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.