Ah the Joys of a White Christmas

The sun is shining the grass is "WHITE" the sky is the brightest blue you have ever seen. What a beautiful Christmas Day. I took this picture to show you all the snow coming off the roof of my home, but look at that blue sky! WOW!

The bushes are covered, the bird houses are drifted in, the poinsettias are .....

There are lots of laws about parking cars on the street after the 1st of November....I'm campaigning for a new law..."Electric Snow Melting Systems installed in every driveway!" I truly envy anyone who has this wonderful system that is buried cables underground, which heat surfaces such as sidewalks and driveways (BYU has them... I know... I walked the campus sidewalks many winters....they were clear and clean!)

DH said they must of course be laid before concrete is poured! Now since we got a new driveway 2 years ago I can't remeber what the problem was or why I didn't request the system be put in immediately.

Installation and maintenance costs were probably a big consideration, but to me it would be worth it, "if someone else is doing the work and paying the bill of course" becauseI truly dread tackling a snow-covered driveway at 5 a.m. and even worse I hate a driveway covered with snow! It ranks right up there with unmowed lawn!

That little picture on the side bar...No way!

So I walk the 10,000 steps and take the picture of the pedometer, post it in the side bar....Oh no you can't see the numbers and I'm not going to let this day go without the proof that I actually did the entire 10,000 and then some. Mind you, I can't feel my feet but I made it! Just for the record of course!

Panna Cotta with Blackberry Sauce

Jason made panna cotta today, and I had to steal the picture and recipe, to bad I live so far far away as Ms. Halie says, I would have been having my share of this today. Big mistake on Jason's part, because we are having Christmas Dinner next Saturday. This will be dessert, right Jason!

More good news ~~~ I HAVE A CHRISTMAS TREE

picture and blog to follow.

AND~~~~ My BFF Nancy gave me a gift that I must keep a secret. You know those good kind of things that make you cry, well that is what I got from her. I was going to wait until Christmas to open it, but then I thought, "Maybe she gave me ........" Oh, I REALLY have to open it right now and sure enough, there it was. I will do a post on Christmas Day about this very inspirational gift.

Panna Cotta with Blackberry Sauce
INGREDIENTS

1/3 cup milk

1 (.25 ounce) envelope unflavored gelatin

2 1/2 cups heavy cream

1/2 cup white sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

1. Pour milk into a small bowl, and stir in the gelatin powder. Set aside.

2. In a saucepan, stir together the heavy cream and sugar, and set over medium heat. Bring to a full boil, watching carefully, as the cream will quickly rise to the top of the pan. Pour the gelatin and milk into the cream, stirring until completely dissolved. Cook for one minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla and pour into six individual ramekin dishes.

3. Cool the ramekins uncovered at room temperature. When cool, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight before serving.

Take to your mother's home for dessert!

Gathering at book club has been an incredible journey for 7 years for many of us, some of us are much newer to the club, but definitely now part of our the group. Each time we gather together as a group we celebrate our life and experiences. At the dinner table each of us shared our happiest memory of 2007 and something that happened that was agonizing. Some were journeys that we certainly didn’t enjoy, but love and smiles of our happy memories make it all worth it.
Here we are gathering at Jill's island...everyone brought something for dinner tonight. Jill made her wonderful pork roast. Deb brought potatoes (yummy), Lisa brought red and green jello salads, Joy brought a layered jello very festive Christmas colors, Nina brought veggies that I had several servings of, I made rolls, Nancy and Vickie provided dessert. Joy also brought goodies caramel popcorn and trail mix. Yes, I brought my hot chocolate!

Deb is getting sick of me taking pictures.

Vickie wants to start a new tradition for Christmas, reading a short Christmas story to the group. I love the idea.

We each brought a new book, one we hadn't read for book club, and exchanged them. Here's the gift pill waiting to be opened. Zachary is the handsome little one that makes us all smile.

Jill's book was a pop up Snowman book, Zachary was so happy!

One of my greatest blessings in life is the contentment I get from being with my book club friends. There is always time for the shopping I love to do and more to accomplish in my classroom each day, but I have learned over my many years (yes it is many) that as we travel through life, it really is short, so we need to make it count. I grateful that I am able to read books that have taken me to place I might never be able to go – (my agonizing memory of 2007 ~ a canceled trip to Italy). Lucky for me someone selected Playing for Pizza by Grisham for one of our months.

I look forward to meeting again next month to enjoy life, laughter and each other.

Reason for the Season

The Ultimate Sign of Christmas

So far this season there is no Christmas tree in our home.
There's a tree in the grand hotel ~ Marriott
and this beautiful one in the park as well.
It's the sturdy kind that doesn't mind the snow
Take a look, sure enough there's snow on her!

BUT THERE IS NOT A TREE AT MY HOUSE!

With the organizational thing going on here, the old Christmas tree was donated to someone else's home...I don't know the lucky family, maybe it is still on the showroom of the DI, guess I could check that out. Actually the tree was somewhere around 40 years old, a few broken branches, a few lost pine needles, but in relatively good shape....but gone to reside with a new family this year. Deep sigh!

A week ago, I asked the DH if I bought a tree could I possibly store it in his HUGE warehouse....hmm he said, "Well, hmmm I don't have much room." Oh that through me into the spirit of Christmas --you betcha!

Moving forward to this morning.... DH said, "Should we get a Christmas Tree?" I of course playing the martyr role very well at this point said, "NOPE!"

So tonight I have made the decision to bring home the movie "The House without a Christmas Tree" when DH suggests that we watch a movie I'll be more than happy to start up the DVD player.

And soon he will be watching Addie who wants nothing more for the holidays than a what.....A CHRISTMAS TREE....and her father (good old Jason Robards), is that bitter, snarly, old coot who refuses to put up a tree due to events from the family's past. ~I know the story of my DH's Christmas past...he never got what the neighbor kids got....sad life...etc! Get over it already, he now has everything and anything his big heart desires!

Maybe this weekend I'll buy the tree after all and store it on his side of the garage!

Yes, I'm pretty festive about Christmas this year don't you think?

My Girl

Stunning....for those of you who haven't dropped by my son's photos, I just had to share another outstanding great capture. 19 degrees here tonight, but the grandkids love playing in the snow.

What a Surprise I made the Cover!

Seriously Today is National Noodle-Ring Day

How could I have missed this holiday? Where have I been? National Noodle Ring Day
When : Always December 11
National Noodle Ring Day is a December day that kids young and old have impatiently await......yeah, right!

What would cooking be like without the noodle ring? I do shudder to think about it. I for one am certainly relieved that the Noodle Ring exists, so I can cook them in one recipe after another..... And, doesn't it make sense that we honor the Noodle Ring with its own very special day!? Look you can even get your own t-shirt.....

Your own mug! or just walk down memory lane with all the noodles ~~~ can you name all these noodles with your noodle?

Here is your word bank in case you are in need of a few hints:

rotini - capellini - farfalle - conchiglie - ruote - wide egg noodles - rigatoni - and fusilli

I left off the easy ones - macaroni, manicotti, spaghetti, and lasagne.

Now even more anticipations..... tomorrow is National Ding-a-ling day! Any inspirations?

December Snow

I just had to post this great picture of my kids having so much fun in the snow. They had 10 inches at their house this morning. In spite of the harsh winter and hectic stressful nature of the season, or maybe because of all that, I'm glad they are able to take some time out to enjoy actually being together with each other. Now it's time to come inside and have some of Grandma's hot chocolate. To far to drive, so here is the recipe!

Grandma LeAnn's Hot Chocolate

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

3/4 cup Ghirardelli sweet ground chocolate

1 tsp cinnamon

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 quart half and half

2 cups water

Mini marshmallows (optional)

In a large saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, ground chocolate, vanilla and salt;

mix well.

Over medium heat, slowly stir in milk and water; heat through, stirring occasionally.

DO NOT BOIL

Top with marshmallows, if desired.

TIP: Chocolate can be stored in the refrigerator up to 5 days. Mix well and reheat before serving.

Mexican Spiral Appetizers

Weight Watchers 1 spiral 1 point....the problem.....you can't eat just 1. We made these for Birthday Treats at work this week. They are so yummy I came home and made a double batch for the weekend. We of course tweaked the recipe some so here is our version:

8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup diced cooked chicken
1/4 lb Pepper Jack Cheese
1/4 cup fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons diced jalapeno peppers
or canned jalapeno
2 teaspoons ground cumin
3 (10 inch) flour tortillas
EVOO
Salsa
Sour Cream
Guacamole

Preparation:
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, chicken, pepper jack cheese, cilantro, jalapeno peppers, and cumin. Spread mixture evenly over tortillas.

Roll up each tortilla tightly around chicken mixture. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Just before serving, cut each tortilla roll into 1/2 inch slices. Arrange on greased baking sheet, brush with oil, bake in 350 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

Serve hot with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.

Enjoy -- I'm sure you can't eat just one, that is why we doubled the recipe.

Shopping for Christmas

Honestly, my DH doesn't even get this far into the mall.... So my trip includes the blue line as well. Our plan today was to go finish up our shopping. This is what we found this morning in our backyard, front yard, street....etc. It's beautiful, but looks like a stay in the house day, sit by the fireplace, read a new book kinda day to me. Maybe even eat some goodies...not doing well this week on the diet, 2 parties blew the plan!

The flakes were huge last night !

It starting snowing early in the evening

didn't stop, hasn't stopped, it must be winter.

Winter Sounds of Silence

Picture by Sweet J
The Sounds of Silence
The morning was mute, quiet and still as I awoke from a peaceful rest;

The sounds of silence were a soft calm and peace was mine -

I was blessed.

A hushed world was solemn in thought at the silence all around;

Snowflakes fell like pure-white feathers

and never made a sound.

A lull like this, in a busy world,was Nature's gift of wonder;

I stifled thoughts of anything

that might put it asunder.

For just awhile on a winter's morn, I turned within, in awe;

Listening to the sounds of silence

and the beauty that I saw.

Joan Adams Burchell

Organization Kick

This fall I have been on a get organized kick. I started with my shoe collection and closet spaces. I haven’t posted pictures because….well I’m a collector of shoes and clothes….it might be an addiction! Maybe I’ll get brave enough over the Christmas break to show you all what I did…I’ll think about it.
Anyway……My office space is somewhat limited, so I went with an L-shaped, two-surface desk arrangement to eliminate my secondary desk which was on the other side of my office. I love how it looks, especially the stain glass lamp my dad made and gave to me…thanks for the early Christmas Dad.

I also added a nice chair. DH was a little surprised when the moving guys brought in this monster (his words)! It will be a perfect reading chair with light from the window. The afghan was made by my mom...geeze my parents are so talented...it matches the room perfectly. Thanks Mom!

Now I must find homes for all those items removed from the unorganized office. To bad I didn't take before and after pictures, the transformation is amazing.

The Cows Have a New Barn

Congratulations the custom random generator selected #2. I think that is Jayedee. Nancy will ship them to you early Monday morning.

I'm sure they will have to acclimate to a little higher temperature in their new barn. It is 25 degrees here tonight, icy, snowing and dangggg cold.

Cows Need A New Barn ~ Do You Want Them?

I am wanting to change my Christmas tree decorations.
I have about 36 hand painted cows,
15 'milk cans', and a homemade tree skirt.
The cows and milk cans are about 2 1/2 - 3 inches tall.
The tree skirt must be put on the tree before the tree is placed in the tree stand.

I am wanting to find a new home (Barn) for these items. If there is someone in the US that would like them, I would be happy to put them in the mail as soon as I have an address.

This darling cow Christmas Village belongs to my bff. She asked me post them so she can find them a happy new barn.

If you would like to become a new farmer to the herd, please leave me a comment. I will also need your email address so we can get your snail mail address.

We will give you all a chance to comment until Saturday night. That way she can draw a winner and get them in the mail to you on Monday. MOOOOO

Festival of Trees 2007

Today was Halie's schools performance at the Festival of Trees. I was pleasantly surprised when she stepped up to the mic for a solo part. She loves to perform and we love to watch her.

There are always 100s of trees. This is a Utah tradition that helps kick off the holiday season and also provides help to those in need.

The Festival of Trees was inspired 37 years ago by a group of 15 women from along the Wasatch Front. These women were challenged by Lewis M. Jones, Chairman of the hospital's Men's Endowment Board, to identify a way to raise funds for the hospital.

That first year, there were approximately 60 trees for display and sale in the gymnasium of the old Armory off Sunnyside Avenue. To everyone's surprise and delight, $47,000 was raised!

The trees are decorated and purchased by individuals, families, organizations, businesses, and church groups.

In 2006, the Festival raised $1,567,525.80 for children in need at Primary Children's Medical Center. This years Festival will probably exceed last years generous donations. It is always a fun day when you are enjoying the Feelings of Love during the season.

Six Weeks to Fitness

Today I am commited to get back to my best weight. I have added to my sidebar each days goal. It just shouldn't be as difficult as I seem to be making it. Three years ago, I was so dedicated, I would never eat after 6:00 PM, I only ate healthy foods, (No Goodie sneaking), I counted Weight Watcher Points and I lost everything I wanted to. So here goes! I won't post about my achievements until it is really noticeable. I will keep up the sidebar with the goal for the day. I also found a great blogspot that will calculate points for you on line, it is called WeightWatcher Recipes. Keep me in your prayers...help me be strong. That's a picture of me today... in a few weeks I'll be up and running!

Glad To Be Alive

Today we made a visit to the Ogden Nature Center. We were greeted by Tom and his 2 brothers Tommy and Thomas. Tom was strutting!!! Do you think love is in the air... at least for the wild turkeys? I'm sure Tom was calling his little female friend, but she was no where to be found today. Maybe she just wasn't as lucky as Tom and his brothers. So it might not have been a mating call at all, maybe he was just glad to be alive.

Please Help ~~~

Last week while I was doing the usual blog surfing I came across a post of a remodeled bathroom that was beautiful. Here is what I remember about it: Pictures of grandkids frame hung with ribbon and cupboard nobs used to hold them...monogrammed towels on a wall rack, and drapes hung around the bathroom mirror. It was fabulous!

So I thought I had added it to my favorite list, but obviously I DIDN'T. If there is anyone in my circle of friends who has seen this would you please let me know...I probably should spend one more minute (hour, day) looking for it.

Gratitude and Thanks

Sometimes in the daily challenges that life gives us, we miss what is really important. We may fail to say hello, please, or thank you, congratulate someone on something wonderful that has happened to them, give a compliment, or just do something nice for no reason.

As I journey through this week of Thanksgiving, I want to thank those people in my life who have filled my life with blessings. The song Count your blessings has been playing through my mind for days…. “Count your blessings, count them one by one, count your many blessings, see what God has done, count your blessings, count them one by one……….” I can hear you all singing it as you read. Enjoy your blessings this week.

BC November 2007

You see if you go to bed at 2:00 AM it is very difficult to wake the next morning and organize your thought patterns into anything intelligent about what you did the night before. So maybe the quote “What happens at BC stays at BC”…not a chance.
…..and I do hope we don’t offend anyone by calling our Book Club “BC”
Especially those folks in Australia who are banning the Christmas phrase HO HO HO… (another topic for another day)

….oh my attention drifted, must be lack of sleep. Back to BC

Our book for November was Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen.

6 of us loved it and would recommend it to someone
2 of us said it was just So – So and probably wouldn’t recommend it.
Everyone had read that book so that must say something for the story.

I was host for BC this month and selected this book because 916 reviews on Amazon.com gave it 4 ½ stars and all this too:
2006 Quill Awards nominee for General Fiction
2007 Alex Awards selection
Entertainment Weekly Best Novel of 2006 nominee
New York Times Best Seller list for 12 weeks in 2006
BookSense #1 pick for June 2006
Winner of the 2007 BookBrowse award for most popular book
The paperback hit #1 on the New York Times Best Seller list on July 8,
2007
I thought it was a terrific read, which only kindled my love of reading…how hard can that be? Reading is the greatest of great escapes. Reading is permission to simply be, to exist in another world, and Water for Elephants definitely took me into the world of a bizarre lifestyle.
I know there are people out there who are disgusted by the notion of women meeting to discuss books, but after reading a book that totally rocks my world, I would be sorely disappointed if I didn’t have anyone to share my enthusiasm with. We harangue, enlighten, and laugh with and at each other, the conversation usually switching between the book, our careers, our talents we share, -- and occasionally -- our own lives. I LOVE BC.

And the Winner ~

Congratulations to Namck, she is the winner of my 100th blog drawing. Blogging has brought many friends, family, and new acquaintances into my life. I'm grateful to each of you who took the time to stop by and leave me a comment. I promise to have future giveaways...probably for no reason at all. Well, maybe it is because I love to shop.


Today is my Grandmother's birthday, if she were still with us we would be having a big family dinner (at her home, prepared by her, with all the fixins'). Then again on Thanksgiving day she would have done it all again. My grandma was amazing, thanks grandma for teaching me all that you did. She also blessed me with my mother and my aunt, who have given me so much. Thanks Mom and Aunt Rea, your influence has certainly guided me along the path of life. And right now that path says I have to get going...26 children await my guidance.

A Little Prayer

Saint Theresa's Prayer

May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.

May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.

May you be content knowing you are a child of God.

Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of us.

Friends

Robyn and Ali have been friends since they were 2 years old....here they are at our annual Pumpkin Carving Night.

This is what Charlotte says about friendship:

"You have been my friend. That in itself is a tremendous thing. I wove my webs for you because I liked you. After all, what's a life, anyway? We're born, we live a little while, we die. A spider's life can't help being something of a mess, with all this trapping and eating flies. By helping you, perhaps I was trying to lift up my life a trifle. Heaven knows anyone's life can stand a little of that."
"Charlotte's Web"

The True Spirit of Thanksgiving

This is from my daughter's blog ~ Ogden High Colors. She loves her job and all the good things that happen each day with her students. So I'm sharing her story about Thanksgiving Turkeys.

Thanksgiving is a time for giving; Colors of Success and the Utah Food Bank are doing just that ~ giving turkeys to the families of our student.
The first week of November, with everyone working together, we present 20 families with a Thanksgiving turkey. Hopefully this has made someone else's day a little brighter. We can make a real difference and that's what it's all about.I feel very fortunate to work in a community that values quality education and actively partners with our schools to help us ensure that the student have every opportunity to realize their potential. Thanks to the Utah Food Bank this project became a reality.I hope that during the holidays you have the opportunity to encourage your students to dream about their future and to discuss the importance of education as the key pathway to success.
You as parents are their primary teachers, but I am very thankful that I have the opportunity to work with them each school day to help them along the path to success.