A McGuire Christmas 2008

Celebrations began with dinner and then we moved to the basement where we had the little ones re-enact the nativity. Easton didn't care what role he played as long as he got to hold the shephard's crook. Sydney took to baby Jesus, Molly loved holding the star, and Tristan wanted very little to do with the whole thing. (Todd made a great donkey.) Jim shared with us some thoughts from "Jesus the Christ" concerning his birth. Afterwards it was "new jammies" time!

On Christmas Day everyone came over in the afternoon for gifting. It was fun to see how thoughtful everyone was. We have all been so blessed this year in spite of trials. We are so grateful to have children that love the Lord and are grateful for Christ's humble birth and mission on this earth.

Christmas Bonanza 2008 at McGuires'

The Christmas Bonanza this year was a blast! The basement at McGuires' was filled with partiers of all ages. Some were mostly happy. One was not (see pic below). After delicious food, awesome videos from each family, singing Christmas Carols, etc. we welcomed Santa Varnell. He passed out terrific gifts and entertained us with his wit and wisdom. We are so glad he came and we are so glad all of you came, too.

Monkeys at Christmas

Grandchildren add that special touch to Christmas!!

THANKSGIVING+SALE+TURKEY.jpg (image)

THANKSGIVING+SALE+TURKEY.jpg (image)

Hi all, I got this great recipe from Jeanne Ulrich for rolls using Frozen Rhodes. You'll want to give this a try.

Parmesan Rolls

Frozen Rhodes Rolls - Let desired amount of rolls thaw and rise about 1/2 way.

Then dip in a bowl of:
1/2 C. Melted Butter

Then roll in the following combined mixture:
1 C. grated Parmesan Cheese
1 t. Onion Powder
1 T. Parsley Flakes
1 1/2 t. Garlic Powder

Continue letting them rise and bake following the package instructions.

Halloween Cousins! Can't help but lovin' 'em to pieces.

Molly - Kutest Ever Kitty

Sydney - Frighteningly cute Feline!

Easton - such a scary skeleton!

Tristan as precious pumpkin boy!

More from Hilton Head (Charleston, actually)

These next pics were taken near Charleston at "Boone Hall Plantation".












This pic of Todd & Celest & fam was taken inside one of the many slave houses on the property.















The drive to the plantation was incredibly beautiful. This drive belongs in a movie. Actually, I think it is!

Nothin' Could Be Finer than to be in Carolina!

Sydney with a swollen eye - the mosquitoes were biting

Todd and Jim enjoyed Lobster at the Crazy Crab!

What the fixation with the lobster claw?

She Finished!

A few weeks ago Celest ran the Logan Marathon, coming in at about 3 hrs. & 50 min. After completing the 26.5 miles she was glad it was over but now wants to run in the upcoming Las Vegas marathon. We're proud of all the work and training she put into preparing for this. Run On!

Jim, James Albert, and Bill

Jim was recently given this photo of himself, his Dad, and his younger brother, Bill. On the back it said "Butch, James McGuire and "B". Butch and "B" were nicknames Jim and Bill went by when they were kids. When Todd saw the picture the first thing he noticed was his Grandpa's shoes. He thought they were really 'stylin'. He always was a snazzy dresser. We miss him!
-- I'm glad to have this photo because we have so few pictures of Jim and Bill as kids. If their Dad was still here he'd surely be pleased with the way "Butch and B" turned out. "B" was sustained as Bishop yesterday up in Kaysville. I'm sure his ward will love him.

Father's Day

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

I cannot measure my life by the many hours I have wasted doing frivolous things. I can only hope the good and important outweighs the less important things that I seem to always find to do. (Love-love-love the PBS Jane Austen movie series of late)

There is so much I want to do:

• I love to read and came home with a stack of books from my book group the other night that I want to read. So much to read - I have to make light reading second in relation to other reading that is urgent and necessary!!! I have books on my mp3, sitting by my bed, on the desk. (By the way you might want to read Princess Academy, Austenland - by Shannon Hale. If you want to be mightily inspired, read Three Cups of Tea - Greg Mortenson.)

• I want to get more instruction using my Photoshop program - It's not easy to pick up on one's own - at least in this writer's case. I'm looking into classes but they aren't cheap.
  

• I want to get more organized. I love organization and tools that help.
  

• I need to continue reviewing my emergency response material, food storage and work more on organizing my neighborhood's emergency plans, i.e. CERT, Block Captains, survival supplies, etc.
  

• Practice the organ more. My teacher is going to lose patience with me if I miss one more lesson because I wasn't prepared so canceled.
  

• Spend time with my babies (I've got to quit calling them that - I've got two grandchildren that are now in the 2's.) Maybe they'll always be my babies - my sons are!!!!!

• Talk with old friends more!!!!!
• 
  
• Cook more????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! JIm would be overjoyed. I'm really into healthy foods, antioxidants, organic stuff. Weird, huh! (The problem is that it is in addition to the unhealthy stuff - you know, sugar, prepared foods, etc.)
  

There is much more that I need to add to this list but can't right now. Same ol' "TIME" problem. But I'm going to work through it this year. Count on it ! - well, maybe!

Molly's Blessing Day

I have been searching for the memory card that had little Molly's blessing Day picture and finally found it. It was a special day for a very precious little girl and wonderful blessings were pronounced upon her by her father. Molly Beane is such a sweet-natured little thing and is always happy and smiling. Her middle name comes from her mommy's nickname that Jonathan came up with quite a while ago. It is cute and has sweet meaning. Here's the pic with her daddy holding her. Isn't she a doll, a Molly Dolly, as we like to call her?