Chirstmas is on the way.

Just a little more than a week and Chirstmas will be here. Since I have put up the tree, I realize I need to get finished wrapping and buying some gifts for those I love and live far away. I know what I want and I just need to find the time and money to go shopping.
We celebrated the Nativity at the Forks again this year, and my job was to set up the stage. I spent 4 hours outside in what seems now like nice weather, but it was cold. To see some of the St.James Ward youth with beards and makeup on was humorous. But in celebrating the season, we should not loose sight of who's birth we honour. Jesus Christ.

Winter Wonderland

Officially the first day of winter!!! Booo or hurray depending on how you like snow cold weather or driving on the highway. For me its the drive on the highway. I have to contend deer at night and icy highways. Thursday evening we have young womens program and the drive home down a dark quite road. But I love my Mia Maids and will do anything for them included the drive home.
Almost ready for Christmas, a couple more gifts to buy--- mostly for those not living here. Black Friday wasn't as good as last year not so great deals.

Find a friend and share the Gospel of JC

Stake conference is over for aanother six months. Although I didn't attend the Saturday session or Leadership Training, hard at work in the backyard getting things ready for winter. I did go to the Sunday conference. The Dalhousie Primary sang the prelude music. And then sang another song once the opening prayer, and announcements were made.
What I loved about conference was the theme, about those who are lost to the Gospel and how it is important we find them and I really liked this thought by President Robison- not to bring them to church; but to Christ. How simple is that, we always invite people to church but not to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. On Friday eveing we had a ward FHE and had a potluck dinner and speakers talk about various aspects of being new to the church and how diffucult it is for a new member to understand the language--(Stake conference,General Conference, Relief Society etc)
I look forward to conference next year.

General Conference

General Conference is coming to your town shortly, sounds good doesn't it? When I read this quote it gave me renewed faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
"The Lord has given some marvelous guarantees without any disclaimers. And this is one of them: He will choose the prophet, and He will never let that man lead us astray. Imagine for a moment the impact of that promise. There is at least one place we can turn for pure, unpolluted guidance."
How wonderfully lucky we are to have living Prophets today, not to tell us how to live our lives, but rather to give us guidance, love and direction. Like a parent does. In todays world we are being bombarded with many unplesant things. And to know that we are loved, sons and daughters of a great creator. WOW.
Let me know who's talk inspired you to do better, who lifted you're spirit up. Who gave you the courage to say, this will pass.

summer in the country

i just had to write about the weather we are currently having. In a word AWESOME!!! At this time of year the summer flip flops, shorts, and t-shirts are getting the last wash of the season and put in storage. However this summer it appears that the opposite has occured and the sandles, and shorts are getting extra use. Tomorrow I plan on spending the better part of the day at St.Malo in the water and sand enjoying the sun and warm weather. Who knows what next week will bring.

long weekend get away!!

I went to Regina this weekend with my grandson and daughter to visit with my cousin. Although the weekend was quite it was lots fun. On Saturday morning Shannon, Lane and I went to the temple. Shannon had never been and Lane learned about temples in primary recently. However the highlight for Lane was Chucky Cheese--Where a Kid can Be A Kid--. I was not suprised to see a long time friend at the temple... us mormons stick together and are a small group. Angela was there to take her daughter through to receive her endownments as her daughter gets prepared to go on her mission.
We spent the afternoon soaking in my cousin, Kim's pool--- got to talk to peter about getting one of those. It was sooooo much fun and a great way to work out. Lane was so well behaved and we have a standing invitation to return.

Facebook

Well I am now with it. I found that more people were on face book rather than blogging. I hope by going onto facebook I can connect with some people whom I have lost contact with. If you are one of those people I look forward to hearing from you.

Racism such a ugly word

Recently a dear young woman was accused of using her blog site for racist remarks against aborginal persons in her community. If anyone knew this young girl you would know that this just isn't true. Yes, she has highlighted some interesting things going on in the area she, her husband and infant son live in, but she has also shown a side to the reserve she is currently on to be extremly beautiful.
My suggestion to this gentleman, using the word loosly; is to instead of complaining aboutn how she is bringing down his people, get off your #$&&$@@ and go and help the family who lets there dogs breed with no taking care of them-- yeh let the dogs roam and have more litters. or how about the house that the family just throws out there diapers in the backyard. Fly in a vet buddy and grab a rake to help your neighbours.

SteinbachOnline.com - 2009 Spring Storm Pictures

SteinbachOnline.com - 2009 Spring Storm Pictures

Yikes, just when you think things couldn't get bad; winter arrives again. Although the temps aren't horrid the snow is enough to send you south. But hold on not to Fargo which is in the middle of disaster of their own. Of course heading our way. See attached pictures for the area I live nearby.
On a good note, I received a call from my kids in Lethbridge. 3 of them are coming out for a visit Easter weekend. It's been over 3 years since I last saw the girls. Saddly I will have to work some but still hope to spend sometime with them before they all return home.

spring has sprung--so have the potholes ;)

One of my favorite times of the year is spring. Not because my b'day is fast approaching, but for the changes that come with this season. Winnipeg is amazing in the spring with the snow melting revealing the otherwise brown, dead grass and some incredible weather. What country can you go to where you can experince changes from - 40 to + 40. Sadly one of the things that spring reveals is the dreaded pot holes that invades Winnipeg like ants at a picnic. for those who don't know what a pot hole is; imagine driving down the street-- any street and all of a sudden booom you take a dip that seems to take you; your car and supension in another direction. And then you and said car are towed in for some major body work and repairs. Luckily this hasn't happened to me. Cross your fingers.
But the biggest reason to enjoy spring is: Easter. Like Christmas reminds us of the birth of our Savior; Easter reminds me of his death and repentance. Repentance because that is why he died for me and you. I truly love the Gospel of Jesus Christ that teaches me I am a child of God and he loves me even when I make mistakes. I know that through the process of repentance and forgiven I can look forward and continue to progress. What an awesome thought we can and are forgiven, he doesn't remind you again how bad you were---slate wiped clean.
Why do you love spring? Are you looking forward to anything exciting this coming year.

10 things about me.

I have read some terrific blogs and one thing that stands out is things you didn't know about that person. So I have decided to do 10 things you didn't know about Carolyne.

1. That I went looking for the missionaires not the other way around.
2. I am an Osmond fan and that was my first introduction into the Gospel.
3. That when I first joined the church I didn't know about adult sunday school so I went to Primary, this lasted for a couple weeks when at that time I was called to teached the Sunbeam class.
4. I have 5 children ages are 29 yrs and under that most of them live in Alberta, Lethbridge.
5. I was excomuicated from the church in 1984, but never lost my testimony of the Gospel, it was just asleep for a few years.
6. My favorite thing to do is cross stitch. I have done birth announcements for most of sisters children.
7. When my husband and I decided to move from the house we had lived in for 6 years, we searched for a house in the St.James ward. Because I loved the ward so much and didn't want to leave.
8. But now I am in the Dalhousie ward and love it.
9. I have 2 sisters younger than me, a step sister and step brother.
10. I leave my Ensign in the bathroom so when my husband, who is a non member goes to the bathroom he has something to read.

So what don't I know about you?

March- its cold

Its hard to believe March has arrived. kind of in like a lion----Cold or should I say its warm -2 but with the wind chill brrrrrr.
Things are going swimmingly with the young women. Its their month to plan the joint activity with the men and Janalee had a great idea for a murder/mystery using the scriptures. Not much to tell until its over cause this is a new one for me.
Our YW are also in charge of the fireside ooops Sunday evening discussion and a return missionary is coming to talk. Arlo from the Waverly Ward will discuss his mission the the Philipines (?).
This coming weekend is ward conference and I am looking forward to hear our wonderful presidency speak/ teach the lesson. I for one get inspired from our leaders.

Winnipeg lost a legend today

For those of you who love country music. Winnipeg today lost one of the greatest, funniest, make you laugh announcers. Ron Able past away from pancreatic cancer. yes, that is the very same cancer that is taking its tole on Patrick Swazye. It was only last month that he discoveredd. Ron worked at QX 104 for the past 12 years doing the Waking Crew broadcast.
As I have a 45 minute drive into the city each day, he was my disc jockey.
Ron you will be missed, and I am sure you are cracking them up in heaven.

Love is in the air?

This is my first try at a picture.

Love is in the air, what is your sweetie doing for you this day?

Your thoughts, do you consider this a holiday or just another day?

We are having a stake youth dance on Friday evening, tomorrow the YW and YM(?) will help set up the gym, today I went out and picked up lots of pink, red and white construction paper. Valentine stickers, and love candy to go in some pretty vases.

3 week vacation?

I have been out of commission for 3 weeks. I was admitted to Steinbach Hospital on January 15 for a routine gall bladder surgery. I have to say that if it were't for the power of the priesthood I am not to sure if I would have gone ahead with it. However my hometeacher and 2nd councillor in the Bishopric came over the night before and gave me a beautiful blessing. I wasn't nervous when I entered the operating room.
Now I am at home and fully recovered and heading back to work in 2 days. I must say I have loved my time at home. I was able to cook some great meals. I didn't however get to read the book I wanted or do any cross stitching. Both what were on my adjenda.

New Year--New Beginnings

Its a new year. New things to be done and experienced. There has been an addition to our Young Women Presidency. Jennie Low will be assisting me with the Mia Maids. She was recently released from the Relief Society Enrichment Leader. Jennie has 2 small children and so working with the YW will be a experience she might soon like to forget. The girls keeps us on our feet.
The theme for this year is found in 1 Timothy 4:12Be thou an example of the believers, in word,
in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity".
My New Years resolution is to finish reading the Book of Mormon.