Ward Christmas Party

Our ward's Christmas party was so much fun! Santa was there before it all began. The girls were so excited to meet him. He was very kind and patient and gifted a clementine to each one.

The dinner was tasty and the program was delightful. The Primary sang "The Way to Bethlehem" and we watched a few LDS videos about Christmas and the "Light the World" campaign. Clark and I were blessed to be part of the live Nativity--that's what happens when you have a baby a couple of months before Christmas. ;)

Clark has a few more pictures on his phone that I will add later.

Neighborhood Fiesta

Our neighborhood has a tradition of hosting a neighborhood fiesta. The de los Reyes family provides handmade enchiladas and everyone in the ward potlucks toppings (like cheese and salsa) and desserts.
The first memorable moment happened just before everything was supposed to be begin. It's been raining the past few days and today had been overcast and had a few sprinkles. Of course, within ten minutes of setting up and blessing the food, it begin to come down pretty hard! Thankfully, it only lasted about five minutes but it still soaked all the chairs and tables that had been set up and put a chill in the air. Most folks that live close to the park it was hosted at (like us) hurried to grab some blankets and towels to dry everything off.
The second thing (and probably the most memorable for the children) was a homemade train that made its rounds. Azucena and Adelaide were THRILLED to be able to ride! They patiently waited their turn in line (a precursor to when we go to Disneyland) and loved it. Adelaide even went a second time! (Of course she had to be in the pink car both times!)

 

Ward Christmas Party

Our ward party was so awesome! It was set up as a pajama party so everyone was in casual attire and the food was breakfast stuff--hash-browns, pancakes, and sausage. Clark and I were part of a musical number at the end of the night.

So, funny story: our car didn't start.

So use your back-up, you're thinking.

Nope, Beepy died about a month ago.

So the girls are in their pajamas, I'm super pregnant, and Clark is trying to figure out how we're supposed to get to the church building. Somehow, miraculously, after about 15 minutes of fiddling, the engine starts. Clark drives us over to the church and helps me bring the girls in, then announces that he's going to run to the store to buy another battery so we can make it home later. Unfortunately, the car doesn't start and we have to ask someone from the ward to help jump the car. Then Clark leaves.

Even with the meal starting late and four musical numbers planned, Clark only made it back to the church with a couple of minutes to spare. We sang "What Child is This?" with the Samuelsons. I love that song and I love the arrangement we used.

Immediately after the Primary children sang a short program, it was announced that Santa was in the back and that everyone was welcome to see him. I was kind of a meanie and grabbed all our stuff and kids and booked it to the Primary room to get pictures because I knew that Clark had had a long, terrible day what with all the car problems and I didn't want him to add standing-in-the-church-hallway-for-45-minutes to the list.

Unfortunately (again), Azucena's anxiety about Santa manifested itself so she stayed as far away from him as possible. Thankfully, Adelaide was much more willing to sit on Santa's lap this time! The sweet Santa tried to coerce Azucena over with a bag of goodies, but it was a no go.

Oh, well!

Reception and Roommates

We had the opportunity to go to a reception down in Provo tonight, and, because it was Katie from the 56th ward, it was like a miniature ward reunion. It was wonderful to see everyone, even though we missed the Nichols and the Tracys. Azucena even made a few friends. :D
Lund was also in town, which gave us an excuse to try out "The Chocolate" in Orem. Delicious!

Can't Take Him Anywhere

Our stake threw a dance this past Saturday. It was pretty cool--we got to eat some good food (including the chocolate brownie bite thingies that I wanted served at my wedding reception), a photo booth and, best of all, a live band.

However, that meant that Clark spent most of the night admiring the instruments and equipment. :)

And here's an example of how he acts in public:

July 14 - Enrichment

Our Relief Society had a meeting at Sister Ashton's house where she and Sister Potts shared ways they were good homemakers for their families (whether or not they worked jobs). They listed:

making memories together,

having family scripture study,

playing good music in the home,

eating at least one meal together every day,

and having visual reminders of the Gospel,

The Actual Fourth of July

Our ward had a Break the Fast at the house of a member of the bishopric. I'm so grateful to their giving and thoughtful family for hosting so many of us!

Sleeping--the all-American holiday pastime. ;)

I'm crazy surprised that not much salad was brought, but all of it was eaten. Go team!

Although I didn't get a shot of the homemade rocket (I was running for safety and cover), the fireworks show was pretty awesome. Here's a couple of store fireworks shots. :)

July 3 - Stadium of Fire

I was sitting at home making birthday cards (so I could be ready for a nephew a future mother-in-law and then the crazy onslaught of September birthdays my family always has) when Jessica L. from my ward came by saying she had food and games outside to be ready to enjoy the fireworks from Stadium of Fire. Of course, I had to join! Here are a few pictures from the evening:

Have I ever mentioned how much I love sparklers?

I also fully love fireworks. And how awesome is it that these look purple?

Highlights from the Stake Talent Show

This is what happens when our ward is asked to participate in the stake talent show:

I love our group shots. :D

Clark, doing the worm.

Me, screwing up one of the Thriller moves. :D

And the best part: the guys performing "All the Single Ladies." :D

My birthday!

This year, our ward closing social/Talent show was the night before my birthday. This meant that "we" "had" to come up with a "talent" to share. I was talked into performing "Reptilia" by the Strokes with Jon, Clark and Michelle. Here is a picture of us singing along to Tyler Potts, on the piano:


Afterward, I had some time to just hang out with my room-roommates, Michelle and Erin, and we had a great chat and I was gifted a cheese grater (which is AWESOME since that's been my want and need for over a year).


On Sunday, my actual birthday, I woke up early (a sin) and went to Clark's cousin's baby blessing. It was so special (it's been years since I've been in attendance for one) and, afterward, we were able to go to a family party and just enjoy the day.

When we got back to Provo, Clark and I had a reading party and, a little later, I decided I was going to make homemade tamales. While making those, his home teachers came by and gave me a "birthday brownie" which looked like this:

It was really good. :D

They sang to me while they handed it over. I was also sung to by the Potts family, my mom and brothers, the girls of apartment 210, Jessica Leatham, Nick Potts, Clinton Blanco and members of my ward at ward prayer. It was a very special day and I'm so grateful to all my friends who took the time to say hi or leave me a message or give me a hug.

Music Fast

Our ward has been challenged to participate in a musical fast. We kicked it off tonight with a fireside this evening which included both Sacrament meeting appropriate music and some that is perhaps a little more off-the-wall but still Spirit-bringing. My favorites of the evening involved our second counselor playing "Follow the Prophet" on his tenor saxophone and my roommate Becca playing a piano solo. Beautiful stuff. Anyway, back to the challenge: for the next two weeks, listen to Sunday-appropriate music (so, not necessarily just the hymns, but a variety of other music, like what we heard tonight) and, at the end of the two weeks, re-evaluate the music we listen to and perhaps make some changes in our life.

Some of the music I'll be keeping in my arsenal for the next two weeks:

• Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time orchestral recordings
• Soundtracks (like LotR, Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia, Pride & Prejudice, Fantasia 2000, etc.)
• Mormon Tabernacle Choir recordings
  
• Inside Out (great a capella group)
  
• Michael Bublé
• Josh Groban
• some of my band recordings
• Copland (oh, bless his heart)
  
• Seminary soundtracks
• a lot of classical music (like Holst, Robert W. Smith)
• Jenny Oaks Baker
• the 5 Browns
• Paul Cardall
• Michael Dowdle
• some Broadway (especially what the MoTab has recorded and Disney stuff)
  

A few more pictures

So, we didn't match the decor at all (which I realized when we were helping set up) but I still like our outfits. And when else are we going to use the fedora, eh? (And a special thanks goes out to Mo who trekked all the way down to Provo with her six-month-old son just to do my hair--I love you!)



And for those of you wondering, yes, I am wearing my "Dumbledore's Army" necklace. I'm that nerdy--even for formal dances. ;)

Sappy picture

And when I say sappy, I mean it.

I mean, it's kissing.

On camera.

(Bear in mind that I didn't realize I was having my picture taken right at this moment. I thought Camile was done with the photographs.)

I have other pictures from the dance that I'll upload later, when I'm supposed to be awake. :D

Ward Temple Trip!

Our ward was able to go to Salt Lake City for a temple trip on Saturday night. I am so happy I got to go! The temple brings so much to joy and, after last week, I was especially grateful for the chance to have some peace and reflective time. Here are some pictures!


Here is a picture of the Salt Lake temple as we traveled between the Conference Center and the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.


After the movie, we had lunch in the Brigham Young Historic Park, just east of Temple Square. I loved the stone that marked the entrance way!


There are those crazy Earley boys, eating their pizza in the park.


While wandering, I came across so many beautiful flowers. The colors were gorgeous!



As we left the temple (at 9:30!) I was excited to see that the spires had been lit. Temples at night are especially beautiful to me because then you can literally see the light from within.

"She wore an itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny . . . "

After two days of Gmail NOT letting me access anything, here is my weekend update:

DANCE PICTURES!

Apparently, I can't pose for pictures with Clark. I submit the following as proof:


Well, actually, I really like this next picture. A lot.


And, sometimes, I giggle uncontrollably.


Aha! A semi-normal one!


And now, here are a couple of "dress shots" for my mom.




And a shot of me and Michelle:

Serving (again!)

Today was a busy, busy day because not only was there a ward service project and a ward Thanksgiving dinner. The service project was really fun because we got to write notes and letters to missionaries and servicemen from our ward. I was surprised at how many of the names I recognized and how little I had thought of them in the last years (or so). Hopefully I'll do better at remembering those who are out sacrificing and serving for our country and our Lord.

Variety of talents

So, this one time, I thought I updated my blog with a sweet video of what my friends and I did for a ward variety show. However, it seems that it did not save. So I'll just have to say it was really fun, I still feel like a complete nerd and you should go to youtube.com and watch it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9gqvP0UkpY

The end.

PS This is a video I helped film about a friend of mine. Hooray! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQEw8-KNKHs

Variety shows are awesome

I can't believe we actually did it. I'm so proud of everyone! Also, I feel like an idiot. But in a good way. Enjoy!

This one time, I remembered how much athletic events scare the heck outta me.

Last night, our ward attending an Owlz game. At one point, the umpire made what could have been a bad call (which made it so the home team lost a run). I wasn't right in front of the home plate, but I did see the runner struggling to actually touch the base. Also, the catcher was sort of on top of it (is that against the rules?) which might have infuriated fans further. As soon as the ump said "out!" the entire field blew up. Some random guy on my left had a vein popping from his neck he was chewing the ump out so bad. Even my friends in the ward were yelling their heads off, calling for blood.

Literary villains don't scare me anywhere near as much.