Mountain River Ranch...a Favorite Christmas Tradition!

Christmas Dinner Show and Wagon Ride...
Each year, the weekend before Christmas, we drive north to Idaho Falls to visit our daughter Missy's family and deliver the Christmas booty.  While we're there, George and I love to treat Matt and Missy with an evening at Mountain River Ranch.  If you love the Old West...this is about as Cowboy Christmas as it gets.  The Ranch is located near the Snake River in Ririe, Idaho.

We checked in at the Bunkhouse, located in the cutest miniature "western town."  Outside, people gather around wood burning in fire pits, sipping on spiced cider and waiting for the horse-drawn wagons to arrive to take us across the ranch to the Dinner Theatre.  When there is sufficient snow, the horses would be drawing large sleighs instead.  We listen to hear the rhythmic jingle of the sleighbells as they approach. The air is so crisp and cold that the hooves of the draft horses make a crunchy crackle. 

The horses came in three sizes...giant, enormous, and ginormous!

Oh, What Fun it is to Ride...

The winter nights are so very, very dark and cold at the Ranch.  Even the stars are freezing pin-pricks of light. The trip to the Dinner Theatre takes us through woods and pasture.  Colored lights on the fences line the road and lighted Christmas vignettes are set among barns, cabins and other outbuildings.  My favorite kind of drive-through light display!

Missy and Matt are the young couple in the center.

Trails end...we unwrap a precious bundle!

Mckinley's 5 sisters could not be trusted to babysit her...lol!

Fiddles and Fun...

What better accompaniment to dinner than a Country-Western show!  The food was served on huge platters...slabs of ranch-grown prime rib so huge they could feed a small family.   Thank goodness for doggy bags!

Silent Night...

The Last Christmas Tree...

The show ended with the story of "The Last Christmas Tree"... a pioneer family has only one tree remaining in the grove near their remote cabin.  Instead of cutting it down...they decorate it...and in the morning, open their gifts beneath its branches.  After the story, we all sang "Silent Night," before boarding the wagons for the return journey.  Christmas can come now...my spirit is renewed.

Merry Christmas and a Blessed Sunday,





My Nightmare Before Christmas!

A Recurring Nightmare...
I've been having this dream for years...it's Christmas Eve and I haven't decorated the house or purchased any presents.  It's 5:30 p.m. and Wal*Mart closes at 6:00.  I race around the store trying to find a pair of pink Hello Kitty pajamas that will fit my youngest daughter, but there are no pajamas to be found.  I can't find anything for my husband or little boy Greg. I'm desperate!  I go home and try to decorate the tree.  Nothing works.  I wake up covered in sweat and drowning in guilt.  I don't know why I dream this...I've always been prepared...sometimes weeks in advance.  But I still have this fear of having to buy all my gifts at a convenience store. A few years ago I wrote a poem about it in the hopes of driving the dream away.

My Nightmare Before Christmas...

"Twas the night before Christmas and all through the town

Merchants were closing their little shops down.

The K-Mart employees were snug in their beds

While visions of clearance sales danced in their heads.

As George snored on the couch (It's a Wonderful Life!)

I assembled the toys like a dutiful wife.

When inside my head there arose such a clatter,

George stirred in his sleep, mumbling "Hey, what's the matter?"

Away to the bedroom I flew like a flash,

Grabbing my coat and my car keys and cash.

Because what to my wondering eyes did appear?

"All the presents I bought for the In-laws aren't here!"

I knew I had better provide for them quick,

Since my husband has never been known as "St. Nick."

More rapid than eagles my Minivan came,

And I sobbed and I shouted and called them by name.

Convenience Store Gift Ideas:

Little Tree Fresheners are Festive!

"Now K-Mart!  Now Kohlers!  Now dear old Fred Meyer!

On A-1 Appliance where I once bought a dryer!"

From the end of the town to the end of the mall,

I dashed away, dashed away, checking them all.

Like a psychic who sees her own doom from afar,

When I meet with an accident...got out of my car.

I had parked on the asphalt in front of the door

Of the only open convenience store.

And then in a twinkling I heard from the back,
A voice bellow "Shut up yer barkin', Jack!"
As I opened the door and was looking around,
From the backroom a humanoid came with a bound.

He was dressed all in black from his head to his foot,
And I swear that a knife had been stuck in his boot.
Two six-packs of Coors was what he was packing,
And he looked like a biker with I.Q. points lacking.

Tasty and Individually Wrapped for Stocking Stuffing Convenience.

His eyes, they were bleary.  He didn't have dimples.

His cheeks were quite grimy, his nose covered with pimples.

His mean little mouth was drawn up in a sneer.

And the beard on his chin wasn't shaved in a year.

The butt of a cigar was clenched tight in his teeth,

And the smoke smelled just like an old outhouse...Good Grief!

He had six tattoos and a protruding belly

That jiggled obscenely.  My word was he smelly!

The gift you can only rent...not buy!

George likes these in his stocking.

He was surly and mean, not a jolly old elf.

And I shook when I saw him, in spite of myself.

A wink of his eye and a twitch of his head,

Soon made me suspect I had plenty to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went back to his work,

Stocking the cigarettes, then turned with a jerk.

(I'll try to finish as fast as I can...)

Grabbing my stuff, out the door I ran.

Jack?

He sprang to his feet, to his dog gave a whistle.

It was too busy gnawing a deer leg with gristle.

Yet I heard him exclaim ere I sped out of sight,

"It was just a bad dream!  Merry Christmas!  Goodnight!"

I've been feeling unprepared...those lost sick days!  LOL!

Note:  Pictures courtesy of Google Images



Christmas Memories...Mary Pulley's Hill!

American Fork circa 50's-60's...
This story is for all the children who grew up in and around American Fork, Utah during the Mary Pulley years.  I have many happy Christmas memories, but there is one I share with thousands of others.  This was long before modern drive-by light displays, electronically controlled spectaculars with lights flashing to the rhythm of "Party Rock." or something by Mannheim Steamroller.  This light display was something to behold in our low-tech lives.  Trees bedecked with countless strands of colored lights surrounded a peaceful nativity scene, carefully painted wooden backdrops large enough in scale to be seen from the street.



Mary Pulley...

Before I continue I want to say a few words about the woman behind the display.  Mary Pulley was one of those wonderful women every town should be blessed with.   Her long life was filled with service to the community beginning in 1929 when she represented American Fork as our first "Poultry Day" Queen.  She presided over the picnic, parade, ball game, races, carnival, program and dance...a very full day indeed.  She kept her poise even when a young server at the banquet spilled hot cocoa on her white satin gown.  She simply blotted it up and went on with the festivities. Her later photos show a woman of graceful stature and serene demeanor.

A Beloved Tradition Begins...

Miss Pulley began her traditional Christmas display in 1942 as a gift to the children and it continued until her death.   Her home was situated at the bottom of a hill on several acres of graceful lawns planted with large trees...the perfect site for a large display.  People could easily drive by to see the lights. She brought in Santa Claus to stand at the gate at the end of her driveway and hand out candy-canes and oranges to carloads of children.  This gift was considered extraordinarily generous...because this was during that period of war rationing.   In the picture above, a local family and Santa are standing next to the sleigh from the Santa display...you can see how large the scale needed to be.  I wish there were more pictures.  I would love to have one of the display to show you.  All I have is my memory...and we know those are unreliable!  If anyone wants to share their memories in the comments...I would love that!

A more modern Santa.

A few years ago, some well-meaning folks tried to revive the tradition.

Some things you can't bring back.

A Memory Movie...

I know it's not possible that there was snow every year...but in my memories our car moves slowly in the endless line of vehicles waiting to pass by the display.  I can hear the crunch of tires on packed snow...that is...I could if my little brothers and sisters would just settle down for a bit.  They bounce about in the old station wagon like balls in a pinball game...getting on Dad's last nerve.

Finally, just as Dad has bluffed for the last time about getting out of line and going home...we pass the last house and trees that conceal the magic.  There's plenty of time...in the slow lane...to admire the manger scene. To "ooh and ahh" over the lights and enjoy the tinny blast of "Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer" coming through the speakers nailed to trees and power poles.   When the vignette of Santa's Sleigh moves into view we grow more and more excited.  Santa is there!  He's waiting at the end of the drive with treats for each of us.  I'm hoping for a candy cane or maybe a small Hershey Bar.  

Dad tells us to open our windows.  We do so and the frigid air pours into the car.  Santa is stamping his frozen feet and steam from his breath "encircles his head like a wreath."  We yell out our Christmas wishes like one chaotic fast-food order and receive our long-awaited treat of chocolate marshmallow Santas.  I hate marshmallow Santas, but I would never be ungracious to the Big Guy.  With a "Merry Christmas" he waved us on. 

Downtown...

I still have dreams of the downtown stores and businesses of my childhood.  My favorites memories of Christmas include the decorations that hung across Main Street

The Christmas Train!

Santa's Sleigh and Tiny Reindeer!

I so wish I could see them again...hometown mainstreets were magical in those days.  Still...after a fun family drive to see the lights...we all wanted to end up here...

The Hi-Spot Drive Inn! 

When little brother Tommy learned to read...Hi-Spot was his first word!  We were so proud! This was not our only family favorite, but I love this picture.

Christmas is coming! Yikes!

I'm glad I felt well enough to get this written.  Hubby finally made me see a doctor this morning.  I have a lovely case of tonsilitis...huh?  Anyway...glad it's not strep but I still feel lousy.  I have so much to do and Grandkids in Idaho that need visiting this weekend.  Pray for the meds to work.

Note:  most of the pictures are from the book American Fork City:  The Growing Years by Betty G. Spencer.



Please Stand By!

We interrupt this blog to inform you that Shirley of Zetta's Aprons is too doggone sick to care about anything for a few days.  We will return when her throat stops feeling like it's embedded with broken glass and the fever goes away.  At that time we will return to your regular programming.



Christmas Village Houses!

Little Putz Houses...
I love finding those little Japanese carboard, snowflocked houses.  These became increasingly popular after WWII, but were not as fancy as the German ones.  My Christmas collector guide book shows several different styles, but most had mica snow, cellophane windows and little bottle brush trees.  Many included a round opening on the back to insert a Christmas light to illuminate the windows.  The little house on the left was an orphan that I "refurbished" for Rick-Rack and Gingham's ornament swap.  It's only 2 1/2" tall.  I love rescuing the less-than-perfect houses because I can get them for a dollar or two.  If perfect, that same little house would be worth $15-$25, according to the guide.

Decorating with Village Houses...

Hanging from a garland

A village on a shelf in the hallway.

The church is recent.  The houses are larger than most and I needed a bigger church.

Shelf Detail.

Mantel Christmas Village.

Mantel detail. 

The houses are new, but I used vintage pinecone and spun cotton people...and Rudolph.

Used in a shadow box.

This house looked like it was made of logs...perfect for a rustic look.

Two More Shadow Boxes...

Rudolph's New Home.

(Sorry about the lighting)

Modern German-style wooden buildings and game piece letters.

I have a real German set of small village buildings that I plan to put in a shadow box at some future date.

When I went through my tubs this year, I couldn't believe how many little orphan houses I had "adopted" over the years.  Some new snow and a few little trees and toys and they could brighten Christmases for many years to come.   So come on, dear friends...open your hearts and your homes to these sweet little houses.



My Christmas Secret!

Shhhhh!...
When I was growing up. I had a Christmas secret that always made me smile.  Not the I-can't-wait grin of anticipation, but the cat-with-whiskers-full-of-cream variety.  You see...I believed I had an "in" with the Big Guy Up North...a connection no other child possessed.  My very own grandmother was an official North Pole employee with the title "Santa's Helper."  Her name was Patta Gray.

Patta and Richard Gray on their 50th Anniversary

Santa's Helper at Work...

She confided this to me when I was very young, and I believed her.  Why wouldn't I?  Her house was filled with dolls and toys all year long!  Not to mention she excelled in making gingerbread cakes and cookies with brown sugar topping.  And she was soft and pink and smelled delicious...just like Mrs. Santa Claus must.

Shirley, Mike and little sister Patti on a visit to Grandma Patta's.

Sometimes I got to visit for a few days.  Grandma Patta and I spent the time up to our elbows in fabric scraps and patterns.  The bodice of grandma's dress was studded with straight pins in lieu of a pincushion, keeping her hands free to cut and stitch the tiny clothes for all of Santa's dolls.  With my awkward "help" she made designer outfits for Barbie, chic Chanel-style suits with real mink collars...just like Jackie Kennedy wore.   Ruffled dresses for Chatty Cathy were next on the list, adorned with yards and yards of lace trimming.  Even G.I. Joe got a new uniform or two!  (Grandma hated Joe's big floppy feet...it made him hard to dress.)

Chatty Cathy...I didn't like her for some reason...she looked kind of bratty.

In the evenings, Grandpa Rich would get out his tools and work on the Barbie-size furniture he designed.  He made four-poster beds and pink vanities with little gold knobs.  The closet had sliding doors and rods filled with little pink hangers.  With a hammer and wee brass tacks, he patiently upholstered miniature sofas and chairs.  I was lucky enough to receive some of his furniture for Christmas one year.

My first Barbie looked like this one.

My first Ken had this fuzzy hair that came off if he got wet.

A Test of Faith...

I felt so special being let in on such an important secret.  There were times I was tempted to brag about Grandma's unique job.  But the kids I played with were starting to say awful things about Santa...that he didn't exist!  Grandma had a saying...something about pearls before swine.  Her secret was too precious to waste on non-believers.

As the years went by, it became more difficult to keep the faith.  The pressure was on from friends and siblings to admit that Santa Claus was a hoax.  But I stubbornly clung to the hope that they were wrong.  One Christmas Eve I lined my dolls up on the couch so Santa could see that I took good care of my toys.  My brother Mike teased me for being such a baby.  "There's no such thing as Santa," he snickered.

Patti Play Pal. 

I found out the hard way one Christmas morning that Grandma Zetta's lipstick is forever!

Poor Patti Play Pal!

A few minutes later, Mom came into the room and told us to get ready to go to Grandma's.  It was almost time for Santa to come and pick up the doll clothes and take them back to the North Pole.  He was a bit behind schedule and the elves needed to get the dolls dressed.  I smirked when I saw the startled expression on Mike's face.  He'd see!

Still...something deep inside nagged at me all the way to Lehi, where my grandparents lived.  "He's not coming," the voice of doubt informed me.  "He's not real."  I remembered everything my friends had told me.  They said it was all a big lie...our parents bought the toys and pretended to be Santa.

Miss Revlon had pierced ears!

Waiting and Waiting...

While the adults visited at Grandma's, I squirmed on the sofa.  Anticipation and dread played tag in my stomach and I couldn't eat the cookies grandma had made.  When you are a child, minutes seem like hours, and waiting is torture.  He's not coming.

As I squeezed my eyes shut and focused all my faith into a wish...I heard the silver tinkle of sleigh bells.  I knew that if I opened my eyes, the magic wouldn't work.  But the sound of boots on the front porch stamping off the snow seemed real enough.  Grandma hurried to the door.

How I remember Santa...so many years ago.

"Merry Christmas!" a hearty voice boomed.  When I opened my eyes, a man in red stood in the doorway shaking snow off his whiskers.  I watched in awe as Santa reached into his sack and pulled out a candy cane for each of us.  My little sisters danced about with excitement and forgot to say thank you.  But I remembered!  He winked at me, restoring my faith for another year.

Grandma made doll clothes for many years after that, taking orders from neighbors and friends.  Even when I was finally too old to believe in Santa Claus, she still personified the Spirit of Christmas.  I wish my own children could have known her.

Cute little brother Tommy and sister Lisa came along some years after this story.

Look at their sweet little faces.  I miss these little kids.

"May your days be merry and bright,

And may all your Christmases be white..."



Happy Discovery...Grandma Patta's Christmas Card!

Grandma Patta's Card...
I found it quite by happenstance in an old scrapbook that belonged to Grandma Patta.  It's just a small and simple card...but I was thrilled to find it tucked inside with a belated birthday card that had come to her from Grandma Zetta.

It's so much fun to scan these cards...and use them over and over again in my crafting.  I have enjoyed the many cards and graphics that some of the other bloggers have shared.  Please feel free to use this little card if you like.

The sweet little boys inside the card.

Some New Tags...

Finding the card made me want to make tags today!

After all the tag swaps...I thought the well had run dry.

How cute the little choir boys look!

This is a different color palette for me.

I will be using a lot of cream and aqua for my daughter Amber's wedding decor.

It will be a Valentine's wedding...so a cheery cherry red will be used (sparingly) as an accent.

I can't wait to share some of my ideas.

Have a cozy evening,