A Merry and Bright Christmas

 

We had a lovely Christmas Eve dinner followed by the Christmas story and lots of gift-exchanging.  We ended the evening by enjoying one of my gifts to Bill--Victor Borge's 100th anniversary 6 DVD set.  Only Bill and I made it to the end of the first disc.  Admittedly, Danish comedians who were born in 1907 may not be everyone's cup of tea, but we think he's  pretty darn funny.

Our Christmas Day excursion to the coast proved to be everything we hoped.  We enjoyed the clear, sunny weather so much that at one point we pulled over at a vista point above the ocean and took a "sun nap."  Unless you have experienced weeks of damp, dreary Bakersfield fog (our local brand of winter weather), you cannot imagine how good it felt to feel the sun on our faces.

We had lunch on Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara which was bustling with tourists.  Downstairs   they were serving a $60 a head buffet (no thank you), so we ate on the upper deck with beautiful views and a less uptight ambience and menu.

 

From Santa Barbara, we drove down the coast, stopping to admire the views along the way.

 

We were never able to get the movie times right for each town we passed through and by the time we got to our hotel in Camarillo, the next show was at 10:00 pm, so we played cards until late, then enjoyed the very comfy Marriott bedding.

 

 

Today we drove home through Grimes Canyon, Somis, Fillmore, and over to Santa Clarita.  Driving through miles and miles of orange groves, up against the green coastal mountains, bordered by fragrant eucalyptus trees, I remembered why I love California.  We lived in Santa Barbara for a year and then in Ventura County for sixteen years.  I love going back. 

CALM Yourself

 

If you find yourself in Bakersfield this Christmas, you need to get on over to CALM (California Living Museum) and enjoy the holiday light display.  We went last night with Carl, Heather and the kids plus several members of the Forsyth clan.  Let me quote a few fun facts while they are still fresh in my mind:

There are over 2 million lights and more than 50 displays.  The carousel, train ride and parking are free.  Last year, 43,000 people visited. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and children ages 13-17 and $6 for children ages 3-12.  This week only, through Christmas Eve, all tickets are $2 off.  The lights can be seen through December 30.  All of the funds raised this year are going towards building the new mountain lion enclosure.

You really need to see this--it's well worth the ticket price.  Just in case you can't make it, here's a small sampling of what you're missing:

View Full Album

Merry Christmas!!!

Blog Giveaway

 

Each year I make a new framed stitchery with the coming year's Mutual theme to be displayed in the YW room.  This was the theme for 2009, and is being retired to make way for 2010's theme.  I don't have room on my walls for any more bumper stickers so I am offering this to anyone who would like it. 

It is worked in black cross stitch on a tan background.  The borders are shades of green ivy.  The frame is black, lined with a goldish/silverish metal strip.  It is matted in white with a thin black inner border.  The overall size is 11" x 14".

If you would like to have it, leave a comment and on Thursday morning I will draw a name and mail it to the winner.

I will not be offended if you don't ask for it--It is kind of a big commitment of wall space and a specific taste.  I won't assume that you hate either my work or the scriptures.

Twelve days late...but worth the wait!

She's finally here!!!  Simone Rebecca Rossetto was born at 6:06 this evening.  She weighs 6 lbs. 11 ozs. and is 20.5 inches long.  She is a beautiful little peanut, and a VERY calm, alert baby.  She has quite a bit of dark hair which appears to be  curly.  Clare's delivery was not overly long or unusually difficult and everyone is doing well. 

We have come full circle...all of our children are now parents. 

 

Christmas Dilemma

When we had children living at home, Christmas was a no-brainer.   Every year was exactly the same.  On Christmas Eve we had a light supper, then got everyone into their pajamas, read the Christmas story and opened presents from friends and family.  We would then hustle the kids off to bed and stay up half the night assembling bikes, putting batteries in toys and laying out everyone's offerings from Santa.  Three hours later we would awaken to screams of , "Santa came!" and we would be up for the rest of the day, marveling at Santa's generosity, searching for lost toy parts, and preparing for our big Christmas Day dinner.

Things are a lot quieter now...at least on Christmas Day.  Christmas Eve is our big party night.  Carl, Heather and the kids, Chris and Clare (and Simi if she gets here in time.  Just kidding, Clare...), Paul, Joanne and Nicholas, and anyone else who is in town join us for a big feast, a little program and presents.   After everyone leaves, we enjoy looking over our gifts, finding places to put them, watch a little TV and go to bed, knowing that no one will wake us at 4:00 a.m.

And there we come to our dilemma...what to do with Christmas Day?

Last year we took down the Christmas tree and ate leftovers from the night before.  In the afternoon, we played "Ticket to Ride" until Bill swore it off for the remainder of his life.  Not really very exciting.  So, this year, we have decided to create a new tradition for years when we are at loose ends on Christmas Day.

On Christmas morning we are going to drive over to Santa Barbara, find a sunny place to sit and just enjoy the ocean.  We will walk on Stearn's Wharf, ask the fishermen "how are they biting," and when we are hungry, find a nice place to eat.  We may look for a theater and go see the new Sherlock Holmes film which opens Christmas Day.  That night, we will drive through Candy Cane Lane in Oxnard and check out the lights,  drive past our old houses,  then turn in for the night at the  Marriott in Camarillo.  The next day we might visit the outlet mall before we head home. 

So, what do you think?  You're welcome to hitch a ride with us if Christmas at the beach sounds good to you, too.

 

More Tips for a Happy Marriage

In an attempt to counter the sarcastic glee with which we all mocked the "Tips for a Happy Marriage,"  I need to share something I read this morning in the December issue of The Ensign.  Warning:  Have a tissue handy you when you read it...

http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=53ff875a62c25210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

Remind you of anyone?

Continuing in a more inspired (than sarcastic) vein, let me share a portion of Elder Eyring's talk at October conference.  I found these words to be very helpful and included them in my visiting teaching handout last month:

"First, I give counsel to husbands and wives. Pray for the love which allows you to see the good in your companion. Pray for the love that makes weaknesses and mistakes seem small. Pray for the love to make your companion’s joy your own. Pray for the love to want to lessen the load and soften the sorrows of your companion."

On the 22nd of this month Bill and I will celebrate our 37th anniversary.  Although I can't remember the last time I rushed to put a bow in my hair for him, I think we are making good progress towards making a great relationship even better.  If anyone were to ask (and even if they don't--I am very free with unsolicited advice) I would give young couples three tips for a happy marriage:

1.  Laugh together a lot.

2.  You can't be angry for very long with someone for whom you are praying.

3.  Don't waste time on stuff that doesn't really matter...and most of the small, petty stuff doesn't really matter.

To illustrate point #3...On Saturday we brought home our beautiful 7' tall noble fir Christmas tree.  I thought it was already perfect, but Bill wanted the bottom "evened up."  So, without grumbling, I got the pruner and took off the bottom row of branches.  I had to admit that it looked okay and allowed room for presents under the tree.  Then Bill wanted "just that branch on the left that's hanging a little low" lopped off.  Since I was the one that was up close and personal with the tree (while he stood back and gave advice) I could tell that we were heading down a slippery slope.  God had arranged the branches more in a spiral than in nice, even rows.  A few more cuts and we would have hade an evergreen chia pet.  I told him he could have one more cut, and then I was putting the pruners away.  He chose the branch he wanted removed, and pointed out that I had left ugly, little stumps from my previous cuts.  I hardly grumbled at all (at least so that he could hear me) and I saved the tree from becoming a laughingstock.  Although that would have led us to tip #1...and as I was praying that I wouldn't have to brain him with the pruners, I also followed  tip #2.

Merry Christmas and a Happy Marriage!

Fun, free and easy

This link allows you to print any of a number of cute templates to make your own paper garlands.  If I had kids at home I would put them right to work decking the halls.  Sadly, Newton and Oso are virtually worthless when it comes to doing crafts.

http://whipup.net/2009/12/03/how-to-print-cut-and-glue-your-own-festive-garland/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WhipUp+%28whip+up%29&utm_content=My+Yahoo

Caution: Crazy Talk Ahead!

While we were visiting in St. George, my Dad started cleaning out drawers and files, giving Aubrey a stack of old newspaper clipping and photos with which to start a family scrapbook. We had a great time identifying people in photos, commenting on who looks like who and laughing at outdated styles.

Which brings me to this little gem...Dad found it in a 1950 Home Economics text book and was so taken with it that he copied it for his personal files. Dad, Bill, Carl and Sean are very anxious that I share it with the world. I think they are hoping to inspire a new women's movement.

Tips for a Happy Marriage

1. Have dinner ready: Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal on time.
This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him, and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospects of a good meal are part of the warm welcome needed. (Have Pizza Hut on speed dial.)

2. Prepare yourself: Take 15 minutes to rest so you will be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of work- weary people. Be a little gay and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift. (But only a LITTLE gay!)

3. Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives, gathering up school books, toys, paper, etc. Then run a dust cloth over the tables. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift, too. (Dusting ALWAYS makes me happy!)

4. Prepare the children: Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces if they are small, comb their hair, and if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part. (At least untie them and let them back inside the house.)

5. Minimize the noise: At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of washer, dryer, dishwasher or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet. Be happy to see him. Greet him with a warm smile and be glad to see him. (Hide the remote...heh, heh, heh.)

6. Things to avoid: Don't greet him with problems or complaints. Don't complain if he's late for dinner. Count this as minor compared with what he might have gone through that day. (Some people prefer cold pizza.)

7. Make him comfortable: Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or suggest he lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soft, soothing and pleasant voice. Allow him to relax and unwind. (You are getting sleepy...very sleepy...you are now in my power...)

8. Listen to him: You may have a dozen things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first. (Still waiting?)

9. Make the evening his: Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or to other places of entertainment; instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure, his need to be home and relax. ( Where on earth does this guy work? )

10. The goal: Try to make your home a place of peace and order where you and your husband can relax.

Any comments? How about a corollary for men?

A banquet, a band, a blessing, a buffet

We had a fine trip to St. George. On Thursday, we enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner in Gunlock, as the guests of Sean's parents, Randee and Terry Taylor. There were about forty of us there with food to spare (all of it delicious!) and plenty of cats, dogs and chickens for the kids to chase.

On Friday, we attended the annual craft show at the Dixie Center. Those of you with vinyl lettering businesses may want to rethink your business plan...there was only one booth this year selling what Bill calls "bumper stickers for the house." This year, the hot Mormon craft item is hair bows and flowers, along with beanies and headbands for big and little girls.

Friday night we went to dinner and a show at 25 Main, a trendy cafe in downtown St. George where Sean's band, Eric the Red, provided post-dinner entertainment. Alvie unleashed his inner musician and had to be physically restrained from playing his own set.

It was great fun having everyone together. I loved watching the Reed and Taylor cousins playing. Ashton and Spencer are true BFFs.

Sunday was Ezra's blessing day. A full compliment of Reeds and Taylors made up the circle and Ezra was a model of cherubic perfection. I managed to snap a quick pix of the three Taylor boys in their Sunday best. Of course, no trip to St. George is complete without a visit to The Golden Corral where Grandma and Grandpa are treated like royalty. They eat lunch there every day and are always welcomed by the staff with hugs and queries after their well-being.

Not everyone was as excited by the meal as others, though.

It's always good to visit and always good to come home. Clare is officially due to deliver Simi on Friday, but she could come anytime, so we are anxiously awaiting the next exciting event in our lives...