End of the day thoughts.....

I'm back at this once again this week. I've been extremely reflective lately and I find it helpful to write about such reflections. One thing that I reflect on is my spirituality. While I feel certain about many things, I find that I struggle so much with a few important things. Number one is my relationship with my scriptures. I do love them, and value the great wisdom and direction that they give to me....but....I am not consistent with my feasting on them.  I start each day like I'm in a race....the To Do List syndrome.....and the scripture reading gets lost in the dust. So here's what I did today. I told myself that I would not have any computer time until I had read from my scriptures. Result.....a  great experience with my scriptures. D..aaaa.ah....I knew that would happen....but folks I'm still working to make it as real as breathing.......I just needed to state this small step.

So I must say I enjoyed yesterday.....and I will be doing more of it. Just had to say that.

Today....crazy busy..but all good. I enjoyed going with Karen to her doctors appointment. I am getting very excited for baby Bing to arrive. Being pregnant agrees with Karen...she looks radiant!! Kathy did too....what a great joy it brings me to have these mother/grandmother experiences.

Then after a quick mall stop we headed to Kathy's to get Georgia and Cooper and to head to the big kids concert rehearsal. Even though it lacks the finishing touches of the 'real' concert I do enjoy it. It's certainly less crowded, and fun to be there with the little ones. I stayed over and watched G and C while the parents went to the night version. We had a fun evening....bath time, TV ( I almost fell asleep!!) then a great story time. How I love these kiddies!!!

Home by 9pm....it has been a long day. ( I forgot to mention that Kathy helped me color my hair too...between concerts!!)

Last reflection....Christmas.....I'm in my usual rut with this holiday. I live with the Grinch and he's been a damper most of the week. It doesn't help that he ignored our anniversary too this week..
There I said it.....most of any effort to create Christmas in my home comes through my efforts and lately I just feel like saying why bother. If it wasn't for the baby coming I would have nothing to look forward to. Then again...it's really all about a baby that we even hold this holiday. I'm glad that I attended some activities focused around that very thought. I will not let the Grinch ruin my Christmas.
I will rise above this one.

Sorry that's too much of a negative way to close...but I needed to put voice to my heart. Closing with another quote from my wall.....

        What's meant to be will always find its way.

Sometimes you just have to

Today I am doing something that I needed to do. I'm having a 'me' day. When I say that I start to feel some self guilt....but only briefly. I booked this day off for myself because I needed to look after myself better today. Don't get me wrong. I have a wonderful life, a busy life, and so many opportunities to grow and learn each day. However this 'me' gets overwhelmed fairly easily when I feel like I have just no more of me to give. I also often feel like no one knows the 'stuff' that is  wearing me down, even when I'm happily out there doing good things.

So here's what I've been doing today.

I started the day at the Dalplex pool. I always enjoy my swim times ( even though some days it takes effort !!)  I usually swim from 45 min to an hour....generally lengths. However my Wednesdays are extra special. I have several swim buddies....but on Wednesday I do water running with my friend Natalie. I'm not even sure when we met but we have a ball water running and chatting. We solve all the griefs of the week....and laugh...and at least for me....feel  a special friendship. Thanks Natalie. Today I stayed after she left and I swam some more and ended up enjoying almost 90 min. in the pool.
The long hot shower after is also delightful. I came home, made yummy oatmeal, cut up an orange, and read the morning paper. Then with nothing waiting...I looked around and said...what next!!!

So I turned to my little black book and wrote a few Christmas cards. I love getting 'snail mail'. Really I miss it...please write me!!! I usually do one of those family letters ( but I sometimes have mixed feelings about those)...any way this year I've just sent out a few cards and wrote some personal greetings.

I've done some reading today. My daughter Karen is so good at recommending books. She has some interesting titles. One recent read was the Maze Runner which was a very different read but it grabbed me. It is a futuristic/sci-fi..ish read...not my usual pick. But now I'm into book 2 of 3....The Scorched Trials....and it is wild....I really want to finish it and dive into book 3 to find out the whole purpose to this story situation.....the why of the book!! Enough of that read....I stop every once in awhile and read a chapter or two!!

Sewing....This is a project that has been waiting for me....it's a Brown Bear quilt for my little man Cooper. Today I started the borders and along the way I  learned more about sewing machine tension. I really think that I should take a basic sewing machine course. The man that serves my machine was so helpful over the phone!! That's service.

So that's it so far. I have some errands that I want to do, some Christmas shopping still to do, and  I may be donning sneakers soon.

I'm glad that I took a few minutes to blog. My daughter Laura inspires me to write...I love her blog...I started the New Year doing it very regularly....but......

that's another story!!

All guilt aside...we all need to take better care of ourselves. Before I publish this I will also add a thank you to our great Relief Society President, Eileen who taught three beautiful lessons to me this week.

Lesson one.... Her message on Sunday spoke to my heart and probably inspired my day today. She gave us four special points to ponder....

FIRST.... don't compare yourself to others. We often do this and it's usually our weaknesses to others strengths.

 SECOND..stop feeling guilty, don't be so hard on yourself.....I won't expand that one...we all know.

THIRD.....be forgiving...of everything and everyone including yourself. this one is very hard for me, not the forgiving...but just how do you forgive when someone keeps hurting you...7x7...I know

FOURTH....serve others....as much as you are able.I like this one because I know that service does lift your spirits.We also need to be mindful of our limits and not to feel guilty.....

Lesson Two....Eileen gave a beautiful thought at our Christmas social last night. She spoke to us about Mary..the mother of Jesus...and it gave room for me to reflect on my own motherhood, my mother, and my daughters.

What a glorious  thing it is to be a mother and a woman.

Lesson Three....Eileen is a beautiful lady, soft spoken and such an example. She gives so much of herself for the women of our ward. She is a loving mother. She is inspiring.

Thank you sister!

I have so much to be thankful for. Above all I am thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and for all that has been unfolded in these latter days. I'm glad that I know where I came from and where I am going. I'm grateful that my family is forever. The Lord hears and answers prayers, and he speaks through the scriptures and modern day prophets.

I'll close with this quote that I read each day.....

Are you part of the Inn crowd, or are you one of the Stable few.

Words to think about

I began this post in Calgary...but ran into trouble posting the photos.....but with perseverance I did it!!!

It's a sunny day and I'm alone here in Calgary. I've kind of needed a 'be myself'day. I did a few things around the house for Laura, went for a walk to Chapters, and window shopped, visited the Mennonite church across the street to use their vaccum, and after a leisurely shower, I went on Pinterest. I don't do it very often but it is fun to look through and share the ideas of others. Today as I 'pinned' I was drawn to many of the colorful quotes on the main board. I love quotes that inspire so now I'm going to blog them for you!! In no special order...here are some that inspire me..

                                    Always an important thought to remember

                            I love this one.....to many people give up too quickly

                                             Thought this was cute!!!!

                                           What would you have???

                                                     Such wisdom!!

                                               Oh how I love my children!!!!

                                                    Profound

                                           Words of a prophet-Gordon B.Hinckly

                                                         I believe this one

                                                         I love people like this!!!!

                                                   interesting thought and so true

                                                         wise indeed

Love this one...I line at the bottom says...

Sorry you missed it!!!

Hope these inspired you...feel free to share your favorites....love to hear from you!!

One more for the bucket list

I know it was quick.....but the experience will be with me forever. Let me backtrack a bit. On Sunday ( today is Tuesday) I flew from Halifax to Calgary. I arrived there at about 9:45 and was welcomed by my cousin Donna and her husband Winston. They took me to a special hotel ( the name escapes me) where we had a delicious brunch with a waitress extrordinarie!! We returned to Donna's where I had a divine nap while waiting for Laura to get off work. Once she arrived we began our journey to Washington....a long drive indeed. It was great to have this time with Laura. We talked, laughed, sang and even danced abit ( her more than me!!) We arrived in Washington at about 4:30 am....and I headed straight to bed!!

Now back to my video. Today Connie took me to my first experience with scuba diving and I'm not sure that I can find words to describe it. She is an awesome lady and an excellent teacher. She calmed all of my fears, and we had a wonderful time. I can't believe that I did it!!! I relaxed at the bottom of the training pool, attempted somersaults, played ball, and lots more. Connie tried to capture a few pictures for me...but I neglected to check that the phone was set for photos...and instead got four funny videos....the rest will follow.

Last thought....Washington is a beautiful spot and the  Dunfords have been wonderful to us.

Remembering my Mom

  Today is my Mom's birthday. She would be 87 years old today. We all miss her so much. Tonight my three daughters have been texting to me on a group text remembering their Nanny. How grateful I am that they all got to know her, and love her as I do. My mother died a little over ten years ago. She did not have an easy time leaving this world. One day as I sat by her bed I pulled out my journal and wrote down many of my special memories of her. I want to add these thoughts to my blog

Written Aug.31.2000

I was thinking about Mom this morning and reflecting on things that I remember most about her....going to the grocery store,Price is Right,Wheel of Fortune,Esquire Restaurant for chowder,hair appts at Sears, camping at Whispering Winds, soccer and basketball games, Christmas mornings,fixing the flowers at the graveyard, planting in her yard, never letting me pay for things, attending church together, walking through the Temple together,playing cribbage, clam chowder calls, shopping for Christmas gifts, picking her up at Sears, remembering catalogue numbers, her special poem to me about being a good mother, helping her with pets ( oh that Skipper), shovelling snow together, doctor's appointments, eating grapes, sharing her with friends ( everyone loved to hang out at our place), interview for my first teaching job, visiting in my classroom, wallking to my house and just showing up, Newfie poker with the kids, taking care od Dad together, spending time with grandchildren, looking at photo albums, sorting out medications, sharing books, watching 'who wants to be a millionaire' and Touched by an Angel, visiting with old friends and neighbors, housesitting for the Hatchers ( let's move the ornaments), trying to find Eric Hanns ( did that sign say Cape Breton,,,ooops), outdoor nativity, dinner at the Logans, partners playing cribbage with Vera and Corwin, walking in the Public Gardens, lunch with Donna and Aunt Irene ( LeBistro), tending the African Violets, filling the bird feeders, building a new shed ( leaky at times), going to movies, ice cream at Averys,  ( and lots of other places), getting thosse Christmas cards off, talks with Aunt Annie, Edith, Uncle Eric, Aunt Mable, attending funerals, church suppers and sales,  Father's Day lobster supper at all Saints in Bedford, wheelchair walks, trips to the vets, rice krispie squares,Thanksgiving dinners, Easter brunches, quiet talks, gentle tears, missing Dad,driving to Bridgewater to see Glenn, wedding showers, baby showers, minding my children,what a big day for Laura when she could cross Connaught Ave. to visit Nanny and go to Potties, coconut candies in the candy dishes ( mint chocolate too), checking on Aunt May ( oh that phone off the hook), checking in with Aunt Rene and Uncle George, doing a three sixty on the ice in that blue something, ford maybe, at the cornor of George Dauphinee and Peter Lowe ( why dint I drive on Chebucto Rd), encouraging me to keep teaching ( oh those first days at Richmond).....

Sept.8.2000

That list could go on and on. Yesterday my mommy died. I had the choice blessing to be with her and I pray that I will never forget this great blessing. It was quick, it was peaceful. I knew the moment

that she crossed the veil. I miss her so deeply already. I woke this morning at 3am. and oh what an empty, empty feeling. My precious mother is gone, and oh how I miss her. The past few months have taught me so much. I have been at her side each day and I will treasure those days forever. I still feel like I have so much to tell her- oh how I love her.

..................................

Close to 11am Mom took several deep breaths, she had one moment of maybe fear/pain-then peace. She was gone that quickly. I was so grateful that Aunt Irene had come in moments before she died. She was thankful too. We hugged and cried together.

Mom, you were the best. My memories are precious and dear to me always. I will treasure you always. I know that you are with Heavenly Father and I will see you again. How great will be that joy.

FAMILIES ARE FOREVER.

Happy Birthday Mom. I love you

More Salt Lake fun

Well after doing the tourist thing in down town Salt Lake it was time to connect with my beautiful nieces....we found Sara first (and spent the night with her) We had a delicious dinner and fun visit with Emily and her cute kiddies....we also had a drop by visit with brianne  and her family....love all of these reunions....here come the photos..

Adorable Maddie

                                                      

showing us her playhouse

delicious dinner with a beautiful cook!!Thanks Emily

her handsome boys...Will and James

gorgeous daughter #1 Katherine

cutie daughter #2 Mary

More to follow but I'm having trouble uploading photos.........................

A new day, still on the road with my teaching family.....we're tired!!

Now back to Salt Lake visits....

.

Our cutie Katherine...getting ready to go to a school activity/dance

Avisit from Brianne and family

  

wow how they have grown......

Emily and her chickies...

awwwww....cluck cluck

Adorable sisters

Thanks for having us Sara.....loved our visit..even if the baby didn't arrive!!!

and of course we had to drop by and see the Smarts!

                                                     On our way to southern Utah

Loved seeing these sweet folks, Art and Roma!!! Miss them here at the Temple.

and one of our special (past) missionaries...Eric Fielding

The Fielding Family

such a cute Mom and dad

A lighthouse in Southern Utah!!!

Hit the road folks.......we're on our way to the Grandest Canyon in the world!!!

But that's another day or post!! Stay tuned

Thanks everyone for making our travels such fun!!!

 

Salt Lake City....we're here

So after some great reunions in Logan we continued on our way south...next stop Salt Lake City.We were headed towards our niece Sara's house but we did the tourist thing at Temple square first...always so enjoyable to see....here we go.!!

                      arriving at Temple Square..................

 Seagull monument

   Model of the Salt Lake Temple...a 40 year construction project...indeed!!



Well a pause here....I'm presently working for the Dept.Of Ed....and today hasn't been the best day...disgusting venue....I'll say no more....then I tried to upload pictures and 30  minutes later...still trying....hang in there!!

The grand Salt Lake Temple

Conference Center....it is an amazing structure

WOW.....an incredible place to visit

View from the Conference Center

I made it there!!!!

All for now.....more to come