Soft Gingersnap Cookies

Every once in awhile I will dig into my recipe collection of years past. I wanted to make some gingerbread cookies for last year's Christmas Eve party. I have a stack of loose recipes that I have gathered since 1975 and as I was going through them I found a Pioneer recipe of Soft Gingersnap Cookies. It looked simple enough so I decided to make them. It looked as if the recipe came out of an old Extension or Relief Society book. The recipe is actually typed up. From a typewriter!

Just thinking about gingerbread cookies made me think back to Grandma Bentley's cookie drawer. If my memory serves me right, her's were a little snappy, but oh so good. The smell of freshly baked cookies or bread often filled the air when walking into grandma's house. Such a delightful memory!

I made the gingersnap cookies and they turned out to be a big hit! Everyone loved them. Chad especially loved them and said they were his favorite cookie. So when I found out he got the job at Antelope Island I knew right away I was going to make some cookies for him to snack on while out on the range. 

Soft Gingersnap Cookies

Cream together:

3/4 c. margarine (softened)

2 c. sugar

2 eggs

1/2 c. light molasses

Add:

3 3/4 c. flour

1 1/2 tsp. baking soda

3 tsp. ginger

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground cloves

Roll tsp. size ball of dough in sugar and slightly flatten on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 9 to 12 minutes. Should crack on top of cookies when done.

Profile Picture

This is my FB profile picture.

It is a picture of my children and I.

The picture is close to my heart for several reasons. First of all... it's the only professional picture I have of myself and my children as adults.

The picture was taken in April of 2014 at beautiful Temple Square in Salt Lake City. The picture I am holding is of my third child, and third daughter. I was sad that I could only hold her picture. Her husband took her life, the year before, on February 10, 2013. 

The story of how this picture came to be began a year before my daughter, Shaniel, was taken from us. I kept having this nagging feeling that I needed to get a family photo of my children and I. I didn't know why, but it seemed to be a pressing matter on my mind. 

In my mind's eye, I envisioned where we would have the picture taken and what we would be wearing. I wanted my girls and I dressed in white tops and muted skirts in a variety of patterns and colors. My son would wear a white shirt and jeans and we would be posed in a wheat field. Just west of where we live, in West Corinne where a daughter lives, you can see wheat fields as far as the eye can see. They seem endless. In the autumn time the wheat becomes mature and is ready to harvest. The fields are on fire with gold! The golden wheat waves back and forth in gentle breezes. It is so beautiful! I couldn't think of a better way to see my children every day. This was going to be the year for pictures! But because my youngest daughter was expecting her fourth baby and he was due at the end of the year, we decided to postpone plans to have pictures taken until the next fall. We had no way of knowing that by then it would be too late. Shaniel would be gone.

Shaniel's death was devastating to our family. We were numb. She was no longer here and we had to find a way to live without her. Yet... we wanted so much to keep her alive... in our hearts and in our minds.

Several months after Shaniel's passing, my oldest daughter saw an ad from a professional photographer that wanted to give away a photo shoot to a deserving family. It was called "Images of Hope". All they asked was to send in a story.... we called it "Shaniel's Story." It wasn't long before we were contacted by the photographer with the news that our family would be his special photo shoot. Our story... "Shaniel's Story" was posted to his facebook page and our photo shoot was set up. The wonderful thing about this story is that it was a complete surprise to me. It was a gift of love to me from my oldest daughter.... and a priceless gift of service from the photographer. I will be forever grateful for this wonderful gift. 

For our photo shoot, we chose a beautiful backdrop of spring tulips on Temple Square. The LDS temple, a beacon of hope and light, provided a stunning dimension of white stone and beautiful stained glass windows. Majestic spires reach heavenward, as if to say... "look up!" There is a greater power that whispers peace, hope, faith, and love. 

It was a beautiful day. Just my children and I. We held each other close and basked in the beauty and peace that the temple grounds graciously bestowed upon us. Our day was filled with wonderful and treasured memories of family togetherness... memories of Shaniel... and gratitude for a loving God in heaven that was ever mindful of our pain and heartache. 

We ate at a favorite nearby restaurant and laughed until we cried... from telling stories that only "our family" would understand. We shared a bond that day that can never be broken. We left with another lasting and treasured memory of a day that only heaven can shower down upon you. 

Days and months have passed. The path to healing has been lit with heaven's light. Faith, hope, and love have showered us with the Lord's tender mercies and has given us courage to move forward with peace in our heart's and in our soul's. Angels have been round about us. We are never alone. We are so grateful for the blessings of heaven.

The photo has been a treasured and priceless gift. But for some reason I could not get the picture of our family, in a wheat field, out of my mind. The image in my head finally led me to a local artist who would create a painting of Shaniel in an open field of wheat in a flowing white dress. In the painting she has her arms out-stretched... as if embracing the life beyond mortality. She is happy. She is at peace. I have this painting hanging in my bedroom in a place that when I wake up in the morning, it's the first thing I see. It is so beautiful and brings calmness and tranquility to my soul. 

A year and a half later, my son... my only son, would also leave this earthly life. Another devastation to our family would seem impossible to bear. Then... the quiet re-assuring whisperings, that only the comforter can bring, reminds me, once again, to hang on! Have hope. Have faith. Look up! Look toward the light. I do! Everyday.

I can't think of a better treasure than the picture of my children and I together. It is a visual reminder of the tender memories, the laughter, the fun, the challenging, and even the sad... that kept us together as a family. Never to be broken. Not in life and not in death. Never!

Inspired by Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop

Memorial Day

Have you every thought of why we celebrate Memorial Day? 

I know men and women that have served in the Armed Forces, but none that died in their service.

My 4 times grandfather, Gideon Bentley, was a "minute man" in the American Revolutionary War (1775 - 1783). He was the last Revolutionary war hero living. He died in 1858 at the age of 108.

My father-in-law fought in World War II (1939 - 1945). He was the only soldier that survived a bomb attack on his bunker. A fellow soldier fell across his body on impact and it saved his life. 

My father fought in the Korean War (1950 -1953). He served in the 6th Army Medical Depot and left us a history of his war experiences. War is not a pretty picture.

Several uncles served in the Vietnam War (1955 - 1975) and returned home safely.

We were thankful that the Selective Service ended just weeks before my brother and soon-to-be husband turned 19 years old. 

By the time my now current husband enrolled in the ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Course) at USU (Utah State University) in 1989, we were enjoying a relative amount of peace. But 9 -11 came and it all changed. As an officer in the Reserves, his company was called up and deployed for 30 months state side. Iraq for 18 months, and Afghanistan for 18 months. He saw and experienced plenty and has really never shared much about it. I am grateful for his service, and am more grateful for his safe return home after each deployment. He is retired now and that gives me peace.

Dave and I have stood in reverence for the men and women who fought valiantly for freedom's sake and lost their lives doing so. Visiting Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia and the American Cemetery at Normandy leaves you with a deep sense of reverence and respect for those who paid the price of freedom. The atmosphere is overwhelmingly peaceful, restful, and quiet. Each individual grave is given great care. There is beauty in every direction. You feel like you are standing on hallowed ground. 

Arlington National Cemetery - Virginia USA

American Cemetery - Omaha Beach at Normandy

War days will never be truly behind us, but this weekend we will relax in peace and safety with the assurance that there are brave men and women around the world watching over us and protecting our freedoms.

I will sit in my garden and enjoy all the lovely flowers that surround me. 

I will have a wonderful visit with my children. We will eat food. Lots of it. We will laugh and reminisce about days gone by. We will make plans for future outings.

I will watch my grandchildren run in the grass, catch butterflies, splash their feet in the waterfall, and play to their heart's content.

I will cut beautiful peonies and daisies from my garden and lovingly arrange them in containers to place on my parents graves, my daughter's grave, and my son's grave. 

I will offer a silent prayer, with gratitude in my heart, for being able to live in this great country where we enjoy the freedoms we do. I will not take them for granted, and I will remember those who gave all for me to have them.

I will reverently bow my head at my loved ones resting spot and thank God above for the great blessing of having had them in my life. I will honor and cherish their memories and live worthy to be reunited with them once again. 

Memorial Day is not only a time to honor our loved ones who have passed beyond the veil, it is a wonderful time to reflect on the bounteous blessings that we receive everyday at the Lord's hand. My basket is overflowing with both gratitude and blessings!

Inspired by Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop

Sweet Remembrances of Home

We're all born into a family. By the time I entered the picture I had a dad, mom, sister, and a brother. We would add two more sisters and one more brother to make our family complete. When I look back on all the memories of home and my childhood, I contribute all the sweet remembrances to two people.... Mom and Dad.

My parents brought their children into the world with a purpose. To love, guide, teach, nurture, and provide experiences that would allow for growth, exploration and creativity. They came together and brought unique characteristics from their families. They brought some traditions and created some of their own that have been and continue to be a part of my life, my children's lives, and now my grandchildren's lives. 

Memories of home and my childhood have etched deep in my heart and soul and have shaped me into the person I am today. My parents are gone now, but I hope they are looking down from the heavens with pride and like the person I am becoming... much because of them.

My dad was full of adventure. He was a biologist and big game manager for Utah State Fish and Game. He was one of those rare dad's. He actually took his family to work when he could. We spent our summer months in the mountains camping, riding horses, and playing games like kick the can. Dad took us canoeing, fishing, hunting, and counting deer. And he planned big excursions of river rafting when we got older. Us kids didn't think it was work at all! 

It was not unusual for dad to bring home animals that needed rescued until they could be taken to a place of rehabilitation. He also had a soft, tender side and taught his children to love and respect all God's creatures and the world we live in.

Dad taught his family how to be part of a team. We worked together and played together. That was what families did! We planted a garden, raised animals to care for and eat, sang silly songs as we traveled, and slept under the stars listening to the call of coyotes. So many adventures and the list could go on and on and on...  

Mom also loved the outdoors, but her heart was in her home, surrounded by her children. She was an excellent manager of home. Our house seemed to shine with cleanliness and truth! She taught her girls how to make beds, dust, clean the bathroom, wash dishes, vacuum, hang clothes on the line, bottle fruits and vegetables, and sew clothes. 

Mom was a beautiful woman. I never saw her without her lipstick on. She loved flowers and pretty things. Mom made us barbie couches and chairs and clothes. And then played with us! She made every birthday and occasion a holiday. She created magic in the simple things... like losing a tooth. Christmas, Easter, and every holiday throughout the year was so magical and memorable. Us kids may not have recognized it at the time, but great care and thought was put into every single holiday... from home decorations and displays to matching clothes and perfectly arranged gifts. I completely adore my mother. 

Both my father and mother worked together to give their children opportunities to learn skills and talents. They bought apartment buildings and rented them out. We picked seed together as a family to earn money for extracurricular activities. And the list goes on...

With dedication and hard work as a family and the foresight and wisdom of great parents, us kids were able to participate in dance, baton twirling, piano lessons, playing in school band, sports, 4-H, and other worthy endeavors.

My parents told us "you can be anything you want to be!" And... I always believed that!

Most importantly, my parents taught their children truth. The truth about God, about making right choices, about service, and love for each other and all people. 

From my dad, I take away sweet remembrances of adventure, hard work, tenderness, love and respect for nature, service, and what it means to lead a family.

From my mom, I take away sweet remembrances of home, love of family, magic in the simple things, beauty, compassion, and service. 

Is it any wonder that I enjoy and teach my family the same things. 

          Inspired by Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop

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 

Fall is Here!

What better way to celebrate Fall than doing some of my favorite things. I will call it my

Fall Bucket List

1. Carve jack-o-lanterns with the grand kids

2. Go for a drive up the canyon with the hubs, take a picnic and gather colorful leaves

3. Plan Harvest Fest... an annual event with the family to celebrate the end of harvest

4. Make scarecrows with the kids and grand kids

5. Birthday lunch with a favorite sister to celebrate both our birthdays (one week apart)

6. Create a Homestead Christmas Shutterfly book 

7. Plan this year's three-day Homestead Inn Christmas at Midway

8. Decorate Home for Fall Holidays

9. Visit Mom and Dad's grave

10. Cook up Halloween treats, a new Autumn dish, and make desserts that include pumpkin and apples... yummm!

Beautiful Fall Leaves... Sardine Canyon

Harvest Fest

We usually center Harvest Fest around a theme. One year we did Pirates. The kids had to follow a treasure map. When they got to the bottle of (root)beer. They had to sing 20 bottles of beer on the wall, while dancing around the tree. At the end of the hunt, they had to dig up a treasure box filled with coins, necklaces, and other pirate treasures. It was a very fun year. We also do a Spooky Hollow Forest walk through the orchard where they follow clues from a story to collect prizes as they encounter graveyards and bones, bats and ghosts, and a witch at the end. They have to grab their last prize from the witch's hut and run to the tractor and trailer that is filled with straw bales. Grandpa then takes them on a hay ride back to the barn. Harvest Fest is one of the big things I look forward to in the Fall.

Fall is my favorite season. I love to decorate the house, porch, and yard with gourds, pumpkins, leaves, and candles. A daughter, who is very creative with florals, made me the beautiful Fall wreath for my door. The witch in the center is my daughter-in-law who played the witch at the end of the Spooky Hollow Forest walk.

Homestead Inn Christmas

This is a big event that we do every five years. We take the family to the Homestead Resort in Midway for three days, just before Christmas. We ice skate, ride the Polar Express, tube, sleigh ride, play games, play in the snow, and exchange gifts around the Christmas tree. On Sunday, before going home, everyone dresses in their best and we go to Sunday Brunch together. I am looking forward to this year's family Christmas at the Homestead and can't wait to finalize the plans.

As you can tell, all my favorite things center around family! 

Writing prompt #5:  Fall is here! List your 10 favorite things about this Fall