The Best Gifts

Hi all. Sorry I've been remiss in posting to my blog this past week. I've been enjoying some time with loved ones, and to me, that's what the holiday season is all about. I'd like to add something further as we now face the onslaught of Christmas time: in my opinion, the best gifts in this life cannot be obtained with money. The best gifts are from the heart.

That said, I'll tell you a little bit about what took place in our family this past Thanksgiving holiday. Two of our sons were here for the occasion, Kris, and Devin, and we had a great time cooking up some family favorites, like huckleberry pie.


We eventually gathered around our dining room table for the traditional feast and after offering humble gratitude for the tremendous blessings in our lives, we savored all of those culinary delights.


We enjoyed our time together as we consumed delicious food. And yes, the turkey worked its yearly magic and most enjoyed an afternoon nap after the kitchen was restored to some semblance of order.

Since everyone's schedules were crazy this year, we celebrated Thanksgiving in spurts. Two of our sons had to work on the dreaded "Black Friday." One had to work a short shift on Thanksgiving afternoon. Our other son, and his wife and tiny daughter, spent Thanksgiving Day with Kristen's family in Wyoming. We were scattered here and there, and yet I sense in some ways, we've never been closer in spirit.

We've seen wonderful blessings take place in all of our lives this past year. Blessings of health, employment, and spiritual growth. For these items, we will be forever grateful. Myself, I will be treasuring precious words that my children presented to me on Thanksgiving Day. Most of the credit for this gift must be given to my husband. Kennon decided to surprise me this year with what he is calling a new tradition. During the days before Thanksgiving arrived, he had contacted all of our sons, asking them to write a paragraph about their mother. He encouraged them to include reasons why they were thankful for me. On Thanksgiving Day, I was presented with an envelope that contained three separate paragraphs that will be added to a special collection I've been keeping through the years. Inside a large envelope that resides in the safety of my cedar chest, I have kept items that mean the world to me. Among other things it contains a handwritten letter from my father that I received a week before I married Kennon; my patriarchal blessing; the testimonies our sons recorded one night for Family Home Evening; and now these wonderful notes that I was given last week. All are treasures that I will read and reread in the years to come.

I will freely admit that my sons and husband made me cry on Thanksgiving Day. ;) They were happy tears. As I read through the notes my sons had written, my heart turned to mush---I believe that was their intent. ;) Can I just say that notes like these are priceless gifts? Keep that in mind as the mad rush continues toward Christmas Day. As I stated earlier, the best gifts are indeed from the heart.

Our Thanksgiving holiday stretched over the weekend. Derek, Kristen, and Aari swung by on Saturday night. They had opted to take the loooonnnggg way home so they could spend some time with us before they headed to their abode on Sunday afternoon.

It was great to see them. We visited, enjoyed more good food, and played hilarious games, like Apples to Apples. Throughout it all, Aari tended to steal the show. She is so fun right now. She's a little over 14 months old and she embraces life with gusto. She runs everywhere and she is learning to talk, which is often a hoot. We keep a stash of toys in a large plastic tub just for her enjoyment and she has learned that it contains fun things like this singing frog puppet.

Aari already loves books and she enjoyed looking at a new one with her mother, while seated in a chair her father had loved as a youngster.

The next day, we all got ready for church, another way to express our appreciation for all that we've been given. Here's a shot of Aari running up and down the hall with Daddy, to get the wiggles out her system. She actually behaved quite well that morning. Sitting quietly for a lengthy bit of time is challenging for little ones. (Sometimes it's challenging for older ones, too. ;)


All in all, this past week has been filled with good food, laughter, and love. It was a great way to kick off the holiday season and we're looking forward to the exciting days ahead. May the coming days be charged with those things that mean the most, and may we all keep in mind what the true Christmas Spirit is all about.

Holiday Traveling

As some of you may know from reading blogs I've posted lately, I love Thanksgiving. I enjoy planning menus, savoring visits from loved ones, and remembering what this holiday is all about. I even enjoy the hustle and bustle of traveling around to spend time with family and friends. Through the years I've learned what makes for successful holiday traveling. I will share this wisdom in today's post. ;)

1) Put fuel in the car before the lines form at the local gas stations. =) Sadly, I have spent precious time waiting to gas my car on the day we try to head somewhere. And since I usually manage to get gas fumes on my personage whenever I put gas into my car, doing so on the day we travel is not pleasant. This makes for bad moods all the way around. So I take measures to remind myself to take care of this chore ahead of time. My children tend to mock me when I post notes to myself on the fridge like "Get gas!" but lately, if I don't write notes to myself, I tend to space important things.

2) Since we live in an area that can go from record heat to surprise blizzards in no time flat, this is the time of year to take precautions. I try to make sure that my trunk contains the following items: A small shovel (in case I manage to wedge the car into a snow bank along the way); kitty litter (it might seem embarrassing to keep a container of this in one's trunk, but it does provide great traction under your tires if you're stuck in icy snow); First Aid Kit (my sister gave this to me as a "gag gift" one year, since she seems to think I have my share of boo-boos, but we've used it a lot and I rarely travel anywhere without it); blanket(s) (in case we get stranded and it's cold); snow boots, gloves, & winter hats (these items come in handy if one has to get one's car unstuck during a blizzard. Don't make fun . . . it has happened); snacks (these come in handy even if we don't get stranded. I have found that if you feed people as you travel, they remain friendly. Plus, as a Type 1 diabetic, it's a good idea to have a few carbs on hand if the blood sugar level drops along the way.)

3) Bring along great tunes to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Since I love Christmas music and that wonderful holiday is right around the corner, you can be sure I will be bringing along my favorite Christmas CD's for everyone's enjoyment. (Yes, posterity, you heard me right. All of your favorites, including the Carpenter's Christmas Album. You'll thank me later, I know.)

4) Since my trunk will already be stuffed to the gills with emergency preparedness items for this trip, (see item # 2 above) bringing along food for the Thanksgiving feast will be a challenge. I have found that there is less complaining when we put everyone's name into a hat and draw for things like holding pies, cheesecake, coolers, etc. It's a little like game show: "Son # 1, you get the distinct honor of holding this year's huckleberry pie(s) on the way to Grandma's house. Come on down!"

5) Avoid being negative while driving among people who don't seem as inclined to be courteous drivers. Nothing ruins a holiday mood more than road rage tendencies. Try to focus on the positive things like, "Hey, so what if we're stuck behind someone who doesn't realize what the speed limit is---it's giving us a chance to appreciate the scenery along the way." Or: "I don't mind if our fellow traveler is practically hanging off the back of our trunk. Maybe he\she is tailgating because they want to hear the Carpenter's Christmas Album, too."

6) Do not attempt to use a cellphone while driving. Not only is this not safe, but it's just bad karma. Trust me.

7) Watch out for the wildlife who tend to frolic on the highways this time of year. Now that hunting season is over, all of our woodland friends like to come down and wish everyone a happy holiday season. Unfortunately, some of them get carried away . . . literally . . . on the grills of our vehicles, under tires, etc. Just be careful out there.

8) For entertainment purposes as you travel this next week, and to remind everyone of why we put ourselves through this, take turns listing what you're grateful for this year. I know high on my childrens' lists will be items like: Mom's copy of the Carpenter's Christmas Album. ;) My children will be delighted to know that I found where they stashed it last year. =D

9) Enjoy the journey. No matter where you're heading for Thanksgiving this year, ponder the great blessings we enjoy on a daily basis. Not only will help enhance your mood, but it will remind you of why we celebrate this holiday.

10) Take a nice nap after you enjoy a bounteous feast. As you can see, my offspring enjoy this tradition.


Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! =)

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Count Your Many Blessings

I love this time of year. My flowerbeds are all cleaned up and ready for spring. Tulip and daffodil bulbs are snug in those beds, ready for snow to pile on top. I've planted garlic bulbs in a special place in my garden for next year. The harvest is over, at least for our clan, and I survived canning season. ;)

Our freezers and pantry shelves are well-stocked for the winter months ahead. And I have a plethora of fun projects to tackle during those loooong cold months. Since winter in this area lasts about 7 months, (From about November through May) it behooves one to have a variety of indoor interests. For me that will include working on manuscripts, organizing pictures I've taken this past year, Christmas gifts (I'm making a lot of those this year), keeping up with my responsibilities in the YW, and sorting through each room in our house (I've been striving to de-clutter closets, etc.). I'm also diving in on a new interest---learning to paint landscapes. This should prove interesting since I struggle to draw stick figures. ;)

This month I will also ponder all of the wonderful blessings in my life. I love all of the holidays, but Thanksgiving holds a special place in my heart. In recent years we learned that some of our ancestors were in attendance at that first Thanksgiving celebration. My 10th great grand-father (John Howland) and 10th great-grandmother (Elizabeth Tilley) survived that first harsh winter. Unfortunately, both of Elizabeth's parents passed away during that challenging time. So I'm sure that first harvest celebration was a bittersweet moment for her.

I'm a descendant of their daughter, Hope. What a beautiful name. I'm sure it was aptly applied to this daughter. Can you imagine traveling across a large ocean on a cold, dark ship---arriving in a new country you weren't adequately prepared to endure? You brought along basic supplies, but there isn't a handy Wal-Mart to refurbish those items you've run short on. You have to make do with what you have, and what you can find.

Since there aren't any houses to buy, you have to build your shelter from scratch. If you get hurt or become ill, there isn't a medical facility to hasten your recovery. You are pretty much on your own. With one exception. You came seeking religious freedom and you are now able to worship God according to the desire of your heart. Daily you pray for guidance, for the courage to survive all that lies ahead as you help shape what will become the greatest nation in the world.

Currently our country is facing a lot of problems. The economy seems perched on the brink of disaster. Tomorrow's election will finally bring to a close one of the most controversial presidential races on record. Heated debates on political issues have filled the news for weeks.

I wonder what our forefathers think about all of this commotion. When they see our warm homes, convenient cars, the stores that exist, do you suppose they scratch their heads, wondering why so many people are unhappy? As they gaze at the modern devices we've come to accept as our "due," and all of the technology we've been blessed with, are they dismayed by how we've taken it all for granted?

I was once accused of being a "Mary Poppins" type of person. I've decided that's not an insult. I do strive to look on the bright side of things. This doesn't mean I haven't faced challenging trials. Au contraire. Twenty-six years ago, I was diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic. Twenty-five years ago, my father took his own life. I've endured 3 difficult pregnancies and several surgeries that were less than my idea of a fun time. Eleven years ago, I was told that I have lupus. And so on. There have always been challenges. But even during the worst possible circumstances, there has always been hope. That is what keeps me going. Plus the knowledge that this life is but a brief interlude when we consider the eternities that lie ahead. This is a testing ground, a chance for us to prove ourselves. It is up to us what we do with our time in mortal mode.

I love to laugh more than I like crying, so I gravitate toward things that I enjoy, downplaying items that aren't enjoyable. Like last night. I use an insulin pump---it has been a great way for me to enjoy life more fully as a diabetic. But there are little snags that occur. Last night the cannula (plastic tube injected under my skin---the insulin passes through it) from my pump pierced a small vein. Let's just say it was not a good time. But I hung in there, cleaned things up, and started over. I suspect this is how my ancestors survived all that they faced during their challenging time in mortal mode.

My challenge today is this: look at the good things that are going on in your lives. Focus on the blessings, and express gratitude daily for those items. Let's see if we can turn the tide of negativity that is currently thriving. There are a lot of problems in today's world, but there are a lot of neat things, too. Make a list of those things and keep it where you can see it every day. Realize what a great time this is to be alive, and savor each day as it comes.

One of my greatest blessings is featured in the picture at the beginning of this blog. This is my first grandchild, Aari, giving her Grandpa Crane a love. She is a doll and next Sunday, we'll be gathering as a family to witness her blessing in sacrament meeting. I can hardly wait. She is the first of a new generation in our family. She is part of the hope for our future. Her safe arrival into this world heralded a new adventure in our lives. Before she was born, the doctors raised concern over a problem with her kidneys. Combined prayers, faith, and the power of the priesthood paved the way for a miracle. Aari's kidneys returned to normal size before her birth and they have worked fine ever since. You can bet this miracle is on my list of things to be grateful for this year. There are others. Despite what appears to be a darkened time, there are great blessings taking place all around us. I think it's part of our responsibility to take stock of these good things, and to patiently endure what isn't so good, trusting in a wise Father in heaven who knows what is in our best interest.

What items will appear on your blessing lists? Feel free to share. ;)

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