Christmas Time

I am just a "bit" behind on the blog. Sorry! So, seeing as Christmas just passed, I figured that would be a good place to begin my catch-up.

Christmas was glorious and memorable as always. I can thank Mother Nature for her cooperation this year in allowing me to finally make it to the Midway Creche exhibit. I was able to view and appreciate 600 nativity scenes from around the world. Speaking of nativity scenes, my parents brought me a new one from Hawaii to add to my collection- bringing the grand total to 16 creches in my home. I love them!

Other memorable moments this Christmas season:
Singing in church
Snowshoeing through Big Cottonwood Canyon
New friends
Family time- always the best!
Caroling with 3,000 other people at the Energy Solutions Arena
New snow tires that save my life over and over again
Completely decadent chocolate party
Braving it up to give blood for the first time
Burial of a Christmas Tree
Hilarious white elephant party
Mistletoe kiss so desired it caused a man to get out of his wheel chair
Successful enrichment, work and friend parties...done and done :)
Savior of the World and Temple Square
Sledding with the family
Being snowed in at Christmas so extra time was spent with the family
War Tubing behind the four-wheeler
Gingerbread houses
Singing around the piano and playing Christmas music
Learning and growing moments that will carry me into the new year

Overall it was a wonderful month. I'll add more pictures as I get them.


Thanksgiving with mom and sis


Our dead Christmas Tree



Our replacement "Charlie Brown" tree



The head/shaving lesson was a hot item at the White Elephant party



I was attacked, I swear!



Christmas Eve Sledding Extravaganza on Cemetery Hill







My new fondue pot. Yum!


The finished projects

November 4

November 4 was a big day. It brought a chance to exercise my right to vote, a change of direction for our country, a snowstorm , and new $10 jeans :). But most exciting of all, it was an anniversary. I got a text from my dad that reminded me of a special Novermber 4th thirty years ago. Granted I was not alive at the time, but it was a day that made my life possible. Tuesday was the 30th anniversary of my parent's first date! The day that changed the course of history for the Barton family :) It was Homecoming at Snow College and my dad was three hours late picking up his date (my mom) because he couldn't get his pheasant (which he had shot himself) to cook. When he did finally pick her up, he had written her a song that included in the lyrics the famous date of November 4th. Now they would NEVER forget. :) I'm so grateful to my parents. They are incredible examples of love and strength in character and in their relationship with each other. And I'm grateful for their unselfishness and love for family that led them to raise seven kids. I have the most wonderful family. Man, I am blessed!!

Happy Halloween!!

Halloween is always a blast. Sunday we did a roommate date pumpkin carving adventure. We carved the best one (I'm not biased) with a spider and web. Today at work we had a party where we jammed on Rock Band, made carmel apples and had a costume contest. Winners haven't been announced yet. I'll keep you posted.

I went as King Kong's Captive. HELP!!!

All in a day's work

Last weekend we had an event up in Park City. Events of this kind involve all kinds of interesting things and often mix work and play. This particular event had me blowing up extra large beach balls, roasting smores on an indoor hotel fire, singing karaoke and dancing the night away (we worked plenty too, don't worry :) )

Seattle!

I just spent a fun weekend in Seattle for my cousin Megan's wedding. I have a lot I want to write about it but time does not yet allow; I will expound shortly. In the interim, be satisfied with pictures. :)

Rally On!

What good is work if there is no play? :) Don't we look stylin'! :)

Scare-oling

For Relief Society Enrichment we went Scare-oling. It was a blast! And the weather was the best I've ever had for caroling as there was no snow on the ground :) We went door-to-door singing Halloween songs and delivering goodies. What a Treat! No tricks involved :)

This is the note we left with the candy:

Why do ghosts have so much trouble dating?
Women can see right through them.

Why aren't there any famous skeletons?
They're a bunch of no bodies.

How do monsters tell their future?
They read their horror-scope.

Sample of the songs we sang:

Shivery Yells
(to the tune of SILVER BELLS)

We're on sidewalks, we're on porches ,
Dressed in costumes to scare.
Through the city we're ringing the doorbells
Trick or treating, candy eating,
Gooey stuff in our hair
But the most fun is shrieking out loud:
Shivery yells, Shivery yells
That's the Halloween nitty-gritty
Moan and groan, leaves us alone
Halloween's just one night a year.


Pumpkin Bells
(to the tune of JINGLE BELLS)

Dashing through the streets
In our costumes bright and gay
To each house we go
Laughing all the way
Halloween is here,
Making spirits bright
What fun it is to trick-or-treat
And sing pumpkin carols tonight!
Oh Pumpkin bells, Pumpkin bells
Ringing loud and clear
Oh what fun great pumpkin brings
When Halloween is here.

Fun Site:

http://www.freerice.com/index.php

Night up the canyon

I love driving up the canyon, especially in the fall. Here are some pictures from my Tuesday evening visit with nature.