Christmas Afternoon 2011...

The kids and I right after church... they are wearing their new clothes (Maddy is being goofy but it was the best of the few pictures that were taken of us.) This year my sisters and I switched up who was hosting which holiday party (I usually host Thanksgiving) and so this was my first year hosting Christmas. I really enjoyed it! Rich helped me make a yummy honey ham and sweet corn and then I had everyone else bring the rest of the sides/drinks/dessert. Besides the obviously good food, there was great company...

A cousin gift exchange...

And of course our favorite part, the adults White Elephant gift exchange...

Of course there are always the gifts that are not so desirable...

And those that lots of people want...

Re-gifts...?

Hmm... what am I suppose to do with this?

Carlee ended up participating in both the cousin exchange and the adults so she made out good... with a bunch of money! 

Good good times!

Thanks for coming everyone (and for all the yummy food you brought!)

We miss you Jen and family!

After our party ended Steve picked up the kids so they could celebrate Christmas at his house that evening. They stayed with him until the morning of 1/3/12 when they went back to school. So I took the week off from work and had a much needed long quiet 9 day break/vacation.

Sunday 12/25/11

Live Nativity...

My sister Stacy told me about this really neat Live Nativity in Highland, so Rich and I decided to take the kids. It was a bit cold but we bundled up really good. We got right through and you could spend as much or as little time as you wanted at the various scenes. There were fires along the way to keep you warm and at the end they served hot chocolate (which we decided not to wait in line for.)

"Have you come to pay your taxes?"

Steve has lots of dogs and Avery has turned into quite the animal lover... she loved feeding the animals.

The reason for the season...
Tuesday 12/6/11

I Know That My Redeemer Lives...

I know I shared this song/video last year but I absolutely love it so much! I feel it captures the true meaning of Easter and does a perfect job expressing the way I feel about My Savior. So I'm going to share it again this year...

Have a wonderful Easter everyone!

'Twas the Night Before Christmas...

when all through the house...

(for a brief moment) Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse...

But soon there came a knock at the door...

Which was followed by Alien Dart Wars...

Then the opening of gifts covered with frogs, flowers, frill and rockets...

The children were bathed and dressed for the night all cuddly and cute...

They all nestled up together on the couch, and even "The Grinch" failed at stealing their special night...

For they had just read and already knew about the true meaning of Christmas...

The children were full of excitement as they tracked Santa's location and flight progress here.

They ensured our house wouldn't be missed by spreading "Magic Reindeer Dust" out in the yard...

The children knew Santa would be tired, hungry and thirsty after his long journey, so they made sure to leave him a special treat before climbing into bed...

Then as the children drifted off to sleep, quietly Santa found His way...

He must've been feeling extra jolly as he made his way downstairs before He exclaimed...

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Friday 12/24/10

Provo Tabernacle Fire...

As many of you know the beautiful Provo Tabernacle burned and was destroyed early Friday morning. It was such a beautiful landmark as well as a religious gathering place for many. I have attended various meetings there over time. It's so sad... I will miss seeing it when I'm driving through that part of town. You can read KSL's breaking news report here. Recovered from the ashes was this painting of "The Second Coming" by Harry Anderson...

You can't deny that the "burn pattern" is truly remarkable. I love the look on the fireman's face. You can read more about the recovered painting here.

Here is some amazing video footage of the damage...

Here is some video footage taken during the fire...

Friday 12/17/10

Whatever Wednesday: Christmas Spirit...

I hope your heart will be full with the true Christmas Spirit this Christmas...

Merry Christmas!

Music Monday: Silent Night...

Mormon Tabernacle Choir: Silent Night...

Music Monday: What Child is This...

This duet/video combination is breathtaking. Definitely puts me in the true Christmas spirit!

Andrea Bocelli & Mary J. Blige: What Child is This...

Easter Message...

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's talk during General Conference last week really touched me! He spoke of "the Savior's solitary journey to overcome sin and death and testifies of the resulting blessings to all mankind." Here is a really neat YouTube video("None Were with Him") of a portion of his talk. Sometimes I think we all get caught up in the festivities of Easter so this is a great reminder of the true meaning of Easter.

You can listen to his entire talk or other portions of General Conference here.

Pictures from Mark Mabry's "Reflections of Christ" collection. Just a FYI for you that live in Utah. The touring exhibit is back in Utah April 6-April 27 in West Jordan. More details here. Hope you all have a wonderful Easter!