Christmas 2008

There's no pictures with this blog, just my personal reflections on one of my best Christmas's ever!


Why is that?

Well... Mike and I worshipped the Savior through music on Christmas Eve. We sat at the piano and sang Christmas carols for 30-45 minutes. We invited my brother, Steve, to join us, but he chose to 'listen'. (The next day, he told my family, “Mike and Sidney gave a concert last evening for me.” I had to laugh.)

We invited my brother Steve over for dinner on Christmas Eve and it was so fun to have him in our home! After dinner, we - Mike and Sidney - sang carols and then all of us opened up our gifts. (Mike had to work later that night and he needed as much sleep as he could get before we headed over to my parents on the afternoon of Christmas Day. We decided that opening our gifts that evening would be the best time.)

On the afternoon of Christmas Day, we went over to my parents home and had a nice dinner with members of my family. Afterwords, we all sat around and played Phase 10 and talked. It was a drama free Christmas!

As I told Mike later Christmas evening, I think that for me, it is more important to sing of the Savior and remember him in that way, rather than read the Christmas story from Luke 2. For me, it has more meaning and is more important. I don't really think it matters HOW we remember the Savior, but that we DO remember Him! We decided that our future Christmas’s will include more singing!

Even after almost six years of marriage, we are still trying to figure out our TRADITIONS! Mike will tell you that the first year we were married, I was always talking about what traditions we should create and he wisely responded one time with, "Don't traditions just HAPPEN?" I had to think about that, and soon realized that he was right! Sp, we started a new tradition this year! Our singing together was the most important thing to me about this season.

I know that the final reason why this Christmas was been so special for me is because I have Mike to share it with. He's a great man and I'm grateful he asked me to marry him! It was six Christmas's ago that we spent the day together and then afterwards, both of us came home and realized that it was time for our relationship to MOVE FORWARD. We were 'unofficially' engaged four days later! (The short version... Mike told me, "I am going to ask you to marry me, but not tonight. I responded by saying, "And I will say yes". It only took him 2 1/2 months to officially asked me, just 13 days before our wedding!)

I think Mike may have a little different version, but since I'm the one blogging...

Show-N-Tell

Finally, I can post a few of the quilts that I've finished over the past few weeks! They couldn't be shown UNTIL after Christmas!

Quilt #1

A few weeks ago, my brother Steve, was telling me that he never used the first quilt that I gave him. I asked him why, and he said it was, 'Too nice'. From that conversation, I knew he was going to receive the 'Scrap Quilt' for Christmas.

On Christmas Eve, Steve came over and had dinner with Mike and I. After dinner, we were sitting in the living room and Steve started to eye the Christmas gifts on the fireplace hearth. He pointed to a quilt and asked, "Who is that quilt for?" I replied, "Mom". Then, his eyes continued to wander until he found another quilt and pointing, asked, "Who is that quilt for?" I replied, "You!" Did his face light up! A big grin appeared and then I asked if he wanted to open it. He definitely did! I reminded him that this was a SCRAP QUILT and that it was one he could use, it was meant to be used!

I've been working on this scrap quilt off and on for months. I did EVERYTHING, even the long arm quilting, thanks to the 2quiltingb's! Brenda and Bethany patiently taught me how to long arm quilt. Let me tell you, it was a little scary, but I just sang, "I Could Have Danced all Night" from My Fair Lady as I moved that long arm around! Brenda & Bethany didn't know they were going to have a 'concert' that evening!

Quilt #1 - The 'Scrap' Quilt

Quilt #2

This second quilt, I made from my stash/scraps. STASH is different than SCRAPS! Stash - purchased fabric that has yet to be used vs. Scraps - leftover fabric from a project. I blogged about this project months ago, but didn't want to show the finished product because I was making this quilt for my mother.

She'd been looking through one of my quilting magazines one day and happened upon this quilt and said, "This is cute." Well, I remembered the comment and as I started to think about Christmas, I decided it was time to make this quilt for her. I think it turned out really nice and I have to confess, I thought about keeping it for myself! (I usually do with all the quilts I make!)

Once again, I tried my hand at long arm quilting. I have to admit, I tried a very difficult pattern and it was a learning experience. But, the quilt was COMPLETELY made by yours truly, and with lots of love!

Quilt #2 - "Blue Streak"

A closeup, after it was washed!

Quilt #3

There is a sister in our ward, who is in poor health. She is single, never married and someone whom I love and adore and admire. I decided that I wanted to make her a quilt for Christmas. I decided to use my scraps and make this rag quilt. (I just realized I should take pictures of the back of these quilts!) The backing is old levis (so if you have levi's you are going to through away, please give them to me. I can use them to make more quilts!!!)

Quilt #3 - Harriet's Sunshine!

I was laying out the different squares, I realized that I had "enough" to make a pattern. (I had thought at first that it would be random.) I was really pleased with the way it turned out and when I gave it to my friend, she was delighted!

Quilt #4
Well, about three weeks ago, my brother Steve called and said, "I was wondering if you could make my friend - a girl, but not a GIRLFRIEND a quilt for Christmas." He wanted to know how long it would take, how much it would cost, etc. Well, any quilter knows that three weeks before Christmas doesn't allow enough time for long arm quilt. I told Steve that I would be able to make her a 'rag quilt' and could have it completed by Christmas. Well, he didn't COMMIT! On Friday - now two weeks away from Christmas - he called and asked if I would make the quilt. The GREAT sister I am, consented! I went to JoAnn's the next day and found this wonderful fabric. Just my luck, it was the 'good' fabric and it was all 50% off. I fell in love with it immediately! I worked on the quilt and had it finished on Monday! I think it turned out DARLING!

Quilt #4 - Michelle's Quilt

On a final note, I wanted to share with you a DARLING quilt that one of my ward friends made this holiday season. I've told her that I may need to copy the pattern! (I hope she hasn't had it copyrighted!) Check out this darling quilt at UFan! You'll need to scroll down a bit, but you'll see the quilt and just KNOW which one I'm referring to! I'm thinking it has COUGARS written all over it!

FUDGE...

This morning I planned on running a few errands, but the snow started to fall. Instead, I've been making FUDGE! The Christmas tradition continues...

Grandma Lang

My Grandma Lang (Esther Olive Rindlisbacher Lang) would make fudge for all of her family each Christmas. She made it in a 8x8 pan and give us the entire block of fudge, wrapped in tinfoil with a bow. After she died in 1995, I decided to continue the fudge tradition - minus the aluminum foil - but the bow still remains! I enjoy making fudge for family each year and I have now extended it out to friends and neighbors as well. When I married and joined the Christensen clan, the fudge tradition came along as part of the 'package'.

Cooling Off...

The Final Product...

Merry Christmas!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Sometimes you JUST KNOW that something isn't going to get done... Well, that's the way I feel about our yearly Christmas Card. It just isn't going to happen this year. I'm not quite sure why. Am I not in the Christmas Spirit? Who knows???

In a very impersonal way, our blog will act as our Christmas Card this year. In summary...

Mike turned 60 this year, but honestly, doesn't he look 50!?!
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/05/mikes-60th-birthday.html
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/05/mikes-60th-birthday-cont.html
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/07/some-things-never-change.html
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/11/give-me-five.html

Sidney is still serving as Relief Society President (which has been an experience in and of itself this year!)
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/12/final-chapter.html

Mike is still working as a security guard

Sidney is still sewing and quilting and buying fabric
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/10/my-latest-creation.html
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/05/ant-quilt.html
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/06/quilting.html
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/06/story-behind-fabric.html

Mike has begun working in earnest on his second novel (First novel is below)
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/05/tomb-of-devils.html

Sidney is still managing our rental properties
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/09/musings-renters-vs-children.html

Mike is still a movie buff and a fan of the 'creature features'

Sidney entered the blog world this year
www.mikesidney.blogspot.com

Mike realized that Sidney really needed a beach vacation and granted her desire!
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/07/vacation-highlights.html
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/07/vacation-highlights-part-2.html
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/07/drive-from-gilbert-arizona.html
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/07/vacation-highlights-puerto-penasco.html
http://mikesidney.blogspot.com/2008/07/vacation-highlights-end.html

So, it looks like nothing has changed... or has it?!?

The one thing that hasn't changed is our love for our Savior, Jesus Christ and our gratitude for his sacrifice and atonement. We are also grateful for our family and friends. Thanks so much for being part of our life! Merry Christmas!!!

Mike & Sidney Christensen

P.S. A special thanks to our niece, Cori, who designed the background. Check out her website for free blog backgrounds. They are great!!! http://www.scrap-e-blog.blogspot.com/

The Final Chapter...

Over the past couple of weeks, I've been thinking that I should add a final chapter to the seemingly unending saga of the Foothill 3rd Ward in the Salt Lake Foothill Stake.

As mentioned in previous blogs, since January of 2008, the Foothill 3rd Ward has been through three bishops, three buildings, and two building moves. Plus, numerous other challenges. But the good news is that we have become victorious! Yea!!!

Since moving to our third building this year, the Foothill 3rd Ward has finally found a 'home'. The first week we were in this beautiful building, that was remodeled just a couple of years ago, everyone felt that we were 'home'. I honestly hadn't realized what a toll the other building had taken on our spirits. With the merging of two wards, our Relief Society had become SO large we were meeting in a room with no windows, no fufu (warm decor) for the sisters, and very high ceilings. It was as barren as some of the hearts of the members of our ward. But since our move in mid-October, the Foothill 3rd Ward has blossomed! It is so delightful. Everyone now seems to be willing to unite and be one. We really are becoming one ward again and it is wonderful. We have youth, we have primary children, and we have lots of babies being born. We are thriving! I know that all of these changes have been hard on people, including myself, but for different reasons.

I've always been a fan of change, but I have to say that after this year as Relief Society President amid all of these changes, I'm ready for a little stability!

Roosevelt Building

Building #3 - Our 'Home'

Dilworth Building (soon to be demolished and rebuilt)

Building #2 - Jan 2008 thru Oct 2008

???

Texas Street Building

Building #1

RAIDS!

This morning I was telling Mike about Enrichment last evening and he reminded me about his favorite childhood memory - the Christmas Eve Raids!

Each Christmas Eve, the children - Mike, Kirk, Scot, Marjorie and Suzanne, would go to the second level of their home and in the dark, they would sneak around the upstairs of their home and scare each other. He said that sometimes there were be two or three people quietly sneaking and sliding around and then they would run into each other and make monster sounds, etc. His favorite memory is when Kirk would run into Marjoire and Suzanne and Mike would hear Kirk make his monster sounds. The girls would squeal and run.

RAIDS never occured in the Christensen household, except on Christmas Eve! Maybe, just maybe, I'll get Mike to AUTHOR a blog some day where he can really share his memories. But for the time being, I enjoy hearing about those memories each Christmas season!

Suzanne, Mike, Scot, Marjorie (Kirk's serving a mission)

Family, Home and Personal Enrichment...

This evening I attended our Ward's enrichment activity. A few years ago when the change was made from Homemaking to Family, Home and Personal Enrichment, it seemed to throw people off. But, I want you to know that we had a perfect enrichment activity this evening!

Because I currently serving as RS President, people thank me for the activity, BUT, I am VERY quick to let them know that it wasn't me, but it was our Enrichment Counselor, Annette Knight and our Enrichment Leader, Lacy Egbert, that were the responsible parties as well as those they invited to assist with this evening's success. (I delegate as well as give credit where it is due!)

How was our evenings' Enrichment Successful?

1. The theme was simplifying Christmas and focusing on family and love. Stacey Petersen gave a thought provoking presentation on Simplifying Christmas and shared with us several of the gifts that she and/or her family have received over the years that meant something to them. All of these gifts were something that was handmade and/or personal in nature. They were not gifts from the department stores. Wow, what a way to feel enriched about family and home!!!

2. We sang Christmas carols and while the spirit was already there, our singing brought the spirit more fully into our evening and into our hearts. Whenever we speak of Christ or sing of Christ - we are personally enriched and edified (Again, right along with the goal of RS Enrichment meetings!)

3. Sisters also brought to share some of their favorite Christmas treats, which is what we munched on as we visited with each other and the listened to Stacey's words. Again, personal enrichment as we visit with one another and I guess a little temporal enrichment too!

The last item that brought our enrichment meeting so close to perfect was the calling of Sister Carol Raymond as the Children's Class Leader. It is not the NURSERY, but CHILDREN's CLASS. Carol had the children eating out of the palm of her hand. When I took a sister and her children home this evening, I ask the children how they felt about the Children's Class. The eight year old son gave me a THUMBS UP! I was touched. Yea!!!

I am so grateful for those who serve in their callings and who prayerfully consider the way to fulfill their callings. I truly left Enrichment ENRICHED!

In My Lifetime...

I've copied this from a friends blog. An interesting list, but I think there things I should add to it! Plus, there are a few things that I will NEVER do!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped – will never happen!
12. Visited Paris – does the airport count?!?
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check (it was not my fault)
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job - sort of – from Arctic Circle in the 10th grade.
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book, not really, but helped with Mike’s novel!
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit – Does small claims court count?
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Cave Tubing in Belize

A few of my own...

1. Been through the locks of the Panana Canal
2. Been above the Arctic Circle
3. Visited Iceland
4. Driven the entire the Al-Can Highway (Alaskan Canadian Highway)
5. Seen a bear catching and eating salmon
6. Taken a ferry across the Mississippi River
7. Read the Book of Mormon (many times!)
8. Visited a WWII battlesite (in Guam)




What are your life experiences?

Alishea...

Introducing ... the one and only... Alishea Lang!!!

(My favorite photo)

Alishea Lang

Junior Year 2008-2009

I decided that Alishea needed some blog space. Alishea is a Junior at Alta High School and a member of the Las Scelles drill team. She earned a spot on the team as a sophomore - one of only four sophomores to make the team. Alishea can do the 'splits' both ways. She is very LIMBER!

A few pictures from her Las Scelles Photo Shoot...

Last Thursday she was inducted into the National Honor Society at Alta High School. She and her parents have been known to have a written contract regarding the GPA she would earn for each semester. She is a beautiful young women with a great sense of humor who keeps the Lang family laughing. She is also a tease and so I never know if what she is saying is the truth or not!

There was a time when Alishea thought it was cool to come over and spend time at my home - this was the pre-teen days. Now days, well let's just say that it has changed! But, there was one time when several of my nieces and nephews were over eating breakfast and Alishea spilt grape juice all over the table and carpet. I've never been one to get upset over 'spilt milk' - or anything like it and I calmly asked her to clean it up. (If you spill it, you get to clean it up.) Well, she worked hard cleaning it up from the table and carpet, sat down, and spilled the grape juice again! Every time Alexis is over at our home, she reminds me of the incident.

Last summer, Alishea worked at Schneiter's Pebblebrook Golf Course in the pro shop. Her dad, Bryan, has known the Schneiter family for years and also designs the course scorecard for them. This past week she told me she was on the seminary council... Well, sort of. She went to the seminary building after school to make up a missed class and the council was there eating Seven Layer Dip (Alishea's favorite!). She wanted some and her teacher said that if she wanted the dip, she'd need to stay for the meeting and serve on the council. So she 'joined' and had 7 layer dip! (Can one join the seminary council???) We're not sure if this was a 'temporary assignment' or not, but hey, what one will do for a little 7 layer dip...

Alishea with hair extensions...

Las Scelles Quilt

(Quickly made in one day by Alishea's Favorite Aunt!)

A Rising Star...

Last Tuesday afternoon I went to Draper Elementary to see my niece Alexis's class play of Shakespeare's As You Like It. It was an hour long adaptation of his play and they spoke the words as Shakespeare wrote them. It was fantastic and funny! I confess, I really have never cared for Shakespeare, BUT these 6th graders did a great job!

Here are a few pictures...

Narrator - Alexis Lang

Curtain Call

Crazy Friends

My Favorite Childhood Books

A friend shared on her blog her favorite childhood book. I thought it would be fun to find out what other people's favorite childhood books have been, so please start posting...

My two childhood favorites are...

Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree - My mom has told me that I loved to have her read this book to me over and over and over again. I don't recall these multiple readings, BUT I do remember this fun book and how the top of the Christmas Tree was too tall and kept being chopped off, discarded, and then someone would find it, and the scenario repeat itself over and over. Everyone (animals too) ended up with a Christmas tree!

My other favorite book was Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel. I remember being so fascinated that this steam shovel was STUCK in a basement and then someone came up with a great way to utilize the steam shovel.

Give me FIVE!

Our niece Cori had responded to a husband tag and even though I wasn't tagged - do you really need to be tagged to participate - I decided Mike needed a little blog exposure!

5 things Mike loves

• Me, of course!
• Hamburgers
• Writing
• Soft Drinks
• Nostalgia

5 things on Mike's to-do list

• Finish writing his next novel
• Repair our loveseat that has broken
• Repair the planter box that he made for me a couple of years ago
• Make a quilt rack to display my quilts on
• Clean the tub - Yes, Mike cleans our tub, YEA!!!

5 things you may not know about Mike

• Mike is a published author - The Tomb of the Devils
• He has a Masters Degree from the University of Big Egos
• He has a large vocabulary and is brilliant, but because he quiet and reserved, you don't necessarily know this about him
• He likes to wash his own clothes - I guess he lived alone for too many years!
• Mike has a Spanish accent! (When he served his mission to Argentina, he served out in the boondocks for most of his mission and when he came back to Buenos Aires the last three months, the people he met could tell he learned his Spanish in the back country because of his 'accent'! Is that hilarious or what

5 places Mike has lived

• Maryland
• New Jersey
• California
• Utah
• Argentina (Served a Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

5 quirky things about Mike

I have to confess... There isn't anything quirky about Mike. When I married him, I decided to look for only the good and so I don't look for the bad or 'quirky'. Thus, Mike's perfect in this area. (I guess I'm quirky because I don't see any of his quirks. Does that count!)

I have a GREAT husband!

7 Random Things about Me

Tagged by my sister-in-law Chantelle (aka NavyLangs), here are seven random things about me.

1. I like to BUG Mike in bed. Who knows why, but I think it is genetic. He's a good sport about it, for which I am appreciative.

2. In just a few months, I will begin celebrating my JUBILEE YEAR. What's a jubilee year? Well, it's the 50th year of your life and thus, according to the Bible, there should be a year long celebration. I plan on beginning the year long celebration the day I turn 49, i.e., the 50th year of my life! (I also think I am concerned that no one will remember and celebrate my 50th birthday so I'd just better take care of it myself.)

3. When I am happy, I sing - especially in the shower - because of the great acoustics! (When I taught early morning seminary in Texas, I would come to work singing and I'd sing on the way to my desk. When I left my job at Apple Computer, my manager told me that my singing was something that she would miss!)

4. I feel like I have had a great life with great experiences. So often I will say, "That was the best experience of my life", but then quickly think, well, I've had so many. Life really is great!

5. I like my in-laws... so many times I hear of people who don't. Heck, if I liked their son enough to accept his marriage proposal, isn't the rest of the family part of the package too? I think so!!!

6. Mike didn't officially ask me to marry him until 13 days before our wedding. Yes, I had a ring 2 1/2 months before the wedding but no official proposal! But, at least he did ASK!

7. This was my first 'tag' and I was honored to be 'tagged'. Thanks Chantelle!

I'm not really sure who to tag because I'm not really sure who reads our blog. So, if you read this blog, I am tagging YOU!!!

And the Winner is...

I was just reading a friends blog and Kate wrote about her WIN. She challenged us to write about something we'd won and of course, we've all won SOMETHING... Here's my winning story!

When I was in sixth grade, Miss Buss had two contests that ran simultaneouly. The first was to come up with a list of compound words, i.e., CANNOT, ??? - all of a sudden, no other compound words are coming to mind!

The second contest was come up with a list of two words that sound the same, but are spelled differently, i.e., THEIR/THERE, PITCHER/PICTURE, GO COUGARS!!! - Oh, that isn't for this story, anyway...

I decided that both of these contests would be easy for me. They ran at the same time and I fully expected to win both! At the time, I read constantly and so my approach for becoming the WINNER was to read and read and read and everytime I came upon either types of these words, I wrote the word down. The contested lasted a couple of weeks. When the winners were announced, I only won the COMPOUND word category. I believe I had 57 compound words and I think I won a jar of candy. I honestly don't remember...

I just know I WON!!! (Like BYU did today!)

As I have no photos that captured that win, I decided to post a picture of me around my sixth grade year...

My brother David was born during my sixth grade year.

This picture must have been around that time!

My Latest Creation...

I LOVED Pres. Uchdorf's comments about Creativity at the Relief Society General Meeting in September. My latest creative outlet is making headbands. They are so cute and simple and I'm sure a few will be made for my nieces, if they ever read this blog! Once again, I think I will try selling them on Etsy. You never know what will happen! With all of the quilt scraps I have hanging around, there should be quite a few options. I'll be uploading photos for several days...

A few samples....

I LOVE A DEAL!

One of my hobbies, if you will, is watching the grocery ads. This week, Albertsons - aka Albs - has had the 16 oz jar of Taco Bell Salsa on sale - 5 qty for 5 dollars, PLUS with the coupon that was found in the ad (and also on the aisle shelf by where the salsa is located) you then get $3.00 of a bag of candy. So, needless to say, I've been buying salsa in BULK and getting free candy this week. $25.00 worth of salsa and 5 bags of candy for the Halloween kiddies who I hope will drop by our door... So, I have salsa food storage for a year as well as candy for Halloween - okay Mike & I will eat it too!

A couple of weeks ago, Albs had Hershey's Chocolate Chips - 10 for 10.00. Then, if you purchased the 10 qty, you received $3.00 off - which made the price of the choc. chips only .70 per bag. Well, you guessed right, I loaded up on chocolate chips in anticipation of this holiday FUDGE cooking season! Between fudge and choc. chip cookies, I figure 40 bags would be enough for the year.

MORAL: If you are looking for a great deal, look at the ads. It is worth it! I still believe I am a better shopper by shopping the ads than going to Costco or Sams Club. I still don't see how those two places believe they are lowering the food costs - except maybe on spices, cheese, and there is one other item I've found to be cheaper there. Okay, enough pontificating!

Family History, I am doing it...

Well, sort of... Carol Raymond of our ward has been so excited about the finds that have occurred in her family recently, that her enthusiasm caused me to decide that this evening, I'd do a little family history research. Mike's Grandmother, Marjorie Goodman Christensen, was not a member of the church. I know that Mike's mother, Caroline, has researched some of the work, so I decided to start pulling things together. I found a several items. While the Goodman's came from the south, via Texas to Colorado and Utah, I found that generations before settled in the New England area. With that information, I knew that some of the work was probably done. (If you have ancestors from the New England area, there is a VERY GOOD chance all of their work has been done - SEVERAL TIMES!)

But, I think we can build up names from those that went to South Caroline and moved on to Texas. I'm not sure how it will happen, but I decided it was good that I at least found a place to begin.

While looking for this information, I came across some video I took of Madison playing the piano. This is from my visit to Guam in September 2006 - just two years ago. Personally, I think she is a natural at the piano - just like her FAVORITE AUNT, but I have to confess, she has the HART genes as well. She'd only been taking for a couple of months when she played this piece.

Will Mike Fly???

I just found out my brother's family - aka navylangs - will be moving to Hawaii next summer! The big question is now, "Will Mike fly to Hawaii?" I had a good time in Guam, but the only downside was that MIKE wasn't there! Does anyone have any Valium or Xanax we could borrow!

Musings... Renters vs. Children

September has flown by as Mike and I had three tenants give their 30 day notice and a fourth who is struggling with rent. We have six units so having 1/2 give notice was a little scary. We've spent a lot of time getting the homes ready for new tenants, advertising, etc.

The good new is that in early September - we won a judgment against a former tenant who owed us $$$. We'll see if they make good on there promise to pay. Otherwise, come October 1st, GARNISHMENT. (Don't think I'm heartless. They have had PLENTY of chances! Read Alma 48:22-24)

NOW FOR MY MUSING...

I'm wondering if there is much difference between having renters vs. raising children. So, here are my thoughts...

1. Both have their own versions of hazardous waste and leave it to me to clean up!
2. Both have a tendancy to whine and complain.
3. Both seem to never have enough money and think that you - the parent or landlord - should fund THEM!!!
4. Both never seem to be able to clean up after themselves.
5. Sometimes, they tell you one thing and then don't follow through.
6. Rules are nothing they enjoy and would like to CHANGE!
7. Sometimes you really like them, and then, sometimes you don't!
8. There are some who like to keep to themselves. You never seem to know what is going on in their heads!
9. Sometimes you have to spell EVERYTHING out. Clean your room or Clean your home has a different meanting for EVERYONE!
10. Both require a personal long-term commitment to realize your investment in them!

Tomorrow... another trip to Ogden and hopefully a new tenant!


By-the-way - May I just say how grateful I am for FREE ADVERTISING on ksl.com and craigslist. I am amazed at how many of our tenants come from those two sources!

FHE...

What did you do for FHE? We were up in Ogden working on a couple of properties this afternoon. The good news is that one of our properties is rented - the home in Sunset. YEA!!! 1 down, 2 more to go. Our goal is to have all of them rented by the end of the month! So we spent FHE working on properties, having the business take us to dinner, and then for our activity, Mike and I drove the new Legacy Highway - just two days after it opened. I confess, it was dark when we drove it, but we did notice that the overpasses look like fortresses. We also saw a little 'wetland' area. But hey, at least we can say we've driven on it!!!

Hopefully, on another trip home from Ogden - we'll be able to drive home during the daylight and REALLY SEE what's out there!

Survey Results...

In case you were wondering, the one purchase I really liked from Mexico was the GREEN PITCHER! Although, I have to admit, the blue one is growing on me. I do enjoy wearing the earrings, so my nieces will be glad to know that their votes were not in vain!

The Green Pitcher on the left is my favorite!

I Can't Stop Laughing...

Do you remember the Old Testament story of Abraham wife's Sarah? When she found out she was going to have a child at 90+ years of age, she LAUGHED! Well, that's the way I feel today...

NO, I AM NOT WITH CHILD...

Yesterday at the end of our Sacrament meeting, Presidency McConkie arose and said that the Dilworth building - the one we are currently meeting in, and have been doing so for the past 9 months - is going to be torn down and a new Stake Center is going to be built. What does that mean for the Foothill 3rd Ward... WE ARE MOVING... AGAIN!!!

I just can't stop laughing...

The year 2008 has been so interesting regarding my present calling. Three bishops, three buildings, two moves, what more do I have to look forward to?

This latest move just cracks me up! I just keep laughing about it. The good thing about this move is that our ward is EXPERIENCED! Plus, we have already gone through all of our JUNK and have very little to move. YEA! The good news too is that I don't feel like I'm moving a building. I don't think the 3rd ward has much of an ownership with this building so it will be a lot easier emotionally.

Where is our new home??? The Roosevelt Building...

Finally.... Something to Blog About!

Over the summer, I've been a little bothered that I had so many scraps left over from projects and/or fabric that I had purchased because I liked it, yet had no purpose. So, I decided to make a scrap quilt. I've been working on sewing the 9 square blocks for several weeks, but yesterday, I went to the fabric store - Elaine's Quilt Block - and became inspired!!!

I found fabric for the back and it was only $2.00 a yard. (This price is RARELY seen at any quilt store and it was 4 7/8 (I need five yards and figured it was close enough!) I also found another print that will work well for the border around my 9 square blocks - but because I didn't have a sample of the blocks with me, I decided to wait and purchase it. Mike and I drove over there this afternoon and purchased the fabric. Yea!

The plaid fabric will be the backing, the red, white and blue circles fabric will be the border around the 9 square blocks, and of course, the blocks - made from my fabric scraps... Ooohhh, I should say 'STASH'. That's the correct quilter terminology. We never have scraps, just a stash of fabric!

I am really hoping that I finish the quilt top this weekend so that I can take it to Brenda/Bethany. One of them will quilt it for me! P.S. They do great work!

Mike was asking me today, "Who are you making this quilt for?" Honestly, I have no idea. I just liked the pattern! So, when the finished product is complete, I'll post it and maybe I'll give it to the first individual who asks! (Okay, I'm not sure about that, but we'll see!)

I'm Exhausted!

Yesterday was a busy day... I drove to Ogden to do some work on a property, drive around the rest of them, and then go to court to obtain a judgement from one of our former tenants. One of homes - the 'Sunset' home - looked better than it ever has. I am so grateful for tenants who take care of the home. (By the way, if you know of anyone who needs to purchase a home for around $130,000 in the North Davis area, we have this Sunset home on the market!)

The courtroom experience was very interesting! I've not watched a lot of TV courtroom shows, but my friend, Lisa D'Anelda, who went up with me said that this judge was like 'Judge Judy'. Pretty gruff and grumpy! (Oh, I hope he doesn't read this blog!)

The irony of the entire experience was that last week, I decided to watch Judge Alex one day. I probably watched about 15 minutes. It was a case where a landlord was trying to obtain rents due them. The defendent stated that they didn't need to pay the rent because the contract was with someone else. The judge then asked that defendent if they had lived in the place and the response was, "Yes". Judge Alex ruled in the landlord's favor! Well, this is EXACTLY what our former tenants said. As soon as she said it I had 'de ja vu' and knew that the outcome was favorable for us. (Actually we have to go back on Sept 4th to get the results!) Luckily, I was prepared with all of my documentation and provided it to the judge.

The rest of the day was filled with Relief Society Pres. Mtg, visits and then my monthly one-on-one (I know this is the 'world' terminology) with Bishop Hall. We had a great presidency meeting and I feel like we are now moving forward in the right direction again. (I've had a couple of months of wondering what our next step was!) Thank heaven's for the inspiration of the spirit!

I'm off to lunch with Deeann Reynolds and then I'm going NOTHING the rest of the day! Yea!!!

Blogging Blahs...

I think I've been going through the Blogging Blahs... Does this mean Mike and I lead a boring life? I hope not! I think it hasn't been too exciting lately. The good news, I'm finally off 'vacation' from Relief Society. Today, I started getting back into the swing of things and realized we had about 15 sisters that we need to visit. At least 10 have moved in in the last three weeks... As of today, the RS Presidency is officially rededicating ourselves to our callings.

I've been reading a lot of books lately... Check out goodreads for info!

Etsy Sale!

I sold another item on Etsy. The sales are so random. This time, it was the American Flag. I immediately called Brenda because she is the one who quilts for me and who originally hooked me up with the site. Mike doesn't even know because he left for work just before I went out on my email. Oh well, I'll share the good news with him in the morning!!! Goodnight!

Garden Delight!

The other day I was given green beans and a zucchini from a garden. Coupled with a few things from our garden, namely vidaldi onions and fresh parsley, I went looking for a recipe. Last evening, I made the BEST SOUP! (I can't believe I'm blogging about this!) Even Mike, who doesn't much care for vegetables, unless they are 'casseroled' liked it!

(Okay, the photo doesn't do it justice, but the taste was delicious!)

Recipe - Green Bean, Zucchini and Potatoe Stew (Greeks call it Fassolakia Iadera)

1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed, halved crosswise
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
8 ounces zucchini, cut into 1-in-thick slices
8 ounces russett potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch cubes
3/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 28-ounce can Italian-style diced tomatoes

Heat oil in heavy large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and saute 5 minutes. Add green beans and cayenne pepper and sate until onion is translucent, about 3 additional minutes. Add zucchini, potatoes and parsley. Pour tomatoes and their juices over vegetables. Breing to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer until potatoes are tender, stirring frequently, about 45 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.) Serve warm or at room temperature. Serves 6-8

I've also been canning apricots that were given to me. I'm down to my last few and making A LOT of apricot bread later today!

Millcreek

Last evening the Lang's went up Millcreek Canyon for dinner. Dave and his family are visiting from Guam and so this gave us a chance to be together. We had a great time talking, eating, playing games, and exploring. Thanks to mom for organizing everything!!!

Madison

Lexi-a-loungin'

Grandpa Lang & Sidney

Cousins!!! (Madi & Lexi)

Chan & Dave

Steve (I don't think he'll like this photo!)

Dylan & Grandma Lang

P.S. Photographers for the evening were Alexis Lang and Madison Lang

Labor of Love...

Maintaining my status as 'favorite aunt' is not always easy, but I diligently work at it. The past few days I have spent time with nieces Alexis and Madison (both 11) - although Madison can never be talked into sleeping over. We spent one day at Grandma and Grandpa Lang's where we swam, played games with Grandma & Grandpa and ate a great steak dinner. Friday we went swimming at Steiner and made tote bags. They even worked at learning a duet on the piano. (You know the one... Heart and Soul.)


My two nieces are learning to sew very well. I was so surprised that Madison sewed straight seams this time. Last October, well, let's just say they were not very straight!

There really are four hands at this piano!

Madison with her tote!

Cute Cousins - Alexis and Madison

Madi & Lexi at Steiner

Alexis with her new tote!

Last but not least, I have video of a couple of their jumps from the high dive. Both were too chicken to dive from the high dive (okay, I would be too!) but they did dive from the low dive!

Flip Flops?

When I married Mike, I had no idea how important his flip flops were to him, but I quickly found out. He doesn't like to walk around in bare feet or even in stocking feet. It is either shoes or flip flops.

Shortly after we married, I asked him one evening to get up and shut the window. Mike arose, put on his flip flops and walked three steps - yes three steps - to close the window. Needless to say, I busted up laughing. That's when I knew that flip flops were serious business! But, the upside to this is I always know where Mike's at when he's wearing them. Flip flops really 'flip flop'!

Last evening, Mike 'lost' his flip flops. He was hunting all over the house before he asked me if I had seen them...

Where are my flip flops?

Look where they were found!

Flip flops!!!

Stash...

A couple of weeks ago when our niece, Lexi, stayed with us. Lexi purchased fabric so I could make her a bag. I finished the bag last week and had left over fabric. Today she was at our home for a couple of hours and came across some fabric that I had not used. She quickly and deftly asked if I had bought the fabric or she had. When I answered that it was her fabric, she was so excited. Alexis now has her first piece of 'stash' fabric. For any quilter or sewer, you know what that means.... There is more fabric to come!

Lexi, proudly holding her first fabric 'stash'!

P.S. I must also mention that about a year ago Mike and I were working on our will. Alexis somehow found out about and asked, "Sidney, can I inherit your fabric?" Well, since she's the first to ask, the stash is hers! (Note for other family members, if there is some of ours that you would like to inherit, you need to let Mike or I know. It may be 40-50 years until you inherit it, but it will be 'free'!)

Odds and Ends

Okay, a few more comments about our recent vacation

Treasures...

I loved being on the beach and finding beautiful shells or uniquely colored shells. I brought them home to combine with the shells I gathered while in Guam in September 2006. I just finished putting them in the glass jar and placing them back on the mantel.

$$$$ Mexican Salesmen $$$$...

Thursday when we arrived in Puerto Penasco, Mike and I went down to the Old Port area where the outdoor vendors are located. These vendors were on the beaches, at every place we stopped. I just couldn't get away from these guys and ended up with all of this stuff. Yet, there is only one item I really wanted...

Which item is the one I REALLY wanted?

Green Pitcher

Blue Glass pitcher (the back one)

Apple Platter

Earrings

Fabric Store...

No vacation is complete without finding a quilt store to visit. I wanted to go to the store in Sedona, but of course, we arrived at 5:15pm and it closed at 5:00pm. (Quilting stores have banker hours.) On our drive home I stopped in at a store in Panguitch, the Scrappy Apple Yard, or some name like that. Of course, I bought fabric, in addition to the Mexican purchases...

Here is what Mike purchased on our trip...

Yep, that's right. Absolutely NOTHING!

What does this tell you about the two of us? Okay, don't answer that question!

Vacation Highlights - The End...

Sunsets...

One thing on my 'to do' list was to see SUNSETS (plural here) while we were on vacation! Saturday evening, after a nap, Mike said, "Let's go to Mirador Beach and watch the sunset." We did and it was absolutely wonderful.

Note: Mike and I tried diligently, and I mean diligently, to arrange for a Sunset Cruise. It just wouldn't work for us. I have to admit, that just being on the beach was MUCH BETTER! After the sunset, we decided to have dinner via one of the street vendors. Manny's Beach Club also had a vendor and so we bought two large beef burritos and two beef tacos for dinner. The cost $8.00. This was the BEST FOOD we ate the entire trip! And who can beat the price. It was delicious!!!

Sunday evening we decided to sunset at Sandy Beach (I prefer this beach because it IS sandy. Mirador is ground up sea shells - see jelly fish picture for proof!)

We went to Playa Bonita and had a couple of soft drinks and an appetizer - thinking we were going back to Manny's vendor for dinner again - WRONG. We were stuffed with the appetizer! We were seranaded by a Mariachi Band. They kept asking us if we wanted 'romantica'. Of course we did!

Afterward, we took several pictures...

'Mike loves Sidney'

As with all vacations, the must come to an end. We left Puerto Penasca Monday morning and drove to Kanab. We stayed at the Perry Lodge, which over the years has lodged many movie stars. We happened to stay in the Gabby Hayes room. I have no idea who this guy is but Mike does.

No, Mike doesn't have a wierd smile. He is imitating the 'spoof' of Gabby Hayes in Blazing Saddles. (Mike loves spoof movies, I do not. Speak to him for a personal 'imitation' of Gabby Hayes!)

We drove home along highway 89. I had forgotten how beautiful the drive is. We were at Richfield and saw a sign for a Chinese Buffet. We looked at each other and both repeated the sign. We knew we were exiting! Chinese Buffets are something 'we do'!

We arrived back in Salt Lake about 5:15pm and found our home and 'crops' doing well. We have two tomatoes that are turning, Vidali onions that are growing VERY LARGE - we'll be harvesting a few soon! - and flowers on our squash plants. Plus, Mike's lone tomatoe plant is thriving! Yea!!!

The Car...

Well, this was the first road trip for our new car. It performed wonderfully except, I think we may have a slow leak in the back driverside tire. I'll get that checked out!

Gas mileage - Well I have a theory... When Mike drives, its over 38 MPG, when Sidney drives, it's a lot lower. What does that say? I'll let you interpret...

Overall Car Experience - I missed cruise control, a place to rest my arm - although a pillow in between our two seats does work - and power locks and windows. Otherwise, we have a great car to travel in.

Mexico Gas Prices - Yes, we purchased gas in Mexico for $2.50 a gallon. When did $2.50 a gallon get one all excited about gas prices?!?

The Trunk/Hatchback - Mike was all concerned that we'd not be able to fit much into our trunk, but we did. It holds much more than either of us expected!