Rainy Days and Mondays

Are you a fan of the Carpenters musical team...Richard and Karen ? They were favorites from my younger years. I did think of this song though as I dragged myself to the pool on a blustery rainy Monday. NOW...I could choose to complain here...yes more rain....but instead I will simply state...rain makes things grow, fills our wells, washes away grime, makes it easier to houseclean....you see I am actually writing about attitude...and it does make a difference.
I ended up having a great swim and that always makes me feel good! I got lots cleaned and organized in my kitchen ( even the dials on the stove got removed and cleaned).I got to talk with my Laura while she walked to work. ( more rainy tears when I hung up!! ) but I'm doing better.
I'm going to take a break from cleaning and make a birthday card for a sweet friend....then maybe even start a new book.
Thanks for the rainy day at home.

Those were the Days my friend

Yes, those were the days my friend.....and now we're all turning 60!!! The class of 69 has met once again and what a fun reunion it was. This is  my second one ( there have been 3) and it was great to see everyone, and great to even add a few new faces. Ah..... the memories that we have had together, and what a great time over a delicious dinner!! Here are a few photos....

One of several great decorations....this reunion committee is awesome!!

Girlfriends...from even junior high days

Me,Pat,Judy,Judi and Vicki

Gerald and Pat....doesn't she look like a sweet high school girl

Me and my favorite classmate...Greg ( eh Miss Purdy)

One of our great organisers ( Dave) with Mr.Sutherland ...yes...a teacher....he started

the year before we graduated!!!

Gerald and Judi ( you're still gorgeous J)

Janet, Elaine and Gladys

Pat and Esther ( Jr.High friends too!!)

The whole gang

Greg, Cathy and Liz

Me,Peter and Mike

Esther and Mollie

Thanks to the great committee who brings us together...sure hope we continue to add on more members!!!

This weekend was also cardmaking  time with my creative daughters and friends. I really enjoy learning from them all. Saturday was my Temple time and that was wonderful.

We had a workers devotional after and I didn't think that the day could get any better!! BUT IT DID.

The guest speaker was unable to attend ( at the very last moment) and so we heard from the Robinsons, Veinots and Websters.....and words really can't express the powerful spirit that spoke through these special individuals. It certainly reaffirmed in my heart and mind that God works through others.

Each of them spoke, quite simply, just to me and I was so edified by their thoughts. The devotional had an absolutely divine choir of angels.....and then the whole thing was capped off with a healthy hearty buffet.

Sunday completed the weekend with a great sacrament meeting, lots to do in the library, and then a super lesson in Relief Society on obedience....willingly or unwillingly...what makes the difference. Great spiritual feast indeed. I spent the afternoon alone, getting dinner ready for Kathy and my Fab five. All was good there...with some fun checker games, and one crazy game of trouble. The kiddies and I also made a visit to Aunt May with dinner.....so all in all a great day.

Indeed...those were the days my Friend!!

I'm glad they never end

I am counting my blessings!

Dear Diary

I really feel like writing tonight, and it's still early, but I'm not feeling inspired. I've had a busy couple of days but I'm not feeling a diary entry. It's been a strange time for me lately, lots and lots happening, much of it great fun, but I still feel so empty and alone. That's what really perplexes me.....why feel this way when you have much to celebrate.....wish that I understood my emotions better. Time will tell...


Here are a few of my happy times...

Disney Birthday girls

Our Disney Nelsons

Proud Mom and her graduate

A favorite new picture of the Bings

My early morning sleepover buddy!!!

Playtime with the girlies

Just love those eyes

Modelling our new Bathing suits!!!

The Castle adventure

Other events of late have been a surprise 65 birthday party for my brother Eric. Always good to be with family. Wish that I'd taken my camera to film the 60's outfits.

Exploring my card making genes....I'm  really enjoying this.

That's it for now...sounds like a diary....dear diary...what's wrong with me??

Thinking of you

Well, I am thinking of you dear blog. I have composed several entries early in the day in my head, as I swim, or later in the day as I hustle from one commitment to another, or when I read other diligent bloggers ( especially ones who write almost every day), or when I'm too tired to hardly think ( like right now)
I do like to post pictures too...but the energy to do so left probably two hours ago. So blog...here is a quickie but I do promise to post better very soon.

My thought from the pool...I called it Decades....I really was reflecting on the six decades of my life. So here they are

|Decade one....1951-1961....happy ten years of childhood. Youngest of four children and the apple of my grandfathers eye ( or so I thought) until my younger brother Glenn was born when I was seven. When I was ten I visited Newfoundland for the first time (1961), and three year old Glenn fell from the ferry boat, between the boat and the wharf. ( I did not push him!! I really love the little guy) My hero Dad rescued him and he's still adorable!!

Decade Two...1961-1971.....more good times in a pretty happy family.Finished public school and went on to attend Dalhousie University. Junior High was a challenge being place in The Major Work Class ( it really was called that..Major Jerks by some), High School was toooo much fun....loved Friday night dances, Hi-Y, lots of friends. First introduction to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints...from my sister Julie (1971)

Decade Three....1971-1981.....Finished University.....and began teaching career ( to last for 34 years), Joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints ( a live altering choice), met and married my husband Bill ( 1975), gave birth to first child, a son Michael (1977), and a Daughter Kathryn 1979 ( both having the same birthday)

Decade Four....1981-1991....added two more beautiful daughters....Karen 1983, Laura 1989. Started to job share my teaching career with Kathi Vinson ( a wonderful team for 20 years)

Decade Five...1991-2001....son served a mission in France for two years, visited France, both parents died...Dad 1998, Mom in 2000.... met my half brother Jack for the first time ( feels like I've always known him) Bill also met his half brother, Bill...turning 50 was an interesting year for us both. Kathy graduates from Community College ( chef program) Daughter Kathy marries....First grandchild born (2001)...a girl, Jessica Mary...to Kathy and Jeff

Decade Six ...2001-2011... Michael and Karen both marry. Michael graduates from SMU and St.FX...French teacher... Four more grandchildren born from Kathy and Jeff....Sarah, Jacob, Georgia, and Cooper. I retire from teaching ( 2007), visit the Islands of Hawaii,  Twin granddaughters born (2011) from Mike and Keah...24 weeks, very tiny 1 lb.4 and 1lb.5....4 months at the IWK and many miracles!! Karen graduates from SMU and Mt.Saint Vincent ( Elem. teacher)Youngest daughter Laura graduates from Dalhousie ( Radiology Tech)and moves to Calgary Alberta.

So that's a capsulated look at the past six decades.....I may edit it  later when I'm more awake....and even add photos!! Interesting exercise to reflect back on the decades of your life!! Hard to believe that I'm sixty sometimes

So much happening...and no time to write...sooooo

Wednesday, June 1, 2011So we had a party.. this is me coping from Laura's blog.....adding just a few of my favorite photos from it.....check out her site for better coverage....


A farewell/graduation party to be exact! First off, I'll say sorry to whoever didn't get the invite. I wanted to invite every person I know but both my mother and our house said it would be best to draw some limits. I also didn't realize how many people don't have facebook that I should have invited.. anyway, sorry, you missed a great time. So many friends and family filled our home last night. There was so much delicious food (thanks to Dad for buying it and my mother/Kathy for preparing it. It was phenomenal). I am done baking cupcakes for awhile. We made around 80 for the party. Our oven also decided to blow last night, sparks and all. It was quite the show. We are fortunate to have good neighbors who let us use their oven. Kathy and Mom sure did get their workout running back and forth with the food. It made for a perfect night!



About a week ago, my lovely Alyssa sent me home some treats from YSA conference. She sent home moustaches and they were loved to bits and pieces last night. There is just something about a moustache on a stick that makes my heart happy. I appreciated her for thinking of me and for everyone there who supported me in my madness. I truly know it was through love and support that I have made it to this point of my life. I admit, moving is overwhelming but I know it's what I need to do. I just need to take that leap of faith and the rest will fall into place. I know I will have family and friends in Calgary to provide me with the same kind of love and support and I look forward to discovering that.

Thank you again to everyone who came out to my party. It was so great to see people, some whom I haven't seen for years. I felt like it was a reunion with so many wonderful people and I was touched that people took time out of their schedules to come bid me farewell. Ahhh, I still feel overwhelmed. I am also still overwhelmed by the love and sacrifice Jeremy showed towards me this week. Let me tell you, he was so amazingly sweet to me. I know we have had some rough patches in the past year but wow. He was something else to me this week. I don't know what I did to deserve such greatness from one of my bestest friends. It was so great to have him here.

Not to sound like a broken record but I want to say thank you to my sister Kathy one more time. All my siblings are amazing people but Kathy outdid herself last night. She shines in the kitchen and it was thanks to her that bellies were happy last night. Thank you to everyone else who contributed food as well. It was appreciated mucho!




The party lasted 5 hours and a great 5 hours they were. I spent the remainder of my day with Jeremy as he left bright and early today. Bummer! The tears began in the car ride to the airport and I can guarantee there will be many more today. ( For sure...adds Momma) I've got packing to finish, people to see and places to go. =)


I do plan to get back to the blog world....just for memories sake....I will have lots to fill the pages....Disney, birthdays, graduations...and just my happy life. I am soooooo soooooo blessed, and it's important to remember these things. Smiles from Momma O !

Always playing catch.....up

Hello blog....it's me.....the one who never gets around to posting these days. I do think of you often, I even generate ideas of what I'd like to post but my day happens and i just don't get to you. So sorry. I really want to head to bed, but I think that I owe this to you. I know that I will be glad later!!!

So here are some special things to remember....Mother's day. You know ever since my own Mom died I haven't enjoyed mother's day....but I have to say this year was special. Laura went all out to make the day happy. She decorated,and created a beautiful breakfast, and gave me one of my favorite ornaments...willowtree...'a Mother and daughter'.....then she helped Bill create a lovely dinner...and i received a second WT from Bill...Generations. I heard from the rest of the kiddos too....Mike skyped the girls in, Kathy called, and Karen ( who was home sick) gave me cards and another great book to read....Guernsey Literacy and Potato Peel Society...a super read. I am just so grateful to be a mom....that's the best gift of my life. I celebrate the special mom's in our family....Kathy and Keah. Here are some photos from the day and a few more to highlight more special memories.

Happy Mom's Day Banner

    Special Breakfast ( I don't enjoy the ones in bed) and this one had some special photos and signs

                                            Delightful way to start my day

                                            Some of my signs and a delicious fruit salad

                                                    This was just this past Sunday ( 15th)...down for a visit

                                                        Love watching her move...and she's quick!!!

                                                      May 6th...Karen's birthday...with a special guest

                                                     Love this gift reaction

                                                     You have to understand the Bieber Fever

                                                       My latest quilt...Bookcase

                                            Laura's Birthday gathering....

                                              My wonderful children...love when we're all together

                                               Girl's photo

                                          Birthday  BBQ

Orange-you glad that I posted......LOL

Now I should write a lot more....maybe tomorrow!! Then I'm off to Disney with Bill, Kathy, Jeff and the Fab Five....should have lots to share then!!

Peace and Love

PS...having trouble centering this post.....more to learn!!

Final thought

So my final thought of the day has been on my mind for quite some time. Recently I found a photo of myself from back in the early 1970's. It was probably taken in the spring of 1971. On April 6th, 1971. I became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have thought a lot lately about my conversion, and knew that I needed to record this important event in my life. First the photo. These are the two missionaries who taught me about the restored gospel. Elder Timothy G. Peel is in the navy suit, the other is Elder LeMonte Barker. I will be eternally grateful to them for the sacrifices they made to serve here in Canada, and to find me.

So, here is my story. I grew up in a church going family. We attended St.Phillips Anglican church and I had many happy experiences there. I attended Sunday school, Brownies, regular Sunday services,  sang in the choir, helped in the church nursery and in my early teens was good friends with our minister's daughter. I knew most Bible stories, and I felt good about my understanding of God, Heaven,and Jesus Christ. However.....I often wondered...and I didn't always feel that I knew enough, church didn't answer some simple questions I had...or in other words, something seemed missing, or incomplete.

       December, 1970 my sister Julie and her husband Bill came home for a visit from California. During this visit I was introduced to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ( Mormons) through this sister. Julie and Bill had joined the church in California, and invited family to attend church with them. The only congregation met in Dartmouth, and I decided to attend with them. The group was small, but very friendly, and the meeting was interesting.

        Julie and Bill returned to California, and that seemed to be the end of this church for me. However, the Lord had a different plan for me. Two missionaries, Peel and Barker were serving the whole of Halifax city. ( I learned this many years later....) but they were prayerfully seeking to find someone that the Lord would have them teach. They decided to fast for an entire day with the full purpose to be guided to someone prepared by the Lord. They had even decided to drive to the top of Citadel hill to pray at the end of their fast. A snowstorm began early in the afternoon, but up the hill they went. They pleaded with the Lord for some direction...and came away from the experience impressed to travel to the west end of the city. As they drove they felt the strong impression to stop on my street. Again the Spirit led them on ...and a knock came to my door.I invited them in, and knew then that my life was changing. My parents weren't quite as welcoming, but didn't stop me from meeting with the missionaries for the next few months.( that's another story)

            As the message of the Gospel was shared to me, I remember feeling that this was something that I knew before. It made sense, and it felt right. Many of my questions were answered, and above all I learned where to go to find more answers. I discovered that God really did hear my prayers and on several occasions, through these learning months, my answers were confirmed.

             I was excited to learn that Christ's church was once again fully restored, as in his day. Most especially I was happy to  learn that we had a prophet on the earth once again. I had always wondered why we stopped having prophets for the Lord to direct his church. I learned that this life that I was living was all part of a special plan....I knew where I came from, why I was here, and where I was going. I learned that I am a child of God, and He loves me dearly. The priesthood authority has been returned to the earth, and I prepared to be baptized through this authority, the same way that Jesus was baptized. I was baptized on April 6th 1971 ( Easter Sunday)

           That was forty years ago, and it is the best thing that has happened to me. Since those early lessons, I have learned so much more. I feel a much closer relationship to my Heavenly Father, and my elder brother, Jesus Christ. The plan continues to be my map in life. It has helped me individually, and as  a wife and mother. One of the great joys of the gospel, is the knowledge I have of eternal families. Again through the powers of the priesthood authority, Bill and I were sealed as a husband and wife for time and all eternity. Our children are also sealed to us under this special Temple covenant. I love the teachings of the Temple, that bind me to generations of my family.

          How grateful I am that the Gospel was brought to me...through my sister, and then by inspired missionaries. How thankful I am for the gift of the Holy Ghost ( received at my baptism) which is a constant source of strength and direction. I appreciate the moral teachings of the church which have certainly helped me in many individual ways, but again especially when raising my family. The world would pull so far in the wrong direction, but the Gospel has been a great light in my life.

           I would testify to any who would hear me or read this...that I know that God lives, that Jesus is the Savior of the world, and his Atonement was for each and everyone of us. I know that Joseph Smith was the first prophet of the restoration, and that Thomas S, Monson is the Lord's prophet at this present time. He is assisted in this great work by twelve apostles, and many other amazing teachers and leaders.

I also know the Bible to be the word of God, and the Book of Mormon as an additional witness of the Savior.

          The gospel has brought me great joy, and hope in a very troubled world. My only wish is that more people would seek this plan, and that they would pray to find this truth. Prayers are answered, the Gospel is true. I cherish this knowledge that I have, and know that there is still much more ahead!