The Blessings of a Blog

I started blogging almost 2 years ago. I had no idea the perks that would come while keeping a blog.  Here are just a few:
♥ Keeping track of important events in my life, such as, when Henry got neutered!
♥ Being able to pull up recipes I've posted.
♥ Honing my writing skills.
♥ Keeping in touch with my family through my blog and through theirs!
♥ Being inspired, amused, entertained, well-fed and educated by all your blogs.
♥ Making good friends.  Even though I have not met many of you, I feel a closeness, a kinship and friendship. 
♥ Being able to meet some of you!  It's always so exciting to meet blogging friends and to actually give a bear hug!  That's even better than having an internet friendship!

I had lunch this past week with Yvonne from "Life and Travels of Me" and Natalie from "A Field of Blessings".  Yvonne's from Canada, Natalie just returned home from an LDS mission to Paris, France. We had a wonderful time eating at Cafe Rio and getting to know each other better.  I feel like I've known these ladies for years and we could be BFF!  Of course, we found out that it really is a small world.  I work at the same school as Yvonne's daughter and Natalie's daughter lives just down the street from me!  

♥ Bloggers are a close community.  We help each other, cry on each other's shoulder, or lend a shoulder.   Right now, Marilyn, from Merry Misadventures of a Matriarchal Woman is grieving the loss of a granddaughter.  Her sweet daughter, Amy, gave birth to her angel daughter, Ella, just a few days ago.  Ella lived a short time because of a severe heart defect.  Bret, Ella's daddy, is a dental student. Amy was put on bed rest during the last of her pregnancy and had to quit her job.  Here's a link that will explain a little more about it and even gives us a chance to donate some money to this grieving couple to help pay the cost of a funeral.  

I wish all of you, my friends, a very happy 2011.  May your life be blessed as much as you've  blessed mine!

Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas

And all through the place

25 crazy people were partying

Taking up lots of space.

The nativity was acted

By the grandkids with care

A reverent feeling was felt

By all those who were there.

We sang lots of songs,

Carolers came to the door,

We hugged and we laughed

Then we sang some more.

Gifts were exchanged,

The party really got started.

All were happy

because everyone was big-hearted!

The children were tired

Parents loaded up to go

Taking children to the cars

Out in the snow.

When out in the road there arose such a clatter

I sprang to the door to see what was the matter.

A hummer was idling, It stopped real quick.

And the driver emerged…It was St. Nick!

He went right to work With his red velvet bag

Giving out candy canes To all, whether good or bad!

Some children ran out without shoes, coat or sweater

Hoping to convince Santa, they've never been better!

Then before we could say, “Who’s this guy in the beard?”

He ran into the house, It seemed kinda weird.

He asked all the adults, who gave him a funny look,

If they’d been good or bad. Then checked his naughty book.

“Mom, this guy's not really Santa!” my oldest son said,

“He’s casing the joint!”...was this something to dread?

He cupped faces in his hand, Asked if we said our prayers.

Turned Vili’s hat around then bolted back down the stairs.

But I heard him exclaim ere he drove out of sight!

Better lock your doors. I’m coming back tonight!

If this guy was really casing our house, he soon realized he was in the wrong neighborhood and the wrong house!  I'm sure "Santa" was a good man who saw all the commotion with grandkids and crazy adults and decided to join in the fun!  

Would you have let a total stranger, dressed as Santa, in your home?

Reindeer Food and Flower!

We set out cookies and milk for Santa on Christmas eve, but we don't always think about those poor reindeer!
My daughter, Camille, and her girls, made some reindeer food for Santa's hard-working team.

In a clear gift bag, put 2 cups of rolled oats.  Generously add some red and green sprinkles

Attach this poem to the bag:

Take this magic reindeer food and sprinkle on the lawn.

On Christmas, Santa's reindeer travel miles before the dawn.

The smell of oats and sugar path will guide them on their way.

And you'll wake up to Santa's gifts next morn on Christmas day!

Take these around to your neighbors so Santa's reindeer will be sure to visit your neighborhood!

Speaking of neighbor gifts, my daughter, Jill, made this adorable neighbor gift when she visited Thanksgiving Point.  She explains how to make it so much better than I can.  

As you can see, it's a tin can, with pebbles in the bottom, soil, and a flower bulb. Add a piece of burlap and some greenery.  Since I tended her children while she visited Thanksgiving Point, she decided that I would be her neighbor!  I took the cute flower container home, watered it and loved it.  

It bloomed into a beautiful flower!

However, it smells like cat urine! Not a pleasant smell! (That's an understatement) 

Now, for all of you botanical experts, what kind of flower is this?  Wouldn't a daffodil bulb bloom just as well?  

One more day left until Christmas! 

Merry Christmas to all of you!

Snow Day and Christmas Photo Giveaway!

Today was supposed to be the last day of school, but because of the snow, there is no school! 

We got 9 inches of new snow during the night.  Out on the patio, we have over 14 inches and it's still snowing! I'll spend the day cleaning, wrapping gifts, baking, shoveling snow, and watching the beautiful snow come down. (It's beautiful until I have to drive in it)

This is our mail box with 9 inches of snow.  Can you tell there's a sword going through the mailbox?  If you could see the bottom of it, you'd see the sword is in a large stone.

The sidewalk, just minutes after shoveling.  Phyllis Diller said, "Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing up is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing."  True on both points!

These pictures aren't Christmas Card quality,

but I'm going to send you to a place where you can get a beautiful 5x7 print for free!

Teachinfourth (Mr. Z) is not only a 5th grade teacher, but is also a gifted photographer!  He has taken photos of nature, buildings, and people and is giving to anyone who asks, a 5x7 print of your favorite photo.  This is his way of sending out Christmas cards.  I need to warn you, it's hard to choose just one! 

To get the details and to choose a photo, go here.

Hope you're having a great snow day!  

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

That's what I was thinking while sitting in the Conference Center, watching the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert!  Yes, I was able to go!  

I went with my daughter-in-law, Rachael.  Her mother sings in the choir and had some tickets for her family.  Rachael invited me to tag along since her hubby (my son, Dave) didn't want to go.  (Thank you, Dave!  Thank you, Rachael!)


It was awesome!  The music was beautiful!  David Archuleta was the guest singer.  He might not be as seasoned as some of the former guests, and he seemed nervous, (who wouldn't be while performing in front of 21,000 people?) but he was cute, humble and his singing was spot-on!  The second time he came on stage, the spotlight hit him and he did a little wave.  It brought a chuckle from the audience.  Michael York did a tremendous job of narrating the story about the Tabernacle Choir and reading from Luke.  

The spirit in the conference center makes this event even more awesome!

Another reason it's the most wonderful time of the year is get-togethers with friends.  

I have worked with these ladies in Transitional Kindergarten at one time or another.  All but one have gone on to do other things, but we have kept the friendship as our connection.  We try to get together 2 or 3 times a year.  We laugh, we eat, we reminisce, and laugh some more.  “Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave and impossible to forget!"


Just for fun, I checked out the picture that was taken when we were together in August.  I wonder if you can see a difference in me from August to now.  Look at the body mass...not that I want you to look at my body, but I've lost 25 pounds since then.

Can you tell?

We have only 1 week until Christmas.  If you're not ready for Christmas, like me, this may be a stressful week.

 I hope you enjoy it anyway!  I know I will.  

It is the most wonderful time of the year!

Winner!

Thanks to all of you who entered the giveaway. 

I know we're all excited for the winner of the Gold Canyon Candle and Kurt Bestor CD!  

Right?

The winner is:  

Jody, from Doran & Jody!  

Jody, email me at istartedout@gmail.com with your address.  

Hey, it's Friday!  Hope all of you have a great weekend!

You want to get in shape? Use a deck of cards!

I get in a rut when it comes to fitness.   

The lazy, apathetic, lethargic part of me wants to do the same thing or nothing day after day.  The small part of me that's energetic and lively knows I need to mix things up and work harder to get some results.  

My daughter told me of a way to work just a wee bit harder when it comes to burning off the Christmas goodies!  If you want to try it, you'll need a deck of cars and some room.

Before you begin, you'll need to determine what exercise each card represents. This is my choice:

Hearts = Jumping Jacks  (Cardio and heart goes together)

Diamonds = squats

Spades = sit-ups (crunches)

Clubs = push-ups (Just imagine the top of the clover is the head and the sides are the shoulders because you're going to feel it there when you're finished!)

The number on the card determines how many you'll do. Face cards and Aces are 10.  You can decide what you want to do with the jokers.  You can run in place for 30 seconds or take a rest for 30 seconds.

Shuffle the cards so you can get a good mixture of exercises.  Place the deck face down on a table, (I use the coffee table in my family room) a chair, or on the floor.  Turn the cards over one at a time (2 at a time will also work).  By the time you're finished with the deck of cards, you will have done 94 jumping jacks, 94 squats, 94 crunches and 94 push-ups! Let me warn you right now, your muscles will be screaming at you the next day...and the next.  In fact, it wasn't until the 4th day that I attempted it again.  

I have a feeling I will never look at a deck of cards in the same way I did before.

Happy exercising!

Oh, and by the way, if you haven't entered my giveaway, go here.  You have until Thursday evening. 

Give Away, Oh, Give Away!

I wanted to do something creative with this post before I announce the giveaway.  But because of a miserable head cold I'm going to make it short and sweet.  I'll post the cookie recipe on a later day.  I won't tell you that  my hubs is downstairs playing the accordion, or I've discovered a new way to exercise.  All that will have to wait. 

Christmas Giveaway!

My newest DIL, Chelsey, has so generously donated a Gold Canyon candle.  Four wicks!  Count them, four!  The scent is roasted peppercorn and it smells so good!  Even with my pounding, stuffed-up head, I can smell it.  Don't worry, the candle you receive will be new.

That's not all!  Back in October, I ran a 6K at Thanksgiving Point.  Kurt Bestor, composer, performer, and pianist, was there at the starting line.  He gave every runner his Christmas CD in a swag bag at the end of the race.  I happened to get my hands on 2 of them.  (Don't ask how)  Now you get an opportunity to have this CD.  This is what was written on his website:

" This album completely diverges from the orchestral style of Kurt Bestor's other holiday albums, delightfully demonstrating his range of talent. A solo piano album, One Silent Night has surprisingly complex arrangements of many traditional songs. This is one that shouldn't be missed."

I love listening to this music in the car.  It's mellow harmonies have prevented me from getting a speeding ticket.  

I'm starting to fade so I'll end now.  There may or may not be a few extra goodies in the package.  I'm just too tired to mention what. 

To enter this giveaway just leave a message and tell me what Neil Diamond Christmas song you really like!  Wait! That was the last post.  Never mind. Just wish me a Merry Christmas!  If you're a follower, you get two chances to win!  

Easy, Peasy!  Since this needs to be out so you can enjoy it before Christmas, I'll end it on Thursday evening so your favorite mail person can deliver it to your door the first of the week. 

Have a wonderful week!