One Day at a Time

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-17T09:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

How to become an Angel: Random Acts of Kindness are those sweet or grand lovely things we do for no reason except that, momentarily, the best of our humanity has sprung, exquisitely, into full bloom.

When you spontaneously give an old woman the bouquet of red carnations you had meant to take home to your own dinner table, when you give your lunch to the guitar-playing beggar who makes music at the corner between your two subway stops, when you anonymously put coins in someone else's parking meter because you see the red "expired" medallion signaling to a meter maid--you are doing not what life requires of you, but what the best of your human soul invites you to do.

To become the perpetrator of these acts of kindness, is to become in some sense an angel. For it means you have moved beyond the limits of your daily human condition to touch wings with the divine.

Thought: " I try to give to the poor people for love what the rich could get for money. No, I wouldn't touch a leper for a thousand pounds, yet I willingly cure him for the love of God." Mother Teresa

I love you all,
Happy Day....

Feb 11 and 12

2011-02-14T10:30:00.000-08:00

Feb 12
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:22 ...see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.

Quote: Being filled with the love of God actually changes everything because it has the power to completely change us inside.

Virginia PearceRandom Acts of Kindness: I have been going to the same bagel/coffee shop every Sunday for years. One morning in the middle of a great dreary drizzley weekend, I trudged in dripping wet with my newspaper carefully tucked under my overcoat and ordered my usual bagel with lox and cream cheese and an expresso. I was casually informed that my coffee had already been paid for. I looked around expecting to see some friend sitting somewhere but didn't, and when I asked, the young woman at the register she just smiled and said someone paid for twenty coffees and you are number eight. I sat there for almost an hour, reading my paper, and watching more surprised people come in to find their morning coffee pre paid. There we all were, furtively at first and then with big funny smiles on our faces, looking at everyone else in the restaurant trying to figure out who had done this incredible thing, but mostly just enjoying the experience as a group. It was a beautiful blast of sunshine on an otherwise overcast winter day.

One Idea for 14 days of Valentines: Make some love darts out of tooth picks and place then where your sweetheart can find them. Wrap a scavenger hunt on each to find a sweet surprise at the end. You can also go to the dollar store and buy one of those bow and arrows with the suction on the end and use that as cupids love dart. Stick it on their computer screen.

Feb 11

Random Acts of Kindness Story: Several years ago, when I was living in Chicago, I read in the newspaper about a little boys who had leukemia. Every time he was feeling discouraged or particularly sick, a package would arrive for him containing some little toy or book to cheer him up with a note saying the present was from the Magic Dragon. No one knew who it was. Eventually the boy died and his parents thought the Magic Dragon finally would come forth and reveal him or herself But that never happened. After hearing the story, I resolved to become a Magic Dragon whenever I could and I have had many occasions. (So sweet)

Love Thoughts from Children's books:
Sometimes the feeling is more important than the word. -nobody stole the pie, by Soniea LevitinIt is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye. -The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-ExuperyThere is a lot of hope and a lot of faith, and a lot of love mixed up in a miracle. -Journey from Peppermint Street, Meindert DeJongYou must be careful! Treat them carefully! They're people. -The Indian in the Cupboard, Lynne Reid BanksIf you want to own the sweetest Valentine's book order "Somebody loves you Mr. Hatch" It will be a book that you can read in lessons at church and discuss. It is my all time favorite out of my collection. And I have lots of favorites.

Ideas:Don't go to a boring restaurant: Have a Picnic!! But make your Picnic something special....Have it on the floor in your family/living room in your PJ's, but use candles.(Hire a server...) Find a roof of a building and have it there. (bring white lights for fun), Have it at a fast food restaurant,(bring the table cloth and fine china) in a car, in the mall, in front of a fireplace, in your bathtub... be creative and use your imagination!

Tuck something under the windshield wiper of his/her car.

Write all over the mirror in your bathroom,on the rear view mirror, on the side mirrors, or the mirrors in every room of your house. That is what dry erase markers were made for! Write out lyrics to a favorite love song.

Buy "Handle with Care stickers at Staples. When you need some extra attention place this sticker in a place where your sweetheart can see so they know you need a hug.

February 10: xoxo

2011-02-11T08:32:00.000-08:00

Do you ever wonder why......the X's at the end of a letter signify kisses?In the Middle Ages, illiterate people often signed documents by making an X.

This X, or cross, signified a sacred oath to fulfill the obligation specified in the document. Signers had to kiss the X, to affirm their sincerity. Eventually the X and the kiss became synonymous.The O, some think are the arms in a hug shape.

Ideas: Make a time capsule together, a recording of right now, wrap it up and place it in your underwear drawer and next year open it up and see how you have changed.

Prepare for next Monday. Make breakfast with pink milk, heart shaped pancakes or french toast, heart shaped pizza, heart shaped sandwiches, bake a heart cake or heart shaped finger jello. ( heart cookie cutters are not expensive)

Make a personalized cross-word puzzle and have all the answers be things only you and your sweetheart know...

Create a love bouquet--bring a different type of flower home to your sweetheart for one week.

Song lyric: I'm looking at you and my heart loves the view.."
-Highschool musical

"I can take all the madness the world has to give, But I won't last a day without you." Paul Williams

February 9th

2011-02-10T08:44:00.000-08:00

And what happened then...?
Well...in Who-ville they say
That the Grinch's small heart
Grew three sizes that day!

How do you stretch your love muscles?
Here are a few ideas:

1. Next time you go to the ice-cream parlor, pay for a few free cones to be given to the next kids to come in. Hide and watch.
2. Go through your junk, and give it to other people who will think its a treasure.
3. Buy a giant box of candy at the theatre, take one and pass it down the entire row to share.
4. Help someone put their groceries in their car
5. If there is a house or a garden that you love, stop and knock on the door and tell the people living there.
6. Go to the donut store and buy a huge box. Leave it for the garbage men, or the UPS Guy, or the mail carrier, or...
7. Doorbell ditch some brownies
8. Give someone a heart attack with cut up hearts and tape all over their door,
9. Go to the bank and get $20 in ones. Now walk around and give out a dollar at a time, for fun...
10. Give someone a bouquet of flowers today.

Scripture: One heart, one soul... Acts 4:32
Romance: Stuff your sweethearts shoes with little love notes or thoughts. Place one of your shoes next to one of their's and say something like we are sole mates, or our shoes even want to be together...

Fill their backpack or purse with paper cut hearts so when they open it up it will be full of love...

14 Days of Valentine's

2011-02-09T11:14:00.000-08:00

I've been selfish and have just been reading these ideas my mom has been sending me instead of sharing them with everyone. SO--here are days 1-8 of Valentine's Day. The rest will be posted daily.

Day 8
Heart Scripture: 1 Samuel 7:3 ...prepare your heart unto the Lord.
Love Miracles:
A little miracle is a burst of unexpected happiness. It comes out of the blue to delight us with its complete unanticipatedness. Rainbows are little miracles. So is a catch-up call from someone you haven't heard from in years. My coworker Suzanne told me of one she experienced last weekend: "I rode my bike up to the top of the mountain and there, in the field in fron of me, were thousands of dragonflies!"Today, watch for a little miracle. You just never know where it might be. -- M.J. Ryan

Idea for 14 days of Valentines: Go buy a whole bunch of heart stickers. Inside your sweethearts car, put stickers everywhere. On the mirror, the seats, everywhere. For a long time they will be scraping off the stickers, but every time they do they will smile and think of you....

Day 7
Idea for 14 days of Valentines: "I love you a hole punch" and take a hole punch and punch out a heart...keep the little circles for confetti.1 Samuel 16:7 ...man looketh on the outward appearance but the Lord looketh upon the heart...

Random Acts of Kindness: For many years our next door neighbor was this very sweet and unusual old woman. She lived alone. When my brother and I were young, she always treated us as real people, not just a couple of kids. She would talk to us seriously about what was happening in our lives, and actually took an interest in things like the wins and losses of our baseball teams. She also had what at the time was a really hot car--silver 1957 Chevy--that she took great care of. As she got older, her son took over the duties of occasionally washing and polishing the car, but then he moved out of state. One day my brother and I were at our parents' house for Thanksgiving dinner and we noticed that her poor old Chevy was looking very sad. Later that night we snuck into her driveway, washed the car inside and out, waxed it, and polished all the chrome; when we were done it was shining just like a floor model.That was nearly five years ago and since then we have made regular guerrilla raids into her driveway. I don't think she knows who is doing it, but my mother reports that she has taken to going "cruising" in her car, and always laughs and tells my mother she has an "automotive angel."

Quote: "T'was her thinking of others that made you think of her." -Elizabeth Browning

Day 6
Romans 8:38-39For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.31: If God be for us, who can be against us?When you are prepared to see our FATHER, you will see a being with whom you have long been acquainted, and he will receive you into His arms, and you will be ready to fall into his embrace and kiss Him, as you would your fathers and friends that have been dead for a score of years, you will be so glad and joyful.Brigham Young JD 4:54-55

Day 5
Thought:"Only the heart knows how to find what is precious." DostoevskySurprise someone...Have you ever payed for someone at a toll bridgeLeft a surprise in the mailbox...for the mail manTucked some money in a backpackBought lunch for a homeless personScripture: Blessed are the pure in heart...Matt. 5:8

Proverbs 15:13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance...What makes your heart merry? What makes the heart of someone you love merry? Is it music? Walking barefoot or a foot rub with scented lotion? A poem or Fairy Tale? Is it a snuggle on the couch? Chocolate Chip Cookies? Their favorite breakfast in bed? Whipped cream on top of hot chocolate? Do something for yourself or someone you love that makes your/their heart merry-- today!Random Acts of Kindness: I have a wonderful friend names Molly Fumia who is one of the best happiness boosters I have ever met. Being with her is like being wrapped ini a cocoon of unconditional love and support. Recently I opened a package from her, and a little two by two-inch card (probably made on her computer) fell out, it read, "I believe in you every day of my life."--Elliot to ET from the E.T. movie [When he touched his finger to his heart.] I felt instantly uplifted. And if it cheered me, imagine what it can do for someone in great need of support and encouragement! Who in your life needs to hear such a message? You? Your spouse? Your child? Spread some joy around--send an e-mail, write or call someone and tell them, 'I will believe in you every day of my life": and see how you--and they feel. --M.J. Ryan

Day 4
"When the well is dry, we know the worth of water." --Benjamin Franklin Personal story: Bob Ligon was daddy's very good work buddy in Los Angeles. He was a big old absent minded teddy bear professor type who always had a big stain on his tie. Several years ago he had a major stroke. For months he was in the hospital or in a care facility. He now can walk again with the help of a walker or cane, and he can talk a little. But he is not as sharp as he was. Every few weeks daddy gets little thoughts written to him from Bob. That is part of his recovery. To write. He writes daddy poems, and little thoughts that are so innocent and precious. Here is a poem he sent to Morgan...

Marital Advice Here is my important marital advice, and I do not want to say it more thantwice, First you always would see her soon and "woo" and then go to the nearby churchand say "I do". A happy wife is the key to a happy life, Buy or give her a nice shining long dinner knife. She will probably want to give birth to handsome boy and a pretty girl andreceive from you, a big white pearl, And please teach your five intelligent children how to strongly read and domath, so you won't incur her angry wrath. If you want to remain quite wealthy and healthy, do not mention her age or howmuch she weighs, If you make this big mistake, you will have to hear her many strong complaintsfor a lot of days.

How dear is that! A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance....:)
Love you—

Day 3
a nice simple pleasure and idea for someone you love:

Before I get into the shower, I put a big fluffy bath towel in the dryer. When I get out of the shower, while I dry myself with another towel my wife gets the hot towel from the dryer and wraps it around my shoulders. Its a wonderful feeling being completely enclosed in dry soft warmth after being wet all over. I've heard of people who sprinkle a little water on a towel and heat it in the microwave, but my towel's too big for that. It has to be huge for maximum comfort. ( by Robert Taylor, Simple Pleasures)

Quote: Whenever you are sincerely pleased you are nourished.--Ralph Waldo Emerson

Scripture from the heart: Psalms 69:32 ...your heart shall live that seek God.

Have a nice day!

Day 2
"It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself." -Ralph Waldo EmersonRandom Acts of Kindness Story: For years the Oakland Calif. neighbors watches as Mary's house and yard slowly decayed. Mary was an elderly, wheelchair-bound widow who could no longer manage the necessary repairs and maintenance on her house. One day a couple of neighbors--a bus driver and an auto worker--went down to the city'[s office of Community Development, got forty-five gallons of Mary's favorite colored paint and a handful of painting supplies, and set to work. By the time they had finished, they had also put in a new lawn, cut back the tangled shrubs, and topped off the paint job with eye catching trim.Mosiah 2:9:...open your... hearts that ye may understand.Love you...

Happy February 1st!
Thoughts from the heart: It is possible to decrease the suffering in the world by adding to the joy.Mosiah 24:2 [they] did not raise their voices to the Lord their God, but did pour out their hearts to him; and He did know the thoughts of their hearts.Random Acts of Kindness story: I'm a doctor, Every day I come into the office and, probably like most doctors slip into my professional caring role. I try hard to always be in a positive and attentive frame of mind for each and every one of my patients. But every now and then one of my patients will turn the table on me and it is always such a genuinely touching thing. There I am, figuratively leaning forward, ready to be the one to do the giving,then comes out a coffee cake, a bouquet of home-grown flowers. The turn around---the receiver giving to the giver--never fails to take me by surprise and always puts a large grin on my face."Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless." Mother TeresaLove you...

December 24th and 25th

2010-12-23T14:58:00.000-08:00

December 24th
"Joy to the World!"
There is excitement in the air…can you feel it!?

Expressions of Joy!
Jesus: Behold, I have come unto the world to bring redemption unto the world, to save the world from sin.

3rd Nephi 9:21
Mary: My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour Luke 1: 47
Joseph: Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife…Matthew 1:24
Angels: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:13-14
Shepherds: And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. Luke 2: 17 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen as it was told unto them. Luke 2: 20
Wisemen: …they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasure, they presented unto him gifts… Matthew 2:11
You: ? What will you do?

Will you rejoice in God as Mary did, perhaps in prayer and pondering?
Will you have a quiet joy of commitment and service to the Lord as Joseph?
Will you sing and praise God as the angels?
Will you make known abroad like the Shepherds?
Will you fall down and worship, and then offer gifts as the Wisemen?
What will you do today?
What will you do all year?

Create “Joy” and enthusiasm in the atmosphere in your home today.
Set an extra place at your dinner table tonight as you light your little candle tonight. Talk about how fun it is to keep a secret or to know a surprise. Let them think that someone is coming…Teach them the Joy Squeeze! When someone is excited they make fists and hold them tight, and bring them up to their chest and lift their shoulders. Do it with a smile! Try it! (If you have boys just have them make a fist and nod!...that is cooler)
Then at the end of dinner tell them that someone is coming. We are celebrating the Lord coming.

Do what your family does to make a celebration. Feel happy, spend time together. Spread Joy every where you can…visit, Sing! Tell the age old story! Talk to your family how you can feel joyous beyond today and tomorrow.
If you want you can discuss or read the thoughts below…

On their long journey to Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph anticipated the baby, king, coming to the world, but who else was thinking about it? Who else anticipated? Who else knew?

There were a host of people living in the America’s waiting…
And they began to know that the Son of God must shortly appear; yea, in fine, all the people upon the face of the whole earth from the west to the east, both to the land north and in the land south, were so exceedingly astonished that they fell to the earth. For they knew that the prophets had testified of these things for many years, and that the sign which had been given was already at hand…3rd Nephi 1:17-18

But maybe they too were not the only ones…Do you suppose maybe all things in the heavens and earth which were created by Jesus Christ, anticipated and shouted for joy….
”Let Heaven and Nature Sing!”

The night before Jesus Christ was born a giant wonderful secret spread throughout space.
The angels were tickled with delight and the sun overheard their excited Hallelujahs.
The sun could not wait to tell and whispered to the moon!
The moon yelled out with joy and told the wind!
The wind danced all around the earth to tell her of His coming!
The Earth laughed in rainbows and tears which spread through clouds to the oceans.
The oceans swelled with the thrill and all of the rivers and sea creatures felt the movement. For all water is connected!
The sea creatures bubbled and squeaked to tell everyone underneath from sea to sea.
The whales spouted out the secret so the birds and insects heard the news.
The birds flew to the land and told the great mountains and all of the trees.
The trees shook their leaves and fruit with joy which fell to the earth where the plants and grasses could hear the news and Celebrate.
The insects, in their excitement, Buzzed whispers to the flowers, which put on their prettiest colors and stretched and lifted their faces to the sky in gratitude.
And the animals ran and jumped and leaped and danced with the thrill. There were chirps and squeaks, and roars, and whinny’s, and howls and claps. There were croaks, and moos, clucks and quacks.
The world was having a celebration dance, even though it was a secret.
They too were included in the excitement, the night before Jesus Christ was born.

How will you express Joy that the Savior of the world was born? How will you express Joy that the Savior of the world sacrificed for you…?
Perhaps this year you could do something a little different then usual. Instead of a New Years Resolution to loose weight or organize your cupboards, maybe you could take one of the messages from the 25 days of “Christ in Christmas in Bits and Pieces” and choose to do something that would give Joy to our Savior.

Ideas:
Perhaps try to say “I love you” more often.
Perhaps try to be a little more gentle then you were last year.
Perhaps “Come” to the Lord more often, however you can.
Perhaps tell about Jesus Christ as a missionary.
Perhaps be an angel to someone in need.
Perhaps “be good for goodness sakes” and repent and change.
Or, perhaps copy the 25 days and place it in your scriptures, and when you partake of the sacrament, you read one. And remember Christ, and covenant to do better that week.
*Or, perhaps you could do a Joy squeeze when you partake of the Sacrament every week silently reminding yourself…
“Joy To The World, The Lord Has Come!”

December 25th
“Come “adore” on bended knee, Christ the Lord… ”
Angels we have heard on High French Carol

And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of who it was written by the prophets, that should come.
And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying:
Hosanna!
Blessed be the name of the Most High God!
And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him. 3rd Nephi 11 15-17

And they did all, both they who had been healed and they who were whole, bow down at his feet, and did worship him; and as many as could come for the multitude did kiss his feet, insomuch that they did bathe his feet with their tears. 3rd Nephi 17:10

We must each go one by one and see with our eyes and feel with our hands and witness for ourselves that Jesus is the Christ. And when we know, we can fall down at the feet of Jesus and worship him...and bathe his feet with our tears!

Yea, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess before him… Mosiah 27:31

Tonight can be the last night you light your little candle of the Christmas season. But don’t feel sad.

The light of Christ is everywhere; When you feel the warmth of the sun; When you look up at the huge night- light of the moon; As you observe the twinkling of the stars; As you walk on the strong foundation of the good earth with all of its life and beauty. Light is the law by which all things are governed.
But mostly it is in you. It is the light that shines in your eye. You are the “little candle” that shines. Now, shine forth, and Come to Christ.… the true light!

(Powerful)

He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth; which shineth. This is the light of Christ.

As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power therof by which it was made.

As also he is in the moon, and is the light of the moon, and the power therof by which it was made;

As also the light of the stars, and the power thereof by which they were made; And the earth also, and the power therof, even the earth upon which you stand.

And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings;

Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space—The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things. D&C 88:6-13

Behold I have come unto the world to bring redemption unto the world, to save the world from sin. 3rd Nephi 9:21

And his countenance did smile….,
and the light of his countenance did shine…3rd Nephi 19:25

December 23

2010-12-23T09:11:00.001-08:00

Happy December 23! Happy Birthday Joseph Smith!!

Scripture: D&C 135:3
“Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it…He lived great and he died great in the eyes of God and his people.”

Hymn 27: Praise to the Man

Snack: Pie and Root beer

Game: Copy and Cut out each fact. Have family members play Charades with the information.

Here are some facts about Joseph Smith that are “kid friendly” to share. What a great day for a birthday celebration of our Prophet!

DID YOU KNOW:
Joseph Smith was born on Dec. 23 in 1805. How old would he be now if he were still alive?

Joseph Smith was the 5th child of eleven

*Joseph Smith was kind to Indians: Quote from Helen Mar Whitney: Our city was occasionally visited by Lamanites (Indians) and a deputation of Pottawatamie chiefs came to the city to see Joseph Smith in June, 1843. The Prophet had an ox killed for them, and some horses were also prepared for them.
They remembered the kindness of Joseph and his people, and when driven from Nauvoo they made us welcome upon their land, where we were obliged to make our winter quarters.

*Joseph Smith Loved Children: by Jane Snyder Richards
On one occasion when his enemies were threatening him with violence, he was told that quite a number of little children were gathered together praying for his safety. He replied: “Then I need have no fear; I am safe.”
It was the common custom for men, women, and children alike to flock to the road side and salute him as he passed along.

*By Mary Ann Winters:
As we were going home on the little boat, Brother Joseph sat on the upper deck with the company gathered around him listening to his wonderful words. My father sat opposite him, so near that their knees almost touched. I, a little girl, being tired and sleepy, my Pa took me in his arms to rest, Brother Joseph stopped speaking, stooped and took my feet on his knees. When I would have drawn them away, he said “No, let me hold them; you will rest better.”

*By Margarette McIntyre Burgess:
Another time my older brother and I were going to school, near the building which was known as Joseph’s store. It had been raining the previous day, causing the ground to be very muddy, especially along that street. My brother Wallace and I both got fast in the mud and could not get out, and of course, childlike, we began to cry, for we thought we would have to stay there. But looking up, I beheld the loving friend of children, the Prophet Joseph, coming to us. He soon had us on higher and drier ground. Then he stooped down and cleaned the mud form our little haven-laden shoes, took his handkerchief from his pocket and wiped our tear-stained faces. He spoke kind and cheering words to us, and sent us on our way to school rejoicing. Was it any wonder that I loved that great, good and noble man of God?

*Did the Prophet Joseph Smith Play? By Edward Stevenson
I have often seen the Prophet indulge in a game of checkers. He was cheerful—often wrestling with Sidney Rigdon. One time he had his pants torn badly, but had a good laugh over it. In Missouri, when mob forces oppressed the Saints, we were encamped in Adam-ondi-Ahman, mostly around campfires without tents. One night the snow fell four or five inches. The Prophet, seeing our forlorn condition, called on us to form into two parties—Lyman Wight at the head of one line and he (Joseph) heading the other line—to have a sham battle. The weapons were snow balls. We set to with a will full of glee and fun.

*By Calvin W. Moore:
When Porter Rockwell was in jail, in Missouri, his mother went to see him at the jail, and the Missourians told her that if she would raise a certain amount of money and give it t\o them they would let her son go. Joseph started out to get the money. He came to a large crowd of young men who were wrestling, that being the popular sport in those days. Among the boys there was a bully, from LaHarpe I believe. He had thrown down every one on the ground who wrestled with him. When Joseph came to the crowd he told them what he wanted, passed around the hat, raised what money he could and then went into the ring to take part with the young men and boys in their games. So he was invited to wrestle with this bully.
The man was eager to have a tussle with the Prophet, so Joseph stepped forward and took hold of the man. The first pass he made, Joseph whirled him around and took him by the collar and seat of his trousers and walked out to a ditch and threw him in it, Then, taking him by the arm, he helped him up and patted him on the back and said, “You must not mind this. When I am with the boys I make all the fun I can for them.

*Did you know that Joseph Smith and his mother had a stand kind of like a Lemonade Stand in the Town of Palmyra. But they sold Pie and Beer. Not real beer, but what kind…Root beer! They did it to earn money.

*Did you know that Joseph Smith had a cane, and still carried a limp from when he had that terrible surgery when he was just a little boy

*Guess what Joseph Smith’s horse’s name was? Old Charlie

*Joseph Smith was courageous: Luke S. Johnson
In the fall of 1831, while Joseph was yet at my father’s place, a mob of forty or fifty came to his house. A few entered his room in the middle of the night, and Carnot Mason dragged Joseph out of bed by the hair of his head. He was then seized by as many as could get hold of him, and taken about forty rods from the house, stretched on a board, and tantalized in the most insulting and brutal manner. They tore off his clothes …In attempting to force open his jaws and pour a vial of some obnoxious drug into his mouth they broke one of his front teeth.
The mob divide, and did not succeed; but poured tar over him and then stuck feathers in it and left him, and went to an old brick yard to wash themselves and bury their filthy clothe. AT this place a vial was dropped, the contents of which ran out and killed the grass….[later] after this accident, we heard the voice of Joseph calling for a blanket. Some person handed him one, and he came in, the tar trickling down his face. His wife was very much alarmed, supposing it to be blood, until he came near enough to wee that it was tar. My mother got some lard and rubbed it upon him to get the tar off, which they succeeded in removing.
Waste, who was the strongest man on the Western Reserve, had boasted that he could take Joseph out alone. At the time they were taking him out of the house, Waste had hold of one foot, Joseph drew up his leg and gave him a kick, which sent him sprawling in the street. He afterwards said that the Prophet was the most powerful man he ever had hold of in his life.
[Joseph Smith gave a sermon the next day]

*Obtaining the plates was scary:
Previously he had hidden them in an old birch log that he had hollowed out and placed the bark back in the tree to hide them.

Written by his mother”
Joseph on coming to them, took them from their secret place, and, wrapping them in his linen frock, placed them under his arm and started for home. …Traveling some distance after he left the road, he came to a large windfall, and as he was jumping over a log, a man sprang up from behind it and gave him a heavy blow with a gun. Joseph turned around and knocked him down, then ran at the top of his speed. About half a mile further he was attacked again in the same manner as before, he knocked this man down in like manner as the former, and ran on again, and before he reached home he was assaulted the third time. In striking the last one, he dislocated his thumb, which, however, he did not notice until he came within sight of the house, when he threw himself down in the corner of the fence in order to recover his breath. As soon as he was able, he arose and came to the house. He was still altogether speechless from fright and the fatigue of running.

Dec 22

2010-12-22T08:42:00.000-08:00

Happy Dec. 22nd

Scripture: Helaman 14: 5-6
“And behold, there shall be a new star arise, such as one ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you. And behold this is not all, there shall be many signs and wonders in heaven.

Matthew: 1:1-2
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

**Cool thing: Buy several different types of apples at the grocery store or take one out of your refrigerator. When talking about the star tell your family that in each apple there was placed a special star. Cut the apple around the circumference, not through the stem. You will see that the five seed pods in every apple you cut make a star. Put paint on the piece and stamp it on some brown paper or newsprint and you have star Christmas wrapping paper. Or cut up the apples and place cinnamon on them and eat them.

Crafts: Pipe cleaners bent into a star shape can make a pretty Christmas tree ornament or string several to make a sparkly garland.

If you bend a wire hanger with pliers into a star shape leaving a holder you can make a beautiful magic wand or bubble wand. Leave it wire for the bubbles, but you can wrap it with pretty ribbon and accessories for the princess magic wand.

Use a cookie cutter as a template, or make free handed (my favorite) stars from paper. You can cover them with foil, put a hole through them and place them behind Christmas lights, sprinkle glitter on them and hang them all over your house…

Use a star cookie cutter today to serve star sandwiches, star toast, star cheese, star meat, star apple or orange or pear slices…use your imagination!

Dec 21

2010-12-21T08:58:00.001-08:00

Happy Dec. 21st

Scripture: Genesis: 1: 25 And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and everything that creepeth on the earth after his kind; and God saw that it was good. (This was Jesus who made these things under the direction of God the father.)

Luke 2:7,8,24 …and laid him in a manger;[used to feed animals] because their was no room at the Inn.

…Shepherds watching over their flocks by night…

…they brought him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord:…and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law…A pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons..

Carol: Away in a Manger

I don’t think it was a coincidence that there are animals in the Christmas story…they are a significant part of the earth. And they often bring us joy!

Brief pleasure: The cold nose of a dog pushed into your hand or face, and the unconditional love that comes with it.—Simple Pleasures

Winter Solstice Dec. 21: Prepare to give a gift to the animals outside on the longest night of the year…

Recipe for Birdseed balls:
Melt ¼ lard or suet
Add 1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 cups cornmeal
Stir to make a stiff dough. Chill for 30 minutes or until cool eough to easily shape with your hands. Cut approximately ten 14 in. sections of cord. Using one section, tie the cord ends together into a know making a loop of the section. Mold balls from the dough over the knotted part of the cord. Roll the balls in birdseed until coated thoroughly and chill for at least an hour until firm. Hand on nearby trees for the birds to enjoy.

Simple way: Spread peanut butter on pinecones, old bread or tortillas. Roll in birdseed. Attach a string and hang outside. You can string popcorn, cranberries, or cheerios.

Even simpler: Take your toaster outside and turn it up-side-down.

Cut oranges or grapefruit in half. Use the insides for something yummy for you to eat, or add to your Christmas Soup. Use the peels as a bowl shape. You can push twine through the tip and hand from your trees. Fill with birdseed or sunflower seeds.

“He is not like anyone in the world. He can charm foxes and squirrels and birds just as the natives in India charm snakes. He plays a very soft tune on a pipe and they come and listen,” The Secret Garden

Christmas is for everyone, even for the stuffed animals that live with you: Don’t forget they love Christmas too. Involve them in the festivities. Bring them to sit around the Christmas tree. Don’t forget that they work hard all year to keep you feeling safe, guard your bedroom or toy room, double as a head pillow, Soothe you when you are sad, or wait on your bed until you hold them and snuggle. They are Santa’s best friends!

“Pleasure is the beginning and the end of living happily.” Epicurus

Dec. 20th

2010-12-20T14:53:00.000-08:00

Happy December 20, 2010

Create an atmosphere of the Christmas Story going simple. If you have little kids make a fort with chairs, and blankets. (Go inside) If you live near a barn or a garage, a shed, a park with a overhang picnic area, bring blankets and a candle or flashlight.

It is not the place necessarily, but the gathering and talking about it. Tell the story in your own words. Try to make it come alive in your family’s minds—your way. The less you do, the better. It can be a great memory to remember that family night sitting there just talking about the first Christmas…This may be a good time to sing after…Away in a manger.

An Idea: Supper in Bethlehem:

The first Christmas wasn’t celebrated with a big old Turkey or Ham. To give a historical feel for the holiday do an authentic supper from the Middle East. Maybe something Joseph and Mary might have shared with guests or ate along their way to Bethlehem. Middle Eastern foods include Pita bread, olives, hummus, cucumber soup, yogurt, lamb, and small round cheeses. (Goat cheese is a good choice and historically accurate.) You can serve dinner in wooden bowls and eat with your hands. Don’t forget, they had no electricity either, so dine in candlelight maybe on a blanket on the floor. (Don’t forget to save some for the donkey)

December 17-19

2010-12-17T08:55:00.000-08:00

Happy Dec. 17th Time for a little more magic…

Reindeer Food: Santa and his reindeer always find the ones who believe...but this is a nice way to entertain the deer while Santa is eating his cookies and spending time inside...You may do this a day or two before Christmas Eve so the Reindeer to spot the food when they go out for pre-eve workouts.

1 box Original Shredded Wheat (Large Squares no frosting) I've tried the others and they like this best!

1 t. magic glitter any color (It turns magical when you pour it slowly in the bag...)(substitute sugar for glitter if you don't have any, it also sparkles in the moon light)

Place ingredients in a large plastic baggy and smash with a spoon to break up the shredded wheat. Then scrunch with your hands to mix all together. If you don't remember, Santa is sending elves to watch all through Christmas time to make sure kids are nice, not naughty.

Guaranteed to sparkle in the night and get reindeer to notice your house, then eat while Santa is inside. They don't need too much because then they would get too full of tummy's to fly...

Don’t want the kids to eat anymore Candy Canes? Here is an idea…
Candy stand: Secure 5-so candy canes together with a rubber band or colorful string.(You can doll it up with a cute ribbon too.) Even out the bends of the candy canes, those will be the legs to stand your stand up with. What to use it for:

1. Place a Christmas Scripture in it and change it everyday

2. Put a count down in it so the family knows how many more days until.....grandma comes, Santa comes, school is out.....

3. Place them next to your kids beds with a love note in it

4. Pick cute clever parts to songs that make you smile and place them in them around your home for decoration, like "...laughing all the way..."

5. Do a Christmas scavenger hunt with them throughout your house and at the end have a treat, or a movie, or something to do as a family

6. Leave them around on desks at work with your Christmas Card in it.

7. Okay, eat them....Scripture: "In His days Judah shall be saved and Israel shall dwell safely and this is His name whereby He shall be called The Lord our Righteousness. " Jer. 23:5Carol: The First Noel

Happy December 18
My favorite…the gift of warmth
Carol: Mary's Lullaby (Children's Hymn #44-45)
The magical gift of warmth: As you observe your children tonight as they are busy playing video games, or watching TV, or talking on their cell phones, or studying; Or your husband as he is tired on the couch...Or yourself as you have just had a busy day. Just quietly go put some towels or light blankets in the dryer. After they are really nice and warm, (about 15 minutes), take them out and walk around your home and start wrapping your kids or your husband or yourself up in nice soft warm dryer towels or blankets. When they ask "Hey what is this for....?" "Just tell them, "Just because... Or it is because it feels good, and I love you." Or to yourself, just because you deserve it! That is it! A nice gift you can give your children or your husband or yourself is the gift of.........warm and cozy.

DRESS UP YOUR HOT CHOCOLATE

Here are a few tips for adding some extra pizzazz to your favorite hot chocolate recipe:

Richer Flavor: For a richer, more decadent beverage, use whole milk instead of water--regardless of what the recipe calls for. If you want an extra rich drink, add a teaspoon of sweet butter to the bottom of each cup before you pour in the drink.

Garnishes: Marshmallows are great, but why not use whipped cream as a blank canvas to create a truly whimsical drink? Try topping whipped cream with chocolate shavings from your favorite candy bar. Or use colored sprinkles to reflect the occasion--red and green for Christmas, pink and red for Valentine's Day or rainbow sprinkles for birthdays. Or sprinkle chocolate, butterscotch or peanut butter morsels on top. Also, consider candy stick stirrers such as peppermint, butterscotch or raspberry for a hint of extra flavor. Or just dollop with a big scoop of icecream…yum!

Cup Rimmers:Give a touch of sophistication to your hot chocolate by adding a rim of flavor to your cups. Try crushing peppermint candies in a food processor or using colored sugars for a sparkling effect. You can also create your own custom-flavored chocolate powders. Just place the mixture in a large soup bowl. Moisten the cup rim with a wedge of orange and dip it in the mixture (about 3/8 inches deep) until it is evenly coated. Carefully pour the hot chocolate or cocoa so you don't drip on the rim.

You can also buy cookie straws at Walmart. Try the oreo ones, they are divine! Be careful that your hot chocolate is not too hot for sipping!

Happy December 19 A good day for a quiet activity…
Scripture: Helaman 14:1-7

And now it came to pass that Samuel, the Lamanite, did prophesy a great many more things which cannot be written. And behold he said unto them: Behold, I give unto you a sign: for five years more cometh, and behold then cometh the Son of God to redeem all those who shall believe on his name. And behold, this will I give unto you for a sign at the time of his coming; for behold, there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness, insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day. There fore, there shall be one day and a night and a day, as if it were one day and there were no night; ...And behold there shall be a new star, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you...And it shall come to pass that ye shall all be amazed, and wonder, insomuch that ye shall fall to the earth.

Song: Samuel tells of the Baby Jesus: Children's song book hymn 36

The gift of yummy smells:

Did you know that smells can trigger long ago memories? Even what you cook and how you present it makes a memory for your child.

Pomander ornaments:

Supplies: Med. sized apples or oranges

Box of cloves

Ground cinnamon

Press the stems of the cloves in the fruit until covered (or with patterns.) (It helps to make holes with a bamboo skewer before you stick the cloves in)Place the fruit in a plastice bag with a small amount of ground cinnamon and shake gently until it is well covered. Fruit will be dry in about a week, but its spicy aroma will last and last! Decorate it with a festive ribbon and hang on your tree or give to a friend. (*Leave one in your car…it smells so good!)

Cinnamon Ornaments: A simple no cook smelly-good trick is to place glue on a cut out cardboard shape, or styrofoam ball, or any type of paper cutout that is thicker. (Not typing paper) Mix is a bowl 2 t. cinnamon, and 2 t sugar. Sprinkle the mixture over the glue and let it dry. Not place several of these in your tree, around your house to have a wiff of cinnamon.

Gingerbread men: You can let these harden and they smell great! Use your favorite recipe or look one up on line. Use more spices than what the recipe calls for, if you are not going to eat them…

December 16

2010-12-16T08:44:00.000-08:00

Happy December 16th 2010
The gift and magic of Story:

Need something to liven up a party? Need to read something in your child's class? Here is an interactive story that's fun...

Blackout in the Workshop

The Narrator reads the script. The characters (use groups if you can) say the following exclamations every time their name is mentioned:
Santa: A loud-- HO HO HO
Elves: HEE, HEE, HEE
Mrs. Claus: Oh my!
Rudolf: Ta-DaIt was Christmas Eve.

SANTA was in his workshop with all of his ELVES. They were busy putting the finishing touches on all the toys and games for the good girls and boys. A few of the ELVES were in the middle of painting a wooden rocking horse when suddenly the lights went out! SANTA said, "Oh, no!" The ELVES gasped and couldn't see, so they got a few brushstrokes of paint on each other. SANTA put out his hand and tried to find a light switch on the wall. He tripped over MRS. CLAUS and fell ker-splat on the floor. The ELVES helped her up. Santa felt around in the ark again and found the light switch. He flipped it up and down, but it didn't work. He sent one of the ELVES to check the electrical box. Everyone heard thump, bump, crash! as the elf stumbled through the workshop toward the door.MRS. CLAUS turned to SANTA and suggested that they play games in the dark while they waited. SANTA thought that was a good idea. He asked one of the ELVES next to him to say something and everyone had to guess who the elf was by the sound of his voice. Then the elf next to him did the same until they went around the workshop room.Slowly, the door started to open. A bright light that was tinted red began to fill the room. In the doorway stood a huge figure with four legs and something sticking out of its head! "Oh!" said all of the ELVES and MRS. CLAUS. "It's RUDOLF!" cried SANTASure enough the elf who was went to check the electrical box found RUDOLF the red-nosed reindeer and asked for his help, because the wires in the box were broken. There was now enough light in the workshop so that the toys and games could be finished by the ELVES and loaded on the sleigh for SANTA. Thank goodness for RUDOLF!! The End! Sing Rudolf the red-nosed-reindeer.

The Gift of Story
How to make up a story for your child(ren) or friend or spouse about them at Christmas...It is one of the best ways to connect...By Steffani Raff

The wonder and magic of Christmas is captured for me in one image, a Christmas tree radiating its soft glow with lights twinkling, ornaments sparkling, and gifts scattered under the rich green of its branches. When I was a child that sight generated feelings of anticipation – I couldn't wait to see what presents I got. As an adult, it still generates feelings of anticipation, but for an entirely different reason – I can't wait to see how my children respond to what gifts I got them for Christmas.

Before I became a mother I had no idea how much you could love a child. Christmas became about finding and giving the perfect gift instead of receiving it. But finding just the right gift wasn't easy. My love was too big to be packaged up in a toy I bought at Wal-Mart. As I struggled with this dilemma a distant memory came to my mind.

I was 7 years old and ripping through presents with gusto. Wrapping paper flying, short squeals of excitement, gasps of joy when I saw my Christmas treasures. Then I came to a soft package and noticed my mom taking special notice. She said, “That one is from me.” The initial excitement I experienced with my mom's interest was instantly quelled when I saw what was inside – a scarf. I didn't want a scarf. I let it fall limply to the ground. My mom looked away and I knew I had hurt her feelings. I felt bad. Really bad. I learned later that she had spent weeks hand-knitting the scarf for me. She was trying to put a little piece of herself into one of the gifts she gave to me.

This memory sparked a Christmas trend for my husband and me for years to come – making a special gift for each child every year. It also started an epidemic of staying up until 5:30am frantically trying to finish the things we were making. There were some years we went to bed fifteen minutes before the kids woke up Christmas morning! Luckily, our children were a lot smarter than I was as a child and they adored the gifts we made for them. These gifts, with a little of our love embedded in them, were by far our favorites. That feeling of viewing a scene through a soft-focus lens always seemed to come when we slowed down to open these presents. These were the moments that held our Christmas joy.

Then, one year I started thinking about Christmas in October – a rare occurrence for me, thinking ahead. I was musing about the moment under the tree when our children would open the “especially from us” presents. I had no idea what those presents would be but it occurred to me that what I really wanted for our family was to capture the feeling that was created around the Christmas tree more often in our day-to-day life.
How could I do it?

I decided to create a bedtime story – a story that would unfold chapter after chapter throughout the whole year. I began working on the characters of the story – three rather extraordinary children who decided that regular life was just too ordinary for them, so they became pirates. I scribbled away at several chapters before Christmas, put them in a binder, and wrapped the binder up.

How to create the mood?
Part of the magic of the Christmas tree was the setting it creates with the warm glow that fills the room from the Christmas tree lights. I wanted to create a similar feeling for our bedtime story. I wrapped a long taper candle in one package and an old-fashioned chamber stick in the other.

Christmas morning came (and that year I was in bed before midnight !) When it came time to open the last present, I had never been so excited to see our children's reactions – this was the best Christmas present I had ever come up with. They each unwrapped one of the three items at the same time. Then they each looked up at me with an “ I don't get it ” look in their eyes.
“What is it?”
“Read the cover, Abby.”
“Pirates in Pajamas: A bedtime time tale of daring adventures on the high sea.” Their eyes still revealed confusion. “You'll understand tonight. It's a bedtime story.”
“A bedtime story?” they said, intrigued.
“Yep, I made up a bedtime story just for you.”

That night we had to tell them to brush their teeth twice – they were so excited to hear the story they got ready for bed a little too fast. All four of my favorite people were snuggled on the same bed: my three children and my husband. My children were wiggling with excitement in the dark. I lit the tapered candle and walked in the room. The effect was instant. A quiet excitement crept in while the glow from the candle softened features and brightened eyes.

Telling the story
I began, “ Once upon a time there were three children named Pop, Fizz, and Whattalatta. They were rather extraordinary children who lived rather ordinary lives. They all longed for a real adventure but none of them ever spoke it aloud until one day Whattalatta made a most superb suggestion, ‘Let's be pirates.'

‘Pirates! We'll all be pirates from now on.' Fizz chimed. ‘Children never have adventures, but pirates? Pirates have nothing but adventures!' And so it was decided… 'Pirates?' said their mother with shock and dismay. 'Pirates?' said their father with amusement and disbelief. 'Yes, pirates.' they said. ‘We'll have to leave you of course, but we'll come back and visit.' 'Leave? You're barely seven.' 'It doesn't matter how old you are when you're a pirate.' And though their parents begged and bribed, Pop, Fizz and Whattalatta would not change their minds.”
When the first chapter was rounding the corner into the second I paused, then blew out the candle. My children protested, “It's not over! You can't stop there! We have to know what happens next.”

“No, it's not over. That's the best part about this present – it doesn't have to end today.”
And it still hasn't ended, even after three years…

Creating your own brand of bedtime story
I'm not the type who can create cohesive stories on the spot. I'm usually too tired at the end of the day to be creative. I realized after writing the first several chapters of the story, I needed to simplify my creation method or I wouldn't be able to keep it going. I have since found several tricks that made it much easier and more fulfilling:

1. Create your characters. I chose pirates. My children were in a pirate phase with their imaginative play and I thought I could have a lot of fun with children who insisted they were actually pirates. Fleshing out the personalities of the three characters in the story was easy – I simply borrowed from my children's personalities.

2. Create your setting. I knew they would have to have a pirate ship with every conceivable convenience on board, as they would leave their Mommy and Daddy in search of adventure. I worked on that first and let the other settings we have explored come with each chapter.

3. Imagination + Story Structure = Success. Instead of making up each chapter entirely on my own I began using the plot or story structure of lesser known folk tales. I replaced the characters with my own, and the setting with my own, and then played it like a movie in my mind.

4. Use a Story Map. I soon found that making a visual outline of the story was much faster than writing out the entire story. I used a combination of words and simple drawings to remind me of the order of the story just before I told it. The simpler the map, the easier it was to follow the directions.

5. Record as you tell. I got into the habit of recording each new story as I told it. A simple digital voice recorder makes this easy to do. Then it can be burned onto a CD for listening to later. I found my children love to listen to the CD we've made from previous chapters. And at some point I can transcribe the stories and have a written copy as well.

----

If you would like to try this process of creating a story, Steffani has developed audio files to guide you through a story plot, and quickly create an entirely new story (or chapter of a story). Check out her website www.piratesinpajamas.com, click on the ‘Create a Story' link and try the activities suggested. After the initial investment of creating your characters and setting you can create brand new stories using the imagination-based guided story journey in less than 10 minutes!

December 15

2010-12-15T08:31:00.000-08:00

Happy Dec. 15 2010

Carol: Joy to the World

Family Activities: Idea: Christmas Symbols: Simplify for little children

1. The Christmas Wreath made of evergreens: The circle represents eternity. Eternal life is ours in Jesus Christ. In ancient times a wreath symbolized a glorious victory. What could be a more glorious victory than Jesus Christ’s Sacrifice and Resurrection.

2. Christmas Bells: “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.” Psalms 100:1

3. The Candy Cane: Jesus is the good shepherd and the shape of the cane is symbolized as the shepherds crook. The white is purity and the red is the color of blood which represents Jesus’ sacrifice for us.

4. The fragrance of Peppermint: symbolic of hyssop, a bushy herb used in purification rites. David asks God, “Purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean, wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.” (Ps 51:7) As we share and break a candy cane recall His words, “This is my body which is broken for you.”

5. Christmas Gift: Jesus Christ was the best gift of all. Heavenly Father as the giver. The gift: His Son. The recipient: anyone who accepts in faith the promise of His love and obeys His voice.

6. Christmas Lights: “ I am the light of the world, he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12) As we receive this illumination from Him, we are commissioned to share it with each other. For Matthew records in 5: 14 the Ye are the light of the world.

7. Christmas star: The Christmas star is perhaps the purest object in all our Christmas symbolism coming very directly from the Christmas story. “Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east and are come to worship Him.” (Matt. 2:2) Did you ever really notice that they didn’t just come to visit, to see, but they came to worship. Let a star cause us to think beyond this star of Bethlehem to the words of Rev. 22:16. “I Jesus…am the root and the offspring of David, and the Bright and Morning Star.”

8. Holly, with its prickly thorns and bright red berries can serve as a vivid reminder of the crown of thorns our Savior wore with drops of blood where the berries grow. From there we can focus our thought on one of the crowns. He has promised His followers. “And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” (1 Peter 5:4)

Adapted from Margorie Gordon “Where is Christ at Christmas?”
Recipe: Christmas non eating soup: (Great for the kids to do, even little ones, it can even be their secret Christmas soup)
Get a small pan and put some water in it. Add cinnamon or cinnamon sticks, some yummy smelling spices like cloves, ginger, allspice, nutmeg and place on simmer. Add some peels of clementines or oranges as you eat them and keep simmering until January…yep, you read correctly…all season long!
You will have to keep adding water, and spices when needed. But your nose will know, and your family and friends will think you are baking all season long! (“Home Goods” has some cute inexpensive sauce pans if you want the simmering pan to look cute too, but that isn’t necessary)

Idea:“Our across-the-street-neighbors tradition:”

The Family/Friends Cookie contest
(Different version of a cookie exchange)

Rules: 1. Each person lets the hostess know the type of cookie they are bringing so there are not duplicates.

Each guest is to bring a bag full of cookies that cannot be seen through.

All the bags are placed on a table closed, except the guests take 3-4 cookies out of the bag, cut in small bite sized pieces and place on a plate to be judged, next to their bag. (You could even blind fold the tasters if you didn’t want everyone to do it.)

All the guests receive a judgment sheet that is used to rate the cookies.

Each guest walks around the table tastes the cookies, then makes a judgment.

At the end of the judging each guest puts their favorite on a slip of paper, and places in a box.

As the party goes on, the Hostess tallies the votes and comes out with gift for the best cookie of the night. This neighbor actually makes a plaque that hangs in his kitchen with the winners name on it…you could give any thing…

Then the cookies are placed on the plates and everyone gets to take a different cookie from each plate so they have an assortment when they go home! They just put them back in the bag they brought.

Cute!
(by Ruth Calvert)

December 14

2010-12-14T09:33:00.001-08:00

Happy Dec. 14th

Keeping Christ in Christmas in bits and pieces:

“You better be good for goodness sake..”
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
by Fred Coots and Haven
Gillespie

For Behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil: wherefore I show unto you the way to judge: for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ, wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.
Moroni 7:16

Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh, and all things are given them which are expedient unto man, and they are free to choose liberty and eternal life…or to choose captivity and death…
And now…I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit.
2 Nephi 2:27-28

Its simple…

“CTR”

Application: “Naughty and Nice” When you light your little candle at the dinner table tonight discuss what you saw today that was “naughty” and what was “nice.” (Emphasis on the nice!)

The “Do over.” (By the Humphrey Family)
If you catch someone doing something grouchy, or naughty, or angry, or sad…
say “Do Over!”
And give them a chance to “do it over!”

Even Grown ups need “do overs!”
It’s called repentance…

You better be good for goodness sake!

Dec 10-13

2010-12-13T08:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Dec. 10

“Good Tidings to you
wherever you are…”
We wish you a Merry Christmas
An English Folk Song

Tidings: news, information

Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfill all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets. 3rd Nephi 1:13

Now there were many of those who testified of the things pertaining to Christ who testified boldly….3rd Nephi 6:23

And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them…And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

Application: As you sit around your table tonight and light your candle talk with your family about how excited this angel must have felt to
get to be the one who tells….

Are we excited to be the ones who tell?
We are the ones appointed to do so right now on the earth….
Do we do so boldly?

Why is the Savior’s birth good news?

The Atonement of Jesus Christ outweighs, surpasses, and transcends every other mortal event, every new discovery, and every acquisition of knowledge, for with out the Atonement all else in life is meaningless.
Infinite Atonement by Tad R. Callister

The most transcendent event in his entire eternal existence, the most glorious single happening from creation’s dawn to eternity’s endless continuance, the crowning work of his infinite goodness—
such took place in a garden called
Gethsemane.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie

Today is invite day if you have not done so.
Invite your friends to listen to the Young Men’s Christmas Program on Dec. 13, or to the Ward Christmas Sacrament meeting on Dec. 20th. Invite people to your home to feel your spirit of the season there. Forward these e-mails to non-member friends who want to feel the Christmas spirit in a more spiritual way, type out your favorite Christmas story and give to your friends and workers instead of a plate of cookies. BE Bold!
Fear not..For I bring you....

Tell…
the good tidings…
even after Christmas is over….

Happy Dec. 11th
Keeping Christ in Christmas in bits and pieces:

“Formed in each believing heart…”
Hark the Herald Angels Sing by Felix Mendelssohn 1840

Believe is the best Christmas Word!

Believe: accept, have faith in the existence of, have confidence in, have trust in.

Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. John 14:1

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea…behold, there came wise men from the east…saying where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and fell down and worshipped him… Matt. 2: 1,2,11

For you:

Believe is the first step to Faith.
You must believe to act on a belief.
When you kneel to pray today, tell Heavenly Father that you believe...

Believe that he was the Light of the World!
Believe that he smiles down on us!
Believe that he wants us to come!
Believe so much, that we are willing to sing it out!
Believe that he and his angels are watching over us and supporting us!
Believe that he has sent the Holy Ghost to whisper to us!
Believe that he wants us near!
Believe that he wants us to feel peace!
Believe that he is the “good news” which makes our lives brighter!
Believe that he wants us to tell others!

Application: When you light your candle at the dinner table tonight talk about the 3 wise men. Do you think they would have taken such a long journey to an unknown place, looking for someone they did not know if they did not believe? They believed so much that they chose and packed expensive gifts. They traveled a long distance. They stopped in to visit another king to ask directions. They saw a star, and it led them to the place that they were supposed to go. They were chosen as witnesses of the baby Jesus.

Are we chosen to be witnesses?

Play Hide the Wiseman. Someone in your family take one of your wise men from your nativity and hide it someplace in your home. (They had an unusual journey to Bethlehem from your home…) The rest of the family can try to find it by clues. You can continue the game throughout the season by placing him in different spots after you do a good deed for someone. He can mark the spot of the good deed. On the last day of Christmas he can finally find the baby Jesus…

Happy Dec. 12th

“Laughing all the way…”
Jingle Bells by J. Pierport

And I God, saw everything that I had made, and, behold, all things which I had made were very good…
Moses 2:31

And I God blessed them…Moses 2:22

Fall in Love with the World!—Wonder—Be Amazed!
It is easy to do at Christmas time!
But do it even after!

Application: When you are sitting around your dinner table tonight and you light your little candle go around and talk about how Jesus Christ was the creator of the world. Ask your family if you thought he was excited and happy when he did this. Did he have a sense of humor when he created some things? List some things you think he might have laughed at (in a tender, sweet way) after he created them…Like fainting sheep, or rhinoceros or cactus. Think of ducks as they bob under water and only leave their tails in the air. Go around the table and tell of something wonderful you saw today. Do you think he created things for our enjoyment?
Do you think he would be happy if he knew we noticed and laughed in a nice way?
Add this to your dinner conversation every night.

During the holidays, pull out old family photos of trips, or home movies. Enjoy watching and laughing kindly at yourself or the kids as you rekindle fond memories.
Look out and see how wonderful and beautiful and funny, and happy things are all around you!

“We are here in mortality and the only way is through, there isn’t any around.” Neal A. Maxwell. Marjorie Hinkley adds, the only way through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh, crying gives me a headache.

If you go through life “laughing all the way” life will be lighter!

Laughter can stop a contentious moment
Laughter can cure nightmares
Laughter can help us realize we are not perfect and it is okay.
Laughter can connect us to each other in fun
Laughter can cure a hurting heart.

Very Amazing Deeper reading:
It was not a novice, not an amateur, not a Being making a first trial, that came down in the beginning after the Great Council, with other Gods, and searched out and found the place where there was “space” and taking of the materials which they found in this “space” they made this world. …It is said that there are one hundred million galaxies within this radius that are the same as ours. The Radius of the known universe is now believed to be sixteen billion light years across, and astronomers believe there are at least ten billion galaxies. They say that this galaxy in which we live, is one hundred thousand light years in diameter. Some say there were in this galaxy perhaps from its beginning, one million worlds like unto this one.

“Worlds without number have I created,” through “mine Only Begotten Son.”
I repeat, our Lord is not a novice, he is not an amateur, he has been over this course time and time and time again. And if you think of this galaxy of ours having within it from the beginning perhaps until now, one million worlds, and multiply that by the number of millions of galaxies, one hundred millions galaxies, that surround us, you will then get some view of who this Man we worship is. President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
Wow! Amazing!

I am going to think he laughed and enjoyed himself after all of that creating...

Happy Dec. 13th

Keeping Christ in Christmas in bits and pieces:

“Oh rest
beside the weary road…”
It Came Upon a Midnight’s Clear By Richard S. Willis 1851

Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:
and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Matt. 11:28-29

Heavy laden: Burdened
Weary: Physically or mentally exhausted, fatigued, or tired. To be made impatient, dissatisfied.

Do you ever feel exhausted at Christmas time?

Did Jesus Christ rest?
The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.
Matt. 13:1

Are you tired? Are you weary? Is something in your life creating you to feel weighted down and burdened?

Today is the day of rest.

Pray today to feel your burdens lighter. Pray today that you need someone to help you carry your load. Give your burdens to the Lord and wait…He will carry them with you, and you will feel them to be lighter.
I know this to be true!

Application for families: Today when you light your little candle as you sit around the dinner table pick a heavy object to lift from the table, like the gallon of milk. (“Heavy” depending on the age of the children) Have someone see if they can hold the milk with their hand straight out, elbow not bent. See how long they can hold it. Now have another family member help them hold the milk by allowing them to rest their arm on their shoulder. Can they hold it longer? We need to remember that Jesus is there to help carry our loads, to make them bearable.

And he will.

Rest is very important!
Come...rest!

I'm Back!

2010-12-10T08:51:00.001-08:00

Yes, it's me again, Katie--Jennifer's daughter. Well this blog is up and running again (for a while anyway).

Year after year my mom has put together her "happys" as she calls them. They are fun things to do with kids every day of December leading up to Christmas. Most include a scripture, hymn, a story about something you didn't know about Christmas, and creative idea to help your kids think of Christ and have fun spending time with the family.

Here are December 1-9. One of us will be posting the rest each day. Dare you to try it...

Happy Dec. 1st
"Our consistency in doing seemingly
small things can lead to significant
spiritual results." David A. Bedmar

Keeping Christ in Christmas in bits and pieces:
Think on this thought today: " Guide us to the Perfect Light..." "We Three Kings" John H. Hopkins

I AM THE LIGHT AND LIFE OF THE WORLD. 3rd Nephi 9:18
Application: Begin a new simple tradition today: Tonight before you eat at your table for dinner, have everyone sit down and get ready to say the blessing on the food. Light one little candle and let the focus be on the light. Explain to your family, your spouse, your friend, yourself that Jesus Christ is our light. Light can be referred to as guidance, direction, knowledge, warmth, power, safety, and goodness. Discuss this or think about it. Every night before you eat dinner light the one little candle, and remind yourself and your family, that Jesus Christ is the Light. The lights at Christmas time are to remind us of this. (Remember, it takes effort to light a candle. You need to come to it. You also are the one who blows the candle out...think about this.)

How is Jesus Christ a light for you?
What star are you following?
What can I do better that will guide me in the right way...?
How can I be a light on this day for someone else?
(You did it! Today you thought about our Savior! Be kind to yourself and tell yourself, I am good!)
For those who have time for deeper scripture reading on "Light," go to the Dec. 2009 Ensign and read President Eyring's talk. Or go to the topical guide and look up "light."

Happy Dec. 2nd
“Tis the Season to be Jolly…” “Deck the Halls”

Jolly: being in good spirits; merry. Cheerfully festive. Delightful, charming. To try to keep in person a good humor. To gain a desired end.

Did Jesus Christ Smile? Have you ever thought about that?

From the Scriptures: And it came to pass that Jesus blessed them as they did pray unto him; and his countenance did smile upon them, and the light of his countenance did shine upon them, and behold they were as white as the countenance and also the garments of Jesus; and behold the whiteness thereof did exceed all the whiteness, yea, even there could be nothing upon earth so white as the whiteness thereof. 3rd Nephi 19:25

(Ponder yesterday’s thought on light after reading this scripture…)

Application: At the dinner table, after you have lit your little candle and you have eaten your dinner, tell your family you want to play a little game. The game is this: Everyone has to sit there and stare at each other without smiling. The first one to smile has to sit out for this round. See how long you can go without giggling, snickering or laughing.

Tell your family that one of your goals for Christmas this year is to feel “jolly.” And discuss how you can do this. You may need to play the Smile game several times to remind you! Tell them that Jesus Christ showed joy and happiness.

Simple to do list: Smile today to everyone. Even the people who cut you off in the car! See if it is contagious. “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine. Proverbs 17:22

When you read scriptures about the Savior, picture him smiling.
Did he smile after he created the earth? Did he smile after he was baptized? Did he smile when he brought the children to him? Did he smile when 5,000 were all full and ready to hear his words?

Picture him smiling…at you! You are loved by Him.

Happy Dec. 3rd
"Our consistency in doing seemingly
small things can lead to significant
spiritual results." David A. Bedmar
Keeping Christ in Christmas in bits and pieces:

“Oh Come…”
“Oh Come All Ye Faithful” J. Reading 1692
Hear the Saviors voice to you:
And ye see that I have commanded that none of you should go away, but rather have commanded that ye should come unto me, that ye may feel and see…
3rd Nephi 18:25

I want to be able to feel and see!

To “come” means to be a part of, to be gathered, to be included.
Jesus doesn’t casually say “come,” he commands that we come…

Application: Invite someone you love, you care about, you think about, you are concerned about to “come” with you some place. The importance is the gathering not what you do. The togetherness and inclusion is the important part. Do the inviting today for tonight, for tomorrow, for next week, for next month….
1. Come for a walk
2. Come for a Christmas story on my lap
3. Come over for a small lunch
4. Come for an ice cream
5. Come for a back rub
6. Come for a sit on the couch and watch a Christmas show together.
7. Come so I can listen to you.

As you light your little candle at the dinner table tonight talk about how Jesus Christ has room for everyone! We’re all invited…. to come! “Come unto Christ and be perfected in him. Moroni 10:32

Decide with your family who you can ask “to come be with you…”
For yourself: Come kneel at your bedside and tell your Heavenly Father that you have come...

Happy December 4th
"Our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results." David A. Bedmar

Keeping Christ in Christmas in bits and pieces:
“Sing in Exaltation”

“O Come all ye Faithful” J. Reading 1692
“exaltation:” the state of being excited! Elation of mind or feeling.
“Break forth into joy, sing together…
for the Lord hath comforted his people,
he hath redeemed Jerusalem. 3 Nephi 16:19

Hear the Saviors words:

For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads. D&C 25:12

Application: Today is sing out loud day! When no one else is listening, sing in the shower, sing in the car, sing in your office, hum while you walk. Today sing a prayer unto the Lord! Sing the words as if they were your own. Sing them with your heart and soul and feel a change come over you.

As you light your little candle at the dinner table tonight, tell your family that Jesus Christ loves singing. Tell them he even sang a hymn with his disciples before he went into the garden of Gethesemane. What did he sing? Sing a little Christmas song together and if you feel comfortable add that to your Christmas gathering each night.

Here are the words to a song if you can’t think of one:

I Stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,

Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me.
I tremble to know that for me he was crucified,
That for me a sinner, he suffered and bled and died.
Oh it is wonderful that he should care
for me enough to die for me.
Oh it is wonderful, wonderful to me!

I think of his hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt!
Such mercy such love and devotion can I forget?
No, no I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,
Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet.
Oh it is wonderful that he should care
for me enough to die for me.
Oh it is wonderful, wonderful to me!
I Stand all amazed By Charles H. Gabriel 1856

Sing in Exaltation!

Further reading: Look up “song” in the Topical guide in the Bible and underline the scriptures about singing.

Happy December 5th
Keeping Christ in Christmas in bits and pieces:

“Angels Keep Their Watch…”

Oh Little Town of Bethlehem
By Lewis H. Radner 1808

Hear the Savior’s voice to you:
And whoso receiveth you,
there I will be also,
for I will go before your face,
I will be on your right hand
and on your left,
and my spirit shall be in your hearts,
and mine angels round about you
to bear you up. D&C 84:88

Is there not a greater expression of support
then this scripture from Jesus Christ?

Application: When you light your little candle tonight at the dinner table speak about angels and that we are never ever alone. There are many you can refer to in the scriptures. There also are many surrounding our lives. Who are they? Who is yours? Is one You? Explain why real people are considered angels. At this time recognize how simple it can be to be an angel to someone. Explain to your family that Jesus Christ is watching over you and understands everything about you. He loves all of us and wants us to know that we are cared and watched over always!
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch,
a smile, a kind word,
a listening ear, an honest compliment,
or the smallest act of caring, all of which have
the potential to turn a life around. Leo Buscaglia

For Yourself: Kneel down by your bed and ask Heavenly Father to send you an angel if you need one today. Or if you are willing to have that honor, ask Him to make you an angel today for someone else.
Tonight before you sleep think of one person that has been your angel and kneel by your bed and thank Heavenly Father for sending them to you.

Further Reading from Elder Jeffrey R.Holland:
Usually such beings are not seen. Sometimes they are. But seen or unseen they are always near. Sometimes their assignments are very grand and have significance for the whole world. Sometimes the messages are more private. Occasionally the angelic purpose is to warn. But most often it is to comfort, to provide some form of merciful attention, guidance in difficult times.
I have spoken here of heavenly help, of angels dispatched to bless us in time of need. But when we speak of those who are instruments in the hand of God, we are reminded that not all angels are from the other side of the veil. Some of them we walk with and talk with—here, now, every day. Some of them reside in our own neighborhoods. Some of them gave birth to us
In the process of praying for those angels to attend us, may we all try to be a little more angelic ourselves—with a kind word, a strong arm, a declaration of faith and “the covenant wherewith [we] have covenanted.”15 Perhaps then we can be emissaries sent from God when someone, perhaps…. is crying….

By the way, that scripture above in the Doctrine and Covenance is one of our Prophet, President Monson’s favorite scriptures, and how he lives it. He, to me, is an earthly angel!

Happy December 6th 2010
“Whisper what you’ll
bring to me…”
Jolly Ole St. Nicolas

And it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with another they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwhithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center insomuch that there was not part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn.

And it came to pass that again they heard the voice, and they understood it not.
And again the third time they did hear the voice, and did open their ears to hear it; and their eyes were
towards the sound thereof and they did look steadfastly toward heaven, from whence the sound came.
…and it said unto them; “Behold my Beloved Son…”

3rd Nephi 11:3-7

Application: Allow your mind and your heart to have quiet time today. “Open your ears to hear and your eyes to the sounds” of the spirit. Turn off your electronics, put your cell phone in the other room, unplug your phone. Do what you do to allow you to listen…Tonight we are blessed to hear the Prophet speak on Christmas. What a perfect day to listen….

I don’t ever want to be in a crowd when our Heavenly Father tries to speak to me and 3 times I did not hear or understand Him…Can you imagine not hearing God the Father speak? And what was the important message he had to say?

When you light your little candle tonight at the dinner table play the quiet game. See how much you can hear when you do not speak. It feels uncomfortable with a busy family. Explain to your family how at Christmas time it can be a time to listen more, to the spirit. This is a time when lights, and songs, and kindnesses, and warmth of home can bear testimony of Jesus Christ. We need to listen and feel. You may need to explain what the Holy Ghost feels like.

Happy Dec. 7
Keeping Christ in Christmas in bits and pieces:

“All is Bright…”
“Silent Night” Franz Gruber 1818

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth…Thou wilt shew me the path of life; in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Psalm 16 9,11
Have you ever felt a day to be brighter than another?
Have you felt lighter, happier, more energetic? What makes you feel “Bright?”
Usually it is “Good News!”
Jesus Christ was born! What Great news!

Application: Today make good news! Make your own “head line.”
Make a mental list of everything you feel comforted by and say outloud to yourself or to your family.
Head line: Really nice mom gets hot chocolate
with marshmallows from her kids…
or
Wow, Today is so great because I have …
A hot water heater,
Ears,
Christmas socks,
Dill pickles,
The world’s best pillow,
Snitches of chocolate in the freezer,
Cinnamon that I can smell,
The cutest darn kids in the whole world,
A really good friend,
Legs to walk and run on…

Making good news is recognizing things that are precious or meaningful to you,
even if they are random.

Be a creator today of “mental sunshine.”
Make your own “Good News and feel all is bright…

Happy Dec. 8th
Keeping Christ in Christmas in bits and pieces:

“Be near me
Lord Jesus…”
“Away in a Manger” Carl Mueller

Near: within or in a short distance; closely with respect to connection; being close by, not distant; intimate, familiar, close to.

Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. D&C 88:63

3rd Nephi 17:5-6
And it came to pass that when Jesus had thus spoke, he cast his eyes round about again on the multitude, and beheld they were in tears, and did look steadfastly upon him as if they would ask him to tarry a little longer with them.
And he said unto them, Behold my bowels are filled with compassion towards you.

Application: How do you get near to something or someone? You physically get closer.
Do you feel far away? If you do, how can you feel closer?

As you light your little candle with your family read the scripture in 3rd Nephi. Would you wish Jesus Christ would tarry with you a little longer?
He can. He will, He does, He waits for us to come near…

As you say your family prayer at the table or when you kneel before you go to sleep, touch each other. Hold hands, put your hand on each others backs, hold baby’s in your arms, but come a little nearer.

If you are alone hold your scriptures in your arms in a hug as you say your prayers at night. The words in those pages will allow things to be open to you. We just need to come nearer.

Are you being kind to yourself as the holidays are getting busier? You are doing so good! Tell yourself you are!

Happy December 9th 2010
“Creating a little magic”…

Who started this Christmas magic of
warmth and love we all feel?

It was a birth of a mother and her baby boy…Our Savior…
…and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes…
[…and held him close to her heart and loved him instantly.]

This “Magic” I am referring to is not the dark, mysterious evil kind. It is the precious magic of enthusiasm, of making atmosphere, of innocence, of wonder, of miracles, of angels with tinsel wrapped around their heads, of time, tenderness, of surprise, of making memories, of sensitivity, of giving, noticing, admiring, sharing, seeing, believing, of loving, and more. And what joys these things add to the world!!! For what they bring is something magical! Don’t get too focused and lost in the harsh, frightening world we live in. Our children hear the news. They feel our worries. They need to believe! And we as adults want to!! That is what makes Christmas time more special …

We all anticipate that something wonderful is about to happen. And it will…if we believe it will!

It is usually us, the women—
The MOTHERS, THE GRANDMOTHERS that make it so…Our Men will follow how we do it...
We are the ones who make “the magic” happen and set the atmosphere for our families at Christmas time and other times throughout the year.

Then our children will take that magic and make it for their children and then they will and then they will…

“Touch Magic, Pass it on…” Jane Yolan

Application for Christ in Christmas: When you light your little candle around the dinner table, turn off the main light so it is dim in the room. (The beginning of making the magic of atmosphere…) Tell your children that we are doing this to remind us that Jesus Christ is the Light of the World. (And he came as a little tiny light like you and me.)
If you have music by your table, play a very quiet peaceful song, or sing one together. (Silent Night is so peaceful…). Tonight talk about Peace. If you have a little manger, bring it to the table. Peace on earth begins inside of us. What will bring peace to you during Christmas?

Is it taking a bubble bath?
Is it reading a Christmas story?
Is it listening to music?
Is it holding hands with someone you love?
Is it saying “I am sorry.”
Is it stopping, turning off your phone, and looking at your beautiful family.

What can your family do to bring it? Pray together that you will have peace in your home. Read one verse of the Scriptures together…for the words bring peace…

You will need to show the precious magic of peace if you want your family to feel peace at Christmas.

************************************************************************
During the day:
Feeling Stressed: Don’t feel any Christmas spirit yet? Change a Scrooge! While you are out and about find some grumpy scrooges. See if you can change them. Idea: Carry a bunch of hand warmers in your purse or pocket. Give them out and watch people…melt. (Secret) Hand warmers are like glitter, they carry a small portion of magic…and some how it rubs off on you too.

Magic Box Idea: Eye Spy Christmas: A family inning or outing:

**It is you and the magic of your enthusiasm that will make this game fun!! Make a list of Christmas items and pick a location that your family has to locate these items at. For example: in your family room at your Christmas Tree…brrrrrr its too cold to go out…or walking in downtown New Canaan together, or at the Mall, or in NYC, or at Wallmart or Grandma's house. You can split the family like a scavenger hunt, you can place a dollar amount on each item to spend at the end of the activity, or you can just locate them for fun! End up with the "Finding something good to eat." item and end up at the Cinnabon place at the mall or at 31 flavors or someplace for hot chocolate.

Here are some items to locate, or add your own:NativityBellGoofy Christmas decorationTree that has colored lightsSanta of any kindWreath with Christmas BallsCarolersCandy canemistletoeGingerbread houseA red candleThe prettiest light decoration
Someone who needs something we can give them
Something that feels good * Something that smells good * Something that tastes good

Jen's "Wonder Women"

2009-09-22T12:20:00.000-07:00

Some amazing women from our home ward in CT participated in a 199 mile race ending up in Boston. They made T-shirts and called themselves "Jen's Wonder Women".

My mom hasn't driven more than 1 hour outside of our home since last December. She wanted to go support these tired women who had been running for over 48 hours but was nervous about going to Boston.

But she did it.

They even made her a shirt

It was pretty emotional for everyone

Ummm--I think you're facing the wrong way mom (hehe)

Here are her girls with a big hug!

The last leg of the race! My mom got to walk with them the last 1/4 mile

She does love her girls!

I want some of those socks!

her heart was full!

Thanks girls!
Everyone wants to be involved in my mom's cancer process because we all love her so much. Thanks to those who have run, bike ridden, shaved your head, brought food, given rides, taken care of my dad and brothers, made bracelets, gifted wigs, hats, hugs, kisses, times, and other presents , etc. for my mom. She may not like to be in the spotlight--but she certainly is the light of our lives!

Random Pics

2009-09-15T16:30:00.000-07:00

Random pictures from the past month...

Look at how much of mom's hair has grown in!

Trav and momma saying good-bye (off to BYU)

Cute hat! Wait is that a wig? Looks like your normal hair!

It is growing in! So cute!

Mom and Dad looking sharp

Zach first day of school...looking good! 10th grader!

7th grade! Looking like a CA surfer boy!

Fact: Cancer does not take away artistic talent

2009-09-14T12:48:00.000-07:00

She's still "got it" folks. Yes it's true, cancer has NOT--I repeat, HAS NOT taken away my mom's artistic talent and creative abilities. (She's gonna hate that I wrote that because she doesn't even think she's creative).

Here are pics from Zach's Eagle Scout project. Yes, he is only 15, and is a STUD for getting his eagle so early.

Dad looks cute here--and sweaty from the humidity.
There is momma painting Florida. Mom it looks like you're dressed for snow!

Tyler's attention span is about 12 seconds...he's off in a far away land by now in the picture.

Zach attack! The director, leader, organizer, King, etc of the project. Looks awesome Zach!

Is that a goatee on your face? TRAV! Pic taken a few days before leaving for BYU

Wish I could have been there to help! It looks awesome and the kids at the elementary school are gonna love it!

hip hip HOORAY!

2009-08-13T10:19:00.000-07:00

This is a letter my mom sent out (my comments are in bold):

Dear Family near and far,

Yesterday was my last official chemotherapy after 6 long months!!! (haleluyah). All the boys came a half hour before I was done with balloons and sat with me. Morgan and Daniel had a tour of the Radiation room (I know they loved the free chips) with the 1 foot thick concrete door, while the other boys sat and watched "Hello Dolly" with me. (I bet the boys were wishing there was Nintendo) (I watched lots of movies while getting my treatments) When they took out the infusion I got to wear a crown and there is a little bell in the corner of the room All of the infusion nurses and doctors who have worked with me, and the boys all came and stood around while I "rang the bell!" It is a ritual they do at this Cancer center, and it was kind of a closure for my boys. (I’m sure each boy rang that bell, including dad) I will begin radiation treatments in 2 weeks which will last for 6 weeks. I go every day. I was even tattooed for that...3 freckles. I told them if I had to do that, I would like hearts but they didn't think I was being very cute. (I think she should have gotten skulls tattooed).

I actually I will be going back for a full year as a participant in a clinical trial for more infusions, (boooo) so I thought it was anticlimactic to ring the bell, but we decided it would be good for the boys. Especially since summer is going to soon be over and everyone will be getting back to their schedules, and mom will too as my energy level comes back! I am starting to get my hair back, and it even gets disheveled when I take my hats off..."hat hair!

Thank you so much for your love and support through this very interesting experience. I will need your continued support as I continue to heal. Cancer seems to be a life time process of constant tests and checks and I will always be on some type of medication to keep it away. My new adjustments to life! But that is okay!

But for now we are celebrating. I came home to streamers and a big sign with little cancer men drawn dead on one side and a circle with a slash over the word cancer! The boys even did fireworks in the driveway at 11:00 at night to celebrate (to be honest, our boys never need an excuse to do fireworks). It was a good excuse to try out some of those big ones they bought in Ohio on the family reunion they went to.

Here is a thought: Many people believe that the basic issues of wellness are (1)disciplining ourselves to eat well and (2) exercising regularly. Not true. The single overriding objective to wellness is creating constant personal renewal where we recognize and act on the truth that each day is a miraculous gift and our job is to untie the ribbons.

Living life with joy! Joy--the emotion evoked by well-being. Delight. Bliss. Genuine happiness. True wellness is the ability to generate a joyful stance toward life on a daily basis.
When you feel this you will want to praise yourself and do things that make your feel at your best.
I love you all,
Jennifer, Aunt Jenny, Mom

Katie and Grandma's Visit

2009-07-20T12:17:00.001-07:00

A few months ago my gma and I went to visit my mom. We felt so much more apart of her life and this cancer process after being with her. It was so great to add some estrogen to that testosterone house too! To see more pictures visit www.JimmyAndKatieRobison.blogspot.com

Hanging out with just the girls!

Eating out as a family.

I love this picture. Mom and dad--exhausted! I loved just talking with them and hanging out and laughing. I felt like I was still living at home!

My grandma at south school next to the tree my mom made.

Gma peeling potatoes and mom in the background doing stuff for relief society.

mom and gma in the monopoly room (that my mom did of course)

This is one of the FAKE flowers from my wedding. My mom brought them to all the people at the cancer center. Well the valet parking guys thought it was real so they've been watering it for the past few months! hahahaha

Happy Birthday to you! Fried Rice! July 5th was her bday.

mom and gma at the cancer center. Gma giving mom a foot-rub!

You guys look tired! (notice the flowers taped to the pole...that's my mom's doing!)

My gma brought her mother's silky blanket that everyone loves. It was so that my mom could have her mom's arms around her when she wasn't there with her.

Yee Haw! Mom getting creative with her hats! Make a wish.

For those who have been following this blog, my mom only has 4 more taxal chemo treatments, a 2 week break (heleluyah) and then 6 weeks of radiation every day! Doctor says that during the radiation process mom will be able to microwave any item just by touching it! Cool huh! She will also attract all magnetic objects as she walks by so hold onto those necklaces and earrings. (hehe! love you mom!)

2009-07-07T09:46:00.000-07:00

How many mom’s would let their kids do this? ONLY OURS! For fourth of July my family was actually in CT! For the past 10 years my family has celebrated the 4th of July at Lake Tahoe with extended family, parades, BBQs, fireworks on the lake, etc.

Due to the rigorous schedule of cancer treatments, my family stayed home this 4th of July and got to celebrate it with our whole city up at Waveny Mansion. But of course what is the fourth of July without a little decorating? We have the coolest mom ever! (and p.s.—mom, is that hair I see growing on your head? I think it is!)

I love the painted fingernails too!

Daniel doing his handiwork

Songs from the Heart

2009-06-18T09:51:00.000-07:00

Doesn't my momma look so cute? This is when she had to speak at Stake Conference! Yes, you read right? As if giving a talk isn't tough enough, try doing it when your white blood cell count is down, you feel weak and nauseous, and did I mention she had to give a talk in front of the stake? GULP! I love that Heavenly Father has allowed my mom to keep her LOOOOOOONG eye lashes! And mom--where did you buy that cute suit?

So my mom loves music. She is also an appreciator of music (if you look downstairs in our basement you'll see what I mean. Or just come over to my house and you're bound to hear drums, electric guitars, violins, pianos, etc).

Well--she wrote some lyrics to popular tunes to help her and the other cancer patients smile through the chemo process. ENJOY:

Itsy Bitsy Needle (Sung to the Itsy bitsy spider)

The itsy bitsy needle won’t poke my arm today!
Down came my sleeve and I said “Good-bye—Hooray!”

Up came the sun and they gave my arm a rest,
But, hey that itsy bitsy needle now pokes me in the chest!
(I have a port that is surgically placed in my chest for infusions)

Oh where oh where has my little dog gone

Oh where oh where has my lovely hair gone?
Oh Where oh where could it be?
With my head gone bald ,
And my nose grown long
Oh where oh where could it be?

The Adams family song:

Its creepy and its kooky,
mysterious and spooky.
Its all together ooky .
My new Cancer Family

The place is a museum
When we go in to see ‘em
They help us not to scre-um
My new cancer family.

So now when I feel freaky
I don’t need to get weepy.
They help me all so sweetly.
My new Cancer family

Oh what a beautiful Morning

There’s a bright golden shine on my bald head
There’s a bright golden shine on my bald head
The white of my complexion is as white as a ghost
And it looks like I’m gagging and need a piece of toast---

Chorus:
Oh what a beautiful mirror
Oh what a beautiful girl
I have that yucky yuck feeling
I think I’m going to hurl!

2nd: All the nurses and doctors take care of me
All the nurses and doctors take care of me
They poke, prick and pick me so I can be healed,
Then they smile, wave good bye, with me leaving chemo-filled

[chorus]

They say one day I will feel healthy,
They say one day I will feel strong.
But now when I go home I lay on the couch,
And when people come over I feel like a grouch.

[chorus]

Jingle bells

Jingle bells, my nose smells, my nose hairs have gone away.
Oh how nasty it is to pick, my boogers every day.

Jingle beads, my nose bleeds, my tissues are my friend.
Oh what fun it is to ride on the chemo coaster again.

The grand old duke of york (my favorite)

Old captain Nupagen,
He had ten thousand men,
He marched them down my bones and cells,
Then marched them up again.

And when your white count is up,
And when it’s down its down.
And when it’s only half way up
Your smile turns to a frown.

Popcorn popping on the apricot tree

I looked in the mirror and what did I see?
A scary old lady impersonating me.

Cancer has brought me such a weird surprise.
A bald headed person right before my eyes.

I can take an armful of chemo to heal.
Cancer is a tough bug and needs to be healed.
I wish it wasn’t so,
But it was you see,
A bald headed girl that’s reallyimpersonating me.

Mom of the Year Award

2009-05-12T09:26:00.000-07:00

It's official guys--according to CNNBC the mother of the year award goes to...[drumroll please]... Jennifer Edwards! Don't believe me? Click here

http://news.cnnbcvideo.com/?nid=xn6dgbypjyTUaUmpC.F.qzcwMTcyMzg-&referred_by=16018519-rJoQYpx&p=moveon

Happy Mother's Day momma!

also: regarding the chemo coaster schedule:
my mom just finished her first chemo round called AC which has been once every other week, for 2 months.

She is now beginning her second round of chemo therapy which is called Taxal. She is able to receive this once a week for the next 12 weeks.

After Taxal she will have radiation therapy EVERY DAY for the next 6 weeks.

Thank you to all those who have brought meals, ran/biked races, shaved heads and in any other way supported my mom and our family!

That is "SO MOM"

2009-04-22T14:10:00.000-07:00

My mom is creative and always thinking of others. Does this sound like my mom or what?

On the first day of spring it was snowing in CT (not to rub it in, but it was 75 here). It was the end of the week of her first round of chemo and mom felt well enough to drive to the cancer center all by herself which is a huge thing for her! She wanted to do something, and she went in the basement and found all of my wedding flowers sitting in a closet. She gathered the entire huge pile and took it to the center (pink, purple, green, orange, and yellow flowers).

When she got out of the valet parking the 2 spanish guys' eyes went big and I told them to pick a flower--Happy Spring. They choose the brightest pink one. Later when she came out they had it in a vase in water (they are fake flowers by the way--silly boys). It is still there to this day. They won't take it out and they think it is real!

So I guess there is a giant room where everyone sits all together to get infused with chemo. My mom brought the huge bouquet in that room and started taping the flowers on all the IV infusion poles while the people were sitting there. She barely had the energy to do it, so she had her own spunky volunteer help her and really talked it up! They taped all the flowers on the poles. Now the infusion room looks like a garden of giant, bright Daisys to cheer everyone up as they are getting 'chocolate syrup' poured into their bodies.

My mom also brings them treats all the time... and they love her of course. The 2 ladies that check her in still have people come and ask if the flowers are real. They have them right behind their computers. They put perfume in them because people say they smell so good! (what a great idea!)

One lady told one of the girls that one is starting to wilt. I swear people will believe anything...especially in a cancer center. They have a bright orange one in the poker room where you have to give blood every time. Mom is called the flower lady when she goes in which I think is cute because if anyone knows my grandma Calvert (mom's mom), we know her as the flower lady. Not to mention the fact that everyone says my mom has a black thumb (hence why she brought fake flowers...haha).

But the flowers are still there. They walk around with them on the poles and my mom's doctor has them on his door. They are every where and they love them. My mom's next "do now and get forgiveness later," is that she is naming all the chairs. My mom says "I plan to sit in"gorgeous" the next time I go in!" There will be 'Big Hunk, King, Queen, Princess, Beautiful, Happy,' you get her drift.

It kinda reminds of the movie Count of Monti Cristo when the main character is in prison and says he's counted all the stones in his cell: 3,587. Then the old man says, "oh but have you named them yet?" haha!

All For One--and One For All

2009-04-06T09:40:00.000-07:00

So I guess the boys were jealous that my mom was going to be the only one with a shaved head--so Tyler and my Dad decided to go for it. My mom's college roommate Peggy came out (she's a hoot!) and buzzed everyone up. Of course the boys had to have a little fun first. Mom-you are so brave! And I can't believe you can pull it off!

Tyler man

You look like GI Jane

Rocker!

Punk Rocker!

Why is Tyler always in his McDonalds shirt?

The "before" pictures

(dad looks REAL nervous)

'after' (not too shabby)

Here they are!

Peggy and Mom

Many Ways to Support Jennifer

2009-03-23T09:18:00.000-07:00

The White Boys (no pun intended) in our ward decided to shave their heads to support our momma! A special thanks to Nick, Chip and Chris!

1st Day of Chemo

2009-03-16T12:08:00.000-07:00

Well my mom did it--her first day of chemo. My dad took off for a week and thanks to the ladies at church and in the neighborhood--our family has been FEASTING on all sorts of yummy foods.

Here's mom with Tyler a few days before her first chemo session

You just got a cute haircut! I wanna see it! (look at all those fun hats)

Gulp...making her way into the center...(reminds me of the pictures that missionaries take before going into the MTC--hahaha!)

These are her words as this was happening: "I just imagined that the nurse was putting chocolate syrup into my body and that it would heal everything inside." (from a family of boys--chocolate syrup usually does heal EVERYTHING...)

Just hanging out (I didn't realize chemo took 6 hours---zzzzzzzz)

She's eating. That's a good sign.

Here's momma--looking good!

Mom after her first chemo session. Quote from mom, "I think the reason my body felt so heavy after chemo is because of all the chocolate syrup. It just filled me up!"

I talked to my dad after mom's first session and asked, "So when is mom sicker: right now with cancer or when she's pregnant?" Without hesitation my dad said (as my mom yelled from the background--apparently I was on speaker), "Definitely sicker when pregnant." Great--now there's a lot to look forward to ;0)

Thank You!

2009-03-02T10:06:00.000-08:00

Wow! I just got back from a wedding and decided to check out the Care Calendar to see if anyone had signed up...HELLO!!!!! The calendar is completely full for this month! Thank you thank you thank you! I also hear that everyone in the ward fasted yesterday for my mom—I really wanted to say thanks, and that it means so much.
Well while I was writing this blog entry my dad texted me saying that my mom’s chemo treatment has been postponed to the end of next week(March 12th)—sigh. We just want to get on with it! If you have signed up for meals this week, please call Sister Schneiber so that we can move them to next week if possible. Again, thanks for being our angels!

ALSO--if you are offering any help to my mom or family, doing food, giving rides, etc. it is CRITICAL THAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE NOT SICK! Even if you have a sore throat cough, poison ivy, a root canal, etc. it would be better to let my family know and try to figure out another solution. Please don't come over. :0)

MY MOM WILL NOT HAVE THE MEANS TO FIGHT OFF ANY INFECTION. So this is a biggy! Thanks angels!

Care Calendar

2009-02-25T09:17:00.000-08:00

Well my mom had her port implanted today (I almost wrote 'installed'-haha) and chemo should begin on Monday, March 2nd. She will be going in every 2 weeks for treatment, for 4 treatments. The hospital suggests that she has meals brought to her the day she goes in and 4 or 5 days after for each time she goes in. (That's a lot of cooking ladies)!

My dad is going to take off work the first week of her treatment (March 2-6) and I think they'll need meals every other day (instead of everyday) for that first week (my dad can cook some mean pancakes!). They said my mom's going to be very tired.

As for the second, third and fourth times she goes in, she'll need some sisters to help take her to her therapy and then drive her back the next day to receive a shot. My dad will be at work during all of this.

Laura Schneiber created a CARE CALENDAR to organize all of this (thanks Laura). Please sign up by clicking on the link below!

http://www.carecalendar.org/logon/12640
Security Code: 7035

I'm jealous that you all get to be so close to my mom to help her out during this time. Thank you so much for being the angels that I've been praying for!

“People wonder what we do for our women. I’ll tell you what we do: we get out of their way and look with wonder at what they are accomplishing.” Pres. Hinckley

WIGS!

2009-02-17T09:55:00.001-08:00

So as most of us know, my mom will start to lose her hair over the next few months. It's a harsh reality and I'm VERY grateful for her sense of humor. Comment and tell us which wig you like the best!This is her normal hair

What is that? I think it's a doo-rag gone wrong.

Yes! Daniel Boone! Or are you trying to pull off the 80's side pony tail? haha!

ooooh! The jewel hat!

Well you are into very colorful things...

I like the tongue, mom!

Pucker up!

Goldie locks

We'll call her Jeniferiqua. You look dominican! (well, the hair anyway)

(this is not a wig)

So which one was your favorite? My mom will be very interested in the comments!

Brief History

2009-02-10T10:07:00.000-08:00

My mom went in for a routine mammogram in November and after some questionable films, went back for a tissue biopsy. “Abnormal cells were discovered.” From this diagnosis and much consultation, surgery was the next and best option for quick and further healing. A mastectomy was the only option for Jennifer. It was scheduled on Dec. 23rd.
Jennifer chose to do a procedure called a tramsrectis abdominis miocutaneous; “a Trams flap.” This was to take the muscle tissue from the lower abdomen and move that muscle tissue up to the breast. The surgery takes about 8-10 hours and was done at the same time as the mastectomy. The recovery is long.
During the surgery the general surgeon found that the tumor was much larger than was found in all the prior tests and that the cancer cells had traveled to many of the lymph nodes. But all was removed at that time.
Jennifer had a CAT scan and a bone scan several weeks after surgery to see if any cancer had found its way to other spots in her body and all the tests were clear. This was very good news to the doctors and a huge relief for our whole family.
The next steps are to have chemo therapy, then radiation, and then hormone replacement therapy to keep any microscopic organisms from forming. The chemotherapy will begin in Feb. as soon as moms incision on her abdomen has closed up and healed thoroughly. We do not have the exact date to when that will happen. My mom cannot drive yet, or pick up anything larger than 5 lbs. The oncologist is targeting the 19th or 20th of February.

The Cancer center recommends dinners and help the day of and 5 days after the chemo therapy because of the fatigue levels that will affect my mom due to the medication. She will be doing a lot of napping.

My mom wants people to know that this is all very weird for her and she understands if you feel uncomfortable around her or don’t know what to say. She feels uncomfortable herself and often doesn’t know what to say either! She loves to hear from people by e-mails or by letters, and by phone to talk about their lives, since this has taken over a huge part of her own life and she gets sick of telling others about it. She does have another life that does not involve the “C” word!

Thank you to everyone who has sent their prayers, love and support to all of the family at this time.