Some favored posts of the year.....

 The last Friday of 2011!  The end of my first blogging attempts.  I've loved it and am learning and look forward to 2012.  Before 2011 goes to the archive slot, I decided to share a few blogs that people enjoyed and talked to me about.

There were others but in essence of time I chose the following ones that deal with a variety from Pantyhose to Dogs at Sacrament meeting to All having a dream at one point in life to a Modern Day Miracle to 3 Mom's dealing with challenges with such grace to a HP social.  Enjoy!

Thanks so much for being a reader.  It means the world to me!!

love to you from me!


Nancy
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 http://acandlestick.blogspot.com/2011/11/proclamation-on-pantyhose-part-1.html
 http://acandlestick.blogspot.com/2011/11/proclamation-on-pantyhose-part-2.html

Well, well, well....would you look at this!  Leave it to the Royals!!  This off the wire.....

Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge and her sister, Pippa, are fans of the nude pantyhose! Thanks to the sisters, sales of the hosiery have spiked nearly 85 percent in England, The Telegraph reports. Buckingham Palace enforces a strict dress code for women—they must wear stockings and closed-toed shoes, and royals like Queen Elizabeth, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie all slip them on when they’re out. The look is also practical, as pantyhose provide extra warmth on chilly nights and a layer of protection against the sun.
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 http://acandlestick.blogspot.com/2011/05/speaking-of-westminster-dogs.htm

5/25/11  Speaking of Westminster Dogs  The story of the dog hopping on the sacrament table during the Sacrament hymn was matched or overtaken by this story from Maurine W.   Thanks, Maurine!  I LOVE this!!!

Okay...I'm just going to write it down, I can't wait any longer to tell you the other story. Yes, Bob and I were in attendance when the dog bounced up to the podium and the Bishop as shocked as anyone took a minute to jump up and retrieve him from the sacrament table. That afternoon I called my daughter, Marie, and told her the story. She said, "Oh, Mom, I have one better than that". A few months ago a woman visitor had her seeing eye dog with her. They came in and sat on a back row, she at the end of the row, and the dog sat down beside her in the isle. Well at the intermediate song a member of their ward was singing a solo when the dog decided to sing with her. It set up a howl that shocked everyone, especially the lady with the dog. She said that the lady kept singing, but she was so embarrassed and of course so was the lady with the dog. But, she said it was so hilarious that everyone else had a hard time to not laugh out loud....keeping a straight face was almost impossible. I had to agree, that one trumped our experience here. Before that I had never heard of a dog coming to church and performing as those two did.

Nancy....have a good day. It looks like a beautiful one!!!
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http://acandlestick.blogspot.com/2011/06/spot-of-beauty.html

6/16/11  A Spot of Beauty.  I'd had these thoughts in my mind for a long time.  I moved past thinking and actually sharing via a post because of a comment made by a man. Said totally in his innocence, not having had a lot of life experience and truly believing what he said.  It was just a brief sentence and it pierced my heart..."this is a place you want to take your kids as a teaching tool and show them what happens to a person when they don't get an education."  Inside I was so emotional.  Who knows what the education factor was?  Who knows what's happened on his mortal trek?  It was devastating to me.  I lacked courage to tell him how that impacted me and why.  So I tell you!  Fat lot of good that does!!!
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http://acandlestick.blogspot.com/2011/05/english-grammar.html
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 http://acandlestick.blogspot.com/2011/11/pan-of-ham.html
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http://acandlestick.blogspot.com/2011/12/in-her-heart-part-1.html

http://acandlestick.blogspot.com/2011/12/in-their-hearts-part-2.html
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http://acandlestick.blogspot.com/2011/08/pride-to-be-proud-of.html

Creed checking time!!!

This time of year, this wonderful season, seems like such a time of celebration, and then a time self-evaluation, and a new commitment to living better and being better in many ways.  

I'm glad that we are studying about George Albert Smith this year.  I love his teachings.  He is the President that wrote a personal creed and inspired me to write my own.  

This is a time to check it over and add one new thing.  He kept his to 11 and I tried to keep mine to that length.  I will post my new/revised or stay-as-is creed on December 31st.  I have been thinking of what I want to add this year.  This is the time I take care of all these things that my Mother might label, highfalutin' ideas, but if President Smith had a creed then I want one also!  and you?

In May I posted 3 times about creeds.  Check them out below and maybe you will want to make a creed also. Anything that guides you and you want to be a part of you or maybe it is a part of you now and you want it to stay and grow stronger.  Write it down!  Let me know if you did one!!  5 days to work on it! 

http://acandlestick.blogspot.com/2011/05/creed.html

http://acandlestick.blogspot.com/2011/05/prophet-with-creedand-name-is-drumroll.html

http://acandlestick.blogspot.com/2011/05/my-top-11-list.html
  

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Tomorrow....artificial tree or real tree?  your preference?

What a great meeting!!!!

The entire month of December built up to that 25th day.  And what a day it was!!  Going to Church on Christmas day, the day, is just fantastic.  Our building was jammed with visiting families filling pews with the regular attenders.  All were celebrating being together and then attending Church and seeing old friends.  I think we had angels with us as our music was just heavenly.  The YW sang and there was a flute solo also, the Primary sang, the organist used the stop (or whatever) for bells and it was wonderful, 2 pianists accompanied the violinist, a Christmas story was shared & a Christmas talk.  We all sang parts and sang from our hearts.  It was a celebratory time.  I wished it could have gone on and on.

Lydia and Johnathan, two of the violinists 4 children, came and sat with us and we felt like grandparents.  We were so glad for that.  I looked around and my entire being just felt cozy, warm, loved and filled with testimony.  I had tears that just kept surfacing.  I saw Becka, looking all like the Mia-Maid she now is and loved her, and her grandparents for raising her.  Families gathered for Sarah's Tuesday wedding.  Heidi home for awhile.  Mike back from his traveling.  Myra Faye with enough health to come to Sacrament.  Ken.  Maurine. Jerry.  All with health issues that we pray for amongst others.  And Kathryn, Lee, and Noma that weren't able to be with us, I missed them.  Nan making the effort to come across the building to hug me and wish me a Merry Christmas.  And Tammy. Paula.
Seeing Timote/meeting his wife.  Seeing Mark/his wife from a distance.  MaryLynne, Emma, Shannon, Crystal, Joan, Tish, Sharon, Julianna.   Heather.  Cheryl. Tamera.  Betsy.  Joyce and Joyce (and her daughters!).  Chelle.  Abby. Okay!  I better stop as I now realize that I could name everyone in the Ward that touched my life Sunday because they all did, simply by being at Church.  Every single person...man, woman, child...member or visitor...my life was blessed by their presence.  Singing with them and sharing that sacred hour of feeling the Spirit was a choice blessing.

My life was blessed because every single person that came to Church showed me the commitment of their testimony....Just by being there.  leaving the presents.  dealing with the children.  thinking of the meal. getting everyone dressed.  rehearsing songs. Arriving on time and being happy, friendly and loving.  Oh, yes.  I had tears.

Great feelings of love, welled up, when we talked to our children and heard their happiness and realized that no one sat around and moped.  Each made the day joyous and were happy.  Sharing a feast with our son and enjoying each other's company and being grateful that he could join us, with his ever present icepack making it possible. Just another line on the happiness list!

What a fantastic 25 days!  The baking, the sharing, the decorations, children enjoying looking at them, carols sung to us, treats by the platefuls, the programs (including our sardine packed attendance at the Ward Christmas Party), lots of watching Hallmark channel Christmas shows plus the greatness of BYUTV on the Spoken Word, watching 5 different Nutcrackers-from around the world on TV plus attending one at the Capitol Theatre, lunching with friends, visiting with friends, Christmas music like the Messiah and the DVD with Sissell that was featured with the Choir in 2007.  We love to watch different versions of A Christmas Carol and saw 3 this year.  TV is a wonderful treasure!!  So all of that plus more was nestled in amongst regular life and it was memorable.  and already I look forward to next year!!  and will do similar things again.

Christmas is all about love, don't you think?  The love we have for the Savior, the love of the Gospel, the love of our families, our friends, and loving our turn on earth.

This season was topped off by a single act of love after Church.  We had scooted home, changed clothes, started finishing up dishes for our meal and there was a knock on the door.  To my surprise it was Mindi!  She said it wouldn't be Christmas if she didn't get a hug.  To think that she took the time to come over and express her love just grabbed my heart.  She always calls me Sister S., as I was her Seminary teacher, when she was a freshman in high school.  There is something so special in the way she addresses me. I feel mother hen and she my chick!  We have had a long consistent involvement for these many years and she is as precious to me today, as she was when I met her that 9th grade year.  Unfailingly on Sunday she will find me and give me a hug.  This was such a sweet gift as she left her family to come see me.  

We are in the right place when we attend Church on Sunday and the 25th just really ended December and all the Sundays for 2011 in a most special way!!

In the CHRISTMAS mood!!!

These two clips are sure to be of interest!!  Enjoy both!!!


http://lds.org/church/news/tabernacle-choir-christmas-concert?lang=eng   (finale only)

http://lds.org/church/news/a-backstage-look-at-the-tabernacle-choir-christmas-concerts?lang=eng

The Christmas Orange

 What a fun time we had with the BookClub members that were able to break free and go to lunch this week.  One gifted us with a book and bookmark, another with homemade candy and those sorts of thoughtful appreciated gifts.  Tamera gave each of us one of those chocolate "oranges".  segments that separate and are so good.  Along with it she had printed the following story.  What a great gift and what a great story.  Enjoy!!!

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 Jake was a resident of an orphan’s home, one of ten children supported by what contributions the home could secure on a continuous struggle.  There was very little to eat.  It was seldom very warm in the wintertime because fuel was expensive.  But at Christmas there always seemed to be a little more to eat and the home seemed a little warmer, and it was time for more than the usual enjoyment.  But more than this, there was the orange.  At Christmas each child received an orange.  The only time of the year that such a rare item was provided, and it was coveted by each child like no other thing they ever possessed.  They would save it for several days, admiring it, feeling it, loving it, and contemplating the moment when they would eat it.  Many children would wait until New Year’s Day or later.  Often it would start to dry out and shrivel before they would eat it, in order to extend their pleasure as long as they could. 

This Christmas day, Jake had offended the rules of the home in some manner and his punishment was the loss of the orange.  After a year of waiting for this most desired of all rewards, it was to be denied.  Pleading was of no avail.  Although the offense was rather minor, it still was an infraction of such rules that must govern.  Jake spent Christmas day empty and alone.  It even seemed the other children didn’t want to associate with a person who didn’t have an orange.

Night time arrived and was worst of all.  Jake could not sleep.  There was no love in the world.  There was no forgiving.  And certainly there could be no God that would permit a contrite little soul to suffer so much by himself.  Silently he sobbed for the future of mankind, and the world perhaps, but mostly because he didn’t have an orange like the other kids. 

Then suddenly a hand was placed on Jake’s shoulder which startled him for a moment.  An object was quickly shoved into his hand. The donor disappeared into the dark of the room, leaving Jake with what he did not immediately identify as an orange.  Not a regular orange, but one fabricated from segments of 9 other oranges.  Nine other highly prized oranges that would of necessity be eaten this day instead of several days hence.

 

 

A favorite....

Several years ago, I received a Christmas card and I really enjoyed the greeting on it.  I've saved it and read it each year and enjoy it once again.  Now it's your turn.....

The love of Christ

can do amazing things...

The love of Christ can open your eyes

and completely change your thinking

about what really matters most in life.

The love of Christ can lift you above

what is ordinary and everyday

and make you believe 

that forever is not nearly long enough.

The love of Christ can open your heart

and convince you once and for all

that miracles really do happen.

May His love be the gift

that fills your heart

and your world 

at Christmas

and all through a beautiful year.


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A friend sent me this.  I've never seen anything like this before.  Maybe
I'm way back in the dark ages!!!  A one-man barbershop quartet???
it's sure a fun way to relax for a few minutes! fascinating and beautiful!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=dxCRIF0m79w&feature=related

Relax. Don't stress. Listen.

~~~BEAUTIFUL~~~

http://lds.org/broadcasts/watch/christmas-devotional/2011/12?lang=eng&vid=1309616245001&pkey=AQ~~,AAABJMwIxCk~,V-s4Hivdj0tPNypCoK3-U7EDiMwrZ90Q&pid=1302760218001

Enjoy this old poem!

Christmas Prayer

 

Oh, God...
help us rightly to remember
the birth of Jesus, that
we may share in the songs
of the angels, the gladness
of the shepherds, and the
worship of the wise men. May the Christmas morning

make us happy

to be your children.
 

by Robert Louis Stevenson

Robyn's Headway

Robyn's New Lungs - Home

www.robynslungs.com

Robyn's New Lungs - Rockledge, FL. Give Robyn the Breath of Life...DONATE MONEY FOR HER DOUBLE LUNG TRANSPLANT.

Hi everyone-
Check out Robyn's photos.  Things are moving ahead for her.  I have heard about her for several years from my daughter, Jeanee.  I met her the year we flew to FL, for Jeanee's photograph gala celebration, at the King Center.  She has taken pictures of Robyn in dance poses on the beach and made a calendar and $$ from sales were used for CF research.  Read her bio and you will know how much she loves dance.  It's a miracle that she could dance while struggling with CF and the need for so much oxygen.  She has been in and out of hospital.  I feel sad knowing what will have to come about for her to get a healthy double lung transplant but I want Robyn to have a chance for a longer life.  Time right now is running out.  Jeanee said she had 12 or so more tests and then she will get her beeper.  She talked to her today.  Robyn's phone number is listed on her site so you can call and wish her the best if you want.


I know there are lots of needs in the world but this is someone I know so it's really important to me to share it.


Nancy

Genealogy Fan Chart

Genealogy Fan Chart

A friend sent me this today and it is amazing.  you enter your name and birth-date and it just floods the Fan with names of your family!!!  9 generations!  Have fun playing with this site!--  Nancy

View this as a webpage

Share Your Family Tree   Now you can see and share 9-generations of your family tree from new.familysearch.org In less than two minutes you can login and see on a single page:  Nine generations on both sides of your family  Where the “holes” are in your lines and where to concentrate your efforts  Your heritage This may be a perfect last-minute Christmas gift to share with family. View a demo. Go and see for yourself, or ask your Family History Consultant to help you. Then share it with your family and friends. For more ideas on how to share family history with your family this Christmas, click here.  follow on Twitter | find us on Facebook | forward to a friend

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Contemplating

Long awaited darkness falls
Casting shadows on the walls
In the twilight hour I am alone
Sitting near the fireplace, dying embers warm my face
In this peaceful solitude
All the outside world subdued
Everything comes back to me again
In the gloom
Like an angel passing through my room

I close my eyes
And my twilight images go by
All too soon
Like an angel passing through my room

Half awake and half in dreams
Seeing long forgotten scenes
So the present runs into the past
Now and then become entwined, playing games within my mind
Like the embers as they die
Love was one prolonged good-bye
And it all comes back to me tonight
In the gloom
Like an angel passing through my room

I close my eyes
And my twilight images go by
All too soon
Like an angel passing through my room

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PX1ipS6BNj8&feature=related   Sissel singing.  please listen.

(Lyrics above to absolutely one of my favorite songs...Like an Angel Passing Through My Room.  written by Abba.  My most favorite rendition, on the above YouTube link, is sung by the Norwegian artist Sissel.  She was featured singing it on the 2007 Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square performance.)

Betsy sent this last night and said I could share...

Wednesday 9:08pm

I just got a call from Danny, they are going to let her sleep for a few hours. It will most likely now be in the morning.

My biggest concern right now is for Anna of course. My love for my little daughter in law has magnified 100 fold. I have truly felt all day the love her little baby has for what his mother is going through. I have also felt the love and compassion Heavenly Father has for them. I am grateful for the peace that has touched each one of us..truly a tender mercy from the Savior.

I am grateful for a wonderful Bishop there in Rexburg who has wrapped his arms around them and blessed them with Priesthood blessings. The gospel is so wonderful.

Thursday 8:00am
They all were able to sleep pretty good, this morning her water broke and so now things are progressing. I was under the impression they had broken her water yesterday, but that was not the case. What a beautiful song. The lyrics so true. Oh, I just want this to be over for them.

8:54am
Just received a call from Danny. It is over.....Our prayers were all answered as it went so quick and she felt no pain. Amazing. The cord was not around the babies neck. He was small and had too much room to play in. The cord down by the his belly button had twisted and twisted so many times it was the size of a piece of yarn. He looked beautiful and they were cleaning him up, and just then he had to go because they were bringing him back. I'll keep you in the loop.

1:00pm
Anna and her mom say the baby looks like Danny. That immediately brought tears to me. Danny says he was so perfect and sweet. I spoke to Anna and she was so sweet. I feel that baby's spirit so strongly. I love him so.
~~~~~~~~~~~

All Through the Night 

Sleep, my child, and peace attend thee 

All through the night; 

Guardian angels God will send thee,

All through the night;
Soft the drowsy hours are creeping,
Hill and vale in slumber sleeping,
I my loving vigil keeping,
All through the night.

While the moon her watch is keeping,
All through the night;
While the weary world is sleeping,
All through the night;
O'er thy spirit gently stealing,
Visions of delight revealing,
Breathes a pure and holy feeling,
All through the night.

Hark, a solemn bell is ringing,
Clear through the night;
You, my love, are heav'nward winging,
Home through the night.
Earthly dust from off thee shaken,
By good angels art thou taken;
Soul immortal shalt though waken,
Home through the night. 

 (Old Welsh Air, Written By: Sir Harold Boulton (1884))

 

(I will update this posting when I hear from Betsy.  I can't get Anna out of my mind.) 

Dealing with Death

Betsy called in tears.  Danny and Anna just found out that the baby boy they were expecting in a couple of months did not survive.  Tests were done, to confirm Anna's concerns when the baby became very still, that something was amiss.

Labor will be induced this morning.  Anna's Mother is flying in to be with her.

Their names are in several Temples.

What sorrow for all the family members and those of us that are Ward friends.

~~~~~~~~~~

All scriptures are for our profit and learning and also we are to liken all scriptures unto ourselves and also what He says to one He says to all....that being said--

for Anna....

Psalms 91:11-12

D&C 84:88

Things went to the dogs today!

 I made soup today.  turned out fine.

I made bread today.  failure.  why?  rancid oil!!  first time that has ever happened to me.  and the sad thing is....I fooled myself into thinking the oil was fresh!!  By the time I realized it really had a bit of a stench, was when I was forming the loaves.  surely I was wrong!  I baked it.  I sliced it.  I ate the heel and felt like one myself.  I said nothing to my hubby and he ate his piece.  He said nothing so I knew I was safe!!


Then I called to see how a friend was doing after surgery and told her husband that I'd baked bread and would bring over a loaf (I'm a class act, huh?! sharing gross bread!!!).  Then my sweet husband tells me that he can't let me do that because the bread tasted rancid- like bad oil.  I confess and tell him how faith filled I'd been, trying to convince myself that it didn't really taste like it really did.  


Our son dropped by and I told him my sad dilemma.  He let me know that his two dogs like my bread as a treat!  he thinly slices it and gives them a taste.  He took the fresh baked loaves home to slice and freeze and save and share. Right or wrong, for dog digestion...my 4 loaves of bread truly went to the dogs!!


Breadmaking today was a waste of time but the truth is it was my own fault.  I had that little heads-up early on and ignored the fleeting warning and proceeded forth full steam ahead.  How can I then feign surprise at bread not fit for consumption?


I don't always listen to that still small warning voice much less heed it.  I have brought things more serious than stale oil into my life!!  Shame on me!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here is a bunch of Japanese people, on YouTube,  to focus on and take my mind off what a nut I am sometimes.  It may help me to stop my sniveling and stop trying to blame everyone but myself, on knowingly using spoiled oil and expecting it to freshen. 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Afpc_EcohcY&feature=player_embedded

On Stage!!!

Shakespeare....

Jaques:
All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages.

As You Like It Act 2, scene 7, 139–143

I am an avid fan of live theater!  Real entertainment!  Not junk and rubbish and coarseness/vulgarity etc. but just pure entertainment.  I admire those souls with that show must go on attitude and the courage and bravery of stepping on a stage and sharing your voice/your dance/your whatever you are showcasing, be it solo or ensemble, right there!, in plain sight for all to see!  To hopefully have all enjoy their offerings but the vulnerability of rejection looms in the wings, as one shares themselves with no house lights, rendering the audience faceless beings, in their darkened seats.

This week I got to attend two performances.  One at the Warehouse Theater and the other at the Capitol Theater.  One comedic- A Christmas Story and one ballet, The Nutcracker.  Bravo!!  Bravo!!  Going for dinner, being with friends, making an evening of it was just bliss!!

When I think of play actors, I think of the scriptures that talk about that subject.   Matthew, Chapter 6:1-18.  Jesus is still preaching the Sermon on the Mount and he is talking about appropriate alms-giving/acts of religious devotion and also appropriate prayer and also appropriate fasting.  The question is...

do we (hypocrites) do things for the reward of being noticed by others? 

or 

do we (His followers) do things privately and let God reward us ?  

footnote 6:2a hypocrites....

GR pretenders; the Greek word means 'a play actor,' 

or "one who feigns, represents dramatically, 

or exaggerates a part.'

Sometimes I cast myself and take center stage, in the lead role, the star... 
The Pretender!!  Basking in the spotlight!!  Bowing and absorbing the applause!! 

Do you? 

Wanting to help someone?......

My sweet daughter called a couple of days ago, about her special friend, Robyn.  I first heard of Robyn when Jeanee did a photo shoot of her on the Florida beach in ballerina poses.  (on Robyn's site, listed below, if you go to My Story, #6 has about that photo shoot for Stampington)  No, actually I first heard of her when she was teaching Cassie and Tori dance.  Her story is amazing, how she has pushed through on dancing, in spite of Cystic Fibrosis.  She remains one of the oldest living women with CF.  Heartbroken, Jeanee told me time has run out for Robyn and her only hope is a double lung transplant and $$ is needed ASAP to bring this about.  So sad to happen at this time of year and to think of all that must transpire, for her to get a chance at a prolonged life.   On second thought...this is a great time of year, the Christmas season, a time of giving,  for her to need help.  Here is what Jeanee posted....

You can be a part of a miracle and help save a life. My dear friend Robyn is on the list for a double lung transplant. Time is short, she is a mother, money is needed. Any amount is appreciated. Click on the link to donate directly to her lungs and make a difference. Please share this link to spread the love and kindness. xoxo

Robyn's New Lungs - Home

www.robynslungs.com

Robyn's New Lungs - Rockledge, FL. Give Robyn the Breath of Life...DONATE MONEY FOR HER DOUBLE LUNG TRANSPLANT.

Being Nicer

4 ITEMS-

#1- A friend sent  this song with the following counsel-
         Don't go CHRISTMAS shopping until you watch this YouTube

Turn on sound....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ln01p1M2cH0

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#2 BibleVideos.LDS.org is Church’s Gift to the World - Church News and Events

http://lds.org/church/news/biblevideosldsorg-is-churchs-gift-to-the-world?lang=eng

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 #3 Bible Videos - The Life of Jesus Christ - Watch Scenes from the Bible
Watch and share these new videos that will inspire you to increase your faith in Jesus Christ.

http://lds.org/bible-videos?lang=eng

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#4 After my annual meltdown yesterday with me being frantic about decorations in towns, stores etc. I decided I need to get a grip on things.  I've been struggling with this for quite some time and I shared that 2 years ago it really got to me.  Figuring I didn't want to really go on feeling this way I have made some changes within after doing some thinking and pondering and self-evaluation.  

When I drove home last night, after checking out the sights, I decided to look at my home and see if I would guess a believer resided within.  Lights and garlands and a lit tree on the porch.  Nothing really indicating my conviction of the Savior. 

When I entered there were more garlands, a big tree fully decorated, ornaments hung on the lit garlands, collector houses around tree and on shelves, a wreath, a display of children gathering a tree and riding in a sleigh.  Up on the top shelf (where pictures used to be) are my all time 2 favorite Nativities....one, is a one piece by artist Jim Shore, and the other- 3 white pottery pieces of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.

I've never been a collector of Nativities like so many are.  We have a set of those old kind of poured plaster, many pieces, roughly painted and in looking around, I saw the rather large camel, for some odd reason, sitting alone on top of the wood burning stove.  Our daughter sent us a beautiful olive wood Nativity from Israel, when she was on a BYU Study Abroad.  Her own set got stolen in shipping so we eventually gave her the one she gave us.  I really enjoyed that one.

I realized that I've always associated Christmas with the Savior, being the Light of the world and to the world.  I'm comfortable with lots of lights as that represents hope to me.  I am also comfortable with old things from the past with all the old ornaments from many past Christmases.  I also like cozy homey family things so I enjoy all of the little houses with their soft glowing lights.  I love the smell of trees and the two wreaths  bring that freshness and memories of the past to my mind.

So all of those things, not things blaring or over sized, but oodles of things, do make me feel in the spirit of Christmas and I do think of Christ.

My new attitude is to enjoy all lights that people put up and let it remind me of what it always does at Christmas...the Light of Christ.  Not be mean spirited about it.  Continue to remind people that it is not just a holiday to me but the celebration of the birth of the Son of God.

and my really big decision....I'm going to start collecting Nativities over the next few years!  I have a book shelf with cubicles and I will clear them one by one, during this season, and one by one, as acquired put a Nativity in the cubby.  If anyone comes to visit, there will be no doubt in their mind that Christmas at our house is a celebration of the joy of His birth.

I feel so much better being nicer!! 

Name-tag!!!

Making an evening run to SS Ace Postal to make certain that my sister's birthday gift arrives on time, I was struck again by the absence of Christ in community decorations.  This sick feeling in the pit of my stomach hits every year without invitation.  

I'm merrily readying myself for the most joyous of times and suddenly I'm overcome with nostalgia and feel homesick, for a lifetime of familiarity for Christmas, when all of us were on the same page.  The merchants, the city planners, the homes (inside and out), the factory packaging, the labels, the signs heralding Christmas all over the place. 

And the music!...no grannies run over by reindeer ditties but what we called real Christmas music.  Christmas carols which were actually hymns, and sentimental heart tugging ballads like- Blue Christmas, I'll be home for Christmas, I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas- all of which tug at my heart still.  Radio stations and stores that played a month of real Christmas music.  Downtown loudspeakers played Christmas music.  Music celebrating and focusing on the birth of the Savior. The Hallelujah Chorus and other songs from the Messiah were heard frequently.

Schools had Christmas programs, complete with hymns and sometimes scriptures read.  Community choirs put on Christmas concerts. Dance recitals had a Christmas theme.

Tonight I was so bothered by SS having gorgeous big snowflakes attached to each lamppost.  I did not see one thing related to Christmas.  Granted it was dark but I was gawking and straining to see.  

At the grocery store, I said to the woman affixing discount tags to something on the end displays, at the check out line,
....I just traveled the full length of your town and there is absolutely nothing celebrating Christ.  It's all snowflakes.... 
she looked puzzled and then trying to appease me said....well, there is a star and a display on a Church down the street....
I said... well, I'd hope so but what about your town itself?  I like to see Christ in Christmas....  
she said...Things aren't like they used to be...  and went back to her pricing! 
Then I asked the young man, that was going to check me out, and as I framed my same question, I realized it was a young woman, that replied...
Times have changed.  $8.72 please... 
I said...but I'm Christian and I miss it.  Don't you?...  
her reply...It's okay.

Frustrated the life out of me.  I drove home and drove down my own center street and it's a variety of bells, Santa's, candy canes, street lamps, and what I thought looked like a star hung on our lampposts.  The City Hall has a lit Snowman outline holding up the wall. The lit silhouette of 3 reindeer, pulling an appropriately empty sleigh on the edge of the graveyard, just made me question how far things have deteriorated from what used to be.

I have Happy Holidays, Winter Wonderland, Season Greetings pushed at me and never a mention of Christmas and yet it's perfectly acceptable to have signage, greetings, appropriate gifts all connected with the celebration of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.  Why is okay to use those terms and what they stand for and what they are celebrating as religious events and yet Christmas is banned? 


True.  I am soapboxing.  but it's just so sad to me and so maddening at the same time.  2 years ago my feelings started to build.  A clerk told me happy holidays and I told her that just doesn't work for me.  It's Merry Christmas.  

I then started looking for signs in nearby cities of Christmas decorations and really got down.  Our new Church house was being built and in the midst of my blues, the builders put the name on our Church!  I was ecstatic.  I felt like the Savior was now represented in our town.


I was struck by the largeness of the sign and how prominent the name Jesus Christ was.  I didn't remember seeing that on other LDS Churches and realized I'd not really been around that many.  I felt the sign didn't look like the one on the building we were meeting in.  It looked more like a Missionary nametag.  I felt like the Church had a nametag on!!  I compared the tags the Elders wore.  Then went over to the Toppenish Church and looked at that name.  Totally different in design!

It hit me that the General Church had picked things up a notch.  Not letting the Church name fade into the background and be rather nondescript in how it looked and where it was placed but making it very clear and bold.  Leaving no doubt to anyone that read it.

My friend, Myra Faye, knowing of my frustration, called and told me to come over and I'd feel better in looking at her garage!  this is what I found!

There are still believers in the world that state their convictions!!

This is the Toppenish building.  No wonder I was caught off guard with the new sign below!!

This is the day that my heart soared with happiness.  December 2009

I have never entered a photography contest and therefore have never won a prize!!

Bitten by the love-bug!!

On Friday night the annual Stake HP dinner/fireside was held.  It's always enjoyable and fun to see the number that attend.  I was seated in the Chapel for the fireside portion and thought Terry had sat down next to me, I was turned away visiting with Emma and didn't see him.  Then he started pushing me with his shoulder.  I turned and it was our friend Bob from our days of working in the YA Branch for 4-1/2 years.  It was wonderful to see him.  

He reminded me that his wife Suzy had died almost 4 years ago.  We agreed it seemed like yesterday and how thankful he is for the Gospel plan and knowing that he will see her again.  

For all those years Suzy and I sat together every Sunday and attended FHE every Monday and also went to extra outings while our husbands did the Priesthood duties.  We became friends.  One time he told me that he'd read her journals and she'd mentioned our friendship and that touched my heart.  He misses her so much but he's at peace, as much as he can be, with the loss of someone that he's spent years with.

Terry and I have been together for many years.  We are high-school sweethearts.  One of the things we loved to do was dance.  We danced a lot at school dances and also a teen club.  Then we got involved in some sort of a Saturday event at the Teen Club that was broadcast  on the radio.  We had a panel of teens and we'd judge music for danceablity and rate it.  We'd dance and practice all sorts of steps.  We also had a teen variety show on the local TV channel.  I was the MC.  We'd dance there also.  

A popular thing to do was to call radio stations and dedicate songs to people.  (they probably don't do that anymore!!)  Being two teens in love we'd dedicate songs that we deemed to be romantic and said what was in our heart.  Music spoke our feelings.

When we got home from the HP dinner, Terry immediately said that he wanted me to listen to a song that he'd recorded from a TV show.  He was dedicating a song to me. He told me how much he loves me and how he would just not be able to make it if I died before him.  That he can't bear the thought of not having me in his life.  He was so sweet.  He went through his list of shows and found a Country show of some sort and played Bill Anderson singing a love song entitled...  If Anything Happened to You.

I looked over at him in his chair and saw tears trickling down his face.  I too was emotional.... Not just from the song lyrics but just from having him share such deep feelings in such a sweet sincere humble way. Then he gave me the gentlest hug and the most tender kiss and told me again how much he loves me in his life.  Sigh.

Marriage is well worth the effort it takes to keep on keeping on.

...in their hearts.- Part 2

Nancy-

You know, I could give a lot of information about TS, but not sure how much you want? So I'll just give what I think would be helpful.

For us Tourette Syndrome was manifested around the age of 8-1/2. A doctor first suggested it, and I brushed him off, thinking that TS was kids who yelled out swear words randomly, I had no idea that that was only in rare cases. It wasn't until he was almost 10 and getting frustrated on a daily basis at school with kids telling him 'you are so annoying' 'be quiet' etc, etc, and finally hearing that he had been sent to a different room to take tests because the kids were so disturbed by him. At that point I started reading a little, and trying to figure out what to do.

There is no cure for TS at this time, so all the information wasn't very encouraging. The medication had a lot of side effects that I felt would change his personality too much, and so opted for the lowest dose of one particular drug Guafacine.

When we go to church functions we usually sit in the back because his noises are so persistent, it's hard too to go to concerts, and sometimes movies. People think he can control it, and make it go away if he tries hard enough, but really it's like trying to hold back a sneeze, it just builds and builds until it's huge.

You can give yourself a TS scenario by doing this activity. Try to write the pledge of allegiance in about 2 minutes, but instead of writing like you usually do you need to erase every 3rd word and rewrite it. Also every 5-10 seconds tap your pinkies on the table, and then see if you can do it. It's not as easy as it sounds.

In addition to tics we deal with compulsiveness, and obsessive behaviors as well as a bit of a delay in motor skills. This makes him less athletic, and socially unaware at times. It's coming, and he understands more now than he used to, but it's been really slow to come.

We have spent countless nights comforting him when the tics are so bad he can't stop jerking long enough to fall asleep. Or when he has such severe pain from a tic, but can't stop doing that particular tic. Really you just have to survive through the tough times, because there are times where it's fine. Like right now we are in a really good time, and so we hardly notice it. But it always comes back, and sometimes with a vengeance, so we live, learn and pray that next time will be a little less, and we just love him no matter what.

Johnathan just needs to be treated like any other kid. And hopefully people can be tolerant when they don't understand his behaviors. He isn't perfect, but he isn't a troublemaker. He's smart, and sweet and loves people. Anyway, I'm off the point, but he would do anything in the world to help anyone who needed it.

So how's that for a novel, huh?

Have a good one.

Crystal

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About two months before my son was born I had a dream that I was speaking to a child in sign language. The day the agency called to say he was born they also said "he was born with a cleft lip and palate, do you still want him?" We were shocked and stunned. Do we still want him? He was dreamed of and loved before he was born. Of course we wanted him. I had no doubt he was my child. Of course I wanted him. I was prepared and ready to speak with my hands if I needed to tell my boy I loved him.

Levi's first surgery was at 4 months of age. During that surgery he needed to have his lip repaired, tubes placed in both ears and several other little procedures. Over the past 14 years he has had 12 more surgeries. Some more serious and traumatic than others- but all necessary to help him lead a more productive and normal life style.

Levi has other challenges. He is autistic. Autism is a puzzle. Personally I do not believe Levi 'became', 'changed into' or was 'sickened' into autism. Levi was born with some of his eccentricities. He never liked the baby swing. He never allowed his bare feet to touch the grass. By the time he was 4 months old he was able to completely undress himself by squirming out of his clothing.

Levi is sensitive to noises, the way clothing feels, unfamiliar situations and perseverates on super heroes, monsters and beautiful women. Levi has a habit of touching interesting things. Exploring things he finds interesting with his fingers. He has difficulty navigating social situations. He wouldn't know a bully is picking on him~ he might think the bully is starting a real conversation. Levi could easily put himself in danger by not perceiving and interpreting social intricacies and cues.

Levi is rare among autistics. He has a wonderful sense of humor and loves and "gets" word play. He is also very affectionate. I truly believe this in a direct blessing and gift from God. He knew that I would need affection from my child. Levi gives and can receive wonderful hugs.

He is also very bright. By 2nd grade he was reading dinosaur names 30 letters long. Levi has a photographic memory that he uses when he chooses. He can quote from anything he has read that interests him.

What I wish people understood? We all have disabilities. It's just that Levi's are more obvious. If you are a store keeper, don’t put bright shiny expensive baubles where they are easily touched by children who might find it interesting- DUH! Any child may want to touch it, mine truly has a 'need' to touch it and lacks the control to stop that impulse. It is okay to ask Levi questions about himself. It is okay to draw limits and please tell him when something is not socially acceptable. Please remember that he is also on a journey. His path is more challenging but no less important. I may not have to speak to Levi with my hands. What a blessing it is to listen to him with my heart.

Nancy, I hope this is okay.

 Love,

Tamera

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Nancy-
Dustin was five years old when we arrived here.   Basically, he’s autistic, though there is some mental retardation.

As for his past accomplishments, he served a mission at the Kennewick Bishop’s Storehouse. He packed produce and other items for needy families during his mission. The missionary couple that supervised the facility were very pleased with his work. He’s my obedient soldier.

He has played piano for sacrament and recitals. He still has piano lessons and hopefully we will branch out with other instruments.

Dustin is a member of our Cultural Presentation grouped titled “The Many Feathers” performers. He performs native dancing. He has full regalia and enjoys sharing his culture.

Where ever we go Dustin goes. He’s seen “CATS” three times, the Yakima Symphony, “The Nutcracker” every other year—including the Russian version, SLC General Conference, Priesthood meetings at the Marriot Center as well as local, Antique Car Shows (which is one of his favorites). Met Lou Ferigno (the TV Incredible Hulk), Pete Rose (Baseball Player), shook hands with Dallin H. Oakes, Wes Studi (Indian actor “Last of the Mohicans”)BYU plays and productions, Utah Jazz Pre-game practice session, been to Disneyland/Universal Studios twice, most everything Seattle can offer, and traveled extensively most of the states west of North Dakota. That’s just a small part of where Dustin has been and done. I believe exposing him to every possible opportunity that any person of his age could have, has made Dustin more aware and feel accepted. He knows he has a place and that he is valued.

Dustin’s home life has been treated with fairness. That means he gets to make family choices as well as carry out chores. Dustin is in charge of heading our FHE. He opens it, assigns the prayers, songs, and closes it. He also has given FHE lessons as well. I believe that is one of his favorite things to do in the week. Every fast Sunday, those who haven’t borne their testimony in church have an opportunity at our home. Before we pray to break the fast, we have a testimony meeting. Dustin has always bore his testimony every fast Sunday.

Every night he makes sure we have our family prayer.

He is very diligent to oversee proper usage of media. If the television is on and there is an inappropriate commercial, he will stand in front of it so no one can see it. And if there is a movie that may have an inappropriate word or phrase he holds the remote control to mute it. I enjoy the times when it’s getting late during the day and some member of the family is not home, Dustin will inquire where they are. He is well aware of being home on time. Dustin needs order in his life and dependable schedules. Church is a must to him. He knows where he should be and also what not to do on Sunday.

I truly believe that Dustin has been the catalyst of spiritual motivation to our family. His innocence, gentle mannerism, and obedience have been a standard in our family. His physical stature is comparable to his spiritual stature. I know he was put in our family for good reason. He is the cornerstone of our family puzzle. We may stumble or stray away from our proper puzzle position, but Dustin is firm in the simplicity of gospel standards. At Dustin’s age, what more would I want than a son who honor’s his manhood, with what our general authorities advise “gentleness, compassion, and sincere love”—I love my little boy.

I know this was long, but you can edit. I appreciate your interest—you are very kind and thoughtful.

Enjoy your day,

Judy

Nancy,

 Yes, I would encourage members to greet him. He needs more involvement. He’s here with me right now. Everyone’s busy, so he’s in my office until Brandon gets out of class. We all share Dustin.

Thanks again,

Judy

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 Dustin is 24.  Levi is 14.  Johnathan is 11.   All are blessed with living angels as their Mothers.