Thursday, December 31, 2009
What a WONDERFUL LIFE
Happy New Year one and all. As you can see I've remembered how to post photos....but I haven't got the spacing figured out. Is this a New Years resolution beginning to develop???
I did choose these shots because they certainly have been big news in our crazy household...I'm excited that Laura and Jeremy are engaged. It has really been so great to have him here with us for Christmas, and to see these two together. They are such a sweet couple...and they've added a special loving spirit to our Christmas. Second photo is of another happy couple...and again I'm ecstatic for Mike and Keah who are expecting twins in the the Spring!!! My last shot is of my amazing family on Christmas day. I can't really ever adequately express how much I love each and everyone of them. I am overwhelmed with the joy that they bring me and the blessing that they are in my life and for eternity! Thanks family for all that you are to me,and for giving me the greatest gift....being your Mom/wife/mother-in-law/grandmother and always your friend.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
WHAT A WEEK......
I'm alone here in the house and I really should be making like the wonderful housekeeper that I'm not but as I passed the computer...I paused and here I am. Less than a week since my last post but what a week it has been. I feel so overwhelmed with gratitude for the outpouring of blessings in my life. How do I begin to describe this.....
I have been surrounded with family throughout Christmas.....my children, my siblings and extended family members, cousins from away and many friends. While sometimes this did get somewhat exhausting ( 40 here on Boxing Day) it has simply confirmed in me more the joy of my family, and the importance of that 'eternal' perspective. How deeply I love my family.Wish they could conceive how much!!!!
It is so exciting to see the twins growing in Keah and the joy that this brings to both Michael and Keah. They will be amazing parents. Kathy's dear family remind us of the joy that Christmas is to children....how I love her sweet family. Karen and Brandon have grown so much too and are more than ready to embark on their professions as teachers....they are both so gifted...creatively and academically...both making the Deans list!!! Laura...my baby Laura....she has added a whole new meaning to Christmas love by finding her eternal mate and accepting his marriage proposal ( it was a given that yes would be the answer) We have so enjoyed having Jeremy join our crazy family for Christmas....he's a very dear young man and this mom is excited for their future plans together. They are both so wise, practical, talented and glowing with Love for each other. Air travel points will take on a whole new meaning in this home....we'll accept any that people don't use!!! Also looking forward to meeting the rest of the Dunford family. Not to forget Bill...he has given so much of himself over Christmas and I do appreciate him for this. He has done some amazing cooking, lots of shopping and been such a great dad and grandpa.
Having shared just a peek into our Christmas ( check out the girls blogs) you can see that this Mama has much to be thankful for and so much to look forward to. Before I sign off .....to help my joy go beyond overflow...my dear friend Bert Hartling was baptized yesterday and it was an amazing service as so many gathered to welcome him into the church.....it has been a long journey for him....close to 40 years...but oh the Spirit that attended us yesterday was indescribable...and on that note I'll sign off.......I'd love to add photos but I need another blog tutorial...hint hint daughters....hope all is well with you all Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Merry Christmas
So another Christmas is soon here. How I love times that we gather as family. We will start the day with Laura,Jeremy,Mike and Keah and have a special breakfast. Gifts will be open and then we will relax for a few hours. Early afternoon we'll drop in to visit Bill's Mom and family, then on to Kathy and Jeff's for an amazing dinner!!! There will be some game time and then we'll head home to make preparations for the boxing day family gathering at our place.....I love when we all get together!!! Family really is so important and I hope that we always have good ties with each other, no matter where we live.
Back to Christmas....I do love the Spirit of Christmas. Lately I have made it a point to smile more at people, and to try to be more positive. It sure makes me feel good, and hopefully others too. I love the music of Christmas. Today while I baked I played Christmas music and sang along.....it was so sweet. I love the beauty of Christmas...as long as you don't go overboard!!
I love the giving of Christmas....especially surprising people. I love the reason that we celebrate Christmas....the birth of the Savior.....and all that his life represents in my life.
Merry Christmas one and all. Hope that you have a beautiful day.
Monday, December 21, 2009
It's All in How you Say It.
One of my favorites.....
Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
this one has an important message:
Anger doesn't solve anything. It builds nothing,but it can destroy everything.
I guess before I close,I should add....
( I'd be younger and able to keep up with them)
Speaking of Grandchildren....I can't close without adding them I adore my fab. five...Jessica,Sarah,Jacob,Georgia,and Cooper. They are amazing and such special little children. I'm excited for them to have some O'Hearon cousins....and so thrilled for Mike and Keah to become parents. We have been so blessed....twins are on the way!!!
Speaking of my kidlings they should be here soon....so I'll close with one more saying..........
Merry Christmas to All and a Happy Happy New Year.
PS....I am going to learn how to change my blog backgrounds etc!!! Thanks to all who keep writing!!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Sunday Reflections
There I expressed that...and I really dont want anyone analysing my state of mind...we all have our moments and I guess this one is mine.
Now from the other side of my moody mind....I am quite excited that my cousin in Nfld. was baptized on Friday. My sister Julie and hubby Bill attended and the pictures that she sent me were beautiful. My cousin, also Bill...has truly studied and pondered the gospel for some time...he was very active in the Anglican church, sang in two choirs...and takes this very seriously. His wife and daughter joined sometime ago. It was interesting to see that his Anglican choir came and sang in the program, and his Anglican minister attended.
I am also grateful to have spent Saturday the Temple. Oh how I love being in the Temple. There is just such a sweet peace there. I also have some dear friendships there with the people that I work with.
Today in Relief Society the Sister teaching ( one of my fav.teachers) taught from the recent conference issue. One of the stories that she shared made me really reflect on how blessed my life is....especially because of the Gospel. I feel so fortunate to have been one to have been prepared for the missionaries. Thank you Elder Peel and Elder Barker for being inspired to find me.
That's all for now. Hope if you read this you will reflect on how blessed you are, and that you will be mindful of others.
Friday, November 13, 2009
GIVEAWAY FUN
I'm not sure how to set up links but go to my page and find her in my blogging friend list...it's just another fun thing about Tami.....so glad that I know her!!! Have fun.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Our Beautiful Temple
Now, thirty-two years later I am in awe of the purposes of the Temple, and the great blessings that the Temple affords us all. I am able to attend the Temple every week, sometimes more. EVERYTIME that I attend, I learn something, or better still, I receive inspiration for my life. I have gained so much understanding for why I'm here, and where I'm going. When I study my scriptures they make so much more sense to me, and I value prayer so much more.
It took a long time for this to happen....I don't want others to have the same experience....I couldn't get back to the Temple very often....but my children don't have that problem. I know that many things do get in the way.....but I will suggest to them and anyone who reads this that setting Temple goals will bring many wonderful experiences for you. You can't get these once a year....or every six months....SET a routine time...once a month, every second week. One of my dreams/wishes is to attend the Temple with my children and husband on a regular basis. I also want us to do our geneology better. I don't know how to make this happen....but I needed to state this, to have it on record.
Our Temple was a beautiful gift that we were given here in the Maritimes. Some days that I work there the attendence is very low. That really breaks my heart. The Temple can give you the peace that you seek in your life. There are millions who wait for us to come to the Temple.
I know that the Temple is the best choice that we can make. I know that it is the House of the Lord and He comes to the Temple.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Farewell to October
I changed the calendar the other day and I stopped and thought what happened to 2009....the days just seem to be flying by. Before I let much more time pass I HAVE to post photos of my kidlings at Halloween. They all looked so cute and I loved having them Trick or treat close by!!!Thanks Kathy and Jeff for bringing them over. It was a perfect day for the whole event...very fallish!! So here they are...in random order... Mis Georgia...our fearless lion!!
Followed by our forever princess, Lady Sarah.....
Next is Count Jacob....love the eyes
CM..you ask..our chunky monkey!!! He is so darn cute...you just want to cuddle him forever!!!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
My final thoughts for October
I hope that some of my few readers will take the time to read this....I'd love a family Temple night, even if were just once a month
"No sacrifice is too great as we strive to unite our families through temple work.
I shall always be grateful, to the day of my death, that I did not listen to some of my friends when, as a young man not quite twenty-one years of age, I took the trouble to travel all the way from Utah County to St. George to be married in the St. George Temple. That was before the railroad went south of Utah County, and we had to travel the rest of the way by team. It was a long and difficult trip in those times, over unimproved and uncertain roads, and the journey each way required several days.
Many advised me not to make the effort—not to go all the way down to St. George to be married. They reasoned that I could have the president of the stake or my bishop marry me, and then when the Salt Lake Temple was completed, I could go there with my wife and children and be sealed to her and have our children sealed to us for eternity.
Why did I not listen to them? Because I wanted to be married for time and eternity—because I wanted to start life right. Later I had cause to rejoice greatly because of my determination to be married in the temple at that time rather than to have waited until some later and seemingly more convenient time. …
I believe that no worthy young Latter-day Saint man or woman should spare any reasonable effort to come to a house of the Lord to begin life together. The marriage vows taken in these hallowed places and the sacred covenants entered into for time and all eternity are [protection] against many of the temptations of life that tend to break homes and destroy happiness. …
The blessings and promises that come from beginning life together, for time and eternity, in a temple of the Lord, cannot be obtained in any other way and worthy young Latter-day Saint men and women who so begin life together find that their eternal partnership under the everlasting covenant becomes the foundation upon which are built peace, happiness, virtue, love, and all of the other eternal verities of life, here and hereafter. 5
I cannot emphasize too strongly … the necessity of the young people of the Latter-day Saints coming into this House, to be properly married and start the battle of life under the inspiration of the living God and with the blessings of the authority of the Priesthood of God held by His servants who administer in the Temple. I want to impress upon your hearts that you can do nothing, that you can make no sacrifice but what sooner or later the reward will come to you, either in time or in eternity, and almost without exception when we make any sacrifices in the line of duty in performing those things that are pleasing in the sight of God we get our reward during our lives. 6
A little over a year ago I made up my mind that by planning my affairs, by staying away from lectures or concerts or theatres or operas, I could go to the temple at least once every week and have ordinances performed in behalf of some of my loved ones who had passed away. By making up my mind that I could do this I had no difficulty whatever in going through the temple once a week during the entire year. … True, I have had to miss perhaps an opera or theatre or some other function at which I should have liked to be present, but I have had no difficulty whatever. …
We can generally do that which we wish to do. A young man can find an immense amount of time to spend with his sweetheart. He can arrange affairs to do that. We can arrange our affairs to get exercise in the shape of golf and otherwise. We can arrange our affairs to have amusements. And if we make up our minds to do so we can arrange our affairs to do temple work, judging from my own experience. 7
I believe that if I can find the time to go to the temple and to do temple work once a week, there is hardly a man in the entire Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but that can find time if he wishes to plan his work accordingly. I am speaking of people who live where there is a temple, and not of people who have to travel a long distance to get there. … I do not know of any one that is any busier than I am, and if I can do it they can, if they will only get the spirit in their hearts and souls of wanting to do it. The trouble with so many people is they do not have the desire. 8
To my mind, one of the great privileges that we as Latter-day Saints enjoy is that of doing temple work for those of our ancestors who have died without a knowledge of the Gospel. …
… If you get it into your heart and soul that this is one of the most important things you as Latter-day Saints can do, you will find a way to do it. "
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Aloha and au revoir....until we meet again
Val, Rick and Elder Jesse Cooper.
REFLECTIONS
In particular I really tune into the Temple parts of the talks...how we all need to make the Temple a more regular part of our lives. I wasn't good at that...so the Lord knew that I needed to be called to work there. I ABSOLUTELY love working in the Temple....I never want to leave....I love the people that work with me there, and the wonderful variety of humble people that come there each week. I am also trying to have a regular day to go there when I'm not working. The Temple is my greatest source of strength..and peace.
Stake Conference was very good...both Sat.night and Sunday. I was very touched by the women who spoke on Sat. night.....and today every talk whispered a special message to me. I liked a statement by Pres. Simpson...What are you doing on Earth for Heaven's sake?
This week has also been fun having the Cooper family with us....what sweet parents Val and Rick are..we've done the tourist thing, ate amazing lobster,attended the Temple, played wahoo, opened the house to a luau to celebrate Elder Cooper's mission completion......Val Cooper is the Hawaiian energy bunny....such a sweet thoughtful lady and such a loving mother......loved being a part of their special reunion!!!
That's all for now.. pictures may come...but I'm behind in that area....too much partying
Friday, October 16, 2009
Thanksgiving 2009
The Kidlings jump.... take one
The kidlings jump....take two
The family JUMP.....take 6
I love the cooking break...but I especially LOVE the family time....we took so many fun pictures..but the above group one is a favorite for me. Laura also had us do some fun poses and if I can fugure out how to add them I will.
I know we have one day of Thanksgiving, but as I pray each day I always have much to give thanks for...so here goes.....
Family.....the best!!! Bill, Michael,Kathy,Karen,Laura.....love them all...add to that Keah,Jeff, Brandon, and .......
Grandchildren.....the icing on the cake.....Jessica,Sarah,Jacob,Georgia,Cooper.....and......
Extended family....brothers sisters....the best parents.....aunts,uncles,cousins.....isn't it wonderful how Heavenly Father really connects us all!!
Friends..........all sizes,shapes and ages.....I'm blessed with so many friends.....love them all
Home....warm, comfy,not overly organized ( I try), welcoming, great neighbors, full of memories
Church.......such a large part of my life....full of such potential..and the answer to all of my questions
Nature...my country...so beautiful and full of variety...freedom
Everything that blesses my life comes from the same source...my Father in Heaven. I am so grateful for the knowledge that I have....where I came from, why I'm here and the beautiful promises of where I am going....above all the my family is forever. I am one very very blessed individual.......thanks to all who make my life so grand!!!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Muddles from my Mind
If this is indeed my last entry...may I just close with this thought.....life is short....make the best of it and know who you are. Remember where you came from and where you're headed. Think about your choices carefully and prayerfully. Be kind, and seek to know the Saviour. I also hope that I'll see you at the Temple sometime soon. Thanks for your kindnesses to me....much Love...Jackie aka Mama O
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
My day runneth over...........
After swimming for about 45 min...I went to the deeper end of the pool to water run. This is becoming a fun part of my routine. I'm not ready to do it without a belt ( it helps me last longer)
As I ran this morning I watched a multitude of people swim. There was a group of folks in a masters swim program....they were very impressive and so skilled. Then there were some soloists doing their own thing. Now you're asking.... why she is boring me with this pool narrative. I don't know, except that after running.. a swam somemore....and just felt overcome with a new energy. I know that this exercise/routine really gives me the 'me' time that I need each day. I love to swim under water and sometimes just dont want to surface.( I'm taking my snorkel tomorrow) I think that we often put our own selves at the bottom of the list and when we get to the bottom we're all worn out.
I don't make it a habit of going quite so early...but if you have to... it's worth it...having that time and a place to escape the noises and demands of the day are very important. I do some of my best reflecting while I'm in the water. I love the cool feel of the water, the rush of others swim nearby, the cute lifeguards( just kidding), the friendships, and the strength that I feel there. Do you think that we'll be able to swim when we move on after this life???
After the pool I headed to the Temple to serve....and that defies all words. We're on a cleaning break but working with the sweet people there was like another wonderful swim!!! It gave me a spiritual rush....and as my facebook status stated later.....my day runneth over!!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
When you wish upon a star..............
Now the word 'wish' makes me think of something else that is on my mind....I hope it's okay to say this...but I do have a few wishes. I don't believe in the first star I see stuff...but here are some of my wishes:
-I wish that I could garden-flower and vegetables
-I wish that the outside front porch would get painted.
- I wish that the decks could get a face lift too.
-I wish that we purged better as a family.
-I wish that the Gospel came easier to some of my family members.
-I wish that I felt better about myself.
-I wish that Aunt M. was better cared for.
-I wish that someone trusted me better.
-I wish that more people went to our temple.
-I wish that I had better control over some areas of my life.
-I wish that I could run away for awhile.
-I wish that I could get some family history done with my husband.
-I wish that people would feel better....
-I wish that all of my children could be happy.
What a funny thing to do, but it felt okay to do.....wishes....I have way too many....peace, love, kindness,fairness, understanding......
I am glad that I am who I am. I was really blessed to be born when I was and to have the great parents that I had. I didn't always agree with them but I love them dearly. I miss them both so much. How I'd love to walk to their house, or pick up the phone and call them. So many people don't realize how lucky they are to have their parents. I always felt their love, and I came to understand it as I got older. Being my parent wasn't easy...but they helped me be a better parent because of who they were. I hope that I've been able to give something of value to my children.
That's my random thoughts for now.
Oh...and i should add that today I went to watch my little ones do their Sacrament Presentation. No matter how they're done, I always love to watch them. Jacob was so cute, abit wiggly, but I'm so proud of the little boy that he is. Sarah looked glad to have it over...but again I was proud of her coming out of her comfort zone and reading, and singing her parts so well. Jessica seemed so much older today. She is such a lovely reader, and she did her part with confidence. I am so grateful to see my grandchildren being raised in the Gospel. A Grandmother couldn't ask for more!!!...Well maybe....a few more grandchildren :)
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Thanks for the Memories...Forty years later
These three friends were in Junior and Senior High with me.
This friend was actually in Elementary School with me...P-6, then again in High School.....
Some of the class of 1969...Queen Elizabeth High School
This past week I had three girl friends in for lunch....class of 1966. Oh the crazy memories that we shared...it's great to have the technology that let's us stay in touch. Thanks for the memories friends.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
I don't know how I ever had time to work
My days seem to be so busy these days....as many retired people say...I don't know how I ever had time to work. Often one days runs into the next and I have to stop and check a calendar to see what day it is. I have routines of sorts, but at other times it's hit or miss....or who grabs me first. I've been trying to keep up my swimming every morning...Mon-Fri....and even though sometimes I don't feel the motivation...I always leave it glad that I went. The pool is so relaxing and energizing at the same time.
I check on a few special senior friends, and often have little errands to do for or with them. Again, I always come away from this better than when I started. Saturday is my Temple day...and I do love that. I work with such wonderful people, and I love meeting friends and family at the Temple. It is such a wonderful place to work. I went On Thursday for an extra session, and that was very uplifting.
In between...I spend time with my family and friends....I'm posting a glimpse into a few minutes of the past two weeks.
Here is my sweet Cooper. He's growing so quickly....and you just want to cuddle him whenever you are with him. He's so aware of everything that happens around him. Love to know what he's thinking.
Then there's Miss Georgia....she's such a special little individual. I brought her home on Thurs. night for her own sleepover. She was so well behaved, and fun to watch. She loves story time, and she's developing such a dear vocabulary. I think that she delights to hear her own voice and to be able to say what she's thinking. She brought sunglasses with her....and she wore them every where that we went. We took a trip to the pool, but the cool water temp. of the Dal pool didn't thrill her too much. She's generally a little fish!! It was so much fun to have one on one with her...definitely the best way to have a sleepover.
Thursday was the ward corn boil. After a wonderful Temple session I borrowed the three oldest Nelsons to come to the corn boil with me. We had a ball, and before leaving we had to climb the hill to the Tower...here they are outside the Tower. brought back some fun memories of corn boils with my fab four!! ( except when Mike broke his leg....that was an eventful corn boil many years ago!!!)Here's shot of the corn boil. Delicious corn, and great company. It was a perfect summery Sept. evening.
Can't forget that we celebrated Sarah's 7th Birthday on Sept. 8th. Love these occasions when as much family as possible gathers to honor the celebrated one. Sarah is such a beautiful child, inside and out. She is now in second grade, learning piano, plays soccer, swims, and goes to Brownies. She's a soft spoken little girl, often hesitant in new situations ( especially if there are dogs anywhere nearby).....she adores her younger siblings especially baby Cooper....and she has a close sister friendship with older sister Jessica...friends and foes at times, as sisters can be!!!
I continue to realize how blessed I am. I have four of the best children....all very special in their own way.....and I am so proud of each of them. It is such a joy to be a mother..the best job on the planet. Grandmothering is the icing on the cake!!! I'm enjoying this blog stuff...good to reflect on life as it speeds by.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Reflections
I also love to have reflections when I swim each morning. In the quiet depths of the pool I reflect alot on the gospel and how it has been my strength and my direction in life. I always reflect on my family as I swim. I think of each of their needs, their challenges, and I pray for the best way that I can be a mother to them. I also love to think about the Temple when I swim. I review my covenants, and am overwhelmed when I realize the great blessings that I receive by attending the Temple. I'm excited to go there today.
Lastly, I love being a grandmother. I had the three oldest overnight on Sunday. We have such funtimes.....we made a restaurant in the basement!! During one of my one on one chats Jacob he made the following remark......I told him how special he was to me, and that I knew he'd be a handsome teenager one day. Before I could comment further on his teen days ( trying to teach some wisdom) he said...but nanny you'll be dead then!!!!! I said No way buddy...I'll be around when you get married....he gave me the cutest look and replied...married..who will I be marrying!!!...I was giggling too much to keep that conversation going.
Then moments later...Jessica and I were walking alone ( this was all on the way to the playground) the word 'date' came into the conversation....and I said dating Jess doesn't happen until you're 16.....she looked at me and said 'what....16...I'll never get married if I don't date until I'm 16...I think I'll start when I'm 14. My friend at school ( 3rd grade) already likes 4 boys.....just an added note...when we discussed this topic with her parents her dad said...not 16 Jessica...19!!!! Oh to be a young parent.....NOT.
Got to fly.....those are my reflections of late....
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Today I went to the Temple ( very early) and Bill was still sleeping. As I arrived in the Temple parking lot I realized that I had left my lunch at home. ( I'm there until almost 3pm) Realizing that Bill would be up , I called and asked him to put my lunch in the fridge so it wouldn't spoil ! I knew that Bill had soccer to prepare for, but ten minutes later a friend at the Temple gave me a message that Bill was on his way with my lunch. How I appreciate him!!!
I knew what I wanted to do today, and where I wanted to end up. I knew what I needed to get there, and because I stuck to my plan or goal I made it there. So often in our lives it just comes down to following the right road ( good choices), listening to directions,( our leaders,scriptures,commandments,etc.),and having a destination ( back to Heavenly Father)
Well, that was my symbolism for today.....but what I also kept thinking while I was there was where is everyone? Don't get me wrong....even when just a few folks show up....I love it. I wondered how good a job I've done as a Mom to encourage my children to want to be there. I've been so very very blessed that the first three have married in the Temple, and #four has that same goal. I also remember as a young Mom how horribly busy my life was raising my family, working, etc.. We didn't have a temple close by so I didn't think too much about it. But now we see Temples rapidly filling the planet. There is a reason for that!!
Where am I going with this ramble...well this is to everyone who might read this...not just my wonderful children!! Set goals, be it only once a month, or once every two weeks....something....because I can tell you that you will receive more direction, and knowledge by going to the Temple than you can ever imagine. You will come to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost more in your life. You will know a peacefulness that cannot be found outside of the Temple. You will connect with your family for eternity. I know that this is so true!!!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
More Disney and Birthday time
The Disney dining plan rocks!! We did African, Asian, French, old American, and a character feast.
Disney decorates for Halloween early..........but oh so beautifully!!! Every time we came to the kingdom we found something new.
Disney again!!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Having fun in the pool....great time for the little ones and lots of conversation for the cousins
Here I go.........
--
I think that I'll begin by writing about the fun overnight that I had at Keji this week. Kathy, Jeff, and the kiddies ( all seasoned campers) had been at the park for almost a week. Laura and I headed down on Wed. We set our, or better Jeff set up our tent for us and then we headed to the lake to cool off. It was so refreshing after all of the heat of the past week. I love playing in the water with the children, and I'm so impressed with their swimming!