FHE aka Family Home Evening

FHE is a staple in homes of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
It was great getting to share FHE with the Pennsylvania kiddos and grands last month. Oh how I appreciate the time and effort our families put in to teach their children those values they hold so dear and precious.
The PA. kids have a FHE plaque much like the one below.

I also liked this chalkboard one.

What a blessing it is to spend time with our families no matter the age, size or number.

Over on the right sideboard of my blog are a list of FHE lessons. Just a click away.
Today I added 2 new Christmas lessons:
"Christ-Centered Home"
and
"Being Saints"

An activity idea in one of the lessons suggests
we could hang a stocking for Jesus on the mantel, and fill it with notes listing all the good things that the family members commit to do to better themselves and those around them.
I liked that a lot and want to commit to that myself.

The bonus is at the end of the printed lesson is a treat recipe and a 20% off coupon at Deseret Bookstore (check the expiration date and the coupons can only be used on Monday).

What a treat I had today,

my friend Becca, who blogs at

THE DAILY GRAPEFRUIT

who IS The Daily Grapefruit

and her four darlings,

Megan,

Paige,

Mitchell

and Jane

were my guests this morning.

Under the pretense of harvesting pumpkins

they came; I hope they

weren't too disappointed in my

scrawny crop.

Knowing what an AWESOME photographer Becca is,

I asked her to bring her camera

and skills which are superb.

Photographs at The Daily Grapefruit.

Thank you kids for your sweetness to me.

I love you always but especially at Primary

each Sunday.

Thank you Becca and Matt for befriending

someone not quite in your age bracket.

Thank you for your blog Becca that never fails to

inspire, cause big smiles and often tears

of emotion.

And yes Jane, you must come again, soon.

P.S. Kids, you are all getting so brave with

Kirby.

He will win you over to being dog-lovers.

P.S. #2 Kind readers, when you check out Becca's blog

will you please leave her a little comment. Thanks. That's very nice of you.

Above photo of Kirby snatched from Becca's blog....is that legal? Are WE okay Becca?

You will let me know. I'll pay so I can use all your pics. Really.

I am totally picture challenge.

Happy day, msk

I'm sharing a Christmas image with you as I hope to be busy in the kitchen today.

I just posted one of our family Christmas cookies at Knights In The Kitchen, Mexican Wedding Cakes. It's not a very unusual cookie but one of my favorites.

Do you have plenty of BUTTER on hand for your baking?

Happy day, msk

Good Sabbath

Here's my story (at least today's story)

I have a rather average voice.

I may have just flattered myself with that statement.

Nothing special.

I can usually "carry" a tune.

I cannot read music but I can pick up my part fairly quickly

if I sing next to a strong singer.

You've never heard me sing a solo but I can help fill-out a choir.

What I lack in voice I hope I make up with my heart.

I do put my whole heart into my little choir part.

There was a time in my life when I was working full-time

(it was a need not a want) and had 4 or 5 of the 6 kiddos at home.

I felt stretched and that's putting it mildly.

Add on top of that Christmas was on the horizon and

the wonderful "busyness" that adds to a life.

I was not singing in our choir.

I had one of those aha moments that reminded me that I needed to be more

focused on what was more important.

I felt a "need" to join the ward Choir.

I felt a "need" to sing anthems to my Savior

to celebrate His birth. So I did-joined the choir

and sang in the Christmas services.

That was several years ago and I don't think I've missed a Sunday Christmas

service/performance since.

Oh there was that year that A2K, Dori and Linny came home for Christmas and

ta da....this is big....

...Andy and the girls showed up for the practice that Sunday morning

just before the program, practiced and sang in the program.

I had some creepy throat thing and no voice.

Could not sing.

I sat in the congregation with eyes constantly welling up

with love

joy

gratitude

and respect for my kids.

They were my voice too.

I think Jesse also did a similar last minute performance once too.

My children have inherited their father's gift in the music ability

but I like to think some of my love and passion is in them too.

Today was our wards Christmas program.

It just may have been thee very best.

Our director Alicann did it again with music.

There is nothing she can't sing, arrange or direct - her skills

and devotion are so magnificent.

David was masterful on the piano/organ, as usual.

Melissa with her soprano solos cannot be topped

(not even by professionals...oh wait, I think she is professional).

Did I mention a friend said she thought angels were singing.

( Was that Mom helping me out ;) no she sang alto and I was soprano).

SLK also sang. Always superb and so knowing of all music.

So did Forrest B. (not a member of our church but an awesome voice-

who also sings professionally-and joins in with us occasionally)

I had to mention Forrest aka "Butch" aka Mr. B. since so many of you kiddos sang under his tutelage in Mt. Sky Jr. High.

Did you feel inspired by a Christmas service today?

Did you sing Christmas hymns with your ward/congregation?

Are you singing in the

car

shower

with the radio?

Sending you love and wishes that you enjoy the Christmas message of His birth.

It's REAL.

And let's make a joyful noise unto the Lord.

Happy day, msk

I'm thinking of asking KMS to do a guest post so we can all learn to make this cute treat I get from her at Christmas...no pressure Kathy to either make them for me again or do a guest post. But I'm sure many would love to know how to make these edible Christmas Mice.

Here's a peek at what's growing in the December backyard.

The past frosty weather didn't burn my bougainvillea. I really enjoy this colorful flower/shrub that can bloom during our hottest months but is frost tender.

The ranunculus are coming up!!! It was an assortment so the colors will be a surprise. I always remember Angela C. loves ranunculus.

Just like 2009 I was a little late in planting the narcissus bulbs. It's fun to bring them indoors for Christmas or many times I force them in containers inside and the fragrance is wonderful.

The nice thing about them being late is after all the phoo phoo decor is put away I have something to decorate January with and then enjoy that unmistakable fragrance.

Wishing you a fine weekend. Is your coming week going to be too, too busy?

Happy day, msk

I don't think I've ever been this late in decorating our house for Christmas. There's been a tad bit of frustration...okay, if you got the phone message about the mantle garland...a lot of frustration.

Sorry.

The tree is just awaiting SLK's long arm to put the angel on top and then I'll declare "it's done".

My dear friend Alicann called our Christmas tree a MEMORY TREE.

Well titled since so very many of the ornaments come with dear memories.

Heartfelt thanks to you who have contributed.

Year after year I'm sure I don't have room for one more ornament. Yes, there are a few new ones for Christmas 2010. One is a goldie/bronze bumble bee from THE BARN OWL NURSERY in Oregon. What fun we had there this past summer.

Look at just the tip of the iceberg at TAI PAN TRADING ornaments I passed up. Now I wish I had just a box of ORANGE and a box of TEAL.

Silly?

And what is this ornament doing upside down in the creamer you ask...what else should she do while her tail is being glued back in place.

All's well and she's happily on the tree as I type and you read. She's so much prettier in person all jeweled and glistening.

Here's the Jody created angel awaiting a hand-up. I hope Jody has a glimpse into heaven and I have hope of big hair and makeup ( and hope of making it to HEAVEN).

Silly?

Wish we could spend time together during the Christmas holidays. Yes, I mean you.

Happy day, msk

Snapshots of December

With 3 of the 4 local grands in a charter school we were thrilled to be invited to a Christmas program. Not a winter program or a holiday program. Notice the nativity on display, plenty of Christmas carols, a Hanukkah song and since this quarters study has focused a lot on early American history we learned more of Christmas then and the surrounding history. Jake is in the blue stripped shirt seated on the top row.

Morgan had several speaking parts and had to stand during most of the 1.5 hour program. It was all delightful and fun. The boys even sang a carole in Latin which they have also been studying. I'm sorry I missed pics of Tessa in her reindeer antlers but I was shooting with Trevlyn's camera then.

Almost time to put away the decorations. We traditionally keep ours up through New Years. I will admit to occasionally not getting around to the big dismantle for a day after when busy. I may keep them up since Skippie and Garry arrive on New Years for their wonderful SNOWBIRD 4 months. They are smart.

This is one of my favorite "Christmas" decorations that I have chosen to keep up year round. I think of it as a positive reinforcement.

The nativity is just below the above sign. Here's just a couple close-ups.

As I was talking to Tessa about this camel she pointedly said she liked the baby Jesus best.

My "memory tree". No color theme or coordination of style just a fun hodgepodge. With the addition of Jared to the family this year I now need to get an additional "missionary flag" from Colorado. I guess the flags of all the locations our family missionaries served are not what most would consider a tree decoration but I love them and what they stand for.

My favorite snow globe. The base is windup with music and lights as the wise men, shepherds and animals go around.

My Argentine nativity from Andy and Annette. Just plain love it.

I used many of the candlesticks from Linny's wedding on the piano top. You are probably familiar with the window clings for kids to decorate windows or mirrors but I found this fantastic cling I put on our mirror.

It says: Such a big Miracle in such a little child. I wished it weren't so frosty but I still love it.

The family room mantle timing was a bit off since the narcissus are still coming up. What fun to have the blooms for the new year though.

Well the grands belly's are full of eggs, sausage, cocoa and orange rolls this morning and I'm grateful to be feeling much better and able to keep up with them. I think bowling is on the docket for this afternoon. I bought a new video to have for their stay here and some of us watched it last night. Two thumbs down for Scout Camp is my verdict. What a waste of cash. Oh, I sound so cynical. On a happy note, it's sunny and in the 60's today. I never get bored repeating how much I love the Arizona winters. Wishing you a happy day.

Christmas Eve

Wishing you joy and happiness. I'll be reading Luke 2 tonight.
Great are my blessings. Love from a thankful heart.

Still Focusing on What's Most Important

Shared with love . . . yes, to YOU. And you know I mean it.

Savory

Yesterday I spent time in the kitchen, one of my favorite places, and put together some holiday giving. I'm fearful that my neighbors and friends may be disappointed.

NO SUGAR

NO CHOCOLATE

NO DUSTING OF POWDERED SUGAR.

Would this disappoint you? It's okay to be forthright here. Notice I didn't say to be honest since I know you are.

I have fond memories of Mom making this during the Christmas holidays and loving it. She made a change though and I'm not sure why. Lacking was the wheat chex and in its place were Cheer*ios. She also used mixed nuts and I always dug for the cashews and almonds. Since I have bags of leftover "waffle" pretzels from Linny's reception and chocolate fountain I used those instead of the stick variety and just plain old peanuts. The Cheer*ios seem to soak up that spicy mixture and are little nuggets of goodness.

Also yesterday I had the blessing of helping with the singles ward Christmas dinner. I was blown away by the sweet friend-planners work and effort. Talk about magnifying yourself in a calling!!! The room was decorated to the hilt, the menu was chicken Alfredo with Penna pasta, meatballs in marinara sauce with spaghetti, crusty, toasted baguettes with garlic butter, gorgeous and delicious salad with pomegranates, mangoes and sliced almonds, mint brownies, apple pie and homemade ice cream. The kitchen was a fun, harmonious buzz of action and chatting.

Many of those great young adults stayed after to help with the rather large take-down and clean-up. Blessings await those that serve and give with such goodness and I'm so happy to get to know them.

Today is a beautiful, sun-soaking-on-my-back morning. I'm washing a few loads of the floor length table cloths from last night so the drier that is usually dormant is humming in the background. I look up from the table in the kitchen to enjoy a glimpse of the ginormous tree all decorated in memories, glitter and shine. My heart swells with happiness as I recall many vacation ornaments, created ornaments, made at school or Scouts or church ornaments and gift ornaments that have decorated our home. I realize my many blessings and am reminded to be prayerful for others that have needs, heartaches and loss. Sending you my love, gratitude and prayers.

Still Laughing

Great week-end! I'm still laughing too. Maybe it was one of those "you had to be there" experiences but I'll still tell you about it and you are so gifted I'm sure you'll catch the vision.

We took the Nally/Victor clan out to the movies and dinner. I didn't think I'd really like A Christmas Carol but I was totally surprised at the quality and the bonus was that the grand boys picked up on the moral lessons on their own. Now that's a blessing and fun.

But the FUN began after the movie at Johnny Rockets, a 50's style diner. We were provided with piles of nickles for the juke box. FUN music and FUN that the grands can sing along with the music that Grandpa and Grammy sing. The photo below is the boys at the juke box.

We heard one waiter say to another that it was time for the dance. We told the boys to go over to where they were gathering so they could watch. Well, the music blared a Bee Gees tune and our boys were caught up in the line of dancers and when they realized this 2 of them, Morgan and Jake just stayed in the line and "did" the dance. They even had the John Trav*olta moves down. The waiters were all in sync and our fun/funny grands were just a tad behind as they tried to watch and do the moves right along. We more than laughed. You could hear us howling and clapping. It was really great. The manager came up to the boys afterward and asked if they could come back every Friday night.

Mark hefted Tessa up for a good view. She already had her diners hat on.

Saturday night we went with the singles ward to the Mesa Temple to enjoy the most fabulous and extensive Christmas lighting and displays. The crowd was huge as this is such a big draw from all over the valley.

Drats, I accidentally deleted a temple picture and can only get it at the beginning. Well, at least I'm trying to share. Much, much to do so saying ta da duck. Love and Christmas joy to you.

1.3.09

I'll catch up on some blogging and mainly share photos of Christmas and New Years. Kirby has been having a lot of difficulty with the leg and it has put a damper on my blogging. We are all feeling better and more hopeful with another surgery scheduled for this Wednesday. Needless to say this big, love of a dog got a lot of loving over this holidays...and it is well deserved. He couldn't get enough of Dori cuddles.

Christmas dinner at Nally's was fun, festive and delicious. Much thanks.

We welcomed in 2009 with a backyard grill and the first family dinner on my outdoor patio table you've heard about. We squeezed ten around the table and much preferred a squeeze than using two tables. Hard to beat 70* weather and family for January 1st. Thanks to Mark for his expert grilling. Grilling in January is so much better than July in AZ!!!!!

Kirby, wonderful Kirby enjoying the outdoors activity but not running around like usual.

I had originally planned on a ham dinner in the dining room. I think this just might be a new tradition.

Notice the towels in the background....we had two polar bears swimming in the pool to welcome 2009. It was 50 something degree water and gutsy Morgan and Jake plunged in more than once. Someone got pictures I hope-yes, Trevlyn did and you can see photos and a video here.

I like my little snowmen toasting marshmallows...

...but I love my grands toasting them here with us.

January 2 brought a lot of fun bowling, finding just the right ball

...and even stumpy Grammy gave it a shot.

I think I'll look for bowling shoes at my garage sales. We followed up at Macayo's for a great dinner. Fun not having to cook but the frig is packed with left overs.

Linny and Jared left today for that long drive to SLC.

Boy does the house seem empty and quiet. I much prefer bustle. Love, love my family.