Thanksgiving Tribute #13

Shalyn Blackham

At the University of Bethlehem 2011

Shalyn is my Diana Barry. My "kindred spirit." My "bosom friend." ha ha I know the Lord knew I needed her example and influence in my life. We joke that she is my clone because she is always experiencing what I did about a year before. However funny and ironic it is- it does make for some GREAT debriefing discussions. Yes, I said debriefing discussions. Shalyn and I debrief life. Its true. Speaking of which I feel long overdue for one. ha ha.

Anne and Diana

I quite frankly don't know what I would do without her. She has blessed my life in so many ways. Her example of righteousness, integrity, hard work, endurance, love, forgiveness, selflessness, and sacrifice has given me the courage to try and live those principles myself. Her warmth and goodness to people has extended far past her perceived sphere of influence.

Bunkie, thank you for being my Diana.

Thanksgiving Tribute #12

Flannel :)

Yes that is his name.

High School 2005 (ish)

What are best friends for?

-someone to talk to

-someone to go on adventures with

-someone to cry to

-someone whose hugs will make everything better

-someone to laugh with

-someone to call when you need advice

-someone to help you realize you were wrong

-someone to share inside jokes with

-someone to do nothing with

-someone to tell your good news to

-someone who will go to the grocery store with you

...and make it fun

-someone who will put up with you

...the real you

-someone who is patient with all of your ridiculousness

-someone who loves you anyway

-someone who helps mold you into a better person

2011

This man has been such a blessing. (I know I always say that, but I mean it!) He is a rock. I appreciate the way he makes me think outside the box. His conversations are meaningful and intelligent. I admire how he tries to understand the world around him. He has taught me the importance of pondering over current events, moral issues, scriptures, and doctrinal principles.

He is patient and kind and always willing to forgive. He has the gift of discernment. He knows when to be serious and knows when to have fun. (Although, I might prefer his fun side I definitely appreciate his serious one:D ) I know that he takes life and the gospel seriously and desires to do the Lord's will. He has taught me so much.

I couldn't ask for a better friend. Thanks Nathanael.

Thanksgiving Tribute #11

Brother Ladle

There are some teachers that will never know the influence they have had on the world. Often they don't even know the influence they have had one just one person- their student.

I took a class from Brother Ladle before my mission. It was a Preparation for Eternal Marriage class (oh the irony). His teaching and testimony helped me gain a better understanding of the gospel and allowed an avenue for the Spirit to teach me the things the Lord wanted me to know.

Although his class was wonderful the thing I am most grateful for was how he seemed to reshape my confidence when I felt it had been shattered. It is hard to explain how he did it, but he did. He helped me see that I had potential when I really felt like I had none. I believe that is the definition of a truly great teacher.

Thank you Brother Ladle.

Thanksgiving Tribute #10

President Gordon B. Hinckley

Everytime I hear his voice there is a warmth that flows through my spirit. He was the prophet of my youth, my prophet. His example greatly influenced my growing up years. I love him. I am truly grateful for him.

Thanksgiving Tribute #8 and #9

My Sisters

NYC Trip 2011

Danielle

Dani has one of the happiest dispositions of anyone I know. She is always making friends and talking to anyone she can. I admire how much she loves people and how much they love her back! This little girl faces life with a smile even through her challenges. She has been such a blessing to me when I've been down and she shares her sincere concern and sympathy with me. I'm grateful for her constant love and encouragement.

She is a beautiful girl.

Dani and I at the Witches Festival 2011

Brittany

aka BB

This little girl brings so much zest into my life. Ever since she was a small she had a sense of adventure bigger than would seem to fit inside her little body. Her bravery blows me out of the water. For years I've been jealous of her self confidence. My sister who is 13years my junior can put me to shame when it comes to talking to strangers, making friends, or doing something daring.

One thing I'm most grateful for Brittany is her love for me. Her unconditional love and acceptance is a blessing. I looked forward to her letters on my mission, and I love getting her texts and calls now. And I'm always down for some sister time. She is a little gem.

BB and I after the Festival of Colors 2011

Basically, I have been so blessed. I love these girls.

Thanksgiving Tribute #7

Grandpa Boyd

This man is my hero.

To this day, I have never met a more honest, hardworking, purely good man. His character is one I hope to cultivate by the end of my life. He truly is a man of God: full of integrity. One of the things I admire most about my grandfather is his attitude. Through years of diabetes and its related health issues I have not heard him complain once. Not once! (And here I complain about the slightest ailment.) He is my hero for the bravery and determination he faces every day with.

One of my favorite memories growing up is how eager my grandfather always was for me to show him my dance dresses in high school. (I secretly loved it.) He would appropriately ooh and ahh and I would always walk away feeling like a princess (which is pretty good for that high school self consciousness).

I hope I can live half as productive a life as he has. I love him dearly and admire what he has become and what he has done with his life.

Thank you Grandpa for being my example.

Thanksgiving Tribute #6

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

You don't have to meet a person to be grateful for them. I've never met Elder Jeffrey R. Holland personally but he has had a profound effect on my life... several times.

My first real experience with Elder Holland (I'm not counting watching General Conference for years and years and years) was in September of 2008. I was carrying a burden that I didn't think I could carry. I was broken. I remember sitting down to watch a CES Fireside on Sunday in late September with a fervent prayer in my heart for peace and understanding.

The speaker was Elder Holland. He spoke on "prison temples." He taught that often our most difficult times of trial can also be some our most sacred experiences. Those times that we are the most sad, the most lost, the most broken are the times that our Savior is closest. I felt the power of his words and I knew it was true. Even today, in my mind, I can still hear his declaration that "Heavenly Promises are ALWAYS kept."

Two other experiences that will always stand out to me...

1. When he spoke to the missionaries and outgoing mission presidents at the MTC my last week there. The one statement I will always remember is when he said, "Welcome to the work of angels, welcome to the work of the divinity." Wow.

2. And during my mission when he added his witness of the Book of Mormon during General Conference (and endeared himself to every missionary!) and declared he knew it to be true. I love that talk and have listened to it over and over. (Find it HERE)

What a good man of God and a righteous influence to so many! I really hope I get to meet him someday.

Thanksgiving Tribute #5

Rachel Briggs

(at my mission homecoming. we hadn't seen each other in three years!)

This girl makes me so happy!

Rachel is the kind of person that lights up a room when she walks in. She has the light of Christ so strong that it just can't help but emanate from her. Her smile, laugh, and optimism are contagious. I have always admired her selfless focus on serving others. I have been the grateful beneficiary many times. The whole reason we are friends now is because of that selfless service extending a warm hand to a reclusive me. ha ha I was pretty standoffish from the social scene at the BYU Jerusalem Center where we met. Rachel, in all of her love and enthusiasm for life sucked me right in. I couldn't help but be her friend. No, really, I couldn't.

I will always admire the work ethic of this girl. I'm pretty sure one day she could be President of the United States if she wanted to. Although, I'm sure the Lord already has plans for her to be the General Relief Society President. :)

Rachel, thank you for being such a blessing in my life. And thank you for always offering the hope of the Atonement. You are a true friend... and I love your stinkin' guts!

Thanksgiving Tribute #4

Ron and Sandi Hammond

(pictured here with my roommates and I)

I love this couple! Since I met them in January they have changed my life simply by their Christlike examples. I first met them when I took Teachings of the Living Prophets from Elder Hammond (he was recently released as a general authority). Sister Hammond sat in on every one of his lessons. I remember the first few class periods I could hardly take them seriously because they were so sweet! How could anybody really be that wonderful?! I quickly realized, however, that they were 100% sincere in their goodness and selflessness.

During my first few weeks as an ordinance worker at the Rexburg Temple I was pleasantly surprised that they were on my same shift. It was definitely a blessing to know someone and they took me under their wings and made me feel welcome. They have a way of making anyone they are with feel like a million bucks.

Countless times, I have been in awe of the depth of their relationship. I have never seen a happier or more Christlike marriage. They have inspired me to find the very best in people, and to treat my husband (to be) like gold. They have single handedly showed me how to live Goal #70: See the good in my husband (to be) and let him know. I will always be grateful that the Lord placed me in their path and for all the things I've learned from them.

Thanksgiving Tribute #2&3

Since I'm a day late, I'm going to catch myself up with two of my favorite people.

My Father and Mother

(I used to call them Mother and Father all growing up. What a formal child)

My Father

Oh my Dad. I just don't know what to do with him sometimes. ha ha

I do know this... he has helped me out of many, many, MANY predicaments in my life. He has always seen the good in me that I couldn't see. He's helped me discover my dreams and passions and has always (deep down) supported me.

I have a deep admiration for him. I hope one day I can accomplish half of what he has. He has taught me how to give with a willing heart, how to sacrifice time and energy for the things that are important, how to be adventurous and create experiences in life, and especially how to make sure you show your family how much you really love them.

I love this man.

My Mother

My mother has been my guiding light. She has dealt with me all these years with such grace that I can't help but admire her! I can truly call her my best friend. I've learned so much from her example:

• How to clean my room
• ...change a diaper
• ...iron clothes (...sorta)
• ...manage a household
• ...cook (again... sorta)
• ...talk to strangers (I can even call them on the phone if I have to)
• ...be a friend
• ...love unconditionally
• ...persevere trials
• ...look up (she is always reminding me to look up and not walk looking down)
• ...have faith
• ...serve
• ...have empathy
• ...trust others
• among many many more things.

She is a blessing in my life.

To my wonderful parents, Thank You!!!

Thanksgiving Tribute #1

I have the most amazing friends! Thanks Maps for the idea!

30 People in 30 Days: Thanksgiving Tribute

(Except for I'm already a day behind!)

Although these aren't going to be in any particular order, I would be very ungrateful if I didn't start my month of thanksgiving with thoughts of gratitude toward my Savior, Jesus Christ.

If only I could put into words the depth of feeling I have for Him. I can honestly say, I am who I am today because of Him. I also am where I am today because of Him. He has taken my hand and led me down a path of life I don't know if I would have chosen for myself, nor would I have received the abundant blessings that have come from it.

He has been my friend when I felt terribly and bitterly alone.

He has been my brother to guide and instruct.

He is my Savior, who offers me the greatest gift of returning to a loving Heavenly Father and there enjoy the blessings of eternal family life.

Study: Hope in a Troubled World

When I watch the local and national news I get the sense that our communities are drowning. However, when I watch this I am reminded of the power of the gospel to not only heal individuals but communities as well.

There is so much good around us. I needed that reminder.

te he he

I love this face!

This little man makes my life so happy.

I love you Ryan.

Learn more about Autism here.

Goal #32: Cowboy

No, this isn't about A cowboy (ie. the man that should be marrying me) this is about Cowboy...He and I are becoming fast friends. I've been assigned to work with him like I was assigned to work with Milo a few years ago. You can track our progress here. I am learning so much in this Advance Animal Behavior Class (I had to take it again before I graduated because I loved it so much the first time). It is truly an amazing experience!

Success

I saw this online today. It spoke truth to my soul! ha ha.