New Year

When I think of a new year, I think of goals, resolutions. I reflect on the last year and think of how I can make the new year more meaningful. Not that I write a long list of goals to accomplish. I don't do that. I did when I was younger, but found that it was unrealistic. I often set myself up for coming up short and felt bad that I didn't accomplish all that I wanted to. Sometimes it's just better to start each day with a fresh new attitude and do what you can do... nothing else. 

I like the idea of a book to start the new year. Each day presents a fresh start. At the end of the day.... that's when to write and reflect on the day. Each day leads to the next day. A week. A month. A year. Every day does present a new set of opportunities. 

Op.por.tu.ni.ty - a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something.

It can come in every form. Personal improvement, financial improvement, health improvement, mental improvement, spiritual improvement, relations improvement. 

So, I'll start my new year with a blank page. Today, I'll live life. I'll write. I'll reflect. And tomorrow, I will start again. I like that. We'll see you at the end of the year!

Happy New Year!

Mother's Caramel Turtles

My mother made the best caramel turtles I have ever tasted! When December rolled around, I made a trip to mother's house for the annual making of the caramel turtles. It was an all day event. Don't let the simple sounding recipe fool you! 

The best part of making turtles is when the caramel finally reaches the soft ball stage. It is perfectly cooked to a gooey soft and slightly chewy stage. I drop some caramel in a cold cup of water, swirl it around in my fingers and form it into a ball. I set it on my tongue... it sits only for a moment and then melts away, giving my taste buds the sensation of pure, caramely deliciousness! It can take a couple of hours to get it to the stage of perfection. I never use a candy thermometer. It gets in my way. One bite, that's all it takes, and you are hooked for life. You can't live without them ever again. Mom's caramel turtles are to die for!
  
I started making turtles with mom when I was a young mother. In the mid 80's. My husband and I and our small family moved from Utah to Colorado and was too far away to enjoy the luxury of having turtles just down the street. I decided then and there I was going to learn how to make turtles. And I have every year, ever since. Most of the time I made the trek to mom's house. It was a treat to spend the day chatting and making merry in the kitchen with mother. It's now only a sweet and treasured memory. Mother passed away in October of 2011. My siblings were spoiled. Mother made them turtles every year, so they never learned for themselves. Last Christmas, I had a lot of requests from family members for the turtles recipe. I gladly shared with them. I made the above recipe card with some pictures of mom and home and sent it out in a Christmas card to about 40 caramel turtle craving families.

I think I have perfected the art of caramel turtle making. My daughters and granddaughters have become interested in making them with me. It's become a tradition... passed from my mother, to my daughters, and granddaughters. It makes my heart happy!

Enjoy!

writing prompt #5: Share a favorite holiday inspired recipe!

Silent Night

Silent Night

Silent night, Holy night!

All is calm, all is bright

Round yon virgin mother and Child,

Holy Infant, so tender and mild,

Sleep in heavenly peace;

Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night! Holy night!

Shepherds quake at the sight!

Glories stream from heaven afar;

Heav'nly hosts sing Alleluia!

Christ, the Savior, is born!

Christ, the Savior, is born!

Silent night! Holy night!

Son of God, love's pure light

Radiant beams from thy holy face,

With the dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus, Lord, at thy birth;

Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.

The most famous Christmas carol of all time had humble beginnings: Austrian priest Father Joseph Mohr penned the lyrics in 1816, and two years later - on Christmas Eve of 1818 - he gave the poem ("Stille Nacht," written in German) to his friend, Franz Xavier Gruber, headmaster and organist of the Church of St. Nicholas in Oberndorf, Austria, high in the Austrian Alps. The organ in the church was broken, so Gruber composed the music for guitar; a simple score was finished in time for Midnight Mass, where "Silent Night" was performed for the first time. The song soon spread beyond the small village, but until the 1850's, neither Mohr nor Gruber knew of its rising popularity. The English version with which we are most familiar was translated by John Freeman Young in 1819. The song--which has been recorded by more than three hundred artists--was sung simultaneously in English and German by troops during the Christmas truce of 1914, as it was one of the few carols familiar to soldiers on both sides of the front line.

When I think of Christmas carols, Silent Night is the first one that comes to mind. It conjures up reverence and peace to me. I love this song. It is easy to see why the English and German troops sang "Silent Night" as a truce Christmas Eve. It was a night of much longed for peace.

Joy

Joy to the World

Joy to the world, the Lord is come;

Let earth receive her King!

Let ev'ry heart prepare him room,

And Saints and angels sing,

And Saints, and Saints and angels sing.

Rejoice! Rejoice when Jesus reigns,

And Saints their songs employ,

While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

No more will sin and sorrow grow,

Nor thorns infest the ground;

He'll come and make the blessings flow

Far as the curse was found,

Far as the curse was found,

Far as, far as the curse was found.

Rejoice! Rejoice in the Most High,

While Israel spreads abroad

Like stars that glitter in the sky,

And ever worship God,

And ever worship God,

And ever , and ever worship God.

Based on Psalm 98, the lyrics of "Joy to the World" were written in 1719 by English hymn writer Isaac Watts, who is credited with writing more than 750 hymns. He wrote "Joy to the World" as a hymn glorifying Christ's anticipated triumphant Second Coming - not as a song celebrating His birth in a stable. In most cases, only the second half of his lyrics are still used today. The words were set to music more than a hundred years later by American composer and music educator Lowell Mason. While George Frideric Handel did not compose the tune of this carol, it was inspired by his Messiah, especially by the recitative "Comfort Ye." Today, it is the most published Christmas hymn in North America. (The LDS Christmas Songbook)

I love traditional Christmas hymns and "Joy to the World" has always been one of my favorites. As a Christian, I look forward to Christ's much anticipated and triumphant return. 

because I have been given much...

It's that time of the year! When I reflect more on the good things in my life. When I count my blessings. When I think of kindnesses given and received. I live a rich and abundant life. Mind you... it's my perception, and mine only. What is abundant to one person may not be to another. I have always lived an abundant life. Why? I'll tell you why.

It started at home. The home I grew up in. We did not have a lot of money. Dad worked for the State Fish and Game Department. Even though it required a Master's degree, it still was not enough to give a growing family of six children the extra things that every parent desires for their children. Dad supplemented his income by investing in rental properties and conjured up ideas and other creative ways to make money. He loved to work and he taught his family to work. We worked together. Dad always saw an opportunity to make something from nothing. He was a bartering man. A saddle for a piano; cement driveway for a cow. He had a positive attitude about life. I never heard him complain about anything. We had a good life. It's true! What you see and hear as a child, from your parents, follow you through life. I thought we had everything. We were rich. I didn't see it any different. How thankful I am for that! The outcome could have been much different had my parents complained, didn't work hard to improve their circumstances, felt picked on, or expressed their financial situation in a negative way. Oh... I can't tell you enough how very blessed I feel because of my parents wisdom.  We had a roof over our heads, clothes to wear, food to eat. We enjoyed all the opportunities of exploring and developing talents... like piano lessons, dance lessons, baton lessons, swim lessons, gymnastics, scouting, sports, band and choir. 

But there was more... much more! Through out the year, our parents found ways of helping others. They provided acts of service to the needy, the elderly, the sick, and lonely. As active members of the LDS faith, giving and receiving service is a way of life. Following our perfect example... Jesus Christ. I remember on many occasions where someone was invited to come to dinner. Foreign exchange students were invited to participate in holiday festivities. Christmas was always a time to share our abundance with those in need. Deliveries of home-made bread and jam, boxes of oranges, quilts, and other comforts and necessities were often done in secret. A tradition, The Twelve days of Christmas, was always a favorite service project. Delivering gifts and treats, in secret, for twelve days was the highlight of the holiday season. It was the feeling, the thankfulness, the joy of giving and serving others that brought the spirit of Christmas into our hearts and home. Our parents involved us children in every aspect of service. They gave us one of the greatest gifts they could have ever given us... the gift of serving. 

As young parents in the early 1980's, providing service was important to my husband and I. We carried on the Twelve Days of Christmas tradition with our three young daughters. We wanted them to feel the same joy that service brings. After Christmas, we were pleasantly surprised to see a card hanging on the bulletin board.

There were circumstances in life that had me on the receiving end, as well. After a long and painful divorce and moving to a new place to start school, five children in tow, it was evident to some thoughtful neighbors and members of the church, that we could use a bit of help. Although I did not see it exactly that way at the time.  At first it was hard to accept the help, but through love, patience, and passage of time, it became a blessing in our lives. I appreciated the help when help was offered... a generous and abundant gift of selflessness. 

I was always one who would never admit to having things "hard". I always had enough! I was blessed. It must have come from home. The positive attitude, you can do anything you want to mind set. Yes, it was a struggle at times, but I was much better off than most! I didn't think myself as needing help. I bought a small home, we had sufficient food on the table, clothes to wear, transportation, and I was going back to college. My children didn't see that we didn't have enough at times. We made due with what we had. And we shared our abundance when we could, as little as it was. Most importantly, we were happy!

Since then, I have been able to give more again. It's a good feeling. For Christmas, instead of exchanging gifts in the family, we take turns heading up a service project. What money or temporal means we would have spent on each other, go into providing a service to someone in need. The grandchildren are now recipients of feeling the joy that service brings!

One of the choicest experiences we have had during this time of year... sharing our faith and traditions with an intern and his wife, from Ghana. And them sharing with us. It provided a rich experience of exchanging beliefs, culture, and traditions with each other. An abundance of the Christ(mas) spirit was felt among us.

Last year, at this time, I was standing in line at the grocery store. When I went to check out, to my surprise, I found out my groceries were paid for! A lady, three ahead of me, had left some money with the checker to pay for the next few customers in line... as far as it would go. I felt gratitude in my heart for a thoughtful and kind gesture provided by a stranger.

In all my circumstances of life, some better than others, I have always felt like I had an abundant life. Whether in giving or receiving. We can feel joy in service whether we are on the giving or the receiving end. Our church broadcasts a Christmas Devotional every year. The First Presidency talked on this very thing... so inspirational! To listen to the talks and the Tabernacle Choir sing, click here lds.org.

I also came upon a blog (via Pinterest) that has some great and fun ideas for service. Click here http://tsjphotography.com/blog/random-acts-of-christmas-kindness-summary/

Losing your parents can change you. They are in my thoughts continually. I miss them. I love them. I am grateful for their examples. They showed me the way by living as Christ did. I am much more reflective than I used to be. My taste in music has even changed. I still like the music of my day, some country, and some soft rock. And I love this time of year because Christmas music fills the air. But most of all, I love inspirational music. It is so uplifting. When I first read the prompt from Mama Kat's on choosing a favorite song and turning it into the title of my post, I went with the very first song that popped into my mind... 

Because I Have Been Given Much

Because I have been given much, I too must give;

Because of they great bounty, Lord, each day I live

I shall divide my gifts from thee With ev'ry brother that I see

Who has the need of help from me.

Because I have been sheltered, fed by thy good care,

I can not see another's lack and I not share

My glowing fire, my loaf of bread, My roof's safe shelter over head,

That he too may be comforted.

Because I have been blessed by they great love, dear Lord,

I'll share thy love again, according to thy word.

I shall give love to those in need; I'll show that love by word and deed;

Thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed.

(text; Grace Noll Crowell, 1877-1969, music; Phillip Landgrave, b. 1935)

What are some ways that you have given or received service? 

prompt #5: Take a line from a song you love and turn it into a title of your next blog post. Let the content follow.

Angels

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Hark! The herald angels sing

Glory to the newborn King!

Peace on earth and mercy mild,

God and sinners reconciled!

Joyful, all ye nations, rise;

Join the triumph of the skies;

With th' angelic host proclaim

Christ is born in Bethlehem!

Hark! The herald angels sing

Glory to the newborn King!

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!

Hail! The Son of Righteousness!

Light and life to all he brings,

Ris'n with healing in his wings.

Mild he lays his glory by,

Born that man no more may die;

Born to raise the sons of earth,

Born to give them second birth.

Hark! The herald angels sing

Glory to the newborn King!

Written by Charles Wesley, brother of Methodist founder John Wesley, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" was first published in 1739 in Hymns and Sacred Poems; Wesley was the Poet Laureate of the Methodist Church and published more than 6,500 hymns during his lifetime. The version we know today was altered by various people- most notably Wesley's co-worker, George Whitefield, an itinerant Anglican minister who came up with the familiar opening couplet we now sing, When Whitefield- who did not have the ability to pay his college tuition- entered Oxford, he was assigned to work as a servant for other students in exchange for his tuition. He woke them in the morning, carried their books, polished their shoes, and even helped write their assignments. The melody of this carol is based on an energetic chorus composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1840 as part of a cantata commemorating Bible printer Johann Gutenburg.  (text from the LDS Christmas Songbook) 

thanksgiving

Thank-ful

the definition...

1. Aware and appreciative of a benefit; grateful

2. Expressive of gratitude

We're sitting around the table, and it's my turn to share. So many thank.ful.ness... 

• family - everyone before me and everyone after me!
• grandchildren and being a grandmother
• children
• brothers and sisters (especially sisters.. now that parents have passed away)
• parents
• hubby 
• grandparents and ancestors
• good examples
• home 
• food (too many to list -- I love the taste of food!)
• Thanksgiving dinner... especially turtle pumpkin pie and bread and butter pickles
• clean sheets on my bed
• my body; ears to hear, eyes to see, nose to smell yummy stuff, taste, the feel of things, ten fingers, ten toes, a mind to think, and everything else that keeps me alive... wow! the body is truly amazing.
• my spirit
• clothes
• shoes
• p.l.
• relaxing
• holidays
• running water
• hot shower
• engagement calendar (can't live without it!) -- I haven't converted to i-phone, nor do I have future plans to do so. I like to write things down on paper, see it, and check it off!
• talking to my children - prefer in person, but on the phone will do
• heat
• air conditioning
• a clean house
• order (not chaos)
• inspirational and landscape paintings
• faith & testimony
• temple
• scriptures
• Jesus Christ
• prayer
• family history books
• forgiveness
• sun
• rain
• snow
• good hair days
• hair color
• flowers - tulips, daisies, roses
• chocolate anything!
• microwave
• orchard
• garden
• health
• computer
• blogger
• scrapbooks
• journals
• telephone
• financial security
• quilts
• socks on my feet
• talents
• children who are good citizens
• Utah
• mountains
• ocean
• America
• constitution of the United States
• the right to vote
• American flag
• soldier - especially mine!
• freedom of religion, right to bear arms, speech
• family heirlooms
• family outings & adventures
• week dates
• coke 
• Suzie Q's and Snowballs (sad tears)
• holidays
• no schedule!
• yard 
• trees
• living in the country
• being able to see the stars in the night sky
• a good book
• a good doctor
• breathing in clean air
• color; bright colors
• snuggles and cuddles from grand babies
• nature
• protection
• safety
• personal history books (parents, ancestors)
• thoughtful gifts
• daughters that are nurses
• friendship and companionship with youngest daughter (lives close by and doesn't work outside the home)
• work
• humor
• laughter
• kindness
• compassion
• thoughtfulness
• quiet
• beauty 
• peacefulness
• respectfulness
• comfort
• education
• great ideas!
• memories of home
• creating something
• my own office
• space (like not in my face kind of space)
• alone time
• having someone else cook... that means eating out! 
• visiting historical sites
• taking trips in and out of the country (that doesn't mean I'm thankful for airplanes.. I would rather not fly)
• car
• light
• my bed - heavenly!
• old, worn, and loved again treasures!
• sunset
• sunrise
• Sunday drive
• inspirational music
• Christmas music
• Christmas lights on Temple Square
• LIFE!
• LOVE!

I think a grateful journal sounds like a good thing for next year to help remind me of all the blessing I have in my life. 

Thankful Notes

Here's a Thanksgiving tradition we do at our house. I have slips of paper and pens set out for family members to write down something they are thankful for. When we are eating pie, we  take turns sharing our thankful notes. It helps us more fully recognize and count our blessings and prepares our hearts for the Christmas season.

What are you thankful for?

Writing prompts:  #2 - Share what you are thankful for

#3 - Tell us about a favorite Thanksgiving tradition

Books

I have some books, or rather treasures. A history that great grandmother Richardson wrote and a history that her grandson, my father- Jim Bates, wrote. Mother's is in the making now, and there are many other ancestors that have left behind life sketches and journal writings that give me a clue to who they are and how I fit into the family. I feel very blessed to have them. I also feel it a duty and a privilege to do the same. I am working on it. My children, my grandchildren, my great grandchildren will know me... really know me. As they turn the pages one by one to reveal my life story, as I have seen it and lived it, they too, will recognize their own faces in mine.

My father said it best....

Write one experience at at time. A birth certificate proves you were born. A personal history proves you lived - really lived. A pedigree chart proves your ancestors lived. A family history proves that they lived and because of them - you are now alive.

My face is really not mine alone. It was not shaped by my victories or defeats, joys or sorrows alone, but was designed before I ever drew a living breath. It began with my great grandfather, grandmother - or was it their parents - or theirs? I'm made up of a peculiar blend of an ancestral reservoir - little bit of him, a touch of her!

As I look at and examine my life I look for the best, the glorious, because glorious things have happened. That doesn't mean I have to leave out the heart aches and the heart breaks, somehow there's something glorious in every event.

                                                                                            -Jim Bates 

I come from an ancestry line of good writers. Their personal stories are full of color, adventure, wisdom, humor, and inspiration to do better, live better. There are examples to learn from. Faith to build on. I hope in time, my posterity is able to say the same thing about their mother, grandmother, great-grandmother. And, in turn, I hope it inspires them to write, too!

What's this stuff?

What do you do at the Zoo besides look at the animals? Eat Cotton Candy! The youngest daughter's family and I made a day of it. It was a beautiful Autumn day. The weather was perfect and the changing leaves made for a spectacular backdrop of picture taking. 

After taking a ride on the carousel  we sat down for a rest. Mom decided to get Missy Moo and Buster Boo some Cotton Candy. They had never seen or eaten it before.

 "What's this stuff?"

"It's Cotton Candy."

"What do you do with it?"

"Mommy will show you!"

Take some in your hand like this.

Put it in your mouth.

You first, brother!

One, Two, Three..... Go!

Hummm..... think we'll try it again.

Not so bad, after all!

Cotton Candy gone wrong...

Oh no! it's stuck to my fingers.

Yikes!

Mommy... clean, wash.

Precious!
















Who wouldn't SMILE watching the grand kids eat Cotton Candy for the first time!

Writing prompt #5:  Tell about or show something that made you smile this week.

Courage

dedicated to mother who passed away on October 5, 2011

(The above picture - two weeks before passing, my sister and I celebrated our annual birthday lunch with mom)

I knew exactly what picture I wanted to use this week for my quote. My mother was the most courageous person I ever knew. Her mind was alert, her head in the Lord's plan for her... right up to the point of passing. Mother knew what was happening. She was in it every step of the way. She had a desire to pass away from this life triumphant. And that she did! She was prepared. She was pure. She endured faithfully to the very end. Was she afraid? Oh, yes! But she was brave. She did not waste what precious time she had left on earth. Mother spent her end of days giving gentle guidance and expressing unconditional love to all family members. The last few months of her life were spent in a Nursing Home/Rehabilitation Center for her broken leg. As hard as she worked. As hard as she tried. It was not mean't to be. Her example of patience, long suffering, and faith in God sustained not only herself, but the rest of the family. Here's to you mother... my HERO! Both in life and death.

Bucket List

Four year old Missy Moo called me today and excitedly said, "grandma, it snowed." "It's Christmas!" Winter is coming.

She asked if I were going to put up the BIG Christmas tree this year. I told her I wanted to put up a smaller one this year. She said, "but I like the BIG one". SO NOW WHAT!

When we built the house a couple of years ago, I knew exactly what Christmas was going to look like. The two story entry would have a beautiful 12 foot Christmas tree in front of the curved stairway leading to the second level. The banisters and rails on the stair case and overlooking the family room and front entry would have beautiful sweeping green garlands decked with red ribbons and white lights. It requires a full day of doing just the tree and banisters, with the kids' help. And it is beautiful! The first year with the new tree, each of the grandchildren got a glass ball to decorate and hang on the tree. It has their name on it with the year. They look forward to hanging them every year. But this year is different. 

Every five years we take all the kids on a trip to the Homestead Inn Resort in Midway. We spend three days there, ending on Christmas Eve, enjoying each others company and doing winter activities together. I try and get all my shopping done in November (NO BLACK FRIDAY for me... I avoid that day at all costs). This year is easy... the gift is the trip. Being together and creating memories as a family far outweighs any material gift they could ever receive. So I have been told. They are all looking forward to the trip. So this year... we will follow a few traditions and make a new one or two.

This year's Winter bucket list will be centered on Family, featuring SNOW and CHRISTMAS!

1. Countdown to Christmas always starts the first day of December. I get each family something to help count the days to Christmas. I change it up every year to make it exciting, and it usually includes service projects and family activities. This year each family will get a book written by Emily Freeman, A Christ-centered Christmas, and a Nativity set. 

They will learn more about Mary, Joseph, the Shepard, the Wise Men, the angles, Jesus, and the animals as they count the days to Christmas and place each figure in the creche.

2. Decorate the house. Nativity sets are displayed around the house and are the focus of my decorating scheme. After all, Christ is the reason for celebrating the season.

 My list includes:

A cardboard paper scene I got in Primary 45 years ago, and it will still sit on the piano I played 45 years ago, too!

Willow Tree Nativity set

Miniature Thomas Kinkade Nativity scene that lights up

A hand-painted porcelain Nativity from my mother's collection

Translucent white Nativity figures that light up


Miniature resin Count-down to Christmas Nativity set

Candle-powered creche from Germany

Large porcelain and fabric covered Nativity set

Large picture of the first Christmas scene that I hang on the wall in the front entry

A cradle filled with straw set out under the BIG Christmas tree. A doll representing baby Jesus is placed in the cradle Christmas Eve.

3. Make Turtles (I made turtles with my mother for over 30 years and will continue to do so with my daughters for the next 20 years or so, too!)

Homestead Inn Christmas... all 29 of us!

What will we do....

4. Make snow angles

5. Build snowmen

6. Tube down the hills at Soldier Hollow

7. Ice skate

8. Play games - inside board games and outside games like Fox & Geese (does anyone remember that one?)

9. Watch "It's a Wonderful Life"

10. Cook together; Eat together

11. Drink Hot Chocolate, snuggled up in a blanket in front of the fireplace.

12. Read and Act out the Christmas Story 

So there you have it. This year's WINTER BUCKET LIST  for December is simple, fun, and at someone else's place! I can just enjoy the kids and grand kids throughout the month of December without any worries, stresses, shopping, or hassle. We'll just play and bake! 

We'll see what January and February have in store....


What's on your Winter Bucket list?

writing prompt #1: Share your winter bucket list 

Shine

The Standard Works are so inspirational! We have a Father In Heaven who loves us and has blessed us with scripture to help guide and direct us on our journey back home. 

Monsoon

When I read the word "flooded", I thought of a thousand different things I could write about... like a flood of memories, ideas, incidences. I couldn't narrow my thoughts down, so I went to my pictures to get some inspiration. 

Last year, August 1, 2011, we were lucky enough to receive the effects of a Monsoon. That means we get a lot of rain in a short period of time due to changing patterns in the atmosphere, land and sea. It usually does not make it as far north as where we live, so it was exciting to see the FLOOD the Monsoon brought with it. We live in a very dry state, and when we do get a monsoon, the flooding can be devastating to homes and property depending on where you live. However, it's usually a welcome sight for us living in the north end of the state.

storm clouds gather in the mountains above our house

the torrential rain cuts a new path for the water to run through the orchard

the new trenches, a half to two feet in depth, slice into the soil allowing the water to run its course of least resistance

the road base eroded and broke off around the irrigation pipe from the force of the rain

a view of the house and yard, in landscaping phase, shortly after the rain burst

writing prompt #3: write a post inspired by the word: Flooded

Dr. Suess

Missy Moo dressed up as a "Fairy Princess". She'll always be a stand-out! And I'm not partial!

Stolen Pumpkins

I took Missy Moo and Buster Boo to a Produce Stand to pick out some pumpkins. They were very excited about their choices and couldn't wait to sit them on the front porch. And so they did!They live in a very small rural community. It never crossed any of our minds that they would be stolen. But they were! The next morning when mom and kids went out to see the pumpkins, they were missing. Stolen! Mom was distraught, and wanted to cry. 

Missy Moo, 4 years old, had a very wise explanation on the stolen pumpkins. In an attempt to comfort her mother, she had this to say about those pumpkin thieves, in her matter of fact voice.

"They thought it was a pumpkin patch, but it was just our house. We will buy some more pumpkins and watch for them, and when they come back to take them, we will tell them it's not a pumpkin patch, it's just our house!"

A good lesson from the oh so young and wise! Take heart!

New pumpkins

prompt #1: Write a post in just 12 lines

Hosted by