May you feel the

peace and love of the holiday season. 

I've had several happy things

happen today. 

First, I got a call from my niece, Leslie, that Gary seems to be responding much better today.  He is really tired, but is responding to and asking questions.  They feel like it is a Christmas miracle.   My heart feels so much lighter.   I'm just praying that it continues this way.

Then, "miraculously," my bathtub is looking much better.  The rest of the bathroom isn't, but the bathtub is.  I'm so excited.

Then we got this big Styrofoam container delivered to our door.   

I've never gotten a package like this before, and I am so excited about it.  We couldn't imagine who had sent it, but when we opened the card, it was from Tom and Lynn.  It is from "Omaha Steaks"

and has pork chops, bacon wrapped filet's, steak burgers, chicken breasts, stuffed baked potatoes, and Carmel apple tartlets.  Wow, what a fun gift.  Thank you!

And the last good news is that Tiffany and crew are driving in tomorrow.  If the weather cooperates they will drive straight through.   I can't wait!

Tonight we had

our annual gingerbread house activity (though we do it with graham crackers).   We had Natalie and her friends, Trent and Kelly to dinner.   I think Misty and Tiffany will especially appreciate these pictures.  They've never seen Natalie's friend, Trent.

 Then we had them pick out candy from the candy store for the houses.

 Then the fun started.

Gary kept harping on making them structurally sound, and as much as I hate to admit it, I should have listened.  My cute little cottage collapsed and I made it into a snow covered Y mountain.

Kelly's ended up looking like an ark, so she added the very clever animals to finish it off.

 Natalie made a very innovate home with lots of cool details.

 Gary made a very unique structure with snowmen coming down a fire pole.

 Trent made a tank, complete with rotating turret.

 It was a very fun evening.    

Thursday night

Margie and Lance came in from Arizona.  We always enjoy visiting with them.  They left this morning to go home.  We were able to go to lunch with Gary's other sisters, Geniel and Janice, and their husbands on Friday.  We also went to the new "Sherlock Holmes" movie and the Extended Ashton family Christmas party on Saturday.

Saturday morning I went up to see Gary again.  There has not been any change really, but the plan was to bring him down to a rehab center today.  I haven't heard from Lynn if that has happened yet.  She seems so exhausted, but is keeping her hope up as best as possible.  I have been feeling such anxiety about him.  I was so glad I went up to see him and came home feeling a little more peace in my heart.  I was able to go to lunch with Lynn and figure out which of Gary's hearing aids worked and which batteries were good.  I don't know if that will help him, but a big concern I have for myself is that I will be in the hospital someday with my hearing aids not working.  When Mom had her heart attack and was not responding to instructions and was very agitated, I realized she didn't have her hearing aids in.  When I put them in, she calmed right down because she could hear what was going on.  So, anyone who is with me if I'm in the hospital, please remember to check my hearing aids.

I gave a big sigh of relief after the Studio 5 "skype" segment on Thursday.  I was glad Margie was here to give me moral support.  They said it would help to have the TV on so I could see what they were showing, but I think it confused me more because of the time delay.  I can't believe I actually brought that upon myself by submitting the idea.  Never again, believe me.

I'm looking forward to finishing some Christmas preparations in the next few days.  I'm also looking forward to spending more time on the spiritual blessings of the season.  So far I've focused far too much on the physical.  I'm also looking forward to having the first of our Christmas guests, the Idiarts, arrive toward the end of the week.  I'm really praying for good traveling weather, too.   

I'm feeling

a deep sadness right now.  I just got off the phone with my sister-in-law Lynn.  My oldest brother, Gary, is in the University hospital.  They've determined that he has a form of Parkinsons called Lewy Body.  They think he may have reacted adversely to a drug he started last week, and that it may have triggered this episode of confusion and dementia like symptoms.  When we stopped by last night to see him, he seemed to know us but was definitely not himself.   They expect that he will improve some, but they have told them not to expect that he will get completely better, as it is a degenerative disease.  Lynn is such a positive person, and she said that while it is not what she wanted to hear, that they will be fine.  She said when she asks Gary if he is happy, he says, "Yes, I'm very happy."    I'm so glad their son, Cory, drove in yesterday, as he is a big support to Lynn.  Gary will probably come home tomorrow or Saturday.

So, I'm very stressed and sad about that.  I'm also distressed about a fall that my friend had.  I had just dropped her off from a luncheon, and as I was getting back into my car, she fell.  She had to go to the emergency room and get stitches.  I feel so badly that I didn't walk her all the way into the house.

And I'm stressed about a Skype video call with "Studio 5" tomorrow.  You know that show I get so many good ideas from?   Well, they have "happy home" segments, and they ask viewers to send in pictures of things they do to make their homes a happy place.  I was on their website a few days ago and decided to send in a picture of the "Candy Store."    A little while later I got a call from the producer saying they would be interested in having me talk about it on a video call.  I wasn't expecting that.  I thought they might share the idea on the show, but not the video part.  Anyway, she called tonight and asked if we could do it tomorrow.   I'm afraid I will freeze up and be tongue tied.   But, I guess the only thing I can really do is make a fool of myself.  And, on a scale of 1 to 10 (in comparison to the other problems I've been writing about) that is just a 1.  

We've been partying

a lot the last few days. On Friday, we met with my siblings (which you were here, Tom) in Salt Lake for dinner and a quick ride on trax down to temple square.

Remember in my last entry when I mentioned my feeling of happiness from my childhood?   Well, I still feel it.

On Sunday morning we had two young couples over for breakfast.  Gary worked with the men in the scout program.  They are such cute families.  I thought this would be a good test of just how child proof my house was with these 3 little boys.  I think I've done a pretty good job of simplifying.   I guess Marshall will be the ultimate test.

Last night we had two of the children of our friends, Matt and Merlyn,  I still feel such sadness that Matt is no longer with us. But when I am with his family, I think of how proud he must be of them.  They brought that beautiful floral centerpiece for us.

 As thanks, we had them fill up at the candy store.

Life is good

when it is filled with people you love.

The other morning,

I tuned into a segment of "Fresh Take" on BYU television.   I didn't see the beginning of it, but it was a discussion on employment and finding a job that is fulfilling.   

The moderator suggested that you remember back to your first happy childhood memory.  Once you identify the memory, then to ask yourself  how and why it made you feel happy.  He suggested that if you ask yourself the right questions, and answer thoughtfully, that you will not only discover what type of job will bring you fulfillment, but also discover what drives you -- or your  personal purpose.   An interesting idea. 

I thought back to one of my first happy memories.   I remember sitting in the chapel of our 19th ward church and listening to the mission farewell of one of my brothers.  I'm not sure if it was Gary or Richard's farewell, but I remember feeling so proud and happy as my brothers spoke from the pulpit.   When I ask myself why I felt happiness, I suppose the answer is that I felt a sense of belonging and of being a part of a loving family.  I probably didn't identify it as such at the time, but I'm sure I was also feeling inspired by, and felt, God's love.   

Perhaps this little thought exercise has some merit to it.  Trying to create that feeling, for myself and others, really does bring me fulfillment.  Maybe that's why I love being a mom and grandma so much.  As far as employment goes, though, I've always gone in the direction of secretarial and business.  Maybe in my next job, I should look in other directions.

Give the little experiment a try.  It is quite enlightening.

 

I tried these

cookies today.

I saw them on "Studio 5."  Next time I make them, I'll put less cookie batter around the mint, as they were very large.   I didn't know how I would like the cinnamon that is in the batter, but you really don't taste it.   If you make them, grab a glass of milk to drink along with it.  

I learned something from this recipe and it was reiterated in a recipe in the Deseret News  (Mrs. Fields Clone Cookie).  Both recipes suggest freezing the cookie dough mounds for 30 minutes or so before baking so they keep their shape and height.  It seemed to work.

Here is the video of the segment:

Double Chocolate Stuffed Peppermint Cookies

And here is the recipe:

Double Chocolate Stuffed Peppermint Cookies

Ingredients:
•1 c. (2 sticks) butter, cold
•½ c. sugar
•½ c. brown sugar
•2 eggs
•⅓ c. half and half
•1 t. vanilla
•2 ¾ c. flour
•½ c. cocoa
•1 t. baking powder
•1 t. baking soda
•1 T. cinnamon or Wise Women of the East
•2 c. dark chocolate chips (60% cocoa or half semi sweet and half milk chocolate chips)
•12 small York Peppermint Patties (dark chocolate covered) You may need more.

Method:

Mix together flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon. Stir until combined. Cut your cold butter into tablespoon pieces. Then using a pastry cutter, work the cold butter into your flour until it becomes "pea" sized.

Whisk together vanilla, eggs, and half and half. Pour into flour and butter mixture and combine, until all ingredients are formed together. (Dough will be thicker and sticky. Shape dough with medium cookie scoop and flatten dough with your hand into a thick disc. Place your mint patty in the center and shape the dough, sealing the patty. Then shape your stuffed dough into a round ball and place on a cookie sheet. Repeat until all the dough is used. Freeze for 20 minutes to allow butter to chill.

Remove frozen cookie dough and bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool completely.

Last night

we had our Christmas Relief Society Activity.  It was a potluck dinner (sweet and savory).  I'm always amazed at the delicious dishes that are brought.  The program was entitled, "The Women of Christmas."   It featured singers portraying Mary, Elizabeth, Anna, and the angel Gabriel.  I'm am always in awe of people who have wonderful voices, and this program was beautifully performed. 

On Sunday, our Relief Society lesson was on the Christmas hymns and their meaning to us.  A point that was made was that many scriptures and hymns mention "heavenly choruses" that sang in joy when Christ was born.  What was also brought out was that we were likely a part of that chorus.  I've never thought of that.  It brings me joy to think that I was part of that heavenly choir.  I also like to think that I had a beautiful voice as I sang.  I don't have that gift now, but I have to assume that all angels must have beautiful voices.  Or even if they don't, I'm sure none of the others would have cared (or been annoyed) if someone was off-key.    

I told Santa

that Gary has not been a very good boy lately.

Us at Timpview Christmas Party on Monday

I only occasionally forget to throw away paper towels in the kitchen, but Gary still shuffles through papers at church with regularity.  And it really, really annoys me.  I mean really.  It feels to me like he is deliberately doing it just to annoy me.  Can you tell I'm annoyed?    If you wonder what in the world I'm talking about, read this previous blog entry (Paper towel -- rustling papers pact)

I guess I need to do a little repenting, since I am allowing myself to be so annoyed.  I especially don't like feeling annoyed at church when I'm striving extra hard to feel God's love and extend it to others.  Annoyance and love really don't go hand in hand.   So my goal is to quit being annoyed.  Even if I feel justified in being annoyed, I should not allow myself to feel annoyance.   

(If the haven't noticed, the word "annoying" is really quite annoying.)

Remember when I was so

proud of my bathtub refinishing? 

Well it was a quick fix, but not a long one.  This is how it looks now.   Peeling off, ugly, and gray.

So last week we went out to Lowes to check out new bathtubs.  Gary thought this one was a good choice, since our bodies seem to be telling us that we're getting older.

The point of this blog entry is to say, "Don't refinish your own bathtub."  I guess another point is, "Sometimes the band-aid approach just doesn't work."  And the last point is . . .  Well, I can't really remember what my last point is (I identify far too well with presidential candidate, Rick Perry)    Anyway, I don't want my grandchildren bathing in this bathtub.   So I 'm looking for other alternatives.

I was without

a car for three days this week, because Gary's car was in the shop.  It's amazing how much you can accomplish if you're not tempted to go on a few errands (that turn into a whole day of activities).  It was nice for a few days, but I've been making up for it yesterday and today.

Last night we had our annual Amies Toujours party.  I remember thinking that anyone who had been out of high school for 40 years was really old.  Well, we don't feel or act old.   I've written about the group before, and we have so much fun together and appreciate each other's friendship so much.

We had the party At Mary Anne's house in Salt Lake. She has an amazing style. The food was delicious as were all the decorations. Here are a pictures of the decorations, food, and best of all, friends.

An amazing brownie sundae presented beautifully

Mary Ann made these

Beautiful place settings and beautiful friends.

Every where we looked there was unique decor



   The nut ensemble.





I've been asking

myself the last few days, as I've switched from decorating the house and creating our Christmas newsletter, Why am I doing this? 

The decorations this year have actually been fun and easy.  Believe it or not, I've really simplified.  I've been telling my self, "Just because you have this decoration, it doesn't mean you have to use it every year."  Quite liberating, actually.  I remember last year, when the whole family was here,  that everything was way too cluttered.  So my goal this year is to have nothing sitting on the floor and to make sure it is all functional.  I'm doing pretty well so far.

It's the newsletter that is driving me nuts.  Twice I've gotten corrupted files and had to start over.  Will someone please remind me to be savvy at photo shop by this time next year?  It would simplify things a lot.  As to the question, "Why am I doing this?"  I can't decide.  Is it ego and pride?  Is it a desire to reach out to friends and family?   Because it's tradition?  It is probably a combination of all.   

Anyway, I'm actually running off the newsletter, so it's too late now to fuss with it any more. 

In the meantime . . . the part of the house I have been most excited about is this:

I just need to make labels for the jars.

If you live nearby, please drop in to our 

"Grandma and Granpa Country Store" 

I'll give you free tokens that you can redeem

for a treat of your choice.

Thanksgiving

I'm wondering if I'm actually up before my sister, Charlene, this morning!  I can tell I'm excited about the holiday preparations, because I normally never wake up at this early hour (4:30)

We've had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.  In the newspaper, there have been several articles about the importance of gratitude on your physical and emotional health.  I agree.  Anytime there are obstacles in life that seem overwhelming, counting your blessings gives you a new perspective.  I have so much to be grateful for, that I don't even know where to start.   I want to make more of my blog posts "gratitude journal entries."   One thing I'm grateful for is the family I was born into.  I have wonderful memories of feeling loved and secure. 

My niece, Leslie, called me on Wednesday night and asked if I wanted to go through Mom and Dad's house with them the next morning.  We sold that house after Mom and Dad died, and I haven't been in it since (1995).   To give a little background on how we had permission to go through the house:  A few years back, Gary and Lynn were sitting next to a women at a BYU symposium.  As they talked, they realized that she was from their daughter, Leslie's, ward in California.  The woman said she had bought a home up here and lived in it part of the year.    She said it was on Cedar Avenue in Provo.  Gary and Lynn were, of course, familiar with Cedar Avenue, so they asked her what the address was.  They were pretty amazed when she told them it was 1012 Cedar Avenue (our family home from 1962 to 1995).  Small world, isn't it.
So Leslie had gone up to see the house and their friends had said we could come through. Gary and Lynn, along with Leslie and Cory were there. It was very nostalgic. Cory had a video camera going almost the whole time, and we were all sharing memories from the house.







Front of Home

Back of Home

Front room fireplace next to built in shelves and cupboards. Mom and Dad kept our high school senior pictures on that shelf.

Gary, Lynn, Me, Gary

Gary, Lynn Leslie, Cory

Living Room

Mom and Dad's room.  Mom was always sitting in her chair by the window. 
She would crochet, embroidery, and talk on the phone for hours there. 
When anyone visited, they would sit in the chair to the right of it.

Back bedroom that became a TV room once I got married.

Gary and I showed the front door and window that I would stand at while I waited for him to come by. I would stand there and wait for him to pull in to the cul-de-sac right across from the house and give me "the signal" (flashing his car lights right at the house and turning them on and off). If I was home and he could come in, I would flash the porch lights on and off. I usually stood there a long time, as he was usually late!

Front hallway door

Hours spent looking through door window
waiting for "signal" from Gary

Really, the only area that is not recognizable is the basement.  They've totally remodeled the basement.  It now has halls dividing it into 3 bedrooms that is shared with the basement rental area.  The washer and dryer are in the old storage room.  Dad's workshop is a bedroom.   The basement is really not recognizable.


It was fun to reminisce with everyone and remember those good times.  What good times to you remember at Mom and Dad's house?