"Wonderful things in Winter"

I hate being cold. So I decided to write one thing about winter, that I love, each day starting on October 24^th the first day it snowed. Maybe by the end of this I’ll actually like winter. Here are the first 15.

1: Today was the first snow. Thank goodness it didn’t stick! It’s fun to watch the “confetti” fall from the sky.

2: Blankets! What a fun item to snuggle up in. Not as fun in the summer. I like Snuggies, they cover everything.

3: Today it looked like Mother Nature did some special decorating. Outside the road and sidewalk was too warm for snow to stick to but each leaf on the ground had a little fluff of snow.

4: My dad wearing his slippers. (: I think it’s the cutest thing.

5: Crunchy leaves and grass. I guess this is fall but it leads into winter. I would go out of my way to step on a big crunchy leaf.

6: The footwear for winter is fabulous. Boots are so cute! They are also the best way to keep your feet and legs warm.

7: The three C’s of Halloween: Candy, Cute kids dressed up, and Colds.

8: Fires. Fireplaces are the heart of the home and warm up your heart when it’s so blustery outside. It’s also fun to watch the flames dance around the logs.

9: Clouds. It’s amazing how fast clouds can move. If you ever stand still and just watch them for a few minutes you will be amazed. If they aren’t moving they are probably doing something else amazing.

10: You can see your breath. A quote from one of my favorite movies Cool Runnings: “Sanka, what you smoking?” “I ain’t smokin’ I’m breathin’!”

11: Soup! My mom makes the best soups. Her specialty for winter is “Snowman Soup” which is a potato soup with all the best fresh veggies.

12: Cuddling. Well this is fun any day of the year too but with a family member or someone you love when it’s so cold-need I say more?

13: Pine trees. When everything else goes into hibernation mode and loses its beauty pine trees are still around. Like the Savior, when everything else goes wrong He’s still there standing strong.

14: Hot chocolate. I like it all year round (yes I’m a girl) but what a comfort to have in the cold months. Mmm mm.

15: Gloves. I don’t know what it is about me but I am fascinated by hands. Hands in gloves are so delightful, especially the mittens for babies and toddlers.

16: Yesterday it was beautiful. Even though it was freezing cold (in my opinion) there was a beautiful and almost continuous rain. To me rain is wonderful no matter what time of year it is.

17: Today I decided I really love the way that snow falls. It falls gently and slowly. It seems to miss everything it passes by until it gets to its preplanned place that it lands.  It may be cold but it sure is fun to look at.

18: Today is a special day! Right now it is 11:11 on November 11th. I think that is amazing! Happy November 11.

19: Daylight Saving is over! Wahoo! Now the sun is up when I am; adding a little more length to the dark days of winter. If only the clouds would let it peek through a little more often.

20: Sunny Days. I love the sunny days mixed in with the dark cloudy days. They give me hope that Spring isn’t too far away, even though it seems like it is.

21: Big fluffy coats. Today at church everyone was wearing their coats. The ones with the fur on the hoods are so fun! There are so many different kinds, that makes it exciting.

22: Music. I love love LOVE music. Christmas music is fabulous. There are so many different genres and in my opinion all are great. Starting in December maybe I’ll write one of my favorites every day. It’s hard even now for me to think of good things in winter but that would be easy.

23: Layers. It’s probably kind of obvious now that I am into clothes and shopping. Layering is a great look. It’s fun because anyone can pull it off! Whether it’s a scarf or a vest or jackets, so cute!

24: Winter wind. Days that are windy in the winter may be cold but it feels good when I’m all bundled up. It makes me feel like I’m out running.

25: Wow. I've made it to day 25. I can't believe I've been able to think of that many things that are good in winter. So this winter, one of the things that is wonderful is that I have found 24 things that are.

26: Apple Cider. This fruity, warm, drink is fabulous and great to raise the spirits. Whenever I drink it I just feel happy (:

27: Leg warmers. Sometimes in winter I really want to wear shorts but obviously it is too cold to be wearing shorts when it is 40 degrees or less outside. So these babies save the day!

28: Lights on wet Pavement. When it snows or rains I think it is so beautiful how the lights shine on the ground. It’s like they are shining extra bright to make up for the cloudy sky.

29: Footprints in the snow. It doesn’t matter how deep the snow is, when people walk in it there are the coolest and most various designs punched into it. 

30:Today is the first snow day I have witnessed. I am so excited that everyone is going to be staying home for a few hours and away from the storms! 

31: Thanksgiving break. Today started Thanksgiving break! 

32: Thanksgiving. I love the holiday season. Thanksgiving gives everyone to take some special time to thank those they love and anyone else they know for the things they do. I am so grateful for my family. They are always there for me. I love them.

33: sweet potatoes. My family always has this yummy dish on thanksgiving. It is mashed yams and a brown sugar mixture on the top. LOVE IT!

34: Christmas books. Now that Thanksgiving is over I’m biting into my Christmas books that I read every year and I usually add a couple new ones. I am so excited.

35: Today I woke up to what I thought was an earthquake but it was a snow plow. So that meant, there is a lot of snow on the road. AH!

36: Sledding. There are few activities that can be done outdoors in the snow 

and sledding is one of the best in my opinion. It is so thrilling to get on a tiny piece of plastic and speed down a hill.

37: Slush jumping. Well this isn’t something that I have done but my friends tell me it is great fun. I’ll have to try it. You should too! (:

38: Trees. When it snows and sticks the tree branches get lined with snow and it looks beautiful.

CHRISTMAS MOVIE TIME!

39: Polar Express. This movie is the cutest Christmas movie made in a long time. It is inspired from the book “Polar Express” written by Chris Van Allsburg. It is the adventure of a boy on the train that goes the North Pole and finds his belief in Santa. It has great music and a good story line.

40: Elf. This is one of my all time favorite movies to watch all year round. It’s the hilarious story of an elf that is not really an elf but a boy adopted by the elves and then grows up thinking he is one. When he finds out he’s actually a human he leaves the North Pole to find his real Dad. It’s very funny to see how he mixes in with New York City.

41: My brother’s birthday. Today is my brother’s birthday. We have a tradition that every year on his birthday we set up our Christmas tree and celebrate his birthday with him.

42: Santa Claus. This movie is an old one but a classic. Tim Allen turns into Santa Claus. Great story and very funny.

43: Christmas Shoes. Before this year I had only heard the song “Christmas Shoes” but this year I saw the movie and granted it was cheesy but it was also touching and worth watching again.

44: Miracle on 34^th street. This movie is about a little girl that lives with her mother who has taught her that Santa Claus isn’t real. When she meets Santa she second guesses what she has been taught all along. Santa helps her to see the magic in Christmas. Lovely!

45: White Christmas. This is the best Christmas musical of all time! Two male famous war veterans meet up with two female singers who want to be famous. It starts out as just business but turns into something else. So fun! And great music.

46: The Grinch. Most people are familiar with Dr. Seuss’s story of “The Grinch” the guy who did not like Christmas, through the story though he learns the true meaning of Christmas. Jim Carrey does a great job in this movie.

47: Elmo Saves Christmas. This is one that I liked when I was little. It is a cute story about how Elmo from Sesame Street wishes that Christmas is everyday and his wish comes true! Then he finds out that maybe that’s not what he really wants.

48: Home Alone. There are three now in this series but they are so funny. It doesn’t have much to do with Christmas in the story line but the moral is no one wants to be alone on Christmas.

CHRISTMAS BOOKS TIME!

49: “The Forgotten Carols” by Michael Mclean. Great story about realizing the true meaning of Christmas and that is to celebrate the birth of Christ. The version I have also came with a CD of the songs in the story. This book is very touching and I love to read it every year.

50: “The Christmas Box” by Richard Paul Evens. Ah I love this one! It is so sweet. It is about a little family, only one daughter, and they go to live with a rich elderly lady who needs a housekeeper. The father learns a lesson from the lady which helps him get his priorities straight. Through magic the family is brought closer together at that Christmas time. It is beautiful.

51: “Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg. This picture book is very beautifully illustrated. It is the story of a boy who isn’t sure if Santa is real. On Christmas Eve he goes on a magical train to discover the North pole and receives the first gift of Christmas from Santa. When he wakes up the next morning he still believes that all of it was true. Very cute.

52: “The Christmas Miracle of Johnathan Toomey” by Susan Wojciechowski. This story is a beautiful story about spreading Christmas cheer and spirit. A lonely carpenter meets a boy and his mother who ask him to do a project for them and sooner than he knows the project gives him more than a little money, but a change of heart.

53: “Three trees” by Angela Elwell Hunt. This story is about three trees who are made into three simple things that all turn out to be something that Jesus Christ uses in his life. It is a beautiful story of things that seem like they wouldn’t be special, can be.

54: “The Sunflower” by Richard Paul Evans. This story is about a woman who travels out of country and goes to an orphanage called “The Sunflower”.

55: “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. This story is a classic but I will still do a quick summary. There’s an old man who feels like he has everything he needs in his pocketbook. He is lonely and if someone tries to reach him he pushes them away. Through magic in a Christmas Eve dream he has a change of heart.

56: “The gift of the Magi” by O. Henry. A couple who wants on the best for one another give up some of their most precious items to give each other what they know they would love. This tale gives a good glimpse into what true love and the true spirit of giving, with your heart, is best.

57: Okay I’m going back to the normal everyday something I like in winter. There are more books and stories I love but I can’t pass up the opportunities to write about more things. Today was our Christmas concert at my church. I love music, and Christmas music is so beautiful. On “Elf” it says, “the best way to share Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Even though that’s a silly movie I think that is true. Everyone loves a good tune.

58: “Hallelujah Chorus” from “Messiah”.  This song is so powerful. It is one of the most difficult songs I have ever had to sing but it is also one that everyone can pick up quickly because of the beautiful harmonious patterns. The message is also very meaningful.

59: Lights at temple square in Salt Lake City. Every Christmas Eve my family and I go to temple square to look at the lights. It is always cold but we endure it for the special occasion. We look at all the lights and take about a hundred pictures and then we go to listen to the story of the first Christmas also on temple square. It is a beautiful monument to the savior’s birth and a great way to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

60: Cinnamon Rolls. Another thing that my family and I always do on Christmas Eve is have cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate. Cinnamon rolls are good all year round. Yummy bread rolled in cinnamon and brown sugar then topped with a butter cream frosting melting all over. YUM.

61: Christmas. I love buying presents. The biggest reason I do is because as I’m going around looking and thinking about what everyone would like I can picture their faces when they open the wrapping and see what’s inside. Christmas day is filled with that. I love the feeling of knowing that I gave a gift that at least made the person smile and maybe will be used often in the future.

62: Puzzles. Over Christmas break my grandma always gets out puzzles. We work all day and all night on them. They make time fly by for some reason. I love it. There are so many different levels of difficulty and an infinite amount of designs.

63: Grandma’s fudge. My grandma makes the best fudge ever. It is not to dark and it is rich enough that you only need one piece to feel satisfied. 

64: The symbolism of candy canes. Candy canes are part of Christmas because they are supposed to represent a shepherd’s staff. The shepherd’s staff reminds us that the savior is our shepherd.

65: Icicles. Icicles are really cool to look at. I think it’s pretty cool how they form as well.

66: Stockings. I love stockings hanging by the fire. It makes the home seem cozier for some reason. They are so nice just hanging there.

67: Happy New Year’s Eve. This is a very fun holiday for me. I know everyone makes New Year resolutions and most people joke about how they last for only a few days. For me the resolutions last a lot longer than that. I set goals all the time though so they are kind of a part of who I am.

68: New Year’s Day. What a fun day. My family and I stay up late on New Year’s Eve so today we slept in pretty late. It’s nice to have the extra sleep after the holidays. The school schedule is beginning soon though so everyone will be jumping right back into things.

69: Underground parking. Oh how I love this! This means that when the snow comes in the night, when I go out to my car in the morning I don’t have to stand out there and scrape it off. And I never get stuck in my parking spot. 

70: Winter Dances. Colleges are always coming up with ways for students to get involved and gain school spirit. The school dances are a really fun way to spend time when there isn’t much you can’t do outside.

71: Ice Melt.  This stuff is so wonderful. Many a slippery spots have been dissolved because of this miracle. I love it.

72: Ice skating. I love ice skating. It requires a lot of energy because you have to keep your body warm and concentrate on balancing on two blades at the same time. Very fun though! Even if you do fall and get a couple bruises.

73: Christmas Cards. I forgot to mention these during Christmas time but I saw my collection today and I was reminded. Christmas cards are in so many different varieties. Some have several pictures and a little quote. Some have a huge letter and a cute card. I love them all! Big or small. (:

74: Snow Plows. Thank goodness for these babies. I love the fact that I am able to drive when there are 7 inches of snow on my lawn.

75: Cold and windy but sunny days. The winter has too many dark days in my opinion. Today there were only a few clouds in the sky in the afternoon. It was also windy and that makes things fun.

76: Jamba Juice Pumpkin smoothie. This was only a temporary flavor but it was delicious! It tasted like pumpkin pie. Maybe better.

77: Chicken noodle soup. I mentioned before that I love soup. Chicken noodle soup is one of my all time favorites. I love the mixture of noodles, vegetables and meat all in a thin chicken broth. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it.

78: Tomato soup and Grilled cheese. This is a classic meal in lots of families but I think it tastes best in the winter.

79: Late Christmas cards. I got a card today and it just made my day. It’s January and I am still getting Christmas cards (:
I've decided that I am going to set a limit on the number of days I am going to do "Wonderful things in Winter". First of all I think it's starting to get kind of long. Second, I'm extremely more busy than I was when I started doing it and Lastly, 100 is a pretty number (: So there you have it. I don't even know if anyone is even reading this but if you are, thanks. I'll continue for a few more weeks.

80: Human Rights day. I went to a speech by Andrew young a friend of Martin Luther King Jr. and it was wonderful. He is this big black man and has a lot of great things to say. He said that right now we aren’t so much facing inequality between color of men as we are between the rich and poor of men. He said we need to help out who we can and try to make a difference. I was very inspired by his speech.

81: Foggy glasses. I think it is so funny how glasses fog up when people come from the cold outside into a warm house. Or when I put on my sunglasses in my car after they have been sitting in the cold and they fog up.

82: Valentines Decorations. Hearts, pink, and red everywhere. I LOVE it. (: If you don’t have a romantic lover, celebrate that there is love in the world.

83: Puddles. Some people like to jump in them. I like to jump over them.

84: Sunsets. Today I took a picture of a simply gorgeous sunset at UVU.  The picture doesn't do it justice at all. The thing that makes it most beautiful is the winter clouds that seem to be holding the light in.

85: Winter walks. Walking is such a relaxer for me. I could walk for miles as long as I am outside and nature is surrounding me. Today I walked to the temple. The sun was shining. It was still chilly but I got to snuggle in my coat. It’s funny because walking seems to get my mind going. I can just think.

86: Fast weather changes. In the winter I am actually grateful for the almost instantaneous changes in weather. Today I was sitting in class and it was snowing. Ah! I thought. But then I realized that I still had three more hours of school and by then it could be fifty degrees outside and sunny. Sure enough I walked out of my last class and it was perfect weather.

87: Winter weddings. My Uncle married an amazing woman and when we were all outside taking pictures it was FREEZING! But hey, that gave everyone a good chance for family bonding. We all gathered together as tight as we possibly could and shared the love and warmth. I also think that bridals in the snow are very pretty. I would never do that but just saying.

88: Early Bloomers. Outside my apartment there is a little patch of some kind of bulb flower that is already peeking through and making its attempt to bloom. It just gives me hope that maybe spring is closer than it feels. Thank you little bulb.

89: Jamba Juice “cold buster”. This is a miracle smoothie! I loved it. It’s a citrus delight. Drink this baby and you will feel a high that could “bust” anything.

90: President’s Day. Abraham Lincoln and George Washington are the most inspirational presidents to me. Abraham Lincoln was honest and worked really hard to get to where he was. He gave the amazing “Gettysburg Address”. George Washington was the first president. He had some great guts to accept that responsibility. I would not be afraid to live in a country with a man like him as the president.

91: Doctor Seuss’s Birthday. The cat in the Hat, Horton hears a who, Green eggs and ham, Oh the places you’ll go and many more that I’m sure you have heard of. What a joy to be able to read his books. I work at a library and on his birthday every one of his books was checked out. He was really an amazing writer for children and adults alike. 

92:  Time flies in the winter. I can hardly believe how fast the close together holidays and the short days make time fly. It seems like only yester day I started school again but now I’m only a month away from summer vacation. I’m glad the days are short in winter.

93: Anniversaries. My parents and my grandparents have their anniversaries in the winter. I just want to say I love you. Even though I’ve told you so many times and you probably aren’t going to see this on here, it’s true. 

94: Ice cream. In the summer hot chocolate is good and in the winter ice cream is good too. No matter the temperature nothing makes the tummy happier than a bowl of ice cream. My roomies and I went out and got all the good toppings to go with it. It was a fun night and a yummy treat.

Doesn’t that look good?

95: Car heaters. I love my defrost system in my car. I leave early in the morning mostly everyday and this feature saves my hands. When I first get into my car I am freezing. But by the time I am to my destination I am warm and ready to go. I love you car. (:

96: Banana bread. I’ve noticed that in the winter I am not really a good fruit eater. I like strawberries and other summer fruits. My bananas always seem to get too ripe before I eat them. So, when life gives me too ripe bananas I make banana bread. It is really yummy.

97: Home teachers. In my church there is a system called home teaching. This is where two men are assigned to go and visit with a few people every month and share a short little spiritual thought too. I just love visitors. It’s super fun to have them over once a month.

98: Window Gels. These cute decorations are something I have never seen before but they are AMAZING! Let me tell ya. They are thin pieces of rubber or something like that and they stick to your window. Not only do they look great on your windows, they are super fun to play with. I have only seen these this winter so they made this winter a little more fun.

99: Service. One of my really good friends is on a mission right now in Illinois. He wrote me a letter and told me that the snow there is so deep that it is hard for him to get around. But, he said, there are a lot of opportunities to go out and help other people who are having just as hard of a time. Winter does that I think. It gives people opportunities to warm other’s hearts.

100: Well this is the last one so I better make it good. This winter I am so happy that I did this list! Really. I mean sure I still dread snow and ice and all that COLD stuff but I really feel like maybe next winter won’t be so bad. I feel like I see the silver linings starting to shine through. There has got to be a reason we celebrate Christmas in winter instead of spring. Maybe it’s because of what I said in #99. People need things in the cold to warm our hearts and brighten our days in the winter. It's a season full of love. I guess I really do think things are wonderful in winter.