A Thankful Heart

The entry is filled with washer and dryer.  The painter is busily painting the washroom.  Sheet rocker is making his mess in the Master and everywhere he steps foot.  Kitchen is full of laundry.  Mattress sits upright on the wall surrounded lamps, rugs and a little of everything.  Thanksgiving dinner trimmings, fresh from the grocery store,  await their place in the fridge.  It's tomorrow!  A day set aside to feast and reflect upon the bounty of our lives.  Mine is rich and full, joyful and meaningful.  I am living the life I hoped for and planned for.  How many can say that?  Thank you.  Thank you for the rich opportunities that have lined my path.  Come what may, I will keep holding tight to that  "rod", for I know the safety and richness it has brought to my life.

Picture Perfect

"

"It is as grandmothers that our mothers come into the fullness of their grace."
-- Christopher Morley

I loved being the grandma (instead of "the mom") on this 

hectic but fun photo day at Memory Grove. Natalie's

artistic eye and panache filled the day with color and joy!

For Sweet Jamie

For Sweet Jaymie

No words can fill the hole in your heart

where a baby was supposed to be.

No clock can mark the time

it takes to mend.

No one can count the tears

It takes to heal.

Let The Father cradle your

wounded soul in His loving arms.

Let Him swaddle you in His

Divine Love

Let Him rock you with soothing peace

singing hymns of a glorious reunion.

Let the Father imprint your babe's sweet face

upon your soul

Let The Father cry with you,

fill you,

heal you,

 and

whisper words of everlasting hope!

For He feels the pain

James is His child

and...

You are too!

You were gone
So...

Fitful sleep
I’m missing your blanket ,
Warm with 34 years of
Shared experiences
Your sleepy presence
Provides a safety net
for dreaming.
Dreaming,Working Striving
Sleeping
Another 34 years
Next to you!

New York, New York

We had a fab trip to the Big Apple. Connor experienced his first trip to New York with expert guides, Sarah and Grant. As always, it is wonderful to be in their home and in their company.

We did all of the touristy things: We enjoyed the architecture at the Chrysler Building, rode to the top of the Empire State Building, were wowed by the signs and hustle of Times Square, dined in Little Italy, rode the Staten Island Ferry to visit Ms. Liberty, walked along Wall Steet,

watched the new construction at the Twin Tower site. Shopped, ate and walked. After that, we walked some more, and then again, we walked. Dave and Connor visited Canal Street and haggled with the vendors to get the very best prices on their new Rolodex watches. They went to the 'Blue Man Group" . The men visited the Met and the National Museum of History while the girls got an "Eye Candy" fix at ABC Home. We packed as much as we possible could in three days. Connor loved the hustle and bustle and Dave and I loved being with him as he experienced New York for the first time.

A Grateful Heart

Light flooded the room as hands were laid on his head and increased priesthood power was bestowed. This evening Connor was ordained an Elder by his father, David O'Leary. Tender feelings flooded my heart as I tried to bear a testimony that isn't always well expressed in words. Years of Priesthood blessings have stengthened, restored and guided this family. Now, Connor too can be a conduit for God as he lays his hands on heads and tries to find words that will express the spiritual impressions he receives from God in behalf of the faithful seeking blessings. Blessings that will bring peace, guidance and insight. Blessings that will direct, comfort and heal. Grateful. A small word to express a huge feeling in my heart for the many times I have been blessed by this Priesthood power. Grateful. A small word to express the tender feelings of a mother as she sees a worthy son. Grateful. A small word, a huge feeling today.

Dedication

As I sat through the dedication of the Oquirrh Temple this morning at our Stake Center, my heart was filled with the sweet tenderness of a time past when I sat with my mother in the Nauvoo Temple as it was rededicated. This morning when we sang, "The Spirit of God", I recalled sitting in the sealing room of the Nauvoo temple singing that same song, filled with the Spirit. It was as if there were angels singing from the rooftops, so full and rich was the sound in that small room. I don't doubt that that is possible as truly those now living, those who have lived and those who will yet obtain an earthly body have reason to rejoice in another House of the Lord. I had the distinct and strong impression that we were not alone in celebrating this joyous occasion. Today I find myself needing to rededicate myself to regular temple attendance. Sweet is the Spirit that teaches us and inspires us to be better! Such a sweet, holy day! Grateful to raise my kerchief in a shout of praise to the Lord. Oh, How I Love Him!

Summer Lovin"

This summer has been a wild one. My dear friend, Linda Barker suffered a mild stroke and upon examination it was discovered that she had a whole in her heart. Heart surgery was necessary and was followed immediately with a bout of shingles. I have loved watching how friends "rally" when needed. It is great to be a member of the
Fairy Godmothers. What on earth would I do without girlfriends? Life would be grim indeed! Here's to Friends!
We rallied to help Linda put on a great wedding dinner for Cody on the sport court. Check out the fun!

"Keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps

a singing bird will come."

Chinese Proverb

My heart must be green because the summer of 2009 has been full of singing. The summer of 2009 has been:

• 
  
  A Summer of travel: 2 trips to Europe to watch Connor cycle with the US National Team, a trip with Jennie to France, Switzerland and Germany to see the sights and once again relish Connor's last year as a Junior cyclist. A 2,600 mile road trip in the "View" from Quebec, Canada to Bend, Oregon where Connor competed in a Nation's Cup and then US Nationals. Dave's "Where in the World is Dave O'Leary" experience continues to top the list of exciting adventures for 2009.


• 
  
  A Summer of Nesting for Jennie: Jennie moved into a new apartment on Foothill Boulevard where she will nest with her old roommate Marsha. It is always fun to place her cute things in a new spot. I love the nesting part, minus the moving part. This time movers moved the furniture and that was such a luxury for all of us.


• 
  
  A Summer of change for Katie. She was recruited by another management company to come and be a manager of their Bountiful property. What a compliment. She has been a shining light at AMC and they will be missing her skills and temperment. A fun new job and MORE pay!


• 
  
  A Summer of working on the cabin and knee Surgery for Mike: He hurt his knee on our last fling to Grand Cayman Islands. His upcoming surgery will surely put an end to a beautiful summer.


• 
  
  A Summer of Book Tours and job changes for Sarah and Grant It was perfect for her "boyfriend" to accompany her on her tour for "Boyology". Who will accompany her next year when she tours with "Girl World"? Chronicle Books has expressed an interest in this fun new, yet to be written book and now the negotiations begin...and the writing.


• 
  
  A summer of new pursuists" Little Bird Publications was just a thought and dream but on September 3rd it will become a reality for Sarah. She has left Harper Collins to become an independent publicist and spend more time on her writing. We will all watch as Little Bird Publicity takes flight. Fly Girl, Fly!


• 
  
  A Summer full of Bike Racing. AHH the smell of sweat on lycra! My nose has grown allergic to even the thought of this smell. Over the years, Connor has given us hours of suspense, fun and bragging. Although he has hated the bragging part, we can hardly resist. It has been a Junior's Career that he can be proud of. We know he can "dig deep", continue to the end, cross the finish line no matter what! He certainly knows how to "Live Strong".


• 
  
  A Summer full Gourmet Meals: Annie has probably cooked 90 or so gourmet meals this summer, sandwiched in between workouts and entertainment for the children, she has managed to out do herself. Connor seems to find his way to Annie's house around supper time no matter what or if I am cooking. She continues to amaze all of us who hate to cook.


• 
  
  A Summer that continues to be full of "New Businesses and Jobs": Erik has started a 3rd job, he, Curt and John have started a new packaging company and of course Erik will be the one to keep it a float! WOW, what a hard worker.

I feel such gratitude for the blessings we enjoy as a family, especially over this past summer. Truly our wildest dreams have come true. Dave has worked so hard over the years to provide these opportunities for our family and it has been pure joy to watch him take a break from work, enjoy his hobbies and travel to exciting places. I feel like a squirrel gathering nuts so that we can weather the winter. Hopefully that will mean literally the cold weather, but if storms of a different sort come our way, I feel like we have woven the fabric of our family and our faith so tightly that we will be able to keep warm.

Happy Birthday Grandpa Tingey

Happy Birthday Grandpa Tingey. We celebrated in style as the whole family (minus a few) gathered in Midway, Utah. We ate, laughed, golfed, swam, ate some more and basically celebrated the wonderful life of a man we all love. Oh how our lives have been blessed by Grandpa Tingey. As we shared our love in words, we all realized that all of this time we have all thought that "we were his favorite". It is a wonderful quality that Grandpa has, the ability to make us all feel so special that we think we are the apple of his eye. But, just for the record, "I am His Favorite". Oh how I love this man, he has brought blessings that will change things for generations. Although we are the ones "grafted in" to the family, we feel likel we are blood relatives. We couldn't love him more if our names were Tingey.

Connor's performance at the Nation's Cup Race in Val d'Or, Canada was impressive.

His contributions to the US National Team were valuable in helping them take 2nd place in this difficult 7 stage race.

Go Connor, Go USA!

Love Your Life

Life has taken me places I never dreamed I would go. The other night Dave looked at me and said, "Did you ever think that you and I would be traveling around in a motor home, staying in Walmart parking lots?" Well, my answer was a resounding "NO". But you know what? Walmart parking lots are just fine. We just finished a 2600 mile trip from Quebec, Canada to Bend, Oregon. Life is a wild ride and you might as well buckle up and enjoy it. Actually, I love my life. Since March Dave and I have traveled to Europe twice, beached on the Cayman Islands, been spectators at a Nation's Cup race in Canada and then driven across the country to watch Connor compete at Nationals. What a thrill and oh how happy it makes me to see Dave doing something he loves. I'm lucky to be his partner in crime. I'm lovin' life.

Wonder of Wonder, Miracle of Miracles

Yesterday Chelsea and Mark blessed their "Sweet Baby James". It is always a blessed experience to see a father take his newborn babe and call upon the powers of heaven to bless him in this earthly life. I recalled having witnessed this blessing with each of 5 of my children. My heart was always so full of gratitude for the blessing of being a mother and to watch my husband stand tall and worthy, well, what more could a girl ask for?
Upon returning home I learned that Laurel Carter had born her testimony! Wonder of Wonder, Miracle of Miracles. My heart wanted to burst and I was sorry that I had not witnessed this sweet moment in time. I have been Laurel's visiting teacher and friend for years and love her dearly. I occasionally get a little glimpse of what it will be like when we both return home and I can witness her in her celestial wholeness. Cristie and Jerry's hearts must have been brimming over with emotion and gratitude. Such a payday!

Birds of a Feather

Elizabeth Foley said; "The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart. Thank heaven for girlfriends!

FHE at the O'Leary Branch

Please little ones, don't fly the coop until I get home from Europe!

The Big Bad Wolf takes a bite out of Little Red Riding Hood

Windows Live Hotmail from Qwest

Pure Joy!

Pure Joy! Pure joy in it's most simple form; squeals, wide eyes, delight and hugging herself described the scene on my front porch this afternoon. Abbie and I have been watching a robin's nest in the tree by my front porch. Day after day, we would check to see if "Bluey Blue" was still protecting her little eggs. Abbie named her "Bluey Blue" after watching some blue birds try to uproot her from her nest. No matter that this robin had a red belly, Abbie named her "Bluey Blue". Abbie would stand guard on my porch to scare away any blue birds that might cause her mother robin to vacate her nest. Today as we checked on "Bluey" we noticed that she was gone from the nest. We sat quietly and awaited her return. She returned with a worm and as she landed on the nest, little tiny beaks poked out to receive their supper! The nest that had been so still was bursting with baby birds. Today was the first day we noticed that the birds had hatched and it was a scene I will not soon forget. It could make me weep just thinking about it. Abbie's squeals and dances of delight as she witnessed this sweet scene bring tears to my eyes, even as I write this. Dave drove up at that very moment and the three of us celebrated the birth of our newest additions. She ran to tell Connor and fell, skinning her knee. As we applied bandages to her skinned knees she finally cracked a smile, a giggle even as I told her it was indeed a "B-Day"...The Birdies Birthday and Bandages. Later as I told Katie of Abbie's reaction she wistfully said, "Isn't it too bad that we have lose a bit of that utter delight and awe at the simple pleasures in life. I agreed but upon second thought, today I found pleasure and pure joy in the delight of my beautiful granddaughter, dancing for joy on my front porch! Hurray for the simple pleasures of life.

The House of the Lord

Last Sunday night we attended the dedication of the Draper, Utah Temple. As I sat listening to the beautiful organ music and watching photos of the inside of that beautiful ediface, I recalled many sweet experiences that I have had in the temple.

Dave and I had the blessing of living in Dallas at the time the temple was built. We watched it go up, prayed for those building it, contributed funds for the construction, worked as hosts at the open house and even cleaned this beautiful ediface the night before the dedication. We also saw dectractors chain themselves to the gates of the temple, yelling obscenities and untruths as they demonstrated against all that is good.

I was a visiting teacher to the temple matron and she always shared sweet stories about the temple with us. One day she shared that many of the neighborhood residents strongly objected to the building of the LDS temple in their neighborhood. One woman in particular led the group in public and private demonstration against zoning permits for the temple. All along the way she was a thorn in the side of those working to complete this house of worship. The very first open house session was for VIP members of the community and neighborhood. This woman was invited and probably came to complain about something or other. As she was guided through the building and told about the LDS faith, something stirred in her soul. At the end of the openhouse she asked to know more. She shared that she had spent everyday of her life looking out her kitchen window at this building, cursing it's presence in her life and little did she know that she had watched the raising of what she needed most in her life. She gained a powerful testimony of the gospel and joined the church. Sweet experiences. It is a particular blessing to be in the temple district of a new temple. Blessings and spiritual experiences abound.

I also recalled an experience when I went to the temple with deep pain and distress. I went alone seeking answers and solace. That is exactly what happened for me. My load was lifted when I heard my answer; "Be still, and know that I am God." I have recalled those words many times since and though time has passed, the feeling and answer I received in the House of the Lord that day has not dimmed. Each time I proceed through the veil, that same spirit comes to my mind with great force. I am grateful for the blessings of the temple and delight in knowing that those sacred ordinances will seal all that has meaning in my life, to me forever.

How Lucky Am I?

I have always considered myself a lucky woman. I just plan on having luck. In fact I have told my children that I am certain we will find just the right parking place, the one right smack in front of the store because I am a lucky woman. I want to hang around for the raffle tickets to be read because I feel deep in my soul that I will be a winner. I read an article a few years ago that studied the "luck" of people that felt like they had luck as opposed to those who didn't feel like they were ever lucky. Those who felt "lucky" indeed were. Those who considered themselves unlucky, never won the prize, found the penny on the ground, and certainly never found an empty parking place right in front of their destination. But I am a lucky woman. Maybe this is because years ago your dad and I were hunting for four leaf clovers and found one! Dad put it into a piece of clear tape and has kept it for years. I think he still has it. We have truly been lucky! But then, I believe "we make our own luck". I think you can attribute that quote to me, but I am not certain. The luckiest day of my life was the day I married Dave. He has been the love of my life, the joy in my life, my partner in crime and my all time best friend. We have very literally grown up together. I have dated him since I was a sophomore in High School, and you know what, He is still the one I love being with the most. On this Saint Patricks Day, I feel lucky to have married a man that dreams big and makes sure they come true! I love you Dave! So remember, "We make our own luck", and Dave was and is the man of my dreams.

Oh, How Time Flies!

Time is rushing on. I haven't posted for a long time and I had planned this blog to be a journal of sorts. I could start with my usual journal start: "It has been a long time since I've written," but instead I think I will just list what has been going on in my life:

• Shingles---ouch! Fortunately I have a light case, I had a nasty rash but I thought it was due to new hair product. I went back to good old WW (Weight Watchers) and had the tender mercy of sitting next to a woman who told me she had been suffering with shingles. Ding, Ding. A bell went off in my head. I paid a visit to the dermatologist the next morning and after a biopsy and a prescription I was sent home to experience "pins and needles". That is what it feels like. The Dr. had no bedside manner and after telling me I had shingles, he proceeded to tell me that it is the #1 reason the elderly want to kill themselves. No, I am not contemplating that. I am grateful however for that "tender mercy" so that I could get treatment early. It never ceases to amaze me how many times I am made aware of Heavenly Father's awareness of me and my circumstances.
• WW--Once again. When will I ever get this under control. It's a "New Beginning" for me.
• Phoenix. We went to "Valley of the Sun" an annual race we go to with Connor. It was sunny and beautiful. A great get away from the snow and grey skies at home. We came home contemplating the purchase of a townhome or condo as prices have hit rock bottom. But I think it was just a pipe dream.
• Temple Night-Had dinner for the group last Friday. Bring on the Mexi Haystacks!
• Scrapbooking--I am having what I call "Home School". I am trying to teach myself how to scrapbook with Photoshop so I can help my mom to publish a book about her life. This will be an ongoing project but will be well worth the effort.
• Jazzercise. I have been rocking every morning with Cristie Carter. I am really enjoying it and am training my body to move in ways I haven't for years. I think my spine has finally fused itself after the two surgeries (no disc left) and I am doing great. I find that I can move in ways I haven't been able to for the last 10 years. Hurray! I don't let a day go by that I am grateful to be out of that nasty pain.
• Europe. Dave booked tickets yesterday. We are going to Belgium for two weeks to watch Connor ride with the US National Team. I can hardly wait.

So there is a quick synopsis of the past several weeks. Life is good! I am grateful!

Ta Da!

Learning something for learning's sake is an ok use of time, right? Well, I have certainly wasted (I mean spent alot of time learning) about Photoshop. Here is a very basic page I did today. What a learning curve. Maybe I will become a designer and earn lots of $$$ online? Well, check these little ditties. Actually they were templates and all I had to do was movein the photos and papers I wanted, how on earth could that take so long? Next time it will be a snap!

My Favorite Things

A Few of my Favorite Things:

1. My family, of course.

2. The night sky in Midway.

3. Arranging flowers

4. Color

5. A clean house

6. A creative project.

7. When someone cleans the

kitchen without being asked.

8. My hair being combed.

9. A good book and time to read it.

10. Talking to Dave

11. Dear girlfriends.

12. "Nana" spoken by dear little voices.

13. Learning something new.

14. Family Gatherings

15. Ribbon

16. My new camera

17. A clever advertisement

18. A warm bath

19. Beautiful paper, notes, wrapping paper etc.

20. Cindy Evan's Sugar Cookies:

Once There Was a Snowman

What a man! What a Grandpa! What a day! Abbie and Papa had so much fun building a snowman in our front yard. Papa talked about it for days and left work early so as not to disappoint Abbie (or himself).

One Twig at a Time

nest (nst) n.
1. a. A container or shelter made by a bird out of twigs, grass, or other material to hold its eggs and young.
b. A place in which young are reared; a lair.
2. A place affording snug refuge or lodging; a home.
3. a. A place or environment that fosters rapid growth or development, a nest of activity.
4. a. A set of objects of graduated size that can be stacked together, each fitting within the one immediately larger.
b. A cluster of similar things.

For as long as I can remember, I have been "nesting". This instinct probably began with my first doll but the tendency is alive and well today. I can remember hauling everything my mom owned out on the back patio on Orchard Drive. Kathryn and I would spend an entire summer day building a "nest" for our dolls. My mother deserves sainthood for allowing such a creative venture. But, that was only the beginning.

Bobbi (Grey) Plewe and I were the trendsetters of our day when we showed up at BYU with matching sheets and comforters in a cheery yellow check pattern. Our dorm room was color coordinated and tidy. That old "nesting" instinct was alive and well in both of us.

Since my marriage to Dave in 1977, we have moved 13 times! Because I am a girl whose fondest dreams included sinking deep roots and sharing my heart and life with those around me, the moves were difficult. Each move required saying goodbye to those we dearly loved and beginning anew, one twig at a time, to build a new nest, a place of refuge. Lest it sounds like I am just referring to the "physical nest", I am not. With each move I had to find the neighborhood, school, and house where my 'chicks" could flourish and thrive, but once that was done, we had to began the slow but important process of entwining our lives with those around us. When I felt deep loneliness in my new place I would often recall this quote by Antoine De Saint Expury from "Wind, Sand and Stars":

"Old friends cannot be created out of hand. Nothing can match the treasures of common memories, of trials endured together, of quarrels and reconcilliations and generous emotions. It is idle having planted an acorn in the morning to expect that afternoon to sit in the shade of the oak."

This year, I have watched (and I've added a twig or two) as my kids have been doing some nesting or their own. This past summer, Katie and Mike purchased their first home on Sands Drive. They have busily cleaned and redecorated this darling home to make it all their own. Dave and I have been proud of the hard work, sacrifice and love that has gone into making this house a home. It is truly a place where one wants to put their feet up and nestle in for a long winter's nap.

Jennie leased the apartment that Katie and Mike vacated and has truly felt that instinctual need for nesting. Her flair for decorating is as great as her flair for fashion. Watch out Pottery Barn! This independent young girl has found the strength to live alone, work hard and create her own life. We couldn't be more proud.

Sarah and Grant purchased an apartment in Queens, NY. What an ordeal. After months of working with the co-op that owns the building, they were finally approved as buyers. They moved into their nest in June 2009 and have made it into a beautiful home. They have been blessed to live in a place with classic charm. This new found space will give them a restful haven in the midst of a very busy city life. They are busy doing all of the things it takes to create a "home".

Annie and Erik continue to have a nest where everyone wants to gather. Her door is always open and my birds seem to flock there. She and Erik always have good food and good advice for my teenagers. Keep up the good work Annie, I'm not done raising my kids yet.

So, as you can see, we have done alot of "moving" this year. I am proud to note that my girls are also learning that "creating a nest" is much, much more than settling into a new space, it is building a life that will nurture and build themselves as well as all of those that they love!

And Connor, he is still tightly tucked in my nest. He would probably love to fly the coop but for now, he is still under my wing. Time will fly quickly and he will be serving a mission in a corner of the world meant just for him. I am grateful he is here. Life would be lonely without him at home. His cute sense of humor brightens my days. But, when the time comes for him to leave, I will march forward and watch with joy as he creates his own place in this Great Wild World! When it is time for him to fly, he will really "fly".

Last but not least is Dave, my main man, my partner in crime and the joy in my life. You honey, are the mud that glues all of us together! When all is said and done, we will always have each other and this wonderful family that we have built together. It doesn't get better than that!

Now, that was a long intro to my new blog... My Nest...a place were I hope to journal about my life, longings and learnings..One Twig at a Time!