O Holy Night - 2 Versions

Just for the record, one of my favorite Christmas songs is, "O Holy Night".  Hearing Michael Crawford sing it brings goose bumps.  It's so...phantom-y!  Listen to that last "Noel" he sings!  It suspends in space, waiting to penetrate your soul!



According to Bob Wiley, "There are two types of people in this world, those who like Neil Diamond and those who don't!"   Neil Diamond is OK, but I don't like his rendition of this song.  His back up singers are awesome, though. 




What do you think?  

Comparisons

I'm giving a lesson on Sunday about not comparing ourselves with others and being successful by our own measure.


With that in mind, I can't help but post some comparisons about today's activities.


Early this morning I stood out in a parking lot to receive my Bountiful Basket.  This is the first time I've signed up for this bounty of fruits and vegetables.  I was excited to get it and thought of all the meals I could make, using this nutritious fare.

In the afternoon, I sat in a comfortable room, surrounded by women of all ages, for a Christmas cookie exchange. This was the first time I had been to this event. With platter in hand, I approached the tables that were filled with delicacies from the kitchen of each of these women.  We went around the tables, not only once, but twice, to fill our Bountiful Cookie Platters! 

I'd say it was a successful day...by my standards.  In order to be successful by Weight Watchers standards, I'll have to share the cookies!

Smash and Grab!

Have you heard of the new trend in Christmas gift getting?

All you need is a crow bar, a little knowledge, and quick fingers.  Before anyone knows what's happening, you can have yourself a stereo, sub woofer or anything else that would merit money from the local pawn shop! 

Leave the scene as quickly as you can.  You don't want to see the owner of the vehicle take the time to clean out the broken glass, call the police, (knowing it will do no good) then begin his cold, dark, hour long commute back home, with no window...or music!  

From now on, we're leaving the doors unlocked! Instead of "smash and grab", it will be just grab!  It's less messy and less expensive! 

Hallelujah Chorus

The spirit of giving...through music!  A perfect way to start out December!

Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

Some people are crazy about running.  Others are just crazy!  I found myself in the second category on Thanksgiving morning as Candice, Camille and I stood out in the cold at the beginning of a 5K turkey trot race in 0 degree temperature.

By the time we were finished with the race, we were semi-warmed up and sweating.  Then the cold really set in!  

There was a children's dash at the end of the race.

3-year-old Kels participated with a little help from Aunt Camille.

Miss Em, in the red hat, gave it her all!

Mr. Cy, lead the pack in his age group and won a $10.00 gift certificate!

Later that day, after a hot bath to warm up the old bones, we had a wonderful dinner with the family! 

 I have so much to be grateful for!  

Safe Holiday Travel

With the TSA, pat-downs, and full body images being prevalent in the news, I'm reminded of an airport security incident we had.


Five years ago, my son, Jordan, graduated from Army basic training in Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri.  Graduation is a special time for the family to attend and see what their soldier/son has accomplished and what he's learned.  There were 4 of us who flew to Missouri to witness this occasion; My husband, our daughter, Jeanette, and son, Jacob and me.  We had a great time.  It was good to see Jordan again after 10 weeks.  He looked stronger, more alert and very happy to see us.  
We had a lot of fun on the base.  We went bowling, to a movie, and shopping.  While shopping, 14-year-old Jacob saw a belt buckle in the shape of a hand grenade.  He HAD to have it.  He bought it and replaced his Metallica belt buckle with his new purchase.  (I've learned to choose my battles)

After spending a few days with Jordan and witnessing the graduation ceremonies, we bid him farewell as he boarded a bus and headed to Mississippi to complete his training.  With heavy hearts we hurriedly made our way to the airport.  

After checking in, we proceeded through security.  Shoes, nail clippers, keys, watches and anything else that would set off the alarm were put in bins to go through the x-ray machine. I was a little nervous to go through the scanner since I had been wanded at the Salt Lake Airport and then, while driving on to the base, they flagged us down to let us know we had set off the radioactive alarm.  After trying to figure out why that would happen, we determined it was because of a thallium stress test I had had a few weeks prior.  I was ready with my schpeel to let the authorities at the airport know why I "radiated".  I went through first without incident.  Jeanette came behind, then Jacob, then the Hubs. Soon, the officer looking at the x-ray screen called other officers to look at the screen.   By this time I was concerned about what they were observing and then it hit me.  The belt buckle! 

Before I could say anything, the officers very slowly and carefully advanced the bin containing the curious object.  They stood back a bit as it came out of the machine.  The supervisor, who looked like Carl Winslow from Family Matters,  reached in the bin and retrieved the contraband.

He sauntered over, with device in hand, looked at Jacob and said, "Hey, Slick!  Is this yours?"  

Jacob sheepishly answered in the affirmative.  

"Carl" then barked good-naturedly, "You want to give us all a heart attack?"

After boxing up the device and putting it through the luggage scanner, we proceeded to the departure gate. 

If you have to travel this weekend, be sure to leave your hand grenade at home!

To all my wonderful friends,

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

  

Doin' Donuts

It's a quiet, snowy, Sunday afternoon.  We're still in our church clothes. My teenage son, who owns this 1979 Datsun ZX, said,  "Mom, let's go do donuts!"  

I knew that his kind of donuts were OK for my diet.  I didn't consider the effect on my heart!

With a little Blues Traveler playing on the stereo, we went to the junior high school and got a few decent ones in.  The seminary parking lot was small but not so good.

The next stop, the church parking lot, filled with cars.  

A little more successful.

So much for a quiet, Sunday afternoon.

Do you call it Doing Donuts in your neck of the woods?

Time Out!

The words "time out" don't always have to take on a negative meaning.  I had a time out this weekend that was rejuvenating, invigorating, strengthening, and inspiring.  I went to "Time Out For Women" in Salt Lake City.  The theme was "Infinite Hope". There were over 3,900 hopeful women in attendance!  
My daughter, Camille, and I had a wonderful time.   We were sad that my other daughters were unable to attend but maybe next year.

The speakers were inspiring and entertaining.  The songwriters were amazing!   And after looking at this picture, I realize that I really do need to get smaller pants.

We went to Blue Lemon by Deseret Book for lunch.  The Pear Gorgonzola Spinach Salad, that we split, was delicious!

The sweet potato fries with the dipping sauce were heavenly.  I think more people would eat sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving dinner if they were served fried!

After 2 days of being gone, I came home to a clean house, a cleaned out garage, and a hard-working husband!  What an unexpected, delightful surprise!  So, you see, my friends, a time out really is a good thing!

p.s. I met two more wonderful blogging friends this week.  Yvonne is here for her daughter's wedding.  Her daughter and I work at the same school!  Yvonne came to a bridal shower we had for Heidi and we were able to talk and get to know each other even better!  She's a beautiful lady, inside and out!

I met Wendy at her son's viewing. The occasion was much more solemn and heart wrenching.  Wendy, too, is absolutely beautiful!  My heart goes out to her and her family at this tragic time.

I've been Grilled!

Hey ya'll!  Check me out at Grandma's Briefs!

Then have yourself a wonderful Wednesday!

Healthy Cookies and Friendship

I have a sweet tooth.  Since being on Weight Watchers, my sweet tooth has been satisfied with a little more healthy sweets.
Here's a cookie recipe, with no fat, that is only 1 point per cookie.  Even if you're not watching your calories, you can still make these cookies and enjoy them, especially if you like bananas.

1 cup mashed, ripe bananas
2 eggs or 3 egg whites
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
chocolate chips


Mix all ingredients together.  Drop on baking sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes or until outer edge is golden. 

Isn't it fun to meet another blogger?  I met Natalie and her husband.  

They just returned from their mission to Paris, France.  It felt like we had known each other forever!  She's beautiful, fun, intelligent, genuine and easy to talk to.  Her dear Husband is the same way. It was very comfortable to be with them.  I hope we can always be friends. (Sorry about the quality of the picture.  I just cleaned my camera lens)


Have a good weekend!