Goodbye, So long, Glad it's gone, But not Forgotten

Goodbye to 2008 tonight. I have such mixed feelings about the year in general. Our family had a year of first's without Nana for the year 2007. I thought it would be easier for all the celebrations this year as time is supposed to heal and all that. I don't know if that is really true because we moved in with Papa in May, just in time for Mother's Day. Then Grumpy and I were asked to speak in sacrament meeting on the anniversary of her passing. That was hard. I have had another year of first's because this house is so her. We have changed things around a bit, done some painting, gone through closets, drawers, cupboards, rooms in general and dealt with so many things. I am not complaining. It has been hard, sad, amazing and therapeutic all at the same time. In my efforts to clean out, sort, redirect, regroup and regift things I have been able to sort through my feelings too. I am really grateful that we can be here with Papa and do all these things for and with him. I know when going through things makes me sad, I can only imagine how it would make him feel if he had to do it alone. I am glad that through our efforts, things are becoming more organized, more relevant and we are downsizing our “stuff”. In truth, to make room for more “stuff”, but of a preparedness nature so we can feel more ready for whatever may come our way.

In letters to our children that kicked off our 12 days of Christmas this year, both Grumpy and I expressed our testimonies of getting prepared. We need to make this a big priority in our lives for two big reasons. 1) The prophet's have been telling us for years and it's about time we took it seriously, and 2) because we are going to need to be ready for the events and decisions that will affect our lives in the months and years to come. We have made a good start in 2008, but need to do even better in the coming year. We need to commit and dedicate ourselves and our needs should be re-evaluated to make sure they are needs and not wants.

I have learned so much this year and am grateful to the Lord for blessing my efforts to learn to can and preserve food. So thankful that we have had enough financial stability to set money aside to put food in storage. Grateful that the Christmas “Elves” were able to help our kids get a jump on their pantry items and hope they know how much we love them and want them to succeed. We have more to learn, and more to do ahead of us. I hope Papa will be able to teach me how to plant and harvest a garden this year and that it will be a successful effort.

It was a fine year. Many good things happened, there is still al lot of sadness too. Along with everyone else we are dealing with financial setbacks, regrouping and changing our long term plans to cope with the realities now and hoping that the economy will stabilize a little and allow us to breathe a little easier at least for a time. I'm not sad to see 2008 go, I am looking forward to better things in 2009. I hope. I'll try to be optimistic anyway.

From all of us here at Papa's, a Happy New Year to you and yours. May we strive for better, not just settle for good, so we will make all the way to best!

Thirty-Five and Counting…

We have made the journey together for thirty-five years and still like each other. Not bad after 3 career changes, 24 moves, 6 children, which means 6 teenagers, 8 weddings and 19 grandchildren. We look a little different now, a little more to us in some areas, and a little less in others. Not to worry, he is still a hunk to me, and he tells me I still look good to him. Nice to know when the mirror makes me wonder why. Grumpy has always been such a romantic man at heart. He has planned the most meaningful and memorable things through the years and this year was no exception.

Our day started with inviting Pop to go and see “Valkyrie” with us at a matinee. It was a good movie and we enjoyed going with Pop. We decided a few of the previews looked good, so will probably go back to see “Paul Blart, Mall Cop”, and a couple of other things that looked good. We came home and had lunch, abd Grumpy told me I needed to be dressed up and ready to leave by 6:00 pm for a surprise. We decided to get ready early and get a Temple session in before the surprise, so we went off to the Temple. It was fun to see the Brides and remember when. I even told a Bride as she came back in from pictures it was our anniversary. She said congrats and I told her I hoped she would be as happy as we have been.

After our session was over, we sat in the Celestial Room and talked quietly about some of the happiest, saddest, most trying and funniest things that have been part of the fabric of our life together. I am so blessed to be married to the man I am. For all that we are almost complete opposites in so many ways, we are truly soul mates. I am grateful for our eternal marriage and take comfort in the knowledge that death will not part us.

He whisked me away to a pleasant surprise dinner at Donovan's Steak and Chop Restaurant. It was a very pretty dining room with fine dishes and suited waiters. I came to understand there were to have been a dozen roses at our table, but the florist fell down on the job. It was a nice thought, but it was a wonderful dinner even without the flowers.




After shrimp cocktail, their signature filet mignon medallions, shrimp scampi, vegetables, potatoes and creamed corn, we left the restaurant and went home to dress warm for the next part of the evening. Grumpy's next surprise was to fly me over the valley and look at all the Christmas lights from the air. I was a bit of a party pooper as I wasn't feeling very well (a touch of asthma I think), so we decided to stop at Safeway for some Ben and Jerry's to pork out on at home. We wrapped up our evening with our ice cream, the tail end of a movie on TV and off to sleep. Eventually anyway.



It was an evening to remember, because as always, Grumpy took the time and made the effort to treat me like a Queen. But then again, he is my King.

Christmas Air Time

Grumpy was just needing some kind of excuse to take to the air, and since Jamie had never been up with him - well, here are some of the pics Jamie took from the air the day after Christmas. Taylor, Jamie and Grumpy flew over Saguaro, Canyon and Roosevelt lakes and got some pretty shots. It was a fun trip and everyone seemed to enjoy the air time. He does love to fly.

It Was a Merry Christmas

Yes, indeed. Santa came and brought gifts for all. The tree was made even more festive with all the wrapped prizes waiting to bring oooo's and ahhhhh's from their intended recipients. I love Christmas morning. We of course must have breakfast waffles, eggs and hot chocolate to begin the days culinary treats.




As soon as breakfast was cleared away, dinner prep began. We all decided to try a new tradition this year and opted for a Christmas Potluck. The idea was to make one of your favorite dishes to bring. We didn't do any desserts this year, but will add that in for next year. I missed the pies and such after dinner. Jade was making Angel Hair Pasta with a choice of Marinara or Alfredo Sauces. Grumpy and I were making Nana's Green Chile. Jade and I were setting a Christmas table which I neglected to get a really good shot of before we all descended on it, but it was really beautiful. Before we sat down to dinner, we had a gift opening and it was nice to see the thoughtful gifts everyone gave and received. I didn't get all of Grumpy's and mine opened until the next day because I'm always a little bit of an airhead at Christmas.



It's always a pleasure when Frances, John and Stephanie can join us for the holidays. They were gracious guests and did all the hand washing that accompanies china and silver. Thanks for coming and a big thanks for the help in the kitchen.



Tawna brought Chicken Paloma as her favorite this year and Summer and Jamie came with her famous layered mashed potato, chicken, and dressing casserole. Both were excellent. We all decided that next year we will be stocked with zip lock take alongs so everyone can take a portion of the favorites feast home with them.

We set the round bar in the dining room with Christmas dishes and goblets for the children so they could practice their lady and gentleman manners. They did very well.





After dinner it was nice that people were able to linger and visit. It was very relaxing and I loved that everyone could just get comfortable and stay awhile. The kids played hard and eventually Chance came looking for his Mom. He sat still for five minutes and just fell asleep sitting up. So cute.



Next thing I know, Jade looks like she is sleeping. Tawna and I know what a good actress she is, so we began talking about Jade's post of Tawna's Queen of Tar Tar, and after a few minutes our suspicions were confirmed. She wasn't really sleeping! She looks really convincing though.



Papa got to spend some time at Tracy's for breakfast before Colby and Malea had to leave for Utah and then again later in the day for a nice ham dinner. Bob, Syd, Devlyn and Tanner came by later in the evening to say hello and a little gift exchange. Papa had purchased Movie passes for all his grandkids this year and I think they all really enjoyed that. Everyone loves to go to the movies.

Grumpy and I received many nice things year, and we really appreciate the thoughtfulness of our gifts. Jacque and Dawson gave us a printed copy of my blog, post, by post since I started it in January this year. I can't tell you how much I appreciate that. It was something I always intended to do, but now it is done for me and it is so fun to look through the pages and relive the things we did. Thanks so much for that and to everyone for the wonderful things we received. Many good memories were made this year, new traditions begun and old ones kept going. This was a good Christmas.

The Night before Christmas and I'm Sentimental…

Christmas Eve is fading fast into Christmas morning. We had our annual Italian Sandwiches and I can't say enough how much we enjoy this tradition. It was so nice to see not only our immediate family, but were able to enjoy the company of Kay, Frances, John, Stephanie, all of Tracy and Kevin's family and grandchildren and Papa and Gramma H. Grumpy is so great at getting things all ready, and then cooking the sandwiches to everyone's individual orders. We (Jade) found us some really great buns this year from Alpine Valley Bread Company, we will be using them again in the future. 

I hope everyone knows just how much we love hosting, and how much we appreciate everyone taking time out of their busy Christmas Eve's to come eat with us. I know we see each other more than a lot of families do, but somehow that just makes it more special on a holiday. I am grateful for the close family we have and hope you know how much we love you. 

We fine tuned a few things this year and Tawna came prepared with crafts for the kids for some added fun. Jade was on hand in the kitchen and was a huge help with the buns and extra running. Everyone is always glad to pitch in here and there, so it all goes well. Okay, it's midnight and I still have presents to wrap. 

Merry Christmas to you all.

The week before Christmas and all chaos breaks out!

Last week was a pretty busy week for me. By extension, that means everyone around me too, as I need lots of help for all the stuff that goes on. The Relief Society Progressive dinner came and went on Tuesday. Taya had her big dinner party for Kevin's company that same night and then Grumpy's birthday was next. Same night as the Christmas Concert for Megan, Austin and Rylan. Next was Jaxon's birthday and pizza at Chuck E. Cheese's for him. Our Christmas program for Church was today and I got the surprise of my life. 

We had performed all the songs in the program except the closing song, Handel's Hallelujah Chorus. Before we sang it, our choir director went to the mike and invited anyone in the congregation who had performed it before to come up and sing with us. One or two people stood up to come up to the choir loft and to my complete surprise, Summer (who was visiting today with Jamie and Rylee) stood up to come forward. Now, my surprise was not because I didn't think she could sing it, I know she can. My surprise was that she wasn't too shy to just come up and perform it with us. Jade was singing soprano in our choir and so Summer went and stood by her and oh my, my mother's heart did swell ten sizes right then. I could have had the strength of ten mothers right then. I was happy to have two of my girls singing with me and I wish it had been all of them. I'll be happy for the two I had today, and Tawna was with me last year for our choir's performance in full. I am blessed to have girls who love music and are willing to put the time in to develop and keep their talents. Then I found out tonight that Taya had to go to her Christmas sunday alone because Kevin was sick, so stayed home with the 2 little girls. I wish she could have come in and been with us today, our soprano section would have loved it too. Summer informed me her visit and participation for the Hallelujah Chorus was my Christmas present. Fine by me. I loved it. The only thing that would make it perfect is if Stacie would put her lovely voice in the mix sometime. I loved the songs we performed this year, the music was beautiful and of course, who doesn't love to sing the Hallelujah Chorus? Christmas music is the best. 

Thanks girls, all of you for all your help, fun times and good talks. Even with all the hectic days lately, I am loving all the time we get to spend together. 

I can only say, for the last few days before Christmas, the elves are getting that happy, tired, coming into the homestretch, contented feeling. We aren't as young as we used to be. 

Speaking of birthdays, I have been remiss in posting the mug shots of those guilty of birthdays this month. Two are belated, and one will be if I don't do it tonight, so here goes:


Happy Birthday Grumpy. I love this man so much, I really can't imagine life without him. I will put down 10 of his most endearing qualities, but I could put down many more.

• His amazing ability to take such good care of me. 
  
• The fact that he is still so hot!
  
• He is so great with all his grandkids. They love him and are excited when he sees them.
  
• Did I mention that he is very patient with me (most of the time)?
  
• I love his work ethic, and that he is such a good example of integrity.
  
• He is so dang smart. I'm a little jealous that he is so intelligent.
  
• Can I just say he is all about the honey-do's? I love that he helps me so much.
  
• He is a really good cook, and will make wonderful dinners on request. (sometimes I don't even have to request.)
  
• I love that he puts himself aside for others almost all the time. For this reason I am glad he can finally fly. He loves it so much.
  
• Most of all I love that he loves me. I know I'm not easy to live with, so I appreciate his dedication to our marriage and to our kids. We are his life, and he is mine.
  

Jaxon turned 7 this week. He is too cute, and oh my can be such a drama queen,(king?) He loves being outside on anything with wheels. I love his imagination. I am so happy he and his brothers are staying with us for a while. It will be great to get to know even more things about him. He is a really good quad rider, and enjoys going anywhere with his Dad. He went elk hunting with him this year, and when his daddy got an elk he wasn't a sissy-la-la about any of it. He had a good party at Chuckie Cheese's and I think will love being 7.


Rylan is our Christmas eve baby, so his birthday is even more special. He is a good boy and I love him. He is very observant, and can tell you about things, especially car things, in great detail. I don't know very many kids who would be entertained with a car, or cycle trader to look at. He loves cars and movies. He is quite the movie buff and loves to watch them all the time. We went to his Christmas program for his school and they sang “Jingle Bell Rock”. He was so funny. I guess they were supposed to dance around on the risers for part of it, and I didn't think he was going to. Finally he rocked out a little and was so cute.

They are all growing up so fast. Okay, I'm falling asleep, so goodnight.

Feeling Sentimental

This weekend has been a good and productive one. I am having fun with the Christmas Grumpy and I have planned for our family–we had great food and got to see most of the kids. Grumpy and Papa fired up the old Japanese hibachi's on Saturday night and I wish I had taken pictures of the steaks. They were beautiful and soooooooooo, so tasty. It brought back such memories of the many many times we cooked on the hibachi's growing up. I remember when Papa brought them back from one of his trips to Japan when he was in the National Guard. He had a couple of different sizes, and even a little tiny one we had for a while. It was sadly broken in one of our moves by a moving company. 

Grumpy got the back yard, patio and gazebo mucked out and ready for our RS progressive dinner to have their dessert course here (the whole group). Hopefully it won't rain as that would put a real damper on our plans. It's looking pretty nice out there now. There's nothing like volunteering your home for something to get things done. I hope I can remember to take some pictures of some of the things coming up this week. 

I got out the candy making book, thought I had my copy, but it was Nana's. It has all kinds of notes and comments on the pages she would use to make her specialities. That brought immediate tears, but it was so fun to see the things she had written. I have to get some pictures or a scan of that. When I do I will post those recipes on “thecooksinnanasnook” blog site for all of us.

Lots to do, time is slipping by and Christmas day will be here. I hope I can get everything done. We'll see.

So Tawna put these Christmas questions on her blog and I thought I would answer them too. She caught me on a nice day -
Here goes:

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Paper, with wonderful bows. I have been known to use a bag now and then, but they are not my favorite.
2. Real tree or Artificial? When we lived in California, real ones as they were so fresh. A 9' artificial tree has been part of our traditions here for many years now. I love Christmas trees - all of them.
   
3. When do you put your tree up? Thanksgiving weekend, if not before.
   
4. When do you take the tree down? Never before New Year's day/week, but once I left my tree up into March. The girls in YW finally made me one of their projects and came and helped me take it down.
5. Do you like eggnog? Absolutely!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? One year I received an 18" grown up doll. She was made by Revlon, so I named her Revlon. My Mom had made an entire wardrobe of beautiful, grand lady clothes for this pretty doll and I loved them so much. I have them still and love them so much even now. It was her willingness to make every detail so perfect for me that has made me appreciate them even more as the years went by. 
   
7. Hardest person to buy for? My husband. Everything I want to give him requires loan approval. Given that fact, he will have to settle for something much less exciting.
8. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes. I had a really pretty one I gave away last year. I bought a new one, with larger pieces that I really like. I would love to have one in every room.
   
9. Mail or email Christmas cards? I am a miserable failure at Christmas cards and letters. I have vowed this year to at least try to do some email ones. We'll see how that goes. 
   
10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I don't think I have ever received a bad gift. There were a few years (when we did boutiques) that I was so ill on Christmas days that I don't even remember what I received. I was definitely a bad receiver and I'm sure did not thank people properly. I've always felt bad about those times. 
    
11. Favorite Christmas Movie? I do love the Grinch, the original one. Home Alone has sort of taken over though and I don't feel like Christmas is complete without seeing it at least once.
    
12. When do you start shopping for Christmas? In January immediately following so I get a year to think, buy, plan, and try to be organized about things. I don't really finish shopping any earlier than anyone else, I just stress about it longer.
    
13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I'm not sure, but knowing me, probably. 
    
14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Nana's homemade English Toffee, and our long standing Christmas Eve Italian sandwiches Grumpy makes for us every year. He is amazing. 
    
15. Lights on the tree? At least 1200 little white lights. No flashing. Just nice steady soft white lights that light up a tree like stars. 
    
16. Favorite Christmas song? Carol of the Bells done by many artists, Breath of Heaven, Mary, Did you Know?, by Donny Osmond, and anything from Handel's Messiah, most of Mannheim Steamrollers traditional pieces, the Tabernacle Choir Christmas CD's, almost everything I have sung in choir for Christmas programs, I could go on and on…
    
17. Travel at Christmas or stay home? We have travelled in years past. We stay home now and enjoy our family being so close.
    
18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen, Rudolph! Thanks Tawna, I don't know if I could have on my own.
    
19. Angel on the tree top or a star? Have done Angels, have done Stars. Lately it is big beautiful poinsettias and many looped bows with sprays of berries, ferns, curly rattan and other pretty things. 
    
20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? We let our kids open 1 gift on Christmas Eve growing up. Now it's Christmas morning since it is just us. 
    
21. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? The idea that this celebration is somehow offensive to anyone. Even if I don't share the belief's of many, their celebrations are not offensive to me. What happened to tolerance and the humanity of mankind? There is something wrong with people that are caught up in being offended by our freedom to worship and celebrate as we wish. 
    
22. Favorite ornament theme or color? Red and Green with other stuff thrown in. Gold and Silver are great accents and I have been know to use purple, turquoise and even black sometimes. Ornaments of all sizes and design and we always have a few one of a kind on the tree that have been collected over the years. 
    
23. Favorite for Christmas dinner? I have come to appreciate that the kind of food is not nearly as important as making what you do have enjoyable. We have had the traditional turkey, ham, sweet potatoes, etc., but I loved the year we had stacked enchiladas just as much. We'll see how the potluck works this year. Everyone is supposed to bring their favorite something. We amended our Thanksgiving Pie Fest to a Christmas Dessert Fest to open the field up for other kinds of desserts. I can't wait to see what we are having for dinner and dessert, it should be really fun.
    
24. What do you want for Christmas this year? I already have everything I could possibly want. I take joy in my family being close and spending time together making memories and traditions.
25. Who is most likely to respond to this? Anyone who loves the Christmas season and wants to write down their feelings and memories.
    

Remember in December

Pop and I went out to the cemetery yesterday to put some Christmas flowers out for Nana and Curt. It was nice to see so many flowers there. The cemetery is very well taken care of and always has so many flowers out. I was having a hard time getting the arrangement I did into the vase for Curt. The vase is just a little smaller in diameter than the one for Nana. I found myself wishing I had a pocket knife to shave the styrofoam down just a tad to get it in the vase. Since I didn't, I tried to just push it in and wound up breaking the bottom part of the styrofoam. One of the directors came out with me and called one of the gardners over. He was very nice and finally got it shaved down enough to stay put. I know it makes Papa happy to see the sites looking nice. He swept a few grass trimmings off both headstones as the grass had just been cut. He always says to me that Nana would be mad that we put flowers on. Even though she loved flowers, she didn't like people to spend money on flowers for her. I told him I don't think she would be mad. She did so love flowers and anyway, she can't argue about it now. It was a nice visit there and I look forward to going out with him to spend a few minutes there. Of course I forgot my camera again, so these are just off the phone. Robert was kind enough to get them off my phone and onto the computer desktop for his techno-challenged mom. Thanks Robert.

All is Calm, all is Bright…

Well, not all the time, but we do have moments of calm and the Christmas lights are softly bright. I'm all done with the house minus a few live poinsettias if I cave in and go buy some at Costco. I love them and they are wonderfully big and beautiful, but I am watching my budget even though Grumpy doesn't think so. I am posting my pictures so I will remember what the house looked like in 2008. Now, even though the month is flying by, I hope the moments of peace and calm will outweigh the stress and hubbub.



I decided it was time to gear things down a little and I am really happy with this simpler approach. I know it is still a lot for some people, but considering the whole house would turn into Christmas, I did well. This tree is what I think Nana must have had in mind when she bought things her last Christmas here with us. She picked out some beautiful things and it was a pleasure to work with her new choices. As I said before, I wish I had gotten it all up for her that year, but I didn't.




This year our Christmas is a blend of Nana's and my things and I love the way it turned out. I wanted to make things look a little different so we could be in the house and enjoy the combination. It would have been too hard to have done things the same way without her here. I am so happy our family loves to decorate for this special season. The memories are so wonderful and I am lost in them when I see things that have been around for years.







New kind of dinner for this year. We decided we were turkey-ed out, so we are approaching Christmas dinner with an open attitude. If it comes out well, we may have a new tradition. I'll post about it later when the verdict is in. Whatever we have will be enjoyed in the beautiful dining room where we have enjoyed so many Christmas meals. I love that part.





The cabinets are done for the first time in a few years. Adding a little ribbon is cheap, and very effective. Now it will feel like the holidays while we are in there baking, maybe even canning and getting ready for the feast of all feasts on Christmas Eve. Grumpy will do his magic with the griddle/grill and create his mouth-watering Italian Sandwiches (pepper steak) for all of us to over-indulge in and go away groaning that we are miserable from too much of a good thing. We have been doing this tradition on Christmas Eve since 19778 when we were overseas without family. We would invite the single and unaccompanied guys over and make these great sandwiches. They loved coming and somehow it was a little less lonely for all of us since no one had any family there. We kept it going and love it still.



I love Christmas.

'Tis the Season for Oranges

Christmas in our sunny state is the time for navel oranges. As long as I can remember we have had a big box of oranges somewhere in the kitchen for everyone to snack on. The season is not complete until we get some navels and put them on the counter for all to enjoy. I have now expanded that tradition to buying half gallons of orange blossom honey. It is so good and I love that it comes from the local trees. Funny how all that vitamin C is available now when the weather is getting cold! Grapefruit, lemons, it's all good.

Eggs, Eggs, Eggs

If you didn't see Chelsey's post about Tracy and her chickens you missed out. Tracy has the funniest chickens and they lay the prettiest eggs. Tracy and Kevin are good about sharing their egg bounty with us and we love it. A big thanks to them and hope they know how much we appreciate the fresh eggs.

Too Fast for Words

This month is slipping away so fast. I wish I could slow time down just a bit to enjoy it even more. Everyone is so very busy, it is hard to find time to post about all the stuff going on. I think we all have our homes Christmasy and are putting the final touches on things. I know most of us are hosting a gathering of some kind for various groups. Nothing like hosting to inspire a deadline to be ready by. I hope to see pics on all the family blogs so I can enjoy Christmas in all the homes from my computer at 1:00 am. I don't get to visit everyone like I would like to, so pics will have to do for that part of the visit I guess. I hope as I have endeavored to go through all the Christmas bins and loan or give stuff for use this year, you all have what you need to make your Christmas decorating less expensive. There is/was a lot of stuff. Time for me to gear things down and start keeping it simple. Yeah, right, but I can try I guess. I hope all the girls will email me the times and days for school programs so I will have a chance to remember when everything is. Tawna's PTA Holiday Teacher Luncheon is this week, so she will be posting the Chocolate Nutty Delight Holiday version on Nana's blog. My Relief Society progressive dinner is next week, so I am trying to get everything organized for that. I hope after next week I can settle down a bit and really take in the season. I haven't listened to nearly enough Mannheim Steamroller yet.

Reality Check

I went to the Mesa Dry Pack Cannery today. While waiting to go to work on the assignment the man in charge related a story to us. He told of people in Brazil who had to travel for seven days to attend the closest Temple to them. It was a very involved trip and very expensive for them. In spite of the difficulty, those who could manage it financially made the journey and received their temple ordinances. After many years, another temple was built which only required a 40 hour trek, and everyone was so happy that now it was possible for many more people to go. Not long ago (2007) a new temple was announced in their city. I can only imagine the joy that announcement was met with.
The reality check hit pretty hard. Times are tougher here than they have been in a long time. Many people are experiencing job loss, stock market loss, home loss and other personal losses that are hard to deal with. Still, we have so much compared to many countries and cities throughout the world. My family can attend the temple here and the most drive time is about 30 minutes. We need to remember to attend often this season. What better gift to give than going to the temple on behalf of someone waiting for those blessings. What better way to feel the peace of the season and make the true meaning of Christmas foremost than going through the temple doors and leaving the world outside.
It was a pleasure to serve at the cannery today. Not only were we able to buy food for storage there, but by our labor store up for those in need. It was amazing to watch everyone helping, the happy spirit in the room and the willingness to see the job through. The phrase from my Grandmother's day kept repeating itself in my head as I participated, “Many hands make light work.” Jade went with me today and she seemed to really enjoy it. I know she doesn't feel well (ear ache), but she went anyway and was such a help. She has been so sweet to help me so much lately, I hope she knows how much I appreciate all she does. I know all my kids are willing and ready to help all the time. Robert, Jeff and Jamie have lifted, carried, hammered and helped in so many ways. My sweet husband is putting up lights, (remember, lights are evil) and making the outside of the house Christmasy. He is truly the definition of dedication. I thank you all for your willingness to help and do so much.

A November Wedding

Summer and Jamie got married. It was a chilly, beautiful night atop South Mountain where they were married for time. The kids all looked very vogue in their tuxedos and pretty dresses, hair all done. Summer and Jamie were quite the gorgeous couple and looked so very happy. They are official, and we are excited to welcome them into our family. I didn't get very many pics, so I am just posting the ones that look the best. I can't figure out how to set the “no red eye” thing on the camera, so we all look like hungry vampires. Oh well. At least we have the shots that will help us remember the event.
After the short, sweet ceremony, we all went to Aunt Chilada's at the Point South Mountain for a bite to eat. We were happy so many people could come on such short notice. Summer and Jamie were trying to catch as much family as they could for the moved up date. Almost all the family on both sides were able to come and it was so nice to meet everyone. For all of you who couldn't be there, we missed you. So many people on hand to wish them happiness. It was a wonderful night.
Love it.

Thanksgiving and the day after…

Now it is crunch time for the Christmas decor. Thanksgiving has passed and it was exceptional this year. We started what I hope will become a family favorite, the Pie Fest. I have pics below, and it was quite remarkable. Enjoyed every bite of it! Kaitlin, Jordyn, Taya and I worked on getting the tables all set for a scrumptious meal. Taya remembered to take pictures, so I have her to thank for the pics of the tables. I love looking back over the years and enjoy the table settings and remembering how fun it was to set the table just right. We hadn't gotten the spoons on before Taya took the pics, but if I hadn't said that it wouldn't have been noticed. Everyone did a superb job with the tables, all those who came talked and lingered and that makes me so happy. We don't see our nieces and nephews very much these days, so that was an added pleasure.

I'm not one to go out and get the great deals the day after Thanksgiving. I'm not bagging on people who love that, it just isn't me. I like to get out the big plastic bins that hold the magic of Christmas in them and start the process of putting it all up. The day after Thanksgiving is for getting serious about the trappings of the Christmas Holiday. I love it. Right now the house looks like Christmas threw up all over it, but in a couple of days I hope the beautiful things we've collected over many years will be up in all their splendor working their charm for a season I wait for all year. I found some extra gorgeous things Nana bought the last Christmas she was here and am trying to put them up just the way I think she must have pictured them. Jade has been a big help since I am very fearful of ladders on a slant. I am barely okay with ladders flat on the ground much less on an angle. The reason for the slant is that the only really good option for the tree is in the corner of the ramp in the living room. The ramp is flat right in the corner and the tree fits pretty well there. The problem is that the ramp on each side of it is, well, a slanted ramp. I hope I can get a good picture of the tree when it is done. It is something I wish I had done when she was still here to enjoy it. One of the shoulda, coulda's I very much regret.

We went to the Lighting Ceremony at the Arizona Temple tonight, mostly because we have never been there on opening night. I am cured for life. I will be most happy to just go on any other night to walk around the grounds. Way too many people. There were a few protestors, but they were for the most part quiet with their signs up. The Temple grounds are so amazing with their wonderland of lights. Such a feeling of peace surrounded by such beauty. I will have to go back and walk around more slowly and hopefully without so many people there. We literally could barely move down the sidewalks.

Tomorrow I finish the tree, get the garlands under control and go see my sweet Summer marry her Jamie. She will be a most beautiful bride and I have heard so many people say they have never seen her look so happy. It's true. She literally radiates happiness. We love Jamie and are so happy he and his two boys will be part of our family. This is shaping up to be a really special Christmas season. I find myself saying again how grateful I am for our many, many blessings.

It's All About the Pie…

At least that's what Stacie always says about Holiday dinners. We had our first official Pie Fest at our family Thanksgiving Dinner yesterday. It was so fun to see all the pies; beautiful, luscious, come hither pies. The only thing that would have made it better were little place cards that had the kind and maker of each pie on it. There were actually 14 pies, but only 13 made the photo. Among the varieties were: Sour Cream Lemon, Lemon Meringue, Coconut Cream, Banana Cream, Pumpkin, Chocolate/Heath Bar Cream, Apple Tart, Apple and Tollhouse. If I left out any varieties, forgive me, we will document the pies and the bakers next time. Everyone did a marvelous job on their creations and it was fun to taste them all. For myself, I learned a lot this year. What to do different, what not to do, etc. I will post the things that worked well, as well as Nana's recipes for the ones we made on the Cook Nook blog. I hope all of you who made pies will do the same. It was a memorable experience. Thanks to you all for making Pie Fest 2008 so much fun. Thank you Leslie for this tradition we borrowed from your family. We will love it for years to come.

Hash Browns and Eggs Papa style!

Papa, as you can see in this pic has developed a talent for cooking hash browns and over easy eggs. Every once in a while he gets out the little frying pan and goes for his favorite breakfast. I've never been too great at the morning meal (for the morning anyway. We always have breakfast for dinner!), so he has taken matters into his own hands and does a good job with it. I don't know if he would admit it, but I think he actually enjoys it.