Monday, November 10, 2008



The past few days I've read things and heard things that have consistently reminded me about being grateful. Sunday my visiting teacher Emily gave a talk in sacrament meeting, along with her husband, and the topic was on Gratitude. She talked about how sometimes we are so focused on the negative things in life that we miss what's important, we miss the things that matter. We miss the chance to see the blessings the Lord has given us because of the negativity we're focused on. It made me think back on things lately and have helped me evaluate my life and what I have; the blessings we've been given.

Sometimes I look at others and see what they have and wonder why I can't have the same thing.

I look at people who have kids and wonder when it's ever going to be my turn, and why it hasn't happened, and if it will ever happen and how I long for it more then anything!!

I look at photographers who are amazing and wonder why I'm not as good as they are.

I look at mothers who have just had a baby and are skinnier then I am, and I haven't even had a baby.

I wonder why money can't just grow on trees.

But this is where I need to step back and see all the blessings I've been given; we've been given.

I have a beautiful 11 year old step daughter that has allowed me the priveledge of being her step mom. I love her for that! I'm grateful that I have been given that gift.




I am blessed and grateful for my amazing and handsome husband who loves me unconditionally, cares about my well being, and hopes for my every happiness. A man who honors the priesthood power that he has, a man whom my nephews miss when he's not there with me because he's not feeling well, a man who makes me laugh so hard that I cry!






I am grateful to have talents and abilities, even if I feel that I haven't quite perfected them yet.

I am grateful for our home and the comfort and shelter it provides us.

I am grateful that we have jobs in this economically hard time.

I am grateful to have good friends who are good people and have good values and morals. I'm thankful that they've always been there for me in my good and bad times.

I am blessed and grateful to have the gospel in my life, to know the plan of happiness and to live it my best.

I am blessed to have a loving Heavenly Father and Savior who are always there for me and my little family.

I'm grateful for my big family, including my extended family and in-laws. I'm grateful for the love and support they have always shown.

I'm grateful for my brothers and sisters and for their friendship, and love. For my parents who taught me to be nice to others, to share, to respect others, to say 'please' and 'thank you'; parents who made me feel important and feel special, for uplifting me. Parents who have lived the Gospel accordingly and have been incredible examples.


I am truly blessed and for that I am so GRATEFUL!!!

13 comments:

Mama Cher, Ok, fine, it's Sharon said...

Aw Shan, this was such a nice post! I am grateful to have you as my SIL. You are so beautiful and talented and so much fun to be around. I have said it before, and will say it again, YOU ARE AMAZING!!

Brittney said...

I love those photos of you and your husband, especially the funny one at the bottom. Your step-daughter is beautiful! And 11 years old is a fun age, right before YW's! I have been thinking about gratitude a lot too, I am glad that I am not the only one.

Lori said...

Shannon I just loved your post on gratitude. It was just so true and how all of us feel at some point that maybe we are just not enough. You are such a wonderful person and I have thought of you so often over the years and have always been so grateful for who are and the kind of person you have been.You are truly one of a kind!

Erin said...

Sweet; very sweet.

Unknown said...

Wow Shannon. I never thought I would open your blog and be brought to tears. This post is absolutely beautiful. I hope you know how grateful I am that you are a part of my life! Love you and miss you tons.

amberandlandon said...

I love this post! Everyone needs a little more gratitude I think. You are so talented, I really like the pics of the family posted below this one. Super cute!

amberandlandon said...

So i just noticed that the post I was talking about was two down. The one before that is cute too. :)

karen louise said...

I have loved reading and writing thankful thoughts...doesn't it make you feel so good?? I'm so thankful that you are my friend :)

Em and Jorg said...

What an awesome post...you inspire me. THank you for sharing that! And I love what you said about your husband. What a guy (internet boys are the coooolest! We should start a club)!

Aly said...

Thank you for reminding me to be more grateful. I think of you often and keep you in my prayers. Wishing you all the best!

ryan said...

Ahhh, thanks. Love you.

Caitilin said...

Shan, I am thankful for the reminder to look around at the things I have to be thankful for. (that was a mouthful!)
I sure love my big Sis, and her hubby too; for him I am thankful, because he brings so much happiness into your life.
xoxoxoxoxo

*Lisa* said...

What an awesome reminder. I loved reading about all the things you're grateful for.

Your pics are way cute. Love ya!