HAPPY NEW YEAR FOR 2011-

Wishing all of our dear family and friends a very Happy New Year. May you feel the love of our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ in your life. May your lives be filled with love, peace, and may you feel gratitude for all of your many blessings. May you take the time to lift those in need. May you love one another and forgive all. May you know how much we love and appreciate you all and are grateful for the moments you have touched our lives. Love, hugs and blessings to you all!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

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Outside my window... it is dark; it is about 7:30 pm. Our neighbor across the street has beautiful Christmas lights; that I paused to enjoy for a moment. My husband and I  just returned from going to a movie and while walking back to our car my breath was taken away by a chilling wind. By New Year's Eve it is suppose to be only 9 degree's which for the Northeast and the Mid-West it probably doesn't seem that cold but to me in the Salt Lake Valley this is cold. I keep wondering how did our pioneer ancestors stand the cold weather. The first years in this valley they lived in dugouts, small cabins, and a few perhaps larger cabins but still their only heat was  fireplaces. I know that I would have just wanted to sit in a rocking chair by the fire and never step my toes outside the door. I pray that the tests to come won't be in the cold. 

I am thinking..... about the fact I need to go to bed early tonight so that I can get up about 4:30 am to get ready to work at the temple. I am substituting for another sister and at first I thought it was the pm shift which my husband works; but it's the morning one. I am rather anxious to serve in the temple tomorrow because it has been closed for cleaning for a couple of weeks. I really miss not going; even if I have to get up early. 

I am thankful for…. for so many things. We had such a wonderful Christmas and much of it was due to time with family, being able to talk with our children on Skype and just enjoy having time with each other.  We tried to have a Christ-centered Christmas and it was sweet.
 

From the learning room… to be more patient with myself. Sometimes, I just want to put to much on my plate ( I guess that could mean food and I do that too). I try to accomplish to many goals in one day and I always get sidetracked and then I don't accomplish what I really was planning to do.
From the kitchen... I wanted to make some oatmeal chocolate cookies; but that didn't happen. I am craving some; maybe tomorrow. I shouldn't crave anything; I have been eating chocolate non stop. I just loved Chocolate chips; so I felt good I didn't open the chocolate chip package and start nibbling away on them.

I am wearing...  my favorite red robe and black slippers; that means I am getting ready to go to bed.  

I am creating...a list of things that I need to get on the way home from the temple. You know how in many 3rd world countries woman shop everyday; sometimes I am just like that. I often go shopping for 1 item and come out with 7 items. There was a study done on shopping habits and they found that when you go to the store with just a couple of items to get; most people come out with at least 7 more items.

I am reading...  reading the Book of Mormon and have been journaling my thoughts while reading. It has been an awesome experience. When I taught the New Testament in seminary I had the kids and myself keep a journal that year and it was a spiritual experience. 
I was able to finish a Christmas novel which was fun. I am starting to read a book called; "Awaken Your spiritual Power by Susan Noyes Anderson". I am excited to read this one because it was written by a lovely lady who blogs and many of you may already know her. I love her writings and am hoping she will write more books.
 

I am hoping...to write up my non list of goals for the year of 2011. What I mean by this is that every year for probably 15 years I have had the same exact goals and I haven't completed very many of them. I thought that perhaps this year I would set non goals that I will not do.

For instance: I will not diet or exercise this year, I will not eat chocolate for a whole year(believe it or not; I read that one woman chose to give up sweets for one whole year; trust me that won't be one of my goals ever); I will not practice my piano everyday, I will not read the Ensign magazine monthly for the year, I will not journal, do genealogy or work on Family History. I think you know what I mean. I am going to see if reverse Psychology will work in my life this year. 
 

I am hearing... the TV that is broadcasting the Insight bowl; which is football of course. I think most of you know what your husbands may be doing during the Christmas break. I feel happy; he took me to a movie and out to eat. What a man; I can tolerate bowl games now.   

One of my favorite things... to do is to curl up on the couch with my hubby and read a good book while being warmed by the fireplace and enjoying our Christmas Tree for just a few more days.    

A favorite picture to share..... 
 

 Winter pictures of the Salt Lake Temple and temple grounds 2010

The Simple Woman's Daybook

You can enjoy other Simple Woman's Daybook Entries at:Simple Woman's Daybook 

I have changed the Nativity song above with one called DO YOU HAVE ROOM! 

A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE

Out side my window.......again we have a blanket of fresh snow. It is so beautiful and peaceful to look at. Regretfully, it will probably be gone by tonight; since it is suppose to rain in the next few hours.

Our White Christmas on December 21st -

I am thinking..... of a million things I should be doing; but this is much more fun.

I am thankful.... all the many blessings of this season; especially the moments to worship the Savior of the World's Divine Birth.

I am wearing.....Yea! I am actually dressed today. I got up early to start on some projects. I am dressed in black Levi's a striped shirt and a black sleeveless jacket to keep me warm and my favorite black slippers. 

From the kitchen....there should be smells of fresh pumpkin bread, cookies and fudge this afternoon, because that is the assignment I gave to myself for the day. 

I am going.....to the bookstore in a little while to pick up one last gift for my husband's very dear friend.

I am reading....I just finished a novel by Ramona Cecil entitled "To Hear The Angels Sing", It was a short novel; but sweet and told a romantic Christmas story. Ramona Cecil is well know as a Christian writer. 

I am hoping...to complete a list of Christmas activities today; so that I can slow down and enjoy the rest of the week. Knowing how I get sidetracked that may not happen. I don't consider my blog being sidetracked; but it probably is. 

I am hearing..... the TV going in another room and cars going by in the slush. I think I need to put on my Christmas music. I always feel like I never get to listen to enough Christmas music during the season. Are we too busy to actually sit back and enjoy the wonderful sounds of the season; I hope not.

Around the house....I am enjoying all of the Christmas decorations. I love also the smells of Christmas and I have a wonderful candle burning that has those smells.

One of my favorite things.....my husband and I began many years ago trying to come up with a gift that would bring laughter. For instance, one year he told me he had never had a teddy bear; so that year I gave him one and he cried; it was way sweet. Another year, we both gave each other a cabbage patch doll. His was a boy doll of course. Our three daughters also got cabbage patch dolls that year; it was so fun. This year I have had a little more trouble thinking of something. I finally am going to give him.......I can't say he might read this; I will post it after Christmas.

A few plans for the rest of the week....Oh my gosh, the list would be too long to read.

Tuesday - I plan on baking today, cleaning my upstairs while the bread is baking and then complete all the gift wrapping; and at some point go shopping for one last gift.

Wednesday - finish what I didn't compete yesterday and hopefully just relax and watch some Christmas movies or read another short novel.

Thursday - Our Son Sean and his family are coming down for the day so there will be food, fun, movies, games and a Christmas program with the Nativity being acted out by the grandchildren.

Friday - A very relaxing day with just my husband and we will enjoy a Christmas Eve surprise from each other.

Saturday - A very sweet Christmas with my husband and my 6 children will be calling me through Skype; so that we celebrate their Christmas with them; I can hardly wait.

Sunday - A quiet day to worship the Savior at our Church meetings and then we are having my 97 year old aunt and her family over for dinner. What a sweet blessing to still have her here and enjoy those moments with them.

Also, Look forward to a post on thoughts and music on Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ our savior.

I promised a Christmas miracle so here it is -

In Provo, Utah one of our  historical tabernacles was burned to the ground. It is a sad event because it was built in the late 1890's. It  represents the spirit of those early pioneers and their desire to have a beautiful building to worship the Savior in.  

Be sure and block the music and click on the link below to learn of a very sweet miracle.

'A Christmas Miracle': Painting of Christ survives Provo Tabernacle fire - KSTU

The Simple Woman's Daybook

You can enjoy other Simple Woman's Daybook Entries at:Simple Woman's Daybook 

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE -

Outside my window... there is a white blanket of fresh new snow. I love to look at the beauty of an early morning snow storm. I would love a white Christmas this year.  We lived in Las Vegas, Nevada for 7 years and of course we never had a white Christmas. Our first Christmas in Spokane WA; we were blessed with a sparkling white snowstorm on Christmas Eve. It was incredibility beautiful. I considered it a great blessing because I had missed having a White Christmas. 
I am thinking...of all the plans I have for Christmas and I need to get going at a faster rate. I have almost completed the presents and have mailed all of the gift to my children that live out of state. Next, is a day of making the Christmas goodies. I like to have everything complete a week before Christmas; that is my goal. However,what I really want to do is watch a good Christmas movie; of which I do plan to do. I am almost there!

I am thankful for…. countless things. I am grateful for this wonderful season of Christmas I especially love the Nativity Story. My favorite part of Christmas was when our children acted out the nativity story. Now we have our Grandchildren do that for our Christmas program.  I have a heart full of gratitude for my children, grandchildren, one great granddaughter and all of our loved ones and friends. 
The list of gratitude is long; but I am grateful to know that I have a wonderful life.
Here are a few pictures of last years Nativity Program - 

 Pictures of the cast

 

  
 From the learning room… I recently watched the movie, "It's A Wonderful Life". It is a tradition to watch this movie yearly. This year I was struck with the thoughts of; if I hadn't been born, how would that have affected all of those I love and what would I be missing? Number one, my wonderful husband, children, and grandchildren would not be mine; that in and of itself would be shattering.  I would not have had the kind and loving parents and brothers that I was blessed with.  I think about all of my dear loved ones, friends and even my friends in the blogger world that I wouldn't have had in my life. I thought about all of the Hospice workers and patients that I would not have had an opportunity to work with and love. I have been so blessed by being a nurse and working with so many people that have touched my life.  I have had many wonderful experiences in church assignments and have loved all of those that I have had a chance to work with or teach. All those mentioned have had a deep impact on the quality of my life. Most of all I would not have had the experience to enjoy earth life; including all the lessons learned and the moments of joy that have been felt. It is a wonderful life and I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for allowing me to have all of these life experiences. Life is beautiful and I love all of the gifts received of family, loved ones and friends. 
These thoughts were a treasure of joy that I felt and learned from watching the movie; "It Is A Wonderful Life". Add this movie to your list of things to enjoy this Christmas Season.
From the kitchen...I have big plans of making fudge, pumpkin bread, and cookies. Hopefully today; but probably tomorrow. 
I am wearing... .a very warm red bathrobe with blue slippers. I feel so warm and cozy; it is perfect for a snowy day inside.
I am creating...this blog post today. I have created my Christmas letter to be sent out tomorrow. 
I am reading...a book called; "A Woodland Christmas." There are four romantic Christmas stories in this book. So far the stories are great. The era is the 1800's which is one of my favorite.
I am hoping... to have a really nice day. My husband is home working which is always awesome. I hoping that we can cuddle up and watch a couple of Christmas Movies tonight. Another thing that I hope is to have more moments this year to sit in our living room together; my husband and I enjoying our fireplace, Christmas tree, Christmas music and just the peace of this beautiful season. 
I am hearing...the news on TV and cars going by outside.  What am I thinking; I need to go put on our Christmas music; I don't want to miss a minute of the Christmas spirit. 
One of my favorite things...is having time with my husband to just relax. I also love having our family here. Last year we had three of our families for Christmas and this year it will be just the two of us. I love being with him and with our family or all of them at the same time.  

Here is picture....  - IT IS A WONDERFUL LIFE -

ENJOY YOUR WONDERFUL LIFE!

A Soldiers Silent Night - Bring the Kleenex

The Simple Woman's Daybook -

MY DREAM OF AN OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS

You can enjoy other Simple Woman's Daybook Entries at:Simple Woman's Daybook

CHRISTMAS

Outside my window.... it is cold and very foggy outside. I love fog as long as I don't have to drive in it. It has a feeling of wonder or perhaps mystery. What is beyond this foggy dark night.  It's hard to describe; but I like a fog.

I am thinking...about all of the many things I have to do this week. I will need to list them or I will forget something.  I have two luncheons for the Daughter of the Utah Pioneers. There is a Company Christmas Party tomorrow. I am on the board so I will be setting up early in the morning at the church we are holding it in. The company has many camps throughout the world. Our main function is to preserve Mormon pioneer history. Our DUP ( daughters of the Utah Pioneers) Company is over 14 Camps. There will be about 200 women at the luncheon; we call one another daughters. On Tuesday, I will be attending the Camp Christmas party and we have about 40 members in our camp.

Wednesday, I have an Activity Day group of girls that are 8 to 11 years old at my house for a Christmas Party. We will probably make and decorate Sugar Cookies. Thursday, I have hopes of finishing my Christmas Shopping. Somewhere in between all of this I need to clean my house.

Meanwhile, I have a very dear Aunt who is 97 years old that has been very sick. She lives about 20 miles a way so I plan on seeing her also in the next couple of days to help her with any needs she might have. She is such a dear and I love her so much and I have fear that she is slowly getting weaker and may not be with us much longer. It will be like losing my mother all over again.

OK, let's see when do I get to rest and sit in front of my fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate with my hubby; hopefully before Christmas Eve. 

I am thankful for...for an awesome day at the temple yesterday and a very lovely quiet Sabbath day. Our meetings at church were very uplifting and I feel so blessed to be part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I love my Savior so much and look forward to our celebrations of his birth this Christmas Season.

From the kitchen...I will be making green jello with Pineapple and whipped cream for our luncheon tomorrow.This is a Mormon traditional jello.

I am wearing...a long brown skirt and orange blouse with my favorite black slippers. It is my comfortable clothes for after church.

I am creating...thoughts for my Christmas Blog today!

I am going...to be heading to bed as soon as I make my jello salad.

I am reading... other than the scriptures; I have been reading blogs. Which have been very uplifting today. I bought a new Christmas Romance Novel and I can't wait to start it; but I think it will sit by my bed for awhile. Maybe at the end of the week??

I am hoping...to be up going and on time tomorrow. I have a horrible habit of what we call Mormon time; meaning we are always 10 minutes late. I have managed to be on time to church for many years; but it seems something always prevents me from getting where I need to be on time lately. I tend to not be as organized as I was when I had children.

I am hearing...my husband talking to me about some news he heard and I am kind of watching  a movie about a Dog That Saved Christmas. It's cute; but doesn't have my full attention. My two dogs are watching;

I think???

 

OUR SAMMY AND SUESUE

 Around the house...I need to straighten and clean it. I had planned to do that last week. However, I have been going back and forth to my Aunt Della's to help her which is the most important priority right now.

One of my favorite things...is to enjoy every moment possible during the Holiday season doing the good things and trying to make it as Christ centered as possible. I love all the old fashioned traditional parts of the holiday. I love watching Christmas movies, listening to Christmas music and enjoying family and friends.

A few plans for the rest of the week....maybe it should be things I would love to do this week -

Get through the next 3 days without stress-

Finish, wrap and send all of my Christmas gifts to my children and grandchildren-

Talk to all of my children this week -

Enjoy a date night with my hubby -

Sit by that fire, the tree, my hubby, a cup of hot chocolate, and read a Christmas Novel. This is of course a big wish or just a dream!!

Enjoy all the Christmas music and movies that I can get in!

Focus always on the true meaning of Christmas - 

THE BIRTH OF OUR SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST

ENJOY THE MOMENTS OF THIS WONDROUS SEASON!