; I stopped singing for a minute and just listened to the congregation. I was struck by the spirit that was present in the chapel, in that moment. After the hymns and hearing a few wonderful testimonies from the congregation, I just started crying. I was so touched and moved by everything--the music, the speakers,  and the overall spirit that was felt. Amazing!

Later that night, we attended a CES Fireside at the Marriott Center. It was wonderful; we also got to hear Heidi (Logan's sister) sing in the choir. They did an amazing job. It sounded great! Lastly, that night, Carson (Logan's brother) shared a song that he had written. Of course, he didn't sing it because there was no piano around...so we (Logan, Heidi, Parker--friend from AZ, and I) sang it to him a capella style. It wasn't exactly how it should be sung, but we did the best we could and gave it a different variation:) It made me really appreciate composers and musicians who can write, play instruments, and sing well--thanks for sharing your talents with me. How grateful I am for music in my life!

Gratitude Challenge: Day 4

Education

"It is so important that you young men and you young women get all of the education that you can. The Lord has said very plainly that His people are to gain knowledge of countries and kingdoms and of things of the world through the process of education, even by study and by faith." -President Gordon B. Hinckley
 

Today, Monday, I am grateful for education. I am so lucky to have been given the many opportunities I have, especially in regard to my education. I'm grateful to my parents, teachers, husband, and others who have encouraged my educational growth and development. I absolutely love learning and I am so thankful for the knowledge that I have obtained in just 23 years. I can only imagine how much more I will learn in the years to come. I am also grateful for good teachers--I have had amazing teachers! I cannot list all of them but I would like to identify/highlight just a few teachers who have impacted my education and learning experience:

Mrs. Pearson: She was my Journalism teacher in high school. She was amazing. I loved the way she trusted her students; we were responsible for creating a monthly publication. She gave us room to grow and learn, but also served as a guide. Lastly, she was so good about making time for her class by talking and getting to know her students which I appreciated.

Mr. O'Day: He was my History teacher in high school. I loved the way he conducted his class. It was a difficult class, but he made it fun and engaging by holding each student accountable to their education. His class definitely changed my study habits and learning experience. 

Brother Toma: He was my Institute teacher while I was in college. He's a spiritual giant. He always came to class prepared and excited to be teaching. I always left his class feeling spiritually uplifted and motivated to be more like my savior, Jesus Christ. 

Professor Reid: She was one of my English core professors at GMU. I thoroughly enjoyed her class. She was very eccentric which I absolutely loved about her. She asked a lot out of us, but only because she wanted to see us improve and reach our writing potential. I can't tell you how many times I got a paper back from her that said: "revise, revise, revise" (it was a lot). She expected the best out of her students which inevitably helped me to become a more creative, focused writer.

Those are just a few of many, many teachers who have impacted my life. I know that education is important and I am so grateful that I've had the opportunity to gain an education. Although there are days when I just want to quit, I'm grateful for the chance to study and obtain a Master's degree at this time so that I can become a qualified educator. I hope that as I continue to study in faith and diligence, I can also be an instrument in helping individuals understand and appreciate the joy of learning (just like my teachers have done for me).

Gratitude Challenge: Day 2

Today, I am grateful for siblings. I'm so thankful that that Lord has given me wonderful brothers and sisters who love me and who bring so much happiness in my life. I seriously do not know what I would ever do without my siblings. I have 2 siblings from my own family, but now I have 5 more (since getting married). These 7 people are amazing and incredibly special in their own way. Here is a little about each of them: 

Sangbouasy siblings

Amanda: My 20 year old sister! She is beautiful inside and out. Just look at her...so pretty. She is an amazing person, although we have our moments where we disagree (what kind of siblings don't?), I could not have asked for a better sister. Amanda is incredibly strong-willed, smart, motivated, and brave. I wish I had more of her instincts. She also has a big heart. She is so good about thinking of others and how to help them. She never tires of being there for her family and friends. She is a great example to me of how I should treat other people.

Thomas: My younger, yet taller brother! He is amazing and so cute. I don't know how this happened, but he is a grown person! My goodness! He has all the qualities of a great friend: good listener, helpful,  thoughtful, nice, etc. He is also very hard-working, talented, patient, and incredibly funny. He has a great sense of humor, but in a subtle way. I wish I was as talented as my brother (he's an amazing soccer player). He works so hard at everything he puts his mind to and he is always successful. I have never seen him try to accomplish something and fall short. He gives his all 100% of the time.

Corbett siblings

Heidi: My darling sister-in-law! I can't say enough about her. She has an amazing spirit to her. She is incredibly outgoing, out-spoken, fun, and confident. I wish I was more like Heidi. She has this natural ability to make people laugh. She has a great sense of humor and a contagious laugh. She is also very genuine; she does not try to be anyone other than herself. I wish I had more of her confidence and absolute love for life. She is amazing and a wonderful friend.

Carson: One word to describe Carson is...FUN! He is so active, playful, smart, talented, and happy ALL the time. He really is an amazing person. I love being around Carson; he is just so fun to be around. There is rarely a dull moment when Carson comes to visit. He is always up for anything and just wants everyone to have fun. He is also very determined and hard-working. He leaves for his mission in less than two weeks---I  am going to miss him so much!

Kate: She is gorgeous, smart, and kind to everyone! I love this amazing girl! She has a bright, fun, and loving personality. I love how Kate always wants everyone to feel included. She is so good about making sure everyone is happy. She is also very motherly. I love how Kate is aware of those around her and how she can help them. She is a great example to me; I want to be more like Kate!

Mariah: She is a cutie. The thing I love about Mariah is her ability to get along with everyone and everything (she loves animals). She is very affectionate and always greets me with a big hug and says "I am sooo happy you are here!" It's the best feeling. She is also very thoughtful, loving, and helpful. I love  her. I also love how talkative she is. She is so good about expressing her ideas, thoughts, etc. I wish I had her ability to communicate so effectively to those around her.

Austin: I adore this little guy! He is only ten years old, but I seriously loved him from the moment I met him. He's so sweet and funny. He also loves to play, read, and tell stories. I love playing with him. He has a wonderful imagination (something that I wish I had). You can't help but love him.

Yes, I know...I have amazing siblings. And, yes, I know that I am incredibly lucky. I am grateful for each one of my siblings. They each have unique, fun personalities. I am grateful for the individuals they are and for how they have shaped my life. I love each of them and can honestly say that I would not be the person I am without these incredible, special people in my life.

Gratitude Challenge: Day 1

"To express gratitude is gracious and honorable, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven." -President Thomas S. Monson

I've decided to create my own Gratitude Challenge for 20 days. This challenge is inspired by President Thomas S. Monson's talk titled "The Divine Gift of Gratitude" given this past General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. President Monson counsels us to "cultivate an attitude of gratitude." I've thought long and hard about how I can be more grateful for what I have in my life; I feel even more grateful, especially, during this time of the year with Thanksgiving and Christmas fast approaching. I've decided to focus on one thing a day that I am grateful for up until Thanksgiving (that means 20 different things). I will write one post a day highlighting what I am grateful for. I hope this challenge will help me to understand and feel an added measure of gratitude for the blessings the Lord has given me. If anyone else is interested in doing this challenge with me, let me know! I would love to hear what you are grateful for!

Gratitude Challenge: Day 1
Books/Reading

Today, I am grateful for books/reading. I am so thankful that we have books to enlighten our minds and increase our knowledge. I was a slow reader when I first started; I had to take several vocabulary and phonics classes as a kid (embarrassing, I know). I wasn't a very good reader at all and it made me extremely nervous when I was called upon to read in class. Thankfully, I had great teachers and parents that encouraged my reading and development. I was able to improve within a school year and after that I was reading like a pro. 

My favorite book/series of all time would have to be the Anne of Green Gables series. I finished the series in an entire summer between 5th and 6th grade. After that, my love for books and reading really took off. It also influenced my desire to pursue an English degree in college. To this day, I am  still grateful that I love books/reading so much (not many people do and that is just incredibly sad). I'm also grateful to have a husband that loves reading as much, if not more than I do. It's great. We love going to get ice cream and then heading to the bookstore for date nights (we did this before we were married and we still do).

I've recently joined a website called Goodreads. It helps me find books, review books, and keep an on-going "to-read" list. I love it. It's incredibly helpful and I recommend it to everyone.

So, today, I am grateful for good books and reading. I know it may sound like a silly thing to be grateful for, but can you imagine a world without books? Exactly!