Monday Morning Grandma: New Year's Resolutions

I know it isn’t Monday. I wanted to post this week’s message on New Year’s Eve. This has been a good year. Yes, it’s had its ups and downs like every year, but things are fine.

For my message, I thought I’d mention my take on making New Year’s resolutions. Go for it. Don’t promise the moon, it may take several years before you actually achieve them, but you can never reach goals you don’t set.

One example of a repeated resolution I made several years in a row: To wear makeup every day. For years I would go up to February-May. The years I had temp jobs, I did well when I went to work. Then one New Year’s Eve, I took time out of my day and sat in front of my mirror without makeup pondering how I looked. After awhile, I applied the makeup to see the difference, and sat again. [There is absolutely nothing wrong with the natural look. I know women who look just fine that way. They would look odd wearing it. We all need to decide for ourselves.] But I digress from my message. That day I decided I looked better with it whether just for my husband, myself, or the crowds. I have kept it up since I made that decision with only a few days here and there that I make the choice not to wear it for one reason or the other.

If we would take the time to ponder our resolutions, think about how serious we are. Are we willing to pay the price? Set one or two. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t make it. You can re-start the next day, next week, next month, or next year. Keep at it. You can do it.

Monday Morning Grandma--Christmas

‘Tis the season to remember Him: The hustle and bustle of the season is energizing, but don’t stress out. Take time each day to think of that tiny baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and laying in a manger. In fact, keep that thought in the back of your mind as you pick just the right gift, chose something that will make the receiver smile. Perhaps something they need or maybe a gift that will give them a lift.

If you are busy, Rice Krispy cookies are just as tasty as the fancy cookies you usually make. You don’t have to do everything your mother and/or mother-in-law used to do. Take time for Him.

If you are alone, call someone else that’s alone and have a chat. If capable, visit a senior center and chat with the residents. Pray to know who you can help. Think of some way to brighten the holiday for others rather than sitting around wallowing in self pity. 

Christmas is Coming

Christmas is coming. We have simplified Christmas the last few years. We give gift cards to places we know our children and grandchildren will like. For instance the handy man types often get hardware stores, crafty ladies fabric or craft stores. We throw in restaurant certificates and ice cream places for almost everyone. One hour of planning, and another hour or a little more driving around and we are done. The grandchildren love having their own “credit card.”

Sorry I missed last week. Time just ran away from me.

Christmas Tree Goo

The following recipe was given to me by my friend, Merrilee Boyack author. Her most recent book is 12 Gifts for Christ, available on Amazon or Deseret Book. She got it from anchorman Loren Nancarrow.

This helps keep your tree green throughout the season better than anything else I’ve ever tried.

Christmas Tree Goo

1 gallon warm water

2 cup clear Karo syrup

1/2 cup chlorine bleach

1/2 t 20 Mule Team Borax, at grocers by Tide etc. (If you live in the area, I have about a 2,000 year supply, and I’ll be happy to share.)

1/4 cup vinegar

1/4 cup woolite

Cut 1/2" off trunk, soak 12-24 hours, rinse put in clear water for rest of

season....REMEMBER when moving tree into house to cover the end with a

plastic bag so the solution (with bleach) doesn't drip on your carpet!