Constantine, King of Britain

The name Constantine, King of Britain appears in my genealogical records.  He lived during the early 6th century (500s a.d.).  Although there are various saints and kings named Constantine, we will use the one specified as King of Britain as that is the title listed on the genealogical record.

There are two competing stories about Constantine, King of Britain.  The first was written by a contemporary historian Gildas.  Gildas was a British monk in the southwestern part of England named Dumnonia where Constantine was king.  In Gildas' history, he was constantly encouraging King Constantine to repent.  He listed many of his sins such as the killing of two youths at the church altar and adulteries.  It was because of that constant call to repentance that the tradition spun the story that King Constantine gave up being king to join a monastery and was thereafter known as Saint Constantine.

The second history was written by a 12th century historian Geoffrey of Monmouth.  Because this history was written nearly 600 years later, it is often considered more of a mythical pseudo-history.  In its story line, Geoffrey names King Constantine as the successor to King Arthur, being his brother-in-law, and was crowned King by Arthur after King Arthur was mortally wounded in battle.  King Constantine's slaying of the two youth at the church was written in this history portraying the youths as traitors and part of the rebellion against the Round Table.  The only sin for Constantine in their killing was that the act was done in a church.  Constantine reigns for only 3 years.  His reign ends with his murdered by a nephew after which the country then plunges into civil war. 

Gift of Gifts!

I come from the genealogical lines of some really incredible people.  One of the most notable gifts they have given me is a record of my genealogy.  This incredible gift is a result of personal sacrifice in time and money.   Many of these records have now been digitized and are available on the internet.  That means I can look at them anytime I want!

That is what I did a few years ago... scrolled backwards through many of my lines.  After 18+ hours looking at names and places that dated back more than a millennium, I noticed that some of the names were repeating.  I started making a list of those names that had historical meaning to me or pricked my interest.  In the end, I had a list of more than 55 names!  I have decided to share short blurbs about some of these individuals.  History is a lot more interesting when you know you have a connection to it! 

The Wedding!

 

What a beautiful day to have and then remember!

These are some of my other favorites!

Joan Alexandra "Lexie" is now a Morgan!

Through the years, there have been lots of mix ups with my youngest child's name.  When she was born, Todd and I made a deal.  We would call her by her middle name if he promised to never spank her in punishment.  So, we started calling her Alex.  There was a problem with Alex.  It did not fit!  I think it was Todd's mother, Helen, that suggested Lexie.  I had known a Lexie when I grew up. I liked her...I thought she was a great person.  Hence, the name Lexie was selected. 

Many years later when we were moving between continents, Lexie decided to use her first name, Joan.  It took me a full 6 months to get use to it!  Then, we moved continents again.   I and others had difficulty switching back!  Also, we liked the new name.  It fit well now that she was older.  All of that switching lead to the Joan Alexandra...full name on all the wedding invitations.  We had to make sure everyone could recognize her name!!!

Now that she is married, I am suggesting we try the whole experiment again.  Yes, she should now call herself JP.  That is J for Joan and P for Pickett.  She would be known as J.P. Morgan!  It is not out of admiration for the man.  Rather, the name has an entertaining ring about it.  In fact, we could say that her husband Shae has been on the JP Morgan Chase for the last few months!!!


In all seriousness, Joan has married a fine man and we welcome Shae into our family.  I have included  an incredible video done by my nephew as a means to introduce them as a couple to you my friends!

 

Inspiration, Memories, and Good Eats!

 My daughter-in-law’s blog inspired me…to bake!

I pulled out two old recipes from my childhood and I made them:  Dutch Butter and Janet’s Valentine Cookies.  All kinds of memories came back.  The smell of the butter cookies baking is as phenomenal now as it was 40 years ago when my mother baked them to send to my father in Thailand.  As for Janet, I am unaware of who she was or is.  That is just the name of the delicious cookie!

Many years have passed since then which have left me with more memories and only two people in the household…to eat the cookies.  Here are a few tips I would recommend.  First, never make a full batch.  It will only make you fatter faster.  I made only on half to a quarter of a batch.  That was enough weight gain for one week.  

 Second, do not roll out cookies unless you really really need a shape.  It is messy and time consuming.  Instead, I like using the cookie dough scoop I got from my sister-in-law many years ago.  It gives me a very nice even shape.  I then smash the round ball of dough flat with the bottom of a measuring cup that has been coated in sugar.  It works great. 

To show you how old these recipes are, I have included the recipe card for both.  Janet’s, I made as a teenager.  The butter cookie card was written by my sister for me.  In case you have difficulty reading the recipes in the pictures, I have included them below.  Enjoy!

  

Dutch Butter Cookies 

1 pound butter

1 ½ cups sugar

5 cups flour

Mix.  Bake at 350⁰ oven until just before the cookies starts to yellow, about 15 minutes. 

Janet’s Valentine Cookies

1 cup butter

2 cups sugar

3 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 tablespoons milk

5 cups flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

Cream butter and sugar.  Add eggs, vanilla and milk.  Mix in dry ingredients.  Chill dough ½ hour to 45 minutes. Roll to ¼ inch thick.  Cut into shakes.  Bake at 375⁰ for about 10 minutes.

Returning to Chicago!

This is the stunning sunrise that greeted me on Thursday morning as I drove through Iowa on my way to Chicago.  What a beautiful world I live in!

Some Time with Family

 While in Utah,  I had the opportunity to go with my son's family to the Ogden Temple open house.  It was a great opportunity to share time with them and be awed by what God does for mankind.