Food + Family = Christmas

Christmas was wonderful at the Williams' household. I do have to say this, I do not want to eat another piece of food. Yeah right, tomorrow I'll be hungry. Seriously though, you get with my family and it involves food. Lots and lots of food. Christmas Eve was spent eating a wonderful meal with a very tasty dessert, surrounded by great company, watching old home videos, and playing games. Can't ask for a better Christmas.

Watching those old family videos...Gads!

Playing with the kiddies...Trace and Peyton, so cute, so cute, so cute!

Aunt Rose and Uncle Michael

My Girls! Summer and Jessie, all festive!

Eating our wonderful Christmas Eve meal! Save room for dessert!

My Chocolate Pie that is DIVINE (a Pioneer Women dessert)!!! Oh my gosh - it's heaven!

My Mom's dessert that she made, and is now a new hit - apple carmel cake from the one and only Paula Deen. Another piece of heaven I tell ya!

After Christmas Eve festivities it was off to bed to wait for Santa to arrive. Spoiler Alert! Apparently my mom has been playing Santa all these years... As I was finishing up cleaning and going to say goodnight I saw my mom filling our stockings full of randomness and goodies. I couldn't believe it! I said, "Mom, what are you doing!" Her response, "Libby, go to bed! I couldn't wait any longer, I'm tired and so you caught me." So it was, the story of Santa Clause is just a story. At least I didn't get her typical response, "Libby, you kids (meaning my siblings) are getting to old for Christmas gifts and should have your own families that you should be playing Santa Clause for them." Thanks mom for not saying that - I know.

Anyhow, Christmas day came with, you guessed it, more food! After a nice nights rest we woke to a tree full of gifts. Santa (Mom and Dad) sure did provide. I got my Magic Bullet finally!!! I also got the Pioneer Women cookbook, which is AWESOME! Kitchen stuff as usually, a Brita water filter - which has made my testimony grow - it's a beautiful thing, and a Cannon copier/printer/scanner. Didn't see that coming - thanks Santa!!! I guess I must have been a somewhat good girl this year? What can I say, I try! ;)

Christmas was wonderful, most importantly it was surrounded by family, and that, I will have to say, is probably my favorite Christmas gift I received. Now it's time for the New Year, spending more time with family, and of course more good food to come!

Finally! I saw New Moon - it's about time, I know!

I got a group of friends together, some old, some new, and went to finally see New Moon at the Zion's IMAX in Springdale. Totally worth the drive out there. However, I was kind of bored with the movie, not sure it if was because I had to use the bathroom through basically the whole movie, dang collectors cup I had to buy??? I will have to say I am neither a Jacob or Edward fan, I am a Mike Newton fan. He is just adorable, and funny, I laughed through his whole scene! I did get really excited when Jacob finally took off his shirt, and I got really sick when Edward took off his shirt - I mean really, they couldn't make him buff up, shave his chest, and do something about his odd looking nipple? Hmmm... With all that said, I will probably go see it again before it leaves the theater either in the $2.00 movies, or a matinee. Also, for the record I still am an Edward fan, but he just needs to keep his shirt on. Nobody wants to see that deformed titty!

Me, Malynda, Celeste, Lisa, Alicia, Kelli, Jessie, and Erika. All Excited to see New Moon for the first time...except for the three girls that have already seen it (Malynda, Kelli, and Jessie). Which reminds me, Jessie - you need to be considerate to those of us who hadn't seen the movie...you know what I'm talking about.

My friends, Lisa, and Alicia. Lisa and Alicia went to hair school long ago - and Lisa and I just became friends...small world!

Kelli, Jessie, and Erika.

Chugging my rootbeer...dang stuff, made my movie experience unpleasant. That cup is a keeper though, it's plastic and all!!!

The empty IMAX theater, we basically had it all to ourselves. SWEET YO!

My New Favorite Christmas Song

Sing it Faith! I Love this song, it's so beautiful.

Ask, and Ye Shall Receive!

(This doesn't look like a lot of fabric, but I have yards and yards! Picture doesn't do it justice.)

I just finished another semester of school. Yeah for me! Along with finishing another semester I finished my last sewing class. On the last day of class I was finishing up my final project, a Lined Jacket - very pleased with myself, and the outcome of it. (Watch for postings on that beauty.) However, as we are constantly chatting it up in class I was complaining to my fellow classmates about how I don't have any Sunday attire for church. Well, with my complaining my Professor said, "Here you go!" And handed me a pile of fabric straight out of an era I was never around for. I was consumed with joy! I just was given some of the most cutest fabric EVER! Since I am now officially done with work for three weeks and my dear friend Holly lent me her trusty sewing machine for the last two months I am going to get busy and make those church clothes (skirts) that I apparently don't have enough of....

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...

Yes I know Christmas has been here since way back in November, but I'm just now getting into it. FINALLY - it's bout time! So, I put my tree up, still haven't found a topper, and still not sure if I even like my tree? I gave my old "garage sale find" to my sister so her and her roomies could have a tree. I decided to upgrade to something different this year. Hence the blue, purple, and silver. It's for my Jewish ancestors - if I have any? Although I have to say this, I think I like the traditional red, green, and gold. Someday when I'm rich (whenever that will be???) I will have several trees sprung around my house. A Jewish one, a traditional one, and probably one just like my mom used to have. Ohhh, a tear just thinking of childhood Christmas memories.

Moving on... Along with putting up a Christmas tree came the building of Frosty - whom is hanging out in the backyard. I would've invited him in, but not sure if he would last long. I want to state for the record I have never been much for building Snow Men - I know what you are thinking...since I don't have a man in my life I should make me one. Funny! Well, for some odd reason my sister and brother are really into creating these things. I don't know what the fascination is in building one, but they do it, and I take pictures of it.So, that's what is going on in my Christmas arena. Wish I had more to share...

Are College Students Really THAT Stupid?

Yes, yes they are! I have been working on campus now for a year, in the Testing Center. I love my job; I get paid to do homework, and talk with my boss about how stupid college students are. A disclaimer here...I'm going to rant, and I'm sure it will please you to know that my attitude has gotten some complaints at work, but they love me too much to let me go - I'm just telling these fellow students how it is. I thought Mommy and Daddy didn't hold your hand in college...Oh yep, they still do apparently???

(Students know all about the Testing Center because it is posted on the SUU website - it answers every question possible, so there should be no reason for a student to not know all that is required for taking tests at the Testing Center.) When reading this please don't get butt hurt, I am a STUDENT, and believe me, I do some pretty stupid things even at college.

Working at the Testing Center:

* When coming to take a test I would think it's common sense to show up with a pencil. You really don't have a pencil...you want to borrow a pencil? No, you cannot borrow a pencil because then you will continue to take advantage of borrowing a pencil every time you come and test. However, YOU CAN BUY a pencil. Oh, you don't have a quarter. Sorry Charlie, you're out of luck and I'll be here when you are fully prepared to come back. See you soon. Wink! After sending him on his way I turn to my boss who is just shaking her head in disgust that students are so on top of it, she then say's, "What college student doesn't carry a pencil?"

* You are here to take a test...who is your professor? You don't even know what your professors name is. Do you want to call Mommy and ask her and then let me know so I don't give you the wrong test?

* Along with not knowing your professor you don't even know what your class is? Okay, it's Economics - that's a start! Well, there are several different Economic classes, do you want 2010, 3010, etc. Get your poo together.

* Are you really going to sit here and argue with me about the type of calculator. Your professor said a non graphing calculator. Here is a picture of a graphing calculator and here is a picture of a non graphing calculator. What do you not understand? (I have to say this caused many of arguments, students just want to argue until they get their way. If a teacher told us a non graphing calculator then that is what you are to use unless you go and talk to your professor - Seesh!)

* The day after a test is completed don't try to come in and take a test. You are here to take the Math 1010 tests with Professor John Doe. Well Sunshine, that test closed yesterday, and to top it off you had a whole week to come in and take that test. Unless you were on your death bed I don't see why you couldn't make it in until now.

* It gets me every time. "Excuse me Darling, do you want credit for this test you just took?" With a dumbfounded look on her face, "What?" "I said, do you want credit for this test you just took?" Very smartly she say's back, "Yeah - do you think I'm an idiot, of course I want credit!" "Well Sister, you could start by putting your name on the exam." "Oh, and you have a nice day, you're welcome." I get so tired of that, so now when I am handing out tests I look them in the eye and very sternly say, "DON'T FORGET TO PUT YOUR NAME ON THE EXAM." I even have gone so far to go into the testing room, and in big letters, print on the board that they face, "Don't forget to write your name on the exam." So far 9 out of 10 always put their name on the exam.

* To got along with not putting your name on the test...Many of the professors like to reuse their tests, therefore, the students are NOT ALLOWED to write on the test. Here is your test, and for another reminder, DO NOT write on the test. Test is done, test comes back, test has writing on it. That's just grand, thanks for listening.

* And lastly, if you have a cell phone (curse the cell phone!) make sure it's turned off! Not on vibrate, not on silence, but TURNED OFF! This is the best, a student who had previously fought with me about the calculator, and has been testing here numerous times this semester came into to take a test last week. Apparently 10th time is a charmer with him? I ask nicely to make sure the cell phone is turned off. 15 minutes later as I am in the testing room (where it is silent) I hear the song of some hip hop artist singing away and the hand of the young man reaching for his pocket. Caught ya - Nice!!! You're out, see ya! The rules say, if your cell phone goes off why testing you will be asked to leave. Maybe next time he'll get it right.

I really do love my job, but I just thought with work coming to an end for three weeks I would share some of my favorite things about this job. Did I say I get to do homework while I work, that part is my favorite!

Alive, Clean, and Waiting for Love From the River...

Well, I accomplished another big time goal! I just got done rafting down the Colorado River from Phantom Ranch, Grand Canyon, to Diamond Creek. What a BLAST! A BLAST I TELL YOU, OH MY GOSH IT WAS JUST GRAND! Like the canyon...

My first big thing was to go with out showering, I think that was much accomplished except for the major rapids that showered me, however, I never did soap up before them.

Second, I tried to find LOVE - even on the River. Halfway through our rafting journey we came to a place called Deer Creek Falls. It was one of our longer hikes, and full of heights, to which I am becoming less and less of a fan...anyhow, as the others were off hiking I stayed behind and just chilled. Josh (my totally awesome cousin who is the best river guide ever) told me of a crevice between the rocks that river guides would leave notes and treasures for other river guides. Since I didn't go hiking Stephanie and I decided to check out these nestled treasures. As the Lord be will'n and the creek don't rise I found a letter, or a "NOTICE" from a man looking for a women. Ah ha, I decided to answer this man's "notice" and as time will hopefully tell, and according to my cousin Josh, this young man should be answering my reply come next summer when the rafting season begins.

Among other things of which are of more importance, the rafting trip of a LIFETIME through the Canyon of the GRAND was beyond awesome, and even with being the middle of November I would do it again if the chance arose.

Timeline:

Day One: Were supposed to camp at the top of the South Rim, but decided it was way to fetching cold and stayed in a hotel. (And, I didn't even shower...)

Day Two: At the butt crack of dawn (5:00am) we began our hike down the Grand Canyon, 7 1/2 miles to the bottom to what is called Phantom Ranch. Crossed paths with my brother as he was finishing his trip and I was just beginning. Met up with the rest of the party who had already been rafting for eight days. Changed into my hideous manly gear and was thrown into some MASSIVE rapids.

Day Three: Camped at a beautiful sight, survived the cold camp air, geared up for another day on the river with side hikes that were beautiful as could be.

Day Four: Thrown into a very cold day, with a very frightening moment of one of our parties boat being flipped over. And, very grateful that everyone was okay.

Day Five: More river rafting, beautiful side hikes, and my friend Stephanie's Birthday. We also took a moment of silence for missing the opening night of New Moon...

Day Six: You guessed it, more river rafting and side hikes.

Day Seven: Conquered the ugliest rapid on the Grand Canyon - safely made it through Lava Falls, class 10 rapid. Woosh - out of control, yet totally amazing. The Lord heard our many prayers that day and kept all of us safe. I have to share this "not at the moment" funny thing that did happen on Lava Falls. I was in the raft that would always go first through the rapids (Josh's raft) and at each rapid we would wait at the bottom to make sure everyone got through safely. As we patiently waited at the bottom (which seemed like an eternity) Logan and Glen finally approached the rapid. There was a huge rock that blocked part of our view of them coming through. As we watched we could see that they made it through the first big hole, then they went out of view. With our view being blocked with the rock we had to wait to make sure they made it through the other rocks/holes. Just as they came into view we saw their boat beginning to flip and Glen scrambling to high side it so it wouldn't flip over. As we see Glen trying to keep the boat down we notice Logan (who was rowing) is gone. Now if you know my relationship with Logan you might think that I was happy, but as it was I started to panic and tear up, just as the tears, yes TEARS hit we see on the other side of the raft Logan clinging on to the rope with a hand in the air shouting "YEAH!!!!" The tears immediately turned to tears of happiness. Logan was gratefully okay.

Day Eight: A few big rapids, but not like the other day's, the canyon began to open up more, and a stench from not showering starts to seep out. Yet, who cares???

Day Nine: Basically on still water, basking in the warm sun, and continuing to smell.

Day Ten: Our journey is over as we finish rowing to Diamond Creek, the sun on our faces, literally, since I got burned, and arriving at a baron bank to pack up and wait for our rides to greet us and take us home. Finally, arriving home close to midnight to be greeted by my Mother who first thing out of her mouth is, "What is that smell?" Well mommy dearest - that would be me, and Frankly my Dear, I don't give a damn! Actually a hot shower has never felt so good!

As a final word, if anyone ever goes rafting down the Grand Canyon don't ask your guide (luckily my guide was my cousin who knew how ditsy I was...) as you are floating down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, and say, "What Canyon is this?" To his reply, "Well Libby, this canyon is The Grand Canyon." Is it okay to use the excuse that the smell coming from my body was overpowering my brain to function properly?

To see pictures you can go to my cousin Logan's blog, Paddle Oar Die or I have posted pictures, if you scroll down to "Libby's Pictures" you will see a new set of pictures called "Canyon of the Grand." Enjoy!!!

Special Thanks to my wonderful extended family for allowing me to come on this "once and a lifetime" trip. I will always have fond memories. Thank you, thank you!