Today is a new day..

What have I been doing since my last posting?!!!!! Facebook seems so much quicker, yet much more impersonal, but I tend to post pics and updates there. Today is a new day so I hope to change that. Pics from nz holiday December and January 2011-2012, loved being home and having fish and chips, burger fuel, going to the Dunedin Farmer's market, shopping in Auckland, attending the Hamilton, NZ temple, meeting up with friends and family, spending some time in Christchurch, counting our blessings.

Days to remember....

I love this Primary song - we used to sing it on our mission at Conferences.
I sometimes felt a bit silly, but I love the words
No one likes a frowning face.
Change it for a smile.
Make the world a better place
By smiling all the while

I hope I will always remember your smile Joseph.

Remembering when......

you were both so small and I looked forward to you walking, talking - all the next stages of development and now I wish you weren't growing up so fast and that I could remember every second of those younger days. We will sepnd eternity knowing our chidren as adults. As Hilary Weeks has said, right here, right now and for the next few precious years I have the rare privilege of knowing them as a child still. For a brief moment during the journey of mortalitly, we get to watch them laugh, learn, experience, grow. May we take the time to savour these precious moments that so easily slip away

the price of lettuce

Dad told me last night how expensive lettuce is - I asked how much and had to laugh - it was better than getting upset. $3 NZ and we pay $5 AUD. That said, there are 2 in our veggie bin - the first one was bitter and the second my husband bought only days after I did not knowing we had one and it was slightly better but not anything to write home about. I know after living here I will never (???) complain about the price of fresh fruit or being able to go down the road and know exactly what I want on my list is in the store. Beleive it or not some days there aren't eggs, fresh milk, cream, and all sorts of wonderful staples that everyone (yes, this used to include me) takes for granted. A pkt of huggies nappies I would pay $15 NZ for are $30 AUS here. But I don't wish to dwell on what we have or don't have. I am too busy wanting to take every opportunity playing and hanging out with my kids before they grow up too fast. My adorable almost 3 year old "mum I want you to stay with me" so I am going to go spend some time with him - will post more another time. So much on the homefront. Joseph is climbing stairs and clapping and standing all the time almost and exploring. These moments pass so quickly. More later

"That's my mummy" I overheard Jordan say

to a friend she had just made while I was sweating it out at a cardio fit class. Does she feel like I do when I say, or think, that's my daughter? One such occasion was when she was flower girl for my sister's wedding last year. I was so honored to be in the bridal party with them both. She was shy, overwhelmed, and adorable. As it turns out I am thinking the photo is on the laptop so will have to add another time. On my search these are ones I couldn't resist adding. I took literally thousands of photos of her - being the firstborn.

Striving to become an eternal family

Doesn't it look like brother and sisterly love? He worships her. She is currently trying to teach him how to count. SHe isn't the most patient teacher, but I admire her willingness. This week for family home evening we discussed loving one another and how we can show love to each other. Trying desperately to get Jordan and Jacob to be loving towards each other at all times - and not fight and push, shove and do unloving things to each other. At the close of FHE it wasn't long before they weren't being very kind to each other. Perserverance. Next week I am going to use scriptures about love. In the ensign a great suggestion for FHE is to cover the lesson just taught on Sunday in Primary. Sounds like a great plan for reinforcement and repitition.
Striving to become an eternal family is a worthwhile goal. I have my eye on it and won't be put off so easily. What greater reward is there?!!

What I want is the same thing He wants

I felt something stir within me when our family were in Cairns recently over Easter as I observed teenages and young adults. They seemed so free and full of laughter and they appeared in my mind's eye to have no real cares of the world - they seemed so carefree and fancy free. As I looked at them I asked myself - was there a time when I was like that?? I couldn't recall a time. In a way it seemed to bother me. Now it doesn't. I realise life is different for me and I love that fact. I am not saying I am right and they are wrong. We all have different priorities. I have 3 chidlren whom I adore and who make life meaningful and motivate me to be closer to being and becoming who Heavenly Father want's me to be. He wants my family to return to live with Him. He sent Jesus Christ to make that possible. He wants us to trust Him, follow Him and do everything it takes to make that happen. That is my mission in life now. I don't have time to be casual in my discipleship. It is too important. My family means too much to me. Life is short. Pray hard. I have a game plan. Do you know and believe in yours?? Can I stick to my plan? Yes. Because it's worth it.

Love him...

I have been super busy. New baby, not so new now but haven't posted since before he was born. Late December. I had forgotten how tiny babies are. And how fast mine seem to grow. I love his smell, his smiles and everything about him really. What's not to love?? Okay, so the cry is a bit much sometimes. But it does get my attention. We love having him as part of our family. The children adore him.

Would you love $30 off a Kelly Moore camera bag??!!

I do!!!! I have ahd my eye on these for such a long time and I also absolutely love Kelly's photos. Maybe getting the bag would help me take more and better quality photos?? They come in lots of gorgeous colours and styles that is would be hard to choose just one! She is super talented and I know she had to have been very near the front of the line when Heavenly Father was giving out photography ability. She's a natural. Check out the link

http://kellymoorephotography.com/mooreblog/images/kellymoorebagpromo.jpg
Check out the website at http://www.kellymoorebag.com

This will make a great accessory to our new baby born late in December.

Enjoying the simple things in life

Today we picked up another food order from Coles online - it was a day late due to the tides they first stopped off on another island. The kids love playing with the empty boxes and helping to unpack the food and see all the things we used to take for granted (and what most that haven't been in this situation are probably still doing, as we would have also:). Loving the greek style yoghurt and it seems like Christmas every time we get the boxes. Tonight we plan to make a picnic of the things and take them to Green fort hill to watch the sunset and then Christmas carolling. Pic of Jacob on his 2nd birthday. Other simple things in which make me smile and warm my heart is when Jacob takes my hand to lead me somewhere to tell me he wants something - his hand is so small and sweet or when he comes over for a cuddle or when Jordan says she wants a snuggle - the things that don't cost anything but which I wouldn't want to live without. I have so much to be thankful for and feel so blessed to have the life I do even if I get tired of doing dishes and washing. The other things make up for it!

See the good in the world

We have been tuning into BYU TV and there are awesome talks and discussions on the scriptures. It has BYUTV - See the good in the world. Very important if one is to be optomistic. Whenever something seems a trial Jordan will come out with things like "the ocean looks lovely and blue" - very positive. Don't change a thing Jordan.
Here are some points from a talk in the August Ensign 2010 by President Uchtdorf at www.lds.org
"Temples are an unyielding witness that goodness will prevail. President George Q. Cannon (1827–1901), First Counselor in the First Presidency, once said, “Every foundation stone that is laid for a Temple, and every Temple completed … lessens the power of Satan on the earth, and increases the power of God and Godliness.”1

While each temple increases the influence of righteousness in the earth, the greatest blessings, of course, come to those who actually attend the temple. There we receive further light and knowledge and make solemn covenants that, if followed, help us walk in the path of discipleship. In short, the temple teaches us about the sacred purpose of life and helps us get our true physical and spiritual bearings."

Here are some pics of the kids last Thursday with a turtle. I was glad I took my camera. How has your week been?

Our true identity

Ugly duckling or of infinite worth? Do you understand who you really are?
Check out this talk/video and can look to see the full one

A long way from home....

This is our view from the balcony. My husband calls it a million dollar view - perhaps it is but I miss home. There's no place like New Zealand. There are so many good things about here too (Thursday Island a.k.a. TI). The locals are very friendly and helpful. A man asked us yesterday if he could carry something for us. I think it's because the pace of life is slower so people have more time to do service for others? The kids have just finished off a bowl of rice each. Jacob has sticky fingers he is using to climb the couch. He has wanted his sheepskin more since we left home. Jordan started calling me Mother as of yesterday. It sounds funny. She did call me Mama before that.
It is strange living somewhere so hot. The air con is on whenever we are home almost nonstop. It reminds me of stepping off the plane in Hawaii with Marena and feeling the heat - then it took a while to get used to. What else reminds me of there is the frangipanis and hibiscus flowers - they are gorgeous. We have a coconut and banana tree pretty much at our doorstep - wonder how you get bananas down?????
Everything is different - the taste of the water, even the bottled water tastes strange to me!! The products on the shelves are different to what I am used to in general - apart from the generic things like weetbix, rice, vegemite (sadly no marmite. Jordan has adapted to vegemite. It's like a foreign place - kind of but it's going to be home for a bit. I will settle in, but it's going to take some time:)

11 April 2011

They had first look pics prior to the wedding - I loved the beach here - it was magical - sadly we didn't have time to enjoy it as the second morning one of our car seats got jammed. This is one of my fav b&w's with the veil of my sister. The other pics are of our brood playing around. He has much more hair now:)

Dancing faces you towards Heaven, whichever direction you turn

Quote by Terri Guillemets

Another I like - Dancing is like dreaming with your feet! ~Constanze

and this ....Dancing is the loftiest, the most moving, the most beautiful of the arts, because it is not mere translation or abstraction from life; it is life itself. ~Havelock Ellis

I am trying to write this as my dancing queen passes me chewed on pieces of mandarin that are yuck after I generously gave up over half(have white pieces however miniscule on them). I took these this morning after she rustled around in the bedroom and found some pink shoes to go with the dress she had eyed up last night to wear. I love watching her dance (what is the definition of dance?). The preschoolers do look very cute as they attempt to look as graceful as their teacher. Some mean feat. The one that comes the closest in grace is her daughter in the class - who either has a natural ability or practices at home??? Their enthusism is instantly contagious. Her little brother wishes he was old enough to participate.

A good woman

"There has never been a greater need for strong families and homes."
"Life is not calm for most women."
Yes!!!!!! People get it.

Jordan's first experience with makeup

 

Getting ready for Auntie Rena's wedding - a little bit of lip gloss and blush. Wish my skin was as soft and beautiful.

Who's going to marry me?

 

Ever since Jordan found out Auntie Rena was getting married she would ask "who's going to marry me?" about herself. It was very endearing. She then decided that she would marry Jacob, her baby brother because she loved him. Whoever it will be I would count very blessed.

To all mothers -

I hope you feel what we have is a privilege.

I found this on my friends blog and found it really inspiring. I love how she
Despite how much pain she has been in and all she still says things like this -
*I prayed to my Lord and thanked him for my life. I am so happy.* *But I also remind myself that I am a perfect spirit enduring this imperfect world.
No matter how abnormal I am on this earth, my spirit knows no boundaries of any type.*
She really has the right perspective on life. Despite how hard life has been since the accident she feels blessed to be here and I love feeling the love Steph and Christain have for each other - it sounds out of this world, but it's very real. Their increased faith in Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ since their trials are an amazing inspiration. He heals our souls if we allow him to.

Life seems so easy sometimes and not so easy at others - this was a reminder of how we all go through different trials. Ours is quite small today - we have been invaded with the stomach bug - it has invaded our home but it will leave soon - here's hoping. Small trial in the big scheme of things. But I really hope it passes. I love being a mother and never imagined it could be so wonderful - with so many different emotions.

Professor Robert Whitfield said
We are not born with love. We have to be given it. Every child needs one person who is irrationally committed to their welfare. We are no one without a committed someone.
I hope that every moment of your time on this earth is treasured.

photography inspiration

Wow, a little birdie told me about a blog where the photos are just incredible. I want to take photos like that! What is stopping me? If only I knew - I take photos anyway but I would enjoy even more the result and the concept if I could get something that was anything like Ralphies with the lighting and composition - practice, practice, practice and more money invested in equipment?!!!!I know thou shalt not envy but I really wish I was at least behind Ralphie in line when they were giving out photography ability! Or only a little further back. Just a little.