Santa Is On His Way...

Surprise

On Monday, my brother Clay and I picked up Syden from school and the first question he asked was, "Where is Aunt Tennille?" Great to see you as well, Sy. Today, Tennille came up with a plan to embarrass Syden by meeting him inside the school with a little gift.

We also walked around the building since my Grandpa painted two murals for the school. So many memories of my grandpa flooded my mind as I looked at his artwork on display. Below is one of the murals at Sy's school.

Light

The night started at a Mortuary for the Annual Christmas Luminary, a magnificent sight. We then traveled the valley in search of over-the-top lights, met Santa, and I forgot to give him my Christmas list. I better write a letter soon.

MOTAB featuring Archie

Several months ago, I registered for the MOTAB Christmas concert knowing I would most likely be in Oregon. I guess I wanted to try my luck and luck is exactly what I have. Or maybe my parents are the lucky ones since it was their registration that was awarded tickets to the coveted MOTAB and David Archuletta concert at the Conference Center.

Meags, B, Shan, and I decided to head downtown a couple hours before the show, buy dinner, and then head to the forever long lines at the Conference Center. B and Shan stood in line at one place while Meags and I went across the street and made an executive decision to buy rolls and other snacks and going out to dinner after the concert. We met a woman named Kristy who bought 6 of the 12 rolls from us which was such a brilliant business decision. The line at the conference center moved quickly and soon we were in our seats awaiting the sweet sounds of music and narration. The only time a smile left my face during the concert was when the girl behind me took off her shoes and put her bare feet on the back of my chair with her toes hanging dangerously close to my head. Other than that, it really was a magical night filled with music, dancing, and the telling of the birth of Jesus by Michael York. We walked back to the car while wearing Holiday Specs which transforms an ordinary light into an angel, star, or snowflake.

The Bob's

As I was reading the local newspaper this morning, I learned that a beloved building in Provo was on fire, the Provo Tabernacle. While attending BYU, I participated in a Stake Choir which was anything but ordinary. For example, did your stake choir have a brass section? I didn't think so. Each Thanksgiving/Christmas, the stake choir sang in the tabernacle and one of the favorite songs was Come Thou Fount. We also had an Easter Sunrise Service which was an experience I will never forget as we listened to Stake President Truman G Madsen. Our Organist is now the Associate Director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. We often sang music arranged by Mack Wilberg as the director of the choir, Jim Kasen, was a friend of Mack's. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to sing in the choir and be around amazing people, but I must admit that I most appreciate two friends I met during this time, Bob L and Bob R(also known as Leah and RayLynne.) We spent a lot of time together and soon we found ourselves in a pre-law class, which is when we became 'Bob'. Bob R and I drove to Idaho when Bob L was married and Bob L drove in a snowstorm to be with me when I first went to the temple. Bob R is getting married soon and I look forward to being with her on that date. Being in the Bob friendship has changed my life and I know I am truly blessed.

Is Love Alive?

I visited a friend yesterday and as we discussed the daily details of our life, she asked me I would help her wrap presents. I was happy to climb stairs and gather supplies for a friend in need and had a great time wrapping and talking about life. The simple question of asking to help wrap gifts has made me think a lot about my own life. How often do I ask others to help me with what may appear as a simple task? I often try to conquer life battles alone rather than allowing others to support and assist when possible. I admire my friend for asking me to help and my heart was softened as I realized once again that there is so much love around.

A Christmas Wish

The governor couldn't attend the Premier of "A Christmas Wish" so he asked my friend and I to attend in his place. It may not have happened exactly that way, but my friend does work at the governor's office and we were given the governor's tickets for the movie. The movie was well cast and the story was somewhat predictable and yet, enjoyable.

Christmas Song

While decorating my parent's home for Christmas, my niece started singing, "We dish you a Merry Christmas. We dish you a Merry Christmas. We dish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year." I turned to Avry and attempted to sing her the correct song only to hear Avry again sing, "We dish you a Merry Christmas..."

Fast forward to a couple of days ago when I received a call from Avry's mother. She began explaining that Avry was watching tv and called her mom into the room to hear a song, the above Christmas song, which was featured on a commercial. For which company was the song being used? DISH network. And the lights suddenly came on and I finally understood why Avry sang "We dish you a Merry Christmas" rather than "We wish you a Merry Christmas."