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.....