Just An Inconspicuous Old Box

That's right! It was just a big old inconspicuous box, in the basement covered with blankets and things. Only a curious boy would be snooping around to see if it held any treasures. Sure enough, my brother, Jim, looked inside to see what it may hold. For most of the week he'd had his detective hat on, along with his hound dog nose, sniffing around for a sign of Christmas gifts. Lo, and behold, the box was full of wrapped gifts.

He didn't stop there. Sharing with his sisters was the next step. Then taking the gifts out, shaking each one and oh, so carefully undoing the tape. Peeking inside to see what or who the gift was for came next. This man of stealth wasn't stopping at finding the jackpot, he wanted a piece of the action.

All this took place when our mother was gone, of course. He looked forward with anticipation for Christmas. This taught me a smart thing that my mom did. She prepared ahead of time for Christmas by wrapping and stashing our Christmas. I did the same thing years later, trying to find the 'Best hiding place ever'.

Christmases have come and gone, but I still remember the secret we stumbled upon that year we found the inconspicuous old box.

Devoid of Divinity & Other Divines

One of Grandma Crane's favorite Christmas treats was Divinity. We always colored it pink or green. It isn't easy to make, because if you stir it too much it goes grainy. Mixing it wrong could turn into a runny mess that won't harden to perfection. I don't plan to try the finicky confection.

Cereal Candy was another staple at Christmas parties and oft requested. No one in the family has mastered the treat quite the same as Mom did. She began stocking up on Cheerios, Rice Krispies and Cornflakes a month in advance. It is easy to make with only corn syrup, cream and sugar in the syrup.

Caramel Candy was a monthly treat, made often. Mom liked to cook it to the hard stage. The advantage was, the candy would last longer. Instead of cutting it and wrapping it, we would leave it in the pan, then break off pieces of the hard candy with the handle of a knife. Brother Jim, would take 2x2 inch pieces. One piece wasn't enough, because we wanted some for now and put the rest in our pocked for later.

Once we tried Steamed Carrot Pudding. It cooked in a water bath for three hours inside a canning jar. I loved the caramel sauce on it. It was good, but too time consuming to do.

The making and taking of goodies as gifts was one of the highlights of Christmas. We seldom bought candy.

Only 1/2 Piece for Me

Mom loved to chew gum. Her favorite was Wrigleys Double Mint. As a child I did, too. She would only give us 1/2 piece to chew. All her life she did the same. 'It lasted longer,' she said. When I grew up, I always used a whole piece. It was a way of showing I had 'Made it!' I was now affluent and such.

Mom never changed the size of her stick of gum, but she did change the flavor. She used Big Red later in life. I quit chewing gum. It lost its flavor all too soon and the chonking on it drove me crazy. I ran across one of her packets and put it in my desk at work. On occasion, when I get hungry or bored, I pull out the Big Red and have 1/2 piece. I do it for Mom.

A Grandparent's Wish - Clean Your Plate

I remember going to my Grandma Park's or Crane's for special holidays and meals. It seemed their greatest wish was that we eat everything on our plate. Their cooking wasn't quite as delicious as my own mother's was. Their food was heavier, browned more and not as tasty. It was almost as hard for me to eat everything they offered, as it was for them to see me try to do it.

Now my grand children are the same. They won't eat it no way, no how! It is impossible to bribe them. If it looks weird or different their mouths are clamped shut. Famous last words are, "I'm full!" Yeah, right! Within an hour they are starving and crying for food, treats and such. What is the solution? I have to look the other way. It may cause frustration or regret. They aren't the first to not enjoy something I cook. This too shall pass.

The first two meals I prepared for my little guests went down as failures. Fortunately the scones, hash browns, chicken nuggets and pizza were a success. If nothing else, we must try, try again. Eventually and occasionally some child some where will lick their plate clean. Maybe even at my house. Success!!

Choose to be Grateful

Are you caught on the roller coaster of 'Woe is me' or 'wow is me'? It is so easy to get discouraged and think we are being picked-on. We choose to let it get us down or rise above it. "WE" choose!

The Crane family has been blessed with a mighty force of great leaders, ancestors, health, jobs, talents and gifts from God. Being optimistic is a wonderful thing. Look at all the good things that have come into your life this year and thank the Lord.

The Cricket That Came to Visit

yes, we have a cricket in the house. I noticed him a few days ago, early in the morning in the kitchen. It sounded like he was behind the refrigerator then the window. It was the same thing the next day, except he was in the plant by the sink. I thought he was gone, until I heard him down the hall from our bedroom.

I had to close the door, so I could sleep. I do believe he is stalking us. There are probably more thatn one, a family taking over the place. It's better to have a cricket than a mouse or spider, although I am sure we have them, too. O what to do. We are being invaded by critters of all kinds.

Happy Halloween cricket and may the Cranes be with you.

Many Missionaries Mean Mucho Blessings

In less than one week our sixth missionary (three men and three women) of the family will be embarking on her mission entering the MTC (Missionary Training Center). There are three from Paula's family and three from Keri's (serving at the same time). At the MTC young men and women from around the world come together to prepare to serve the Lord.

"Each Wednesday several hundred missionaries enter the Provo MTC and others throughout the world. The eager missionaries enter an exciting world of learning. The MTC curriculum consists of up to 12 weeks of studying doctrine, learning to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ effectively, and developing excellent communication skills." (from website)

Dean, who has been serving the longest is in Florida.

Stephanie is in Arizona. She has helped with a temple open house, had Emily as a companion for one day doing splits and will return in February.

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Lisa is serving in Arkansas and about half way through with her mission. She has braved tornadoes, storms and bugs

Derrick left in August for Georgia. His apartment is next door to a gentleman that Dean taught in Florida (small world).

Brandon, the youngest of the group, just arrived in Brazil less than twenty-four hours ago. He waited the longest from receiving his call to leaving, and is more than ready to begin.

Emily, the oldest and only one who has a college degree, will leave for Guam after her training at the MTC. She is the last to go.

Your great grandfathers would be so proud you are carrying on the work of the Lord. May His blessings rain down upon you and your families.