These are a few of my favorite things

I finally succumbed to the season. I officially put away my flip flops and brought out socks and boots. This is a big step for me. However, that being said, this is my favorite holiday of the year. I love everything about Christmas, especially the decorations. I have been decorating leisurely the past few days. I have taken time to enjoy, touch, and reflect on many of my favorite things. As per Abby's request, I have included the big tree because she so loves the glass icicles and snowflakes. So. . . these are a few of my favorite things.

A Wish to All

My Sister Julie's Birthday

Rikki and I were discussing the other day the concept of five pivotal people in ones life (I think it came from Dr. Phil). I have been thinking who my five would be. I thought immediately of my sister, Julie. She has taught me patience, love, and empathy for others. And these are only a few things on the list. She is as a little child and especially loves birthdays and holidays. The last few years we have been gathering at her convalescent center to celebrate her birthday. We love it because we are together as a family and she loves it more than I can describe. We always have cake, ice cream, and presents. I know that my children are laughing because she receives the same presents every year. However, I did not give her a sweat pant outfit this year -- but the movies were still part of the gift. She is very dear to our family and we love her childlike ways, her appreciation for even the smallest gesture, and her ability to make us happy to be a family. I love my sister Julie. .


(I have to apologize to Linda and Dale for not having a photo of them with Julie this year. They were here and visited on Saturday. I had my camera in my purse and did not take any photos of them. We were having too much fun talking, laughing, and catching up Sorry)

It will open on Friday

While the rest of you are worrying about and planning costumes, pumpkins, and trick or treating, I am thinking of food again. The great news of my day is: A Cheesecake Factory is opening at the Fashion Place Mall (a mere 10 minutes away) in a short two days. I love this restaurant and have only been able to eat there when on vacation. Beware, my family. I am warning you that all birthdays and special occasions will be celebrated there. If you happen to make it in without me - I highly recommend the salmon and Lemoncello Cream Torte. Here's to upcoming good eats!!!!!!.

I was desperate for a treat

One has to really want a treat to travel 30 miles for it. As you all know, I love bakery frosting and lots of it. My wonderful grocery store, Harmon's, sells it in a tub. What a fabulous find!!! So I gathered up cookies and frosting and headed to Rikki's house. We had a great time eating lunch out and then we frosted cookies with the kids for dessert. The great thing about frosting your own cookies - I can make the frosting as thick as I want. It was a great visit and a great treat.

It was the Best of Times; It was the Worst of Times

I always look forward to conference weekend, especially this conference because of the new callings and sustainings. And conference was outstanding, I am still pondering and thinking of the words of doctrine and testimonies that were born. I feel as if my course needs to be straightened with the council that was given. It saddens me when this first weekend in October is over because now it is on to normal life again.

HOWEVER, this weekend was different. The conference was the best of times. The worst of times can really only be summed up with the photos below. We have suffered water problems in our basement and in particular the north west corner window well since we have lived in our home. Every season we think that we have it fixed only to find out the hard way that we do not. This Friday evening as the rain kept coming and coming, our window started to fill with water. IT was different this time because we could hear a stream of water pouring into the well. We bailed and bailed, then dug, and bailed and bailed, and then dug some more. It was truly a race against time. Oh, did I mention that this is happening at 11:30 pm? We did eventually, after 2 1/2 hours of work, find the source of the problem. We found a joint of the our drain system had broken and the biggest surprise of all that it was placed next to the window well. The good news - we found the problem and it is going to be fixed this week.

So all's well that ends well. We have a solution to our water problem and we had a marvelous conference weekend. Hope your weekend was equally good and that your upcoming week will be fabulous.

It is a new Season

I can see and feel the changes in the air. Last night I added a blanket to the bed and soon will add the electric blanket for added warmth. I know that my children are laughing at me and calling me a "Giff". A term they have made up to say that we are getting old. The changes that I am most glad to feel is that I am doing great. Today, I had my nails done and will have my hair colored and cut later in the week. I will soon feel like I have control of my life again. I am especially glad to be feeling better so that I can work on a very fun project. It is a heritage album I am making of mine and David's four generations. Here are a couple of sample pages so far. Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the change of season.