Countdown to Christmas

~Merry Christmas~

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For unto us a child is

BORN, UNTO US A SON

is given and the government

shall be upon his shoulder;

and his name shall be

called, Wonderful

Counselor,

The Mighty God

The Everlasting Father,

The Prince of Peace.

Happy Birthday to the Savior of the World Jesus Christ.

Countdown to Christmas

Day #24

Christmas Eve.

Five C~R~A~Z~Y people started out the day this way...I wouldn't recommend it...the Polar Bear Plunge. No they didn't have to break through ice first, but still it was very cold to jump into an unheated pool in December...not for the faint of heart...or me.
We went from the ridiculous to the sublime. Jordan was a perfect hostess and she prepared a wonderful Christmas dinner. Jake conducted the program and we enjoyed sharing the Christmas story in word and song and some sharing of talents by everyone there. It was a lovely evening and it was so fun to be together.

Countdown to Christmas

Day #23

Rick, Andy and I headed out of town to spend the Christmas holiday with our oldest daughter and her family. Our other two children were spending the holiday with their in-law families. Rick had to work most of the day so we reserved a room in Vegas and went that far the 1st night. Claire found us a lovely room for $40/night at a place called Tuscany resort and suites. It was lovely and we would return another time.
We arrived to find this:



I'm thinking that I will write a new song...I'm dreaming of a GREEN Christmas...it was actually quite LOVELY!!

We immediately started some fun activities with our 3 little grand daughters and their parents by driving around looking at some crazy & amazing Christmas light and by going to a fun train park. Our little 2 year old granddaughter is NOT a fan of nutcrackers or Santa Claus and you can see by the look on her face that she was ready to get the heck out of there. We sat in the back seat of the van with our oldest granddaughter Lauren and she put her arm around through our arms as we drove around and said she was so happy that we were there. Auhhhh....so sweet!

Countdown to Christmas

Day #22

Since we were going out of town for Christmas, someone got to see his present early.

I'm so happy that he was trilled with it! What man doesn't love a lazy boy recliner? It turned out so well that Dave and Courtney and Andy could be around for the surprise!

Countdown to Christmas

Day #21

We took around some neighborhood gifts to the families we visit through home teaching and visiting teaching, to some people that we have known for years and to some that we don't know very well yet. It's such a great time to be neighborly and to visit and spread some cheer. I made some Grandma Mayme molasses cookies and shared them with some and then made several batches of cinnamon raisin bread and shared it with others. We were able to do some good in other ways too and it felt good to share. We received some great treats as well . My friend Patsy makes the BEST sugar cookies and she brought us a plate of her cookies. We eat them sparingly and try to enjoy them for as long as possible. Some of them even lasted long enough to reach Arizona and were enjoyed by all.

Countdown to Christmas

Day #20

He's at it again! My little elf (or my true love) once again did the 12 days of Christmas for me! I loved it! He leaves little gifts on the seat of my car each of the 12 days that lead up to Christmas. The little gifts consist of things I need, things I enjoy and things I didn't know I needed, but do! Thank you true love!

Countdown to Christmas

Day #19

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens has such an impactful message if we will listen well and learn the lessons that the three spirits came to teach each of us. We were reminded of that again tonight when Rick, Andy and I attended with Rick's mom. It was a lovely evening and one of our favorite traditions.

"And it was always said of him, that he knew now to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! An so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless Us Every One!"

Countdown to Christmas

Day #18

Today in church we heard a talk that ranks right up there among the best we've heard. It was given by a ward member who is a man who has lived enough of life that he knows what he is talking about. And talk he did...about giving the gift of forgiveness at Christmas time. It was powerful. It caused me to pause and think. We all have hurts that we are nursing and he advised us to just let them go. Just let them go and remember them no more. Forgiveness. What a great gift it is.

Today Is the Day to Forgive

Knowing how imperfect we are, surely we can extend healing forgiveness to those we love. Jesus said, “I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men” (D&C 64:10). Comfort and sweet peace will live in our homes when we forgive each other freely.

Is there someone in your life who perhaps needs forgiveness? Is there someone in your home, someone in your family … who has done an unjust or an unkind or an unchristian thing? All of us are guilty of such transgressions, so there surely must be someone who yet needs your forgiveness.”

Amazed at the Love Jesus Offers MeJeffrey R. Holland

Countdown to Christmas

Day #17

We had a very busy day...it started out with the ward breakfast at the church, followed by the SCERA breakfast, then we were off to this


and this

and this
and then finally some of this


It was a very L~O~N~G day (and mostly fun, even with a heart-breaking loss in basketball!)

Countdown to Christmas

Day #16

Thanks to our sweet daughter-in-law Courtney who shared her tickets with us, we were able to attend another wonderful Christmas production and concert of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir with guests Jane Seymour and Nathan Gunn at the conference center in Salt Lake City. Wow, it was so inspirational and moving. It even snowed in the concert as you can see! Courtney hit the jack pot because our tickets were on the 7th row from the front. We got to see President Monson and his family, President Uchdorf and his family and many other general authorities of the church come in to the conference center very close to where we were. We were right under the snow flakes. They looked like real snow, but when they landed they were actually some sort of bubble that just disappeared. Cool!
Courtney got four tickets she shared with us and her parents since she and Dave weren't in Utah yet. We went out to dinner first (and coincidentally ran into Ann and Trace!) and had a lovely evening with Adrienne and David. Thanks dear Courtney!

Countdown to Christmas

Day #15

I'm speechless. I'm so proud. I never thought I'd have a child make it big in the MUSIC industry. I present...Lyrical Reparations...some white boys having fun. See if you can recognize a certain voice. I wonder if he'll make it big as a rapper??






If you want to follow this up and coming group, just like them here.

Countdown to Christmas

Day #14

Peppermint Ice Cream + homemade hot fudge sauce = Delectable & Irresistible



Hot Fudge Sauce
2 T. baking chocolate
1/2 c. butter
2 c. powdered sugar
3/4 c. evaporated milk

Slowly melt butter and whisk in chocolate in sauce pan. Remove from heat. Add sugar and milk alternately. Stir till smooth. Return to heat. Simmer 8-10 minutes. Can keep hot in a crock pot. Serve hot over peppermint ice cream. Get ready for a taste sensation!

Countdown to Christmas

Day #13


Lights at Temple Square from Jon Price on Vimeo.


It's a holiday tradition for many families. A tour around Temple Square in Salt Lake City. It's so beautiful and peaceful and a wonderful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. It just wouldn't seem like Christmas without a visit to Temple Square.

Countdown to Christmas

Day #12Here is some really good relationship advice for Sane Family Christmas Gatherings*

Preparing for family gatherings is par for the course during the holiday season. But did you realize you should also be preparing for the impact such gatherings can have on your marital relationship?

Bringing all the family together can be extremely rewarding, but it can also test the relationships of all those who are present. Here are four tips that can help minimize the negative impact that family and family gatherings can have on your marriage.

1. Have realistic expectations - Most couples have an idea of what types of issues are likely to annoy them or hurt their feelings when the whole family gets together. It is important to realize that in most situations, you will each be more patient with your own family. You and your spouse will likely each be more excited to spend time with your own family. This is logical. However, often people are not realistic enough about how they or their spouse will feel about family and family gatherings or unrealistically expect things to be different than they were before. Change your expectations, and you and your spouse will be better able to take the irritations in stride.

2. Open the lines of communication - In anticipation of family gatherings, talk with your spouse about what sort of things you may face and how you can understand what may cause issues for him or her. If you go into the events knowing what may or may not cause issues for your spouse, you can prevent dealing with ramifications.
If there have been problems before, talk with your family members and set boundaries so that similar problems are less likely to occur in future. In most situations, families get together because they want to enjoy each others company. Educate them if something upsets you. Be open, honest and patient. They will likely appreciate knowing how to help make things more comfortable for you and your spouse. If a problem arises, nip it early.

3. Avoid the temptation to smooth things over - Smoothing is a term I use to illustrate when a person tries to fix things between their family and their spouse. For example, when your spouse's feelings are hurt by one of your family members (even if it was unintentional), it is tempting to try to diffuse the situation by explaining that your family member did not intend to hurt your spouse's feelings. You may also try to help your spouse look at the situation differently so that your family member is not put in such a bad light. You may think explaining that to your spouse will help him feel better. The reality is that you may make the situation worse. Your spouse may feel that you are taking the side of the family member and that your family of origin is more important than he is.
A better way to deal with the situation is to listen to your spouse and validate what he experienced. You don't have to agree with his interpretations. Do your best to put your feelings of loyalty to family on the back burner.

4. Put your marriage first - If you are faced with a situation where you have to side with your spouse or another family member, choose your spouse every time. I hesitate to talk of it like you have to take sides, but the reality is that if your spouse's feelings have been hurt or you decide to spend too much time with your family instead of your spouse's, your spouse may feel that you are taking sides. Protecting your spouse protects your marriage. You may need to spend less time with your family that you want and more time with your spouse's family than you want.
Family is and should be the greatest joy in our lives. This is why is it so great to get together and celebrate the birth of the Savior together. Following the tips I have provided can help you and your spouse happily navigate potential negatives you may face so you can truly feel joyous about your family and your spouse's family.

*Jonathan Swinton is a licensed marriage and family therapist at Swinton Counseling in Utah.

12-11-11

Progress report to keep me motivated. MY FINAL REPORT!
11 in 11

1. visit 11 temples this year and do the the temple work for at least 22 of our departed ancestors - COMPLETED July 2011

• 1. Provo, Utah temple-10 sealings for couples and sons
• 2. Provo, Utah temple - 5 initiatory
• 3. Albuquerque, New Mexico temple - 5 initiatory
• 4. Mesa, Arizona temple - 1 endowment
• 5. Laie, Hawaii temple - 1 endowment
• 6. St. George, Utah temple - 1 endowment
• 7. Provo, Utah temple - 8 sealings for couples, 4 sons (Rick), 3 daughters
• 8. San Diego temple - 1 sealing for couples, 3 daughters
• 9. Provo, Utah temple - 14 baptisms for women, 14 confirmations
• 10. Provo, Utah temple - 3 sealings for couples, five sons (Rick), five daughters
• 11. Provo, Utah temple - 1 endowment
• 12. Provo, Utah temple - 2 sealings for couples, 8 sons
• 13. Provo, Utah temple 2 sealings for couples, 4 sons
• 14. Provo, Utah temple 1 endowment
• 15. Provo, UT temple 3 sealings for couples, 5 daughters
• 16. Provo, UT temple 1 endowment
• 17. Logan, UT temple 1 endowment
• 18. Provo, UT temple 1 endowment
  

2. lose 11 pounds - I'm sad to report that I didn't achieve this goal this year. Next year will be my year! This is the only goal I didn't achieve and it was by far the hardest after a very good effort.

3. read 11 books - COMPLETED September 2011

• 1. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
• 2. Heidi (a childhood favorite - loved reading it again)
• 3. Same Kind of Different as Me
• 4. The Forgotten Garden
• 5. Jane Eyre
• 6. The Book Thief
• 7. Believing Christ
• 8. The Hunger Games
• 9. Catching Fire
  
• 10. Mockingjay
  
• 11. Rebel (book on tape while driving through the south, which lasted 16 hours!)
• 12. Yale Avenue Kid, autobiography of VBR
• 13. A Child Called "It"
  

4. organize & label 11 of our family photo books - COMPLETED October 2011

• completed 4 books, starting in 1976 through 1982
• completed 7 books, starting in 2006-2011
  

5. visit 11 elderly people - COMPLETED August 2011

• 1. G.G. 2. G.D.E. 3. M. Y. 4. L. B. 5. V. B. R. 6. D. F. 7. A. E. 8. U. R. 8. A. L. 9. U. V. 10. L. C. 11. S. C. 12. P. P. R. 13. L. B.
  

6. sew 11 items and give them away - COMPLETED November 2011

• 1 skirt for Skippy, 1 blanket for Skippy, 1 skirt of Lauren, 1 skirt for Ellie, 1 skirt for Ada, 2 aprons for Skippy, 1 skirt for Skippy, 1 jumper for Kindergarten Lauren, bound 1 quilt for a friend, make five baby blankets for Courtney, make a tee-shirt quilt for Courtney's birthday

7. go with Rick to visit 11 new places - COMPLETED September 2011

• 1. drove around Utah Lake for the first time
• 2. North shore Oahu, Hawaii - including Waimea, Haleiwa & Sunset beach
  
• 3. Hike to Diamond head, Hawaii
• 4. West shore Oahu, Hawaii - including Waianae, Maili & Ko Olina bay
• 5. Legoland, California
• 6. PETCO stadium, San Diego California
• 7. Mississippi - Jackson, Oxford
• 8. Tennessee - Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville
• 9. Kentucky - Bowling Green
  
• 10. North Carolina - Great Smoky Mountains, Asheville
• 11. South Carolina - Spartanburg, Greenville
• 12. Georgia - Atlanta, Athens
• 13. Alabama - Birmingham
• 14. Arkansas - Little Rock
• 15. Texas - Keller, Austin

8. send birthday cards to 11 people I don't normally send to - COMPLETED October 2011

• 1. A. K. 2. A. K. 3. D. A. 4. D. R. 5. D. S. 6. G. G. 7. T. S. 8. D. G. 9. M. J. 10. L. C. R. 11. H.F. 12. S. C.
  

9. watch 11 old movies that I love but haven't seen for awhile - COMPLETED September 2011

• 1. Dances with Wolves
• 2. First Knight
• 3. Mama Mia
• 4. Groundhog Day
• 5. A River Runs Through It
• 6. October Sky
• 7. The Little Princess with Shirley Temple
• 8. Father of the Bride
• 9. Emma
• 10. Wuthering Heights
• 11. Fried Green Tomatoes
• 12. Gone With the Wind
• 13. Steel Magnolias
• 14. National Treasure
  

10. make 11 new recipes - COMPLETED November 2011

• 1. Lentil soup (won't be making this again - it wasn't a hit with the husband)
• 2. Ziti Primavera
• 3. Cinnamon rolls (new recipe)
• 4. Easter Dessert
• 5. oriental chicken in the crock pot
• 6. Grilled chicken southwestern salad (from Jordan)
• 7. Fast Easy Bread, cinnamon rolls, monkey bread, crescent rolls with Lindsey!!
• 8. Shirley J, using the Universal sauce for beef stroganoff & broccoli cheese soup
• 9. Southern cooking from Mary Mac's cookbook - fried chicken, fresh creamed corn, peach cobbler, peach pancakes
• 10. Carmel dip fondue with apples and bananas
  
• 11. Pesto on vine ripe tomatoes with fresh mozzarella cheese
• 12. Cube steak in gravy & mashed potatoes
  

11. invite 11 groups of people over for dinner - COMPLETED July 2011

• 1. Lacey & friends, Pat & Vern
• 2. Valentine dinner with the Mark & Colleen, Trent & Kelley
• 3. Cleofon group of women for luncheon
• 4. Ryan, Jill and Corbin C.
• 5. Dave's friends from college - Erick & Sam, Bryan & Kelly, Danny & Danielle, Kyle & Kayla
• 6. Cousin Margaret & family
• 7. Niece Syd & Adam, Danny & Danielle, Romney, Jesse
• 8. Ryan & Jill, Corbin & Loni (BBQ outside)
• 9. Denise, Lacey & family
• 10. Adam and Crissa
• 11. Lindsey R. and her four darling daughters, Corbin
• 12. 4th of July BBQ - 70 family and friends
• 13. Ben and Melissa
• 14. Mom, David, Diane, Syd, Adam, Bishop and Becca
• 15. Dustin, Daelynn, MacKinley, Lucy, Syd, Adam
• 16. Margie, Ann, Brian, Robyn, Doug, Deborah, Pat & Vern (for Pat's birthday dinner)
• 17. Jason B. his wife Shelley and their four boys
• 18. Mark, Colleen, Curtis, Heidi and Tyler
• 19. Richard
• 20. Harmon, Deborah, Emily, Gerald & Phillip
  
• 21. Courtney baby shower
• 22 Thanksgiving dinner for 15
  
• 23. Sofia and friends
• 24. Andy and friends (and sister Janet...not pictured)
  

Countdown to Christmas

Day #11

We attended the premier of a new musical that was written about the Christmas book "The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey" at SCERA last Thursday. We enjoyed meeting the author Susan Wojciechowski and having her sign our copy of the book that we bought back in 1997. It's a sweet story with a wonderful message about love, redemption and bringing hope back into the life of someone who had lost it.