Friday, November 30, 2007
Magical Trees
Here are just 5 of the over 800 trees. Brandon's favorite was the Star Wars tree, I loved the "Under the Sea" tree that was all blue and sea life. Then was a most unusual fairy tree--it was turned upside-down. This was a magical display. The crowd was always 3 or 4 deep around it. I don't know how they got the tree to stand like that...very impressive. These were full-size trees, but there were also lots of miniature trees that are very cute too. Bunch is dying to do a tree for the festival next year. As I actually have created a tree from scratch in the past, perhaps this is something I could take on. At least a mini tree.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
More Gingerbread Village submissions
For some reason these 4 pictures wouldn't go on the previous post...and now the images won't just open in a new window when you click them (you get a download window?!?!). I've tried to upload them over and over, I don't know what the glitch is...but apparently I'm not the only one having issues. Blogger-Help says this on it's "Known Issues" page:
Clicking on image uploaded through the post editor will show a file download box instead of showing the full-size image in the browser.
So don't bother clicking images for now.
Anyway, the first, a wizzard and dragon with it's hoard, was beyond description. Smoke came from the dragon's nostrils, and the wizzard's eyes were lit up. It's made of gingerbread, and surrounded by candy treasure.
I loved the 3 little pigs houses, and the quintessential "gingerbread house" too. And finally, someone made a replica of their own house--fun!
Clicking on image uploaded through the post editor will show a file download box instead of showing the full-size image in the browser.
So don't bother clicking images for now.
Anyway, the first, a wizzard and dragon with it's hoard, was beyond description. Smoke came from the dragon's nostrils, and the wizzard's eyes were lit up. It's made of gingerbread, and surrounded by candy treasure.
I loved the 3 little pigs houses, and the quintessential "gingerbread house" too. And finally, someone made a replica of their own house--fun!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Ginger Bread Village submissions~2007 Festival of Trees
This week is the 37th Annual Festival of Trees, and I got recruited to volunteer at it. I'd never been to the Festival before today. People decorate and donate the most elaborate Christmas trees and other items which are then sold to the highest bidder. 100% of the proceeds from this event are donated to Primary Children's Hospital here...where any child can receive medical care regardless of whether they can pay for it or not. Over 800 amazing trees fill the Expo center, plus Gingerbread Houses, wreathes, crafts, gift items, candies, baked goods etc. The stages are a nonstop cacophony of singing, dancing, instrumental performances etc. by the children of this area. For 4 days, the public comes to see these amazing trees and support the children in most dire need, and all the staff are volunteers. Here are some of the highly creative gingerbread houses for sale. I loved the creativity!
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Oddities
Get ready, get set! Slap your hands together and rub them back and forth in anticipation, because right now I shall confide the never-before-disclosed fact that if I've known you long enough, chances are there is a song that reminds me specifically of you. Exciting, no!!? Don't you feel all warm-cozy-special now?
Let's pause for a moment and ponder what this means: at any given moment in time, completely out of the blue I could suddenly hear "your song", and immediately I'm thinking fondly of you. I could be walking through the mall, or stopped at a light and the car next to mine is blaring it's radio, delivering clean laundry to my daughter's "radio-always-on" bedroom, sitting in church, messing around on my piano, on hold on the telephone. It could happen anywhere.
It's not that the lyrics, message, or even the melody have anything to do with you...I could have simply been with you when I first took note of the song. You could have sung along with the song within earshot of me. It could be the era we crossed paths during. You could actually loathe the song that reminds me of you (gasp!)
Some songs apply to a group of people. A very few people have multiple songs associated with them in my brain. If you're reading this and want to know what your song is (if any), feel free to ask in the comments section and I'll reply. If you want to change the answer you get, you'll have to work hard to put another song into my head for you ;-) So pick a winner!
As most of my readers know, I'm a flight attendant. Another oddity is that my brain associates my customers with whatever drink they ordered. So as they're leaving the aircraft, as my mouth is saying the words "good bye" and "thank you" etc., my silly little brain is actually thinking to itself, "goodbye coffee with 2 creams and 3 sugars", "see ya diet coke", "thanks for flying with us orange juice and cranberry mixed", " buh-bye FOUR Sky Vodkas before noon (I hope you have someone picking you up!!!)".
Do you do this or am I really the freak of nature I suspect I am?! ♥
Let's pause for a moment and ponder what this means: at any given moment in time, completely out of the blue I could suddenly hear "your song", and immediately I'm thinking fondly of you. I could be walking through the mall, or stopped at a light and the car next to mine is blaring it's radio, delivering clean laundry to my daughter's "radio-always-on" bedroom, sitting in church, messing around on my piano, on hold on the telephone. It could happen anywhere.
It's not that the lyrics, message, or even the melody have anything to do with you...I could have simply been with you when I first took note of the song. You could have sung along with the song within earshot of me. It could be the era we crossed paths during. You could actually loathe the song that reminds me of you (gasp!)
Some songs apply to a group of people. A very few people have multiple songs associated with them in my brain. If you're reading this and want to know what your song is (if any), feel free to ask in the comments section and I'll reply. If you want to change the answer you get, you'll have to work hard to put another song into my head for you ;-) So pick a winner!
As most of my readers know, I'm a flight attendant. Another oddity is that my brain associates my customers with whatever drink they ordered. So as they're leaving the aircraft, as my mouth is saying the words "good bye" and "thank you" etc., my silly little brain is actually thinking to itself, "goodbye coffee with 2 creams and 3 sugars", "see ya diet coke", "thanks for flying with us orange juice and cranberry mixed", " buh-bye FOUR Sky Vodkas before noon (I hope you have someone picking you up!!!)".
Do you do this or am I really the freak of nature I suspect I am?! ♥
Friday, November 16, 2007
What's in my bookbag?
Today I read the book selected for my November book group, The Hindi Bindi Club by Monica Pradhan. I was excited to read it because the woman hosting this month said she is going to make Indian food for us when we meet, which I've been a fan of since my brother in law made me wet chicken curry with onion nan. I've actually dreamed about him making this dish again...it was THAT good!
It was a fun book, and I enjoyed the things I learned about India, and also the various characters she develops in her story. I've always liked the Indian people that I've met, and I appreciate Indian culture. I learned that in the 1960's, U.S. Immigration policy changed to allow Indian engineers and physicians to come to America. This was referred to in India as "the great brain drain". That's why so many of the Indian's here today are doctors and engineers. When I had my emergency surgery last month, it was a wonderful Indian doctor who diagnosed and cared for me...which I really appreciated (before he came on the scene, the ER staff seemed to be treating me like a "drug seeker", so I was left writhing in more pain and sicker than I've ever been, on a gurney in the ER hallway for 8 hours before Dr. Tehar admitted me.)
It was a nice peek into another culture that I've been fascinated with for years. Can't wait till the book group to discuss it. The book also has various Indian food recipes at the end of every chapter...so if you're handy in the kitchen (which, sadly, I'm really not), you could make the dishes that they have in the story! Cookbook AND great reading! Bonus!!!
It was a fun book, and I enjoyed the things I learned about India, and also the various characters she develops in her story. I've always liked the Indian people that I've met, and I appreciate Indian culture. I learned that in the 1960's, U.S. Immigration policy changed to allow Indian engineers and physicians to come to America. This was referred to in India as "the great brain drain". That's why so many of the Indian's here today are doctors and engineers. When I had my emergency surgery last month, it was a wonderful Indian doctor who diagnosed and cared for me...which I really appreciated (before he came on the scene, the ER staff seemed to be treating me like a "drug seeker", so I was left writhing in more pain and sicker than I've ever been, on a gurney in the ER hallway for 8 hours before Dr. Tehar admitted me.)
It was a nice peek into another culture that I've been fascinated with for years. Can't wait till the book group to discuss it. The book also has various Indian food recipes at the end of every chapter...so if you're handy in the kitchen (which, sadly, I'm really not), you could make the dishes that they have in the story! Cookbook AND great reading! Bonus!!!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
My dear old friends
Okay, so they're not living, breathing friends, but nearly as dear to me are my favorite hymns. I'm probably an anomaly in this regard, but throughout my lifetime these cherished tunes and lyrics have, on countless occasions, been the vehicle that draws my soul to God. I am forever grateful for the authors and composers who've written them. Their hymns teach me the gospel, remind me of truths I've forgotten, fill me with joy and love, and make me happy. Just like a good friend would!
It always makes my day when we sing a favorite during church. The odds of us singing one of them are pretty good because there are so many to choose from!
There is nothing more beneficial to me when I'm struggling with something, than turning my mind to a favorite hymn. Because of this, I've made a point of memorizing all the verses to most of the songs that we sing on a regular basis (favorite or not). I realized years ago, when I could sing along with countless songs on the radio, that there was no excuse for me to not memorize the hymns as well. This comes in handy during a hymnbook shortage.☺
One of my favorite hobbies is improvising the hymns on my piano. I love to play with the melodies and arrange them. Though I mess up frequently (I don't think anyone gets what I do out of my playing), the hymns are among my favorite things to play on the piano.
A small sample of my enduring favorites are listed below. Hearing them brings to mind various special experiences in the past, when the song lifted me up.
What do you think of the hymns?
It always makes my day when we sing a favorite during church. The odds of us singing one of them are pretty good because there are so many to choose from!
There is nothing more beneficial to me when I'm struggling with something, than turning my mind to a favorite hymn. Because of this, I've made a point of memorizing all the verses to most of the songs that we sing on a regular basis (favorite or not). I realized years ago, when I could sing along with countless songs on the radio, that there was no excuse for me to not memorize the hymns as well. This comes in handy during a hymnbook shortage.☺
One of my favorite hobbies is improvising the hymns on my piano. I love to play with the melodies and arrange them. Though I mess up frequently (I don't think anyone gets what I do out of my playing), the hymns are among my favorite things to play on the piano.
A small sample of my enduring favorites are listed below. Hearing them brings to mind various special experiences in the past, when the song lifted me up.
What do you think of the hymns?
- How Firm A Foundation This is my all-time favorite hymn. The last 4 verses are never sung, but they're very dear to me.
- All Creatures of Our God and King ©
- Each Life That Touches Ours For Good
- A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (this song is OLD! Written by Martin Luther, who was born in the 1400's. I Lo♥e it!)
- All Glory, Laud and Honor
- Our Savior's Love
- How Gentle Gods Commands
- For The Beauty Of The Earth
- As Now We Take the Sacrament
- In Humility, Our Savior
- For All The Saints
- Prayer Of Thanksgiving
- Be Thou Humble
- As Sisters In Zion
- Now The Day Is Over
- Joseph Smith's First Prayer
- He Is Risen
- Angels We Have Heard On High
- Because I have Been Given Much ©
- On This Day Of Joy And Gladness
- Redeemer Of Israel
- I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day
- Christ The Lord Is Risen Today
- Know This, That Every Soul Is Free
- God Is Love
- Where Can I Turn For Peace?
- A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief
- God's Daily Care
- Press Forward Saints
- If You Could Hie to Kolob
- There Is A Green Hill Far Away
- More Holiness Give Me
- Teach Me To Walk in the Light
- We'll Sing All Hail To Jesus' Name
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Golden Birthday
A Golden Birthday is your birthday when the day of the month you were born (eg: 11th) is the same as how old you are (eg: turning eleven). This past Sunday was Bunch's Golden Birthday. It was a particularly special day because she turned 11 on 11/11! So of course we had to have an eleven party.
My sister flew into town for the event as a surprise, and it was one whirlwind, fun-packed weekend for all. We met at our house and the eleven girls (of course) took a quiz about Bunch...which was very amusing. Then we headed over to a bowling ally where the girls all donned the crazy pair of socks that we'd put in their goody bag. Food, fun and bowling, followed by the giant eleven cake (see previous cake post) made for good times. Some of the girls can seriously bowl!
After the party my brother came for a visit, and the family went out to dinner at Sizzler (birthday girl's choice...she wanted to try their salmon). Once the kids were in bed for the night, my sister, brother and I stayed up all night talking, till my sister had to leave for the airport at 4:50 a.m. (yawn!) We hadn't had that kind of sibling-bonding time since, well, ever I think! I was tired that next day, but it was totally worth it. We all had a great birthday weekend.
Here's a picture of the sock-foot clan at the bowling ally.
My sister flew into town for the event as a surprise, and it was one whirlwind, fun-packed weekend for all. We met at our house and the eleven girls (of course) took a quiz about Bunch...which was very amusing. Then we headed over to a bowling ally where the girls all donned the crazy pair of socks that we'd put in their goody bag. Food, fun and bowling, followed by the giant eleven cake (see previous cake post) made for good times. Some of the girls can seriously bowl!
After the party my brother came for a visit, and the family went out to dinner at Sizzler (birthday girl's choice...she wanted to try their salmon). Once the kids were in bed for the night, my sister, brother and I stayed up all night talking, till my sister had to leave for the airport at 4:50 a.m. (yawn!) We hadn't had that kind of sibling-bonding time since, well, ever I think! I was tired that next day, but it was totally worth it. We all had a great birthday weekend.
Here's a picture of the sock-foot clan at the bowling ally.
Let's Eat Cake, Shall We?!!!
A major component of birthday celebrations around here is, of course, the cake. I have tried to make awesome cakes every year for the kids, which are kept secret till the big moment. The looks on their faces when I bring it out is always priceless, and makes all the effort worth while.
I don't have pictures on my computer of all the cakes I've made (eg: I'm missing the awesome candy train, and the sail boat), but thought I'd share a few of them here just for fun. So I present to you, selected cakes through the past 10 years!
I don't have pictures on my computer of all the cakes I've made (eg: I'm missing the awesome candy train, and the sail boat), but thought I'd share a few of them here just for fun. So I present to you, selected cakes through the past 10 years!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Sacrament
In the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, there are various accounts of the Savior feeding multitudes of people with just a few loaves and fishes. Historically, I think I've focused on the miracle of this event, but I wanted to write about one symbolic aspect that occurred to me.
Yesterday in our ward Sacrament meeting, two Priests blessed and broke 16 pieces of bread into small pieces, which were passed by the Deacons to the congregation to partake of. Then they blessed 432 cups of water, which were offered to ward members. Every week, in services all over the world, this same ritual is repeated...offering members the chance to pause in their lives and reflect on their baptismal covenants, and re-commit themselves to following the Savior as best they can.
Like the miracle played out in the accounts of the few loaves and fishes, those 16 pieces of bread that are torn into pieces on our behalf, and those tiny cups of water poured in remembrance of His blood shed for us, enable us to experience a miracle in our own lives. As we partake of them, and draw closer to the Savior with our hearts, we invoke the power of His atonement on our behalf, our souls are purified and we are renewed. Those 16 pieces of bread and tiny cups of water feed the spirits of the nearly 400 saints in my ward on a weekly basis, enabling us to continue having His spirit with us and succeed in our efforts to be like Him.
I am grateful for the scriptures and the lessons they teach me. I'm grateful for the spiritual feast that the sacrament supplies us with every sabbath day. And I'm grateful for the sacrifice of my Savior for me.
Yesterday in our ward Sacrament meeting, two Priests blessed and broke 16 pieces of bread into small pieces, which were passed by the Deacons to the congregation to partake of. Then they blessed 432 cups of water, which were offered to ward members. Every week, in services all over the world, this same ritual is repeated...offering members the chance to pause in their lives and reflect on their baptismal covenants, and re-commit themselves to following the Savior as best they can.
Like the miracle played out in the accounts of the few loaves and fishes, those 16 pieces of bread that are torn into pieces on our behalf, and those tiny cups of water poured in remembrance of His blood shed for us, enable us to experience a miracle in our own lives. As we partake of them, and draw closer to the Savior with our hearts, we invoke the power of His atonement on our behalf, our souls are purified and we are renewed. Those 16 pieces of bread and tiny cups of water feed the spirits of the nearly 400 saints in my ward on a weekly basis, enabling us to continue having His spirit with us and succeed in our efforts to be like Him.
I am grateful for the scriptures and the lessons they teach me. I'm grateful for the spiritual feast that the sacrament supplies us with every sabbath day. And I'm grateful for the sacrifice of my Savior for me.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Boo
Today most of my friends who blog have posted pics of their spooks. I'd planned to do so last night but I was tired. Here are Doc--who donned in his annual skeleton outfit with "Gross" hat (as in anatomy), Gator and his buddy are Obi-One and a Vampire, and Bunch is Mother Nature. Doc commented about how each of them picked a costume that is just an extension of themselves. Bunch is all about nature and beauty, Gator LOVES Star Wars, and Doc is, well, an anatomist. I wore black pants and my orange fleece...so bunch dubbed me a pumpkin. Good times.
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