Lazy Day

Good morning....yes this is my lazy day!! It's 11:30am and I'm still in my jammies. I slept in until 9am, read in bed until 9:30, made my breakfast and did some scripture study ( SSchool lesson prep too). It's a blustery overcast day. The rain and warmer temps. have melted most of the snow. My little motivator, Olivia is home with her daddy. I realized this week that when she is with me she helps me have some routine ( unlike today) She is the sweetest motivator that I've ever had. I love how she interacts with me without much vocabulary yet. She's so proud of her new found walking abilities, and has become a rascal climbing the stairs. She is an explorer, constantly trying to get into things. She has a constant smile on her face, and goes really silly when Bill enters the room. Even when she hears his footsteps on the stairs she shakes her hands, and grabs me if I'm close by...in pure excitement. Love this sweet addition to our home.

Ready to explore

 

cutest footsies!!

adorable

 

She's looking at a photo of her mom on the wall

Love her book times

Let's go Nanny!!!

 

So what is ahead for my lazy day ?? What ever I want to do. Bill is off with his Mom ( shopping and lunch). The house is quiet, and when I post this short post I plan to Pinterest for some Valentine ideas and then it will be card making time.

Hope that you all have a lazy day soon!!

 

Feeling Groovy

While sitting in a meeting in the Temple on Saturday, Pres. Veinot mentioned in his remarks that he had a tune stuck in his head.The song was Feeling Groovy...which begins....Slow down, you move to fast....and today it's stuck in my head. I feel like I woke up running. Actually that has been my pattern in life for a long long time and I am anxious to slow down. I'm not really complaining about my life just my inability to slow it down abit.

Bill woke me up and reminded me that my little friend, Olivia would be coming soon. She's a great way to start your day. She arrived shortly after and I did take time to just play with her. I could watch her interactions for hours.( you know that I didn't) After play time and a smelly diaper, it was breakfast time, followed by a second smelly!! We read some books then she headed off to bed for a nap. After some tidy time and laundry, and a chat with my friend, Sharon....I headed to my quiet place to read my scriptures. They never disappoint.

I've got some other chores waiting and I hear a little sweet voice calling out....I'll get back at the end of the day, hopefully.

Are your days flying by? Mine are....why does this happen? The afternoon was good. Had a nice chat with Therese, and then Kathy called. It was great just to have a 'what are you doing ' chat with her.
I worked some more on my Disney photos, and just when I thought I'd sneak in a short nap, Karen arrived. I grabbed the chance to slip out then and visit with Aunt May.

I had a surprise call from her at 1:30am, and she had called very apologetically today. Her room mate has gone to the hospital ( she thinks). I dashed out this afternoon and had a wee visit. She is so appreciative of any time that I give her. She is developing a cough and I am worried about her.

Back home and dinner, and a fun face time chat with my fab five. How I miss this special family!!
I'm itching to do some card stuff...and I could also sew....or organize...oh dear....need to start Feeling Groovy!!

Forgot to mention....since I didn't write on Saturday or even Sunday...I should mention that on Saturday my friend Susan received her endowment and it was very special to be her Temple attendant.Susan has had a mountain of challenges, but despite all she is spiritually growing in leaps and bounds. She always has such a positive attitude. I learn lots from her. Saturday night  I went to Therese's for a card party. It was great fun, super projects,  yummy food and of course lovely people.
Here's what we made....looky looky....

done with a digital program

This was so much fun!!!

cute simple and adorable

Sunday was a beautiful day. Church was uplifting, and then Bill,Karen,Olivia and I motored down to Bridgewater to visit with Mike, Keah and the girls. We had a delightful time and a delicious dinner, shared with Nanny and Bobba Seymour and some missionaries.

Look at Emmy jump!!!

Finley fans Kaka

What's with this monkey cousin?

She didn't used to be so busy!!!

Ring around the Rosie

do I have to sit on it....I'd rather stand!!

so much for a photo of the three of us
does she ever stay still??

Now what

The sun is shining but it is way too far away to offer any heat....burrrrrr...here in Halifax.
I'm not up to much today. Just trying to get some 'to do' items done. I spent a few hours...yes hours sorting through photos from our trip and moving them around on the computer.
Looking through our photos made me reflect on the great fun that we had together. My Bill is a great Disney tour guide, and it was lots of fun to share this with Julie and her Bill.

 I also had to venture out for a Dr. appt., and I dropped by to see Aunt May. They have the influenza in a few areas of the nursing home so I had to mask up and perpetually sanitize . She's doing okay, but the time is long for her.

I had a wonderful chat with Laura this morning. We had some talk about attending the Temple. It makes my heart so happy to hear her testimony of the importance of the Temple. She has truly seen the vision of the eternities and values the covenants that she made there. I`m disappointed that our Temple will be closed when she`s here in Feb.....we`ll attend in May for sure!!

Just checked and my photo uploader is working....

Our SUPER  Disney tour guide!!

 

GROUP SHOT IN THE BACKLOT ( Hollywood studio)

Do we have to leave

Wednesday came!!

Wednesday came and......

we were up at 7:30
we finished packing
we boarded the bus
we drove to the airport
we boarded the plane ( delayed)
we flew to Montreal (burrrr in Montreal)
we  ate
we flew to Halifax
we went out in the cooooold
we cleaned off our snowy car
we had farewells with Julie and Bill
we made it home...11:11 pm

Our Disney Vacation has ended.

Hard day

One of the hardest things about vacations is the last day!

But the last day has come and here's what we did to cheer up our going home to snow feelings.

We headed to the Magic Kingdom to begin the day. First on the list was to visit Fantasyland which is still a work in progress. We went under the sea ( a ride) and after a quick search for Marinda  (Brave) we lined up to have lunch in Beast's new castle. It was a beautiful spot.... Seats 500.... No dinner reservations available until June! ( We did have a lovely lunch there!)

After an early lunch we went to get fast passes for Buzz Lightyear. Then we hit Stitches Quest and the Laugh Floor. Following the giggles we did Buzz Lightyear...always a fun ride.

We had to leave the kingdom then to prepare for our final big show at Hollywood studio.

We headed to HS late in the afternoon, and enjoyed Fantasia... Our final Disney event.
We finished the day sharing a pizza and are now back in our rooms packing!

Farewell Magical Kingdom you have been good to us.

Final note.... I actually heard Bill admit that he might not have very many Disney days left in him.
I had to record this because I really don't believe it.

Who shortened the days

Why is it that the days get shorter at the end of a vacation?
Today we were up bright and early and headed off to the Animal Kingdom. It is truly one of my favorite parks. We had our breakfast there and then headed off on another Safari.No matter how many times you go on the Safari ride the adventure is different...... thanks performing animals!
We always get the best guide too! Thanks Will. Everyone knows that giraffes are my favorite and they certainly didn't disappoint. They are such incredibly elegant animals. Did you know that they have the same number of vertebrae in their necks as we do. Sure glad that we weren't styled after them.
We then headed off to the Finding Nemo production and it was  wonderful. Funny how these musicals never grow old. We went next to a jungle trek and saw tigers,bats,birds and some others.
Today we also did a show that Bill and I have never watched...it was called Flights of Wonder and it was excellent. We saw some amazing birds who gave a stellar performance.

We headed home for a swim, and time in the hot tub.

Break over and we're back on the super Disney transit to Epcot for our dinner reservation at the Mexican pavilion. This was a new place for us all. Dinner was pretty eventful. Julie and I ordered a seafood Mexican meal for two. It had shrimp,scallops,tilapia,vegetables....and nestled in this yummy corn was a red little sliver  which I thought was lobster ( hey it was a seafood dish) so I put it in my mouth, bit down and realized it wasn't lobster. Oh yeah it was a sliver of  hot hot pepper. I thought I would die on the spot!!! Oh it burned....our sweet server,Jesus rushed off to get me a glass...a tall glass of milk. The two Bills were enjoying this immensely ! I don't plan to redo this place!!

We left Epcot and caught the Monorail to the Magic kingdom to see the Main Street Electrical Parade. We had a fabulous spot to view it and it was beautiful!. After a fun ride through the Haunted House we headed home....time to put those feet up.

Blink.....was that the weekend?

Sunday night here and that weekend sure went fast!
So here is my summary..... Saturday we went back to Epcot

We returned to the great ride called Soarin'
.... Mission space. Really enjoyed that flight
.....visited the pavilions....USA movie
          Italy....Japan....couldn't get more French Pastry
....Test track (much improved)
....Space ship earth ( the golf ball)

Dinner was at the Animal Kingdom Lodge at the fabulous Boma
Then we visited downtown Disney and a side trip to Caribbean Beach
Rode the lovely river ferry back home

Today ...Sunday...we visited Hollywood Studios.
I will state here that living on site limits our church attendance
And I know that maybe I should have figured out a better way to spend Sunday.
We did however go to the studio.
While the boys did rocking roller coaster , Julie and I did some window shopping
And lots of people watching ( we both enjoy this pastime, and the beautiful warm sun added to this relaxing time). When the guys finally returned (over an hour later) we went to the sci-fi restaurant for a fabulous lunch. It is such a cool place.. Set up like a drive-in theatre and guests sit in old cars or flying saucers. Great meal and fun atmosphere.

We then watched the Lights,Motors, Action! extreme Stunt Show and caught the Beauty and the Beast Show before leaving. Both shows were very entertaining, although B and B definitely was the best.(we sat in the second row from the front.... Amazingly good seats)

We came back to the resort, left the boys to watch football and Julie and I headed to Downtown  Disney once again. We finished some errands, including another trip to Caribbean Beach. ( ask Julie about that adventure)
Grabbing some Earl of Sandwich supper to bring home to the men....we wearily made our way back to our home away from home....exhausted!

Time to catch up....

What a busy two days. Yesterday we started off in Hollywood Studios. We decided to have breakfast there, but before eating we hit the two big rides. Tower of Terror first ,followed right by Rocking Roller coaster. I've done them before, so I'm confident going on them...then after the ride I think...you crazy lady! My sister Julie sure was thinking that....she didn't feel so hot after the rides.  We had a light breakfast then headed to the Star Wars tour ride....and poor Julie was ready to purge at the end of it. She's tough though and after a restroom break she felt better. She is such a great girl to do Disney with. Here is what else we did on Thursday....backlot tour, great american movie ride, toy story mania, American Idol, and the Indiana Jones stunt card.

We returned to the hotel for a wee rest, and then headed to the Polynesian Resort for the Spirit of Aloha luaha. It was a fun meal with a great dance program, including an amazing fire dancer.
It was a very full day, and the only down side was that a cold front has moved in and we were into long pants and jackets.....but we weren't shovelling!

Today the weather is once again cool, and there were random showers. It wasn't enough to slow us down. Today's park was the Animal Kingdom and we had a fabulous time. We headed to the animal safari first and we were not at all disappointed ( I will post photos once I'm home!) we followed the Safari with a great walkabout with more animals. We had a fabulous lunch at the Yak and Yeti and then went to the ride at Everest. Well, actually the guys did that ride....I gave Julie a break on that one. We took in the Lion king show, followed by its Tough to be a Bug. We're back at the hotel for a power break and then plan to hit Downtown Disney after a wee rest.

Disney has been fun. We've met some great folks along the way, and we've enjoyed sharing the fun with Julie and Bill.

All for now...have a magical weekend

What a day!

Can I say it again....what a day! This was Epcot day for our little party of four. After sorting out some scooter stuff ( Bill H had one ordered to arrive today) We were off. In the morning we hit Soaring first and fast passed it to do it twice (in a row) Bill H loved seeing his native California in that ride!
After Soaring we went under the sea with Nemo in the clam shells, visited the aquarium , hit some stores,then we hit the world pavilion popping into several exhibits. We had a huge lunch at the American site, then on to a ride in Norway, and the 360 movie with Marty Short in Canada. We took a break and came home to swim in the pool....did I mention that its 82 degrees and sunny today.

After a wee rest we headed back to have dinner at Chef de France. ( I forgot to mention that we visited the French patisserie earlier in the day.....oh lala we overate today!) Dinner was amazing and we had the sweetest waiter named Brice from Corsica. Ater dinner we did the Chinese Pavilion , and then watched Illuminations to end the day! Can you spell tired.

We're having lots of laughs with Julie and Bill . This is their first visit and they seem to be quite enjoying it!

I ended the day with a quick FaceTime with my Saskatchewan girls....and the bed is looking pretty good.


Hollywood studios tomorrow.

Hot wheels

Mexican entertainment

 

A viking in Norway

French delights!!!

A little corner in England

It all began with a mouse!!

Outside the Canadian Pavilion

Flowers in Epcot!!

Another fun adventure !

Hello friends and family,

We had a fabulous day...long and busy but lots of fun. Bill and I were awake quite early...like 2am ...Bill overly excited, and me talking to Laura while she walked from the hospital to the car and home. We headed off by 4am, to get Julie and Bill ...our flight left at 6:30  and all went well with both planes. Stopped in Montreal then on to Orlando and sunshine and warm warm temps.
Watched a neat movie...The Vow. Movie  based on a true story.

We had a quick dip in the pool to relax then headed off to the Magic Kingdom. On our first day we hit the following...Pirates of the Caribbean, Bear Country Jamboree, Space Mountain ( never again ), Big Thunder Mountain, People mover, and Buzz Lightyear. We had a fabulous dinner at the Liberty Tavern and watched Wishes Nighttime spectacular... Not bad for four seniors!

I am tired so that''s my quickie post for today.
I will also say that I'm glad that my husband is a Disney fanatic....I love seeing the twinkle in his eye and I do feel the magic of this place. It's also special to be here with my sister Julie and her Bill.

still not able to add the photos but I will sort that out later.

PS... Can't believe that we were in t-shirts and capris at 9pm... Great start Orlando

On our way

 

Loving the pool...warm and sunny

 

Country Bear Jamboree

 

 

MONDAY

I had a great sleep last night....so great that I overslept! I woke up to Bill's voice calling me..Olivia's here!! That was a first. So welcome Monday.

One more sleep...today is packing day and I'm feeling some excitement. I'm happy too because my Capri pants still  fit me. We leave very early tomorrow....got to be at the airport by 5am. I'm excited to be going with my sister Julie and Bill. Four old folks playing with Mickey Mouse!! My posts should get interesting.

I just watched the Ellen Show. I enjoy this show just because she makes me laugh. I was also an Oprah fan...Both of these ladies, as well as other talk shows have there flaws,  but I find the interviews interesting, and both ladies have been very generous. Love to go to a favorites show.
 I have to admit that I would love to go see one of these shows....on my Bucket List.

Bucket List...a great movie...and an interesting concept.
I've never written down my list but maybe today I will.....here goes

1.be in a Temple Session with all of my family
2. return to Hawaii for my 40th wedding anniversary..and have Bill in the Temple there.
3. live in a home /condo...all on one level
4. live in a tidy house..and have someone come and clean for me.
5. travel to some other parts of the world....Australia, England, France, Switzerland
6. go on another cruise
7. go to General Conference
8. go to see Ellen Show, and a game show...Wheelof Fortune, Price is Right....
9.stop worrying about my children
10. go to an NBA game with my son Michael.

This isn't in any special order....just thinking.

What's on your list ??
Have a great week...love and peace

PS...had a funny moment on facebook this morning. I had some old posts from Jennifer
show up on my feed today. The first one said " twenty weeks"...I freaked....how did I miss that news??? fortunately before I responded with a comment I realized that the post was from 2008. What's up facebook...trying to start some rumors??

SATURDAY-SUNDAY....WHAT A WEEKEND

I am a wee bit tired so I'll end the day with a short post. My weekends are fairly routine, and always two days that give me the strength to start the next week.

Saturday is my day to serve in the Temple. I always go there with great anticipation...anxious to feel of the sweet spirit of the Temple. I am NEVER disappointed. As I headed out this week I was feeling some heaviness in my heart, as I carried some worries with me to the Temple. I fasted as I worked and took as many moments as I could to find a private place to talk with my Heavenly Father. As I left the Temple I knew that my prayers had been heard, and I felt a sweet peace. You know that when we face challenges in our lives there is one who has faced much more than any of our trials. He knows us, and he will carry us when we are falling. When you think that you just can't do it, He gives us the power that we need. Again I am filled with gratitude. My service at the Temple was so wonderful, and I love the great people that I serve with in this Holy House of the Lord.

Saturday evening I spent some time finishing my lesson for Sunday school, and then I  hit the kitchen to bake some cookies for Vanessa who was in town for a visit. She dropped over after visiting with Karen. We had a good visit, eating a few cookies with milk ! Thanks for dropping by!

Sunday morning I awoke from a great night sleep, and my bed was so cosy warm. I could have stayed there a few extra minutes!!  Church is a special part of my week. I love seeing my church family, and partaking of the sacrament. The talks today, on Home and Visiting Teaching were both very well done; thank you Eileen and bro.Dent. You were inspired in your approach to a very special program of the church. My Sunday school class followed and I think that it went well. Our topic of study today was the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and I was once again probably the one who learned the most. Following Sunday school I made an early exit so that I could head to Bridgewater. I had finished quilts for Emmy and Finley's new toddler beds and wanted to deliver them myself before Bill  and I head away to Florida. I so wish that all of grandkiddies lived closer....I enjoy them  all so much. Emmy and Finley always greet with with such precious love and excitement. I enjoyed my visit so much.

Back home I picked up Karen and Olivia, and we headed over for a short visit with Aunt May. Olivia just charms everyone, especially Aunt May. After a simple supper we got Olivia into her jammies and then I started to fade. One funny phone call came from my sister Julie who said that she thinks our trip wasn't a good idea. Surprised I asked why ??? She said that her heart won't stop beating so fast...she's a little excited!! haha.

So that's my weekend in brief. Two sleeps until Florida....and I have to pack!!

Be kind to yourself!

Oh....and one last thought. Here is something that I received from a friend this week.... great truth

"DO IT ANYWAY"

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered; forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough; give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see ... in the final analysis it is between you and God; it was never between you and them anyway.

****************************

 

Don't forget....the final analysis it is between you and God

 

Have a great week.

FRIDAY

It's a blue sky sunny day with a few fluffy clouds in sight. I' m at home alone and the quiet is peaceful. I was out earlier visiting with some ladies from church.

 Our church has a program for the women called visiting teaching. We are assigned another lady to be our companion, and then several ladies to visit or contact each month.  Each month we bring them a message as directed by our church leadership. The Prophet Joseph Smith organized our ladies group, known as Relief Society in 1842. He said that the women were not only to look after the poor but also to save souls.This is still our purpose.

When we visit with our sisters we are checking on their physical and spiritual needs. We become close to these ladies, and while it might sometimes just feel like a social visit...it is really more than that.

As someone who is visited, I look forward to discussing the message with my Visiting Teachers.. Beyond that I feel like I have two special angels watching out for me. They grow closer to me with each visit. Our assignments do change, and so I have many sisters who are my angels forever. I'm not sure that I'm explaining this very well.

As one who visits I almost always come away feeling that I have gained so much from each visit. I love the discussions that we have, I like being able to serve others, and there is always a sweet spirit when I am out making these visits.

Not everyone looks at Visiting Teaching this way, and I think that that might be because of the attitude that they bring to the activity.....they see it as just another thing that they are called to do and they just don't have the time. That's kind of sad because when you have that attitude you do miss out on the sweet spirit and the friendships that are there. It is also a way that we look after our church family, and assist our ward leadership in their stewardship over our members.

I feel like maybe I've rambled here today. However I love being a visiting teacher, and I know that I have been greatly blessed in serving. I have the best companion assigned to me...sweet Joan... and we have been together for over 14 years. She is 86 or 87 years old, and she is so dedicated to this program. She often says with age that she doesn't feel that she offers much to our efforts. However, that is so wrong because she is a spiritual giant to me. ( I tell her this often) She is always prepared, adds an interesting view to every message, and is very insightful to the needs of our sisters. I love my sister Joan !!

The Lord loves us, and this is just another way that he tells me. He is so aware of our lives, and he often answers our prayers through others. My visiting teachers are wonderful. Monica and Jennifer bring a richness to my home, and they strengthen me in my daily struggles to live the way that I should. Thanks ladies, I love you both.

Guess I'll get back to my Friday. I have a wee bit of work to do on Emmy's quilt but for the most part all is done. I tidied up my craft room last night so I might work on some cards later today. I have a doctors appointment and I need to drop by the mall. Tomorrow is my day at the Temple so I'll want to get a good sleep tonight. Bill and I head off to Florida in four days so I will need to do some prep. for that.

I am a happy lady today...many blessings abound. My trials haven't left, but I feel energized with the right attitude because of my visit teaching, and simply put....the great Plan of Happiness.
I will also say the new January Ensign arrived...and it is indeed inspiring.

THANK YOU

Wednesday Thursday

Oh I feel good. I have just had a great feast with my scriptures...so why wouldn't I feel good. My health is also returning for which I am very grateful.

Today's post is to cover the past two days.....
Wednesday....lots of errands to do and a big project to work on. I actually started the day at the pool, swimming and water running with my fiend Natalie. She's a great lady and we chat as we run. After returning home for breakfast I was off to do some grocery shopping and then to visit with Aunt May. What a sweet woman this lady is. As her days grow shorter ( she's 100 yrs.now) she has such a pleasant outlook on things. She's so appreciative of my visits, and I'm always the better for having spent time with her.

After lunch my fabulous Visiting teachers, Jennifer and Monica dropped by. I love the spirit that they bring to my home. Monica gave a beautiful lesson about missionary work, and I love hearing insight from others on this topic. Monica and Jennifer are both great examples to others.

 After their visit I went back towork on my final two grandchildren quilts. These ones are for Emmy and Finley and I really want to get them to them before I go away next week. ( to Florida) Now that they are in toddler beds I want them there all the more. I made lots of progress, and early this morning ( Thursday) completed Finley's quilt. I just have to sew the binding on Emmy's and the job will be complete. So satisfying indeed....how I love all of my beautiful grandchildren. I wonder when the next one will arrive??

Before I finished Finley's quilt I worked on my Sunday school lesson. We are studying the Doctrine and Covenants/Church History and oh what wonderful readings. The lesson this week is all about Jesus Christ,Savior of the World. Once again studying the role and  attributes of my Savior has more deeply reminded me how precious his sacrifice, and atonement are. I know that he lives, and I feel of his love daily. He hears and answers my prayers unconditionally.
Here's a cool quote from the lesson:

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve said: “When … difficult times come to us, we can remember that Jesus had to descend below all things before He could ascend above them, and that He suffered pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind that He might be filled with mercy and know how to succor His people in their infirmities (see D&C 88:6; Alma 7:11–12)” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1995, 91; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 69).

I am grateful to know that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored in these latter-days. Prophets of old saw our day, and this time was foretold. Sometimes I just want to shout it from the roof tops because this IS the most important event of our time. There is a Plan of Happiness in place for us all, and above all our families can be forever!! Want to know more ??? I'm always willing to share!!

All for now...still trying to figure out what is wrong with my photo upload....I have a quilt to work on!!
All for now ....smiles  and love...Jackie

Tuesday Tuesday

Hello blogging friends,
    It's a cool cloudy snowy Tuesday. I've had my morning frolics with Olivia and she's off napping. I'm grateful for these young days with her. I'm very fortunate to have had time with each of my grand kiddies in their first few years. WOW...Jessica will be 12 this year !
   Speaking of Jessica this paragraph is for her. She's great at face timing with me ( as are the others in Sask....thank goodness) Yesterday she called me from her room to share her day and to play some flute for me. She had got some new music and told me all about festival plans in March. Then she started playing and that blew me away. She was playing music that she had just received and she was amazing. She also played some other pieces, including O Canada and this Nanny was very proud of her!! I love that these kiddies are exposed to learning music and the band program out there sounds wonderful. Thanks again Jessica.
   Back to Tuesday. The morning chores are done, and I've done some preparation to go Visiting Teaching today. I have the best companion ever...we've been together for 14 years and I love her like a mother. Joan is 86 years old and still willing to head out on these chilly days to meet with our sisters.
   I'm doubly blessed because I have fabulous V.teachers. They are truly my sisters and I love how both connect with me throughout the month. Monica has been family for many years...her boys are my boys too!! Michael really did get some brothers!! Jennifer has been a dear friend from years long gone, and an important friend when I joined the church so many years ago. She sends me many thoughtful emails....and I'm going to close by ending with today's mail from Jennifer....

WHAT HAPPENS IN HEAVEN WHEN WE PRAY?

This is one of the nicest e-mails I have seen and is so true:

I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels. My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, "This is the Receiving Section". Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received.

I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world.

Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section.

The angel then said to me, "This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them." I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth.

Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. "This is the Acknowledgment Section, my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed." How is it that there is no work going on here? ' I asked.

"So sad," the angel sighed. "After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments"

"How does one acknowledge God's blessings? " I asked.

"Simple," the angel answered. Just say, "Thank you, Lord. "

"What blessings should they acknowledge?" I asked.

"If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy. "

"And if you received this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity."

"If you woke up this morning with more health than illness. You are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day."

"If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation. You are ahead of 700 million people in the world."

"If you can attend a place of worship without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world."


"If your parents are still alive and still married, you are very rare."

"If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt and despair."

Ok, what now? How can I start?

If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you as very special and you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all.


Have a good day, count your blessings, and if you care to, pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are

ATTN: Acknowledge Dept.

"Thank you Lord, for giving me the ability to share this message and for giving me so many wonderful people with whom to share it. "

If you have read this far, and are thankful for all that you have been blessed with, how can you not send it on?

I thank God for everything, especially all my family and friends.

 

The second one wouldn't copy/paste but it's short and oh so powerful

 

MY TO-DO LIST FOR TODAY

 

-Count my blessings

-Practice Kindness

-Let go of what I can't control

-Listen to my heart

-Be Productive yet calm

-Just breathe

 

Thank you friends and family for being there for me. I am one blessed lady. Thank you Lord for answering my prayers

Monday, Monday

Just a quickie post while I have a few quiet moments.(  Olivia is sleeping)
I want to post, with gratitude about a great weekend. I have been rather sickly for the past few weeks but none the less enough was enough.
 On Friday, after a visit with the Dr. and some good advice from him, I made a quick visit to see Aunt May. I have missed her lots while sick and I think that the feeling was mutual.
Saturday I went back to the Temple to serve and it didn't disappoint. I felt renewed as I left from working with wonderful caring people and from witnessing the Spirit as ordinances were preformed. How I love the Temple. Wonderful to have both of my visiting teachers there too.
Sunday it was back to church after missing two weeks. How I love church and again the renewing that I feel there each week. Testimony meeting was uplifting, my lesson in Sunday school went well. ( even I felt good about it) and then the icing on the cake was Eileen Kelly's lesson in Relief Society. I have loved the talk given by Elder Uchtdorf at the last General Conference entitled of Regrets and Resolutions. I had even planned to use it in my Sunday School lesson the week before...but that didn't happen. Eileen gave a  beautiful lesson based on the talk and it made me soooooo happy. It is so worth reading or listening to on lds.org. A couple of important things that I gained from it are

this quote

Isn’t it true that we often get so busy? And, sad to say, we even wear our busyness as a badge of honor, as though being busy, by itself, was an accomplishment or sign of a superior life.

Is it?

I think of our Lord and Exemplar, Jesus Christ, and His short life among the people of Galilee and Jerusalem. I have tried to imagine Him bustling between meetings or multitasking to get a list of urgent things accomplished.

I can’t see it.

Instead I see the compassionate and caring Son of God purposefully living each day. When He interacted with those around Him, they felt important and loved. He knew the infinite value of the people He met. He blessed them, ministered to them. He lifted them up, healed them. He gave them the precious gift of His time.

 

and this strong advice:

 

To avoid some of the deepest regrets of life, it would be wise to make some resolutions today. Therefore, let us:

• •Resolve to spend more time with those we love.
• •Resolve to strive more earnestly to become the person God wants us to be.
• •Resolve to find happiness, regardless of our circumstances.

It is my testimony that many of the deepest regrets of tomorrow can be prevented by following the Savior today.

 

I know that I previously posted about this talk....I just love it.

 

Sunday ended quietly...rest in the afternoon, a nice chat with my friend Esther, and some card fun in the evening. ( also tried a mustard plaster....oh lala)

 

Now it's Monday. I'm continuing to feel stronger. Missionaries are coming for dinner, and the sun is shining on our beautiful snowy world. Have a great week.

 

 

Inspired Again

I wrote this a few days ago but for some reason it didn't get posted....


Well she did it again. A while ago Laura asked me to send her some photos of Bill and I. Today I read a lovely blog post from Laura to Bill and I, which included my photos. It was very touching...but it also made me very reflective. LAURA, THANKS FOR THE INSPIRATION.It showed some wonderful happy times that Bill and I have had together. Life with Bill has had many grand experiences....from early marriage ( many fun adjustments), to parenthood, to toddlers and teens, ....and so much more. We have had good and bad days, sad  and happy, confusing, frustrating, uplifting, promising, and the list is endless. But that's what marriage is. Ours isn't perfect and it's been lots of work. It will continue to be but that means we will be growing and learning. We have been married for 37 years.....37 years.....that's more than half of my life.
When Laura recently married I gave her a wee bit of advice ( at one of her showers)...I told her that an important thing to do in her marriage involved three words...Listen, Learn and Love.
I'm not sure where that advice came from exactly, but I believe that those three words are important. They can be difficult to do .....or we think that we're doing them when we're really not.

Finally...when the tough days are here and I wonder what to do...I have learned over and over again that when Bill won't listen...Heavenly Father always will. He hears my pleas, and he answers. I have always received the same answer....Be Patient Jackie
and then I learn and then I love.



Thank you Bill for the adventures of the past 37 years....and those yet to come....I love you.

Editors note....I have photos to go with this post but I am having technical difficulties...

Happy New Year

First....I really hope that this is a HAPPY New Year

Second....I'm not writing today because I'm busy adding photos to my last few posts

All for now.