It is the day after Christmas, just sitting home drinking a chai enjoying they day. We have plans to see the movie War Horse @ 3:00 with mom. I really feel like my heart has been connected to the spirit of Christmas this year. I have truly appreciated all the music, the events, the lights, the scriptural account, the family. It has all been beautiful.
Jim and I had a gift certificate to the Zermat in Midway, which had been provided by my work. I made reservations for the first week-end in December as there was a scheduled Creche exhibit at the Homestead that week-end as well. We had a suite! You know, one where your bed is turned down, chocolates, cheese plate, plush towel robes! Perfect dreamy week-end. We started the week-end with a hot rock massage at the Cameo school. I had a small melt down because it was difficult to get down on my stomach. I was unable to rest my arms above my head, but with a little improvise and a kind and patient student we made it ok. I silently cried through most of the massage because it was so relaxing. Jim fell to sleep quite quickly both on his stomach and back, so he quietly snored. I am sure the two students found us quite amusing, I know I would have! The drive up to Midway was quiet as we listened to Christmas music. The nativity exhibit was absolutely beautiful at the Homestead, there was live music. It once again, made me cry. We ate dinner at the Zermat. It was a very cold night, with a soft snowfall. Perfect night to turn on the fireplace and cuddle in.
I started back to work that following Monday. I would not be starting nursing floor shifts for yet another week. It all worked out well. The 2nd floor shift was a little rough because it was so stinkin busy & the job can be very physical. Overall, I am pleased with my energy level.
I attended our annual Book Club Christmas dinner at Kathy Milnes house this year. The book was Two From Galilee. I had read this once before and thought it was a excellent pick for the month.
We had our Christmas Bunco party at Teresa's house. We an awesome dinner & treats, bought jewelry for each other from Paparazzi, then just spent time getting to know each other better.
Another night we took the grandkids to Temple Square to see the lights. Another cold night. Not quite the same experience! Too many people for sure! And too much whining from the kids. We did watch a video in the visitors center based on the christmas story found in Luke 2.
Jim and I went with Marlene and Randy to listen to the Spoken Word one Sunday morning before church.
This is just a 30 minute production, it is short and VERY sweet. We were able to hear just a snippet of the Christmas program. I would really like to try and get tickets for that next year. It is the best free and well produced Christmas event here in SLC.
Another night Staci and I took, Brielle, Rowan and Daemon to the Echoes of Christmas @ Liberty Park. It is all run by volunteer's. You are guided by shepherds to 7 stops, where the Christmas story is re-enacted by singers. Once again it was a cold night, but if you are dressed appropriately it all works. Again, it snowed ever so lightly, which added to the dimension of the presentations AND cleared the smog out from the valley. I personally like the Bonneville Christmas presentation a bit better that we went to in 2010. Rowan was quite enthralled with the experience and really wanted to be part of it for next year. The kids spent the night, early the next morning Rowan was waking me up to help her fill in my address on the Echoes of Christmas Volunteer Application internet site, which she had looked up upon waking! I know there were auditions to be a volunteer, since neither one of us can sing, I made a note at the bottom of the app. to see if they would consider us for shepherd tour guides. We shall see what comes of that!
Jim and I passed out neighbor gifts, harvest bread and jam. The work and presidency gift was a monogram journal and matching pencil. I say this, just so I remember what I did for future reference.
We had the Eccles Christmas Eve party @ Staci's. Taco Bar, fun games and white elephant exhange.
Corby was invited in person by Staci, but he did not show. Neither did Stephanie, Marci, Matt, Misti or Mandy. This was discouraging for Staci, but I think it's their loss and not too worry about it. Even if the party becomes an event for our 2 families it is worth the effort. Everyone had a great time, food was awesome! Lot's of smiles and laughs. She had the parents of the little ones bring a 10.00 gift from their santa stash, then the adults brought white elephants. The white elephant game was played a little different. We all drew a number, but then our numbers were drawn out of a can to determine who went next. When your number was drawn you could dump your white elephant to someone else, then steal (x3 max) or open a new gift. Jenni and Josh had a new game in which a gift card was wrapped in many, many layers of boxes, with many many layers of tape. We went around the circle rolling dice. If doubles were rolled then you put on thick ski gloves and made a go of trying to unwrap the gift until the next set of doubles was rolled. It was quite hilarious to watch. I think I will try this one for the PCA Christmas party next year. Also, while I am writing things down to remember, I will ask that the gift card next year be one that starts with their name initials.
Christmas morning we slept in. A little too long. Brielle was delighted with her Christmas. I think her favorite gift was the Barbie airplane. We had to race to get to the 1 hour sacrament christmas program. Which was 2 wards meeting together and the music was awesome! We made soup and rolls and sweet rolls> Staci, Jim and I went to a late movie to top off the day. We saw My Week with Marilyn.
Well I hope I captured it all. Tomorrow Jim goes to have a MOH's procedure to remove the basal cell CA removed from the side of his mouth. I, later in the day go for a tank up, which I hope is my last one. I have cancelled the last two appointments, since I hate having that done. Colleen got me off the schedule so I can go with Jim.
Next I need to concentrate on a party for Jim. He turns 60!!! on January 6th.
