HUGE thanks to my sweet sister, Meg! She lives... elsewhere... and was able to get tickets to see the choir broadcast for this morning. With all that was going on her life, she was unable to use them. So she offered them to me (at least, I was the first one to call her back). Three of my friends and I drove up and braved the snow and crowds and all the holiday traffic to experience the live broadcast and "mini concert" afterwards.
Natalie Cole was the featured singer this season. She was lovely. After the broadcast was over and it was a little less formal, she was so gracious about her time here and how she was treated. She seemed genuinely impressed with the organization of the church and the choir.
And this man- David McCullough. Wow. I have to say, I'm a little late joining in the hurrah's for what an amazing man he is, but when he walked on stage, I literally teared up. He told the tale of the Christmas song "O Little Town of Bethlehem." Just hearing him speak on that alone made me want to become a roadie of his.
When all was said and done, President Monson came on the stage and spoke so eloquently to the two guests. He thanked them and said he could only say the 5 most important words in the English language "We are proud of you." And then two more, "Thank you." From what we could gather when Ms Cole spoke, President Monson presented her with her 5 generations of genealogy. You could truly see that it touched her deeply. And Mr. McCullough, of course, came up with a magnificent story about John Adams just off the cuff to express his gratitude. In closing, Lloyd Newell asked them to turn and face the choir. They were then serenaded by the Mormon Tabernacle choir singing 'Til We Meet" a cappela. We were all moved to tears.
I so enjoyed my day. Thank you, Meg, for making it possible. You didn't have me for Christmas but this was the best present ever- even if it wasn't meant to be. I came home wondering how people can doubt truth when you've been in a room like that. Simply amazing. :)
Meg's family :) Don't ask why Meg and Mr. Thornton aren't actually in the picture. They rarely make photo appearances. But look how well my cute niece's hair is coming back in! She's in the red- bottom left. Yay for bed head!
And Bebe Brother's family :) Aren't they just the cutest things? Its like Christmas card central at their house. My fun sister in law with her amazing camera- takin' pictures like a pro. Nice work!
Yep- Merry Christmas from Texas!
Christmas pj's!
Great Grandma "reading" to the kids. Great idea, Gram!
Some surprises for Emi!
And a big surprise for mom!
And when they're home, that means we get to eat at the Melting Pot. So tasty and such a good time. Thanks, cute kids.
HUGE thanks to my sweet sister, Meg! She lives... elsewhere... and was able to get tickets to see the choir broadcast for this morning. With all that was going on her life, she was unable to use them. So she offered them to me (at least, I was the first one to call her back). Three of my friends and I drove up and braved the snow and crowds and all the holiday traffic to experience the live broadcast and "mini concert" afterwards. 
Natalie Cole was the featured singer this season. She was lovely. After the broadcast was over and it was a little less formal, she was so gracious about her time here and how she was treated. She seemed genuinely impressed with the organization of the church and the choir. 
And this man- David McCullough. Wow. I have to say, I'm a little late joining in the hurrah's for what an amazing man he is, but when he walked on stage, I literally teared up. He told the tale of the Christmas song "O Little Town of Bethlehem." Just hearing him speak on that alone made me want to become a roadie of his. 
My 8 year old niece, Cinderella, presented me with two custom made ornaments tonight. She has fashioned them herself and was so excited to know they'd be on my tree. As you can see, one is a present. The other is a tennis ball, because she knows I love tennis. Thank you, Cinderella! My tree is now complete!
Yes- that IS a Mr. Potato Head face in her mouth haha
Oh bebe brother!
The girls and I- always thrilled for a picture, as you can see :)
She is a crack up! So practical and polite about everything.
This girl is all my side of the family! Oh my heck she is hilarious!
Yes- those really are turnips!
A lady I work with went up north and dug us up some turnips! They are obviously huge! And they smelled disgusting! But we tried frying some up for lunch one day- not too bad.
