Christmas Eve...Christmas Day...and the day after pics...

Baby it's cold outside!!!

Bestest Day...

Is bestest a word...today it is. I just spent an hour on the phone talking with my Son Kyle!!! It's a great Christmas!!!

Better Days

It was December 22, 2002, my wedding anniversary to my first husband. We dated althrough high school he is the father of my three children. That day I had a catering job. It was a luncheon for a family who's daughter was baptise. After the catering event Blake and I were going to spend the rest of our anniversary together. This was a strange day for me as half way through the day I got this impression something would happen to me. I was not sure what it was but I shared it with Blake I told him I had this strange feeling I would not see our 25th wedding anniversary...Looking back on it now he probably was shocked. We were divorced by August 2003. As most of you know it was not something I wanted, choices were made and there was not a whole lot I could do about it but move forward.

There were a few tough years after that. Christmas would be rather gloomy for my children as well as myself. We have all moved forward now...sometimes I look back on those days...I choose not to stay there very long. I am thankful for better days now. I am thankful for my Heavenly Fathers help through some most difficult times. I love my children, I love the Lord, I love Brent who has proven to be obedient and faithful in serving the Lord. He to has/is passing through those moments of gloom that have been brought upon by another/formal spouse through unrighteous and selfish decisions. Again the helping hand of the Lord has been there for him. I love Brent...I am thankful we were able to find happiness the 2nd time around.

Elliott 2008 Christmas Newsletter...

Merry Christmas…wow 2008 went by like a flash. It really does seem like I just got done with the last Christmas letter and Christmas cards. Is that what happens when you get old?

Well marriage the second time around has been very good to us. Tonight Brent and I were able to attend a session at the Bountiful Temple. It was cold; snow and ice cuddled the Temple Grounds. While I was there I reflected on the day I married Brent. I love this area; I love my neighbors and the friends I have made. I do not like the snow. Well something’s about it I like such as cuddling in my bed with a book, project or just a nap. The way it looks on the tree’s and bushes especially with Holiday lights on. But the driving, shoveling, taking the trash out, walking in it…I’m still a desert girl!!!(turtle).

I am still serving in the Relief Society as the secretary. I have a great group of ladies that I work with. Every one of us has a missionary in the field. One just got home this year but were all missionary moms the same.
Brent has just been called to be the Stake Athletic director; he’s looking forward to it. Both of us are serving on the activities committee and our ward parties have been super this year. Everyone love me…they let me have fun with the food and decorations ect. It’s a great ward to be in I love it!!!

We have had our share of losses this past year; now we have two new arrivals going to join our family in 2009. Brandi and Lila are both expecting. All of our married daughters are doing great. I am so pleased with the men they have married. We have some super son in laws who are proving to be excellent husbands and fathers.

In less than six months Kyle will be arriving home from his mission. I am so looking forward to seeing him…giving him a huge kiss and lots of hugs!!! It has been a blessing to see the change in him through our emails weekly. He loves his mission and it is his goal to be the best he can with the help of Heavenly Father.

Rigby and Ryan are both attempting school…Rigby has had the opportunity to play some more soccer. Ryan is busy applying for grants ect so that he may start school soon.

Brooke and Trevor we get to see every other weekend. The pains of divorce!!! Free advice avoid it…it’s rough on kids as well as adults!!! However Brooke likes her new school and the attention she seems to be attracting with her cute personality. Trevor is into his guns!!! This neighborhood is filled with boys his age and when they get together some areas become a war zone.

The grandkids are growing up to fast. All of our two year olds are busy talking. Hayden is now 5 and will be starting school in 2009…yuck and hurray at the same time. We have great looking Grandkids. I can say that because it’s true and I’m a proud Grandma. Avery Mae spent a week with us after Thanksgiving. She is now 4, going on 15 it seems. One Sat. evening we needed to get ready to attend Hanna's Baptism. Avery Mae was tired as we have been going pretty strong all week. Anyway she was taking her time and ignoring my plea's to come and get her hair combed...I finally said does Grandmas need to give you a swat. Her reply was,” Grandma you can't spank me I'm to cute!!!" And that she is; they all are and I guess that’s why Grandma and Grandpa’s are good for spoiling.

Our families are doing great…were not rich nor are we famous. We are all healthy and were being blessed.
We wish and hope the same for your families. We wish you a Merry Christmas, and the best this coming New Year.

With much Love,
Brent & Georgie Elliott

Candy Time!!!

Well for a number of years the Elliott ladies have been getting together at Christmas to make Candy. I missed it last year for what reason I do not remember. To be truthful when it comes to evenings I hate going anywhere!!! I am a grouch sometimes when I do. I went this year and I liked it. I should because cooking is my thing. We made a lot of stuff. Thanks to Jean who did most of the work of organizing assignments.
Every thing taste good...my favorite I think was the Cashew Brittle(peanut brittle)
We made...
Peanut Butter Balls
Fudge
Divinity
English Toffee
Cherrie Chocolates
Peanut Brittle
Soft Caramels

BUTTERY PEANUT BRITTLE

Yield: 2 1/2 lbs

2 c. sugar
1 c. light corn syrup
1/2 c. water
1 c. butter (do not substitute margarine)
2 c. peanuts (or nuts of your choice)*
1 tsp. soda

Combine sugar, corn syrup and water in a 3-quart saucepan. Cook and stir unti sugar dissolves. When syrup boils, blend in butter. Stir frequently after mixture reaches syrup stage (230 degrees). Add nuts when temperature reaches soft crack stage (280 degrees) and stir constantly until temperature reaches the hard crack stage (305 degrees). Remove from heat. Quickly stir in soda, mixing thoroughly. Pour onto two lightly greased cookie sheets and spread out and allow to cool. Loosen from pans as soon as possible and turn over. Break into pieces.

I have used a regular peanut brittle recipe and added other nuts instead of peanuts. The only thing you must do different is add them at the end of the cooking period rather than cooking them in the hot syrup, as you must do with the raw Spanish peanuts.

Finally...

Well our shopping is done, gifts under the tree wrapped...(except Brent's).
My sundried tomato's are packaged and ready for delivery!!!
I just have a few cards to finish and get in the mail...
I am getting there!!! Ho, Ho, Ho....

My Avery Mae

My grandaughter who is in the picture below viewing the lights at Temple Square stayed with us after Thanksgiving for a week. I just got back from taking her home and I already miss the rascal...Some cute thoughts:

Every morning she would wake me up with Grandma I'm hungry can you cook me oatmeal?

One morning I went back to bed because I have been fighting this cold. I awoke to her yelling you better come get me Grandma I'm eating the brown sugar!!!

We must of watch Home Alone #1 10 times, Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at least 6 times, Disney's The Santa Clause, Jingle all the Way, All dogs Christmas Carol, Were Back, and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer!!!

Avery Mae helped me decorated the house, and tree...she redid the Candy Canes at least 4 times....all within her easy reach!!!

One day I took her to Garner Village. While making a trip to the bathroom I held the door shut on the bathroom stall for her as the lock was not working...she sweetie said Grandma thank you, and giggle and then ask, "Grandma are you about ready to pee in your pants"...I heard a few others giggling at her remark.

On Sat. evening we needed to get ready to attend Hanna's Baptism. Avery Mae was tired as we have been going pretty strong all week. Anyway she was taking her time and ignoring my plea's to come and get her hair combed...I finally said does Grandmas need to give you a swat. Her reply was,"Grandma you can't spank me I'm to cute!!!"

If you ask Avery Mae what her name is this is her reply...Avery Mae Harper Hanna Montana Barbie!!! What a tongue twister...

This is how Avery would leave the Bath Tub everynight!!!

We have a Star!!!

Before marriage to Brent I had a huge 9ft tree that fit beautiful in my home as I had 15 ft. vaulted ceilings. Well the ceiling here in this house is 8 ft. So we had to do some cutting!!! It looks shorter and we even have room for the star...I like it!!!

Temple Square and Christmas Lights....

Brent Elliott of Farmington carries his granddaughter, Avery Harper, 4, while looking at the holiday lights Friday at Temple Square in Salt Lake City. Crowds gathered Friday evening as the lights in downtown were turned on, signaling the start of the Christmas season.
(Jim Urquhart/The Salt Lake Tribune )

This next picture I copied from a friends site, but it is what is displayed at Temple Square and it is so peaceful and beautiful!!!

Thanksgiving 2008

Thanksgiving Dinner took 3 days of planning and 23 minutes to eat!!! Go Figure!!! We had a good time, Lila and Shelley are both here with their husbands. The boys took on a game of basketball and Brent is really feeling the pain. Tonight while cleaning up I noticed one loney penguin...We also enjoyed some time in Park City, Shelley and David had excess to a condo. Lila and Travis spent a few nights with them. Brent, Trevor and I also went for a day...Shelley fixed this great meal with my sundried tomatoes!!!

New looks...

So we have been working hard to get a few things done. Our swing set and family room get a new look!!!

San Francisco

Well another year and another business trip...Once again it is that time of the year that Brent either goes to Boston or this year San Francisco for business meetings. Last year it was Boston and I showed a few pictures on my blog meaning to get back to talk about the trip then the Holidays set in and I never did. I still need to go back and document a few memories I had there.
San Francisco reminded me of Boston in many ways...it is a Bay area, lots of walking, street cars, roll houses, plenty of places to eat, street vendors. The differences in San Francisco; it's bigger, not as old, greener as the climate helps, wider side walks, more streets, more cars, it seems like more people, motorcyles everywhere!!!
Well here is a review of my trip...short but nice!!!(Review long...trip short)
We departed Salt Lake Nov. 11, 2008 Heidi was sweet to give us a ride to the airport. There we enjoyed Brent's favorite a cheese buger at the Dick Clark's Grill. I thought if we got the cheese burger out of the way first he might be interested in trying a new thing in San Franciso...Oh, a helpful hint. A bottle of water cost $2.68 at the airport; save your money and bring your own. Our fight departed on time at 3:50 p.m.
We arrived in San Francisco at 4:54 gaining a extra hour, found a cab and headed to the MARRIOTT COURTYARD SAN FRANCISCO DOWNTOWN HOTEL...it was nice and about 5-6 blocks away from the hotel that Brent needed to get to first thing Thursday morning for day 1 of the convention. After finding our way to and from his meeting spot we set out to find dinner (California Pizza). We went back to our room, had a good nights rest, to prepare for Thursday Day 1... the adventure of exploring San Francisco on my own ...I was looking forward to it!!! More to come...I promise...
Day 1, awake, take quick bath, study map of the area and decided to venture over to the Ferry building. I head to the Hotel Lobby; out the front door on 2nd street heading to Market Street. First stop, right away I notice the smells and beauty of a Flower store displaying their arrangements on the sidewalk...

I am amazed at the buildings, the heights, the different styles, time periods, old, new...





Even with a map in hand it is so easy to get lost, turned around in San Francisco..I found myself in Union Square...




Union Square, the park for which the area is named, is filled with chess players, trysting lovers, panhandlers, soapbox orators of every political and religious persuasion and many pigeons. Many of San Francisco's largest department stores can be found here, including Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom's, Gumps, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany's, and Cartier as well as grand hotels, antiquarian bookshops and boutiques. Today they were preparing for Christmas, setting up the large tree and a iceskating rink. Later in the day I took Brent back and we saw them ice-skating...kind of preparing for the Holiday mood...What's it look like around here for Christmas... well I went online and found these pictures!!! Union Square looks like a great place to get into the Holiday Spirit...




The Union Square shopping area is so huge...I knew right away I could not see all of this in a day, maybe a week, more like a month. So in my predictament one has to chose wisely.
I chose the following...Britex Fabrics
With approximately 12,000 square feet of retail space on four floors, Britex Fabrics offers the largest selection of fine fabrics on the West Coast. The store's four floors are packed to the rafters with exclusive and popular fabrics, notions, accessories, and fabulous home decorating fabrics and finishings.


On a quick tour of the store, one will find the following treasures;

First Floor: Thousands of bolts of woolens, countless silks, couture laces, velvets, brocades, and designer fabrics.
Second Floor: Home decor, European cottons and linens, rayons, polyesters, velvets and sheers .
Third Floor: Remnants, imported knits, lycras, fabulous fake furs, nets and tulles, felts and vinyls.
Fourth Floor: European trims and ribbons, 30,000 styles of buttons both modern and antique, bridal findings, accessories, notions, patterns.
Cool...Cool...and way Cool!!!
I realize Union Square shopping was to much for me; I still wanted to get to the Ferry Building. I wandered the streets a few hours realizing I was doing a complete circle. I saw this Well's Fargo and I liked it so I took a picture. Shortly I saw another Wells Fargo, different angle, roof top garden; yea you quess it. It was the same Well's Fargo. I had done a complete circle these streets twist, turn, meet at all angles!!!
Well my Father would say it is okay to laugh at yourself...I did!!! Anyway back to Market Street this time making a right instead of a left. Along the way I saw a few things that caught my eye...First this toliet...kind of fansy in a way. I wish now I would of looked inside of it. What was funny is a block before I saw this and I do not know how many I might have passed I spotted a man doing his thing in a flower bed. Go Figure!!! Right in the open!!!Seriously how can you go wrong with Famous Wayne's Shoe Shine? Yea he's the man...if you go online you will find all kinds of reviews here's just one. This guy has to be the shoe shine PIMP. The always dapper and talkative Famous Wayne chats your ear off as he or one of his assistants shines your shoes to perfect brilliance. As you sit up high on the five person shoe stand you can't help but notice people looking at you, especially the occasional tourist whom as if by some demented cultural misunderstanding, looks at you as if your royalty up on your throne. So don't be surprised if you end up in the occasional picture or two.



I finally made it to the Ferry Building...It's was time for a little Ferry History, Lunch, some rest for my tired feet and a view of the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge...The Ferry Building Marketplace is a people's marketplace serving residents and travelers alike. Located within the historic Ferry Building at the foot of Market Street, shops large and small celebrate food in all its forms, offering everything from artisan cheeses to the freshest of local fish. Restaurants and cafés serve cuisine representing the quality and cultural diversity of San Francisco’s best chefs.
Opening in 1898 on the site of the 1875 wooden Ferry House, the Ferry Building became the transportation focal point for anyone arriving by train from the East, as well as from all the East Bay and Marin residents who worked in the city. From the Gold Rush until the 1930s, arrival by ferryboat became the only way travelers and commuters—except those coming from the Peninsula—could reach the city. This by far is a Famous Land Mark for the city of San Francisco. As I was reading all the history posted in the enty halls I thought to myself the millions of people who went through here daily. That was the popular transportation prior to the automobile and the building of the Golden Gate Bridge...

In 1892, a bond issue to build a new Ferry Building was passed by the voters of California. A young architect named A. Page Brown drew up plans for a large, steel-framed building. His original proposal was for an 840-foot-long building. However, when the construction estimates came in for the foundation (of pilings and concrete arches) the actual length had to be reduced to 660 feet by removing planned twin entrances at either end. As it was, Brown's foundation—which has supported the entire steel-framed structure in such a remarkably dependable manner through two earthquakes (1906 and 1989)—became the largest such foundation for a building over water anywhere in the world.
Brown included a 240-foot-tall clock tower modeled after the 12th century bell tower in the Seville Cathedral in Spain to serve as a welcoming beacon on the Bay. Construction was started in 1896, and the Union Depot and Ferry House—quickly shortened by public use to the Ferry Building—received its first scheduled arrival in July 1898. Passengers off the boats passed through an elegant two-story public area with repeating interior arches and overhead skylights. At its peak, as many as 50,000 people a day commuted by ferry.



The opening of the Bay Bridge in 1936, and the Golden Gate Bridge in 1937, along with mass use of the automobile, rendered the daily commute by ferryboat obsolete. By the 1950's, the Ferry Building was used very little. The historic interior of the Ferry Building structure, with its mosaic floor and dramatic brick and ceramic arches, was lost in 1955, when much of the large open hall was filled in to accommodate standard office space with some retail use and general public use on the ground floor. To cast the once prominent structure into further obscurity, the double-deck Embarcadero Freeway was built across the face of the Ferry Building in 1957, and remained for 35 years.

By the 1970's, automobile traffic overwhelmed thoroughfares in and out of the city. Marin ferry service resumed to provide transportation alternatives. In 1989, the Loma Prieta Earthquake caused extensive damage to the Embarcadero Freeway, providing the impetus to tear it down in 1991. The Ferry Building and the central waterfront were once again visible and ready to embrace a bright future.
Today while I was here there were tents with lots of vendors and their goods set up outside were once the Embarcadero Freeway blocked the passageway to the waterfront piers and the beautiful Ferry Building.



Today ferry terminals operate at Larkspur, Sausalito, Vallejo, and Alameda with plans for continuing network improvements and expansion. Extensive renovation of the Ferry Building is now complete. The Ferry Building redevelopment represents approximately 65,000 square feet of first floor Marketplace space, and an additional 175,000 square feet of premium second and third floor office space. The Marketplace, organized along the central Nave, provides a distinctive space for bringing together the greater Bay Area's agricultural wealth and renowned specialty food purveyors under one roof. The exterior and main public hall have been restored to their original grandeur for use by ferry passengers and the public at large.

I wandered all around...all the food looked good. These mushrooms caught my eye... once again I am reminded of all the things Heavenly Father provides to us, and for us.


I settled on a small little place called Mistral Rotisserie Provencale...it was a classic French rotisserie offering meat and poultry roasted with Mediterranean flavors. Even the sweet potatoes had been roasted with herbs. I enjoyed my lunch overlooking the bay with the Golden Gate Bridge for scenery...it was peaceful...



Well I was ready to hit the road again..next stop some art work, well this town is full of art. Then a farmers market at the Crocker Galleria. This place caught my attention.... it features a spectacular glass pavilion.

The Crouching Spider sculpture by Louise Bourgeois, replaced the Black Rock Arts sculpture Passage which resided at Pier 14 from its opening days.

The Public Art program at the San Francisco Arts Commission strives to make these diverse cultural works available for public enjoyment. It would take sometime to blog about all the art in San Francisco...there is tons!!!
I am not sure about the next two pictures but it had something to do with a massive strike. I want to do some research on it.



Wow when I saw this giant thing I wondered why would you build something so big...never question an artists mind I quess. This is Cupid's Span
by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen
Installed in 1992, the privately funded Cupid's Span had its share of detractors at the time. The point of the arrow was purposely buried so as to minimize any violent connotations.


The farmers market at the Crocker Galleria...lots of fresh stuff. It is nice to see fresh produce promoted even in a large city. I saw one McDonalds...San Francisco likes good food, good healty food!!!



The Crocker Galleria....
is a beautiful shopping center, modeled after Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. During the week, this center is bustling with daytime office workers from the surrounding high rises or the affluent who don't need to work. On Saturdays, this mall is generally quite and offers a nice respite from the energy of downtown. On Sundays, the center is closed. Hummmm maybe there Mormon. Although the mall has a roof, it isn't fully enclosed. The sides are open to the elements. Crocker Galleria features some fine names in shopping, including Polo Ralph Lauren, the Ralph Lauren Home Store, and Barcelino. I went into the Ralph Lauren Home Store...very nice and I cannot not afford it but it was free to look...cool picture I took...

Well that was pretty much my day for the first day by myself. When Brent got back from his meetings we set out and I showed him a few things, we settled on subway for dinner. I wanted to take him to this place a saw at the Crocker Galleria, but we did not make it. Maybe next trip we will check out The 360° Gourmet Burritos, with more than 20 different gourmet burritos to choose from including chicken, fish, beef or vegetarian; quesadillas, soft tacos, salads.

My second day in San Francisco....I woke up sore from all the walking the day before. Brent would be done with his meeting come around 1:00. I had some morning time to get all I could in...meaning things woman like to do and see. My choice was The Westfield San Francisco Centre...a huge shopping area/mall. I also walked thru the The Yerba Buena Gardens District that is bigger than I realized. It has more than 15 museums, performing arts facilities, and other cultural institutions; a 5.5-acre park; restaurants; hotels; movie theaters; shopping; housing for a variety of income levels; and one of the most heavily used convention centers in the world. My first stop ended up being the Yerba Buena Gardens because once again I lost my cense of direction!!!






So again I headed out looking for the mall area...I headed up 4th street and before me was the most beautiful thing. I saw The Container Store!!! I was so excited it was like Christmas, a new toy. Every week I get emails from this company, we do not have this store in Utah so I never can go see the product first hand. Now was my chance to explore...explore...explore!!!I found lots of ideas, jars I would like to use for canning, plate covers, storage ideas for my future kitchen. I could of stayed there longer but I still wanted to get to the mall...and I was getting hungry.
















Okay enough of the fun container store I had to head to the mall...


There are so many people with there own stands selling things. I do not remember going anywhere even Boston and seeing so many people setting up their displays along the streets except Mexico.

This mall was 5 stories high with gourmet dining area under the Dome....


This year Brent and I planted pumpkins in the garde n for all the Grandkids. One varity was call Big Mac like this one I found in the Mall. The one we grew was also close to the same sixe. $69.00 can you believe paying that much. Another cool thing about this mall is the the food court was center on fresh food ect. They even had a market in which local farmers sell there produce ect.


Friday at 1:00 Brents meeting were finished. After taking a nap we decide it was time to see Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39. We also wanted to eat at this restaurant call Scoma's. According to Kathy and Ron Rhodda it's a great place to eat.

So we took this cute little trolly car down to the pier, first stop Fishermen's Wharf and we got lucky this trip they had a decorated Christmas tree at the entrance of Pier 39.












There is so much shopping at Pier 39...sea shells always get my attention. So did a art gallery; they had a lot of scenery shots from Utah on display. Some of the spots look like they would be a fun place to visit. It was time to head to Scoma's don't look to close to this next shot...it's two butt naked guys!!! Crazy.... Brent lost his desire to eat at Scoma's. Plus he's not much of a sea food lover!!! Next trip though we are trying it out they have great steaks I hear.



Next stop...Ghirardelli Square for some dinner and Ice Cream. This square overlooks San Francisco Bay...next trip I will have to come back and spend more time because there are some nice shops.


We ate in this little hambuger joint...I think Brent's back side is nicer....!!!

Saturday morning we took the under ground subway thing to Golden Gate Park. We got on it under ground but the closer we got to the park we were above ground. There were alot of neat things to see. I look forward to taking another trip back to see more of this fun city. Maybe someday!!!