Merry Christmas 2021

 

Christmas Letter- Dec. 2020

 Our friend and neighbor Thoma Lee shared this thought that went straight to my heart this 2020 year-

This time of year is such a great time to reflect on things past, present, and future. There’s a beautiful Cedar of Lebanon tree on Temple Square located near the east gate. This tree, along with many other trees and landscape on Temple Square, is decorated for the Christmas season. The Cedar of Lebanon is decorated with over 75,000 red lights. However, in order to preserve its health and longevity, it is only decorated every other year.

As we think about 2020 and the diversions we all have had to make, when I learned of the Temple Square Cedar of Lebanon tree, it made me think that even in its strength and beauty and longevity, it still needs a pause, a break, a change. Even in the most sacred place where it is planted, someone is watching over it.

We also can know that our Savior watches over us even in moments of pause and change. He is there to sustain us, to lift us up and to make our burdens light. He is our light and our gardener. May we remember this as we seek Him during this season of giving-

We wish you a Christmas season of comfort, peace and joy. xo Marilyn and David.

Merry Christmas friends and family! We love you

Christ Tree

I'm trying so hard to keep a Christ-Centered Christmas.  So far, so good.  I'm just so thankful to be feeling better, have had this fabulous year of re-reading The New Testament so Christ's life and example are so forefront in my mind and I've had lots of opportunities for service.

One thing I've done this year is to have a Christ Tree.  I got this idea from Brandi who has had one for years.  Mine is smaller but I love it so much!

It is a small flocked tree with framed photos of Christ's life by artist Liz Lemon Swindle. 

 

 

 

On the back of each ornament is a beautiful thought of Christmas.  They are so beautiful!

 

 

I also have these metal stars with one of the name's of Christ on them-  I love them too!

 

 

 

I have my nativities around it and I just adore it.

 

 

Snicky Snack

Okay I like photo booths- what can I say?  Snicky Snack Christmas Eve was so wonderful, I cried with gratitude in my evening prayers.  I love our family and love that they love each other.  We eat- have fun- take pictures, the kiddos do their gift exchange and Grandma (that's me) gives out the Christmas jammies.  We had people coming and going this year so we couldn't do a nativity but I'm starting early on our next one before our littles get too big.

Whew!  I would do some serious photo editing but then I'd have to whine about my arm again!

Llama Christmas

Here is me with half the grands.  The Christmas jammies this year were llamas.  I love these kiddos so much!!!!  (to be continued...)

Belated Christmas Pics

 

Son Ryan has a business mini suite at the Vivant Center (or whatever it is called- Energy Solutions?  it frequently changes names depending on the sponsor.) (It is our huge basketball/concert arena in downtown SLake.)  Not a suite but a sweet way for 4 people to enjoy whatever event is going on there.  All through the holidays, members of the family have enjoyed ballgames, concerts, Harlem Globetrotters and Disney on Ice.  Instead of a closed off room (the suites), it is your own little sitting area with 4 rollaway chairs, a counter and $120 worth of concessions!  Woot!  Woot!  On Christmas day, T and T's family got to use the mini suite (Jazz killed Portland Trail Blazers).  Because it was Christmas, and because Sadie stands out like a lightbulb- she was chosen to visit with Santa with 3 other kids while he read a story- and it was on the huge Jumbo Tron.

 

 

 

 

Lots of uninhibited people dance wildly during the game, hoping to get on the Jumbo Tron.  Sadie was in her prime- dancing like the wild girl she is.....

 

 

until security had to ask her to stop....(I think it was the rolling chairs.)  One of the security asked T and T if she was ALWAYS  this energetic.

 

Yep, pretty much!  Santa's lucky she didn't do handsprings around him!

 

More Cookie Exchange

I told you that niece Mallorie had a cookie exchange last Saturday and baked all her cookies while she was at my house.  Her Carmelita cookie tied for first place- they had a re-vote and Mal voted for the other gal- and the other gal won!  So Mal's a winner in my book!

I loved how all the gals were invited to wear their pajamas.  The hostess had a photo taking area.





















Besides prizes for the best tasting cookie, she also had prizes for the best presentation and the most unique treat.  Look at some of these creations!  So fun.  I love a good party!  They inspire me!

Christmas Girl's Night Out

It started with an invitation.

The table was set.

 

The food- my oh my!

Appetizers made by Funny Kathy-
Cheese Bacon Pinwheels (one of my favorite appetizers!

and a new yummy cheese dip.  I will be making both of these for our annual Snicky Snack meal on Christmas Eve.

Main Course;

Teriyaki Salmon topped with Siracha Cream

Butter Lemon Shrimp- but I forgot the butter- Boo!  Still- it's hard to ruin shrimp unless you overcook it.

Sides:
a magnificent salad by Funny Kathy

Twice- Baked potato with Rauclett cheese casserole (I call it "have a little potato with your heavenly cheese!)  This was a winner-winner-chicken-dinner recipe.  Over the top with the crunchies on the top

Drink- the frosted glasses with pomegranates and a Cranberry Sprite with skewers of sugared cranberries on top.

Dessert-
Sliced Green Apples with my favor new caramel I found this fall in Leavenworth- Cinnamon Pear Caramel (I've ordered 3 cases for gift giving!) drizzled on top.  And I made little Swig cookies as well.

Favor:
Rocky Road Fudge in Christmas Cookie Cutter
AND Funny Kathy made little treat bags with homemade turtles inside.

I love these women in my life- Cathy Olsen, Brendalyn Baer, Kathy Wilson, Terri DeJulis, Tauna Isaac, Loretta Duncan and Elaine Christensen.  We've been together since we were young mothers.  We've been through the war together (figuratively) and celebrated with tears.  How lucky I am to have wonderful friends- and this party was my gift to them.  It's all about showing your love by serving.  (and in case you were wondering, no, I couldn't do all that cooking by myself - my wonderful cleaning friend, Myrna- helped me chop and slice the things I couldn't.  I couldn't live without her.)

Life can be so wonderful.  It can also be so hard.  I'm so glad that when our earth rocks (and it does.  It did.)- I can reflect on all the goodness and the love of family and friends.  And God is there in the wings with his open arms.  His is the Greatest friendship of all....

The recipes all on the cooking blog- 
www.constantgrowingamazementcooks.blogspot.com