Auld Lang Syne

Should old acquaintance be forgot

And never brought to mind?

Should old acquaintance be forgot

And days of Old Lang Syne?


For Auld Lang Syne, my dear
For Auld Lange Syne.
Should old acquaintance be forgot
And days of Old Lang Syne?

We two have run about the hills

And gathered up flowers fine.

We've wandered many a weary foot

Since Auld Lang Syne.


For Auld Lang Syne, my dear
For Auld Lang Syne.
We've wandered many a weary foot
Since Auld Lang Syne.

We two have sported in the brook

From morning sun 'til dine.

But the seas between us

Have roared and swelled

Since Auld Lang Syne.


For Auld Lang Syne, my dear
For Auld Lang Syne.
The seas between us
Have roared and swelled
Since Auld Lang Syne.

Oh here is a hand my trusted friend

And give me a hand of thine

We'll take a cup of kindness yet

For Auld Lang Syne.


For Auld Lange Syne, my friend,
For Auld Lange Syne.
We'll take a cup of kindness yet
For Auld Lang Syne.

                       --Robert Burns

Farewell 2011 - a year of sorrow and rejoicing - I am sorry to see you go. My heart is full of love and gratitude for many memories shared with beloved family and friends. Love and peace to all.

New Year's Eve Sunset - Kaanapali Beach

O, Lay Aside Each Earthly Thing

Some children see Him lily white, 

The baby Jesus born this night.

Some children see Him lily white,

With tresses soft and fair.

Some children see Him bronzed and brown,

The Lord of heav'n to earth come down.

Some children see Him bronzed and brown,

With dark and heavy hair.

Some children see Him almond-eyed,

This Savior whom we kneel beside.

Some children see Him almond-eyed,

With skin of golden hue.

         Some children see Him dark as they,

Sweet Mary's Son to whom we pray.

Some children see him dark as they,

And, ah! they love Him, too!

The children in each different place

Will see the baby Jesus' face

Like theirs, but bright with heavenly grace,

And filled with holy light.

O lay aside each earthly thing

And with thy heart as offering,

Come worship now the infant King.

Tis love that's born tonight!
--Alfred Burt

Feliz Navidad Nuestros Amigos

Merry  Christmas to All - and to All a Good Night!

Holly Wears the Crown

Legends abound of the relationship of holly and Christmas.  Holly was a popular winter solstice festival gift,  honoring the Roman god Saturn.  Evergreen holly symbolized eternal life to the Druids.

Christians adopted some holly legends and at times it was called the "holy tree".  Some said the sharp leaves symbolized the crown of thorns on Christ's head and the red berries symbolized his blood and that hollies grew wherever he walked.

A Christian legend explains that one winter night, holly miraculously grew leaves, out of season, to protect the Holy family by hiding them from Herod's soldiers.  Holly remained evergreen as a token of Christ's gratitude.

Another legend maintains an orphan boy was living with the shepherds when the angels announced the Savior's birth. Having no gift, he wove a holly crown but when he presented to the newborn babe, he was ashamed of his poverty and began to cry.  When Jesus touched the crown it sparkled and the orphan's tears turned into beautiful scarlet berries.

The holly and the ivy,

When they are both full grown,

Of all the trees that are in the wood,

The holly wears the crown.

               --Old English Carol

Holly, my Christmas Girl, my firstborn. 
 I'm grateful for her goodness; I am so proud of her.
  She continues to be a great blessing in my life -
 Can she really be almost 35 years old?
When I saw her for the first time, I couldn't believe she was my baby.  
She had lots and lots of hair - all my mother's babies were completely bald.  
Holly was such a beautiful little Christmas package.  
 Holly bears her name well - she truly wears the crown with lots of sparkle and shine. 
   She is loving, thoughtful, strong and faithful, a wonderful wife and mother-
a precious gift from a loving Father in Heaven.

What Can I Give Him?

My shopping is complete, just a little wrapping and delivering to finish.
Yet - something is missing.
I know in my heart I have not given a gift worthy of "the wondrous little stranger".
My intentions are good, but somehow I fall so short.

 I find inspiration in President Howard W. Hunter's 1992 Christmas Message:

Christmas is a time for giving. Someone once said he couldn’t think of what to give for Christmas. The next day in the mail he received an anonymous list which read:

Give to your enemy forgiveness,

To your opponent tolerance,

To your friend your heart,

To all men charity, for the hands that help

are holier than lips that pray,

To every child a good example,

and to yourself—respect. 

All of us need to follow the example of the Savior in giving these kinds of gifts. From Christina Rossetti we read:

What can I give Him,

Poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd

I would give Him a lamb,

If I were a Wise Man,

I would do my part,—

But what I can I give Him,

Give my heart.

This 

Christmas,

 Mend a quarrel. 

Seek out a forgotten friend.

 Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust.

 Write a letter. Give a soft answer.

 Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed.

 Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize.

 Try to understand. Examine your demands on others.

 Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle.

 Laugh a little more.

 Express your gratitude.

 Welcome a stranger. 

Gladden the heart of a child.

 Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. 

Speak your love and then speak it again.

Christmas Snow

Yesterday was our last chance for snow before Christmas.  Unfortunately, we received only a skiff.  Somehow, for me, it just doesn't seem like Christmas without a snow storm.  I love snow.  I love to watch it softly fall.  I love snowflakes and the fact that each is unique.  I love to make fresh tracks on a run or ski slope.  I love the way the snow crystals sparkle and shine;  snow is white and clean and pure.  

 I am so grateful for the Lord's promise-

His priceless gift:

Come now, and let us reason together,

saith the Lord:

though your sins be as scarlet,

they shall be as white as snow;

though they be red like crimson,

they shall be as wool. 

Isaiah 1:18

They Were Married and Given in Marriage

December 18, 2010

Sweet little Anne Elizabeth is my fifth daughter.  When she arrived, so many people said to me, "Oh no, another girl!" or "too bad you didn't get a boy".  They didn't realize how happy I was to welcome this new little angel.  I can say without a doubt, I was blessed to know, before she was born, I would give birth to my fifth daughter.  She had waited to come to our family.  When I held her for the first time, she looked at me and I looked at her and knew we were meant to share this mortal journey.

Anne has been a great blessing in my life.  she is beautiful, very strong and athletic but at the same time, loves being a girl.  Anne is truly a "Burbidge" and very much like her father.  She is great fun, witty and loves a good laugh.  She is friendly and confident.  Anne was blessed with a keen intellect and has excelled in her studies and career.  She has great depth and strength of character.  She has a kind and tender heart.  She has great faith.

One summer, I believe it was 2001, we were on a road trip.  We had visited Camille and Dave in New York City and were traveling to visit Melissa in Washington D.C.  We were reading The Hobbit together to pass the time.  It was such a magical day.  the sun was shining we were so happy and enjoying the beautiful drive.  Suddenly, Annie, David and I looked out the window and in an open meadow, saw a beautiful white unicorn.  Then or now, no one believes us, but there it was...MAGIC!   Ever since, we've had a special bond, we three.  We know there is magic - miracles all around for those with eyes to see and hearts to receive.

Annie and I have traveled many roads together.  We have walked the Inca Trail, the streets of London and Paris, the Beach of Kaanapali.  We've hiked Mt. Olympus, West Canyon and to our favorite waterfall through the bamboo forest.  We have welcomed glorious New Years, watching the sun rise in all majesty at Haleakala and Diamond Head.  We've slalomed pure glass in Padre Bay.  We've skied many mountains, making fresh tracks in the snow.  We've walked together in sun and shadow, calm and storm.  We've seen a unicorn!  We've known magic, we have experienced miracles.

I love the poem, The Road not Taken, by Robert Frost:

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both.

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that, the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

I honor Anne tonight for the roads she has chosen which have lead her to Jimmy.  She chose well.  Tomorrow they will walk together into The House of the Lord, to be sealed for time and all eternity.  The Lord has been with Anne and with me along our journey, richly blessing, guiding and comforting us.  I am so very grateful.

Annie and Jimmy -- now it is your turn to walk together.  Walk side by side and make your own "fresh tracks", your very own magic.

It truly is a Wonderful Life.

Love You So Very Much,

Mom

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

And they were married,

and given in marriage,

and were blessed

 according to the multitude of the promises 

which the Lord had made unto them.

4 Nephi 1:11

My Wonderful Boy

Today this little boy is twenty-two years old. 

 No longer my baby boy, but all grown up - a wonderful, outstanding, young man.  

 He has been an answer to prayer, a joy, a magnificent blessing. 

 So many happy memories -
 Playing, Laughing, Singing, Dancing, Hiking, Skiing, Reading, Family Meals,
Harry Potter,
Sports, Sisters, Friends, Snickers,
 Lord of the Rings,  2002 Winter Olympics,
Brothers-In-Law, Nieces and Nephews, Eagle Scout,
Hawaii, Saved in the Sand, Watched over by the Lord, Miracles,
 Lake Powell, Even Odder, Nauvoo, New York, Seeing a Unicorn,
San Francisco, Denver Rockies World Series, Duty to God, Washington D.C.,  Mexico,
 London and Paris,  DisneyLand,
Connecticut Hartford Mission, Assistant to the President,
Red Socks,
No Place Like Home,

 Brigham Young University

Worthy, Brave,  Diligent, Smart, Handsome, Kind, Unselfish, A Leader, Creative, Fun, Happy, Optimistic, Persistent, Loyal, True, Faithful

Happy Birthday - My Wonderful, Wonderful Boy!!!!

I love you so very much.

"The same God that placed that star in a precise orbit millennia before it appeared over Bethlehem 

in celebration of the birth of the Babe,

has given at least equal attention to placement of each of us

in precise human orbits

so that we may if we will,

illuminate the landscape of our individual lives, 

so that our light may not only lead others but warm them as well."

                                                                Elder Neal Maxwell

Miles to Go Before I Sleep

It's Snowing!!!!
 I love it and wish my woods would really fill up with snow.
   There is something about watching snow fall that gives me pause and fills me with peace.
I am grateful for "promises to keep" - promises give me hope and purpose and meaning.
  A reason to push on - with "miles to go before I sleep".

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

Whose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village, though;

He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near

Between the woods and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.

The only other sound's the sweep

Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,

But I have promises to keep

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.
--Robert Frost

This illustrated version is one of my treasures.

The House of the Lord

We were blessed today to attend the marriage and temple sealing of our dear friends, Maricela, Carlos, Karin and Rosita.   They have been truly blessed and guided by the hand of the Lord.  It has been our honor and privilege to be a small part of the incredible journey that has brought them to the temple today. Certainly, the sealing of this sweet family together forever  is the high point of our service in the Cannon 6th Spanish Branch.    

"Mine Angels Round About"

1991

"I will go before your face,

I will be on your right hand and on your left, 

and my Spirit shall be in your hearts,

and mine angels round about you,

to bear you up."

            --DC: 84:88

"We shall find Peace, We shall hear Angels..."

Last night we attended a Live Nativity in the Glen. 

 It was so wonderful in the woods, by the stream, right in the heart of our city.  The beautiful creche, star, market, luminaries, fires, camels, sheep and donkey added to the experience, along with shepherds and other Bethlehem townspeople.   

I loved the "Holy Family", so peaceful and serene on the cold, clear night.

Magical.  I could almost hear angels.

"We shall find peace,

We shall hear angels,

We shall see the sky

Sparkling with diamonds."

                --Anton Chekhov

  

Merry Christmas Charlie Brown

Charlie Brown: [Charlie Brown and Linus stop at a wall on their trip to the pond for ice skating] I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus. Christmas is coming, but I'm not happy. I don't feel the way I'm supposed to feel.
[begins to walk with Linus again]
Charlie Brown: I just don't understand Christmas, I guess. I like getting presents and sending Christmas cards and decorating trees and all that, but I'm still not happy. I always end up feeling depressed.
Linus Van Pelt: Charlie Brown, you're the only person I know who can take a wonderful season like Christmas and turn it into a problem. Maybe Lucy's right. Of all the Charlie Browns in the world, you're the Charlie Browniest. 

Tonight we enjoyed a delicious dinner at The Lindsleys.  We watched the classic,

"A Charlie Brown Christmas"- so poignant and humorous. 

I love Charlie Brown: "Is there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"

 Linus helps him overcome his despair by quoting the Christmas Story found in Luke.   

Amid the bustle and busyness, I sometimes feel like Charlie Brown.  It is good to remember the real reason we celebrate Christmas. 

Anne tried a new cookie recipe - we all agreed - it's a winner!

CHAPMAN'S CHRISTMAS MARIZIPAN

1 tablespoon butter

1 cup less 2 teaspoons sugar

2 eggs

dash salt

2 tablespoons almond extract

1 cup less 2 tablespoons flour

slivered almonds to top

Cream butter, sugar, eggs, salt and almond extract.  Add flour and stir until combined.  Spread into greased 8" square glass baking dish and sprinkle slivered almonds on top.  

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

Cut in squares.

         --Favorites

A Place at Our Table

As I prepared Sunday dinner, I thought of loved ones unable to join us -
Empty places at our table.

A decade ago, my friend, Marcia, gave me a hand calligraphed message which has become a treasured Christmas inspiration.  It reminds me of who should be the most honored guest.  I pray to have His spirit with me and truly make room for Him in my heart and home.

Christmas Salad

1 head red leaf lettuce

1 head green leaf lettuce

2 large grapefruits

1 large pomegranate

1 large avocado

1 large pear

Dressing:

1 cup sugar

2 teaspoons dry mustard

1 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup apple cider vinegar

2/3 cup vegetable oil

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Mix dressing in a blender; refrigerate until ready to use. Tear lettuce into small pieces, set aside.  Peel grapefruits and cut into sections, set aside.  Seed pomgranate, set aside. Slice avocado and pear.  Toss all together with dressing.  

O Christmas Tree

O Christmas Tree O Christmas Tree

How Lovely are your Branches!

I love the beauty of a "real" Christmas tree.  The smell of fresh pine fills the house with the authentic aroma of Christmas.  I love to simply sit on the couch with only the tree lighting the room.
 I feel such peace.
 For now,

"All is calm, All is Bright".