Disneyland--Shawn Trauntvein Family

If you can't print it let me know. Otherwise, I will just >assume it is OK.

Al wrote: I was unable to open this document. I really enjoy these letters/photo's from you. If you have any suggestions for opening the document I could use them now

Al Pitts

Myrna wrote: My sons, the computer geniuses, tell me that we have to convert it to text.
You lose the type-setting and headings, but it is OK. I'll get back with you when I figure out what they are talking about. Love, M

Todd wrote: What kind of word program do you have on your PC? Word Perfect, MS Office, MS Works?

Todd

Myrna wrote: The photos, once again, are on a CD that I will be mailing with the December newsletter. I am putting both together. Love, M

Christmas Jokes

Christmas joke

Q: Why does Santa Claus go down the chimney on Christmas Eve?

A: Because it " soots " him!

Star Wars Christmas

Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker were having one of their little father and son chats... lightsabers drawn and sparks flying. Vader pinned Luke against a bulkhead and glared into his face, "I know what you're getting for Christmas, Luke," he said, "Ohhh, yes! I know!"

Luke fought himself free and jumped to a higher platform just out of Vader's reach, "How do you know!?" Luke yelled at him, "How do you know what I'm getting for Christmas!?"

Darth Vader shot Luke an icy glare, "The force iswith me... I felt your presents."

Funny Poem for Parents

A parent's night before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house

I searched for the tools to hand to my spouse.

Instructions were studied and we were inspired,

In hopes we could manage "Some Assembly Required."

The children were quiet (not asleep) in their beds,

While Dad and I faced the evening with dread:

A kitchen, two bikes, Barbie's town house to boot!

And, thanks to Grandpa, a train with a toot!

We opened the boxes; my heart skipped a beat....

Let no parts be missing or parts incomplete!

Too late for last-minute returns or replacement;

If we can't get it right, it goes in the basement!

When what to my worrying eyes should appear,

But 50 sheets of directions, concise, but not clear,

With each part numbered and every slot named,

So if we failed, only we could be blamed.

More rapid than eagles the parts then fell out,

All over the carpet they were scattered about.

"Now bolt it! Now twist it! Attach it right there!

Slide on the seats, and staple the stair!

Hammer the shelves, and nail to the stand."

"Honey," said hubby, "you just glued my hand."

And then in a twinkling, I knew for a fact

That all the toy dealers had indeed made a pact

To keep parents busy all Christmas Eve night

With "assembly required" till morning's first light.

We spoke not a word, but kept bent at our work,

Till our eyes, they went bleary; our fingers all hurt.

The hot chocolate went cold and the night, it wore thin

Before we attached the last rod and last pin.

Then laying the tools away in the chest,

We fell into bed for a well-deserved rest.

But I said to my husband just before I passed out,

"This will be the best Christmas, without any doubt.

Tomorrow we'll cheer, let the holiday ring,

And not have to run to the store for a thing!

We did it! We did it! The toys are all set

For the perfect, most perfect, Christmas, I bet!"

Then off to dreamland and sweet repose I gratefully went,

Though I suppose there's something to say for those self-deluded...

I'd forgotten that batteries are never included!

Favorite Quote for December

"It has always been hard to recognize in fallible human beings the authorized servants of God. Paul must have seemed an ordinary man to many. Joseph Smith's cheerful disposition was seen by some as not fitting their expectations for a prophet of God.

"Satan will always work on the Saints of God to undermine their faith in priesthood keys. One way he does it is to point out the humanity of those who hold them. He can in that way weaken our testimony and so cut us loose from the line of keys by which the Lord ties us to Him." --

Elder Henry B. Eyring,

Story from the Past

When Grandma Smith was a little girl, they used to look forward to an Orange, some peaked chocolates and some hard tack in their Christmas sock each year. Great Great-Grandma Wilson (She was a Pritchett and was Great-Grandpa’s mother. Her first husband was murdered for his money, kept in a wall safe and she remarried.), ran a boarding house and was famed for her cooking. She would usually have the family at her home for Christmas dinner, which Great-Grandmother Mina would help fix. She worked for her mother-in-law in the boarding house.

There were aunts, uncles and cousins at the dinners and there was always a lot of fun and teasing. Grandma Smith had an Aunt Afton, about her age, who was G-G-Grandma Wilson’s youngest child. G-G-Grandma Wilson would always ask Grandma Smith what she wanted for Christmas and then she would get the same thing for both girls. It was, quite often, a doll but could

be something else like a dress or shoes.Whatever, there were always two. They would be different colors, usually, but were always the same gift.

When Grandma Smith was teaching in Idaho those first couple of years, she would remember winters as fun times with fellow teachers. All were single. There were a couple of single guys who liked to come to enjoy desserts at the women’s dorm or apartment. One of the things they liked, when it snowed, was fresh snow which was scooped into a clean dishpan, then served covered with cream, vanilla and sugar. Another favorite was Grandma’s divinity. I have included that recipe this month. Think of how much I loved her when you make it! They also made panache and fudge. Those girls could not have visits beyond a certain time of the night and they must always be all together. Remember, she graduated from Brigham Young Academy in 1910. Times were much different then.

She was a talented dancer as well as a basketball player and track team member. She lettered at BYA and received one of the first block Y’s given to a woman. When she was dancing ballet, she was selected to be one of two girls to dance with the famous Pavlova when she appeared in Provo. She and the other girl were both offered jobs as back-up dancers. The other girl accepted

but G-Grandpa Pritchett would not let her take the offer. The other girl danced for years and then taught ballet in New York City. Grandma Smith went on to graduate and became a teacher. She would wonder, from time to time, what would have happened had she been allowed to

accept. She always ended up saying she wouldn’t change anything so it must have been for the best.

December Candy Recipes

Favorite Caramels (Mrs. Menlove)

4 c sugar

2 c white corn syrup 1/2 tsp salt

1 large can evaporated milk 3 Tbsp vanilla

1 c walnuts, broken into pieces

1 qt whipping cream

Mix sugar, syrup, salt and 2 c cream together. Boil on medium heat and when mixture cooks down, gradually add the rest of the cream. Stir constantly. After mixture cooks down a second time, add a can of milk slowly, while stirring. Cook to a firm ball or 232. Remove from heat, add vanilla and nuts. Pour into greased 1OX14 pan. Let stand 24 hrs and cut into squares. **For chocolate caramels: Add 1 sq baking chocolate when caramels reach 220 or add 4 Tbsp chocolate syrup at the beginning.

Grandma Smith's Foolproof Divinity

3 c granulated sugar

1/2 c light corn syrup

3/4 c water

1/4 c egg whites (or whites of 2 average eggs)

1 tsp vanilla

3/4 c chopped walnuts

Measure carefully and combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan. Cook over low heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Increase heat and bring to a boiling point. Cover and boil without stirring 3 mins. This avoids crystallization of sugar. Uncover and put the candy thermometer into the mixture. Cook evenly until candy reaches 265 or until a small amount dropped in cold water forms a ball (firm ball stage). Remove from heat. Add salt and vanilla to egg whites. Beat at very high speed until stiff moist peaks form when beater is withdrawn. (Don't over beat--egg whites should not be dry.) Beat in syrup slowly, pouring a thin stream from a height of 1 2-inches. Continue beating (high speed again) until mixture will almost hold its shape but is still glossy. This stage can be tested by allowing a small amount

to run from a spoon into the bowl. Stir in nuts and pour into a pan (7-inches square) lined with wax paper. Or drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper. **Chocolate divinity is made by adding 3

squares baking chocolate.

HERSHEY'S COCOA FUDGE (LIKE DAD MAKES)

2/3 c. Hershey's cocoa

3 c. sugar

1/8 tsp. salt

1 1/2 c. milk

1/4 c. butter

1 tsp. vanilla

Combine cocoa, sugar and salt in a large saucepan (3 quart size). Add milk, gradually mix thoroughly, bring mixture to a "bubbly" boil. On high heat, stirring continuously. Turn control to medium heat and continue to boil this mixture, without stirring, until it reaches a temperature of 236 degrees F. (soft ball stage). Remove saucepan from heat; add butter and vanilla to mixture. DO NOT STIR. Cool at room

temperature to 110 degrees. Set saucepan in cold water to hasten cooling. Beat until fudge thickens and loses some gloss. Pour into greased dish.

Melt-In-Your-Mouth 13-Minute Chocolate Fudge

This is melt-in-your-mouth "hard" fudge - easy enough for kids to make (with appropriate supervision).

2 cups sugar

1/2-cup milk

1-tablespoon golden syrup

1-tablespoon cocoa

1-teaspoon butter

Makes 20 squares

Before beginning get everything ready. This is a time sensitive recipe. Grease or line with foil a cake pan or deep biscuit tray for the finished product to set. Clear the sink and get a handbeater ready. Mix all ingredients in a medium saucepan and place over a low-medium heat. Stir until boiling. Boil for 6 minutes - reduce heat to ensure it doesn't boil over, but is still at a rolling boil. Take off heat and place saucepan in sink (the lower height helps). Beat until it starts to thicken - a hand beater helps here as you can feel it thickening. This fudge goes from thickening to too far very quickly. The more beating it gets the better it is. Pour or scoop the almost set fudge into the tray. When set, cut into squares. A hot knife helps. Options: Push (or stir in before pouring into pan) nuts into almost set fudge. Add a flavoring before beating. If hand-beating, you can add a little water to the bottom of the sink to help the saucepan cool - the fudge thickens quicker - but isn't quite as good. Use an electric hand mixer to make the process painless - but watch the thickening.

Melanie’s Creamy Chocolate Fudge

1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow creme

1 1/2 cups white sugar

2/3-cup evaporated milk

1/4-cup butter

1/4-teaspoon salt

2 cups milk chocolate chips

1-cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped nuts

1-teaspoon vanilla extract

Line an 8x8 inch pan with aluminum foil. Set aside. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine marshmallow cream, sugar, evaporated milk, butter and salt. Bring to a full boil, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and pour in semisweet chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips. Stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Stir in nuts and vanilla. Pour into prepared pan. Chill in refrigerator for 2 hours, or until firm.

Ella Dean Hunter’s Mystery Toffee Bars

Blend together with mixer: 1 stick butter. (Not margarine. butter should be at room temp) 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar. Mix together really well, then add 1-cup flour. Mix this really well and put in pan 9x9 and bake at 350 degrees for about 12 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle 1 pack of chocolate chips (or vanilla chips can be used) over top. Set in oven for about 2 min so they can be spread with spoon. Sprinkle chopped nuts over top and let cool.

For Mystery Bar Topping:

1-cup brown sugar

3 eggs

1/2 tsp salt

2-T flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2-cup coconut

2/3 cup chopped nuts

Pour over crust from above and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Cut while rather warm, about 20 minutes from oven, they cut much better then. ENJOY

Who Said It Was Easy?

Here is a touch of what genealogists run into all the time. This is from the Oxford list today. Would they have considered themselves more Oxfordian than anything else? Oxfordian!

Love, Donnette Smith

*****

Sum on us cums frum Head'nton an' sum frum Shotover Hill. An' sum on us cums frum Ifflee an' sum all th' way frum Brill. We all on us speaks Queen's English 'xactly as 'ers is spoke. An' all on us be *Oxonians* - yer bain't if yer cums from Brill, me dear. Thas Bucks, that be.--

Eve McLaughlin

[Professional Buckinghamshire researcher and teacher]

*****

I fear for anyone who has never come across a broad English accent of any description reading these wonderful posts. But in the hope it doesn't send anyone fully round the big dipper my favourite Bucks quote is: Hay nay brayn cay. Translated means 'how now brown cow'. It will help Listers see how things were mistranscribed by parish scribes, census takers, etc. in the early years anyway!! Particularly when

people moved just down the road where the accent was completely different.

All the best everyone,

May LANCHBURY

Perth, Western Australia

The Butcher, The Baker, and the Mammograph Taker

It seems, to me, Amy, that life is pretty much the same old same old from month to month. I do all the same things over and over. This is a busy time of year in the Mammo department. Everyone has met their deductible and wants to get their Mammograph taken before the end of the year. Appointments are stacked up and some will need to hold over until January. Then there will be a slow time, again, until about March. I am trying to get Christmas all finished and am just about there. I came up with a neat way to get the tree up in no time. I worked out the lights so that they just come apart where our artificial tree

comes apart. That way I can just put the tree away with the lights on and then, like this year, can just snap it together, plug in the lights and we are good to go.

Eric is good. It is so great to be able to say that he is doing so well. He had the day off on Sunday and was able to go to church with all of us. Then we had family night afterward. It was a wonderful. It is good to see him doing so well.

All the kids, of course, like all kids are excited about Christmas.

A.J. climbed up on Santa’s lap when Santa visited the ward party. Santa asked AJ. what he wanted for Christmas. “A candy cane,” AJ said. Santa asked if he didn’t want something else but AJ stuck to the candy cane (no pun intended). It was the cutest thing. He has decided that he wants the “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” CD. He kept asking for the “suvuc” which we finally figured out was the music CD.

Maddie lost her two front teeth. She was quite excited about it. The Tooth Fairy came to visit

and made her even happier. We sang the “All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth,” song to her. She has been going around singing it on her own.

David was diagnosed with a learning disability. We now will be able to help him. He has problems writing and getting his ideas on paper. Typing on the computer is helping with that. Orally, he is very quick and responds to questions with good answers. He is very cleaver and has an active imagination. We are now learning to help him get those good ideas down on paper. David also enjoys Scouts and is

working to earn awards. 

Jason is a voracious reader. I have quit timing him on his reading. He is supposed to read for 30-minutes a day but he does much more than that everyday. He is now reading “Under the Jolly Rodger.” He has read many of the classics. If it is printed, he reads it. He enjoys picture books that are on Maddie’s level and chapter books above his level. He just likes books. Amy was that way when she was a child. He is also working on his Scout awards and is enjoying that.

Have a merry Christmas! We hope to see many of you during the holidays.

The Buzz’n Joneses

Merry Christmas! It is hard to believe that it is the holiday season again. We hope that everyone is enjoying the fun of the season. Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Jones buying us a Christmas tree tag, we already have our tree up and decorated. That is something extraordinary for our family. Let’s face it, it doesn’t take much to “keep up with [us] Joneses” as far as Christmas decorating goes.

We traveled to Idaho for Thanksgiving. We left at 9:15 in the morning and got there at 11:30 at night due to a million honey deliveries we had to make along the way. We are thankful to have sold the honey, but we need to find a better day to deliver it than the day before Thanksgiving. Thanks also to the stalwart driver who allowed his expecting wife, who is not so great with child, and his daughter to sleep the last two hours of the trip.

Mary is growing fast! She has sprouted three new teeth in the past month with two more on the way. She sure loves her Dad. She loves it when he comes home to play with her. When she hears the truck pull up in front of the house, she will run to the front door, crouch down and wait for the door to open. When the door opens, she yells “Boo, Dad!” Then he’ll run up and grab her and hug and tickle her until she laughs. It is really fun to watch.

Jim is currently moving the bees from Utah to California. He has enlisted the help of Grandpa Trauntvein. Jim drives the night shift, and Grandpa drives the day shift. They have a total of 10 trips to make. So far they have made four in the past four days. They should finish moving them by next week. Then, Jim has a few days down in sunny Cal. to feed the bees. After that, it’s leave them alone for a month until he gets them ready to go to Bakersfield for pollination.

The exciting thing that Jim is looking forward to this month is going to the Las Vegas Bowl to watch the Cougars. They are playing Cal State on Dec. 22. Jim is driving down with Grandpa Jones, two brothers, three sisters, and two brothers-in-law. If you get a chance to watch the game, they will be the ones in the crowd with red faces from cheering and yelling too loud.

Life for me is going well. I am a little less green than I have been in the last few months, and ready to be completely green free. Scouts is still scouts, and that is all I will say about that! 

We now have a van. We just bought it on Saturday. Now Jim, when he drives to church, really looks like a family man. That is something he says he is happy about. To quote Jim, “We got a sweet deal!’

We love you all and wish you a wonderful Christmas season.

Love,

The Tres Nephites and Bun in the Oven

Oh! Hi! Oh!

Melanie and her family came to stay the week of Thanksgiving. We had a wonderful time with them here. It was good to have them almost all here (Hi, Siovhan).

Our big news?! Hailey Maxine Trauntvein was born yesterday at 4:23 pm EST, in Newark, Licking County, Ohio. She was 7lbs 13ozs and 20.5 inches long. I sent separate pictures to everyone and will send more as we get them. Mother and baby are doing well.

About the children? Michael is almost a Star scout. He just needs to finish two merit badges and he will be there, then on to Life. He is now the deacon's quorum president for our ward. That will keep him a little busier. He is doing well in school and!his "claim to fame" is that he made the art teacher's heart skip a beat. He is her teacher's assistant and he hid a plastic spider in some papers on her desk. She gasped.

Tyler is playing basketball. He is on one of eight 2nd grade teams. He is doing well at school and

loves Mr. Rhodes. Mr. Rhodes is getting married and Tyler likes his fiancée as well. She comes to school and helps out from time to time.

Emily is just as busy as ever. She is joining 1st grade cheer leading in addition to her dance and gymnastics classes. Wednesday is a long day for her and now it appears that Saturday will have a

couple of hours used up as well.

We are still looking for a piano teacher for the boys. We found one, but we have to travel about 15 miles to get there. It appears that piano players out here are at a premium and that no one wants to teach it. So, on we go with the search. Until then, the boys practice from time to time, but it is hard to keep them motivated without the lessons.

Amy is doing well and work is going well. We love you all and wish you a Merry Christmas and

a Happy New Year!