Introducing the next Iron Chef....

at least in the Telford home.
Here we have "Buddy" in our kitchen. Completely unsanitary, wearing skulls and bones around his neck, and a chef's hat that is about 3 years too small, but isn't he so darn cute! These are the times when it really sinks in that my cute kiddos are only this small for so long....not long enough.

Happy Anniversary!

Boy does time fly! What a journey.... 4 kids, 4 states, 3 degrees, 3 jobs, 5 homes, 1 dog, thousands of grey hair, and 14 years later.... Happy Anniversary!

Shawn is the most kind, honest and generous man...I am very blessed! Here's to 14 more years, and then more!

First look....

at my new logo!

Heed the warning ! I had a chance to visit Zion Canyon with Kagan a good freind from work while we were in Vegas for a work conference. The weather was great and we had a great time. I always enjoy sharing the beauty of Utah with my out of town friends. Thanks to Kagan for slowing down to wait for his older, less fit friend.

Dont look down

The top of Angels Landing

Buddy and Vegas

This week was a little rough for Buddy. First, he did not heed his mother's counsel to not run around, jumping, leaping and chasing his yellow balloon. Soon enough, he came back to me bleeding with a loose tooth and a big, FAT lip. Poor thing was drooling, slurping and mumbling for the next two days as if he was numb and didn't have any control over his mouth. I decided to keep him home from school on day 2, thinking his teacher would thank me for that. This is the second time he had fallen or crashed resulting in loose front teeth. I hope there is not a third time.....I think it will be the "charm". To add to the battering, Spencer hit is eye on some object in his room a few days later, resulting in a minor black eye. Poor thing! I hope an injured limb is not next in line!

I got this picture as he was sleeping in my bed tonight. Aahhhh....so loveable. When Shawn goes out of town, I let the kids take turns sleeping in my bed. I know many of you have maxxed out your patience because you can't get your children to sleep or want to sleep anywhere else but your bed. For us, Spencer has NEVER wanted to sleep anywhere but his bed until lately. It has been funny at times to almost beg or bribe him to take a minute snuggling with Mom or Dad. I don't want to pass up those times when he really wants to hang out with me, and tonight....well, it was one of them!

There are definately a handful of things that I look forward to when Shawn is away....eating my favorite dishes that I grew up with that he won't touch, or not cooking at all, snuggling in bed with our kiddos and popcorn (crumbs and everything), and singing in the car (I threw that in for our girls). Otherwise, we miss our Dad and hubby, and hope that he survives hiking in Zion National Park, and Vegas. Looks like a dangerous week...SO, keep your repeling gear on and don't bother with the slots, tables or shows ...yes, you can try that all you can eat buffet, oh yeah, you despise buffets...OK, have a nice dinner, yeah you can even have that Creme brulee (please, don't tell me how much it costs).... just remember we are trying to recover from stocks crashing and we have 4 kids that need college educations! Good luck Dear and hurry home!

Halloween...Mississippi style

AHHH....the weather was fabulous for trick or treating this year! There was no need to bundle up, there was no bone chilling cold and rain, kids were sporting their costumes without 6 layers over and under costumes...imagine that coming from Seattle. This year for Halloween, we participated in our church Trunk or Treat and chili dinner...yum! As far as the Trunk or Treating....I thought it would be a simple open the trunk (by the way, we are party poopers...I will pay any of you out there if you can get Shawn to wear a costume...a real costume), send the kids a runnin, empty the goodies into the cute kiddies bags, and after about 4 or so rounds, and 15 minutes later, slam the trunk and peel out of the parking lot headed to the nearest, closest spaced, spookiest looking homes to find the grandest candies, and ultimately the biggest bags....isn't Halloween about the goods? Don't we as parents support our kids in this endeavor only to wait impatiently for them to fall asleep with our goal of raiding their candy bags looking for our favorite cravings. Well, not so fast! This year's trunk or treating, took up more precious door to door time then ever imagined! And, in the end, the kids came home with bags only half full. Boo hoo! I guess on the bright side, I can selectively choose my favorite candy at the store with the savings from not having to fill so many cavities. Perhaps some new shoes as well!
Honestly, I have to say, we saw some spectular old Southern style mansions decorated to the hilt! That is really what I enjoy most about the Halloween festivities. I really do love the great, creative costumes, and the wonderful, or shall I say "spooktacular" decorations....perhaps, a few pieces of candy too! Until next Halloween, here are the spooksters from our home. Not too scary are they? Kenadee as evil Cleopatra, Lauren as a lovely Renaissance queen, Sidney as your typical witch with purple hair, and Spencer our clumbsy, but cute Batman.

If I were President....

Lauren and Kenadee's, "If I were President...." comments posted in the Oxford Eagle, our community newspaper. Kids say the greatest things!

New Blog

Hey Folks!

In order to keep business out of personal, we decided to open up a new blog. This will be my photo previewing site. Visit it at jalaynetelfordphotography.blogspot.com
Shawntelford.blogspot.com will continue to be our family blog site.

Thanks!
Jalayne

"Pray Always"

Last weekend, we were able to participate in our bi-annual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Since then, I have tried to read or re-listen to the talks given in this conference, and most recently, I listened to the talk given by Elder Bednar titled, "Pray Always".

I loved this talk because Elder Bednar emphasized why and how prayer can change us. He focused on 3 principles of more meaningful prayer.

Principle #1. Prayer becomes more meaningful as we counsel with the Lord in all our doings (see Alma 37:37).

Principle #2. Prayer becomes more meaningful as we express heartfelt gratitude.

Principle #3. Prayer becomes more meaningful as we pray for others with real intent and a sincere heart.

"Morning and evening prayers—and all of the prayers in between—are not unrelated, discrete events; rather, they are linked together each day and across days, weeks, months, and even years. This is in part how we fulfill the scriptural admonition to “pray always” (Luke 21:36; 3 Nephi 18:15, 18; D&C 31:12). Such meaningful prayers are instrumental in obtaining the highest blessings God holds in store for His faithful children."

I look forward to more fully applying this principle to my life, in the hope of receiving those blessings and guidance that I need each day.

For the link: http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-14,00.html

Brown eyed beauties

Here are a few pictures that I took of Mike (Shawn's brother), Mandy and their family. You won't find a more beautiful bunch! I just want to squeeze these kiddos! They were terrific, even through the constant distraction of Spencer running here, there and everywhere, and luring half the group away into the dirt, trees, rocks...you get the picture. It is always fun being with this crew!

Little Sidney Sue

Rowan Oak

The other day we took Lauren and Sidney to Rowan Oak, the historic home of William Faulkner, to take some pictures. It was a perfect location! After having some fun with editing, here are a handful of shots that we liked. I get the best feeling when my kids get excited about the results. It is that big boost of confidence that they need at times!

In addition, I now have my own webpage! How exciting! (I think Shawn wants me to start making a buck or two now that I am home by myself.) Really, he has been extremely supportive helping me launch my own little business. Soon, we'll be up and running! Can't wait!

P.S. Sidney's pictures are next to be posted. So, check back!

Rewind....

It has been forever since I really posted a summary of our family events! I should blame it on the dog that we lovingly adopted the first of August....oh no....it is really because I have been fighting with the children over the new Wii that I got for my graduation. Yes, for my graduation! Who out there thinks that I requested a Wii, or ever mentioned a Wii other than, "we should never get one!"?
Anyhow, I am back after a long mental vacation, but sadly, there have been some great times during these past couple of months that I failed to write about. So, here is a quick timeline of a few events that have happened since the end of July!

For Pioneer Day, we went to a ward members farm to chase goats, sit by the smoldering fire (way too hot in July), tell Pioneer stories, and eat!




The first week of August, Shawn and I decided to live up to our promises and finally get a "family dog". And here she is....Raven....isn't she cute!


On August 2, ALL the kids started school. The school setup in Oxford is VERY interesting. They have one school city wide for K/1, 2/3, 4/5... that means that all of our kids go to different schools. Don't you envy our mornings? There was trepidation among all of them except Spencer, surprisingly. Upon departure, we don't get a hug goodbye or a wave from him; however, if we're lucky, he might look back (I'm sure just to make sure that we are leaving). I thought the abandonment of parents started in the teen years?

Kenadee- 6th grade























Lauren- 4th grade























Sidney- 2nd grade























Spencer- Kindergarten























Ahhhhh.....the Water Valley Watermelon Festival, and on the hottest day ever! Lucky for us, we got free watermelon. Not the itty bitty slices or cubes for those afraid to get their hands sticky and messy, or for those wanting to keep their faces dry and proper. These watermelon quarters, were for us serious watermelon eaters. YUM!

Another Telford gang is in town, headed for Ole Miss' Law School. Welcome Mike, Mandy and kids! So glad you are here!
These pictures were taken at the Memphis, Tennessee Latter Day Saint Temple, after our church's Stake conference.

And then there were 2 birthdays. Would it surprise you that I can't find the pictures? So sorry...check back!

Finally, the historic 1st Presidential debate was held here in Oxford, at the University of Mississippi's Ford Center for the Performing Arts. Both Kenadee and Lauren had artwork chosen to be presented at surrounding locations in our downtown Oxford Square. Kenadee also had a thought published in the paper. I will post those as soon as I find the flash card! How exciting!