Kicking Off Christmas

Well, somehow I have managed to get the cart before the horse,

but I wanted to include some of the fun events that led up to our 2017 Christmas season.

We decorate our home so much simpler than we did when our kids were home in Ogden.

I would spend at least three days taking things off bookshelves and replacing them with collections of snowmen, 

Santas and nutcrackers. 

I would set up two or three trees in different rooms of the house and I would literally deck the halls.

Now we set up a table top tree, a few Nativities and stars and ornaments hanging from our chandeliers.

What has kicked off our Christmas in a beautiful way for the last three years

is driving to Mesa to hear Ben sing with the East Valley Millennial Choirs and Orchestras.

Ryan treats us to this fabulous event every Christmastime and Easter time, 

and it has never failed to bring tears to our eyes listening to 600 plus voices, 

ranging from the little pre-schooler choir up through a trained and excellent adult choir.

And the orchestral performance is magnificent!

I would defy anyone, after hearing this performance, to not feel the Christmas Spirit!

Emily has supported Ben 100%, giving up countless hours bringing him to and from rehearsals 

and helping back stage.

Aunt Stacy is always there, supporting Ben in this special event and pretty much all of his other ones.

She has such a big heart and is a wonderful cheerleader!

Ben's Fan Club

Pete plays soccer on his high school varsity soccer team.

His birthday is in December, so we gave him some personalized M & Ms in a soccer shoe.

It was great staying with Ryan and Em and family for a couple of nights and we wish we could have stayed 

through Sunday, but we had to hurry home for a Christmas party and for choir practice on Sunday.

For our Sacrament meeting Christmas program this year, I asked each of our Branch Presidency 

to talk about their favorite Christmas hymn, then after each one spoke, our choir sang that hymn.

We sang, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day with a special narration, 

Away in a Manger with a female solo on the first verse, 

and Joy to the World with a male solo on the third verse.

Some branch members have told me that our program was their most special thing 

that happened at Christmas.

I am so grateful for the love and support I feel from our little branch choir.

And while I am talking about wonderful Christmas programs, Roger and I got to go hear my sister, Kay, sing in the Keynotes Christmas program.

For many years she was its leader, then when she and Ken went to Japan on their mission, 

three other members stepped up to do what she had been doing so that it would continue. 

When she got back, they said, 

"Kay, would you like to be the leader again?"

"Oh, no, I'm just enjoying singing!" she said.

As always, we thoroughly enjoyed it and the talents of the members.

We had lots of fun at several parties and get-togethers.

Chamber of Commerce Christmas dinner and white elephant exchange

Branch Christmas Dinner and Program

NAI Christmas Dinner at Magelby's and Bitcoin The Wall game for prizes

Dinner at Taylors with Bradys, then the Heritage Choir Christmas Concert 

featuring Jenny Oaks Baker and Children

My wedge salad

Anne made a delicious pot roast with twice-baked potatoes and asparagus

The concerts of beautiful Christmas music praising our Savior and the festive parties and get-togethers 

were all wonderful this year, all helping us get ready and in the mood for Christmas.

And, of course, the very best part of it all was to come - being with our family for Christmas!