DAUGHTERS

Dear Kathy,Karen, Laura and Keah;
         Jessica, Sarah, Georgia, Finley, Emmy, and Olivia

   Oh how I love my daughters. It has been a long day for me; but it has also been a good day for me.I was up very early ( 6am) to go to serve in the Temple. It was an amazing day at the Temple, and my sometimes lacking spirit, was filled beyond measure.
I returned home just before 5pm and I was weary (drat these legs of mine) I could have quite easily curled up with a blanket and slept for the rest of the evening/night.

However, I'm glad that I didn't. Our Relief Society had a dessert gathering preceding the Women's Conference Broadcast. The desserts, and company were fun BUT the broadcast was awesome.

I thought of you each as I watched it. Those who spoke tonight were inspired leaders, called of God. The music was phenomenal and the talks...uplifting, inspiring, and just what more women need to hear. I'm not sure what life might have been like for you tonight, but if you missed it....please try to watch it soon ( LDS.org)

Despite how tired that I am, I had to record the feelings of the spirit that I received tonight. Listening to these talks will help any of us be better women, wives, mothers,sisters and much more. They encouraged us on this journey called life, and reminded us of the covenants that we have made with God. That last part always penetrates my heart because I value my covenants so deeply. I know, I believe that in more deeply recognizing and understanding our covenants, and holding them sacred; the Lord will pour out endless support and blessings in our lives. HE keeps his promises. Value your covenants. Teach your children about covenants.

I am grateful to belong to this amazing church, and to have so many wonderful women in my life. They strengthen me so very much. I'm grateful to have you as my daughters, and while I often feel that I've fallen short in being the best mom to you; I am very proud of the women that you have become. I treasure you each for the righteous choices that you make, and for the great moms that you are. ( and yes Laura...you are on the Mom track and I love the excitement that you have to take on this role)

I love my Savior Jesus Christ. He is my light and my strength. His atonement is so sacred, and precious.

Lots of love.....Mom

If anyone else reads this post...value you who you are. Feel free to go to LDS.org and find the link to this wonderful presentation for women...'Women's Conference'

It's a Memory

This could be a somewhat dull post, but I'm trying to keep this blog current....

Friday was an Olivia day, but my little buddy wasn't feeling too great. I had her out to the doctor's and she's now on two puffers, for the next week. We had lots of cuddles today.

The past weekend was fairly quiet. I served at the Temple on

Saturday and it was the amazing day that it always is. 

Sunday was the icing on the weekend...good Sacrament talks, a good SS class, and then a gathering with Pres. Leavitt. 

Here come the photos....

 
Friday morning

 

 
Saturday night dinner

 

A VERY good read

 
Some card time

 

Hiding from Poppy...and off to sleep

Oh Poppy that's not how to wear my tutu

 

Tutus and lipstick....oh yes!!

 

Not much else to say....Laura and Jeremy made it home safely from a great visit to Washington.
The Nelson kiddies have face timed with me a few times and I LOVE those moments. Emmy and Finley face timed too...so I could meet the new look of their Momma...very cute hair cut , with bangs. Love my family!!

 

Last but certainly not least...these beautiful photos came today announcing what a terrific
job Jessica did at the music festival...First Place Honors.
I'm one very proud Grandmother. Very proud of you sweet Jessica.

My friend, Dawn

I feel a deep sense of loss today. I am writing this memory to give thanks for knowing Dawn Gerrior Marshall.

Dawn left us today, Mar 23  at the very young age of 62. 

Dawn and I attended elementary,junior and senior high school together. We shared friendships with many other great ladies and in the past few years we had reconnected . In reflecting on Dawn I think of a beautiful lady with a contagious smile, full of fun, and genuine to those who called her friend. She had not been without her trials, most especially a stroke in the past years which had left her not quite as mobile as she would have liked. None the less this challenge did not dampen the spirit of Dawn which was always cheerful, and oh so POSITIVE ! What an amazing example she was to us all.

I was able to have a brief conversation with her a few days ago, and I will cherish those last few moments. She was weak, but full of gratitude. She said that she was trying to reconnect with God. I reminded her that He was there always....and today He has lovingly embraced her.

I will miss you sweet friend.

These photos were taken in Sept 2013 when our friend Carolyn was in town for a visit

YAY...THE SECRET'S OUT!!

I am over the moon excited to tell the world that we have another grand baby coming. Laura and Jeremy will welcome baby Dunford near the end of Sept.. Laura had devised some fun ways to share her news...but Bill and mine was stuck on a slow mail train from Calgary. When it didn't arrive on Friday, she couldn't wait any longer and said Mom can I send you a photo of what I'm sending you!!! I was pleasantly surprised to receive the following two photos.

and then I'm told...don't tell anyone...even dad...his announcement is in the mail!!! The rest find out on Valentine's Day!!

Today the parcel arrived and now Bill knows. She had sent him a late Christmas gift...and then a crossword puzzle. He thought she was saying that they were returning to Disney....here are the photos...

 

 

                   ALL DONE.....NOW FLIP THE PAGE
 
          

 

Can hardly wait for the rest of the family to know.
Very excited to welcome our next grand baby!!!!

Loved sharing the news with Karen, Michael and Nanny Logan

 

 

 

Kathy also received the news...with a fun greeting at her local Booster Juice

We are all very happy to welcome Baby Dunford in September !!!

MARCHing on

Welcome Spring.  We've missed you. Farewell Winter.
March is just flying by....so here are some more memories from Gramma. Oh my goodness I just realized that I have another post waiting to post because it has been officially announced.....GRAND BABY #9 is on the way. I've known for a bit, but just the family was in on the secret.  Congrats to Laura and Jeremy. Baby Dunford is coming in September...a special post will come soon.

Back to this week....

Happy St.Patrick's Day
Spent the day with my own Lucky Charm

 

 

What's all the fuss

 

 

 

 

 

Truly a Box of Lucky Charms....hahaha

 

 

 

 

Love this gift from Emmy...especially the heart in the middle

 Now it is Tuesday....love these tender moments

 

All ready to head to quilting....love working with these lovely ladies....wish Olivia hadn't played hide and seek....gave me several new gray hairs.....she sure knows how to hide....oh my heart 

 

Love Candace's petty print.....Monica gets to work...she's a                                                          quilting diva now!!!

 

           Olivia checks out the babies

 

Brittany's Quiet Book Looking good

 

 

 

They all wanted photos today.....oh so cute

 

 

 

 

Sewing buddy

Moment of reflection...or waiting for lunch to be served

           Later in the evening....while momma goes to yoga

 

                                Just chilling

 

All cleaned up and ready for bed

 

Some card making therapy

 

              Photos from my gymnasts

 

 

 

 

More cards and pillowcases.....does a soul good

almost done....welcomed Spring with some house cleaning,and organizing.

Been a long day, I'm frustrated again with communications in my life....I find it so hard to be understood.....if only...

Very tired....good night.