Predictions

Ten years ago, our family put together a family time capsule with predictions of what we thought would happen to us individually and as a family over the next decade. The time capsule was sealed up with tape and placed on a top closet shelf. I looked at it occasionally, but never opened it up. I was waiting for 2010's New Year's Eve to reveal if our predictions were accurate.

Alas, with the move, I am not sure where our time capsule is now. I don't know how accurate we were in our predictions. If I ever find it, I'll have to let the family members know so we can have a good laugh. However, as we approach a new decade, here are my predictions for the coming 10 years....

Christie will continue to be a computer genius and be recruited by a major computer giant in the Bay Area. Tim will complete his animation studies and get hired to design the next big computer game. They will both relocate to the Bay Area and buy a home on our street.

Heather will receive another promotion at work, finally leave public accounting, and start her own home-based business where she doesn't have to put in such grueling hours during tax season. Dustin will not only graduate with his degree in Mechanical Engineering, but he will find a great job in the Silicon Valley. They will relocate to the Bay Area and buy a home on our street.

Jacob will graduate from the Police Academy. Jennifer will be named "Teacher of the Year." After a series of rapid promotions, Jacob will land a great job as a commander of a small town's police department (because it's safer) and Jennifer will become a principal of the elementary school right across the street from our house. They will relocate to the Bay Area and buy a home on our street.

Emily will not only graduate from High School, but she will go onto college where she will get an amazing degree in Floral Design/Photography/Business. She will marry a marvelous returned missionary in the Oakland Temple. Once he gets his Ph.d he'll be hired by San Jose State and Emily will start a wedding planning business. Of course, they will settle down in the Bay Area and buy a home on our street.

And my big prediction for Ron and I?

Ron and I will finally become grandparents and we will spoil all the grandchildren who live on our street!

Eeek! Eeek! Eeek! (updated)

I have a fear of wildlife--especially wildlife that appears in my home. Fortunately, that has not happened too often. OK, I think it's only happened twice. Once back in my lovely old house and again in my new cute little home on Christmas night.

Yes, it happened on Christmas night, but this is not a Christmas story. I promise.

A week earlier, I had been asked to substitute for the Beehive class in Young Women. I LOVE teaching and I was excited about this opportunity. The lesson was pretty much done before Christmas, but I still had not come up with a handout. I mean, what's a Young Women lesson without a handout? I had purchased some yummy Ghiradelli chocolates to use as part of the handout. Now, I had to type up a poem, print it out, use double stick tape and voila! A lovely handout would be finished.

I remembered that I had some patterned paper in the guest bedroom closet. That would be a lot nicer than plain white computer paper. I walked to the guest bedroom, opened up the closet, and started moving things around looking for the paper. Suddenly, a MOUSE ran out, scurrying right next to my feet!

Yes, right next to my feet!!!

Of course, I screamed. And screamed. And screamed.

And I screamed some more.

Somehow I leaped from in front of the closet to the bed several feet away. I don't even remember moving, but there I was, on the bed with my feet off the floor and away from any mouse creatures.

And I continued to scream.

Do you think I was just a teeny, weeny bit frightened?

Meanwhile...back in the family room, my dear family thought their wife and mother was completely bonkers.

Emily: "I think Mom may have seen a spider, Dad."

Ron: "Yeah. I think so, too."

Now, I have to admit I really, really don't like spiders either. Especially black widows. Or fat legged spiders. Or even Daddy Long-legs. Yes, I am a spider wimp. But I have NEVER screamed like that for a mere spider. Unless it was on top of me.

That happened once and I did react rather strongly.

Finally, my family came to investigate. Trembling, I pointed to the floor and said, "I saw a mouse! It went that way!"

I pointed towards Emily's bedroom, the laundry room, and my bedroom.

Emily decided to sleep on the couch that night.

Ron has bought traps. He bought an electric trap and placed it in the offending closet. He's bought glue traps and placed them up and down the hallway and in the kitchen--liberally dosed with peanut butter. He's bought spring traps and placed them in the garage.

It's been four days since I saw our unwanted visitor. Four days of looking down at the floor every time I walk down the hallway to make sure I don't step on a mouse. Four days of being worried that perhaps the mouse will jump out of another closet. Or cupboard. Or drawer. Four days of wondering if every strange noise could be the mouse.

We have not caught the mouse.

Ron thinks my screams scared the mouse so badly that it skedaddled out of the house--never to return.

I hope we are so lucky.

UPDATE: (Dec. 30) The mouse has been caught! Hallelujah!

Ron asked if I wanted a picture for memories sake. I said, "No thanks...seeing the mouse once was enough."

Treasure Hunt!

Just like Sally Forth's daughter, I am in denial that Christmas is over for another year. As long as the tree is still up, and Christmas carols are playing in my house, and there is lots of leftover food, it MUST be Christmas! So, here's one final post about the most wonderful time of the year!

When my mother was a young girl, her mother started a Christmas tradition. Money was tight and her parents felt bad that they didn't have much to give their children for Christmas. Her mother thought that a treasure hunt would help add a little fun and excitement to the meager gifts.

Even after money wasn't so tight, the treasure hunt tradition continued. My mother carried on the treasure hunt with my siblings and me and we have continued the treasure hunt tradition to our children. Sometime Christmas evening, one last gift is given--but only after a short hunt. Who knew that such a simple thing could bring such warm memories and joy?

This year, Emily had the following clues for her treasure hunt.

1. Polar Express meets Zoo Tycoon. (She had to find her next clue at this year's rendition of the famous candy train.)


2. Frosty broke his nose! (I got the most adorable handmade snowman for Christmas from my daughter, Heather and her husband, Dustin. Unfortunately, the nose fell off before I unwrapped their gift. Never fear--a little glue will take care of the cute wooden carrot nose.)

3. Mrs. Claus needs an eyebrow job. (We have a wall decoration that MY grandmother made years ago. Sadly, one eyebrow is missing. Someday, I will have to take care of that and give her an eyebrow transplant.)


4. Wait, Elders!.... (A couple of weeks ago, a missionary wanted to use our bathroom. Actually, Emily's bathroom. The warning came too late. Thank goodness, the bathroom was clean--just a little cluttered with silk flowers, bracelets, rings, and other assorted girl accessories all over the counter.)

5. Where the dirty clothes are supposed to go! (This is where the gift was hid--in her hamper. The dirty clothes don't always make it there. Typical teenager.)

Well, it didn't take Emily long to follow the clues and discover her "treasure."

To say that she was thrilled with her last gift would be an understatement.

Yes, those are tears of joy!

After years of wishing and hoping and begging for a cell phone, she got it. Merry Christmas, Emily!

Happy Birthday, Joseph Smith

Two hundred and five years ago, a tiny baby was born to the Smith family. He was named Joseph, after his father. His family wasn't particularly well-off or educated, but what they lacked in material goods, they made up in love.

Young Joseph had a deep interest in spiritual things. When he was 14 years old, he wondered which church was true. While reading the Bible one day, he came across James 1:5 where it reads,

If any of ye lack wisdom, let him ask of God...

Joseph knew he lacked wisdom. After pondering this scripture for some time, he gathered his courage, walked to a nearby grove of trees, knelt, and uttered a prayer that would change not only his life, but the lives of millions of other people as well.

He saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. He was told that all churches had some truth in them, but that they did not have the fullness. Several years later, he restored The Church of Jesus Christ here on the earth.

A few years ago, Ron, Emily, and I met my parents in Ohio and we went on a Church History tour. We visited the Sacred Grove. We saw where the Book of Mormon was printed. We saw the small farmhouse where the Church was organized. We walked the streets of Kirtland and Nauvoo. We toured Liberty Jail where Joseph received some of the most touching revelations I have ever read. We also visited Carthage Jail where Joseph and his brother Hyrum sealed their testimonies with their blood.

Our family in the Sacred Grove.

Tonight, December 23, our family celebrated Joseph Smith's birthday. We ate a simple supper by candlelight. We sang "Joseph Smith's First Prayer." We read from the scriptures about his life. I had a hard time reading aloud the following verse from Doctrine and Covenants 135:5 as the Spirit bore witness to me once again, that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God.

Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fullness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated!


How grateful we are for the life Joseph led. Happy Birthday, Joseph Smith!

Bethlehem Dinner

Several years ago I wanted our Christmas Eve celebration to focus more on the birth of our Savior. After all the hustle and bustle of December, I craved a quiet, serene moment. I wanted our family to realize that Christmas wasn't about Santa, presents, holiday food, or the parties, but it was about the birth of our Savior. From the time our children were young, we had been reading from Luke 2 and acting out the nativity, but I wanted to extend that feeling for a longer period.

Ron, Christie, and Jennifer in one of our first Nativity Pageants.

That is when I heard about having a Bethlehem Dinner.

The first year, we dressed up in shepherd costumes and ate around the dining room table. However, our headpieces were not securely fastened and we had great difficulty in keeping the towels on our head and not on our dinner plates.

Bethlehem Dinner 2000

The following year, we gave up the semi-traditional Bethlehem garb and settled on a quilt on the living room floor. We turned off all the lights except for those on the Christmas tree. As we ate by firelight and Christmas tree light, there was a sweet, reverent feeling in our room as we dined on pita bread sandwiches, dried fruits, olives, crackers and various cheeses.

This is similar to the recipe I made. (Thanks Allrecipes.com)

Mediterranean Sandwiches

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground lamb
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 1 teaspoon minced lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 cup water
• 1 (6 ounce) container plain yogurt
• 3 ounces crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
• salt and pepper to taste
• 6 pita bread rounds

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the lamb, and cook until it begins to crumble. Add the onions, and continue cooking until the lamb has browned and the onions have softened, about 5 minutes more. Drain off any excess fat, then reduce the heat to medium-low, and stir in 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir 1/4 cup lemon juice into the water, then pour 1/4 cup of this mixture into the lamb. Cook until the liquid has mostly evaporated, then stir in another 1/4 cup, and cook again until mostly evaporated. Continue adding the liquid 1/4 cup at a time until you have used all of it. This should take about 30 minutes in all. The meat should look moist, but not be sitting in liquid.
2. While the meat is cooking, make the feta sauce by placing the yogurt, feta cheese, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest into a blender. Puree until smooth, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.
3. Spoon the lamb mixture onto warmed pita bread. Top with the feta sauce to serve.
   

Most years I usually substitute the pita bread sandwiches for a stew--it's something I can put in the crockpot early in the morning and forget about it until dinner time. This is very helpful since Christmas Eve is usually filled with last minute tasks. But once it's time for dinner, the pace slows down and we enjoy the time reflecting upon the miraculous events that occurred nearly 2,000 years ago.

Worse Christmas Music EVER

Last night as we were driving back from watching yet another high school production of "It's A Wonderful Life" to watch Emily's friend Chris perform the role of diabolical Mr. Potter, we were of course listening to Christmas music.

Because, after all, it IS Christmas time.

Just as we reached the turnoff of our cute little town, "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer" began playing over our car's sound system.

I can't stand "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer."

Ron and Emily KNOW I can't stand this song. So, Ron turned up the music a little louder and they both began blaring,

Grandma got run over by a reindeer
Walking home from our house Christmas Eve
You can say that there's no such thing as Santa
But as for me and Grandpa, we believe.

I think this song should be banned. At least from our family. Which made me think of other Christmas songs I CANNOT stand. In no particular order they are:

1. Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer. I LOVE my grandmas. I love my mother who is also a grandma. And someday, I will be a Grandma. What is it about a reindeer running over a grandma that people find so humorous? Don't they LOVE their grandmas?

2. Santa Baby. Even the opening notes of the deep male singers going Ba Doom Ba Doom is
enough to make my skin crawl. And then when the floozy female singer starts singing

Santa baby, just slip a sable under the tree, for me
Been an awful good girl
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight.

I can hardly stand it. Materialism at its worst.

3. The Christmas Shoes. The first time I heard this song, I admit, it brought tears to my eyes. Because I'm sentimental like that. The second time I heard this song I admit, it brought a lump to my throat. Because I'm sentimental like that. But the third time I heard this song I thought, "What?" Why isn't this little boy home with his dying mother on Christmas Eve? Why isn't he rubbing her feet with Bath and Body Works Black Raspberry Vanilla and showing her how much he loves her? Why is he out shopping for shoes?

Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight

4. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. I am sad to admit that my parents owned this song while I was growing up. Do you know HOW disturbing it is to think as a little girl that your mommy might actually kiss Santa Claus? I mean, YUCK! I am happy to report that not one CD I own has this song on it.

I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus
Underneath the mistletoe last night.
She didn't see me creep
Down the stairs to have a peep;
She thought that I was tucked up
in my bedroom fast asleep.

5. Finally, I don't really like The Twelve Days of Christmas. It goes on and on and on FOREVER! How many times do you need to hear about three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree? There is ONE time I actually liked the song. It was when the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and King Singer's performed it and they had dancers acting out the parts. It was a visual and audio masterpiece.

There you have it. My five least favorite Christmas Songs.

Favorite Things

One of my favorite movies is The Sound of Music. Who doesn't love Julie Andrews or those adorable children? One of my favorite songs from that movie is "My Favorite Things." Barbra Streisand sings it on her Christmas album. (Yes, I own that one, too. I really AM a Christmas music addict.) So today, I am going to share with you some of my favorite things.

Hearing Ron's car pull up in the driveway. This thrills me EVERY SINGLE TIME! I know he's home safely from work and I am so happy to see him again.

A phone call or an e-mail from a family member or a friend. My family has the most fun with e-mails. One person will start an e-mail and pretty soon, a whole chain of e-mails will follow with someone adding their comment. I just LOVE my family!

Hearing the rain on my roof (like I am right now) and feeling warm and cozy inside my house. I love snuggling up under a blanket, a warm mug of hot cocoa nearby, and a great book in hand.

Going to lunch with my friends. It's lunch therapy for my soul.

Attending Women's Conference at BYU with my sisters and sister-in-laws. Not only are we spiritually fed, but we build a stronger bond. I hope the next generation joins us soon.

Going to the library. Some women enjoy window shopping. I enjoy walking up and down the aisles of the library, finding the "perfect" book for my mood.

Warm chocolate chip cookies straight from the oven. Warm Snickerdoodles straight from the Oven. Warm Peanut Blossoms straight from the oven. I just LOVE cookies! And that is why I don't bake as often as I used to. I love them too much!

Trying out a new recipe and having the whole family love it!

Going on long walks. I enjoy the exercise and I enjoy being outdoors. It's a great combination!

Setting a goal and actually accomplishing it! I feel so good inside when I do that.

So, what are some of your favorite things?

The Bloody Blobs

A couple of weeks ago, a visitor came to my home and saw these two adorable Christmas decorations.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus--Aren't they sweet?

They are cut out of wood (Thanks, Ron!) and hand painted with love. However, my four warped daughters don't focus on their cuteness. Instead, they focus on this view:

The back of Mr. and Mrs. Santa.

And that is how they have become known as "The Bloody Blobs."

When we unpack the Christmas boxes every year, my usually sweet children can't wait to place "The Bloody Blobs" in a prominent place in our family room. Sometime during the Christmas season, they gather around and tell

THE BLOODY BLOB STORY!

So go make yourself a cup of hot cocoa, put a few mini marshmallows or a tiny peppermint candy cane in the chocolaty goodness, and sit back and enjoy this year's rendition of

THE BLOODY BLOB STORY!

Once upon a time, in a place far, far away lived three wonderful children. They lived with their parents in an old mansion deep within the woods. The oldest son was Peter, the middle child was Mikala, and the youngest was Billy. The family had their struggles, but generally they were healthy and happy. But what they did not know was there was danger lurking in their midst....

One evening, the family settled in for the night. Peter had teased his younger siblings more than he should have. He felt guilty laying there in his bed. He knew better but Mikala and Billy got on his nerves sometimes. Finally, he fell asleep. Soon after midnight the walls seemed to whisper:

"The bloody blobs are coming! The bloody blobs are coming! The teasing and the anger have awakened us! Peter, face your fate!"

No one heard a thing, but when morning came, Peter was gone! All that remained was a small bloody blob on his pillow. His parents were frantic! The police were called but no sign of forced entry was found. Peter's disappearance was a mystery. His family mourned the loss of Peter. They added deadbolts to all the doors and windows and were ever vigilant for strangers in the deep dark woods, but what they didn't know is that the danger was lurking in their midst....

A week passed. Mikala and Billy were playing a game--Phase 10 to be precise. Mikala was losing the game and began sneaking extra Wild cards up her sleeve. When Billy realized she was cheating, he got mad. Their parents intervened and put the children to bed early so they could get some peace and quiet. As Mikala lay in bed quietly, she felt guilty. She knew that what she had done was wrong. Finally, after a lot of tossing and turning, she fell asleep. Soon after midnight you could hear the walls practically whispering:

"The Bloody Blobs are coming! The Bloody Blobs are coming! Your cheating and dishonesty has awakened us! Mikala, prepare for your fate!"

The next morning, Mikala had disappeared, too! All that was left was a bloody blob on her pillow. The police were once again called in. After questioning the parents extensively and doing a thorough investigation, Lieutenant Prize was baffled. He KNEW Mikala and Peter were missing! He suspected foul play! But, he didn't know how it was done. And what WAS that bloody blob substance on the pillows?

The parents built a moat around their home. They installed towers and search lights and installed a home security system. They did everything they could to protect precious Billy from whatever monster was after their family. But, what they didn't know was that the danger was lurking within their midst....

For you see, the Bloody Blobs lived within the walls of their mansion. They are awakened by anger and discord. As long as there is peace and harmony, they sleep quietly, hibernating through life. But once anger enters the home, their blood thirst is awakened. Who will the next victim be? For just as Santa is watching when children are naughty and nice...so are the Bloody Blobs!

THE END!

Aren't you glad? For that is the most depressing Christmas story EVER! And let me tell you, this year's rendition is less bloody and depressing than most. For in my sweet yet warped daughters rendition, EVEN the parents die!

OK, Emily would say that "The Christmas Shoes" song/story/TV movie of the week is more depressing. And she's probably right.

"I Need to Find a Man!"

Last night at the end of family home evening, the subject of weddings came up. Emily had received a coral rose Saturday night. I commented on its lovely color and she told me that coral was one of her hoped for wedding colors. The other one is turquoise. I mentioned that those colors might not be popular when she gets married and that it might be difficult to find dresses for her bridesmaids and MY dress. (Clearly, the most important one.) She shrugged her shoulders and said,

"Christie chose navy blue for her August wedding. That wasn't an easy color to find either."

Thanks Christie for setting a precedent.

Then, taking some pity on me, Emily said, "Don't worry, Mother." (Why does she ALWAYS call me mother?) "I'll wait for those colors to become fashionable and then I'll find myself a man."

I was shocked. It was like I was listening to myself speak many years ago.

(Fade to the ancient past.....)

When I was finishing my 1st semester at BYU, I was unexpectedly dumped by a young man. I thought everything was going swimmingly. He had taken me to meet his family for Thanksgiving. We had not had one argument. I wasn't in love with him by any means, but I was enjoying getting to know him. Then one night, he didn't show up for our date. I waited.

And waited.

And waited.

Finally, in great confusion, I went to bed. What had just happened?

The next morning, I spoke to Sacrament meeting. Said young man (who shall remain nameless) was sitting on the front row. That was awkward! He listened attentively to my message. He smiled during the funny parts and looked thoughtful during the serious parts. What was going on?

I mustered up all my courage and asked if we could go on a walk. Later that afternoon as we walked the frigid streets of Provo, he told me that I hadn't done anything wrong, but he was interested in dating others. What can you say to that?

I somehow got through finals and went home for Christmas vacation, nursing my semi-broken heart.

After arriving back in Provo a couple of weeks later, I was talking to my best friend and roommate Melinda.

"Melinda, I need to find a man!"

We made plans to attend the dance the next evening in the Wilkinson Center. A nice young man named Jerry (he CAN be named) gave us a ride. Soon after arriving, I met Ron and we danced the rest of the evening. Ron took me home and our first date occurred a couple of nights later.

So, when Emily said, "Mom, I'll wait for turquoise and coral to become fashionable and then I'll find a man" it was the weirdest experience. It brought back memories of college days, great roommates, and meeting a wonderful man.

All I can say is that I hope turquoise and coral are not in fashion for at least 5 years.

Wedding Day Blues

Once a month I volunteer in the Oakland Temple. Yesterday, I had that privlege. One of my assignments was to stand near the front desk and greet the patrons. When you are assigned the front desk area, you also make sure those doing baptisms or receiving their endowments, or getting married are shown the correct area to go.

About 9:00 am, a young man showed up. The man at the desk found out he was getting married that day. He was getting married at noon. He was slightly early. His fiancee was not with him.

I escorted him to the room so they could complete the paperwork and make sure his wedding license was in order. No one was in that office and when I went to track someone down, they suggested that he wait in the cafeteria because it was so early.

I went back and suggested he might want to get something to eat. He wasn't interested in eating. He was interested in getting married. He looked so nervous that my heart went out to him. I tried to calm him down by visiting with him a few minutes. He told me that his fiancee had already recieved her endowment in the Sacramento temple. He told me that they were arriving early to get their pictures done before the sealing. He was also very distressed because it was so foggy that he was worried that the pictures would not turn out. I told him I got married in February and it was a very overcast day, but sometimes those are the pictures that turn out the best. I don't think I reassured him. As we continued to visit, he received a text. His soon-to-be wife was running late.

I felt so bad for him. Here he was--all alone in the temple with some strange lady for temporary company. He began pacing the room and then decided to wait in the large foyer off the entrance. As I waited near the front desk, I could see him texting. I'm assuming it was to his bride. Soon, it was time for me to go to my next assignment. Yet, I kept thinking about him the rest of the morning.

When I finished my shift, I met my mom and she told me that she had heard that the bride had never arrived. I felt sick. I kept seeing this very young man with worried brown eyes, pacing the floor. My mom told me all the wedding guests were waiting for the noon wedding--which was only a few minutes away. She actually knew the groom's grandmother and she went to find her and visit for a few minutes.

When I met my mom again several minutes later, I received a wedding update. Actually the rumors about the bride not showing up were inaccurate. She had arrived after becoming hopelessly lost driving to the temple and had ended up in San Fransisco. Her groom became worried when she kept calling and saying she couldn't find the temple. He finally left to find her. Unfortunately, he was involved in a traffic accident. He was fine, but his car was totaled.

I could not believe what I was hearing. I've heard of things going wrong on a wedding day, but never to this extreme. As my Mom, Jack, and I left the temple, there was the waiting room full of guests. There was the bride and her bridesmaids standing outside the temple with the photographer getting a few pictures taken before the groom showed up. I wondered if the wedding EVER happened that day. Well today, I got the rest of the story.....

Today, I went back to the Oakland Temple with our ward's youth group who were doing baptisms. While I was there, I ran into one of the assistant matrons who recognized me as a temple worker. She mentioned in passing the wedding they had on Friday. I expressed interest and let her know I had met the groom and wondered what had happened. This is what she told me.

"Once the groom was in the car accident, his father went to get him. His car is a total loss, but fortunately he was OK. After a three hour delay, they were finally married and then his father drove the new couple up to the Sacramento area for the reception. I hope they got there in time!"

I was happy to hear that they finally were married. Whenever they move into a new ward and are asked to give a talk and "tell a little about themselves" they will have quite the story to tell. And when their future children ask about their wedding day, hopefully they will be able to laugh about it and say, "Well, there's this song from My Fair Lady that starts out,

I'm getting married in the morning.

Ding dong the bells are going to chime!

Throw out the stopper

Let's have a whopper!

But get me to the church on time!"

Baking Beauty

When Ron and Emily came home yesterday afternoon, I greeted them at the front door with a big smile and an announcement:

"I am a Baking Beauty!"

Emily sniffed the air appreciatively. "Yes, you are!"

Ron smiled and said, "Let me give my Baking Beauty a hug."

All together now: "Ahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!"

OK, I promise no more mushy stuff.

As they walked into the kitchen, this is what they saw.

Mmmm....Cookies!
And do you see that beautiful centerpiece in the background?
Do you want a closer look?
Here you go!

Emily made this centerpiece in her floral design class. I LOVE it!

Yes, there were over eight dozen Peanut Blossoms--warm and yummy from the oven. Last night I attended a Relief Society cookie exchange. Six dozen of my cookies, along with 20 recipes were given out. In return, I came home with this:

Even more delicious cookies!

As Ron sampled one of my peanut blossoms he said, "I'm spoiled."

I was confused and said, "You're spoiled?"

"Yes, I'm spoiled with your cookies."

All together now, "Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!"

"Well," I replied, "You did marry a Baking Beauty!"

Candy Train

When I was a teenager, my mother taught us how to make a Candy Train. They are so much easier than graham cracker or gingerbread houses. I remembered the idea and after I had children, we began making candy trains each Christmas.

Emily and Jennifer with their masterpiece.

If you want to make a candy train, this is what you'll need.

• 2 large Snickers, Milky Way, or Three Musketeer candy bars.
  
• M&Ms (for the coal car)
  
• Tootsie Rolls (for the log car)
• 12 Peppermint drops for the wheels
• skinny licorice or straight pretzels for the train tracks. (optional--we don't do this every year.)
• Two Rollo's for the smoke stack
• One Hershey Kiss to go on top of the two Rollos.
• Two Ande's Mints for the sides of the locomotive
• Gummy Bears or Wrapped Christmas chocolates--Santa, snowmen, bells, and gifts are fun.
• Sugared orange slice for the "cow catcher." (I don't always buy this either because we aren't the biggest fan of this kind of candy.)
• Gum drop for the headlight (or a yellow life saver.)
  
• Any other kind of candy that you might want to use.

Cut one candy bar into a 1/3 to 2/3 ratio. This will be the locomotive. The smaller piece will be attached to the back of the larger piece. You will take the two Rollo candy pieces and attach to the front for the smoke stack. Don't forget the Hershey Kiss on top! Attach the Ande's Mints to the sides of the locomotive between the smoke stack and the back. Now you have a little compartment to put your chocolate Santa or Gummy Bears.

Take the other candy bar and cut it in half. These will be the two cars in the train. Pile M&M's on one car and Tootsie Rolls on the other. Attach peppermint drops to the base of each car for the wheels.

You will also need a firm frosting to "glue" everything together. We like this one.

Sonie Frosting

1/2 c. shortening
2 c. powdered sugar.
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 T. milk

Cream shortening and powdered sugar together. Add vanilla and milk and blend well.

One year, Ron and I home and visit taught several families with young children. We made each family a candy train. The kids thought we were the BEST!

However, over the years, our sweet, Christmasy candy trains have taken on a dramatic flair.

We had a Mexican Fiesta train one year--complete with an aluminum foil pinata. I believe Jennifer was the inspiration for that train.

Viva Mexico!

Do you see the tin foil pinata?

Do you see the flag of Mexico and the Smarties Sombreros?

Last year, with Dustin's assistance via phone, this is what Heather and Emily came up with.

It looks cute, doesn't it? Santa almost looks like he's winking at you!

However, if you look at the bigger picture, this is a 911 candy train--complete with lego ambulance, lego men carrying a stretcher, and a very sad victim. I'm not sure if the victim was run over by the train. I hope not.

Not such a Holly Jolly Christmas.

A close up of the tragic scene.

If you decide to make Candy Trains for families with young children, you'll probably want to skip the gore and stick with Christmasy sweetness. However, if you have teenagers, they'll enjoy coming up with all kinds of interesting scenes!

A Cedar Cove Christmas

A Cedar Cove Christmas by Debbie Macomber

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I love Debbie Macomber books. A recent Hallmark movie based on one of her Christmas books inspired me to go to the library and look for another one of her Christmas stories. Although this one was enjoyable, I probably would have enjoyed it more if I was familiar with the Cedar Cover characters. I have not yet read this particular series.

Mary Jo Wyse finds herself very pregnant close to Christmas. The father of her baby, David Rhodes turned out to be a lying, sneaky scoundrel who is determined to "not do the right thing." Her three brothers are determined to track him down and force him into marrying their younger sister. Mary Jo may have been a fool when it came to David's charming ways, but she realizes now that he would not be a blessing in her or her unborn child's life. In order to prevent a messy scene, she travels to Cedar Cove on Christmas Eve to warn David's family of the wrath of the Wyse brothers.

This book loosely parallels the first Christmas story. There is no room in any inns for this soon-to-be mother in Cedar Cove, but through the kindness of strangers, this book has a feel good ending--perfect when you want a little non-commercial Christmas cheer.

For Heather....With Love

Are the Christmas celebrations working you into a tizzy? Do you need time to relax and have a little fun? Well, I have JUST the game for you.

I cannot take credit for this great masterpiece. My daughter, Heather came up with the idea for this fun game. It takes very little time and very little brain power. Two items which are in short supply during the holiday season.

I have to admit, Heather never invited me to play this game until last Christmas. Yet, I had heard about it. Mainly from Emily.

Heather: "Let's play the Christmas tree game!"

Emily: "Do we HAVE to?"

Heather: "Yes, it's tradition."

How come everything comes back to tradition?

The game is simple. Find a Christmas tree. Any Christmas tree will do.

How about this Christmas tree?

Christmas Tree 2010

One person is the leader.

Leader: (Who is ALWAYS Heather in our family, because this is her game.) "I'm thinking of a light. Do you know which one it is?"

Of course, with a thousand or so lights on the tree, (perhaps that is a slight exaggeration) no one can guess correctly. At this point, a series of yes or no questions are permitted.

Emily: (Because it's usually Emily who plays this game with Heather, although last year I WAS permitted to play.) "Is it red?"

Heather: "No."

Emily: "Is it yellow?"

Heather: "No."

Emily: "Is it green?"

Heather: (With great excitement and glee.) "YES!!!!"

Now, it's a simple matter of figuring out which green light it is.

After a great deal of elimination, the right green light is discovered and the game is over.

It took five minutes tops!

Everyone has five minutes at Christmas! So, go ahead. Play this game with your family members. I'm sure they will love it as much as our family does.

P.S. Heather, have you played this game with Dustin yet?

Remembering Christ at Christmas

Last night I attended a Relief Society Christmas social. We had a delicious dinner, I enjoyed getting to know the women at my table better, and we had a lovely program. My nephew D.J. played a piano solo to conclude the evening. Can I say, "He's awesome!" D.J. truly is a gifted pianist.

Interspersed between the musical numbers, we watched three video selections that helped us focus on the true meaning of Christmas. It's a message I very much appreciated.

So many times, I get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Christmas shopping. Christmas baking. Christmas parties. The list goes on and on. By the time Christmas Day arrives, I am exhausted. I remember too many Christmas mornings where I went back to bed after opening gifts and breakfast. I was too tired to enjoy the rest of the day.

One of my favorite Christmases was when our little family moved to Twenty-nine Palms for a couple of months while Ron had a work assignment down there. We knew it would be a temporary move, so we only brought the bare necessities. If it didn't fit in our van, we left it behind. This included all our Christmas decorations.

Jennifer was turning one, Heather was barely four, and Christie was in 1st grade. We knew we needed to make Christmas special for them, so we grew creative.

We bought an inexpensive live tree, a box of Christmas lights, a package of popcorn, some thread, needles, candy canes, wrapped chocolates on a string, and some red and green construction paper. We strung popcorn, made Christmas chains, and decorated our tree with love. Because we knew no one, we weren't invited to any parties. Because Christie was being temporarily "home-schooled" we didn't have any school Christmas programs to attend. Each evening, we gathered together in the living room and Ron or I would read a short Christmas story. We sang Christmas Carols. We spent time together as a family.

There in the high desert of southern California, the stars seemed especially bright and close. It wasn't hard to imagine the Magi following the star in their search to worship the Savior. It wasn't hard to imagine angels appearing to shepherds as they shouted, "Glory to God in the Highest" and "Peace on Earth Good Will to Men." And it wasn't hard to imagine a young tired pregnant woman with a concerned husband as they traveled through their own desert in a far off land looking for room in an inn.

I hope you enjoy this video presentation. I know it helped me resolve to make room for my Savior during this busy time of the year.

Don't Call Us...We'll Call You or The End of the Saga

RECAP: As we left woman in yesterday's cell phone saga, she and her family had moved where her cell phone rarely worked. And now, the story continues.....

When woman, husband, and darling daughter #4 moved, they did not have a land line or the Internet for 1 1/2 weeks! That is a very long time to not check e-mail. Or update blog. Or check Facebook. Or even get the occasional phone call.

Woman got into the habit of carrying cell phone EVERYWHERE in her pocket.

She even remembered to turn it on.

Alas...cell phone missed many calls because of spotty coverage.

Something had to be done!

It was finally decided to give up beloved cell phone and cell phone number with 209 area code to find something a little more dependable.

Alas....woman has not changed her ways. Cell phone is rarely on. Cell phone is rarely carried. Cell phone is usually with darling daughter #4 so she can call and ask to be picked up from lengthy drama practices.

A couple of weeks ago, woman and her mother were talking to an acquaintance. Acquaintance was interested in obtaining woman's contact information.

Address. Check.

Home Phone. Check.

E-mail address. Check.

Cell phone number.

Cell phone number?

Woman did not KNOW her cell phone number. Woman has NEVER used the new phone. The one time Woman actually received a phone call, she could not find her phone in the depths of her purse. Woman could never figure out how to retrieve the message.

Clearly, woman is pathetic.

Clearly, woman is not ready for the 21st century.

This is what made it so ironic when woman and California sister were watching TV on Thanksgiving night and a commercial came on for a new 4G phone.

Woman shouted, "I NEED a 4G phone!"

California sister replied, "Yes, so we can video conference with each other!"

(California sister shares woman's habit of rarely using cell phone. So does their mother. It must be a family thing.)

Woman exclaimed, "We can update our Facebook!"

California sister replied: "And surf the Internet!"

California Sister and Woman were rolling with laughter. They thought they were SO Funny!

No one else joined in their laughter.

Woman said, "We should be on stage at some comedy show!"

California Sister said, "Yes, we are HILARIOUS!"

No one else joined their merriment.


I can hear the talent scouts say now,

Don't call us...we'll call you.

I hope they don't call their cell phones. They'll never get an answer.

The Saga Continues

As we left off in yesterday's post, said woman waited and waited and waited for dear husband to rescue her.

And sweated. And sweated. And sweated. (Perhaps I should have used the word "glowed." It's much more lady-like.)

OK, the woman glowed. And glowed. And glowed.

It was a very hot August afternoon. Remember?

Husband finally rescued wife from parking lot. He was able to get the car started!

Perhaps it was low on gas?

He convinced wife to drive to local gas station and fill up with gas.

She did so.

The car broke down again as soon as she entered the gas station parking lot.

A helpful stranger and dear husband pushed the offending van out of the busy gas line traffic.

"I think we may need a new van," wife sadly said.

"I think you may be right," dear husband replied.

After replacing three transmissions, (Yes, you read that right--three transmissions!) the husband and wife just could not stomach paying one more cent--not one more penny--on fixing their van.

It was time to shop for a new car.

Which they did.

However, buying a new cell phone took a little longer.

So many things to consider!

Which company?

What kind of plan?

What kind of phone?

Finally, after three months of researching, the phone was purchased.

There it sat, barely touched, in woman's purse.

No one could get a hold of her on cell phone.

It was never on.

She was teased.

"Why do you have a cell phone if you never turn it on?"

"I'm usually home," woman replied. "And when I'm not home, I don't want to be on the phone."

Oh, the phone was used occasionally.

Long distance phone calls to dear daughters #1, #2, and #3.

Long distance phone calls to Mother.

Long distance phone calls to sisters.

Long distance phone calls to friends.

And then, woman, husband, and dear daughter #4 moved.

The rarely used cell phone was used even less.

Because, alas, it did not get good reception in new location.

The story continues in part III tomorrow.

Don't hold your breath!