Steak N' Lobster

We went to Red Lobster tonight for steak and lobster. It was our three month anniversary tomorrow so we went today, being Thursday. The steak was medium well and it was a New York Strip (14 oz) with an eleven ounce lobster.

I was kind of apprehensive to go there with some of the comments of the patrons about going to Red Lobster. Well, I ignored the negative comments and realized that the ones that were positive had the higher priced items on the menu combos.

We had our $50 gift card from the Christmas Gift Exchange at Ron's work party, plus our dinner only cost 5.54 cents besides the gift card. I think we chose a well used item, which was done to perfection.

The waitress took our picture. We went home and watched a BYU Basketball game.

Eating The Fruit of the Tree of Life

Partaking of the Fruit of the Tree of Life~

Everyday is a blessing and joy to me and Ron. We share our day together and go about our chores or whatever it is, is together!

We attended the temple this morning. We made an appointment the day before. The Columbia River temple is small, so they have to know ahead to plan.

Sealings are what we focused on again today. The family names we did entailed the McIntire (Paul Pershing) side, the Recio side, and Canchola. Icould just imagine in my mind's eye the gathering on the other side and their C-E-L-E-B-R-A-T-I-O-N~.

The Recio side was the last sibling of my great-grandfather, Feliciano Recio. My heart is full of gratitude to bring this family their last one into that family circle. Imagine if we were cut off from our own family and couldn't interact or be with them because we had not received our blessings for it to happen?

Sad. We cannot take lightly the work that we do there as insignificant. It is anything but that. It is everything to them. But how do we get more involved to get to the temple when it is so close?

We are Saviors on Mount Zion. It is up to us to embrace that rather than pass it off to others. My gratitude is full when I remember writing letters and making phone calls to my relatives when I had children under tow. Had I waited until now that I am "retired" to do it, it would be much more difficult. Most of those who helped answer questions I had about the ancestors are long gone.

I hope they rejoice now that their ordinances have been done and are connected somehow to FAMILY.

I bear testimony that today was like eating of that (delicious)fruit that what white and delicious beyond comprehension. We live so close to a temple and are invited to go often so that we too may partake of that fruit from the tree of life.

Our Merry First Christmas Together.

We took this snap shot of us ourselves. The first two tries were with me in Ron's shadow. So, I switched sides and it came out best. He held the camera and I touched the button with the stylus. His arms are longer. It captures how we feel.



Tanise saw it on her iPhone and wrote: Merry Christmas to the happiest couple of parents I know (ans Love). Hope you had a great "first" Christmas together as family. We love you, Tanise.

She called on Facetime and chatted a bit to wish us a Great Christmas. We got to talk to Kaiwi about his associate-ship and finishing up his dissertation. Way to go!

We went to our sacrament meeting at nine. The we came home to get ready for our guests. The three girls, Shelly, Shannon Annie and their families came by.

We had a buffet set up and they chowed that down. Then later, about seven I fried some 'taquitos' Annie helped to make more guacamole to have with the taquitos. A delicious combination.

There were lots of treats, crackers and dip, potato chips with cottage cheese with green peppers, a relish tray for the sandwiches, cold cuts, cheese. We had a plateful of cookies and treats from friends dropping by. The kids helped eat those very well. There was fresh Organic apple juice along with wassail mulling spices with cloves, cinnamon and dried orange peel, slightly warmed. Yumm.

The whole day was amazing. Several of the kids out of state called or we talked to.
Just as an FYI, Johnny was unable to come due to bad weather in Denver airport. So he stayed in Texas. Michael called on their way home from the Husted's. Tracie called too, the kids all loved their Lego Pyramids. Matt called too, and said the boys loved the same Pyramid Legos too. Hallows were thrilled with theirs too. Hank called from Djibouti first thing this morning. He was on the ball early with the time difference.

I also got a call from my grand daugher, Aislyn, who is Aaron and Candice's oldest child. She was so excited to talk to me when Ron answered. He talked her a few minutes to find out if she was having a great time. Then she asked to talk to me, her grandma. I took the phone and she blurted out that her "Mama is going to have another baby." She is thrilled as is her siblings. I am for them. Congratulations!
What a nice Christmas surprise.

Christmas Eve

It is Christmas Eve. Our first together. We went shopping for some last minute things we didn't find to finish up our shopping for each other. Ron went in the truck and I went in the car. Yesterday, he went to one store, and text me while I shopped for him to see if I was done at Target. He said "take your time and I did. He suggested that could mean more goodies! Yea!

Yes!

He went out again while I stayed home to catch up on some gift wrapping and stocking stuffers for the kids. We were going to a family get-together at Shannon's house at 4:00.

Then I had a turn to go to the store to get a few more things for Ron. I only found one or two things from my list left to buy. I think it is done. All I have to do is wrap some of his and stuff his Christmas stocking. We couldn't find the ones I brought from Utah. We bought two more from Dollar Store. I know we will come across the ones we brought as soon as Christmas is over. That is how it is sometimes.

Ron teases me about having things for him that I already had before he came into the reality of my dreams. It was about planning ahead and having room for the man of my dreams with a nice denim shirt in the closet, a tie or two, a few more casual long sleeve size "L," shirts too. Also having new dishes for my future kitchen, tools, nose clippers, or aftershave cologne. And a myriad of other things too numerous to mention that were in my storage unit!!!

"You build it and he will come," was my mantra. A quote from "Field of Dreams."

It worked. What else can I say?

Aromatics Work Party

We were treated to dinner at Ron's work Christmas party at the Country Gentleman events center in Kennewick. The company provided the gift exchange and upped the amount from $25 last year to $50 this year. Ron and Connie won the Red Lobster card, but she never got to go use it with him.

They served Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, salad, yams, ham and prime rib. There was pumpkin pie and strawberry cheesecake. It was fun to meet Ron's co-workers and bosses. They were very kind and welcomed me to the dinner.

Ron is in the back row. He stands out in the group and only Gringo in that row.

They had an "Ugly Sweater contest." No kidding. Lots of people decorated their sweaters, we did too. But the one who one, really did have an ugly sweater, (Not Christmasy). No wonder he won. The prize was $100. He toook the sweateroff when he won. It was sooooo ugly. LOL

A gift exchange was a $50 gift card; ours was one to choose between Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Longhorn Steak House. They had a take away option. I usually don't like that kind of gift exchange. This time the gifts were all the same value, and NO white elephants. I think that was the deal maker for me.

The cards in the gift bag were from places like, Best Buy, Nordstrom, Macey's, Dairy Queen, P. F. Chang's, Shell, Chevron, Lowe's, Red Robin, Regent Movies, K-Mart, are some of the ones I can remember. There were about 22 cards in the bag.

I drew one for Shell gas card, and Ron said he wanted the Red Lobster card. So I did. No one took it away. So there is a choice of three other places. I was okay giving up the Shell card for the dinner card. I like lobster and so does Ron. Wonder where we will go?

Wall of Fame

We had all the family's pictures printed and framed to put in our living room. All 15 are on the wall now with Ron and I in the middle with each of our children. It is our wall of fame. Amazing to see all of them side by side.

Christmas Music by Mannheim Steamroller

We were treated to a Christmas concert. We saw Mannheim Steamroller. They were fabulous. Never saw or hear such sound that brought the house down, well almost.

So much incredible talent up on stage. I sat and watch it with field glasses. I could see the main musicians playing electric violins, a piano that had some kind of magnified soumd, and it was a grand piano at that. The drummer was going nuts playing chimes, so typical of the Mannheim sound. I was in hog heaven enjoying the concert LIVE! It gave me chills to hear some of those old favorites. Hark The Herald Angels Sing, among others. IT was two hours of pure delight.

It was that good. Ron enjoyed it and didn't want it to end. It made our week.

Chocolate Turtles and Homemade Caramels

Today we made yummy caramels and chocolate turtles. Ron helped and was such a great support and I appreciated that so much. It really takes more than one person to do that kind of thing.

While one stands at the stove stirring three different times, you can't leave it. So, Ron helped fill in the spaces when I needed the pecans chopped or to butter the glass dish to pour the hot liquid. By the time we finished stirring the second batch, he was a pro and his caramel recipe turned out a lighter color than mine. The ones I did look kind of rusty color, with his more golden. We will find out tomorrow when we wrap them in wax paper what the difference it was.



Having Ron's help made the whole project go smoothly. I wasn't all stressed out when we finished either.

Another Great Day . . .

Last Wednesday we went to do more sealings for couples and children. Today we went to do some work for my maternal second-great grandparents. It was a very special feeling doing their work at the same time, the same day.

I thought their work was done a long time ago. Then. . . newFamilySearch.org came along and straightened out all my lines. These great grandparents had fourteen children. Now all but one child is sealed to them. We will do that one soon too.

There is no end of this work, but such a great testament (to me) that this work is so rewarding. I am so delighted to be a part of this important work. I could write about it for hours. But, I won't right now.

I just know that they consider having their work done here as a C-E-L-E-B-R-A-T-I-O-N, there. Just like we (do here) make a big fiesta for a baptism, with a pinata and barbecue and all, or a missionary going or coming home when they finish.
And to be sure to mention, WEDDINGS!

We went to a piano recital for Dallas and Cody this afternoon, and then to our Ward Christmas party. They had Lasagna. It was delicious. I made brownies with marshmallows melted on top with chocolate frosting. Ron liked them, but I think when I make them again I will put more butter, the ones I made were kind of dry to me.

Oh, well, I need to practice. I haven't made brownies in years.

Carolers a' Caroling

Tonight we had a knock on our door. We were in the family room, so they had to knock loudly. We answered it and it was the ward Bear scouts singing "Jingle Bells" to us.

I hurried and got their picture as they left US a treat. How thoughtful. It made our day to be remembered and sang to. They ran off before we could give them some just baked cookies.

Remembering Connie

Poinsettia for Connie's grave. We took it to decorate her headstone, in honor of Ron and Connie's 44th anniversary is Saturday, December 17.

Tonight we watched Connie's funeral DVD. It was an insight of who she is and how she loved her husband and children. She was a fun person, had innocence that was childlike, an incredibly spiritual person as well as close to the veil. Great memories and a treasure.

Farewell to a Great Couple

Carlos and Elena



These are photos of my birdies I have had about five years. I named them Carlos and Elena, and parted with them recently and feel a little sadness about it.

Elenita
They chirped sweet songs to me and even made themselves noisier when I had company or was on the phone. They mimicked me actually. Anyway I gave them to a friend who could give them a good home, lots of activity and sunshine and no longer in a basement room without natural light and or company. I will miss their chirps and squeals, my dear Carlitos and Elenita.

Carlitos

Christmas Cannot Be Bought In A Store

Today marks an anniversary. It has been sixteen years since my mother, Elena passed away. I can recall how that effected me it being so close to Christmas and being comforted through it all.

I learned a lot that year and ever since. I find myself more focused on gift giving of something that cannot be bought in a store.

I keep the commercialism of Christmas to a lower level and keep out of that part of it the best I can.

My ability to feel the Spirit of giving is finer tuned with going to musical presentations where it is in abundance. I am much happier with myself too giving simple thoughts and gifts.

I am so thankful for a mother who taught me well. She helped me learn how to be a good mother, how to take care of my home, how to cook, economize, sew and how to crochet.

Her legacy was her crochet work, so beautiful. I appreciate that kind of hand work.

Today we had tithing settlement. We had a nice visit with our Bishop and reviewed our Church records. We came home and Ron went to visit one of his home teaching families. His companion came to pick him up. Ours are coming on Tuesday evening.

980 Posts To My Blog

Wow. Can you believe that there has been 980 entries since I started blogging? I can remember not even knowing what a "blog" was. It may as well have been a foreign language back then. It was one of those coined words I knew nothing about.

How times have changed and how up with the times I became in 2007 when I started. Thanks to Hank and his example. So,"Hank You!" I could not resist that pun.

Tonight we went to a Stake Relief Society Christmas Choir presentation. It was beautiful. They sang fourteen songs, many of them were original songs written and sang a duet by the two women that wrote them.

There was a very sweet spirit there much like when Lori was choir director in her ward. There was a cello, flute and violin solo. I can see there was a lot of preparation and to perfection. The director of this event is Kaylie's (Annie and Jeremy's daughter's piano teacher.) She is a mother of five and expecting her sixth baby. That is real discipline. Although Annie mentioned that she only has two piano students, she is so busy. She is having a recital for her students on Monday. We have been invited and look forward to meeting her. I love recitals.

Ron and I were very impressed and filled with the sweetness of the worshipful music. They sang several familiar songs, O Holy Night, What Child is This?, Silent Night, The First Noel, with an original added verse. So creative. It was a great way to start the holiday Spirit through music and song.

Dreamed a Dream

I had a dream with a lot of different scenarios. It was not clear the meaning but realized after I told Ron about it that I had an indication of what it meant.

Rooms were unused for what they were meant. The rules changed from time to time without notice. Some of the projects went unfinished.

The leadership were not clear on the project's longevity.

There were trees around the place in the dream. it looked like Spring or early summer time. It was in a huge home-like setting. I was an observer.

People were coming and going. New things would come. But I would be unable to buy anything or given the opportunity to use any of the new things brought. I thought they were quite nice, but untouchable as it appeared.

I saw children coming and going. They were quite well behaved however the rules would change quite often. And it seems that they went with the flow of the rules when they were presented.

I was not sure of what all of these vignettes meant but, Ron said it was very typical of some of the projects he had known about. "Some insight." he said.

Mom Responds to An Early Christmas Gift

Hello!

I feel like Christmas has come early to the Peterson household. The pictures and video clip are just what we needed to see. I have blown up the picture and shared it with everyone in my family because we miss our son so much. Thanks again for taking the time to forward these precious glimpses into our sons mission.

Carol~

"Thank you so much for the great pictures of our son and his companions! What a nice surprise it was to get them tonight when I checked my email. And thanks also for having them in your home for dinner. It's such a good feeling to know he is meeting such good people who are being so kind and feeding him. We wish your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Love,
Sister Sue

"Thank you so very much for the pictures you have sent of Tyler and his companions. You have no idea how much we appreciate your kindness. Thank you also for feeding him : ). - Suzanne

It warms my heart to be able to return the favor someone did for me when Tana was on her mission and when Aaron served also. It always amazes me that such a small thing can mean soooo much.

Ye Elders of Israel

Elder Peterson, Palmer, Bergen

Today we had the privilege of inviting the (3) missionaries over for dinner. I signed up in Relief Society on Sunday.

I decided to make Chicken Cordon Bleu. We had plenty of chicken breasts in the freezer and thawed them the day before. We also had most of the ingredients so it went well to make them. The chicken breasts were doubled and were quite filling to the young men. They raved about the menu and enjoyed the "smashers", (mashed potatoes), peas and corn, with green salad. I made peach cobbler from peaches Ron had frozen last summer.

I took their pictures to send them via email to their parents. Three missionaries came to dinner. Two of them had been out only three months, the other one had been out ten. Elder Bergen, from Texas, Elder Peterson from California, and Elder Palmer from Virginia.

I emailed their pics to their mothers. They each responded and were thrilled to get a current photo and see who their companions were they said.

I know what that feels like to get a phone call or letter from someone who happened to meet my missionaries while serving. I was glad they answered and were so thankful for feeding their sons.

Ron's Kind and Loving Thoughts Speak For Him

Ron thoughts—Dec. 4-2011:

My dear Anna and I have been having some good discussions lately regarding how blessed we are to have each other at this time. Some of the results of these discussions are listed in the family Christmas letter that we have put together.

So many similarities in our likes and dislikes. It is incredible. I am so blessed to have a sweet companion that is so close to the spirit, and also gives me such comfort as she expresses her love and appreciation for my dear Connie.

This morning she was so expressive and sincere in her expressions of love and appreciation. I mentioned again to her how much Connie loves the Savior. She said that she knows that and can see the “countenance” of the Savior in Connie when she looks at her pictures, and sees how much she cared for her children and for me. She mentioned that Connie had been through the refiners fire along with me, and she was so grateful to be able to “share” me with her.

I told Anna that she too had been through the refiners fire, and had come out of the experiences as a bright shining jewel. I told her (Anna) how much I loved her, and appreciated her love for the Savior and her testimony of Him and of the gospel. I also told her how much I appreciated how she has helped me realize what a good relationship I had with Connie and confirmed my knowledge of the good person she is, and how that “training” has also helped me so much in my relationship and love for her (Anna).


Yes, as I told her “LIFE IS GOOD”

Morning Thoughts

Morning thoughts~December 4, 2011

There is such beauty in a husband and wife’s relationship that continues to impress me as I feel my Savior’s love for us as a couple. The love that God has for us also is so evident in the same way.

I know how real my Heavenly Father is and that Jesus is the Christ, his only begotten Son. I know that they are aware of me and know who I am and what I am about in my life.

Their Love for me has given me through all my trials I have had in this life such comfort and peace. I know that those experiences have given me experience to endure and come unto them.

I feel a great love and bonding toward my wonderful eternal companion and to Connie. I know that she had so much love for our Savior and for her husband and children. She blesses them and us every way that she is allowed to do.

She has the most beautiful striking blue eyes. The light in them is reflected in them and His image is upon her countenance. I can truly testify that she has received His image which is engraven upon her face which I see it in the pictures of her throughout her life.

I know that she endured the refiner’s fire of her life’s journey and experiences here on earth. The other day I was doing a massage on Ron. He was so restful and appreciative of my hands moving over his back and arms. I went to do his feet and held them in my hands and worked on the deep tissue. I, all of sudden heard in my mind “ a voice tell me how much she loved her husband Ron, and thanked me for doing the service to take good care of him for her.”

Her children are the jewels in her crown. I am impressed how they live their lives and are in honor of their mother who taught them from their early years to love the Lord with all their hearts, might and minds. She was also a powerful force for good in the life of her dear husband, Ron. I have a witness that her work continues beyond the veil and blesses each and every one that she loves and serves even still. The veil is parted just enough to feel her presence and goodness that permeates her Spirit and soul.

Many times Ron and I will have long quiet conversation especially in the morning about Connie and insights that come to mind. This morning I sensed a sweet warmth about us and had a thoughts come to mind about Connie. I know Ron loved her very much and at times must have some of feelings of her loss in his life. I then thanked him for giving me a place in his heart to share with her.

I know that we have a partnership that is beautiful and Celestial and I am so thankful for Connie and her acceptance of me to be with Ron. I cherish those thoughts and feelings and embrace them which fill my soul with great peace and love.

We went to church this morning, our meetings are from 9:00 to 12:00. We both bore our testimonies. I appreciate Ron and his support and grateful for all my blessings. How sweet it (life) is.

Cookies for the Grandsons

The boys, Logan and Dallas came over for a few hours after school.

I baked Gingerbread cookies. They snarfed ten cookies and milk in one sitting.

I think I spoiled them. They loved it. Grandma's the name, spoiling is the game. : )

Cherishing Life and It's Freedoms

Ron planted these for me the day I asked him if we could plant them by the front door. We went right over to Home Depot and found them. He also removed the rocks where the flowers where to be placed. He continues to amaze me. I am grateful for him and his kindness. What a guy. Adorable.

Pansies are for pleasant thoughts: I am sharing mine (flowers) from my front yard.

I received this today as an email to pass on to friends, but I will share it here and let anyone who sees this can send it or pass it on can.

To realize The value of a sister/brother
Ask someone
Who doesn't have one.

To realize
The value of ten years:
Ask a newly
Divorced couple.

To realize
The value of four years:
Ask a graduate.

To realize
The value of one year:
Ask a student who
Has failed a final exam.

To realize
The value of nine months:
Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.

To realize
The value of one month:
Ask a mother
Who has given birth to
A premature baby.

To realize
The value of one week:
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize
The value of one minute:
Ask a person
Who has missed the train, bus or plane.

To realize
The value of one second:
Ask a person
Who has survived an accident.

Time waits for no one.

Treasure every moment you have.

You will treasure it even more when
You can share it with someone special.

To realize the value of a friend or family member:

LOSE ONE.

The origin of this letter is unknown,
But it brings good luck to everyone who passes it on.

Remember.....

Hold on tight to the ones you love!

Quotes from my blog:

Live, and Love for today, for we don't know how many more tomorrows will be ours to embrace our loved ones when today is gone. A.McIntire

"Don't waste your life on trivia, vain and worldly things. Give your life every day, one day at a time, to what really matters."
Heather Christensen