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!!!