2008 Lessons Learned, Part 2

July - I learned to be a Blogger!! After months of reading and enjoying so many blogs, I decided to give blogging a whirl. It is so fun! I have enjoyed reading about what is going on in the lives of my friends. It has been wonderful reconnecting with friends from my past. And it's a fun way to keep everyone up to date, especially when life takes an unexpected turn or two.

August - I learned that a single day in Santa Barbara with my very best friend is a great way to spend the day! Taking the train was relaxing, the weather was gorgeous, the food delicious, and the day delightful.

September - I learned that I do not like the distance when Dad is in the hospital. A 16 day hospital stay was way too long and hearing his weakened voice was frightening. I'm happy to report that he is improving! I want him around for a lot more years.


October - I learned that God protects His own. When my father-in-law was abducted at gunpoint at General Conference, the protection of God was amazing. Not only was Pops unharmed, he DROVE away from his abductor with one of his credit cards still in hand.

November - I learned that God is still healing! Les' eight day hospital saga was not fun, but seeing God turn the tables was amazing! When the doctor told Les we were looking at possibly another surgery, Les prayed that God would start healing. God's reply? "I already have."

December - I learned that watching the faces of those in need receive a gift is a beautiful thing. When our church hosted Toys for Tots, more than 50 needy children and their families were in attendance for our Sunday morning service. The US Marine Corps has done a fantastic job with this program for 60 years now - hats off to them!

2008 Lessons Learned, Part 1

I've decided to do a "Year in Review" in the final days of 2008. It's been quite a year!

January - I learned God will move when I pray for someone else. Last January, during our week of prayer and fasting, Les and I were praying for healing for a friend that does not attend church. On Saturday morning we received a phone call, with our friend on the other end practically screaming, "I can move my hand!" (This was the first time he had been able to move his hand in many years due to a brain tumor.) He does not attend church YET, but God is still moving in his life!

February - I learned that Pam Gregg is an awesome choir director! Okay, I already knew that, but our choir clinic with her just confirmed it. She taught our choir TEN new songs on Friday night and Saturday. I have known Pam for-Ever and she's one of the sweetest people. I know we really worked her, but it was worth it for our choir.

March - I learned to Ski! Kinda... Les won a ski trip to Tahoe and since the lift tickets and lodging were free, I decided to give skiing a try. Skiing is not the problem - it's getting up after you fall that's really hard!! Day one we spent almost entirely on the bunny slopes, with one run down a simple slope. Day two, Les decided to take me on a longer run - big mistake! Two hours later, I was happy to make it to the bottom after falling and crawling my way down. I WILL ski again and do better!

April - I learned that I really am a Runner. I've been running for years, but never considered myself a runner. Runners are people that run long distances, consistently. When I ran 1/2 mile for each year the day before I turned 44 (that's 22 miles for the mathematically challenged) - I realized I AM a runner!

May - I learned the first afternoon and evening of a cruise are nothing like the rest of the trip. Les and I celebrated our 17th anniversary by taking our first cruise with Doug and Lori Long. The first day is so crazy - not all of the shops and restaurants are open, everyone is trying to get on board at once, and the general feel I got was CROWDED! But the next morning, I was up at 5:30, running on the Sport Deck, and loving it. As I looked at the expanse of ocean, I couldn't help singing, "Oh Lord, My God, when I in awesome wonder. Consider all the works Thy hands have made.... How great Thou art!" We really had a great time on our cruise!

June - I learned that I still love going to Youth Camp. I love watching children and young people being touched by God, being renewed, or being filled with the Holy Ghost for the very first time. I love the teaching, preaching, and fellowship!

Twas The Month After Christmas

I realize it has only been a few days since Christmas, but this is how I'm feeling! I really enjoyed the holiday baking this year!!

Twas the month after Christmas and all through the house
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.
The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste.
All the holiday parties had gone to my waist.
When I got on the scales there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber).

I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared;
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,
The wine and the rum balls*, the bread and the cheese
And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."

As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt---
I said to myself, as I only can
"You can't spend a winter disguised as a man!"

So--away with the last of the sour cream dip,
Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip
Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
Till all the additional ounces have vanished.

I won't have a cookie--not even a lick.
I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick.
I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie,
I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.

I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore---
But isn't that what January is for?
Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!


* Of course I didn't actually have wine or rum balls...

I'm Glad!

"I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord."
Psalm 122:1

We have enjoyed a wonderful Christmas week, but today is Sunday and I'm glad! Our church took this past week off for family time, and while I think it's a wonderful idea, I'm ready for church today. And not a Christmas program (although I enjoy those), but real church!! I don't know if we'll weep or shout, but I'm looking forward to whatever God has for us today.

Christmas 2008

We had a very enjoyable Christmas with my family. Our gathering is not the size of the McElhaney clan, but we still enjoy being together. I ate way too much - but everything was delicious! Kim's fiancee, Rodney, made the majority of the food and it was great! We also had enough sugar in the house to feed a small country...

One of the things I love about our current Christmases is the person who gets the most gifts now is Dad! After all the years of sacrificing for the rest of us, I enjoy watching him open lots of gifts! Since Mom passed away, Dad usually comes to my place and we do his Christmas shopping together. It's a fun time for both of us and I get to help him spend his money! Due to his back surgery, he didn't feel up to making the trip - so we all got matching gifts in one size fits all green...

But it's not the gifts that matter - it's spending time with those who are dearest to my heart. It was good to see my nephew Ryan - it has been a year, since he is currently attending college in Boston. It was fun spending time with Krysten and Lauren - we sat on the couch and giggled together.

Hope everyone's Christmas was wonderful!

P.S. Kim, how did you manage to avoid the camera?

How to Fix a Sunburn

I know it's December, who has a sunburn, right? Well, Les and I both got sunburned on the second day of our cruise last May, which just happen to be the night of our formal dinner. The ship photographer took a good picture, but we both looked like tomatoes! And my neck was the worst! I dug through all our 2008 pictures and this was the one I wanted to use for our Christmas cards. But how to fix the sunburn?


I decided to go black and white! My jacket was black and white and now Les' navy jacket is black! The card is gray tones with a couple of green wreaths. Not bad!


So now you know how to fix a sunburn! And if you haven't received a card yet, I either don't have your address or your card is lost in the mail!!

We have received so many cute Christmas cards this year. I love how digital photography makes it easy to send photo cards. I remember Mom and Dad trying to get the four of us to pose without fighting, using their old Polaroid camera! I don't think we ever actually sent pictures because one of us would blink or squirm or get mad or ... you get the picture!

This is my favorite picture this year. Three-year-old Liam is the son of Shannon, Les' second cousin. They found out a couple of weeks ago that his mommy, Heidi, is expecting a girl. I can hear Liam saying, "Can you believe I'm getting a sister? What I really want is a puppy!"

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Matthew chapter 1

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Luke chapter 2

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

Over the River and Through the Woods

Our song will go like this today:

Over the grapevine and through the valley
To Dad's house we go
Les knows the way and we pray
We don't get stuck in snow!

We're heading to Fresno today with lots of fun ahead. Our plans for the next three days are to do as little as possible - just be together with family. I'm making hashbrown casserole for breakfast in the morning. And the whole gang will be at Dad's tomorrow evening for a great meal and gifts.

Whatever your plans, drive safely, stay warm, hug your loved ones tightly, eat something really fattening, and Merry Christmas to everyone in Blogville!!

More Christmas Changes

The old saying "Nothing ever stays the same" is definitely true. Our Christmas gatherings grew from six to seven to eight. Then were we 11, 12, and finally 13 when Les and I got married. We only had a few of those, before our number started to grow smaller.

Christmas 1994 was my first year without my hero. We were without Rod for the first time and we all felt his absence. The one who entertained us with his crutch guitar was now celebrating with the angels. We've had other losses through the years, and each loved one is missed so much. But I always want to take the time to remember the years we were blessed to have them.

I know there are those reading my blog who are also missing someone this Christmas. Whether it's your first year or it has been many, I hope you will take time to remember the joy they brought. Recreate a special tradition, hold close a decoration from long ago, and let the memories warm your heart.

Tucked in Mom's Bible is a card I received the first Christmas we were without her. It is from Sis. Joyce Baglin and her final words were, "May God's love comfort you in a special way this first year without your mom... but are you really without those you love?"

Christmas Changes

Our Christmases floated along pretty much the same for many years. The six of us, Christmas at home, then sometimes off to Visalia and Woodlake with grandparents. The first change happened with Rick and Diana's marriage, then Kim and Mike's marriage. But the biggest change happened like this:

Christmas 1986 - Kim and Diana were both expecting. Mom and Dad with mugs that say "Grandma to Bee" and "Grandpa to Bee". Yes, Christmas changed "When Mom Became Grandma"!



Christmas was no longer the sedate adult event to which we had become accustomed! We all went a little crazy buying for those three new people!!

Toys and wrapping paper everywhere!




There were little girls in fur coats again!

Squeals of delight! Lots of laughter as they played with new treasures and modeled new clothes!








It wore us out!! But it was a blast!!

And in 1991 we added this kid to our Christmas fun!

Vic Tab Hosts Toys for Tots Giveaway

For the first time in our church history, we hosted the annual Toys for Tots giveaway and it was such a wonderful event! This is the sixtieth year of Toys for Tots, so it's been around longer than I have, but I had never seen the end result of all those collection boxes.

The toys were collected and delivered to our church. There were approximately 400 gifts that were then assigned to children and wrapped - our church provided the wrapping paper, tape, bows, and hands to do the wrapping. All was ready for this morning!

In our service this morning, we had more than 50 visiting children (with their parents, grandparents, or guardians). It was a great opportunity for our church to reach out to our community and the saints of Victory Tabernacle pulled together to make it a very memorable event. Those who were not at church this morning will be able to pick up their gifts tomorrow (another opportunity for them to "meet" our church.)

We had an abbreviated Sunday school - giving the families a glimpse of what goes on each week. Everyone then came into the sanctuary for a short morning worship service. We had singing and collected our Christmas for Christ offering. We had a puppet show, which included a guitar playing angel. And Pastor White preached "Jesus was Born in a Stable."

After our time of worship, Sis. Trish took over with her helpers. Eliana and Chloee each had lists of names of the children who were to receive gifts. They would read the name, hand the gift to a marine, who would then give it to the child. After the child received his or her gift, they sat on the floor in the front of the church. When the last child received their gift, they all opened their gifts at the same time! It was so fun to watch!! Watching children whose names were called at the beginning, holding their gifts, and trying soooo hard not to open them while they waited was a lot of fun! And when they all got to open their gifts, it was absolute mayhem!!

Following the gift presentation, everyone in attendance was invited downstairs for a full holiday meal provided by the ladies of our church- turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, veggies, salad, and cake! I helped with the serving and one Mom said about her boys, "they got just what they wanted!" So cool!

I think everyone in attendance was pleased and we're praying that this won't be the last time that we see these families.

Christmas Memories

I've been meaning to sit down and write about some of my most cherished Christmas memories, but I've been too busy with Christmas!!

As a child of the 60s, my Christmas memories start with the JCPenney and Sears Christmas catalogs! I think they arrived in October or November, and we four kids would scan the pages, finding treasure after treasure to add to our "Wish Lists". The toy pages had circles everywhere, with our names next to the desired items.

Then the inevitable pre-Christmas warnings would come. "You know we don't have lots of money... Don't plan on getting everything you circle... We'll do the best we can, but..."

But my childhood memories of Christmas morning (or more often than not, Christmas Eve) always include each of us with a huge pile of unopened gifts, pen and paper ready (thank you notes will be written before school starts in January!) and finally, "I got more than I expected!" Mom and Dad did everything they could to make it a merry Christmas for us - Dad working, working, and working, and Mom stretching every penny!

Oh the joys of Baby Tender Love and my darling Zip the Monkey (who later married Tippy and had a son named Chip.) This is the face of child who was not deprived! A seven-year-old with arms full of toys and hair uncombed! Definitely Christmas morning!


Kim, don't shoot me for this picture! Love the skates!!


The year I got my Barbie Winnebago - and a pile of other gifts!


The year that Kim kept telling me I was getting the "Gerber Doll" that I DID NOT WANT - only to find a Barbie car in the box!

There was the be-yoo-tiful "fur" coat that even PETA wouldn't protest.

The song "The Christmas Shoes" always brings tears to my eyes. Tucked in the second verse are words that describe by childhood Christmases: "Momma made Christmas good at our house, though most years she just did without." I'm thankful for the gifts, but mostly I'm thankful for loving parents that made Christmas good at our house.

Peace on Earth

Like many folks at this time of year, Christmas music is playing non-stop at our house. There is a song that is on only one of my Christmas CDs. The melody is haunting and the words made me want to know about the song's origin.

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote the words to this carol while America was in the midst of its bloody Civil War, on Christmas Eve, 1863. This was only six months after the Battle of Gettysburg where over 40,000 soldiers lost their lives. (Robert Joseph, The Christmas Book)

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Longfellow was not writing just about the tragedy of the war, for he had recently lost his wife, Fanny, and his son was injured in battled. His world, as he knew it was shattered.

And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"

Just like Longfellow, we live in troubled times. People are worried about the economy. In California we saw hate in action after the passage of Proposition 8. But we can find comfort in the final stanza!

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men!"

In spite of your circumstances, may you have peace in your heart this Christmas knowing that God is not dead, nor doth He sleep!

Taste Test Results Are In

My plate of goodies, clockwise starting with the snowman cookie:
Bon bons with peppermint filling
Chocolate chip cookie
Sugared walnuts
Butterscotch oatmeal cookie
Fudge
Peanut butter cookie with Hershey Kiss on top
Chocolate Scotcharoos (Rice Krispy treats with a twist!)
Butterscotch haystacks
Snickerdoodle
White chocolate covered snack mix

A few "action" shots





Baking tools I can't live without:

Double boiler, cause I've never gotten the hanging of melting chocolate, butterscotch, and white chocolate chips in the microwave!
Candy thermometer, so I don't have to figure out when the fudge reaches 234 degrees, or the coating for the walnuts is "the consistency of a soft ball".



Of course Les and I won't be eating all of this! Another "Mom" tradition is giving treats at Christmas time. If you're in the neighborhood, stop by and I'll send a plate home with you!