Raindrops on Strudel and Whiskers on Ponies, Or Something Like That...

You know how you get those once-a-year type things on Christmas, like in your stocking, that are some of your favorite things? And they usually are feel-good items from somewhere in your past or possibly your pre-mortal life? For some reason, these are a few of my favorite things...give one a try if you run across them! What are some of your favorite things?

St. George Reads

Finishing some half-read books while watching KR quilt. I would very much recommend The Great Bridge - a classic David McCullough filled with the story of building the New York-Brooklyn Bridge from 1869-1883. But, all you family members, please find and read To the Limit of Endurance by Peter Owen. My maternal grandfather, Robert Earl Boyer, was a U.S. Marine in WWI. He served in the 78th Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment (or the 2\6), which battalion was in the middle of the heaviest fighting by the American Expeditionary Force from June 1918 until the Armistice in November 1918. This book is about his Company (about 250 men) and the larger 2nd Battalion (around 1000 men in all) from their training at Quantico, until they came home in 1919. The unit suffered 180% casualties during that period (the dead and wounded were replaced during the period). All but a handful of the original 250 in the 78th were killed, wounded, or incapacitated by mustard gas. One of the handful was Robert Earl.

Miniarms Financial Tip of the Week

The easiest way to double your money is to fold it and put it in your pocket.

                          ...Matt Dillon, Gunsmoke

        

Ham, Hawk & Beans

For a delicious change of pace on Sunday afternoon after Church, I suggest an old family recipe - Ham, Hawk & Beans. Comfort food at its best. Many people will tell you to soak your beans first. I never do. I just wash them and cook them as below. For a really hearty winter meal, serve with a loaf of hot fresh bread or a pan of warm corn bread.


Ingredients:


1 Bag Dry Beans (my favorite is a 15-bean mix)
1 Lb. of Ham, Cut in Irregular Chunks
1 Large Hawk
1 Large Onion, Chopped
6 Cloves of Garlic, Minced
1 Large Bay Leaf
1 Tablespoon of Oregano
1 Tablespoon of Pepper
   Salt to Taste

1. Wash beans and remove all gravel and such. 2. Place beans, ham, onions, and garlic in a large pot filled with 15 cups of water. 3. Add spices. 4. Bring to a boil. 5. Throw in hawk. 6. Simmer on med-low heat fo 4-5 hours, adding more water as needed. 7. Remove hawk when it is tender and falling apart. Allow it to cool so it can be handled. Pick as many of the feathers off as possible (we would not want feather balls in the throat). Pick off the meat and add back to the soup. Cut off the head and claws for soup garnishment when serving. 8. Cook on low for another 20 minutes and serve. Watch the kids fight over the head!

(There is a story behind this post and it was done for a reason - just for those who don't know the story and might otherwise think I am even more weird than I really am.)

Couldn't Resist

Like his mother, I couldn't resist putting up this recent picture of Eli. A real charmer.

Anderton New Year's Party

On our way to Utah for our snow bird "trial run", we made a stop in Morgan for an Anderton New Year's Day Bash and had a great time seeing family and letting two generations of cousins romp around for a few hours. Aren't families great? Mom and Dad are now 84 and 85!

2009 In Review

It has been quite a year for the Wenatchee Anderton Clan. Lots of good things to be thankful for and we hope that all of you daily thank your Heavenly Father for the blessings He showers upon us. And we thank all of you for the good decisions, prayers, and hard work you contribute to the progress of all members of our family. Just think of what has happened in the last 12 months. Mom has a nice new car she REALLY likes. I have been able to travel to Utah (11 TIMES!!) to help care for my Mom and Dad and visit family. Jon graduated from his Merrill Lynch program and is now an official big shot. Both Jon and Cher continue to chip away at their class list for further college degrees (Mom and I will ALWAYS heartily support the desire of ANYONE to further their knowledge and education). Will was baptized a member of the Church. Mark & Laurel bought and moved into a new home AND got the surprise of their lives with the addition of a triplet. Mike graduated with a degree in a field he enjoys AND found a great job he likes during a time of tough job hunting. Mike and Amy bought and moved into a new home. M&M settled into their new home and city, and have been introduced to life's greatest joy and challenge (at the same time) as new parents. Katie was rewarded with the Fast Track and can see the end of her college degree on the horizon, has a nice new car, and a nicer new Love. Whew - it takes your breath away! We pray that 2010 will be as good to us.

Christmas - 2009 Edition

Traditions - I never grow tired of them. The Christmas season is my favorite time of year and it isn't even close. School Christmas programs, the lights and Christmas tree, sharing our feelings about Christ, and the gift-giving (one on Christmas Eve, thank you). The way KR organizes the front room on Christmas morning, the staging of the walk down the stairs and into the front room, and lots of pictures. Secret Santa, Grandpa Merrill's and Jon's birthday parties, movies, and Championship Bingo. Christmas pajamas, nativity sets, lunch at Gustav's, reading books, and dress up. Trashing Grandma's toy room, mattress games (including the always-scary spider), Schweppes Bitter Lemon, and the perilous "Hoops of Death". Snow storms, the miniature Christmas city, the sledding-hill toy, puzzles, and Sweet's Orange Sticks. I love it all. Pardon the number of pictures - there were just too many good ones to choose from. One complaint though, the person that invented the doll that really poops, should be shot.

Twilight - Is the End of the World Near?

One of KR's friends in Wenatchee rented the local theatre for a private showing of New Moon, the latest "Bite of Forks" movie, on the afternoon of its opening day, and invited KR (among many others) to attend. Here she is with several of her fellow vampire posse. I didn't go - I think the whole concept sucks.