Nine ABC Blocks

 

In the center of Spain there is a tiny village called Villar de Corneja. (The name might mean “crow,” or it may refer to someone with dark hair.) The 2003 census said it had a population of 86, but there are fewer than 50 people live there now. The average age is 75. Villar de Corneja is known for its peaceful atmosphere and quaint rural traditions. The tradition I find most appealing is the way they celebrate the New Year. As the clock strikes twelve, they raise a glass and toast the year that is coming and the year that is going. Lots of places do that. But these people don’t celebrate at midnight; they do it at noon. That way all the villagers get to bed on time. It’s much more sensible than what happens here. Our neighbors started shooting off fireworks three nights ago, and they’re nowhere near done. Happy New Year!

Six Log Cabins

 

THINGS YOU MAY BE USING WRONG:

Deodorant: It works better if you apply it at night.

Perfume: Use it sparingly on pulse points, not on clothing. Better yet, skip it altogether.

Towels: Don’t wash after every use. Hang them to dry between uses.

Toothbrush: Brushing too hard can damage teeth and gums. Switch to a gentler, more effective electric brush.

Hand Sanitizer: It’s to remove germs, not dirt. If your hands are actually dirty, use soap and water.

Hair Conditioner: Apply it to the ends of your hair, not your scalp.

Water Bottles: Reusing disposable plastic bottles can expose you to microplastics, dangerous chemicals, and bacteria.

Shampoo: Don’t apply it to dry hair; always wet your hair first.

Pillowcases: They should be washed every week to remove sweat, oils and allergens.

Sun Screen: UVA rays, responsible for aging and deep skin damage, make up most UV radiation and easily pass through windows. Yes, you can get sunburned indoors.

Large Sawtooth Star

 

“Peacemaking is a Christlike attribute. Peacemakers are sometimes labeled naive or weak—from all sides. Yet, to be a peacemaker is not to be weak but to be strong in a way that the world may not understand. Peacemaking requires courage and compromise but does not require sacrifice of principle. Peacemaking is to lead with an open heart, not a closed mind. It is to approach one another with extended hands, not clenched fists. Peacemaking is not a new thing, hot off the press. It was taught by Jesus Christ Himself, both to those in the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Peacemaking has since been taught by modern-day prophets from the earliest days of the Restoration even to this day. We fulfill our divine role as children of a loving Heavenly Father as we strive to become peacemakers.” – Elder Gary E. Stevenson

Four ABC Blocks

 

It was a late night in 1985, and the Tonight Show’s star guest had cancelled at the last minute. Suddenly the world’s most popular talk show host had nothing to talk about. Johnny Carson turned to his audience and asked if anyone had studied piano for five+ years. David Tolley’s hand went up, and he was asked to step onstage. David – wearing jeans, flip flops and a Nike T-shirt – approached the grand piano and sat down. He mesmerized both host and audience with a rendition of “Memories.” What was meant to be a funny time filler ended up launching a career. David was seventh in a family with eight children. He’d been a piano student since age seven. He was valedictorian at Ohio’s first performing arts high school, and he’d studied performance and composition at OSU. After his debut, David wrote for Spielberg and Disney, and performed for presidents and royalty. Today he teaches music at Delaware State University.

Four Log Cabins

 

December 26 is Boxing Day; the day Victorian-era servants would take a break from domestic work. Victorians also observed this day by giving food and clothing to the poor.  This is the feast day of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, who was known for his charity. December 26, 1776 was the Battle of Trenton: a small but pivotal victory in the American Revolutionary War. On this date in 1898, Marie Curie discovered the radioactive substance that would eventually cause her death. December 26, 1908 Jack Johnson defeated Canadian Tommy Burns to become the world’s first black heavyweight boxing champion. The holiday known as Kwanzaa was created on this day in 1966, and Harry Truman passed away December 26, 1972. Twenty-four years ago today, a 9.3 earthquake off the coast of Sumatra triggered tsunamis that decimated Sri Lanka, India and Thailand, killing more than 230,000 people in a matter of hours. 

Great Joy

 

"We rejoice in remembering our Savior, Jesus Christ. He was born in humble circumstances. Heavenly angels heralded His birth. He preached the gospel of repentance, hope, and everlasting life.

 He opened the eyes of the blind, made the deaf to hear, healed all manner of afflictions, and raised the dead. He is the Only Begotten of our Father in Heaven, the Firstborn of God’s spirit children. Through His sacrifice and infinite Atonement, we can be reconciled with God by obedience and repentance.

 In this season of light and goodwill, we rejoice in Jesus Christ and in His eternal plan of happiness. We invite you to seek Him and the blessings of His peace. Merry Christmas!"

 -          Dallin H. Oaks, Henry B. Eyring and D. Todd Christofferson

ABC & 123 Block

 

Most of the quilts I make these days are not for me. The lion’s share has gone to Primary Children’s Hospital, Quilts of Valor, Project Linus, Stitching Hearts, and Intermountain Medical Center. Several have gone to family and friends, to commemorate weddings, graduations, births, etc. I was thinking of making a quilt just for me, in browns and teals, to protect my sofa from pets and grandkids. I stumbled on a quilt kit with just the colors I had in mind. I was going to use my own pattern, but my favorite blocks require dark prints against a pale background. All these prints – though they’re lovely – are rather medium. They remind me of a misty morning on a campout, before the sun is high. So, I’m using the pattern the kit came with: Easy as ABC and 123. It’s just 6” and 3” squares, with 6x3” rectangles. Should be done in no time!

New Log Cabin

 

In mid-November, I found a downloadable quilt pattern called Warmth of Our Stars. I liked its scrappy look. I figured I could make the 88x88” top using mostly Riley Blake Confetti Cottons leftover from other projects. It calls for 4 1/2 yards of white/background fabric, which I don’t have. But I do have almost 2 yards, and I’m sure I can find a couple more that match somewhere. I quickly whipped up a dozen log cabin blocks to get started. But when I’d finished them, I realized I’d started them all wrong. The “logs” in the pattern were 2” finished, and mine were 2” cut. My blocks were still 12”, but the outside “logs” were white, not colored. This will change the finished design, and not in a good way. So, now I’m ripping out every single seam in all twelve log cabin blocks. Maybe this will teach me to read patterns more carefully.

Snowflake

 

“Know that you are a child of heavenly parents, part of your Heavenly Father’s family. No one knows you better or cares more deeply about you than He does. Turn to Him; pour out your heart to Him; trust Him and His promises. You have family in your Savior, Jesus Christ, who loves you. He came to earth to atone for our sins and bear the burden of our mistakes and our very bad days. He understands what you are facing and feeling. Turn to Him; trust He will send the Holy Ghost to be with you, lift you, and guide you. Feel Their love that ‘sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; … it is the most desirable above all things … and the most joyous to the soul.’” – Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Sixteen Arrowheads

 

Unlike most of Heather’s favorite dishes, this one is super quick to throw together and calls for ingredients we almost always have at hand. At our house, peanut butter has two ingredients: peanuts and salt. No stabilizers, sweeteners or emulsifiers. We have to refrigerate and stir it, but the taste is absolutely worth it.

 

Sesame Peanut Noodles

 

8 ounces uncooked spaghetti

1/4 cup peanut butter

1/2 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon soy sauce

2 tablespoons water

1/2 tablespoon honey

Dash of hot sauce (We like Cholula)

Toasted sesame seeds and roasted peanuts

 

Cook spaghetti according to package directions to al dente. While pasta is cooking, whisk together peanut butter, oil, soy sauce, water, honey and hot sauce together in a large bowl. When pasta is done, drain it and toss it in bowl with sauce. Separate into two serving bowls and garnish with sesame seeds and peanuts. Serve immediately. Serves 2.

The Letter Y

 

We had this earlier this week, with lettuce, salsa, sour cream, tomatoes, shredded cheddar and street taco flour tortillas. I know peaches in tacos sounds odd, but it was really yummy. Now I’m wondering how they’d be with mango salsa.

 

Pulled Peach Chicken

 

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound skinless boneless chicken breasts

1/2 sweet onion thinly sliced

1 cup peaches, peeled and sliced (We used frozen peaches.)

1/2 cup BBQ sauce

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1 chipotle chili in adobo sauce, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

 

Place all ingredients in slow cooker. Cover and cook on high 3 hours, or low for 6. Shortly before serving, shred chicken with two forks and return to pot. If you don’t want to use this to make tacos, it would be delicious with beans and rice.

A Dozen Churn Dash Blocks

 

Karl Bushby was born in Hull, North Yorkshire in 1969. At 16 he joined the British Army and served with the 3rd Battalion Parachute Regiment eleven years. November 11, 1998, he set out on a walking tour of the world. He began in Punta Arenas, Chile and hiked through South, Central and North America. In Montan, he was fined for walking on a highway and told he must stay on secondary roads. For over twenty-five years, he has covered more than thirty thousand miles through deserts, jungles, and across mountains. He swam the Caspian Sea and even crossed the frozen Bering Strait on foot. He suffered decades of delays caused by politics, weather, a global pandemic and visa troubles. At his most recent update, October 2025, he’d made it to Romania, leaving Hungary, Slovakia, Czechia, Germany, the Netherlands, and the English Channel between him and home. When he finally arrives, he will have spent 28 years on the road.

Postage Stamp

 

Christmas Movies That Aren’t About Christmas:

Iron Man 3 (2013) Tony Stark is the world’s worst Christmas gift giver.

Die Hard (1988) It isn’t Christmas until Hans Gruber falls from Nakatomi Plaza.

Gremlins (1984) There are worse ways to die than flying on a stair lift chair.

Batman Returns (1992) Number 7 on the Batman movie scale, which isn’t bad.

Trading Places (1983) Why were so many of these filmed in the 80’s?

Lethal Weapon (1987) The sequel’s an un-Christmas movie, too.

The Apartment (1960) You don’t know Fred MacMurray until you’ve seen him play a villain.

Catch Me if You Can (2002) This movie has three separate Christmas Eve scenes.

Moonstruck (1987) Nicholas Cage may have an unfair share of un-Christmas flicks.

Psycho (1987) The opening scene takes place in Phoenix, Friday, December 11.

Shazam! (2019) My favorite on this list was released April 5, but takes place at Christmastime.

Twenty-Five Nine-Patch Blocks

 

We’ve all received something like this in the mail; a sample “check” addressed to us. It’s meant to catch our attention and advertise something, but we quickly realize it’s a fake and we toss it with the rest of the junk mail. In 1995, Patrick Combs received one for $95,093.35. As a joke, he took it to the bank and deposited it. Amazingly, ten days later his bank account went from $200 to nearly $100,000. Patrick converted the money to a cashier’s check and locked it in a safe deposit box. His story hit the Wall Street Journal, and Patrick appeared on Good Morning America. Everyone told him to keep the cash. The check met the nine criteria of validity, and the bank missed the rejection deadline. But Patrick did eventually return the money. He turned his experience into a one-man comedy act, and eventually a book. Did they earn him $100,000? You’d have to ask Patrick.

Yankee Puzzle

 

“I loved Elder Gerrit W. Gong’s talk in this session where he taught no one should sit alone emotionally or spiritually. Our sacred duty is to accept and welcome new and returning members. As the Lord hastens His work, we should love, nurture, and serve those who accept His gospel. We can help build a Zion people, where we are of one heart and one mind. To be one with the Lord, we must be one before the Lord. All members, regardless of baptism date, share a responsibility to welcome others. My counsel to the members of the Church is to wrap our arms around these precious, elect people who have accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ. We can assure these new converts they belong and are not just guests. We can help them understand they are disciples of Jesus Christ who can minister to others and accept callings to serve.” - Elder Quentin L. Cook

Thirteen Arrowheads

 

In 1995, a man named McArthur Wheeler robbed two Pittsburgh banks in broad daylight, without a mask. He’d splashed lemon juice on his face prior to the robberies, convinced it would make him invisible to security cameras. He was utterly dumbfounded when police showed up at his home to arrest him. He knew you could use lemon juice to write invisible messages; obviously the juice would make him disappear as well. When news of his misadventure reached two psychologists at Cornell University – David Dunning and Justin Kruger – they were fascinated. How could someone be so certain, yet so wrong? Four years later the pair released a study describing the Dunning-Kruger effect: those of us who know the least often convince themselves they know the most. The less we know, the smarter we feel. And the more we learn, the more we realize how much we don’t know.

The Letter O

 

I own dozens of cocoa mugs, each displaying a different Disney character. Through several moves, I’ve been unable to part with a single one. If I ever have to host a Disney mug cocoa party, I’m prepared!

 

Slow-Cooker Hot Cocoa

 

1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk (Not evaporated milk!)

6 cups milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups of chocolate chips (You can use milk chocolate or semi-sweet.)

 

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low 2 hours, or until chocolate chips have melted. Stir well (I use a silicone wire whisk so I don’t scratch the slow cooker pot) and serve with whipped cream or tiny marshmallows. Makes 6 to 8 large servings. This recipe can easily be doubled for a large party; just make sure you’ve got a big enough slow cooker. 

Nine Churn Dash Blocks

 

A man from Kansas City walks into a bar and asks the bartender, "Hey! You wanna hear a joke about people from St. Louis?" The bartender says, "Listen, pal, I'm from St. Louis, and I won't appreciate it. See that man sitting next to you?  He weighs 265 pounds, and he's from St. Louis too. And the bouncer, that huge guy over there, he’s also from St. Louis. So do you still want to tell that joke?" "I guess I don’t," says the guy from Kansas City. "Not if I’m gonna have to explain my joke three times."

Turkey Lurkey, Revisited

 

On Thanksgiving Day I posted a photo of Riley Blake’s November Table Topper, Turkey Lurkey. I’d worked for three straight days on this tiny (12x14”) quilt top. I’d followed the instructions to the letter, which is not really my wheelhouse (as you’ll see when I finish the December topper). I’ve never pieced a quilt of any size without making at least one mistake. Generally, I make several. But I usually see them and fix them long before anyone else notices. I guess with this one, I was too focused on the details (Do the corners all meet?) to see the big picture. Somehow, I finished the top, took a photo and posted it before I noticed one triangle was the wrong color. I had to rip out four seams and re-stitch them to set things right. Once I saw my error, though, there was no choice. I knew I’d never be able to unsee it.

Sixteen Nine-Patch Blocks

 

When a visitor to a town in Alabama spotted a dog attacking a boy, he quickly grabbed the animal and throttled it with his bare hands. An impressed reporter witnessed the incident and told the man the next day's headline would scream, "Valiant Local Man Saves Child by Killing Vicious Animal." "That's nice, "said the hero, "But I'm not actually from this town." "That's all right," the reporter said, "Instead, the headline will say 'Alabama Man Saves Child by Killing Dog.'” "I'm not from Alabama," said the man, "I'm from New Hampshire." "In that case," the reporter grumbled, "Tomorrow's headline will be 'Yankee Kills Family Pet.'"

Follow the Star

 

“If our desires have been for righteousness and our works good—meaning we’ve exercised faith in Jesus Christ, made and kept covenants with God, and repented of our sins—the judgment bar will be pleasing. Conversely, if our desires have been for evil and our works wicked, the judgment bar will be a cause of dread. We’ll have a perfect knowledge, a bright recollection, and a lively sense of our own guilt. We shall not dare to look up to our God; and we would be glad if we could command rocks and mountains to fall upon us to hide us from his presence. We will have our reward of evil. Ultimately, then, we are our own judges. No one will need to tell us where to go. In the Lord’s presence, we will acknowledge what we have chosen to become in mortality and know for ourselves where we should be in eternity.” – Elder David A. Bednar

One Dozen Arrowheads

 

For years, a man had been having an extramarital affair with an Italian woman. One night, she told him she was expecting. Not wanting to ruin his marriage or reputation, he offered her a large sum of money to return to Italy and have the baby in secret. He promised he would send child support until the child turned 18. She agreed, but asked how he’d know when the baby was born. To keep things discreet, he told her, “Just mail me a postcard and write ‘Spaghetti’ on the back. I’ll know what it means and start the payments.” About nine months later, he came home to his very confused wife. “Honey,” she said, “you got the strangest postcard today.” He took it, read it, turned white and fainted. On the card it said: “Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti. Two with meatballs, one without. Send extra sauce.”

The Letter J

 

August 29, 1964, Bob and Norma Clark exchanged vows in a church south of San Francisco in front of their family and friends. Almost five decades later, as the Clarks entered their seventies, they began end-of-life planning. Norma read a WSJ article that said without a marriage license, a surviving spouse can’t collect their partner’s Social Security benefits. That’s when the Clarkes realized they didn’t have a copy of their license. They sent $20 to the San Mateo Hall of Records for a copy. But San Mateo had no record of their union. For some reason, the pastor who’d married them had never filed with the county. In the eyes of the law, Bob and Norma weren’t married. November 21, 2012, Bob and Norma showed up at city hall to make their 48 years of commitment official. Now, when one of them passes, the other is prepared. Memo to me: check our filing cabinet. Just in case.

Six Churn Dash Blocks

 

In the middle of World War II, a small ship carried hundreds of Polish children from the USSR across the Indian Ocean. They were orphaned refugees from Soviet labor camps who’d survived cold, hunger and illness. They hoped to find compassion in British-held India, but one by one, every port turned them away. Maharaja Jam Saheb Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja, the king of Nawanagar, heard about the orphans and said, “Bring them to me.” He told the children, “You are no longer orphans. You are now Nawanagaris. I am your father.” Beyond simply providing food, clothing and shelter, the Maharaja preserved their cultural identity. He hired Polish teachers and caregivers, and ensured their food, language, traditions and surroundings would be Polish. Many of those children grew to become doctors, teachers, engineers and diplomats; adults shaped by the kindness that once saved them. They remembered the Maharaja as someone who restored their childhood. They called him “Bapu,” their father.

Twenty Rail Fence Blocks

 

January 19, 1937, a 22-year-old Tennessee farmer named Charlie Johns married his neighbor, Eunice Winstead. He paid a Baptist preacher a dollar to perform the ceremony. The only remarkable thing about this wedding was the bride was nine years old. Eunice had lied to her family, telling them she was walking to town to buy a doll. Charlie and Eunice didn’t believe they’d done anything wrong. There were child brides in both their families. They broke no laws. In Tennessee at the time, there was no minimum marriageable age. When the story hit the news, though, the country was outraged. Tennessee (and several other states) quickly changed their laws. The Johns’ stayed married 60 years, until Charlie passed in 1997. They had nine kids, the first one born when Eunice was fourteen. Evelyn, that first child, eloped with a twenty-year-old when she was seventeen. Her dad, who was by this time 44, objected to their marriage. 

One Dozen Nine-Patch Blocks

 

December 20, 1943 Franz Stigler – a German flying ace with 27 victories – pursued a heavily damaged B-17 Flying Fortress limping back from a bombing run on Bremen. At first, Franz intended to destroy the bomber. But through holes literally blown through the plane by flak and machine gun fire, he could see the badly wounded and incapacitated crew. Franz tried to convince the American pilot to land so they could receive medical care. But 2nd Lt. Charles “Charlie” Brown didn’t understand Franz’ gestures. So, Franz escorted the bomber past German-occupied territory. He flew in close formation with the B-17, so anti-aircraft units wouldn’t target it. He then saluted and turned his Messerschmitt for home. In 1986, Charlie decided to look up the pilot who’d spared his life. He found Franz living in Canada. Franz and Charlie became close friends, maintaining their relationship until 2008, when both men passed away.

December Door Banner

 

“In reflecting on the need to cultivate the virtue of temperance, I am reminded of the words of Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel—a woman of remarkable faith who, even after great trials, offered a song of gratitude to the Lord. She said, ‘Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.’ Her song is more than a prayer—it is a self-addressed invitation to act with humility, self-control, and moderation. Hannah reminds us that true spiritual strength is not expressed in impulsive reactions or haughty words but in temperate, thoughtful attitudes aligned with the Lord’s wisdom. As covenant people, we are called to live with our hearts firmly rooted in the sacred promises we have made to the Lord, carefully following the pattern He established through His perfect example.” – Elder Ulisses Soares