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!