December Happenings Part 1

Parker carved his pumpkin from Halloween on December 1st.  I need this picture and description on my headstone when I die because it sums up my life so accurately.  But hey, Parker had fun and we will never forget The Great Pumpkin Carving of '22!

Landon and Ethan played in lacrosse tournament the first weekend in December like they do every year.  But this year there was several inches of snow on the ground.  I don't know why they didn't cancel the event but it made for good memories and great photos.  Luckily they used yellow balls instead of white like they typically do.  Landon played well and scored a few goals making it look easy.  Ethan's games were on a different field so I didn't get to see him play, but he had a good time doing face offs.

I bought myself a Minky Couture  blanket and it arrived just in time for me to snuggle in it while I was sick for about half of December.  I had too many things on my schedule to just stay home and be sick so I took cough drops and a mask with me everywhere I went.  Luckily I still have to wear a mask when I deliver cookies for the Christmas marketing distribution (that I despise doing). As soon as I started thinking I was better I'd collapse on the couch for a nap or cough until I couldn't breathe.  It was rough and definitely tainted my Christmas memories this year.  So glad it's over!

I had to play the organ for a special meeting with Elder Bednar, one of the Apostles.  The organ is old and somewhat possessed.  Luckily my niece Megan, is taking an organ class and helped me figure out what stops to use.  Even with practicing, I still made a few people jump in their seats when the first chords I hit were a little too loud.  Oops! I sat right on the front row when Elder Bednar spoke and was literally at his feet.  It was pretty awesome.  He taught us a lot, specifically about our covenants and the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  He says we focus too much on baptism and not on the confirmation.  The spiritual power he has left no doubt in my mind he is an apostle of God.  What an unforgettable experience!

Sheryl is the lady in the white sweater and a different family in our ward carols to her every night in December.  One night no one had signed up so I texted about 30 women in the ward and told them to show up to carol in one hour and this was the group that was able to come.  It truly was a Christmas miracle gathering this many busy moms during the holidays.  Sheryl couldn't believe it either.  She's had carolers for seven years and this was the first time something like this happened.  I love being the person to rally the troops!

We had our annual RS Christmas party and dinner and here are some of the ladies who were there.  We had a record number this year.  I helped when we postponed it until after the schools were done with all their orchestra/band/choir concerts.  After we announced the dinner would be catered by a local restaurant we got even more sisters to attend.  It was a great night!

Randy pulled another all-nighter on a huge seminary extravaganza.  He bought fog machines, speakers, lights, costumes, food, and even recreated a lions den.  Randy slept for the next two days straight and our garage is still full of all this stuff.

This is two pieces to a giant statue Randy built for the event.  I didn't know building statues out of boxes and paper was a skill set but apparently Randy has that skill.  Big time.

The Festival of the Nativities was back this year for the first time since Covid. Henry had fun doing the treasure hunt for about five minutes.  It's the coolest event with thousands of people attending every night it's open.  I love that it's part of our Christmas tradition.