Just So

Perspective

2012-02-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

"Wecan ask ourselves, “Am I committing my time and energies to the things thatmatter most?” There are so many good things to do, but we can’t do all of them.Our Heavenly Father is most pleased when we sacrifice something good forsomething far greater with an eternal perspective."

--PresidentDieter F. Uchtdorf

These words are wonderful and give me cause to pause. Helps me remember to do those things that matter most.

Sugar Cookies

2012-02-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

I wanted to take a Valentine treat to the Primary kids on Sunday and first I thought I would just buy some candy to share. But then I thought too easy. Too impersonal. Then I thought cookies. Who doesn't love homemade cookies. So I decided on heart sugar cookies. Perfect for Valentine's Day. I used this recipe and they did turn out pretty darn good if I do say so myself.

Happy Valentine's Day!

The Price of Gas

2012-02-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

No one wants to hear this really and in fact this really, really dates me but I remember as a teenager when we would put a dollars worth of gas in the car and drive forever. A dollar would get us four gallons. Do the math people that's twenty-five cents a gallon! Now that's crazy. Twenty-five cents a gallon......it's true. Hey Dad can I have a quarter? I need to put gas in the car. When I think of it now compared to the almost four dollars for one gallon we pay it is hard to wrap my head around the fact we only paid twenty-five cents. But then I only made ten cents an hour babysitting.............and that is not a joke! And no I'm not 100 years old. And no I didn't walk barefoot to school uphill in both directions. But I did walk to school alone and it was a mile away. I don't remember it being a mile; I remember it being more like 5 miles. Strange how childhood memories grow. But the twenty-five cents a gallon that's a fact!!

1 Corinthians 2:12

2012-02-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

"Now we have receive, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God."

Silly Faces

2012-02-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

I love silly faces!

Aren't they fun?

Fourteen

2012-02-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

There is something about numbers that always draws me in. It is a genetic thing for sure. My mother was a numbers girl. Funny though I don't think math was a strong suit for her in school and I know for myself beyond the basic math it wasn't a strong suit for me either. Never could understand the need for algebra and the likes. But this post is NOT about my attraction to numbers necessarily. This post is about just the number 14 and a girl who is celebrating that number today! Really you are 14? I know it's cliche but it just doesn't seem possible that today your number is 14!!

Happy Birthday Girl!

You. Are. The. Best!!

Love you so!!!

Rain

2012-02-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

I consider myself a fair weatherperson. Anything in the 80’sworks; I’m even happy with the 90’s. But I recognize there must be moisture andalthough we haven’t seen a lot of it this winter season, I’m thankful for whatwe have received and do pray that more will come. So that I can more fully enjoy my 80 and 90days!

Two, To, Too!

2012-02-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

Two hands two feet

To achieve

Too much fun!!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

2012-02-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

We often will stop at Costco for one of their whole roasted chickens. They are very tasty no doubt about it. But I have to think they are full of things that may be less than good for us. There was a time when I always roasted my own chicken but haven't for years until recently we enjoyed a meal with friends where roast chicken was served. Since that time I committed to doing my own chicken. And the results have been just as good as Costco and I know better for us. And to be honest way too simple not to always do it myself!

Start with a nice plump chicken

Clean it up and pat it dry

Give it a nice rub of olive oil and your favorite savory spices

Bake it at 375 for about 1 hour and 15 minutes

You'll know when it is done, the juices will run clear.

And this my friends is what you will have!

A beautiful golden chicken of goodness!

Enjoy!!

The Smell

2012-02-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

Thismemory is prompted by this blog entry and its sequel. I too have experienced this smellyexperience. It was about 25 years agowhen we were living on a farm along the Sacramento River. Mr. Man was working nights at the time. That fateful night I had let out our dog Andyfor his last pit stop for the evening. Unfortunately he met up with a skunk. With Mr. Man not home there was no way I was going to leave my dogoutside. I know crazy. But to be honestI probably wouldn't do anything different today, that's just me! So I brought Andy into the house andproceeded to give him a tomato juice bath, repeatedly. For the record tomatojuice doesn't really work, especially on a long haired dog like Andy, asheltie. Time and numerous baths were theonly answer. And oh for the record the “smell” up-closeand personal is not the same as when you drive by it. It smells like tar; like really, really,really strong tar at least that is how Mr. Man and I remember it to be! Nasty!!

Jonah 2:5

2012-02-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

"The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head."

Poor Jonah, can you imagine his despair? Yet even in that darkest hour he remembered the Lord and prayed to Him. And as we know the Lord answered his prayer. While we may never be in the belly of a whale we may at times feel much like Jonah with weeds wrapped about our head. I like that vision of weeds wrapped around my head because at times it does feel just like that. And even though that does seem like the hardest time to pray. Prayers must come if we desire the Lord to rid us of those tangled weeds.

8 Seconds

2012-02-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

We had another fantastic time atthe PBR. Eight seconds mightnot seem like much. But if you aredoing this, I believe it must feel like an eternity!

Notice the time.

That ride was only 5.53 seconds!

Perfect Moments

2012-02-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

Recently I had a week that was justa struggle. And then at the perfectmoment I received an email with this thought:

"Becauseof Christ there is hope smiling brightly before you, and you need not worry toomuch about sickness, death, poverty, or other afflictions. The Lord will takecare of you. Your responsibility is to keep the commandments, feast upon thewords of Christ, and stay in the path to your heavenly home."

~~Julie B. Beck

It was just the salve I needed. It was the favorite part of my week!

Lunch

2012-02-02T06:00:00.001-08:00

Today I’m thankful for a great friend who took me to lunchfor my birthday even though she can’t remember which day my birthday is on (she knows it's in February just can't remember when; I love her for that) andthen let’s me monopolize the conversation with my woes. She is agood listener that way. Love you Lou!

Courage

2012-02-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

"As we go about living from day to day, it is almostinevitable that our faith will be challenged. We may at times find ourselvessurrounded by others and yet standing in the minority or even standing aloneconcerning what is acceptable and what is not. Do we have the moral courage tostand firm for our beliefs, even if by so doing we must stand alone?"

--President Thomas S. Monson

This came to me at a perfect time. I knew the answer to the question was a resounding "YES!"

Brown Rice Pilaf

2012-01-31T06:00:00.000-08:00

PressureCooker Style

2 TBSPExtra-Virgin Olive Oil

2 CupsBrown Rice

½ CupsFinely Chopped Onion

3 MediumCarrots, Finely Chopped

2 CeleryStalks, Finely Chopped

4 Cups ofChicken Stock or Broth

Heat theoil in the pressure cooker over medium-high heat. Add the rice and toast the grains for 2minutes. Add the onion, carrots, andcelery and cook for about 2 minutes to soften the onion. Pour in the stock. Lock the lid in place and cook at highpressure for 20 minutes.

Then go read a book or paint your nails or take a cat nap! I love to cook the pressure cooker way!

When the 20 minutes is up let the pressure release naturally before removing the lid. Once you get a natural release fluff the rice and add salt and pepper totaste.

Enjoy!

This comes out perfect for me and the flavors are great. If you are impatient like I am however you can also cook it for 23 minutes and do a quick release! I've done it both ways with the same great results. Sorry no pictures of this goodness but we ate it all!

Bread

2012-01-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

My earliest recollection of breadmaking was when I was around 4 years old. We lived right next door to mymaternal grandparents. I have fondmemories of helping my grandmother make bread. I'm not sure how much helpI could have been but I do remember her patience with me and giving me piecesof dough to knead and form into a loaf just for me. To this day I lovemaking bread. I love how I can turn simple ingredients into such wonderfultastes of goodness. I know of no one who doesn't just love bread especiallystraight from the oven. Even now as I think of it I can smell and tastethe goodness of it. A warm crusty slice of bread with butter melting intoeach little crevice so so good. Excuse me, I think I need to go make some bread!

Genesis 1:29

2012-01-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

"And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat."

My reminder to self.........eat more fruits, grains and vegetables!

You're Touching Me

2012-01-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

If you are a parent and reading this certainly at some pointyou have heard the words “You’re touching me.” Seriously what parent hasn’t? Siblings just seem to have to touch, poke and bother each other. It is what they do best. My girls are no different. Especially this one. She is not happy if she isn’t touching hersisters. Funny girl!

Artsy

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

I'venever really thought of myself as being "artsy" or a decorator type. I love art don't get me wrong. In fact I recently spent the day at an artmuseum with D2 in Kansas City and it was a great experience. It is a wonderful museum and the art work wasamazing. Some of it was hundreds of years old; it was so incredible. I wanted to touch it, but I didn't. But all these pieces were certainly nothingyou would ever see in my house for obvious reasons..........not my style andmostly not in my price range by any stretch of the imagination.

Butthere is an artist who is my absolute favorite and she is one I canafford. She has painted nine (hard tobelieve) paintings for me. She is amazing. Her work speaks for itself.

It is hard to pick my favorite.

But this one I do love!

The Sisters

Happy Birthday Wishes

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sending out Happy Birthday Wishes to this Boy!!

I. Love. You. So!

The Heart

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

"The heart is a tender place. It is sensitive to manyinfluences, both positive and negative. It can be hurt by others. It can bedeadened by sin. It can be softened by love. Early in our lives, we learn toguard our hearts. It is like we erect a fence around our hearts with a gate init. No one can enter that gate unless we allow him or her to."

--Gerald N. Lund

The Best Lasagna Ever

2012-01-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

1 lb.Ground Beef

1 med. Onionschopped

2 cans (28oz.) Tomatoes

1 can (15oz.) Tomato Sauce

1 can (6oz.) Tomato Paste

2 BayLeaves

1 TBSP.Oregano

1 TBSP.Parsley

2 TBSP.Basil

2 clovesof Garlic, minced

1 tsp.Salt

Pepper (totaste)

1 pkg.Lasagna Noodles (approx. 16-20)

1 lb.Cottage Cheese

2 Eggs

1 lb. gratedMozzarella Cheese

1 lb.grated Monterey Jack Cheese

ParmesanCheese

Brownbeef. Add onions and cook untiltransparent. Stir in tomatoes, tomatosauce, tomato paste, bay leaves, oregano, parsley, basil, minced garlic, saltand pepper. Simmer two hours.

Meanwhile,combine cottage cheese and eggs. Setaside. Combine Mozzarella and MontereyJack Cheese. Grease a 9X13 pan and a 9x9pan or three 9x9’s.

Justbefore sauce is ready cook noodles as directed on package.

Using halfof each layer:

Noodles
Meat Sauce
Cottage Cheese Mixture
Grated Cheeses

Repeatwith remaining halves. Sprinkle top withgrated parmesan cheese.

Bake at 350°for 45 minutes.

Can befrozen before baking, but plan on doubling cook time if you are baking itstraight from the freezer.

Layers of Goodness!

Space Shuttle Challenger

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

Almost 26 years ago on the morning of Tuesday, January 28, 1986, I dropped off S2 at mother’s; I wasgoing to get my hair cut. I rememberthis day because it was on this day the Space Shutter Challenger broke apart 73seconds into its flight, leading to the deaths of its seven crew members. One of those crew members was a schoolteacher, Sharon Christa McAuliffe. Iremember watching over and over again the newscast of the events. It was an event that for whatever reason affectedme deeply for months. I've had a lot of haircuts since that day; but that is one I will never forget!

Job 1:22

2012-01-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

"In all this Job sinned not, norcharged God foolishly."

Wow, Job could have so easilycomplained or blamed God or turned away from him. But he did not. Nor should we.

Ruth

2012-01-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

Asyou may have guessed I didn’t snap this super shot but I love it so much and can’t stoplooking at it, so it must be shared.

This Time of Year

2012-01-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

This goodness speaks for itself. And this time of year wehave the opportunity to enjoy it more than once. And that is our favoritething.....

It doesn't get better than this!!

Just This Day

2012-01-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today I shed more tears for the love of a dog. Yesterdaylittle Lucas left for Heaven. Way, way too early.

Rest in peace little man!

We will miss you so!!

Lucas Easterling
July 12, 2011 - January 18, 2012

Disappointment

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

SoI've been thinking about this word disappointment lately and I'vecome to realize that although there are events in life that cause disappointment,I know it is not the end of the world. I would much rather bedisappointed than upset any day. Being upset clearly stems from a"dark source." It can send youdown a not so great road and one that is sometimes hard to get off of. I know because I’ve been there. But I’ve learned that disappointment is a muchgentler emotion and clearly leads one to a calmer and more peaceful place. Disappointment I’m sticking with it.

Chicken Rice Roger

2012-01-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

Thisrecipe dates back to beginning of the marriage of Mr. Man and myself some 38million years ago. It was given to me by my aunt and it is still afavorite today. It is simple, tasty and made in one dish! What'snot to like about that. And no I don't know where it got its name.

2 ½ lbs.chicken parts; breasts, thighs and legs

(I preferthe thighs and legs myself in this dish)

¾ cupuncooked rice

salt andpepper

2Tablespoons dried onion flakes

1 smallcan sliced mushrooms not drained

2 chickenbouillon cubes, dissolved in 1 ¾ cups hot water

1 can ofchicken broth

Spray yourcasserole dish with Pam or whatever you use to make your dish non-stick,because it will stick if you don’t.

Then arrangethe goodness as follows:

Rice

Salt andPepper

OnionFlakes

Mushrooms,juice and all (Unless of course you are like D2 and don’t like mushrooms,then you can skip this part)

Chicken

ChickenBroth

Salt andPepper (No, I'm not repeating myself, I like salt and pepper on my riceand then on my chicken as well.)

Bakeuncovered for 1 hour at 350°

Removefrom oven and let it rest for a bit (you’ll know when a bit is up, but ifyou need to know it is somewhere between 5 and 10 minutes or the time it takesto get everyone up to the table) and serve.

Note: Theoriginal recipe has you brown the chicken beforehand. I deleted thisstep because one I’m lazy and it is just an extra unnecessary step in my world;with the whole dusting with flour and frying in oil. And two because whoneeds the extra oil and mess on your stove. Both reasons arevalid in my book. So just skip it, I do!

See no browning necessary!!

Mothering

2012-01-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

It is odd to me some of the things weremember and the many things we think we should and don't. I imagine as Ireflect on the events of my life or some of the memories of it there will besome that are more pleasurable then others. Sometimes my children tell methings that happened during their childhood that I have no clear recollectionof! Usually these memories of which theyspeak are …… well let's just say I'm glad I don't remember. Who wants to bereminded of their less than stellar mothering moments? Despite my inadequacies asa mother, I have to say Mr. Man and I managed to turn out some pretty amazingchildren. Who have in turn married some pretty amazing spouses! As wewatch them raise their children we are in awe at their parenting skills and theway they are raising our most amazing grans. This knowledge helps todiminish some of my not so great memories of mothering.

1 Peter 1:15

2012-01-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

When I read that scripture I'm reminded of the Hymn "Let us oft Speak Kind Words." Seems life just might be a bit simpler if we remembered that principle.

Out

2012-01-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

Mr. Man decided I needed to know what I looked like when I was out of it..........I mean out of it!

Thanks honey!

However, turn around is fair play in my book of rules . . .

Okay so he is not really out of it but I made him close his eyes for the picture!
He's a good sport that way!

Words

2012-01-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

So I'm hooked on this game called Words with Friends. It is a favorite alright!! Maybe too favorite I can't seem to stop playing! But I would still recommend it . . . You can learn a lot!

A Fireplace

2012-01-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

When the weather outside is frightful. I'm so thankful for a warm fireplace on the inside!

It is lovely!!

Just this Day!

2012-01-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

Just days into the New Year I realized that all my lovelythemes might not always fit with the day. It then became apparent I would haveto add an eighth theme. So I have and I will call it Just this Day. I guess itjust not realistic to think every day would be perfect and that all the starswould line up. Although I know that everything happens to a reason, sometimesI'm just not prepared for the events that take place. Case in point.

Mr. Man was recently referred by his doctor to a cardiologist for some rapid heartbeatissues. At the visit he was issued a heart monitor which he wasinstructed to wear for 30 days in an effort to see what was going on. Well itbecame apparent to me within five days that surely they should have enoughevidence by the number of "episodes" he was experiencing. Itwas apparent to his doctor as well. In addition to the rapid heartbeat,his heart was also stopping and for as much as 3 to 5 seconds!

Time for action. Plans had to change; our trip toKansas had to be rearranged. Mr. Man was now scheduled to get a pacemakerinstead!

Things happen in life when we least expect it! But even though there wasthe disappointment of him not being able to take the trip we gained so muchmore. We witnessed the miracle of modern medicine. His procedurewent off without a hitch. Although he did have another"episode" after the implant he was where he needed to be to have itaddressed. Now he is covered for a rapid heartbeat with medication andslow heart rate by the pacemaker. Now he will be able to make futuretrips. We were blessed by the prayers of so many. The love and concern we feltby family and friends was overwhelming.

Just this day although it wasn't something we thought would happen. We livedthrough it and are better for it.

Fluff

2012-01-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

When I learned about this I thought it was just another brand of marshmallow cream. But then when I tasted it I realized no it is so much more. It is wonderful, creamy, delicious, fluffy marshmallow goodness. So where does one find this goodness?? Well not in California. "WHAT" says I!! In fact I was told it can only be found West of the Mississippi! Perfect. I'll go to Kansas. And so I did. And sure enough I found it; well D2 found it. I bought the store out. Every. Last. Jar. All nineteen (19) of them! The Boy helped fill my cart. Okay they were only 29 cents each and he was having fun filling my cart so why not. So what will I do with all this goodness? Well I know I can find other marshmallow lovers. Plus it has its own website and recipe book.....the possibilities are endless. Check it out!

Time

2012-01-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

Eight short years ago we attended the blessing of this boy, Saturday I attended his baptism. Really!

I know the idea of time is overly talked about but really it is crazy to me how fast eight years flies by even when we are having fun! But oh the memories are the best!!

Ruth 1:8

2012-01-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

"And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother’s house: the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me."

The Book of Ruth so inspiring. So blessed to have two wonderful dils.

Happy Birthday Wishes

2012-01-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sending out Happy Birthday Wishes to this Boy!!

I.Love.You.So.

Space Bags

2012-01-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

I love my Christmas sweaters but they really can only be worn in December. So what does one do with them the other 11 months of the year. Well until this year I stashed them in one of those plastic zip up bags that blankets come in. Big, fat and awkward they were. But this year I discovered Space Bags (I know I'm slow). They are awesome!

So all these bulky sweaters........

......are now compacted nicely for under the bed storage!

A New Favorite!

The Troops

2012-01-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today I'm most thankful for "my" troops. Those family members and friends who are ALWAYS there for us no matter what. And this week has been no different . . . .

So thankful for each of you!!

Clutter

2012-01-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

Clutter. Not exactly a wonderful word. And actually not a condition I like although I'm guilty of it. So I have a problem tossing stuff out, because I like ALL of my stuff. But when I found this calendar I realized that there was hope even for me. And I love hope! So check it out and just say NO to clutter in 2012!!

Cinnamon Rolls

2012-01-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things to bake and share at Christmas time are these Cinnamon Rolls. This past year was no different. Give them a try you will ~~like~~ love them I promise. (Sadly in my busy moment of baking I didn't get out the camera. I will try to do better next time. This cooking with a camera is going to be a challenge for me!)

2 pkgs. Yeast
½ cup of Warm Water
2 cups Milk, scalded
½ cup Shortening or Butter
7 cups of Flour
1 cup of Sugar

1 cup Mashed Potatoes (sometimes I just use instant)

2 Eggs, slightly beaten

2 tsp. Salt

1 cup Raisins

½ cup Chopped Walnuts

Softened Butter, Sugar & Cinnamon

Soften yeast in warm water. Let stand 10 minutes. Pour hot milk over shortening. Cool to lukewarm.

Stir in 4 cups flour, sugar, mashed potatoes, eggs, salt and dissolved yeast. Stir raisins and chopped walnuts into dough. Slowly add remaining flour as needed to make a soft dough. Cover and let rise until double.

Divide dough in half. Roll into a 1/2" thick rectangle. Spread softened butter onto dough. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon. Starting with long side, roll up jelly roll style. Press edges tightly into roll. Cut in 1½" slices.

Place in a greased 13x9 pan. Cover. Let rise until double in size. Bake at 350E for 20 minutes.

I like to frost mine when they are cool; some people like to frost them when they are warm. This creates more of a glaze over the cinnamon roll. Either way works! I generally just make a simple frosting with powdered sugar, vanilla, milk and some butter. This year I added cream cheese; the frosting was wonderful. Just sayin'

So start your ovens!

What a Memory

2012-01-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

So this isn't exactly my first memory but it is a memory that I've carried with me for a long, long, long time. I often wonder how I even remember it or why I did what I did. When I think of it I wonder where on earth was my mother?? It is so gross to think about. But then I realize that was a million years ago and back then mother's did shadow your every waking move like is done today. Have I got you wondering?? Well what I remember is drinking out of the gutter..........I was thirsty and I was under 5 maybe under 4. I know, I told you it was gross but we didn't have water bottles and don't ask me why.........we just did it. The water looked clean..........I'm sure it was. I know of no disease being contracted unless of course the reason behind my middle age growth spurt is in fact caused by my drinking gutter water as a child; maybe I should blame it on that. I guess it could be possible! Either way it is behind me and the thought of it makes me shutter!

This is the cleanest gutter I could find!

50+ years ago the gutters were much cleaner;

I'm sure of it!

1 Nephi 1:1

2012-01-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

"I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents,therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; andhaving seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless,having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a greatknowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record ofmy proceedings in my days."

1 Nephi 1:1

The New Year is here and what a better way to start in the scriptures but in the beginning.

The New Year

2011-12-31T06:00:00.000-08:00

365. Yes, today is the last dayof the year and as it comes to a close it is amazing to think I have beenblogging continually this past year........and more really! Crazy!!

I'm excited for the New Year of blogging. This year is goingto go a bit different. Instead of monthly theme there will be a dailytheme. This will keep me on my toes. I made it through one year ofdaily blogging. Here's to the next........

Scripture Search Sunday

Many Memories Monday

Tasting Terrific Tuesday

Wonderful Words Wednesday

Full of Thanks Thursday

My Favorites on Friday

Super Snapshots Saturday

Love my new look.............thanks D1 and D2!!

2012 here we go!!

The 2011 List

2011-12-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

This ismy word list for 2011. Each day back in January I blogged about these onewords. Wonder how I did with it? Me too. Before I go back andlook at these January words let's see what I'm thinking about them now. So here we go:

Commitment: Blogged every day in 2011; I would say that wascommitment (the commitment was to work on all these words)
Reverence: I've definitely pondered more (I think I didok)
365: See "Commitment" (to blog everyday....I didit!)
Quotes: Need to improve (didn'tdo so good)
Train: Took one from SLC to Oakland......it was an experience! (Did it!)
Reading: I did more reading in 2011 (More to read in 2012)
Motto: Not sure (Forgotit, oops!)
Move: I never do enough of that (need toimprove in 2012)
Naps: Didn't take enough (Maybenext year I will find time for a few more)
Cookin': Fell in love with my pressure cooker (It absolutely saw some cookin' time)
Thank You's: Improving (can never say thank you enough)
Learning: Never stopped (using a pressure cooker was something I learned to do)
Laughter: Always (Noproblem with this one!)
Seed: Ah, not sure where I was going with this (Let go of old habits and step out of my comfort zone and grow into something better...need work)
Posture: I'm more conscience of it! (Must continue to stand tall)
Memorize: Improvement needed (Will try harder next year)
Intermission: Not a clue (Iwas reviewing my list….of course I was!)
Hard Things: I'm Primary President........(that's hard isn't it?)
Time: Still wish I had more in a day (I know we all have 24 in a day; I just want more)
No Offense: None taken (Ifeel good about this one, because none will be taken)
Timeout: Didn't take enough (It’s that time problem I have)
Elephants: See "Hard Things" (Believe me it is one bite at a time, there is no other way)
Sleep: Doing a lot more in the car......(does that count??)
Interruptions and Distractions: I’ll always have them (can’t get away from them)
Birthdays: Remember them (Gettingbetter at it)
Focus: Some days did better than others (That was my word…not sure how focused I stayed)
New State: Didn't make it to one this year but will tryagain next year! (I really want to dothis!)
Sewing: Created Mrs. Claus (That was a good thing)
Simplify: Still trying (Needto do more than try!)
Camera Ready: Started good; ended slow, really slow! (Not even in my purse anymore)
New Beginnings: See Sewing! (New Beginnings wasn't just aboutsewing; it was about everything)

One Word

2011-12-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

Asthe month comes to a close the one word that continues to shout out at me isblessed. The blessings of this Christmasseason have been abundant; as have the blessings of this year.

My Blessings:

Mr. Man

Family
Friends

"My Girls"
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The Movies

2011-12-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

Everyyear at Christmas time there is always a movie or two that is considered a mustsee. This year was no different. The movie that caught my eye this year was War Horse. It was the “horse” part in thetitle that told me it was a must see. SomehowI overlooked the “war” part. I’m notmuch on war, violence or cruelty or things of that nature. At one point well into the movie I lookedover at Mr. Man and said, “I shouldn’t be here.” He replied, “Why?” After shaking my head in wonderment of his lack of knowledge I recalled aconversation earlier in the movie when the wife said to her husband, “I mighthate you more, but I’ll never love you less!” Perfect! That was exactly how I was feeling!!!

Bumper Sticker

2011-12-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

I've seen this bumper sticker seems like almost daily in the past week. Maybe it has been showing up for a reason. Maybe it was just something I needed to see. One would think living with all the dogs I do, I would know this. But I guess I needed a bumper sticker to wake me up to it! As this year of 2011 draws to a close and I look to 2012, I think I'm going to work on doing this more!

It's a Wonderful Life!

2011-12-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sohere we are, it’s the day after “the day!” And what a wonderful day it was. One of the best parts of Christmas this year for me was that it fell onSunday. Sunday the day we attendchurch. This Sunday we celebrated the realreason for the season; thebirth of Jesus Christ; the One who gave His life for ours.

Perfect!

Searching the Scriptures

2011-12-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

"And it came topass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds saidone to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which iscome to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and foundMary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, theymade known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And allthey that heard it wondered at those things which were told themby the shepherds. But Mary kept allthese things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying andpraising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was toldunto them."

~~Luke2:15-20

Twas the Night before Christmas

2011-12-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

Twasthe night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

~~Clement Clarke Moore (1779 - 1863)

Milk

2011-12-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

I’vealways had this thing with the expiration date on milk. It is like my benchmark for how much time I haveuntil an event takes place. Events likeChristmas, New Year's, Birthdays and things like that! When I see that expiration date I know thattime is drawing near. And so last nightwhen Mr. Man brought home a new gallon of milk with January 1^st onit, it was then that it hit me that I was just eight days away from completingmy goal of writing everyday in this year of 2011.

Milk it does a body good!

Meet the Claus'

2011-12-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

Checking to see who has been

naughty or nice!!

The Tree

2011-12-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

Many of my Christmas memories have been jogged by D2. She recently wrote about our "wall tree." I love that she thinks I'm a genius but I know she too would have done the same thing had she been me; it has been said that she is me after all! It is true that this special tree does make an appearance every year whether we have a traditional tree or not and it will continue to do so for as long as I live. That tree holds lots of memories. It has been 24 years since it first made its appearance. And oddly enough I love it more now than I did when I first made it!

Smooth Sailing

2011-12-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

Weinterrupt this smooth sailing month for a weekend get away to New Mexico. What a wonderful opportunity it was to spendthe past weekend with seven of the grans and their parents. What a blessing it was for Mr. Man to be ableto ordain S1 to the office of High Priest; as he has been called to serve inthe Bishopric. The blessings of thisChristmas Season continue to grow!

It's Beginning

2011-12-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. You know the feeling. All the purchases are made or at least you have declared a truce with yourself and said no more shopping! Wrapping is done! YES!! All the baking is done again another truce has been declared; I will not sift another cup of flour until the New Year!! It is that feeling you get when excitement fills the air and at last you can't wait until the ~~day~~ morning finally arrives and you can just sit back and savor the moment. I'm at that point (well almost) and it feels so good!! I'm on the countdown...........I can hardly wait!!

Searching the Scriptures

2011-12-18T23:20:00.000-08:00

“And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrappedin swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hostpraising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”

~~Luke 2:12-14

Traditions

2011-12-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

There are so many great parts to Christmas for me. But one part I love is the tradition part. Over the years traditions have been started and some have sadly ended. But always with the end of one another has been born. This little tradition started; well not sure exactly when. But definitely after we became "empty nesters" and for obvious reasons.

Perfect, would you say!?!

Candyland

2011-12-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

It was candy that my mother made so lovely each year toshare with all those who came her way. Over the years she perfected the art of candy making. She made it seemso easy. Her boxes of candy looked so professional. And the tastes were amazing. Carmel that was so buttery and smooth. CarmelNougat so chewy but soft at the same time. She made Turtles, English Toffee and Truffles to name a few. Her candy making brought us together. Cracking walnuts although not the mostexciting activity, she challenged us to crack it perfectly so she would have aperfect half for her turtles. When achallenge is involved it is a whole new ball game in our family. Then there was cutting endless amounts oftiny little plastic wrap squares for her Carmel Nougat. It was a tricky endeavor but the outcome wasalways worth it. I have some of hercandy making supplies. I’ve made some ofher candy. Maybe next year I will try myhand at it again.

Cookie Party

2011-12-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

What is Christmas without a cookie party? I like an adventure so I tried something new. And I must say these turned out better than perfect for me. They look great, are ~~super~~ easy to make (the chocolate dipping is a little tricky especially when done at midnight) but most importantly they taste wonderful!

ChocolateCovered Snow Peaks

by Tyler Florence

Ingredients

· 4large egg whites at room temperature

· 1teaspoon cream of tartar

· 1cup plus 2 tablespoons superfine granulated sugar

· 1teaspoon pure vanilla extract

· 11/2 cups dark chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 225 degrees F and line 2 baking sheetswith parchment paper.

Inthe bowl of an electric mixer, beat egg whites on low-medium speed with thewhisk attachment until the whites become foamy. Add the cream of tartar andturn speed up to medium, beating until just fluffy. Add the sugar gradually, soit incorporates into the whites slowly without collapsing them. Once all thesugar has been added, add the vanilla and increase the speed to high, whiskinguntil the meringue is firm and glossy, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Placemeringue mixture into a piping bag with a medium-sized nozzle attached. Pipe 24bite-sized "kiss"-shaped meringues onto the trays and place in theoven. Bake for 1 hour undisturbed then turn off heat and leave in the oven overnightto really dry out.

Meltchocolate over a double-boiler or in the microwave on medium power for 30seconds. Holding each meringue by the peak dip the bases in chocolate so thebottom half of the meringue is coated. Let any excess chocolate drop off beforeplacing on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Allow to set at roomtemperature - do not put in the fridge. Once set, store in an airtightcontainer.

Just before I popped them into the oven!

The finished product!
Those tips are hard to keep from breaking

Turkey

2011-12-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sure now that Thanksgiving is over look who

has decided to make an appearance!!

Don't kid yourself,

we are happy to eat you for Christmas too!

Lights Camera Action

2011-12-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

Gone are the days of attending school Christmas programs; being that our last child has been out of high school now for 10 years. (That makes me crazy to say that.) But today we will have the extraordinary opportunity to attend a special one-night only performance of "Annie Jr." Starring none other than my extraordinarily talented niece as Annie! Her sidekick, Sandy is played by Birdie! It will be grand fun.

Here is the write up from the local paper:

'For elementary students, producing a play canbe a great learning experience.

For the students at Riverbend ElementarySchool in Yuba City, performing "Annie Jr." isn't just a learningexperience in acting, directing, lighting and staging. It also a chance tolearn about the Great Depression.

They will perform "Annie Jr." onTuesday.

"I let the kids decide on what play toperform," said director Michele Wright. "They had seen a couple ofmovies about the Depression era, and were really looking at history. They alsowanted to do a musical, so 'Annie Jr.' was perfect."

"Annie Jr." is largely the sameplay as "Annie," albeit shorter and with some of the darker elementsof the story toned down for younger performers. But it still includes theclassic songs "Tomorrow," "It's the Hard Knock Life" and"I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here," among others.

"Annie Jr." is the story of an11-year-old orphan named Annie, played by Madelynn Heath. The year is 1933 andshe lives in an orphanage run by Miss Hannigan.

Annie escapes the orphanage to go searchingfor her parents, but Lt. Ward, a policeman, catches her and returns her to theorphanage.

As she returns, Grace, assistant tobillionaire Oliver Warbucks, is at the orphanage to take one orphan to livewith her boss for the Christmas holiday. Because Annie is in Miss Hannigan'soffice, Grace takes her to live with Warbucks.

When she arrives at his mansion, she andWarbucks hit it off and they begin to search for Annie's real parents.

"Annie is an orphan looking for a betterworld," Wright said. "(She and Warbucks) find their way together.

"These are seventh- and eighth-graderswho are perfoming this play," Wright said. "We have 30 kids, andeveryone has a spot in the cast. They're training for lights, sound, thecurtain — everything. (The play) is almost entirely student-ran, I'm just therekeeping things on track."

Tuesday's performance won't be the onlyperformance — the cast will also stage the play just for their schoolmatesduring the week.

"These kids are 12 and 13 and aresinging and dancing on stage — that's pretty remarkable," Wright said.'

http://www.appeal-democrat.com/articles/annie-112166-play-warbucks.html#ixzz1gL6pHwCx

My Review: The play was fantastic. Mr. Man and I were both blown away, the kids were great. And Annie wow! She made me cry! What a voice. And Birdie.........a star is born!! When she came on stage the whole audience let out an audible......ohhh! She was the perfect Sandy!

Songs of Christmas

2011-12-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

I love the music of Christmas. This year being that I'm serving in Primary I've found a new favorite. This is the reason for the season after all.

The Nativity Song

This is the season beloved of the year.

Sing a rhyme; Christmas time soon will be here.

Tell the true story of Jesus’ birth,

When, as a baby, he came to the earth.

This is the new star, shining so bright,

Lighting the world on that first Christmas night.

This is the angel proclaiming the birth,

Singing “Hosanna!” and “Peace on the earth!”

This is the stable, shelter so bare;

Cattle and oxen first welcome him there.

This is the manger, sweet hay for a bed,

Waiting for Jesus to cradle his head.

These are the shepherds, humble and mild,

Hast’ning to worship the heavenly child.

These are the wise men who followed the star,

Frankincense, gold, and myrrh brought from afar.

See the sweet mother, Mary so fair,

Joseph, who guided the donkey with care.

See the dear baby of Bethlehem,

Little Lord Jesus, the Savior of men.

Searching the Scriptures

2011-12-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

“And there was in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them…and they were soreafraid. And the angel said unto them,Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be toall people. For unto you is born thisday in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

~~Luke 2:8-11

Necessity

2011-12-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

In my plans for this 31 Days of Christmas, I knew I would write about the necessity of creative trickery when it came to attempting to keep an element of surprise in Christmas. After all what kid doesn't want to know what they are getting before they get it?? And sometimes it is impossible to keep things hidden. Although I liked to think my children wouldn't be looking, I knew they did. I even had an un-wrapper who would then re-wrap. She was good that way. So I had to take drastic measures and thus creative trickery was born. It was the only way. You can read about it here. I did love that little tradition. But as the years went by it became harder and harder to think up a new twist. One year I had a friend do Japanese characters for me; that was confusing for all of us. The year I just mixed up the names was priceless. To make it interesting I included Mr. Man in the mix of mixed up names. On Christmas morning when the gifts were divided up, there sat Son Number 2 with just 2 or 3 little gifts, yet his father looked like he hit pay dirt! "Wow, Dad Santa was good to you!" Of course I then announced that each person's little pile was actually not theirs!

Necessity is after all the Mother of Invention!

Christmas Food

2011-12-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas Food. Food at Christmas. Either way you say it Food and Christmas go hand in hand in my world. About 28 years ago, with the help of my mom and Mr. Man we prepared Chicken Cordon Bleu for a Christmas dinner at church. It was a labor of love, all 150 individually pounded out pieces of chicken breast which was then rolled around ham and Swiss Cheese. That was a lot of chicken! I don't know why I always gravitate toward this dish each Christmas but it seems like one way or other it is in the meal planning at some point in my December. And this year it shall be no different!!

The Toy

2011-12-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

There was this one toy I remember getting when I was a child and it was called a Vac-U-Form. It was this crazy thing that made little plastic toys; well sort of. You would take a piece of plastic and clamp it into the holder and then heat it over this metal warming plate. When the plastic got soft, the holder was swung over to the other side, over a mold of the object to be formed. Then pressing a handle on the side of the little machine a vacuum was created, sucking the plastic down over the mold and shaping it to it. Then once cool you had a funny little toy. I don't remember what I created but I do remember the smell of that softened plastic. I loved that toy. Well, I saw it the other day in Costco; the place that has everything. I think it is so funny that it is making a come back; why would anyone beside me want to buy it?!? And I did want so much to buy it. Mr. Man frowned upon said purchase! So I didn't buy it. But I wanted to!!

7:00 A.M.

2011-12-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

I was never much for getting up early in my younger years. In fact in my perfect world I would prefer to sleep in beyond 7:00 a.m. if I could. But when it came to Christmas, there was just no sleeping in or sleeping at all for that matter. I can vividly recall looking at the clock every hour on the hour until the clock finally reached 7:00 a.m. For in our house growing up 7:00 a.m. was the magic hour. It was the time we could go wake up Mom and Dad and not a minute before. I remember sitting outside their bedroom door. Much like the Mervyn's commercial, thinking open, open, open! Now your are probably thinking, "why didn't you just go out without your parents?" I admit I do recall a time or two that I would go catch a quick glimpse but mostly I just remember waiting and waiting and waiting, mostly for my Dad. He liked to torture us by taking his sweet time. It was like really Dad can't you shower after we see what Santa left us!?! Couldn't you get up earlier and take that shower?? I know the thrill for him was seeing us squirm with anticipation. Those funny Christmas memories. I. Love. Them.

Side Note: Yes this post is on the 7th at 7:00 a.m. not the usually 6:00 a.m. because after all it is a post about 7:00 a.m.!!

Pattern of Love

2011-12-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

Pattern of Love

by Jack Smith

I didn't question Timmy,k age nine, or his seven year-old brother Bill about the brown wrapping paper they passed back and forth between them as we visited each store. Every year at Christmas time, our Service club takes the children from poor families in our town on a personally conducted shopping tour. I was assigned Timmy and Billy, whose father was out of work. After giving them the allotted $4.00 each, we began our trip. At different stores I made suggestions, but always their answer was a solemn shake of the head, no. Finally I asked, "Where would you suggest we look?" "Could we go to a shoe store, Sir?" answered Timmy. "we'd like a pair of shoes for our Daddy so he can go to work." In the shoe store the clerk asked what the boys wanted. Out came the brown paper. "We want a pair of work shoes to fit this foot," they said. Bill explained that it was a pattern of their Daddy's foot. They had drawn it while he was asleep in a chair. The clerk held the paper against a measuring stick, then walked away. Soon he came with an open box. "Will these do?" he asked. Timmy and Billy handled the shoes with great eagerness. "How much do they cost?" said Billy. Then Timmy saw the price on the box. "They're $16.95," he said in dismay. "We only have $8.00." I looked at the clerk and he cleared his throat. "That's the regular price," he said, "but they're on sale; $3.98, today only." Then with shoes happily in hand the boys bought gifts for their mother and two little sisters. Not once did they think of themselves. The day after Christmas the boy's father stopped me on the street. The new shoes were on his feet, gratitude was in his eyes. "I just thank Jesus for people who care," he said. "And I thank Jesus for your two sons," I replied. "They taught me more about Christmas in one evening than I had learned in a lifetime."

When I read this story I'm touched by the giving nature of children. Love their true example of Christ like giving.

Hallmark Movies

2011-12-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

For me the month of December means Hallmark Christmas movies. I just love them. Last Friday we went with friends to Kelseyville for the annual "Kelseyville Christmas in the Country and Light Parade." It was a grand evening, as we strolled down main street I commented to my friend, "I feel like I am in a Hallmark movie."

And the parade......well

I. Loved. It!

Searching the Scriptures

2011-12-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

"And Joseph also went up from Galilee out of the city ofNazareth, into Judea unto the city of David, which is Bethlehem, to be taxedwith Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was thatwhile they were there...she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him inswaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for themin the inn."

~~Luke 2:4-7

Teach the Children

2011-12-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

Teach thechildren the star was the heavenly sign of promise long ages ago. God promised a Savior for the world and thestar was a sign of the fulfillment of that promise. The countless shining stars at night – one foreach man – now show the burning hope of all mankind.

Teach thechildren red is the first color of Christmas. It was first used by the faithful people to remind them of the bloodwhich was shed for all the people by the Savior. Christ gave his life and shed his blood thatevery man might have God’s gift of Eternal life. Red is deep, intense, vivid – it is thegreatest color of all. It is the symbolof the gift of God.

Teach thechildren that the deep green of fir tree was a perfect background for theornament. Here was the second color of Christmas. The pure green color of thestately fir tree remains green all year round. This depicts the everlasting hope of mankind. Green is the youthful, hopeful, abundantcolor of nature. All the needles point heavenward– symbols of Man’s returning thoughts toward heaven. The great green tree has been man’s bestfriend. It has sheltered him, warmedhim, and made beauty for him.

Teach thechildren that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it shouldring for man to return to the fold – it means guidance and return. It further signifies that all are precious inthe eyes of the Lord.

Teach thechildren that the candle shows man’s thanks for the star of long ago. Its small light is the mirror ofstarlight. At first candles were placedon the trees – they were like many glowing stars shining against the darkgreen. The colored lights have now takenover in remembrance.

Teach thechildren that the bow is placed on a present to remind us of the gift of the spiritof the brotherhood of man. We shouldremember that the bow is tied as men should be tied, all of us together, withthe bonds of good will toward each other. Goodwill forever is the message of the bow.

Teach thechildren that the candy cane represents the shepherd’s crook. The crook on the staff helps bring back thestrayed sheep to the flock. The candycane represents the helping hand we should show at Christmas time and all year. The candy cane is the symbol that we are ourbrother’s keepers.

Teach thechildren the wreath symbolizes the eternal nature of love; it never ceases, stops or ends. It is one continuousround of affection. The wreath doesdouble duty. It is made of many thingsand in many colors. It should remind usall of the things of Christmas.

Please teach thechildren!!

Christmas Candle

2011-12-02T06:00:00.001-08:00

Turn your lights low and read bythe glow of this candle, about the life of our Savior at this Christmas time. From the scriptures we read of His example andChrist-like characteristics, His mission on earth so divine. Strivediligently to emulate each of these wonderful qualities and follow the exampleof our Savior each day. Not only at this special giving season, but throughoutthe year remember Him and show love in every way.

December 1st- John 13:15 - Example

December 2nd- Matthew 18:4 - Humility

December 3rd- Colossians 3:13 - Forgiveness

December 4th- 1 Corinthians 16:14 - Charity

December 5th- John 12:26 - Service

December 6th- James 2:18 - Faith

December 7th- Colossians 3:20 - Obedience

December 8th- Matthew 5:9 - Peacemaker

December 9th- Mark 5:19 - Compassionate

December10th - Luke 6:36 - Merciful

December11th - Daniel 6:26 - Steadfast

December12th - Matthew 5:16 - Good Works

December13th - Leviticus 19:2 - Holy

December14th - Matthew 5:48 - Perfect

December15th - Matthew 11:29 - Meek

December16th - Hebrews 6:15 - Patient

December17th - John 15:13 - Friend

December18th - Matthew 5:8 - Pure in Heart

December19th - 1 Corinthians 13:7 - Endurance

December20th - Proverbs 1:5 - Wisdom

December21st - Romans 14:13 - Judge Not

December22nd - John 15:12 - Show Love

December23rd - Proverbs 4:11 - Leader

December24th - Philippians 4:8 - Honest

December25th - Luke 2:11 - Chosen

Beginning December 1st read onescripture reference each day until Christmas. Light a candle as you readto remind you of Christ's life and example.

31 Days of Christmas

2011-12-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

We all know the 12 days ofChristmas. Some may like to forget them; one can only hear that song somany times, right?

Then there is the advent calendar. I'm notreally sure how many days are actually supposed to be in an advent calendar. I've read that there are 24 doors on a traditional advent calendar. The doors are number1 through 24. The first door is opened on the 1st day of December and the finaldoor is opened on Christmas Eve. Simple. I've read that it varies from yearto year. In Western churches, it begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmasand therefore changes each year. In Eastern churches, it begins inmid-November. I've also read that there are 50 days! Really 50, that's anew one on me. Then there is the thought that there are 17 days betweenthe beginning of advent, December 8th and Christmas proper, December 25th, so there should be17 windows or slots. Okay that makessense.

I have an advent tree calendar I made two million years ago and it has 25 little ornaments on it. So 25 is my advent number. Always bucking tradition, that's me. No different this year. So I'm going for 31 Days of Christmas. Let's make each day count!

Last the Best

2011-11-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

Yes last the best of all thegame I say. And with that in mind I havesaved the best for the last. In thismonth of thanks I couldn’t end it without expressing how thankful I am for agood, better, best family. They teachme. Bless me. Listen to me.

For each of you I’m eternally thankful.

Blogging

2011-11-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

As I'm approaching the final month of my year long goalto blog everyday I can't help but reflect on what this blog has meant tome. It has given me a chance to put downon paper (figuratively speaking) those things that are important to me. It has given me a feeling of greataccomplishment. They say that a habit isformed in at least three weeks and that bad habits are easy to make, butextremely hard to end. Good habits, on theother hand, tend to take more time to make. Interesting to be sure.

I'm not sure the difference between habit and commitment.But for me this blog is more than a habit because I know I could stop at anymoment and easily fill my time with something else. This blog is my commitment to myself to writedown those things that are important to me. This blog makes me think. To think about life, about family, about friends andeverything else in between.

I'm thankful for the commitment I made to myself to dothis. It is a good thing!

Change

2011-11-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

There is one consent in life besides death and taxes andthat is change. I've not always been abig fan of change. Growing up I neverexperienced much change. I lived inthree different houses; five if you count the one I don't remember and one thatwas just temporary while wanting to move into a new one. In my married lifehowever, we have lived in thirteen different houses so far. That has not always easy for me. I have learned, sometimes the hard way, thatthese changes along the way have in the end always been for my good and witheach change I've been given the opportunity to grow in some way. Heavenly Father's plan for me isn't alwaysclear but as I've accepted change and the experiences that come with it I'vealways come out better. And for that Iam thankful.

Words to be Thankful For

2011-11-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

"We may not know when or how the Lord’s answers will begiven, but in His time and His way, I testify, His answers will come. For someanswers we may have to wait until the hereafter. This may be true for somepromises in our patriarchal blessings and for some blessings for familymembers. Let us not give up on the Lord. His blessings are eternal, nottemporary."

~~Robert D. Hales,

Waiting upon the Lord: Thy Will Be Done

October 2011 ConferenceAddress

Psalm 37:3-5

Trust in the Lord,and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy wayunto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Warmth

2011-11-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

I so much prefer warm weather. The sun's warmth is a must in my life. I'm so thankful for a warm home to live it. For the ability to just flip a switch and almost instantly enjoy the benefits of that instant heat. For warm blankets and clothes. Every time I watch the movie 17 Miracles, I'm reminded just how thankful I should be for the simple enjoyment of warmth.

Bounty

2011-11-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

So thankful for the bounties of life which we enjoy everyday! Thanksgiving was a wonderful day of bounty. Wonderful food,wonderful family. So blessed.

Happy Birthday Shout Out

2011-11-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today is birthday number .... well you do the math

Here is a hint:

When she turned 8 her birthday was on Thanksgiving too and that was 23 years ago.

Okay that was a huge hint

Happy Birthday D2
Love. You. So.

Naps

2011-11-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for lazy days and

the naps that come along with them.

If I took a nap like this, I'd never sleep at night!

Cinnamon Rolls

2011-11-22T06:00:00.001-08:00

I’mthankful for these yummy cinnamon rolls. I’m especially thankful they arrived at our door without any baking onmy part.

So so yummy!

So so perfect!

Thank you!

The Day After

2011-11-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

I’mthankful for Sundays. I’m thankful thateach Sunday is different. I’m thankful forthe things I learn each Sunday. Yesterday was no exception. Therewas much to learn. Here are a couple ofthings that were spoken about and so impressed me.

Gifts of the Spirit
The Gift of Time
The Gift of Charity

"Thelove we give will be what remains; not the material gifts of the world which wemight give."

Sothankful for good words of wisdom.

Sunday's Scripture

2011-11-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

And he who receiveth allthings with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things ofthis earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.

~~Doctrine & Covenants 78:19

Saturday

2011-11-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

So it is only natural that afterbeing thankful for Friday Iwould be thankful for aSaturday and I am. But this Saturday I'm especially thankful for the opportunity to attend the baptism of a special young lady in our ward. I'm thankful that this opportunity will give me a chance to reflect on myown baptism. I think of that day often, even though it was about threemillion years ago. I still remember how I felt that day. That was a day Iwill be thankful for forever.

Friday

2011-11-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today is Friday.

Who isn't thankful for Friday?

Usually Thursday is the day I love but this

Friday is the day I'm most thankful for.

Christmas Countdown

2011-11-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sothere was a time when it wasn’t until the day after Thanksgiving that Christmaswould start popping out. The thought of shoppingor decorating any sooner was simply unheard of; at least in my world. Well, fast forward and now, and now there isChristmas stuff in October, in September and sometimes I’ve even seen it inJuly. Really people!?! I’ve been kicking and screaming for yearsabout this, it just didn’t seem right. Well,after 3 million years of kicking and screaming over this I decided to flip theswitch and do all the shopping early, not the decorating mind you but yes tothe shopping. I’ve tried in the past toget shopping done early; you know like by December 23^rd or somethinglike that. But this year I started earlylike October early, I think I even got stuff in September. This has been crazy for me. I discovered anything I wanted was available,awesome. I’m discovering that the stressthat is sometimes associated with Christmas isn’t going to be there for mebecause I will be done before Thanksgiving and not starting after Thanksgivingwhen time goes at lightning speed. I’mgetting excited to decorate and enjoy the decorations. I didn’t think I would ever say this butshopping before Thanksgiving is a wonderful thing and I’m so thankful to havethe shopping and shipping behind me.

sOcKs

2011-11-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

As autumn chills the air more and more each day, my feet get colder and colder. This makes me sothankful for warm cozy socks! Simple but true!

Work

2011-11-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today I givethanks for the opportunity I have each day to go to work. I’m blessed with work. And to that end, I live this, I know this, I love this quote.

“The privilege towork is a gift.

The power to workis a blessing.

The love of work is success.”

― David O. McKay

"Morning"

2011-11-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

I've never been much of a morningperson. It just doesn't seem like there should be a wake up time of 4 or 5 or even 6 inthe morning. That's just how I am. My dad was my chauffeur to earlymorning seminary; he would sing funny songs in an effort to make me forgot the hourof the day. It didn't always help. Fast forward a million years andnow those funny hours of 4, 5 and 6 are my wake up norm, who knew that wouldever happen? Oddly enough today I'm most thankful for morning! Forits fresh start, for its quiet and for its peace. I've learned morning isa good thing. And I will always be thankful for each morning I'm given!

Sunday's Scripture

2011-11-13T06:30:00.000-08:00

That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.

~Alma 34:38

Short Version

2011-11-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Developed pink eye; notthankful for that.

Called the doctor’s office lefta message for the advice nurse to call me.

She doesn’t.

Called the doctor’s officeagain, left another message.

Finally got a return call.

Explained my symptoms, alsosaid I hoped not to come down the hill to see the doctor, just looking for a prescription, please.

No promises but she would call back.

Waiting, waiting, waiting……..sixhours waiting.

Call again.

Oh yes we called thatprescription into Costco.

Really………thanks for listeningbut like I mentioned I didn't want to go over the hill,

could you please call ourlocal pharmacy?

More phone calls to straighten out the non-listening.

Thank you Coyote ValleyPharmacy for listening and for coming through.

Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

Thank you hardly seems enough when it comes to the servicerendered by those who serve in our Armed Forces. But it is with a deepsense of gratitude that I thank them for their willingness to serve. And thank you to their families; their service and sacrifice is equally appreciated!

Thank you!

Friends

2011-11-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

So thankful for good friends. We laugh together. We cry together. We reminisce together. We share together. We care together. I've been so blessed to have friends of all ages; younger, older and in-between. (You know in-between; in-between is one's current age!) Each friend is a thread in my tapestry of life. Each friend makes me better. For that and more, I'm so thankful!

Diamond Lane

2011-11-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

Mythankfulness is simple today. I'm thankful for the diamond lane. It sure takesa bite out of our commute. And now that we are coming and going in the darkthat little bonus is greatly appreciated!

One Hour

2011-11-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

Onehour. A lot can be accomplished in anhour. This week I’m thankful for that extra hour. Although I'm not particularly crazy about five o'clock darkness........a.m. or p.m.