We have lots of stuff growing now!!!
Our first day starting the garden seeds about a month ago...
Our remodeling is coming along slowly...but we are getting it done!!!
Shower to be...I am loving it!!!
Happy Birthday Webb Elliott and Brett Shaw!!! Some bunny loves you.....
I am up late pondering a comment Brent and I talk about tonight at the Temple. It is common for us to sit in the Celestial room for a few moments. We usually ask each other did we feel anything, recieve inspiration ect. Tonight Brent shared a thought about how he felt in regards to the example he needs to be to his children; grandchilden in continuing to keep and honor his covenants. I thought I would do some reading as I cannot sleep. It seems as if I have 101 things going on in my mind. The topic I chose to read about on the LDS.org page was
Blessing Our Families through Our Covenants
Kathleen H. Hughes from the Ensign » 2002 » November
In the Relief Society General Presidency
She states:
It’s important for us to realize that there is no one way that a righteous family looks. Some righteous families have two parents; but sometimes, through death or divorce, there is only one. Some righteous families have many children, and other families, at least for the moment, have none. Most members are single for part of their lives, but Elder Marvin J. Ashton taught us that “God and one are a family.” In some righteous families only the father works outside the home, and other times, both adults must work. So, though we may differ, what righteous families have in common are the covenants that they hold sacred.
Let us think of covenants relating to the laws of the gospel: tithing, church attendance, and the Word of Wisdom, for example. Brother and Sisters, I don’t need to tell you that if we keep these covenants, our families will be blessed. That’s not to say we’ll never suffer; but in the end, we know that there is a reward for keeping our promises.
Other covenants commit us to moral behaviors: both our ethics toward one another and standards of conduct related to our bodies. We need to teach our children ethical behaviors: honesty, respect, integrity, kindness in word and actions. We send our children into a world where these behaviors are declining, but we must teach them through word and, more importantly, example, the actions of decency and goodness.
“We cannot overemphasize the value of Temple marriage, the binding ties of the sealing ordinance, and the standards of worthiness required of them.
When parents keep the covenants they have made at the altar of the temple, their children will be forever bound to them.”
Now my thoughts:
Divorce is not a fun thing...so many people get hurt. However, I am thankful for the blessings from my Heavenly Father; who had a helping hand in my second marriage.
Upon the decision to marry; Brent and I both agreed that we wanted to enter marriage first with the blessing of going to the Temple. We both had a lot of opposition...some people openly stated that second marriages have a high rate of failure and perhaps we should hold off on the sealing part. We both agreed to move forward and ask for permission to get married in the Temple. I needed a cancellation of sealing from my first husband, Brent needed a temple clearance. This process is long, it involves interviews, letter writing to formal spouses ect. I took a lot of time writing my letter, I had great concerns and worries. My children also had some concerns as to what happens to the sealing as a family between my formal spouse and myself.
The answer came...it came from my Bishop, our Stake President, and in a letter from the First Presidency.
It said...Children born in the covenant or sealed to parents are assured the right and privilege of eternal parentage based upon their individual faithfulness and agency. If such children remain worthy, these birthright blessings remain secure in the event that the sealing if their parents as husband and wife is canceled. For each of us, the realization of eternal blessings is conditioned upon personal worthiness and individual agency. Such blessings, including our eternal family relationships, will be determined by our wise and loving Father after we have completed our mortl probation. Sign by the First Presidency March 14, 2007...
We were married April 14, 2007 in the Bountiful Temple.
I am thankful for that decision, I am thankful for great love the second time around. I make no excuses for divorce it is ugly. When we make Temple covnenant's we make them with the Lord...I beleive in honoring those covenants forever..all the days of my life and then more!!!
We welcome the arrival of Grandcritter #6
Crew Ericson Salway
Born on February 27th at 7:54AM
Weighing only 5lbs. 6 oz. and 16 3/4 inches long
After Madelyn's Birthday I headed back to Farmington. Lila and the girls decided to come for a visit. We had quite a good time. Today they headed back home, we all had a few tears.
The girls and I decide to make some Valentine cookies...Madelyn decides that eating the dough is more fun...
On the way back to Farmington, we stop to visit Shelley and enjoy a bit of sledding...Lila, Shelley, and I also take a Self Defense course. We thought we might not enjoy it but it turned out to be a pretty fun class.
Madelyn Grace actually turned two Jan 3, however beings it comes so close to Christmas Lila decided again to celebrate it a little later. This week I flew into Las Vegas to help Lila out as Madelyn was also going into the hospital to have her adnoids, tonsils removed and tubes placed in her ears. This was done Tuesday Jan 3. Madelyn was a good sport about things but did not like her over night stay in the hospital. When it was time for her discharge she went running to the door. Today we had her birthday...she is talking up a storm and she is beautiful.
Today I got the email...My Son will be coming home soon. I just could not hold back the tears!!!
Lynn sent me this...it gave me quite a chuckle!!!
Well I have decided to tackle two of the worst rooms in the house, well maybe three. The down stairs bedroom, downstairs bathroom and laundry room all need a make over...
Demolition has started!!!
There can be no genuine happiness separate and apart from the home, and every effort made to sanctify and preserve its influence is uplifting to those who toil and sacrifice for its establishment. There is no happiness without service, and there is no service greater than that which converts the home into a divine institution, and which promotes and preserves family life."
—Joseph F. Smith
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, 382
Our New year Day was celebrated with much pizza!!!
Meat, cheese, chocolate, carmel and fruit Pizza's....
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!!!
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.
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
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.
