Well here it is another end to another year!!! I know I posted some of what I want to say on Facebook already but I wanted to put it here to journal it and hopefully remember it.  I read about a family who celebrates the coming of the new year by sitting together and reading scriptures together and then discuss what the Lord would have them do in the coming year.  They also play games, and when the new year comes in they say a prayer together.  I thought this might be a nice way to bring in the new year for me.  I don't have anyone to celebrate with, (this isn't a pity party, I really don't want to be out celebrating anyway so I really don't mind staying home especially with Millie) and I don't seem to stay awake when the  new years ball drops to bring in the new year.  So on that note I guess I should be asking: what would the Lord have me do this year?
           I know there are many many things I need to do, but what is the one thing I can do that will make the difference, make this year different than all the rest have been.  I need to really be bit more prayerful about this. I believe I will read my scriptures and maybe even watch a video on LDS.org to get me in the right spirit.  I know a few things I would like to do but what I really want to do this year is feel like I have accomplished something by the end of the year.  So I really want to work on this.  I will have to post what my goal is going to be on another day, I feel I really need to think about it and to really really make a decision about what I want to do and what plan I have to accomplish it.
             I really hope everyone has a great New Year, and I really hope that 2012 has a lot more positives in  it than negatives.
Happy New Year everyone,
Love always....

The Spirit of Giving and Receiving

I had an interesting Christmas time this year.  I made so many breads and cookies and bought some candy and gave out many of them.  In the past I have done secret Santa things and especially loved the feeling I got.  This year I was hoping for that same feeling.  I felt great giving out the first few, they were well received, but the last two it was not a good reception.  I was met with negativity and complaints.  Here I was hoping to bring a  little joy into their world and it seemed totally unnoticed or even wanted.  I will say that those who read this blog were not those people.  I wouldn't have wrote on this if it were. More importantly I am only writing this not to be critical of them but to make a point about what this meant to me.  It has made me realize that this was meant for my benefit to learn from.  They didn't need bread or cookies or candy from me... they needed a listening ear, they needed someone to probably show up more than once a year at Christmas time, perhaps they mistrusted my sincerity, perhaps I need to do more than visit once a year but maybe more often, perhaps I needed to know what their likes or interests are, perhaps I needed to be less concerned about how I was going to feel and more concerned with their feelings.  I have also learned I need to be more grateful when someone offers me something, such as bread, it seemed like a little thing to me, not really a big deal until I had the opportunity to make several batches of bread and learned how much work and effort went into it.  I have learned a lot about giving and receiving both this year and I am the better for it, I hope.
I also realize that many of the gifts the Savior offered were often not well received or wanted.  In fact His ultimate gift to us is often forgotten by many.  I wonder how I would rate in front of my Savior at this point in my life?  Have I done all that I was asked of by Him?  How am I doing at keeping all the commandments?  Reading my scriptures? Saying my prayers? Being of service to others?  There is much more I could say here but my point is what am I doing to show the Savior that I am grateful for His gift?  Have I received it well?  Just things I think I need to remember.  I do love the Savior and the Gospel, I am very grateful for the sacrifice that the Lord went through for me.  I know my Savior lives, I believe the Bible to be the word of God, and that the Book of Mormon is also the word of God and another testament of Jesus Christ. I know that President Thomas S. Monson is the prophet , and that he is led by God to lead and guide this church, I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true church of God, I would like to leave you this testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Very special day....very nice!

My Mom

Today was great, got to spend the whole day at  Mom's making cranberry bread, and rum balls, (with rum extract, no alcohol used).  We were on our feet a lot today and boy do they hurt tonight!  We also were able to get some other kinds of candy so that boxes could be sent out to family members.  Got some more fun recipes to try, not too much more.  I want to make some more pumpkin bread to give out.  I am amazed at how hard it was to make the batter.  Cooking of any sort is hard work.  I think because of fast foods, and instant box type baked goods, it gets forgotten how much effort and heart goes into the making of food, especially if it is for family and/or friends.  Also I think the fun of working with someone, especially someone you love is the best part of the process.  So many things you can learn from them, so many memories you make, and much stronger relationships are built.

I also wanted to share something I felt today.  I was talking to mom about my primary class, how wonderful it is to be set apart to teach these children, because the spirit truly touches my heart and makes me feel a love and a desire to see them do well, a desire to see them catch the spirit, gain a testimony that will last them a lifetime.  My heart was filled with so much love for them, I love teaching, love being able to talk about the gospel, being able to open up the scriptures to them, hopefully helping them to gain a desire to read them and to use them in their daily lives.  It also prompts me to strive to do better to be a better example to them and to others.  I am so grateful for Jesus Christ and for this opportunity to celebrate His birth, His life and to share His message with others.
God Bless Everyone!!!!  Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!

Whew!

WELL I AM WORE OUT!!!!!

I just made two batches of pumpkin bread.  I am having trouble figuring out how long to leave them in the oven, the recipe I have says for two large pans, I am using between 5 to 7 small pans per each batch... and the cooking time I figured would be shorter, I just haven't figured it out  yet.  Oh well I get back to you on what I figured out...I am going to google this dilemma.  Also very hot!!!!!