Twenty Virginia Reels

“When you think of Christmas, what cherished memories come to mind? For me, this time of year always brings memories of Christmas celebrations from my childhood. I can still remember many of the gifts I received: a football and a basketball, toys and clothes. Most of those gifts are now gone and forgotten; the clothes are worn out and outgrown. But what I remember most of Christmases past—my most poignant and favorite memories—are not about what I received but what I gave. Let me explain. Each year, on the Saturday before Christmas, the youth of our ward gathered at our church. We filled baskets with oranges, bananas, and homemade cookies and cakes to deliver to widows who lived nearby. We went to their homes, sang Christmas carols, and gave Christmas baskets. I still remember their grateful smiles. I will never forget the warm feeling this embedded in my heart.” – Elder Gary E. Stevenson

Lady of the Lake

The winter of 1777 – 1778 was by all accounts a brutal one.  The Continental Army was fighting for the newly formed country of the United States of America during the Revolutionary War.  As they were camped at Valley Forge (a few miles from Philadelphia) on December 29th, 1777, George Washington asked the army’s chef to prepare a meal that would fill the men’s bellies, warm their bodies and boost their morale.  The chef rounded up some peppercorn, small bits of meat, tripe and other ingredients and called it Pepper Pot Soup. His dish was very well received. It’s a well-known fact that spicy foods can elevate your mood. If you’d like to sample “the soup that won the war,” you can find several versions of the recipe online (most of them without the tripe) under the name of Philadelphia Pepper Pot Soup.

Sixteen Virginia Reels

David O. Mackay was president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in November 1968 when he announced a new temple to be constructed in the Washington, D.C. area. Though the ground breaking ceremony was held just a few weeks later, construction wasn’t completed until November 1974. President Spencer W. Kimball was there to dedicate the white marble temple. So was I. As a teenager I went a few times with family and friends to do proxy baptisms at the D.C. temple. The last time I visited was forty years ago today; the day John and I were married. As a church, we build temples to draw closer to the Lord. In them we perform sacred ordinances for ourselves and for those who’ve gone before us. The greatest blessing of the temple is that we can be joined together as families forever, so that our relationships with those we love can last through eternity.

Rolling Stone

I mentioned a few months ago this year’s block-of-the-month class has become a book club. In September we read Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White. In October it was Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Last month’s book was The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. This month we read The Messenger by Markus Zusak. I managed to finish it, but I can’t begin to tell you how much I hated this novel. If it was a movie, it would be rated R for violence, language, substance abuse and sexual content. But somehow this awful book has earned critical acclaim as children’s literature. Those who praise it call it “inspirational.” I can’t imagine what they’re comparing it to - certainly not the works of Lois Lowry (who actually wrote a book called Messenger), Ursula K. Le Guin, Rick Riordan, Cornelia Funke, Richard Peck, J. R. R. Tolkein, Kate DiCamillo, Brandon Mull, J. K. Rowling, or next month’s author, C. S. Lewis.

A Dozen Northern Stars

“What an astonishing thing a book is. It's a flat object made from a tree with flexible parts on which are imprinted lots of funny dark squiggles. But one glance at it and you're inside the mind of another person, maybe somebody dead for thousands of years. Across the millennia, an author is speaking clearly and silently inside your head, directly to you. Writing is perhaps the greatest of human inventions, binding together people who never knew each other, citizens of distant epochs. Books break the shackles of time. A book is proof that humans are capable of working magic."  - from Cosmos, Part 11: The Persistence of Memory by Carl Sagan

Christmas Cardinal

“We are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime.” ―Laura Ingalls Wilder

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” ―Norman Vincent Peale

“My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others.” ―Bob Hope

“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day. Don’t clean it up too quickly.” ―Andy Rooney

“Christmas is a season for kindling the fire for hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.” ―Washington Irving

“Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we’re here for something else besides ourselves.” ―Eric Sevareid

“Christmas is a bridge. We need bridges as the river of time flows past. Today’s Christmas should mean creating happy hours for tomorrow and reliving those of yesterday.” ―Gladys Taber

Five Geese Times Four

“On both sides of the veil a heavenly host broke into song. ‘Glory to God in the highest,’ they sang, ‘and on earth, peace among men of good will.’ But except for heavenly witnesses, these three were alone: Joseph, Mary, the baby to be named Jesus. At this focal point of all human history, a point illuminated by a new star in the heavens revealed for just such a purpose, probably no other mortal watched—none but a poor young carpenter, a beautiful virgin mother, and silent stabled animals who had not the power to utter the sacredness they had seen. Shepherds would soon arrive and later, wise men from the East. Later yet the memory of that night would bring Santa Claus and Frosty and Rudolph—and all would be welcome. But first and forever there was just a little family, without toys or trees or tinsel. With a baby—that’s how Christmas began.” – Jeffrey R. Holland

Thirteen Virginia Reels - en Pointe

Last week a friend invited us to the Utah Symphony/Utah Opera’s annual concert for families of children with special needs. We haven’t been in years, and I love the symphony. I almost said “yes” without thinking. Luckily I paused for a second and sanity prevailed. Every time you say “yes” to ANYTHING, you must remember you’re also saying “no” to everything else that might have happened instead. In this case, going to the symphony would mean a hurried meal downtown instead of a quiet home-cooked dinner. This wouldn’t be a deal breaker, if the month wasn’t already packed with hurried dinners out. “Yes” to the symphony also means “no” to walking the dogs with my husband, getting my daughter to bed on time, and soaking in the tub with a good book – things I’ve skipped too many times in the past few weeks. So I thanked my friend, but told her “no.” The symphony will be there next year.

Five Geese Flying

In Ireland’s Boyne Valley there is an ancient burial mound called Newgrange. Inside is a 62-foot long stone passage leading to a chamber that is filled with light by the rising sun on winter solstice. More than 32,500 people entered the lottery to see this event from inside the mound. Only 60 were chosen. Lots of people celebrate the return of the sun by visiting Stonehenge. If this is on your bucket list, you should know the closest you’ll be allowed is ten yards from the stones. Bring your camera, and a telephoto lens. In Japan it’s traditional to bathe with yuzu (a citrus fruit, sort of like a pomelo) at winter solstice. Supposedly it protects against winter colds. In Hollabrunn, Austria locals dress up as the goat demon Krampus to chase and threaten children (and tourists). I generally celebrate the first day of winter by drinking hot beverages and wishing I lived further south.

Nine Northern Stars

I find myself thinking about Elder Gerritt W. Gong’s talk from October general conference: “Our Campfire of Faith.” He said President Eyring taught him about God’s love: “the love of a Creator who expects His children to become like Him—to create and to build.” The happiest moments in my life have been spent in creating something I hoped would be beautiful or useful. I learned this love of creativity from my mother, who spent most of her life making wonderful things to eat, to wear, to play with and to decorate our home. One of my most precious possessions is a Christmas stocking she knitted for me, with Santa and a sequin-covered tree on the front and two ornaments on the back. My name is in caps across the top. I don't know if it brought her joy while she was making it. I do hope so. But it definitely brings me joy. Every time I see it I'm flooded with memories of fresh oranges, candy canes, chocolates and so many other delights.

Christmas Basket

The day we visited Glacier Bay National Park everyone on the Holland America Eurodam was treated to a hot bowl of:

Dutch Pea Soup

6 thick bacon slices, chopped

1 small onion, diced

5 ribs celery, diced

5 carrots, diced

6 quarts ham stock

1 ham bone with meat

2.5 pounds green split peas

2 whole cloves

1 bay leaf

6 pepper corns

Cook bacon slowly in a heavy sauce pot to render the fat. Do not brown. Add vegetables and sweat in fat until slightly softened. Add ham stock and bone, bring to a boil. Rinse split peas, drain and add to pot. Tie spices in a cheesecloth bag and add to pot. Cover and simmer until peas are tender, about an hour. Remove ham bone and sachet. Pass soup through food mill. Bring back to a simmer. If soup is too thick, add more stock or water. Season to taste. Trim meat from ham bone and add to soup.

Reverse Lattice Star

Book Houses

I always think the cover of a book is like a door.

Which opens into someone's house where I've not been before.

A pirate or a fairy queen may lift the latch for me;

I always wonder, when I knock, what welcome there will be.

And when I find a house that's dull I do not often stay;

But when I find one full of friends, I'm apt to spend the day.

I never know what sort of folks will be within, you see;

And that's why reading always is so interesting to me.

-          Annie Fellows Johnston (1863-1931)

Happy Scrappy Basket

One year, our Primary teachers asked us to clean our old toys, wash our dolls’ hair, and repair their dresses so we could donate them to little boys and girls who had to spend Christmas day in the hospital. During the week as I was cleaning my old dolls, my mom asked me what I was doing. I explained what our Primary teachers had asked us to do, and she replied, “You should also give one of your nice toys to the children.” I responded, “Why would I do that?” She said, “Cris, it is really good to give something that we truly like, something that’s hard to give because we are fond of it, something that would be a sacrifice. That is what our Heavenly Father’s gift for us was. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ—not just any son. He sent His Beloved and perfect Son so we can go back to live with Him once again.” - Cristina B. Franco

Paddle Wheel

In March of 1789 the Constitution of the United States of America was ratified. States and individuals were concerned that the Constitution did not properly cover and protect several individual rights. The Constitution was signed with the understanding that a Bill of Rights would be created, amending the new U.S. Constitution. A dozen amendments were proposed. All but two of these were added to the Constitution on December 15, 1791. They are:

1 Freedom of speech and press, our right to worship

2 Right to bear arms

3 Protects homeowners from quartering troops

4 Unreasonable search and seizure

5 Due process of law, double jeopardy and self-incrimination

6 Speedy trial, jury of peers

7 Trial by jury in civil cases

8 Cruel and unusual punishment, excessive bail

9 Rights not already specified in the Bill of Rights

10 States rights

Today is Bill of Rights Day – a good day to remember the rights we enjoy.

Four Spinning Wheels

My mother taught me to read. She had a book with pictures and activities for each letter. One page showed a lower case H looking like a chair. You can run in circles until you’re tired, then sit in a chair and pant, “Huh, huh, huh.” You’re making the sound the letter H does: “Huh.” Long before I could read, she read to me. She made sure I always had access to good books. Many were hers before they became mine. Among my favorites were Mousekin’s Golden House, The Little Engine that Could, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, The Story of Ferdinand, The Yearling, The ABC Bunny, The Secret of the Old Clock, Mickey Never Fails, and Pirates, Ships and Sailors. There were dozens of Dr. Seuss books and too many Little Golden Books to count. My mother showed me books are like doors you can open and enter. And for that, I’ll be forever grateful.

Four Northern Stars

This soup has been a favorite at our house since my kids were very small. It’s everything a good soup should be: quick and easy to make, healthy, hearty and serious comfort food. It’s terrific on a night when the weather is nasty. We love it with fresh hot biscuits or dinner rolls with homemade jam.

Baked Potato Soup

6 large baked potatoes

1 tablespoon butter

1 chopped onion

32 ounces chicken broth

1 cup milk

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooked and crumbled bacon

Shredded cheddar

Gently saute onions in butter in a large stock pot until tender. Add broth; bring to boil. Scoop and chop up potato flesh and add to pot. Stir in milk and sour cream, heat through but don’t boil. Serve hot, topped with bacon and cheese.

Fig Tree Lattice Star

Joel Roberts Poinsett (1779-1851) was the United States’ first Ambassador to Mexico. He fell in love with a shrub the Mexicans called cuitlaxochitl, which means “flower that grows in soil.” (Don’t all flowers grow in soil?) When he returned to his South Carolina home, he brought back several beautiful varieties which he cultivated and gave to friends. In his honor, congress declared December 12 – the day Poinsett died – Poinsettia Day. Poinsettias are widely available at this time of year in red, pink, white, purple, yellow, orange and salmon. There are some stunning variegated versions, too. If you buy a poinsettia, you should know that anyone with a latex allergy is likely also allergic to these shrubs. A mild reaction might result in itching, runny nose, watery eyes or a rash. A severe one can cause respiratory distress.

Christmas Lattice Star

Saturday I wrote about my confusion as the recipient of some (probably) well-intentioned but ultimately misplaced charity. As this is the season for giving, I’d like to ask you to put serious thought into what you give, how you give, and to whom it will be given. People who work among the homeless warn against handing money to beggars. No matter what their cardboard signs say, the cash invariably goes to support the habit that put them on the street in the first place. If they ask for food, you might buy them a bag of takeaway at a nearby eatery. But when people prepare food at home (or who knows where) and drive downtown to hand it out on street corners, it almost always ends up on the curb, where it can cause a public health problem. Your impulse to help is praiseworthy; don’t suppress it. But do give to organizations that can put your donation to good use.

Northern Star

“Whenever I feel inadequate as a parent, I remind myself of something Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles once said: ‘The same God that placed that star in a precise orbit millennia before it appeared over Bethlehem in celebration of the birth of the Babe has given at least equal attention to placement of each of us in precise human orbits so that we may, if we will, illuminate the landscape of our individual lives, so that our light may not only lead others but warm them as well.’ This statement uplifts me when I am discouraged. It gives my wife and me courage in our abilities as parents, knowing that our children have been placed within our ‘orbit’ for a reason and that Heavenly Father trusts us. May He bless your family as you learn the gospel together, help your children become responsible, and take advantage of those precious teaching moments.” – Darren E. Schmidt

Christmas Wheel

It was Christmas week thirty+ years ago and I was getting four kids ready for bed. The doorbell rang, but no one was there – just a large cardboard box on the step. We brought it in and opened it up. Inside was food: a box of stuffing mix, a can of sweet potatoes, cranberry jelly, and turkey gravy mix. There was also a jigsaw puzzle with pieces missing, an old blanket, some well-used girls’ clothing, and several stuffed animals that had seen better days. The food we used; the rest was too shabby even for Good Will. For years I’ve wondered about that box. Who left it at our door? Was it a family night lesson about giving, or a way to get rid of stuff they didn’t want anymore? Were we chosen at random, or did they think we had no food in the pantry or presents under the tree? I don’t suppose I’ll ever know.

Spinning Wheel

Years ago a friend made this cake for me and included the recipe with her gift. It’s a variation on the “teach a man to fish” theme. Give someone a cake, and they can eat cake today. Teach her to make the cake, and she can have cake tomorrow and the next day and the next.

Cranberry Pop Cake

3 tablespoons softened butter

1 cup sugar

2 cups flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup evaporated milk

2 cups fresh cranberries

Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Add to butter mixture alternately with milk, mixing well after each addition. Gently fold in cranberries. Spoon into greased 8x8” pan. Bake at 350F for 25 to 30 minutes, until cake tests done. Serve warm with whipped cream.

Nine Virginia Reels

I’ve been saving scraps of Moda French General fabric for nearly a decade; first in an envelope, then in a zippered bag. When they outgrew the bag they moved to a craft box and finally to an Ikea bin. I never knew exactly what I was saving them for. I only knew I loved the delightful muted hues and clever vintage prints too much to toss even the tiniest scraps. Well, now I know what all that hoarding was about, and it’s gonna be huge. I began drawing up plans in the first few days of November, and I’ve been working feverishly on it ever since. If I can keep up this pace through the holiday season (that’s extremely unlikely) there’s a chance the top will be done early in the new year. I can hardly wait to show you. I can scarcely wait to see it myself.

Star Power

At first glance they look like the kinds of signs you see everywhere; signs that say things like, “Beware of dog,” “Danger, high voltage” or “Do not back up! Severe tire damage.” It’s only when you stop to actually read that you realize these signs are, well, different. These say things like, “Attention! You are wonderful and deserve every happiness,” or “Notice: I never stopped loving you. Hope you are well.” These handmade signs are the work of artist April Soetarman, who began quietly installing them around Seattle in 2016. “I define delight as that intersection of positive and unexpected,” she says, “I think this is something delightful people would want to stumble across in their city.” For a Kickstarter donation of $35 to $50, you might own a sign that says, “You can do anything, but not everything,” or “Choose your own reality,” or “Stay creative so robots can’t take your job.”

Four Santa Stars

Today is Santa’s List Day. Maybe that means today’s the day you should mail your wish list to the north pole in time for the fat man to give you what you really want for Christmas, or maybe it’s the day Santa decides if your name belongs on the Nice or the Naughty List. If it’s the former, get your act together. Put pen to paper and mail it off today. It might take the big guy a few weeks to get your Hogwarts Lego set or Dance and Play Mickey or Teddy Ruxpin doll. If it’s the latter, there’s no time like the present to up your game. Make a point of being extra nice for the next three weeks. Make your bed. Take out the trash. Do the dishes without being asked. Be nice to your sister. Sure, the past 338 days might put you on the Naughty List today. But he always checks the list twice.

Forty-Nine Sawtooth Stars

“Teaching, learning, and living the gospel are key principles at the heart of growing toward our divine potential and becoming like our Heavenly Parents. Sometimes we call this process eternal progression. Sometimes we call it conversion. Sometimes we simply name it repentance. But whatever we call it, it involves learning. The Prophet Joseph Smith said, ‘You have got to learn how to be gods yourselves, and to be kings and priests to God, by going from one small degree to another, and from a small capacity to a great one. When you climb up a ladder, you must begin at the bottom, and ascend step by step, until you arrive at the top; and so it is with the principles of the gospel—you must begin with the first, and go on until you learn all the principles of exaltation.’” – Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Santa Star

Crazy Chocolate Cake

1 1/2 cups flour

3 tablespoons cocoa

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon  salt

1 teaspoon vinegar

1 teaspoon vanilla

5 tablespoon oil

1 cup water

Preheat oven to 350F. Mix first 5 dry ingredients in a greased 8″ square baking pan.  Make 3 depressions in dry ingredients. Pour vinegar in one depression, vanilla in the second and oil in the third. Pour water over all. Mix well until smooth. Bake about 35 minutes. Cake is done when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve warm with whipped cream, ice cream, lemon curd or a sprinkling of powdered sugar. Makes 9 servings.