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.