December has been a whirlwind of a month filled with parties, concerts, family, friends, travels and everything that goes with Christmas. We have been so blessed we "Stand All Amazed" with all that has happened in our lives this month and this year. We appreciate the people in our lives that have helped us in our journey of life and continue to read our Blog and share in the happenings of our daily life.
THE PARTIES
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| Emily and friends |
Recipe:
12 Medjool dates, pitted
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1 Tablespoon Honey
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
pinch of salt
1. Preheat oven to 350* and line baking sheet with parchment paper
2. Mix together the softened cream cheese, chopped cranberries, chopped pecans, honey, vanilla and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and fully combined. I use my food processor.
3. Slice each pitted date lengthwise to create a small pocket - Do Not cut all the way through.
4. Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each date with the cream cheese mixture until fully stuffed
5. Arrange the stuffed dates on the prepared baking sheet
6. Bake for 10-12 min. just until the dates are warm and the cream cheese is slightly softened. Leet cool for. few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
WARD CHRISTMAS PARTY
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| Emily and friends |
I was asked to bring a Salad. I made a festive Winter Salad.
I small radicchio head torn into small pieces (I used a mixed salad mix that contained radicchio)
1 Fennel Bulb, sliced thin, fronds reserved
1/2 cup Pomegranate seeds
1/2 cup Parsley Leaves
2 Apples, cut into matchsticks
Ricotta Salata cheese ( I used Feta. You can also use Pecorino Romano or Cotija)
Dressing Ingredients
1/2 cup Olive Oil
2 Tbl, Rice Wine Vinegar
3 Tbl. fresh Orange Juice
1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt
Pepper to taste
2 Tbl. Honey
1/2 tsp. Dijon Mustard
Add all of the salad ingredients to a large salad serving bowl.
Add all of the dressing ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
Add dressing to the salad, toss and serve. (Do not use all of the dressing, coat salad as desired)
EVENTS
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| Linda and Sister Pam |
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| Russ |
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| Cute Alpine Children |
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BYU SHOW CHOIR WITH ADAPTIVE LEARNING STUDENTS
The BYU dairy dates back to 1949 when BYU established a dairy processing plant to provide milk to the students. In 1964 the operation moved into the new Dairy Products Lab Building, known as the Creamery. They added ie cream to their production.
While we were at BYU 1975-79 there was a grocery store originally Kent's Market that became Carson's Market that I shopped at as a student living in Heritage Halls. In 1999 the market closed its doors. The widow of the owner willed the building to the University, The University decided to turn it into a grocery store/creamery becoming the iconic The Creamery on Ninth. On August 24, 2000 the Creamery had it's Grand Opening. It was the first full-service grocery store on any college campus in the USA. The Creamery holds a special place int he hearts of BYU students, faculty and alumni alike. More than 200,000 gallons of Creamery ice cream are served each year.
In December 2025 another historic event happened as the doors to the new larger and updated Grocery Store and Creamery opened just behind the original Creamery on Ninth. We had to go check it out - yes, it is part of our memories with our kids and grandkids - while it is a great new building and will serve the students better, it was a little sad to know the historical building will no longer be a part of our lives. It's All About the Ice Cream!
THE TABERNACLE CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA AT TEMPLE SQUARE CHRISTMAS CONCERT
The Choir and Orchestra performed with guest artists, Stephanie J. Block and Sebastian Arcelus.
Stephanie is a Tony Award winner and one of Broadway's most dynamic leading voicers. She recently appeared as Kate in Kiss Me Kate in London; Broadways Into the Woods and Falsettos and The Mystery of Edwin Drood.
FAMILY
We decided this year in place of gifts to family we would travel and visit each family.
In between all of this we were preparing our home for our own Nativity Display and Open House and getting the refreshments baked and prepared. Our next stop was
PORTLAND OREGON
We stayed at the Mark Spencer Hotel in Downtown Portland and had the best time walking the streets and visiting the shops and riding the street cars and bus to get around. The Hotel was a historic building with a fun history around the Theatre in Portland.
This is the hallway in the Hotel with the frogs watching over us.
Josh, Kelly and Shannon spent the first day with us shopping and walking around downtown. It was so fun being with them.
We took everyone to The Urban German Wursthaus for dinner,
It was fun to share our love of German food with our Grandchildren.
Brats, spaetzle, pretzels, schnitzels and fries were enjoyed by all.
Their home is so cute and inviting and decorated so festive for Christmas. They still have roses blooming it is so green.
The next day Josh took us on a drive to Multnomah to have lunch at another German restaurant, Otto & Anita's Schnitzelhaus. It was just like the gasthaus (restaurants) we would eat at in Germany and Austria.
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| German Pretzel Appetizer |
Their specialty was Dill Pickle Soup. A NEW Favorite. It is right up there with Spargle (asparagus) and Pumpkin Soup.
We were getting spoiled by all the good food and atmosphere.
One of the highlights of the trip was to attend the Christmas Concert of our grandson, Jamie. He is a Tuba player in the band. The band, orchestra, Jazz band, choirs and dance team all performed. It was a phenomenal performance like nothing we had ever attended for a school concert. It was a sell out crowd for all three performances with over 500 students participating. We loved seeing the school Jamie attends and to see him perform.
I have shared his talent and skill in making custom leather boots. A year ago he made a scan and mold of our feet so that at some time he might make us a pair.
We each received a pair of hand sewn veg tan leather boots. They are the perfect fit for each of our feet. I received red boots with natural toe and Russ received a nice green boot. We have been wearing them around the house to get them worn in and the leather is already softening. This will last for many years to come - probably out last our lives.
TWIN FALLS IDAHO
He was very tired from a day of treatments and finally was able to come out to see who was there to see him. It was an emotional reunion - 7 years since we have all been together. We could hardly sing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas".
We put on our masks and had a wonderful visit. It was so fun being with my siblings and hanging out for a day with Tad and his wife, Kris, Brooke and Pam. We shopped and ate and played games together in a great reunion.
Pam and I drove through the neighborhood we grew up in that formed our lives and friendships. So many fond memories. The house looks pretty good for being 70 years old.
Our next door neighbors growing up in the Lynwood neighborhood, The Crocket's have also moved to Utah and came over for a visit. We have loved reconnecting with them and have so much fun reliving those wonderful years. Valene is 97 and the last of the parents of our neighborhood friends still living. She is a legend.
CHRISTMAS WITH EMILY, LOGAN AND PRESLEE
Christmas morning is still fun even with teenagers. Emily makes it so special for her kids and we enjoy being a part of their morning. Logan was so happy with his stack of gifts and he and Preslee even got along and enjoyed watching each other open presents. He spent the past two weeks building a computer for Santa's gift to Preslee. He took it very serious and kept the secret and was very busy behind closed doors most of the time. He was invested in her gifts and it made it really fun.
We enjoyed our morning together and then Russ and I were off to Minnesota to visit Jaime and her family.
We arrived about 7:00 pm in Minnesota and went directly to the Hotel we were staying in. Jaime and Andy got a room as well and even took their Christmas tree and put it up so there family could have Christmas morning together. Andy is a professional SANTA and Christmas Eve is his busiest day and night. They do their festivities all on Christmas day. We got there just in time to be a part of their Night in Bethlehem dinner. Two nights in a row to get to eat that dinner was a real treat. Jaime cooked the most delicious chicken and it was so nice being with their family again. It has been over a year since we have been together. We then were off for a good nights sleep to be ready to help the next day.
Farmington Minnesota with Jaime and family
Jaime and Andy own a bakery and Jaime had a private cookie making class the day after Christmas. We got to join them at the bakery kitchen and help prep for the class. Andy is the baker and Jaime makes the frosting, packages, does all of the marketing and sales, and teaches the classes. They are really good at what they do and it was a good year for them.
While Jaime was teaching the class, Russ and I drove to Northfield about 20 minutes South of Farmington - the Hallmark movie Love Always, Santa was filmed there in 2016. We watched the movie a few days before and then wanted to see the charming downtown that was used in the film.
We had a delightful day together and really enjoyed walking the square and the main street and visiting/shopping all of the antique stores and quaint shops.
Lunch at Hogan Brother's Cafe was a highlight. There were lots of coffee shops and bakeries but this was the only cafe on the street and it did not disappoint. We asked a couple coming out of the cafe if it was a good place to eat. They said, "we come from Minneapolis just to eat lunch here." They had the most delicious soups and sandwiches - perfect for the cold rainy day. We got a 3 scoop bowl of the best Mint chocolate ice cream for $2.49 - it was like going back in time.
The best treat was the antique store in the upper stories of the building. I got some really nice things for gifts and just enjoyed browsing through all the antiques and vintage things.
The Cannon River, a significant community feature flowing from South Central Minnesota toward the Mississippi River was a focal point in the movie. It was covered with ice and then water is flowing over the dam.
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| Cannon River Bridge |
She made it three sided so she could decorate the inside. Notice how detailed she decorated the little men and the inside. It is so cute.
We then took the family to Dinner at the Dragon Star Buffet - one of their favorite places to eat.
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| Gingerbread House Interior |
It worked great for everyone to eat what the wanted and as much as they wanted. The Seafood was so delicious - the best shrimp.
We really enjoyed our time with the grandkids eating good food and catching up on their lives. They range from 26 - 17 and it is getting harder as they get older to spend very much time with them.
Having fun watching the Koi fish in the restaurant pond.
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| ZUIS FAMILY |
Well, that is a wrap for our Christmas visits to family. It was a lot of traveling with a few adventures along the way. We ended up flying home via Boise Idaho and spent the night with my sister, Brooke and then she drove us home to Utah. Family is the best.
This is a fun AI Photo of Jaime and Andy as they finish up this Christmas Season with SANTA. It was another successful year and they are already booking for next Christmas.
The ALPINE LIVE NATIVITY started the month with Emily, Logan and Preslee. It was a gorgeous night with a full moon.
You start outside with the animals and Shepherds. It is located on a working farm and they have created this Bethlehem City for Christmas.
I will finish this months Blog with the most meaningful part of the Christmas Season - The reason for the Season - the Birth of Jesus Christ - The Prince of Peace, Savior, Messiah, Emmanuel, Lamb of God, Bread of Life, Good Shepherd, King of Kings and Light of the World.
NATIVITY DISPLAYS
The camels are a favorite and they are really interesting to watch and even pet.
After the animals you go into a barn that is created into the market of the city. As you enter you receive a coin and then pay your taxes to the tax collector.
You then walk encountering the Roman soldiers, musical entertainment and then arrive at a small building that houses the cave where Mary, Joseph and the Baby are residing. It is stunning to enter and go around the corner and see this beautiful setting. It is quiet and peaceful and filled with the Spirit. This is becoming another tradition for the family.
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| Camels |
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| Booth in the market |
GRANBURY TEXAS
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Granbury Ward is now the stewards of her Collection. They held the display at a new location this year in a Historic Home and it was absolutely stunning.
I really liked how the Nativities were displayed and the flow of the rooms. We really enjoyed walking through and seeing our favorite sets and meeting Sister Johnson who put it all together and has a love and desire to carry on the display in Granbury, So grateful for her efforts - her prayers and dedication to the event truly made a difference.
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| Russia Collection |
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| Around the World |
It is amazing to see that what started 30 years ago in Arlington Texas with 250 Nativity Sets on loan for a display has grown into this display in Granbury of 1,000 Nativity sets and my own display in my home.
Thirty years ago I was the Cultural Arts Specialist in the Arlington Texas Stake. My dear friend, Suzanne Sadler came to me and said, "We need to host a Nativity Display in our Stake and you are the one who could make it happen." That was in August and by December 1 we were ready with our first display in Arlington Texas.
At that time I owned two Nativity sets. Our collection has grown to over 100 sets from all over the world. We have met so many people and have been able to share our love of Jesus Christ with so many.
One of the original organizers of Nativity Displays first in California and now in Midway Utah are Jack and Holly Zenger. They participated in the community event for many years and the past few years have shown their collection in their home.
The theme for this year in the main room was Oriental. The two Christmas trees were decorated in the Oriental theme and were spectacular. Each year with a new theme and different Nativities displayed make it a wonderful experience.
This large floor set was in the entrance to the living room from the Orient.
This was one of my favorites as it shows Mary lying down resting.
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| Main Christmas Tree |
A treasure that has gwon over the years. Created by Judy Gibson King, a North Carolina artist, who works with polymer clay in the southwestern Santero (Saint maker) tradition. No paint is used, just colored clay. For the angel wings, Judy mixes colors ehn cuts and applies each feather individually. No two angels will ever have the same feathers.
Below is another set in a similar style but with Joseph holding the baby Jesus while Mary rests. So simple and beautiful.
The next day we hosted our Nativity Open House. We opened our home on Sunday, Monday and the following Sunday with a few private showings during the week. I love having my home filled with the Nativities and to feel the Spirit of Christmas every day. It was a lot of work with such a busy month but it is a big part of our Christmas Celebration. We really enjoy sharing with our friends and neighbors and this year even strangers.
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| Fontanini Village |
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| Angel Displays |
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| Pure of Heart |
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| 2025 Christmas photo |
OUR HOME
We start upstairs in Emily's home and begin in her living room. She decorated three large trees in her home and they were each unique and beautiful creations.
We move into the Dining Room where we display a large number of our Nativities. We showcase our Thomas Clark, Jim Shore, Hand made creations, Africa, Israel, Italy, Japan and others.
Fontanini Collection - a gift from Marsha Turner. I crafted a new Manger this year and added some additional decor to enhance the display, This set has become a favorite as I spend time creating the village with townspeople, musicians, Roman soldiers, Wisemen, Shepherds, Farmers, animals and think about their role in the Birth of Jesus Christ. It has become very special to me.
We move on to the family room with another tree and more Nativities. Emily's collection is shown in this room along with more our our collection.
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| Dining Room |
We made this ladder shelf to better display more of our sets. It turned out really nice and was so much better to showcase the Nativities.
We have Africa, Mexico, Peru, Haiti, India and many wooden homemade sets from family and friends.
This year was really special as we had so many friends from our Texas days who have also moved to Texas come and visit. The Smith's and the Jepson's - two families that made a difference in my life during our years at the Arlington Texas Institute. Margie and Cameron Anderson came twice and that was a trip down memory lane as we shared our love of Max and Sally and the many years we spent with them on Christmas Eve. Sam Jones and his brother and family along with Steve and Betty Anderson from our Texas days made the evening extra special.
Former missionaries, neighbors and friends. We love that several families have made it a family tradition to come each year. We look forward to their visits and catching up.
We now go downstairs to our home for the remainder of our Nativities.
This is where we showcase our Germany, Austria, Czech, England and Spain Nativities. We enjoy sharing our stories about each one and why they are special to us.
Willow Tree, Olive Wood Madonna from Israel and others are displayed on our mantle. Amazing how many we display in our small home.
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| Christmas Tree and Nativities |
Our newest addition is a Brick'um set released this year. I had Logan build it and he really enjoyed putting it together. He needed a little Jesus in his life and I think he was actually touched by experience.
It wouldn't be an event if there was not food served and this year I made mini cinnamon rolls with apples and caramel dip, chips with pepper jelly over cream cheese, cookies, hot chocolate and lemonade.
I finally found a German Lebkuchen (german gingerbread) recipe that is authentic with the dried fruit, frosting and dipped in chocolate. The are so delicious and one of our favorite German cookies. Only for those who want a true German experience!
We will enjoy them in our home for another week and then they will be taken down and stored for another year, I hope the Spirit that has been in our home with continue the whole year through.
Pres. Holland was a lifelong Religious Educator including being the 9th President of Brigham Young University, Dean of Religious Education at BYU and commissioner of the Church's global education system. He was a dynamic speaker and became one of my favorite Apostles to speak at General Conference.
He was an advocate for Repentance for the sinner and a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and His redeeming Atonement for ALL mankind.
He will be missed but his words will carry on in the hearts of those who heard him.
NEW YEAR'S EVE
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| Raclette food |
Another tradition brought from our mission is having a Swiss Raclette dinner. We had Riverbend Ranch Sirloin steak strips, onions, peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, apples and pineapple to grill on the grill. While that is grilling you melt cheese to put over boiled potatoes and any other of the grilled foods. We rounded out the menu with a green salad and sparkling water. It is so festive as each person grills their own food on the grill just like they want it, good conversation and a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect way to end the year in the quiet of our home enjoying a delicious meal.
BYU WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
We are looking forward to a few days of rest after a very busy December. We have felt so much Love and Joy as we have had these experiences that we shared. We wish everyone the Blessings you desire, the Hope of a bright future, the Peace and Joy found in Jesus Christ and all the Love you can feel to share.
With Love,
The Grimmett's
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