To Joan Meade

We don't need to tease you, Joan, about the ward from down south coming into the temple to do initiatory while you are on duty. In spite of the fact that you were not there, they showed up en mass on Saturday. Two of them had 30 names each. The rest had 20. I think you may be off the hook. Of course, knowing your attraction, I could be wrong.

From Ben Re: Click Return

Myrna wrote: I don't want you to take time from your work to write to just me. I don't even want a thank you note. Keep on working. Just click, return and send if you got your packages and cards with money. I just worried that they might not show up. Love you lots and lots, both of you. Grammy

Ben wrote: Ah, grandma, I've got time to thank you. I did get the cards, the money and the love in the package. Thank you so very much.

Myrna wrote: I wonder if you will ever know how much we love you and how proud we are of the good work you are doing? Maybe when you are very old, like us. Thanks for the response.

Tasty Cookies and Fruit Juice

About those tasty cookies that use fruit juice instead of sugar AnnMarie wrote: These look yummy. I am sure you are still checking your blood sugar but these might still spike it. Tropical fruits are really high in sugars and should be used sparingly. Tropical fruits like bananas, kiwi, pineapple, and others are on the be wary list - at least they are in my books.  I wonder what the carb count for the pineapple concentrate is. The walnuts will help. I wonder if you could use some of your homemade applesauce instead of the pineapple juice.

Myrna wrote: I can and did. My sugar didn't go up much. I ate only one. Actually, bananas are higher in sugars than pineapple. Usually, after a meal, my blood sugar has never been over 116. You measure two hours after eating. My was only 110. I was OK. Of course, I had salad, fish and green beans for supper. Then I had one cookie. The exchange was OK since I had no other grains nor fruits.

What did you decide about the kids and tomorrow?

AnnMarie: They want to come down.   I am just trying to figure out how and when.  Rachel doesn't think she wants to sleep there.  I don't finish until close to midnight. I have to pick up the karaoke at 2 and set it up at 8:30. Not sure how to make it all work.

Myrna wrote: Julie said she could bring them down if you wanted her to. You can talk tomorrow. Tell Rachel that Mary is sleeping here.

AnnMarie wrote: OK. I thought I would talk to Julie tomorrow when the girls come during the ultrasound. 

Sugar Free Oatmeal Cookies (These are quite tasty.)

Myrna Trauntvein wrote: These cookies are quite tasty and I really thought they made a good dessert.

Sugar Free Oatmeal Cookies
Delicious oatmeal, banana, and raisin cookies made in less than 30 minutes.
3 large bananas , mashed
2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
2 cups whole wheat flour
2 eggs
2 tbsp frozen pineapple juice (undiluted)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup butter , melted
1/4 cup fat free milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
I cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 seedless raisins  (optional)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.  Mix all of the ingredients in a large bowl and let stand for 5 minutes so that the oats will absorb excess moisture. Drop dough by heaping tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool for 1 minute on baking sheets and then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. (If your kids don't like raisins, just leave them out. I did and I didn't miss them.)


     

Yes! I am on the completed status.

Sounds like you're doing great! I wish all of our patients were as engaged and proactive as you are. We will move you to "completed" status. Would you be willing to schedule a follow-up interview with us? We try to interview completed patients every 3 months for 1 year (4 interviews) to measure (and document) progress, assess goals, answer questions, and offer suggestions for continued success. It usually takes about 15 minutes or so.

Jim Webster, BSPharm CDE

Santaquin Pharmacy & Diabetes Center

27 West Main C1

Santaquin, UT 84655

PH: 801-754-1141

FAX: 801-754-3141

CELL: 435-610-0353

Photos of LHT in BYU Blankets

Bolton Family and Shawn and Brigitta at Amy and Eric's Reception

Howard, Benjamin, Siovhan, Melanie and Braden taken at Eric and Amy's Reception.

Benjamin doesn't look too happy, does he?

Shawn and Brigitta taken at Amy and Eric's Wedding Reception.

Three Family Photos

Caydin, Donovin and Erin when we returned them back to Bree and Barbara after they had visited us.

Brigitta visits in Nephi.

LHT Took This Photo of Myrna

This was taken on our honeymoon back in September 1961.

Shawn At One

Shawn wanted the candy and not the photo. I wanted him to wait for the candy until the photo was taken. We can all see how well that went over. I was afraid that the little outfit would be coated in candy dribbles. What I ended up with is a crying boy and a blurry photo.

Grandma Smith bought the outfit for Shawn. This was actually taken on the steps of the church (Provo Fifth LDS Ward). I was expecting Melanie.

BYU Blankets

Myrna wrote: We received a package today from Fanatics. Inside were two BYU fleece blankets. There is no gift card. The packing says that the blankets were billed to Myrna Trauntvein, 228 South 300 East, Nephi. . .

The order number is: 20901165 and the package #22807012.

However, when I went there, there was no way it would allow me to trace it.

Hmm. . .

Is one of you going to accept the honor?

Thank you. We don't dare use them until we know if there has been an error.

Todd wrote: That was our birthday gifts to you and dad. Our Christmas gift was a month of monitoring. Those blankets are really nice when you are sitting in your bedroom spying on your neighbors in their hot tub. Dark colors conceal you better. 

Myrna wrote: Rats! I think that we will have to find another use. We have no neighbors who leave their blinds up at night and we have not a single neighbor with a hot tub. Not a single one. Dad may use his for warming up after moving snow, voluntarily, for half the town. I am just always cold--summer, winter, spring and fall--so I will enjoy being warm. Thanks for the blankets. They are thick and warm and nice. 

Kirsten wrote: Where's the like button!  HAHAHAHA, Todd!

Myrna wrote:  Dad says he is already enjoying his blanket. I took a photo of him under his warm blanket lying on the sofa reading the funnies. There he is all toasty and warm on a cold winter day. I think I will go snuggle under mine. Thank you. 

Todd wrote:  Sweet.

Gift of Membership

Myrna wrote: Julie would also like an account with Costco. The thing is, she thinks that she can get a business membership and we could be added. I am not sure if the account we have will add another person(s) or not. I don't know if they have a business account at Costco (they do at Sams) and how that works. Also, what did AnnMarie decide and how did you gift her one? Is it just for one year and she renews? Perhaps I should just check (me) with Costco and find out what is available.

I will send a check to you for this past year. Please hold it until the first or it will bounce and bounce and bounce. . .

Kimberly wrote: I can check costco for business, but I do not know right off.  As for AnnMarie, I am don't know anything.  I did not gift her a membership.

Looking at the Costco site it looks like there is no savings, $55 for 1st two cards and $55 each thereafter.

Myrna wrote: Oh, sorry. When she comes to pick up the kids, I will ask who gifted her. Whoever had her last year, I guess. I do not even keep track of that anymore. Thanks for looking up the Costco ad. 

What is Boxing Day in England?

Brandon, I was only half right. (That means I was also half wrong.)


I looked it up on Google and found several references. 

The exact etymology of the term "boxing" is unclear. 

There are several competing theories, none of which are definitive. The European tradition, which has long included giving money and other gifts to those who were needy and in service positions, has been dated to the Middle Ages, but the exact origin is unknown. It may come from a custom in the late Roman/early Christian era, wherein metal boxes placed outside churches were used to collect special offerings tied to the Feast of Saint Stephen, which in the Western Church falls on the same day as Boxing Day.

In Britain, it was a custom for tradesmen to collect "Christmas boxes" of money or presents on the first weekday after Christmas as thanks for good service throughout the year. This is mentioned in Samuel Pepys' diary entry for 19 December 1663. 

This custom is linked to an older English tradition: Since they would have to wait on their masters on Christmas Day, the servants of the wealthy were allowed the next day to visit their families. The employers would give each servant a box to take home containing gifts and bonuses, and sometimes leftover food.

List for thank you notes.

Myrna wrote: Julie, is this right? For some reason, I didn't write it down this a.m.  I think Todd was talking about the photos that he sent. That was why he was wondering if they were duplicates because he couldn't remember which one of Michael we had received a copy of when Michael left and which we had not. The others were family photos for our frames.

Christmas/Birthday

Children, spouses and families--payments on the security system.

David, Arbree and family a stainless automatic lid kitchen trash container.

Todd, Amy and Family--family photo.

Shawn and Kim, a nut/spice/coffee grinder.

Melanie, Howard and family--Levis for Dad and cookbooks for Mom.

AnnMarie, Kirsten, Julie, Melanie (spouses and families)--grain mill.

Kirsten, Jared and family--jackets for Dad and Mom and a sweater for Mom.

AnnMarie, Brandon and family--two jackets for Mom.

Brigitta--a denim jacket for Grammy and binoculars for Gramps.

Benjamin--photos of mission.

Braden--photo

Aunties--candy; Don and Thelma--CD.

Pretty white sweater for Myrna from Amazon came from?

Please answer ASAP (including all of you)

Myrna wrote: We seem to have acquired a set of binoculars. There are several options: 1. one of you sent them to us for Christmas/birthday; 2. they belong to one of you and you left them here by accident; 3. they were included in a package intended for one of you and which you opened here but forgot to take with you.

We are confused. We went through the trash and looked at all the boxes and wrappings and we still have no clue. Please, please help us out. Thanks, Mom and Dad

Kimberly wrote: Those are for dad from Brigitta, I showed them to dad, but he was busy....they should say Sorrel River Ranch.


Myrna wrote: Bless you! Thanks for letting me know. I think we are getting old, Dad and I. He couldn't remember where he put the money that I gave him for Christmas this a.m. either. Hehehe. I found it. Whew. . .

That was so sweet of Brigitta. They are very nice and I will make certain to thank her. She is a sweetheart. She spent more on us that we gave to her.

Kimberly wrote: No, she got  deals.

Myrna wrote: At any rate, she was thoughtful and it is appreciated. Do you have to be up early in the a.m.? Oh, wait, we are up early in the a.m. Thanks for making it so I could sleep tonight without worrying. Kisses for that!

Kimberly: This cold is making me more crazy, no I can sleep in--when I get to sleep.

Myrna wrote: I don't remember being quite so ill with a cold. I really was sick. I am sorry that you picked it up. The snow will probably make it so that the germs die off for awhile. That cold, dry weather we were having added to the close contact with sick folks at pre-Christmas events was just a breeding ground. Use the airborne. It really helped me.

Kimberly wrote: Dane was my share-er, I am using airbourne and right now I am curled up in bed working.

Todd wrote: Mine are in my bedroom. Just used them last night to spy on the neighbors in their hot tub.

Melanie wrote: Not ours, but I have had my eyes on a pair. Love you. Mel

Oh Todd...points = +1.Melanie wrote: Not ours, but I have had my eyes on a pair. Love you, Mel


By the way...we loved the Aebelskivers that we had for our traditional Boxing Day breakfast. Thanks Mom and Dad...you have made many years of this tradition possible because of the gift of an Aebelskiver pan several years ago. It has been a gift that keeps giving. Yum! Mel and family


Myrna wrote: You are welcome, each and every one. Thanks for carrying on the great Danish tradition of Aebelskivers in your homes. Oh, the smell. Oh, the memories. YUM. Love you.

I have found a great carrot/pineapple cake that has only fruit juice for sweetening. Dad loves it, Jim loves it and Kyle pronounced it good. So I have one treat that I can make and we all can eat.

Thanks for the cookbooks. I am reading them like most people read novels--one bite at a time. Hehehe. I couldn't resist the pun. ;) (And yes, in real life I really do wink that often.)

Julie, David and others took some photos of the great gift openings. However, I am not sure, with my red nose, if we should share them. I don't want any of you thinking that I am Rudolf. (I just had slight cold sores thanks to how well I have learned to take care of me but a red nose from wiping.)

AnnMarie wrote:  Looks like they are from Brigitta.  But we forgot to look for Rachel's DS case.  It is pink and rectangle.  Matthew says it is likely in the basement.  He had it in his bag when they came last week.

Myrna wrote: It is here. We put it on the bookcase and, in all the excitement, forgot to give it to you. After you left, Mary noticed it and asked why we didn't give it back to Rachel.

AnnMarie wrote: Good.  We'll get it tomorrow.  I was sick last night so I am recovering now.  Something I ate. . . .

Kathy, please help

Myrna wrote: Kathy, do you have a current address for Francis Cunningham? She is a relative of my husband's (Leonard or Tim Trauntvein who grew up in Kenilworth) but the card I have sent her for Christmas has come back. It is the same one I used when their daughter died so I don't know what the problem is. Thanks, Myrna Trauntvein Kathy wrote: Hi Myrna, As far as I know Francis is still at her home in Spring Glen but I haven’t heard from her or seen her for a long time. I’m guessing maybe you have the wrong zip code. There was talk about changing the mail service to Price instead of Helper but I can’t remember if that ever happened. If they did change it to Price then you would have to use the 84501 zip code instead of the 84526 zip code. If all else fails you could just call her up? I hope all is well with you and your family. Thanks for writing. Kathy Hamaker Myrna wrote: You are right, I could just call her up. Thanks for responding. I continue to appreciate the hard work you do on preserving the history of our home area. Thanks for that. My family is all well and is growing. We now have 33 grandchildren and are expecting one more in May. I also hope all is well with you and yours. Happy New Year!

From the Eric Trauntvein Family

From Eric Trauntvein Family to the Shawn Trauntvein Family.
Kimberly wrote: Thank you so much!

A Few of the Birthday Greetings That I Wanted to Save

There were many birthday greetings sent via email and Facebook. This is just a sample. My family all sent cards and friends posted on Facebook. I was surprised to hear from the following. David Childs also sent a card. 

This birthday was not an easy one because I reached the age of 72. Grandma Smith died at 72. Aunt Renee and Mom Edna also died in their early 70s. I found myself tearful and grateful to be alive but wondering what lies in store. 

David Childs: "Happy Birthday, Myrna! Hope that you are surrounded by love and family today and tomorrow and the rest of the holiday season! I love you!"


Russ Farrer: "Happy Birthday, Myrna"


Brigitta Trauntvein: "Hope everyone is safe and warm! Love you too!"


Beth Jensen Durfey: "Happy Birthday Myrna my dear friend!! I do hope you have a wonderful day today. You were born on one of my dear Aunts birthdays, My mom had 10 sisters. The one born on the 24th of Dec. was just older than she was. So I do hope your birthday is a very very Happy one. Love you my friend."

Kathi Tanner: "Have a really wonderful and Happy Birthday! And a great Christmas! We're having a warm Christmas on our mission to Sydney, Australia. Enjoy!"


David wrote: "Hi Myrna, been thinking about you as well. Thanks to your Christmas card and facebook, I do know that you seem to be doing well with your life and taking care of the diabetes! Good work! We're doing well, getting older and keeping happy (not necessarily in that order :) ) I love you too - Take care!"

Sandy Hook and Grief

Myrna wrote: I do appreciate this article sent by friends. I have grandchildren who live in Ohio, in Colorado, in Texas and all around in Utah and I have wondered, as I heard the news of the deaths of the innocents, how it could be possible that their sweet lives could be ended so cruelly. Nevertheless, I know that the babies will be raised by their parents during the Mellinium and will have all the chances to grow physically that we all have. Now they are spiritual grown-ups again and are about our Father's and our Savior's work on the other side. It is human to mourn, however, and I do. I mourn because Satan has sway with so many and, even though he will not win and will be cast out, he is delighting in causing a great deal of misery.

Thanks for sharing. Keep up the good work.

Merry Christmas. This was a tragedy that is hard to understand. I don't think we ever will in this life. This is an interesting story of the Stake President of the little Mormon girl who was killed. Read on, as it also talks about Abraham Lincoln and then the bombing of Japan.
We love you all.
Robert and Cindy

Grief
Dave Checketts is not a professionally trained clergyman.  The former chairman of Madison Square Garden and the New York Knicks is currently CEO of Legends Hospitality, the concessions and merchandise company he jointly owns with the New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys.  But he’s also a lay minister for the Mormon Church with oversight of ten Mormon congregations in Fairfield County Connecticut, including the one in Newtown.  

On Friday morning Checketts had left his New Canaan Connecticut home and headed to his Park Avenue office to prepare for a weekend business trip to Dallas for Sunday's Cowboys-Steelers game.  He and Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones planned to host a group of new investors. But late morning he got an email about a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary.  From his laptop he accessed the church records for Mormon families in Newtown.  Five of them had children that attended the school.  

A series of phone calls confirmed that all of those children were accounted for except one – six-year-old Emily Parker, a first grader.  Suddenly, it wasn't possible to focus on business.  Checketts cleared his calender for the afternoon. 

Robbie and Alyssa Parker had just moved to Connecticut from Ogden, Utah.  Along with Emily, they have daughters ages 2 and 4.  Robbie, a health care professional, worked at Danbury Hospital.  When Checketts reached him there, the facility was on lockdown due to the school shooting.  Robbie was on his way to meet his wife at the fire station in Newtown.   She was there with other parents awaiting word on the children. 

Checketts emailed leaders of Mormon congregations throughout western Connecticut: “Pray for Emily Parker.”  

He also organized a prayer service for that night.  Then he headed back to Connecticut.  He was almost to the Parker’s home when he got word that Emily was among the 20 children who had died.  “I didn’t know what to say,” Checketts said.  “I go back and forth between tears and anger.  It is just hard to comprehend.”

The business trip to Dallas got canceled.  In an email, Checketts notified Jones and the investors. One by one, they expressed condolences and promised prayers. 

When Checketts reached the Parker home, Robbie asked him to lead his family in prayer.  While praying, Checketts felt impressed to say that Robbie would deal with his grief by speaking publicly about the tragedy, and that he would emerge as a powerful voice for compassion and peace.

After the prayer, the family's needs were discussed.  Chief among them was finding a mortician.  But funeral homes in the area were overwhelmed.  Checketts promised to take care of everything, including all burial and funeral expenses.  

He called a funeral home in a nearby town.  Six years earlier Checketts had attended a service there for a young Mormon missionary who was killed by a drunk driver in Argentina.

“I had to go tell that boy’s parents that he wasn’t coming home alive,” Checketts said.  It was the hardest thing he’d ever done as an ecclesiastical leader.  However, that experience had introduced Checketts to an unusually empathetic funeral director. 

Suddenly facing an even harder situation, Checketts reached out to him and asked if he would prepare Emily’s body for burial.  The church, Checketts explained, would cover all the expenses.

“There will be no expenses,” the funeral director said.  

The following day, after authorities released the names of the victims, Parker was the first parent  to speak to the national media.  Without notes or a spokesman, Robbie choked back tears and expressed sympathy for the family of the man who killed 26 people and himself.  "I can't imagine how hard this experience must be for you," he said.

Checketts was moved to tears.“What happened in Newtown is unthinkable,” Checketts said.  “But little children are alive in Christ.  Though the nature of the crime is the essence of evil, our faith tells us that these children burst into the presence of God and are safe in his arms.”  

Grief, while heartbreaking, can also give rise to powerful acts of compassion.  By the time Abraham Lincoln gave his second inaugural address on March 4, 1865, the American Civil War had claimed roughly 750,000 lives, resulting in 37,000 widows and 90,000 orphans.  

Why did God allow such devastation?  It was a question Lincoln had pondered.  Plus, there were many in Washington that wanted to punish the Confederates for all the carnage. Against that backdrop, Lincoln said: 

"With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan—to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves, and with all nations."

One month later Lincoln was assassinated.  But those words – with malice toward none – live on.  It reminds me of the story of Kenneth Brown, a U.S. Marine serving in Japan after the atomic bomb.  It was just before Christmas when Brown encountered a Japanese professor of music who introduced himself as a Christian.   He said he had a small children’s choir and asked if they could perform a concert for the American soldiers. 

Brown belonged to a unit of hardened fighters that had spent four years away from home, battling the Japanese from Saipan to Iwo Jima.  The concert took place on Christmas Eve in a bombed out theater.  The closing number was a solo from ‘The Messiah’ by a girl who sung with the conviction of one who knew that Jesus was indeed the Savior of mankind.  The soldiers cried.

Afterward, Brown asked the Japanese music professor: “How did your group manage to survive the bomb?”

“This is only half my group,” he said softly.  

“And what of the families of these?”

“They nearly all lost one or more members.  Some are orphans.”

“What about the soloist?  She must have the soul of an angel the way she sang.”

“Her mother, two of her brothers were taken.  Yes, she did sing well.  I am so proud of her.  She is my daughter.”  

Brown was moved to tears.  “We had caused them the greatest grief,” Brown later wrote.   “Yet we were their Christian brothers and as such they were willing to forget their grief and unite with us in singing ‘Peace on earth, goodwill to all men.’  That day I knew there was a greater power on earth than the atomic bomb.”

Dratted Letter

Myrna wrote: Next year, Kirsten, I am shipping the newsletter to you before I print. I printed the first 50 after Dad read it and said it was clean. It was missing a period. I fixed that and printed another 50. I was reading along and I have "author" twice in the same sentence. It is enough to drive me to the brink. I fixed that for the next printing. I don't see my errors. I need a good editor. Dad doesn't see my errors either, until they are in print, then he notices. UGH! Oh well, I suppose it is alright to look like an idiot. If the shoe fits. . . I've spent my life learning English and when I die, we will speak Adamic. (Apparently, I have not learned to be a proofreader.)

Kirsten Trauntvein Waite wrote:  Hahaha momma! Every editor needs an editor. Didn't you remember that? Especially if the proof reading editor recently had eye surgery.


Myrna wrote: The proofreading incident was BEFORE the eye surgery.

Kirsten Trauntvein Waite wrote: Apparently that surgery was really needed... . Lol. Love you, Mom!

Sonya Sue Sudweeks Gibson wrote:  As you have figured out in previous years I don't do the Christmas card thing . . . But I do want to tell you how much I enjoy reading yours and hearing how everyone is doing! I very much appreciate your friendship.

Honey for Christmas

David and Kate Bird Concerning a Gift to Alyce Childs Myrna wrote: I am not certain if another case of honey will be a welcome gift for Alyce or not. Tell her that it does have monetary value and can be sold if she has too much. :) Hehehe. Well, it does have monetary value but I don't suppose she is into ebay, right? At any rate, we just purchase the honey, through Leonard's labor at harvest time, so it is fine. I think it is a good gift, but I am not certain. Let me know.
Thanks!

David Bird wrote: Kate and I love the honey and use most of it.  Thanks!!! :)   I know that Alyce uses a little too.  Hmmmm.... Do what feels right I guess.  Merry Christmas!!!

Myrna wrote: We like giving it. One of my kids, however, gave a honey bear to a neighbor and they said: "What, more honey! What do you ever do with it all?" I mean, really, it was a honey bear. That wouldn't last a week in our family. So then we all started wondering. . .

Thanks for answering. A case should be heading home today with the Leamasters. I had to stay home from the temple so only LHT, the Strong and Healthy, was able to go. I have a REALLY awful cold. Poor me. :(

David Bird wrote (12/24/12) Thanks again for the honey!!!  We love it!!!  Get better soon!!!

Honey for Alyce

Myrna wrote; I am not certain if another case of honey will be a welcome gift for Alyce or not. Tell her that it does have monetary value and can be sold if she has too much. :) Hehehe. Well, it does have monetary value but I don't suppose she is into ebay, right? At any rate, we just purchase the honey, through Leonard's labor at harvest time, so it is fine. I think it is a good gift, but I am not certain. Let me know. Thanks! David Bird wrote: Kate and I love the honey and use most of it. Thanks!!! :) I know that Alyce uses a little too. hmmmm.... Do what feels right I guess. Merry Christmas!!! Myrna wrote: We like giving it. One of my kids, however, gave a honey bear to a neighbor and they said: "What, more honey! What do you ever do with it all?" I mean, really, it was a honey bear. That wouldn't last a week in our family. So then we all started wondering. . . Thanks for answering. A case should be heading home today with the Leamasters. I had to stay home from the temple so only LHT, the Strong and Healthy, was able to go. I have a REALLY awful cold. Poor me. :(

Merry Christmas

Myrna wrote: Do you have a new address for Deloris Bahr? Would you share it with me, please? I would like to send out a card. I know, I am just doing it: December 20. Better never. . .? Gordon wrote: Hi and Merry Christmas. We enjoyed your newsy, thought provoking, Christmas letter. Please forgive us for not sending a card on to you. Haven’t done many cards this year. Too many irons in the fire. Deloris Bahr’s address is 4176 West 6520 South, Taylorsville, Utah 84129. May the Lord’s blessings be with you and yours at this very special time of the year, Christmas, and throughout the coming year. Merry Christmas, and our love, Gordon and Roberta Smith Myrna wrote: Guess what? I probably sent you two cards. I couldn't remember for certain and I forgot to put a mark by your name. I'd tell you its because I am getting old, but I have always been like this. Thanks for Deloris' address.

Manti Temple Shift Party

Good Article

 Good Morning and Merry Christmas,

I was going to thank Myrna last night for publishing the article/letter about school safety, but she slipped out early. It is much appreciated! We have been managing a fair number of questions, comments, opinions etc. and the article will help provide some basis of understanding for those who read it. Furthermore, we will begin to process how best to move forward. 

Thanks again,
Dr. Jim Shank, Juab School District Superintendent 

Myrna: I was coming down with a really bad cold. It just kept getting worse and worse. I went home, took some cold med and went to bed. Thanks for the thanks. Would you remind Charlene to send me your goals. Thanks for that. M

Snowman Cartoon

Melanie found a cartoon, in color, that shows a child snowman with a yellow lower half. The mom said to the snowchild that she had thought the child had gone to the restroom before leaving. It was great and she sent it to Siovhan with the following comment, "I thought you would love this. You know my humor..." Siovhan Bolton baaaaaahahahahahahah reminds me of a few capri sun filled marathon drives. Myrna Trauntvein It reminds me of a little girl who used to sing at the top of her lungs because she needed to "go" and we had just left her house. Hehehehe. Siovhan Bolton hahaha i can believe that, especially because if we're honest that little girl sang at the top of her lungs 95% of the time. the other 5% she was asleep (between midnight and 5am). Myrna Trauntvein I had no problem with the midnight. It was a good thing that you had a grandpa for the 5 a.m. part.

Gordon's Grandson-in-law

To  family and friends:  This is the video which appeared on channel two news Dec.19, 2005.  Some of you may not have seen it.

For those who don't know, Sharon  Boyce is our granddaughter.  She is the daughter of Peggy and Ernie Strong.  Peggy is our daughter.

Gordon and Roberta

utah%20soldier%20dies%20after%20complaining%20of%20headaches‏

Interesting

Melanie wrote: Remember my Finish Bishop, Kuellervo Hynynen? This is one of his brilliant inventions. 

http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/12/18/calgary-man-stops-shaking-for-first-time-in-10-years-after-revolutionary-scalpel-free-brain-treatment/ Myrna wrote: Your former bishop's new methods of treatment might just be a blessing for members of your family. It could help LHT, Eric and the others who have inherited the problem. WOW! I know it will be some time before it can be used generally but it is fantastic news. Getting rid of tremors would be a great blessing for many.

Two New Words to Toss Out At Council Meeting

op·pro·bri·ous  (-prbr-s)

adj.

1. Expressing contemptuous reproach; scornful or abusive: opprobrious epithets.

2. Bringing disgrace; shameful or infamous: opprobrious conduct.

---

op·probri·ous·ly adv.

His comments were ignorant, morally opprobrious, and categorically bigoted, and while obviously acceptable and not out of character for him, they were profoundly unacceptable to the majority of Americans.

im·mis·er·a·tion noun \(ˌ)i(m)-ˌmi-zə-ˈrā-shən\
Definition of IMMISERATION

: the act of making miserable; especially : impoverishment<the immiseration of the working class — C. R. Morris>
Origin of IMMISERATION

2in- + miserable + -ation
First Known Use: 1948

Friend of Kirsten's

Mrs. Trauntvien

It was so good to see you tonight at the temple. Its exciting to hear how Kirsten is doing. Can you send me her phone number? Thank you so much!!! Have a great night!!!

Jennifer Fowkes Francis

Myrna wrote: Kirsten, here is the e-mail address of your friend. If you two would like, you could e-mail and not wait for me. I will send the phone number tomorrow evening. It is late and I am going to bed. Love to all. M


Kirsten wrote: Mom, Thanks for the info.  I haven't seen her in years.  Will be good to catch up. Love you! Kirsten

Greetings from Nephi (at least, two Nephites) ;)‏

We had a spiritual day at church, as always, beginning in Sacrament meeting and moving on through our other meetings of the day. Bro. Paul Sutorius spoke about the great gift the Savior gave each of us: the atonement. He spoke of the wise men (we really don’t know how many there were) and how they were “seeking” of the Savior when the star appeared. They knew it for what it was, because they were prepared to recognize it when they saw it. They went to Herod who had, apparently, either not seen the star or had not attributed it to anything of import. However, the wise men did understand its significance and did follow it seeking the Christ. 

Bro. Sutorius spoke of the many stars each of us have to guide us, chief among those the scriptures, our families, our teachers, the prophets and others who love and serve us. Those are stars we may follow in our own seeking of the Savior. First of all, we must seek the Christ and then He will grant us the stars we need to lead us to him. Our stars, in addition to the scriptures, are usually people.

We have a young woman in our ward who was injured in a terrible car accident a couple of months ago. For awhile, it was not certain whether she would live or, if she did, if she would walk again. She is now on crutches and is our ward miracle girl. At any rate, Bro. Sutorius asked her to hop to the podium and asked he a few question. He then asked her what she saw when she looked out at the congregation and she replied, “Stars.” She did so a bit tearfully and many of us shared her tears.

His main message? We must remember that the Savior can only be found if we are looking. 

He was also our instructor in Sunday School. We discussed charity and its meaning. We learned from the Book of Mormon that the word atonement can be substituted for charity. Because charity is the love of Christ for us, expressed by his willingness to atone for our individual sins and for our pain and suffering. We must accept the gift he bestowed upon each of us and each day of our lives we should try to emulate our Savior in our daily living. If we seek Him, we must try to be like Him.

We also learned great lessons about charity in our Relief Society lesson.

We are enjoying your letters and we know that you are serving others as you serve our Savior. Certainly, you are having experiences that will help you all of your life. We are also enjoying your letters and that we are grateful that you include us in your circle of loved ones. 

Judging from the many young women coming to the temple to be endowed prior to their going on missions, many of them coming in your direction, you will soon have an army of young women there to assist you in your efforts to bring the gospel to the Latinos in California.

Take care and know that you are loved and that we pray for you often each day. We love you!

To You Who Give Two Gifts

Todd tells me that all of you (all ya'all) are paying $40 each for us to have the security system. None of you should be buying us any other gifts. He just sends us a little sweet little reminder card and that is what you should be doing. All of you. I think I need to call the company and take over the payments. It doesn't seem fair that you are double-gifted. Thank you for this year but, perhaps, you should rethink?

Bolton's Christmas

Myrna wrote: I sent Braden's package to you because I thought he had left for Texas. Ams said she didn't think he had. The packages I send to the away kids differ a bit from the ones I send to the at home kids. I hope that is not a problem.

Were the ornaments OK or were they broken. The guy at the Provo post office was so certain that he knew what he was doing that Dad and I did not question it until we left. Then we wondered and I have worried. If they were, please let me know. How about the round package? Is it also OK?


Melanie wrote: Thank you!
He is here in Texas.

We received the packages and they are under the tree. The ornaments are on the tree, and they are perfect...no damage. I will try and take a picture of our tree and get it sent out. I still need to put the ribbon on and to put the star on the top.

I sent your birthday present last week. It is in a box from the postal service. You can open it, it is in a birthday package.

I am sending Dad's Christmas present tomorrow. I sent your Christmas package from Amazon. It will be gift wrapped, so you can put it under the tree.

Ben is getting socks from us and from some other people, so later will be better, that way he will have back ups.

I love you!
Melanie

About Program

I'm sorry that I invited you to the Christmas Relief Society program held in our stake. 

I could tell, by their sobbing, that some of the sisters found the program very touching. Judging from their crying throughout, I thought that they were active participants emotionally, sitting there in the dark with hands on laps turned upward so that we each could feel as items, such as the coarse linen, were placed in our hands. Our ears could hear the sounds from the music and narration but I really am a visual learner and it was not as appealing to me as it could have been had my eyes been allowed to see.

I noted that none of us cried. I know that neither of you like the "touchy-feely" sort of program any more than I do. In addition to that, there were some parts that bothered me, like wearing a blindfold for 75 minutes and having babies cry because of the dark and having to have their feet touched. I know that we were to touch the small baby feet and think of the birth of our Savior as though we were at the stable but I did not think the point was worth having a baby be the representative.

I also do not know if Satan tempted Jesus in the period of time that Heavenly Father left him alone on the cross so I did not like the song that was sung during that period. I do not think that music from "Jesus Christ, Superstar" was as appropriate as words from a more sacred work might have been. For example, I think I may have liked something from the "Messiah" much better.

I value the Savior, His life and His sacrifice, but I prefer more visual programs than the one we attended. 

I just wanted you both to know that I was not as sold on the program, after seeing it, as Annette Lovell was, prior to the program, when she was telling us that it would change us for the better. At any rate, I wanted you to know what I thought. 

You have such busy lives and made time to go to the program with me simply because I am your mother and I invited you. We went early, another sacrifice for each of you on a busy day during December, so that we could gain entrance and would not be turned away since there were a set number of seats available. That took even more of your precious time.

Dad said I should probably appreciate the work someone had put into the program but I found it a bit maudlin (effusively or insincerely emotional). Perhaps you both loved it and were glad I invited you. If so, just ignore this.

Kirsten's Friend

From: jkfrancis30@netzero.net Mrs. Trauntvien It was so good to see you tonight at the temple. Its exciting to hear how Kirsten is doing. Can you send me her phone number? Thank you so much!!! Have a great night!!! Jennifer Fowkes Francis Myrna wrote: Kirsten, here is the e-mail address of your friend. If you two would like, you could e-mail and not wait for me. I will send the phone number tomorrow evening. It is late and I am going to bed. Love to all. M Kirsten wrote: Thanks Mom. It will be good to get in touch with her.

About Richard and a Request

Eva Dixon wrote: Can you rell me what is wrong? Thanks.

I got David's Christmas card back for wrong number.  

I have 194 West 200 So, Hurricane 84737

Myrna wrote: It is 6194 W. 200 S., Hurricane, UT  84737

It looks like you just missed the "6" at the beginning.

Eva Dixon wrote: Thank you. My crazy left  eye so often does not see the first number on on a line.  Unfortunately, I have this problem to often.  

Richard was released after 9 days in the hospital. The lymphoma has returned in his thigh between the muscles. He will meet with his Dr. next week to talk about what they will do next.  So disappointing.  He was coming home on the 36th for four days.  The best laid plans of mice and men oft times go astray.

Cassie and Kim Pitts' Addresses

Myrna wrote: I need mailing addresses for you and for your mom. Thanks, M

Cassie Pitts wrote: 

My moms address is 2479 S Highway 10 

Price, Utah.

Mine is 1220 E 800 N Appt 1D 

Price, Ut 84501

I work at TKJ. It is a group home for adults with mental disabilities

Myrna wrote: My e-mail address is: mandlht@msn.com.

Thanks!

Blessed are the peacemakers

Dear Sister Jorgensen, the scriptures you shared during prayer meeting on Saturday were most helpful. I have pondered what it really means to be a peacemaker since then. Thanks.

You were there, Friday evening, to see that I tried to turn away hurtful words that one person said by making light of them, or turning them into a joke. I should not have done that and it was not proper. I must have conveyed my hurt a bit, however. Things did not seem as smooth after I told her that I was just a noisy creature who was trying to do the business at hand as quietly as possible. I had cut back from a roar to a meow. I said: "Sister, I am certain that I came here to be as noisy as possible--lol." I did not add, but could have, that my behavior, apparently, did not meet her standard but that her standard was extremely high. I must have overreacted to the criticism because the critical one went out of her way to be friendly on Saturday. In fact, she told me that she hoped we were still friends and hoped that I had not become angry with her on Friday. So much for trying to smile through her criticism. Blessed are the peacemakers. . .




Sometimes I am not among them.


The one problem that is making it difficult for me to be as objective as I might be, is that, since I am in a leadership position, I have had several sisters, all excellent workers like you, come to me and ask what they should do because that particular sister has offended them. Your scriptural consel was to always choose to be an affable person who loves others as the Savior loves us. 

Merilyn Jorgensen wrote: And sometimes the stress of the time doesn’t help us in handling little things that otherwise wouldn’t bother us.  “Peace” is a state of mind—though it comes only from the Prince of Peace, we have to embrace—and ask for it—with open hearts.  Circumstances always have many ‘sides’, interpreted many different ways.  I have a difficult time remembering that when I ‘react’ quickly, without thinking (which I usually do L )

Thanx for being my friend, I  Luv ya.  Merilyn

Two items‏

Myrna to Melanie: I sent Braden's package to you because I thought he had left for Texas. Ams said she didn't think he had. The packages I send to the away kids differ a bit from the ones I send to the at home kids. I hope that is not a problem.

Were the ornaments OK or were they broken. The guy at the Provo post office was so certain that he knew what he was doing that Dad and I did not question it until we left. Then we wondered and I have worried. If they were, please let me know. How about the round package? Is it also OK?

From Melanie: Thank you!
He is here in Texas.

We received the packages and they are under the tree. The ornaments are on the tree, and they are perfect...no damage. I will try and take a picture of our tree and get it sent out. I still need to put the ribbon on and to put the star on the top.

I sent your birthday present last week. It is in a box from the postal service. You can open it, it is in a birthday package.

I am sending Dad's Christmas present tomorrow. I sent your Christmas package from Amazon. It will be gift wrapped, so you can put it under the tree.

Ben is getting socks from us and from some other people, so later will be better, that way he will have back ups.

I love you!
Melanie

About Ann Olsen

Rachelle Olsen-veal wrote about Ann Olsen:

The email is just a scam- my mom is safe in the US- apparently there are a ton of these scams coming from overseas, someone found mom's inactive email account and used it to send this stupid message. She's fine:)"

Diabetes Education Classes

Myrna, I am writing to inquire about your interest in our diabetes classes. We have not seen you for a few months, and want to know if we should keep you classified as an 'active' patient. If not, we will move you to our follow-up program. When patients are marked as follow-up, we like to be able to interview them once per quarter to assess how things are going. Please let me know what direction you would like to take, and if there is anything else we can do for you at this time. We enjoy working with you and wish to assist you with diabetes management any way that we can.

Thanks,
Jim Webster, BS Pharm CDE
Santaquin Pharmacy & Diabetes Center

Myrna wrote: Please go ahead and move me to the follow-up program. I now weigh 130 pounds (down from 160) and, except for a few days when I had the flu, have remained active. My blood work in the a.m. is anywhere from 88 to 98. During the day, two hours after a meal, it is 110 to 116. I will go for another A1C in March. 

I am a reader and have read many books about Type 2 since I first met with you. I continue to learn. I also have learned a great deal from the internet. I am not using any meds and I am determined to stay away from them as long as possible. 

My surprise, however, was that I can not only not eat refined sugar but have problems when I eat foods containing aspartame. Clarene Hansen, who works with Dr. Susan J Maturlo MD, said it would be OK to use them occasionally but, I guess, not for me. I never did like soda either sugarless or sugared. I did chocolates. I don't need them and I don't miss them. When I had the flu, I bought some sugarless cough drops and found that even one seemed to elevate my blood glucose. Not enough to be dangerous but enough that I did not like it (120). That was an evening reading, before bed. Clarene also gave me a better machine which is much more stable.

I have adjusted my diet. I do not miss sweets at all. I feel so much better without them. I have found foods that I love and I always did love a good green salad with lots of fresh vegetables. I also like Greek yoghurt, unflavored for desert. I sprinkle a little cinnamon on it and really enjoy myself. The rest of my family eats as they usually have, with a few exceptions. There are less sweets and that is fine with all of us. For me there are no temptations. I have a strong will and I am content and happy. Clarene said that I am a good candidate to reverse (not eliminate) diabetes.

Thanks, M

Nanci's Address

Helen wrote:

Nanci's address---
412 Blue Lake Court
Simi Valley, California
93065

Myrna, please send me Melanie's  and Brigitte's addresses. Thanks--Hope all is well. Love Just Me. H.T.

Two More Addresses

Melanie and Howard Bolton 3217 Hawthorne Court Flower Mound, TX, 75022 Brigitta Trauntvein HC 64 Box 4015 Moab, UT, 84532-9619 Thanks!

OK, so what I told you all was not true.

When I tried to order from Amazon for each of you, I found out that I could only order three of the DVDs I wanted. It doesn't matter what kind of preferred customer I am. Therefore, Melanie and family, Todd and family, and Kirsten and family will all receive a package from Amazon. The rest of you will receive it from me as part of your package from me. I will buy the DVDs from Costco and mail them to you. What a pain! Oh, well. . .C'est la vie.

As for the book which is included, it had better be hardbound because that is what I paid for. If it is not, let me know. We will send it back for the right one. I am saying this because, last year, it took two tries to get the books hardbound and not softbound. I sent them back twice before they got it right. Blessed are the patient because they will inherit all that's good in the life hereafter. In this life they will just get stubby teeth (from grinding them).

Kimberly wrote: We are at your house Christmas Eve.

Michael's address for certain

Amy G wrote: Michael now wants everything sent to the mission home.  It's been nothing but a big mess getting mail with his transfer so he'd rather eveyone send everything just to the mission home and he will get his mail about once a week.  Here's the address:

Elder Michael Trauntvein
170 W Duarte Rd.
Arcadia CA 91007

Eva wrote: I already sent his Christmas card to the other address he gave us.  I will just have to hope it catches up with him.  Thanks.  I will use this one on my next letter earlly next year.  Eva

Nanci's address

Myrna wrote: Eva, I tried to email Helen to get Nanci's new address but I didn't succeed. Could you send it to me, please? Thanks in advance.

Eva wrote: Sorry,  Helen has not given me a new one, I never  email her.  Here is Nanci's address   412 Blue Lake Court  Simi Valley, CA 93065    It is the same one she had for many years.   Tim, I do hope you eye appointment went well and you are healing nicely.  You are always in my prayers.  Richard went in last Monday for a biopsy on the new spot between the muscles in his thigh.  While he was there, he had fever so they admitteed him to hospital   His white blood cells were all out of whack.  He may go home tomorrow   Hopefully , they will have the results of the biopsy.  They  do not know what kind of cancer this is or how to treat it.- more chemo or harvest his stem cells then replant them, which would mean at least 1 more month in hospital in total isolation.   What a choice.  Hopefully, he will find out  more tomorrow.  Sorry, Jim came to get me for dinner for Karma and titan's birthdays.  have a good week.   Love,   Eva    

In addition to the Christmas Box

In addition to the Christmas box you will each receive from Dad and I, as usual, I have sent a book and a DVD via Amazon. The two items will not be gift wrapped. I think you may just want to put the packing box under the tree as is. Sorry about that. I did not want to pay them $3 each to wrap. The other things I am sending from here will be gift wrapped.

Melanie and Amy, should I send you the $25 for your Elders or should I send the cash to them? Is there something you would rather I would get for them? I do have a decoration and a couple of small things I am sending. Please let me know. You can even facebook me if you would like.

By the way, I left a period out of the Christmas letter. Have a laugh. I even ran the thing through Grammar Check and Gramps and neither caught it. UGH. I certainly must be Navaho, because I always have an error in everything I do. Of course, they make their error on purpose so as to not challenge the Great Spirit. I just do it accidentally. :(

Melanie wrote: Mom, 

I think that a little cash for them is always good. Ben's dinner appointment fell through the other day, so they were "forced" to choose fast food as an option in between their appointments. I sent Ben a small tree that he can use to put ornaments on. I am sure he will love what you send. 

I can't think of anything that he needs. Other family members have asked me, and I have told them what he requested, and they are helping out by sending those things to him. 

Thank you Mom. 

Merry Christmas, 

Mel

From Myrna: What things did Ben request?

From Melanie: Socks, pens, stamps, money. 

From Myrna: Socks, what size and color. They can go with the money.

From Melanie: Black socks. Calf high. Plain. He prefers the athletic style, as his feet are often sweaty. He wears a size 10 1/2 - 11 shoe. Thanks! Mel

From Amy G: Feel free to just send the $25 to Michael.  I'm sure he could use it.  At this time, could you send it to his new address?  Here it is:

Elder Michael Trauntvein

202 Matthews St.

Los Angeles CA, 90033

Thanks! Amy

From Amy G: Actually scratch that.  I just found out that his new address is not a complete address.  It needs either a North Or South to it.  So, just send it to the Mission Office and mark the envelope/box that it's for Christmas.  As long as they get it by the 14th, (which they should since you live in Utah) he will get it in time for Christmas.  The mission home address is:

Elder Michael Trauntvein

170  W Duarte Rd

Arcadia Ca 91007


Myrna wrote: I forgot to buy the socks when we were in Provo, so I sent his Christmas package and will send the socks later. Sorry about that. Nobody in Nephi has anything but white athletic socks or colored ankle socks. Drats. The fun of living in the sticks. :)

To Eva

I think that Tim/Leonard is doing well. He is healing nicely and the bruising is all gone now. I cannot believe how little time it took. He looked like an owl with his eyes rimmed in black for a couple of days and then it just started fading away. It is just two weeks on Monday since he had the surgery and he looks just like a regular human now. He can wear his contacts again and they are staying put so, I suppose, it was all worth it. We hope and pray that Richard's doctors will find the best treatment for him so that he can be healed. He certainly has had a struggle.

Myrna's Tooth

Myrna wrote: Do you remember the tooth I had pulled, fixed and put back? I went to get my teeth cleaned this a.m. and the one root of that tooth is being reabsorbed by my body. I suppose the best thing to do would be to have it pulled. I don't want to do that here, so I would like to have Jared do it when we come to visit. Probably not when you have your surgery but at some point. It is OK and is not bothering me. It was only tender when they stuck the probe into it. It is like 9 centimeters. It likely won't bother me anytime soon, but there is some slight infection there. Dr. Peterson did not give me an antibiotic because he said it really would only clear it up for it to come back. It is a low-grade infection. He said there is no rush, it will not blow up in the next six months.

Kirsten wrote: I think he'd be fine to take care of it while you're here for my surgery.  It shouldn't be that big of a deal.  Though you'd need to be on an antibiotic for a few days first.

This was written, entirely, by Regina Kelly.

MARY SPEAKS

Blow gently, wind, do not disturb the hay,

Sing to my Son a zephyr roundelay.

Come softly, softly as the dark night, sheep,

For here your gentle Shepherd lies asleep.

Blow gently, wind,

Come softly, sheep,

My Son, my God,

Here lies asleep.

Stand closer, child, stand closer to your Lord,

For this is He for whom the Jews implored;

For this is He whom all the ages seek,

A gentle King, this Babe who lies asleep.

Stand closer, child,

Come softly, sheep,

My Son, my God,

Here lies asleep.

By Regina Kelly

The word Christmas is a contraction of Christ's Mass, derived from the Old English and referring to the religious ceremony of mass. It is often abbreviated Xmas, probably because X or Xt have often been

used as a contraction for Christ. The English letter X resembles the Greek letter X (chi), the first letter of Christ in Greek transliterated as [Christos]). Xmas is pronounced the same as Christmas.