Monday Memories

CHRISTMAS......

When I was a child, I'd get so excited for Christmas to arrive that I'd literally make myself sick. I can remember many Christmas mornings on the floor of my mom's bedroom. I was so beside my self waiting to open gifts that by the time we were finished, I'd start feeling sick on my stomach. Mom would make me take some Pepto. I'd ALWAYS end up throwing up. Nothing like pink puke. To this day I won't take Pepto! YUCK.On a more pleasant note....... My all time favorite Christmas gift was a Barbie's Friend Ship. I wanted one so bad. It was the only thing I asked for when I was.... I think about 9 or 10. When it was closed it looked like a flight attendants carry on bag.But.... when you opened it up, it was the inside of an airplane. It was FANTASTIC!! I mean it was the absolute best!
I loved that plane. I thought I was something pretty special to get such a wonderful gift that year. I know it was my "big" gift. I also know I kept it right beside me as I lie on the floor, sicker than a dog, after opening my presents that morning. That was alright though, I still had my airplane. Life was just fine.

Monday Memories (on Saturday)

With all the excitement, hustle and bustle during the holiday season, I obviously got behind on my blog. I thought today would be a nice time to catch up on everyone's blog and add another entry to mine. Today's memory has to do with music.

When I was in elementary school in Utah (Granger/West Valley) I was in the chorus. Once Christmas we were invited to sing in the "Living Christmas Tree" at West Valley Mall. Of course we were all excited and had no idea what a living Christmas tree was or exactly what we'd be doing other than singing. It was more fun than I imagined.We all marched up into the tree and the lights went down so just the lights on the tree were lit. Then we sang. It was thrilling! So many people were there to watch us perform. I don't remember what we sang... just the experience itself. While this picture isn't of our little school choir, it looks very similar to the tree we were in. What a memory.

Fast forward 30+ years. Now I go to watch my own children in their Christmas music programs. It's exciting in its own way to do so.Brie playing her flute for one of the numbers.So demure.Emile after the concert. Doesn't she look lovely in her new dress? The entire band got new outfits this year.

Sorry the quality isn't the best, however, it still sounds good and shows our talented band in action. Em thinks I'm a dork but who cares? It's my right to brag from time to time, right?!

Before I know it I suppose I'll be going to see my grandchildren in their Christmas programs. Another chapter to look forward to... another memory to build.

Merry Christmas

It's been a while since I took the time to blog... so I figured today was a great day to stop for a few minutes and take the time to remember what is most important in my life. My family... and of course this wonderful season, Christmas.Christmas Eve before the girls opened their "Santa Jammies."Em and Brie all ready for bed when the time comes.

Our day started out a few minutes after 7 when Brie decided she just couldn't get back to sleep. This is the earliest either of the girls has ever woke on Christmas morning. She was beside herself with excitement so I told her she could wake Emile and we'd head downstairs. Before we knew it we were deep in wrapping paper. Oh what fun!!!!Just a wee bit of happiness was displayed when certain gifts were revealed.

Following the gifts, I made a quick breakfast of eggs, sausage and toast. Next came showers and getting dressed to head over to Aunt Cindy's house to see family. It was nice to spend a few hours together.Nieces and nephews... as well as great nieces and nephews. Isn't it great!?!L-R... Jamie & Andy, Sarah & Michael, Lindsey & Jason, and Anya & Ben. Don't I have terrific nieces and nephews?

And so you have it. Another Christmas has come and almost gone. Another year has past... a new year is almost here. How can it be that time moves so swiftly? How thankful I am for all the blessings I have received this year. For all the prayers offered up on behalf of my family. For all the help and "gifts" we've been given. I'm honestly not sure were I'd be without all the caring people in my life. I'm once again reminded of the true and eternal reason for the season.......MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Monday Memories

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

That it is. We've got the tree up. The front porch is decorated. I still could do a few more things in the house but I'm not sure if I will or not. Remember, whatever I put out now will have to be put away in a month. You know what I mean, right?! Besides, if I stop decorating now, I'll have more time to bake. That brings me to my Monday Memory..... Holiday Baking.

When I was a kid my mom wasn't really into baking. It wasn't that she was a bad cook, she just wasn't into it. There were always a few things we did make during the holiday season. Like most people we made sugar cookies. That was always a BLAST for us kids... not so much for Mom. Perhaps it was the mess we left in our wake....Mom made fudge. I don't remember her making it every year, but when she did it was good.Mom was an expert at two particular items. First, was her mashed potato candy. I can remember her mixing the powdered sugar in with the potato and stirring until she had a dough ball.. then she'd roll it out and smooth peanut butter over the surface. Next she'd roll it up and cut it into bite size pieces. Some batches she'd put red or green food coloring in so they'd be more "Christmasy." They tasted so good! I had almost forgot about the candy until a few years ago when all of a sudden it popped back into my mind.Last but not least, Mom was FANTASTIC at making fruitcake. Now keep in mind that I hate fruitcake. I can't even say I liked her fruitcake. I did like watching her make it... the time and love that went into each step. She truly took pride in this and it showed. She would make several each Christmas to give as gifts. When they were finished baking and cooling, she'd painstakingly wrap each one, place it in a round tin, seal it, and prepare it for mailing across the country. It was a labor of love for her. Her fruitcakes were truly beautiful.

I have no intention of making a fruitcake anytime soon. I will, however, be baking with the girls this year. Brie in particular is interested in making some treats to share with others. It's great being at a stage of life where my children enjoy helping me with some of the fun stuff that goes along with the holiday season. I'll have to make sure and take some pictures of our adventures in baking. Who knows, maybe someday my own children will be sharing "Monday Memories" with their children and look back at the pictures we take this year. Something fun to consider.

Monday Memories

Just a teaspoon of sugar helps the medicine go down.....

We've all heard that line from the Mary Poppins hit, right? How many of you actually had the pleasure of actually taking medicine laced with sugar? My memory today deals with vinegar and sugar. During my childhood, if I became ill, my mother would always treat me with a tablespoon of vinegar and sugar. First she'd put the sugar on the spoon, then she'd drop enough vinegar on to make it liquid... although you could still see the sugar too. Then down the hatch it went!!! YUMMY. Ok, not exactly. More times than not I can remember gagging on the stuff. I hated getting sick if for no other reason than having to take the nasty crap.

In spite of the vinegar and sugar remedy, I survived all my childhood illnesses. I truly can't recall if the remedy worked or not. I suppose it did in some way. I have NEVER used it as an adult (although I have soaked in cider vinegar and ginger following therapeutic massages) nor have I forced it down the throats of my children. Maybe my mom (and her mom before) had something. I just hated it so much I gave it up for over-the-counter concoctions instead. Call me a wimp.....

Monday Memories

Since Thanksgiving is this week, I thought I'd take the opportunity to share some memories of past Thanksgivings. It seems that regardless of how chaotic life was for our family, holidays always seemed to come together and were special. I don't really remember spending Thanksgiving with my grandparents. Perhaps we did and I was too young to remember. Here are some things I do recall.

I can clearly remember waking on Thanksgiving morning when it was still dark outside. I would hear Mom in the kitchen cooking and even though it was still dark I could already smell a delicious aroma coming through my bedroom door. It was one of the few mornings we didn't have to worry about getting up too early (probably because we'd just be underfoot). I'd fall back to sleep for awhile but when I woke again it would be because the smell was even better than it had been earlier.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Parade was always fun to watch. It still is. Even though I don't get to watch all of it now, I still enjoy as much of it as I can. I think this year I'll be able to see most of it because of doing much of the prep work on Wednesday, including roasting the turkey.When it was time to eat we'd all gather at the table. A leaf would be added so that all the food would fit. Mom would set the table with her finest china. You knew you had made the "big time" when you got to sit at the "grown up" table and eat off the china. It was always neat to drink from the crystal.Now I have a family of my own. I have china and crystal which the girls love to eat off of just like I did. It's every bit as special to me to share in the bounty and blessings of the season... just as I'm sure it was for my mother. We have made it a bit of a tradition to invite a family or person to our home for dinner. Perhaps they may be alone or away from their own loved ones on Thanksgiving. It always feels better to spend the day with others, doesn't it?

So as Thanksgiving approaches, may the blessings we have been provided with be in our hearts. May we be mindful of family, friends and those who may not have the things we do. HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

Here you have it!! Our first snow of the season. According to an old farmer's tale, since the today's snow was deep enough that you could see a chicken's tracks in it, we'll have snow 21 times this season. I'd never heard this tale before today, but who knows. Stranger things have happened, right? Anyway, happy snow day!!

Another Late Halloween

I think I posted last years Halloween pics late and I'm doing it again this year. Oh well, with the computer down for awhile, I sort of got behind. Here are just a few of the "best" pics.....Brie looking like she's ready to make a killing on candy.Brie and Kaitlyn.... can you tell they coordinated their costumes?Jakey and Gabby looking spectacular!
An example of a man who's really secure with his "manhoodness." Here's Todd with Gabby. He's the tooth fairy... she's some kind of fairy too.Here's a really scary example of an old hag. YIKES!!
Here's the Grandma Witch from next door (Sue). Doesn't she look fantastic!

So there you have it. Halloween 2008!

Brie's Birthday Party

Brie asked if she could have a slumber party/birthday party since she was turning 12 this year. I figured it would be fine especially since Emile had done the same thing just a few weeks earlier. She was allowed to invite 5 friends (that way there would be even numbers). The night began with a trip on the "roller couchster" in the den. It was VERY SCARY as you can tell!!The girls had plenty of snacks to share... and conversation revolved around their bodies and boys. YUCK! Was I ever like that? I suppose I was but it was still funny hearing the chatter coming from the other room.A perfect shot wouldn't you say!?!

Brie's cake was homemade (of course). One layer was pink marble, the other was purple marble. Brie wanted leaf green 7 minute frosting on which we sprinkled pink and purple sugar crystals. It was quite pretty. One of the girls actually thought we had bought it somewhere and was impressed when I told her I had made it.Brie received some very nice gifts from her friends... she was super excited. Thanks Rachel, Contessa, Sara, Sammi, and Kelley. It was a fun evening and it was nice having you share in Brie's Birthday!

I Just Couldn't Wait....

...for Thanksgiving to come so I could start decorating for Christmas. Since I can't decorate the house just yet, I decided to at least "decorate" my blog for the holidays. What Fun!!! It really was fun learning new things. Emile and Brie both helped. Also, thank you Dusty. I used the blog template site you suggested and I LOVE IT!! It truly was super simple. So for everyone out there... enjoy. I hope you like what you see.

Monday Memories

Stealing the "Flashback Fridays" idea from Jamie, I decided to start "Monday Memories." I thought it would be cool to do this ... these will be upbeat memories I have. Hope it works out well.

Today's memory..... Winter Foot Attire.
As I was reading "The Christmas Sweater" by Glenn Beck, I was reminded of a similar winter "tradition." When we were kids growing up, money was very tight, as I'm sure it was for a lot of your families. Our mother never really worried about winter foot attire as much as I wished she would have. We lived in places where we received a fair amount of snow... not tons, just enough. As with most children, I thought I needed the best (and pinkest) boots one could find. Mother thought otherwise.Why would anyone spend as much money as it cost to purchase boots when we had everything needed to keep our feet dry right in our kitchen?The trusty loaf of Wonderbread. The "SUPERMAN" of breads... the "LIFESAVER" of feet everywhere!!All you had to do was save the bags, empty the crumbs, and walla.... instant boots! Of course you needed to make sure you had rubber bands too. I clearly remember the daily ritual. First 2 pair of socks, next the shoes, followed by the bag... or two if needed, fastened just below the knee with the rubber bands. You had to make sure your pant legs were tucked into the bags as well... thus finishing off this fashion statement. How mortifying!! Somehow it worked.... and I really did survive.

So what about you? Anyone else out there use the old bread bags? As much as I hate to admit it, I've even used it with my girls. Although they have snow boots, I've still had them put bags over their feet (but before the boots) just for added protection. Not lately since they can get themselves ready to be out in the cold. Have I become my mother????

Farewell Guido

Our little guinea pig, Guido M. Sarducci, passed away a few minutes ago. I came upstairs to check on him (for some reason) and discovered his food uneaten and his water bottle level hadn't lowered at all. He was lying very still. When I reached in to pet him he "chattered" to me but I could tell he was in distress. I was looking online at possible problems and decided to hold him to warm him up. Brie held a towel while I lifted him out of his cage. I wrapped him up and gave him a few loving strokes while continuing to read online info. He made a few more sounds, moved around a few times, then seemed to settle down and get quiet. After a few minutes I pulled the towel away a little to check him. He had died. Just like that, he was gone. I called Brie back upstairs and we cried together. Brie even called Emile to let her know. What a bummer.

I had never had a guinea pig until Guido. What a pleasant surprise he turned out to be. He was very personable. He loved attention and would pull on his hanging bells to get you to acknowledge him. He "talked" a lot... especially if you were feeding the cat and hadn't gotten to him yet. He knew the sound of the food containers opening. I'm always amazed how much you have the capacity to love such tiny creatures.... and how much you mourn their passing. Guido was a blast to have. He will be missed.

For now I think we'll stick to one dog, one cat, and the 5 fish we have. Guido's moved on and I'm sure he's right where he's supposed to be.

Sometimes I Just Can't Leave....

well enough alone! I thought it would be cool to change my blog background to a Thanksgiving theme. I ended up deleting all my family and friends from instead. Now I'm trying to put everyone back. Isn't that just how life is? I never know when to leave well enough alone. Maybe someday I'll catch on!

Christmas Books

I know it's a little early to be thinking about Christmas books, however, I love the season so very much that I decided to share the titles of a few good ones I've read over the last few years. I finished my most recent book just a few minutes age. I cried my eyes out. These are not storybooks. I have a slew of those too, but for now I'm listing "adult" book titles.
This is the book I just finished. ANY book by Richard Paul Evans is a good book.A great pick from last year.A story of the birth of Christ told from the perspective of the Innkeeper's Wife. It's short and touching. A very easy read.Along the lines of "paying it forward," this is a wonderful story. I actually think it would be a special tradition to start with my own little family.Another fantastic Evans book. Just "Google" Richard Paul Evans and you'll get a list of all his books.
And finally.... this book is scheduled for release tomorrow. It's about the last Christmas Glenn spent with his mother. He's been talking about it on his radio show and it sounds great. Can't wait to read it.

Back In Business??

Here we go again.... I HOPE. I think my computer is up and running again. Believe it or not, I'm actually blogging from home for the first time in 2 weeks. YIPPEE!! Thanks go out to Dave Moss for his assistance. Without him I would not be connected yet. Just for the record.... I have a LOVE/HATE relationship with computers. I'm sure most of you can relate.Still, when the computer is running and I can stay connected with all my friends and family, there's nothing like it in the world. I can't imagine life without technology!

P.S.

Thank you Rita for allowing me to use you computer to blog. Without you I'd be lost. I still have no internet from my home computer. If anyone has any suggestions on how I may fix my computer, please call. I'll explain what happened and you may be able to help me figure it out. I'm open to any ideas.

The People Have Spoken

Here we go.... our new President Elect of the United States of America is....

Barack Obama.

While you may or may not agree with the outcome of the election, it is historical nonetheless. Obama is the first African-American to be elected President. Unfortunately I'm not sure if he was elected because of his race, his policies or the utter hatred so many people feel for President Bush. For the record, I still support President Bush! Regardless, in January Obama will be our next President.

New we'll see just what the Dems will do to "fix" everything wrong with America. The ball is in their court and we ALL must hold them to the same exacting standards the Republican Party has been held to.... yeah right, like that will happen. All I can say is I hope and pray we don't become a socialist country. If we do, we have ourselves to blame. The people listened to the bag of goods Obama sold. He was very smooth and convincing. Only time will tell.

Happy Birthday Brie

Here I sit at a clients home trying to update my post. I still have no internet access from home. What a drag. I really don't like not having a computer that actually works! Anyway today is a special day. It's Brie's birthday. Sorry I can't even post a pic... but you all know how cute she is already, right!?!

A little about my Brie Brie...
She was born on Monday, Nov. 4, 1996 at 1:06pm. She weighed in at 6lbs 14oz. She was a cutie from the get go. She had a gentle spirit about her. She's always been quieter, more thoughtful, and has a tender heart for the most part. Brie is creative and artistic. She loves to draw. She has a love of learning and is a deep thinker. Sometimes she amazes me. She loves her big sister.... even though they fight at times. That's normal though. Brie is the "balance" in our family.

I can't imagine a day without Brie in it. She has been a joy in my life. So.... HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETHEART!!! I love you forever and for always.

Computer Woes

I thought I'd better let everyone know I'm having serious computer trouble. I can't seem to get connected to the internet (an error message keeps coming up). I'm at a clients home using their computer to post this. If you don't hear from me for awhile it's because I have much more limited access. I'll keep working on trying to fix the problem, however, as technology illiterate as I am, I'm not sure how much success I'll have. I suppose that's what you should expect from an almost 4 year old computer that has already crashed and been restored once, right? Wish me luck.

Read a "SPOOKY" Book

As Halloween approaches I'm reminded of the many "spooky" books I've enjoyed reading to the girls over the years. I love reading so it's natural to have found some favorites for this time of the year. Perhaps you may find these fun to share with your little ones.
And for the younger "ghostlings" there's these to pick from.
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