Grandma'sTen Day adventure

I really do wish that I was better at getting to this blog...so here goes...I'm at Kathy and Jeff's for the next ten days and I'm going to blog each day!!! So here goes today. I actually began the day in Halifax. I skipped my swim ( which I hate to miss) but opted for some extra sleep!! Then I went to the church to run off the bulletin...and I kept on running. Next stop was the hospital to have a few minutes with Emmy and Finley. Keah had them out together and they were precious. Trish, one of our wonderful nurses had them snuggled up together...and they loved it. Trish also convinced Keah to head home for the night...and she finally agreed. I think that it will do her a world of good.

Then I headed to the Nelsons, and after a teary good bye ( Kathy crying) the party began. We all sat down in the living room and chatted about what each of the kiddies want to do while Nanny was here.....playground, visit to Dalplex, maybe a Hfx sleepover, and then sweet Georgia says...are you going to be my pretend Mom!!!! I love her. I said 'no' I'm your Nanny but I can be your pretend Mom too!!!

After a fun taco dinner, and kitchen cleanup we headed to the playground. I stayed as long as I could push swings, then we headed home. We had a dog encounter on the way down the hill and anyone who knows Jessica and Sarah know that that wasn't pretty!!! After I got the owner to take his dog in, we made it home. Then we had scripture story and learn a verse time. Next on the list...clean bedrooms...that will be an ongoing tale for the week...but boy do these guys love to vaccum!!! I had to find extra places for everyone to get a turn. The two little ones had a bath, and then after a bedtime bagel , and family prayer that part of my day ended. Kathy called to check in and all sounds well with them!!!

I'm really glad that she gets this break and I hope that it is everything that she needs. She's a terrific Mom and she has the greatest kids. I will be taking photos each day...and they will follow later.

Writing this reminds me of what a very lucky Mom I am. It is so rewarding to see your own children as parents....and to have the joy of grandchildren. Stay tuned and I'll hopefully share again tomorrow. Better head to bed soon....I know tomorrow will be fun!!

It's another day...hoooray!!

Well yesterday is gone, and so is my mood. I feel that I need to give some positive vibes and today I had a few.( I did yesterday too...but the dark side shadowed them) I did regret the late bedtime, but when the eyes opened at 6:45 I jumped up, grabbed my swim gear and headed to the pool.( I did pray too) My friend Natalie, my water running buddy, wasnt there so I dove in and ohhhhhhhhhhh it felt so good. I swam for awhile, then did some running. Natalie arrived later, then noodle man arrived and snorkle lady. The pool is hosting the Canadian National water Polo championships so there will not be much member swimming available for the next three days.:(

I came home and got some laundry going, garbage out, tidy the laundry room, cleaned another bathroom and then made a TO DO LIST...I know that was a bit backward!! It felt good to check off a few things right away !! Keah and I then headed to the NICU, and visted with the girls for awhile. Both got great reports, and they were anxiously awaiting a visit from the opthomology people. I couldn't imagine checking those wee little eyes. The nurse put drops in their eyes and when she described how they clamp open their eyes...Keah said time to head home for a pump and lunch!! Both girls were all done when we returned after lunch and they were no worse for the ordeal....and the report was good!

I had meetings today for Relief Society so I left the hospital early. I also have my cousin Donna in town and I wanted to have a visit with her. Visit and meeting over, I headed back to the hospital to collect Keah. After supper, and another pump...Bill took Keah back to tuck the girls in and have their prayers with their Momma...I stayed home and baked ginger cookies.
So that was today and I'm quite ready to head to bed early.

My final thought...God hears prayers..I know it and I see it daily in my life...and I am so grateful for this.

I Really should go to bed

Hello to anyone who may read this. I'm not in the most positive mood as I write, it's after midnight and I really should be in bed. ( I'm actually sitting on it) I came up to go to bed and stopped to check in the computer world of friends. I read some email then turned to blogs. What an interesting pasttime for many of you. I enjoy reading them and I do try to comment, but I'm not always the best at that one.
I shut off the computer and came to my room. I had laundry to fold which I just couldn't leave for tomorrow. After doing that I went into my bathroom and I could hear Karen saying 'Mom...this room needs some help' ( or something to that effect. You see I don't keep a very organized,tidy house....and I know it and I hate being so.I think if I lived alone my home would look very different. The problem though is that I dont live alone. What I need to learn is how others have such organized homes when they live with other people. Karen, the bathroom is clean ( or the best that I could do) By the way..this isn't a post because of you Karen...you actually were a bright part of my day!!!!

I told you that I'm not in a great mood. I hear you....'Go to bed'...but I'm having one of the times when I feel like I really fall short. I always seem to be playing catchup....I never can get everything done and have time left over. I'm also feeling like I really don't make a difference where I really want to. This may really surprise a few people but I feel somewhat of a failure in my own home and that frustrates me to no end. It's like blogging...I can do the simple parts of it but beyond that I fall short. I have a camera that can take great pictures..if I could understand it better. My list goes on forever. In my home...I've raised four wonderful children....but when I think about how I raised them...I fall short...it's amazing that they turned out as they did. I sometimes wish that I was the mother that they came to for advice. Usually if I try to give advice, they end up telling me how to do things better.

You know, I know that I'm a very blessed person. I have a huge list of gratefulness.I just don't like myself alot... here it comes....I don't like how I look, the way I dress, my household habits, my so so cooking skills, my mediocre sewing skills,my lack of willpower, my not so hot relationship skills, my ability to never get things finished, my many regrets...and on and on..

I am not suicidal, but I do have moments like this.I am overwhelmed and I think that it helps to get it off your chest. A good friend told me once that she fakes it until she makes it...I've got faking downpat!!

It's now 1 am and I have created another regret...I'll hate myself in the morning and I'll be tired all day. I just read a post from my baby Laura and wow she sounds so very happy. Thanks Laura... a mom always wants her children to be happy. I hope that Jeremy realizes that and that I expect him to always try to help you be happy.She loves him so deeply.

So do I post this miserable post...I don't want to depress others, but maybe you're having a bad one...maybe you're frustrated... well get over it...I have to..and I will. My house ( and garden...did I mention that!!!) may not get much better ( but my bathroom is !!!!) and I will not change overnight, or maybe never...but that's life and you can wallow in the ruts along the road or you can just find a better way!!

I do want to tell you that I do have some positive blood in my veins...I am positive that I will regret staying up so late, but I am also positive that I have the right answers to handle nights like tonight. I count my many blessings ( yes name them one by one) and I DO acknowledge what the Lord has done. I am positively, undeniably grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the great hope that it gives me when my emotions are low. I am also deeply grateful to be a mother, no matter how short I am...watching my children become parents, and consequently becoming a grandmother has been the greatest joy. Watching my children choose to marry in the Temple of the Lord for time and all Eternity lifts me and amkes my simple life so much more meaningful.

I hope that you read to the end of my post. My pity party is over...I'm going to bed. Tomorrow ( guess this is that tomorrow) will be another opportunity to grow, to learn, to improve, and to be the best that I can be. Maybe I'll clean another bathroom.....probably not...I have two new grandbabies to go and adore!!!

One last note...the picture is not supposed to be at the beginning of my post...I just couldn't figure out how to put it where I wanted it...but its a favorite picture....and full of my many blessings..and we add Emmy and Finley to them!!! Good night.

March Reflections

Well March may have come in like a lamb outside, and I will say we've had phenomenal weather for March BUT forget the weather....we had more excitement than that in this household. This was the month that Finley Anne and Emmy Jacquelyn decided to make a surprise arrival ( at only 24 weeks of age)....little did this grandma expect to be in on the delivery. Many of you have heard the whole birth story or you will I'm sure through Keah. It was a crazy time but I'm so grateful that we kept Keah in town, and that I was able to be there for her and Michael. I do wish that Mike could have been there instead of me....but I'll be able to tell Emmy and Finley that my Dad missed my birth too...Mike did get there faster than my Dad but that's another story.

What I do want to record is how amazing these little ones are. Despite their tiny size ( 1lb5 and 1lb 4) they are perfectly beautiful little girls....they just have to finish growing on the inside!!! They are now 2weeks old and discovering how much growing there is to still do. I love sitting beside them,watching them, and singing to them. It has been very scary as Emmy has faced many tough days. The nurses said one day that Finley read the NICU manual, and didn't share it with Emmy. Dear Emmy has been such a little fighter though and we're grateful that for today all is stable. Last night our nurse Keltie allowed Mike and Keah to hold Finley...outside of the incubator ( tubes attached) talk about a special night after a very very tough day!!

I'm a wee bit tired tonight but I did want to record a few thoughts...and to also state that I have been deeply touched by so many who have joined us in prayer, and fasting for these two little sweethearts. So many many people have sent words of hope and encouragement, or called and you will never know how much this has meant to us all!!! Yesterday I came home to my sister Julie and her hubby Bill working magic in my house.....cleaning, laundry, scrubbing, shining, and cooking. I can never thank her enough for being the dear sister that she is. The meal went with us to the IWK and was deeply enjoyed!!

Summary.....I am one very blessed lady....and I do believe in miracles. God does hear our prayers and He sends many to be my strength.

I'll write again soon!!! Thanks

Whoops not finished....I love birthdays and WOW my two precious grandsons had their big days. Cooper is the big ONE...we had a fun family gathering for him...oh how I love family times. Today we celebrated with Legoman Jacob.....still my gentle little giant!!! He is just the sweetest six year old that you would want to meet. Another family gathering with of course cake and ice cream. I am so thankful for the wonderful family that I came from and that I have created....and all the extras that come through so many super relatives. Hooray, FAMILIES ARE FOREVER.

TUTOR NEEDED

So I have just spent the last hour or more surfing the blog world. I recently was called to serve in our Stake Relief Society Presidency. At our most recent meeting it was brought up about having a Stake RS blog/website. In my enthusiam I somehow was delegated the job to research and create it. Talk about a challenge for this old girl. So I'm first welcoming anyone who wants to give me some simple lessons on this technology. I really do want to learn how to better create and manage one of these things. So if you have some time and want to have fun with me please let me know. There are some amazing blogs out there and lots of creative ideas. If you can't help, but you love me...say a few extra prayers for me!!

Speaking of Relief Society...I have always had a testimony of this great organization. So I'm excited to serve with Sisters Fox and Ipson. As women we all have very full lives in one way or another, no matter what our age and circumstances. Your sisters in Relief Society are just that...your SISTERS....and they can be such a strength to each of you; as a teacher, leader, example, visiting teacher, compassionate service , and a friend. I won't ramble on because I need something for my new blog...but take a minute and appreciate that you are a member of the greatest woman's organization in the world!!

WISH ME LUCK!!!

My Hairy Adventure

Maybe this should be called...another first for Jackie ( how I lost my hair color virginity)!!! What an experience...ready for some smiles............


As I near the final year of this latest decade of my life, I grow more and more reflective on life and aging. Well that lead to my hairy adventure of today. I've been experiencing the beginning stages of gray hair. ( Actually I learned that it is really white hair; no such thing as gray) I've been feeling a need for a new hair look and had started to grow it a bit longer. A few weeks ago I struck up a conversation with a swimming friend, who I learned was a hair dresser by profession. She always has great looking hair. We were discussing my locks and she said ' I have just the thing for you. She works for a hair company called Matrix and they were coming to town to put on a show called 'Dream Age' for local hair stylists. They needed models and would I be interested. It was scheduled for the day before my Birthday...so I thought why not...so here are some photos with explanations...

The night before,kind of mousey brown with gray throughout....

Side view..............with more gray highlights.................then the color was introduced and some beautiful highlights ( my favorite part of the color)...next photo

This is my new color before the cut.

After the cut and style....

My wonderful cutter, Jillian ( all the way from BC)

This is Heidi...the color pro....she hails from Yarmouth!!! Lucky Yarmouth friends

Did I mention that my sister Julie also joined the team of models. Here is a photo of the two of us at the end of the day.

Thanks friends at Matrix!!

So everyone, tomorrow I celebrate another Birthday and with each year lately, I've come to appreciate many more things. I appreciate my good health, and this makeover was a fun way to improve my mental health. We need to do things for ourselves sometimes..I know this to be true!!! Tomorrow morning I am heading to the spa for a wonderful massage.

I'm also so very grateful for the wonderful life that I have had for the past 59 years!! Love the family that I was born into and the wonderful family that I was blessed to raise.I have a terrific husband who has been mine for almost 35 years!!

I have so many SUPER extended family and friends.Who needs presents?? NOT ME!!

Quiet Reflections

It's a quiet evening, and I'm grand mothering with my fab five. Kathy and Jeff are gone to see a Jan Arden concert and all are asleep ( I think!! I'm never sure with Miss Georgia.) The Nelsons have a lovely TV system and we watched Toy Story tonight. It was a cute story...then after cleanup time ( bedrooms) and a snack...with delightful chitchat...it was time to get ready for bed. With all in their PJ's, each one picked a story for bedtime reading, family prayer was followed with tooth brushing, and then off they went. I really didn't expect to see all run so smoothly but hey I'm blogging...so they're off to sleep...oh I think that I hear Georgia again!!!



Back again.....my life hasn't anything too exciting to share....but it has been good. I'm back trying to shed those few pounds that keep returning and I'm trying to improve my daily exercise routine. I'm up to 90 min in the pool most days, and I've got hooked on pool running. I am also trying to sew more, mostly quilts and I am doing more reading and my family genealogy. In between all of those things, I do like to help people. I'm not going to write about this because I don't do it for recognition,but I have to say that when I'm serving others...be it family or friends my life is deeply blessed. I do enjoy some quiet times and lately I have tried to make sure that I make time for this. I try to spend more time at the Temple because there I find the sweetest peace ever.

Technology....now there is a subject to reflect on. Actually it's very amazing all that we have and how quickly it changes...I feel like I just got under the wire with some of this stuff and with others it just plain overwhelms this old brain. Then there are the young ones who simply feel that it's as natural as brushing their teeth. It totally puts me in awe of the whole phenomena. What will it be like in another 10 years? I do love many of the things that it does for us. As a kid and even now I've always been so fascinated with how things get invented.....like how do people create such amazing tools and technology for us. I always wanted to invent something.

By the way the kiddies are all asleep. Georgia was last.....she came down one last time to complain about Jacob's breathing...she said his noise was keeping her awake. She's so darned cute!!!! Kathy and Jeff should be along soon so I'll close for now. Before I do I'll ask one question.....anyone got any book recommendations?? Always looking for the next good read!!