Light the World - day ten

Great-grandma Pat invited all the great-grands over to her house to make gingerbread houses.  She was so well prepared and had a gingerbread house ready for each family with all the extras.  She even made more royal icing so that they could decorate their houses as they wanted, and she bought extra candies so that they could eat some and have plenty to decorate.  What a fun and kind thing for her to do.  She gave them each a Christmas gift of a book and had Fat Boy ice cream sandwiches for dessert.  She is amazing!  At 87 she is still doing the things she loves and we all love and appreciate her for lighting our worlds.

Light the World - day nine

My sister Lee introduced me to this song.  The message is powerful.  It is beautiful and captures perfectly the thought that we should continue the feelings of goodwill, kindness and gratitude all year long.  Way to Light the World Peter Hollens!

Light the World - day eight

I gift from my wonderful Aunt Lorna

They turned out!  Time to cut and wrap.

Black licorice caramels are my favorite!

Here is the recipe.
  If you are in Utah, only cook them to
 235 degrees (given the altitude) 

I've always wanted to make candy at Christmastime, but have never found the time (or taken the time) to do it. This year I finally made the jump and I'm glad I did.
I got to go to Logan and spend some time with my Mom.  While there, we visited my aunt Marilyn and uncle Clair and they happened to be in the process of dipping chocolates.  They sell them commercially and their candy making room is quite amazing.  It was so fun to see how they work their magic as they make hundreds of boxes of chocolate to sell.  We got to sample some of their delicious candies and take some home.
We also visited my Aunt Lorna who was the in process of wrapping up (literally) her annual candy making process.  The first picture shows some of the fruits of her labors.  She makes between 40-80 pecan logs each year (which are also a favorite of mine) along with many other caramels and dipped chocolates.  She then gives them all away to family and friends.  I love that she has done this for many years.  I remember going to her house as a little kid and being the recipient of her delicious Christmas candy.  My dad was a huge fan of her candy as well.  I love these traditions and how she has lite the world with her generosity and talent in sharing home made candy each year.

Light the World - day seven

Claire and I heard David perform this song at his concert.  It is such a sweet song with a great message.  David is a great Christian, full of faith.

Light the World, day six

Each year around Christmas time, Rick has training in SLC.  We get a room at the Marriott hotel and it is my chance to shop around town while he is in meetings.  This year I got to explore Modern Display and see all the delights found in that amazing store.  I also visited Orson Gygi and bought supplies for making candy.  I shopped at City Creek and enjoyed a day of poking around that beautiful shopping center.  That evening we went to see the lights at Temple Square.  We got there at dusk and sat inside the Nauvoo Cafe sipping a cup of hot chocolate when suddenly the lights of temple square went on.  What a sight that is to see!  It wasn't too cold outside and since it was earlier in the evening, there weren't many people out.  We pretty much had the place to ourselves as we walked around the temple and the grounds around the visitor centers.  It was a delightful evening and a chance to spend some time with my sweetheart.  I love Christmas and I feel so much gratitude for my dear husband and all he does for me.