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.

WHAT A WEEK......

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.

Merry Christmas

Ten more minutes and it will be Christmas Eve. I'm waiting to head to the airport with Laura to pick up Jeremy....his flight has been delayed by about three hours...long day for him and us!!



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.

It's All in How you Say It.

Before I start this Christmas week I'm going to take a minute to speak about 'sayings'. I really like 'sayings' because they generally teach something, and they can motivate us, and I actually seem to remember them . I thought that I'd share some of my favorites....call it a blog Christmas gift!!! Here goes:
One of my favorites.....

Why do you do what you do when you know what you know?

and then there's my blog quote...

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.

and as we head towards Christmas:

HE is the Reason for the Season.

Wisemen still seek Him.

What sayings inspire you???

I guess before I close,I should add....

If I'd known grandchildren were so much fun, I would have had them first!!!

( 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!!