Busy December 2019

This is the first December since we moved here that I have been overloaded with music! Our ward choir had 6 songs to prepare and three special musical numbers for soloists. Three pieces were super challenging. I can't really remember a time in the past where 

I had to practice so much and be focused. It's been good for me. 

I've been lazy for years with my piano playing. 

The first performance was accompanying the daughter of a friend in her own ward. I had been very concerned if I was going to be up to all the music ahead. My record has not been stellar since moving here. I lost a big amount of my confidence. The musical number went well - I held it together. Covering when I needed, but never making an outright

mistake. I was relieved and encouraged that I could do it.

We had six additional practices with the choir for the Ward Christmas Party. The choir sang two pieces and then I accompanied a soloist. 

  We sang three prelude numbers and then a special number for Sacrament meeting this last Sunday .

In Sunday School, I accompanied a friend and her daughter to sing during the lesson. 

This Sunday we will sing a congregational hymn arrangement. 

We also had an Empty Nest White Elephant Night.

We have been trying to go this year so we can socialize more. 

Everyone came to the party, but a regular FHE night there are about 30.

I also had my Creative Circle Favorites Gift Exchange. 

That was a success. We had about 25 women who attended.

I'm so glad that I have organized this group. It's good for everyone.

Also a work party for me. This year instead of an evening with spouses and dressing up, 

it was decided to do a community outreach activity.

Eight families were nominated by our employees from the community who are in need and our company purchased gifts for them. Everyone at the party was invited to help with wrapping. 

It was very successful. We on the committee were not sure it would work out. 

I was in charge of games. So I found a jiggle bell shake game on line. 

At the end of the wrapping it was kind of dead, so I got our DJ to bring up the Macarana.

From there it got wild. A lot of us more "fun girls" rocked out to lots of music for about 40 minutes.

It was such great fun.

 The committee

 Wrapping tables - there were eight tables

So that is my December so far. 

Thanksgiving at Corinne's

We invited ourselves to Corinne's for Thanksgiving this year.

It was a short trip because the flights coming home on Sunday were outrageously expensive.

We arrived at about 5:30 pm. Ben's sister Stephanie hosted the meal.

Everything was delicious.

The kids went through first.

Stephanie has six children so it was a full house.

The cousins all get along really well so it wasn't chaotic.

Most everyone sat at this big table. 

 We sat at the table for four to sit with Corinne.

She ended up sitting in the chair next to the table. It was easier to feed Clara.

  This was pie time. I think there were close to a dozen pies. There were two of some.

Pecan, Pumpkin, Apple, Coconut Cream, Banana Cream, Chocolate Cream,

and Peach are the ones I remember.

I finally got a chance to hold Clara.

She needed more time to warm up to us.

 She reminds me so much of Corinne as a baby.

We arrived at their house in the morning around 10 am.

I sat on the couch with Corinne while Clara looked at books.

It was a good spot for observation!

 

 Richard was practicing his saxophone. He is doing so good.

We are really pleased how well the three big boys are doing with their instruments.

 All the boys adore Clara. Each brother has their own little way of interacting with her.

They are all so gentle and comfortable with her. It's so fun to watch.

 Clara definitely bonds with Richard best. She is very comfortable with him.

She is little more on guard with the other boys.

 Fred spent the morning upstairs with Henry and Spencer playing games.

I never get tired of watching Fred play with the boys.

 Fred brought a few card games for the family.

This is a family that LOVES to play games.

 After a Burger King dinner, we headed downtown Caldwell to check out their light display.

It was Fantastic. Probably the biggest light display I've seen.

If I wasn't such a baby, it would have been wonderful to get out and walk around.

BUT it was too cold.

 Saturday morning Corinne had to work so the rest of the family came to the hotel to swim.

Grandpa went in with them, but I didn't. Somehow swimming when it's freezing outside does not sound inviting to me. I was happy to take pictures.

 This is Garrett doing a handstand.

 Clara was so cute. She was so content to be held while moving about in the pool.

She took a break on the stairs. She has the best facial expressions.

 While Ben took a turn in the hot tub, Garrett and Richard took turns watching Clara.

 This time Henry didn't stay at the stairs. He went back and forth the length of the pool

All the boys have grown in the abilities in the water. It was fun to watch.

 Here's another picture of Clara and her adoring fans.

 Here's Grandpa swimming with Henry.

As I was sitting here watching everything, I took the time to appreciate the growth of this family.

The boys are simply good kids. They get annoyed with one another here and there, but not like it used to. They handle themselves well in whatever environment they are in. 

Ben is a very good Dad. He is a protector like Fred and he is conscious of what's going on with his children. Corinne is blessed to have a husband who is reliable and provides a safe place for their children. They know both Corinne and Ben are always there for them.

It was a great trip even though it was short. We need to come back in during the warm months!

Things I've been doing

There hasn't really been a super huge event lately so I'm just grabbing some photos and pictures from the internet to post what I've been doing lately.

For my birthday my good friend Becky (from work and she does my hair) gave me the blue pitcher on the right. I kind of collect pitchers.

Next - we have been bringing home a few things that belonged to Fred's parents.

This is their Grandfather clock. 

We need a repairman to come out and fix it for us.

Fred had him fix it when it was still at his parent's home, but the journey from there to our home, something went wrong. So we need the guy to come back out. 

 Fred's Mom had this beautiful curio cabinet. It's really the only thing that I really hoped I could have.

It's so beautiful. I love it. I finally found a few things to put inside.

I sold my old entry table to Becky - I did love it.

 We (or I should say Fred) got our family pictures from our June Park City trip hung up.

Final result.

I was invited to a Norwex party. I had never heard of it. 

I committed myself to having a party.

Now I kind of wish I didn't. I feel a little stressed about it.

It's been years since I've put this kind of pressure on me.

Fred and I bought season tickets to Tuachan this year.

Two weeks ago we saw When You Wish.

Last Friday we saw The Little Mermaid

This Friday we will see The Sound of Music.

When we went on Friday to The Little Mermaid, I saw Tyler & Kelsey Redd.
They were about 10 rows in front of us. I called out Tyler's name and it turned around looking.

I called it again waving my arms frantically and he saw me. 

We yelled across the seats just a bit.

I should have made my way down there, but I was too lazy.

 Actually my knee hates stairs up or down. 

That's my poor excuse.

I went to a Mary Kay party on Saturday. One of the girls from work just signed up as a consultant.

Amy and I were the only ones who came. I bought a few items. 

Here is Amy and I with our mask on.

When I got home, my face didn't feel too happy.

It was probably too strong for my delicate skin. :)

 Saturday I also went to lunch with one of ministering sisters and partner.

We were going to eat at TwentyFive Main, but so many of the streets were blocked because of a marathon. I almost got in a wreck because I was starting to get mad at all the blockades and driving faster than I should. I just didn't see this peep squeak of a car coming down the road. 

Needless to say - I got the figure from the guy.

 Since moving to St. George I have had so many moments when I find myself kind of invisible in a group of people. It's been kind of a new experience for me.

Makes me ponder about all the people in my life who I know felt invisible, but I had never experienced it myself. It's no fun. I hope a lot of people didn't just plain hate me.