Thursday 10 November 2016

A Few of my Favourite Things . . .



These are a few of my favourite things  . . .

 

Vintage Christmas Baubles.   My mother had some beautiful ones that she had collected when we lived in Germany when I was a child.  Oh how I loved them.  My favourite ones of course were the red and white toadstool ones.  I am surprised that they ever had any red and white left on them for the touching of my fingers . . .  I could not leave them alone.



Oh how I loved my Little Golden Books Christmas Books.  I think my favourite one was the Night Before Christmas.  I had the whole thing memorised.  In fact I recited it at a village Christmas concert one year when I was about six years old.   I was a real ham.

 

I also loved this one illustrated by Eloise Wilken.  Her illustrations were just darling  . . .

I loved all of my Little Golden Books.



Ambrosia Salad.   In fact I think we used to call it Five Cup Salad because you had a cup of five different things in it.   Mini marshmallows, cherries or grapes, mandarin oranges, coconut and sour cream.  I think I will make some for Christmas.

 

Outdoor Christmas Markets.   I love them.   I never have any money to spend but that doesn't matter.  I love the feeling in the air, the crisp temperatures, the lights, the smells, the colours . . .  the sounds.

 

Christmas Jumpers.  (Sweater/pullovers)  The funkier the better.   Fun.  Fun.  Fun.



Speaking of fun.  I just adore these flats.   If I was a lot younger and didn't have feet like an elephant I would indulge myself in a pair of these for the holidays . . .

 

A bit of Holiday Nail Sparkle.  I might do this for the holidays.  We will see . . .



Fudge.  My mom made the best peanut butter fudge and she didn't use a recipe.  She just made it.  It was always a real treat for us when she did.

 

Turning the lounge into a Holiday Grotto come the holidays  . . .  I try anyways.



Oh, I wish I had the courage  . . .


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Having someone special to share it all with.  This year will be especially bittersweet.  I am afraid we got  some very bad news yesterday.   My sweetheart has Cancer of the Prostrate.  Of the 14 bi-opsies they took 8 contained cancer and it is in both lobes of the prostrate.  He has been started on Hormone Therapy immediately in an effort to shrink the prostrate and the cancer, and then after he has been on that for several months they will begin radiation therapy.  We will be travelling to Clatterbridge Hospital in Birkenhead five days a week for a minimum of three months.  With any luck that will do the trick.  In any case life just got even more precious, not that it wasn't already precious.  I like to think that I eak out the best that I can of every day.  This is a challenge, but one we will rise to in the best way possible.  We are remaining positive.   Silver linings, it is only stage two and has not spread to any outlying areas, lymph nodes, etc.  It could be so, so much worse.  We are blessed.  We will finish out our mission.  We have only five weeks left to go at any rate.  I am not sure we managed to accomplish much during this time, but we have enjoyed all that we have done.  Your love and prayers mean the world to us.   I am so very grateful for the gift of eternal families and marriage.

First you cry and then you strengthen your resolve.

A thought to carry with you through the day  . . .


⊰✿⊰⊰✿⊰⊰✿⊰⊰✿⊰⊰✿⊰
Hold on.
Hope on.
To the flames of
your faith.
All things are possible
to them that believe.
~Jeffrey R Holland
⊰✿⊰⊰✿⊰⊰✿⊰⊰✿⊰⊰✿⊰

Spiritual Enlightenment 

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In The English Kitchen today  . . .  Granny's Beef Enchiladas.  Done in the slow cooker, at least the filling is.   You finish them off in the oven.


Have a beautiful day  . . . keep hoping, keep believing . . .  don't forget . . .

═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════ ⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿
═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════

And I do too!


 

23 comments:

  1. Oh my darling Marie and Todd my heart bleeds for you. I do know that they are very clever about dealing with prostate cancer. The journey will not be easy but you will have my prayers and the prayers of many around you too. God bless and keep you.

    My happiness of the day is that my glasses are back with me. I am grateful for the person who found them and turned them in.

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  2. I am grateful also that your glasses were found Suzan and for the kindness of another in turning them in! Love and hugs and thanks for your prayers. Much appreciated. xoxo

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  3. So sorry to hear your news. But as Suzan says, the doctors are so good at treating this disease now. Sending you both my love and prayers from the bottom of my heart xxx

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  4. Thank you Julie. Much appreciated. xoxo

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  5. Little golden books!! I have several including the one on top of the pile. I bought them for my girls and have kept them for my grandchildren.

    All my love to you and your love. This is one cancer that can be fought and won. My brother had an op and treatment last year and is doing well. Keep positive thoughts. Xx linda

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  6. How lovely Linda. I wish I still had mine! Thanks so much for your prayers and positive thoughts. They mean a lot to me. xoxo

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  7. Oh my dear Marie. I am so sorry for you both, this kind of news is devastating. But you are right, you must have a good cry and then face up to it, head on. It is good it is stage two, it could have been so much worse, and it is even better that you are going to Clatterbridge Hospital. It is a centre of excellence with a worldwide reputation. You are lucky you live relatively close, people travel from all over to go there for treatment.

    As always keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers xxx

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  8. I'm so sorry to hear your news. I'm praying for your u both.

    Amy

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  9. Marie I have been told that prostate cancer is the most treatable...over here anyways. I don't know much about the health system there but it seems to me that they take a very long time doing any treatments?

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  10. I do have a great collection of Golden Books here. They'll be passed on to the Grandchildren. They all love stories and love being read to. I will be praying for healing and complete recovery from the cancer. It's encouraging to know it has not spread. May you both be richly blessed in the coming days.

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  11. Dearest Marie and Todd. I am saddened beyond belief to read this news but I want you to take heart. Prostate cancer can be cured or the case of my best friend's husband, managed. He has had it for 18 years and with the hormone therapy and radiation and then injections afterwards, they have held it at bay and he is active as anything. In fact, they just returned from China... he works a 50+ hour work week for goodness sake. There is always hope and as long as you have faith, hold tight to God and to one another, then you'll conquer anything. Sending you my love, my prayers and friendship. xxxxx

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  12. I'm so sorry to hear the result, Marie and Todd, but at least you know your enemy now. My cancer was early, and hadn't spread to lymph nodes, and here I am nearly 18 years later! He's lucky to have your backup during treatment, Marie, and we're all rooting for him. Love to you both XXX

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  13. So sorry for the bad news. Love and prayers.

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  14. I too am sorry to hear you both have to go through this..every time we have had something ..I have been so grateful for my family..all or one at times..you and Todd have each other..so many people face things like this alone..he has you as his cheerleader and devoted loving companion.
    We have a freind/aquaintance..that is perfect after having had it..
    If anyone knows how to pray it's you two.I am certain your whole congregation will..
    Todd..take care..and we wish you well..very well.

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  15. Thinking of you and Todd, esp because of my husband's battle with cancer this past year. I will pray for both of you, do not forget to take care of yourself through all of this. PS Does your five cup salad not contain crushed or chunked pineapple? Mine does, with no grapes or cherries unless wanted additionally.

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  16. Oh, Marie... I'm sooo very sorry about Todd's news! Please know that I have praying for him, and for both of you! God has blessed you with so much, and I pray His love and mercy will continue shower upon you both! I pray the treatments will work. And with your care too, he'll be lifted up daily. ;) Your faith is so strong, and I admire that so much! Your prayer--"first you cry and then you strengthen your resolve"--has such boldness, fearlessness and power! Todd, we LOVE YOU!! LOVE YOU BOTH SOOO MUCH! ((LOVE & BIG HUGS)) to you both. Form me and TJ OXOXOX :)))

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  17. Thank you Kate. I know that Clatterbridge has a wonderful reputation so we are doubly blessed. Your thoughts and prayers are most welcome! xoxo

    Thank you Amber. xoxo

    Thanks Linda. Fortunately with Todd they seem to be rushing things. Hormone treatments for 3 months to shrink the tumors and prostrate and then radiation. All will be well I feel. xoxo

    Pam, how very lucky you are to have that collection of books. Thanks so very much for your prayers and thoughts as well. xoxo

    Noelle, thank you so very much for your encouragement and prayers. xoxo

    You are right Bunny, knowing the enemy is half the battle. We are blessed. Thanks for your prayers and thoughts. oxox

    Thank you so much Monique for your love and encouragement. It means a lot. xoxo

    Thank you Laura. I keep you and your husband in my prayers also. Oh, and yes you are right, it is pineapple with the option of adding cherries or grapes. xoxo

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  18. Thank you so much Tracy. We must have been online at the same time. Praying for you and TJ also! Love you both very much. oxox

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  19. Thank you very much for the love and prayers Dee! Much appreciated! xoxo

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  20. Oh my sweet friend, I am so sorry to hear about Todd's cancer. I think you should feel positive that it is only stage two. I feel he will be OK. I will be praying mightily for you both.
    I am happy you can finish your mission. I know you have done great works and been such a light to all the young Elders, Sisters and other couples you have worked with.
    I loved all of your favorite things. It brought back some memories of some of my own favorite things. I loved the Golden Books while growing up too.
    Just know that I know you two will be blessed to have Todd do well with his treatments. I am sure he has had a priesthood blessing and I hope you had one too.
    Sending prayers, loveing thoughts and lots of hugs your way!

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  21. Thank you very much LeAnn! I feel that it will be alright. We have a difficult year in front of us, but once we get through that all will be well. I really feel this. Love you! xoxo

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  22. Marie, this was the entry I was hoping to find...but hoping not to find...does that make any sense ....I am sad that your darling Todd has to go through so much treatment in the coming months. I do hope if or when he gets too tired to drive you will be able to find help getting you to and from the hospital. Please Marie don't be afraid to ask for help I'm sure some in your church will be more than willing to help but may not like to offer....give Todd my big loves and hugs..I will have him in my prayers along with Luras John...xxx

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  23. My dear Sybil, this was the post that I was really hoping you wouldn't find also. But it is what it is and we must deal with it by putting one foot in front of the other and moving forward. It is the only way we will get through it. Your love and prayers are so very much appreciated. Love and hugs right back. xoxo

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Your comments mean the world to me, and while I may not be able to address each one individually, each one is important to me and each one counts. Thanks so much!