Holiday Mems...... Part 1

So, though, technically the "Holidays" have passed, the happiness of it all is still fresh in my mind and I wanted to make sure I recorded the memories. PLUS I have really missed updating! Granted, some of these you "had to be there for" but I hope you enjoy regardless!
Oh, and by Holiday's I mean "anytime in December" and the events are not necessarily in chronological order!!!! Again, it's long. Don't say I didnt' warn you......

• Mom and Dad's Nativity Open House for the neighborhood- I lost track of how many navities my mom has.... over 100? The majority of the nativities came from the Philippines (Christmas is HUGE there) but they also come from Germany, Israel, New Mexico, homemade, and Italy. There's also a collection of specially made Santas from place's anyone in the family has lived, served a mission, or where our ancestors hail from: the Santa's include: Norway, Denmark, Chile, Argentina, USA, Taiwan, Peru and Ecaudor. Plus the refreshements were fabulous: Costco muffins, cheese and crackers, Mom's special wassail, chocolate truffles, etc. MMMMMMMM..............
• 25th Annual Midvale's Handel Messiah: Mom directed, David and Deborah both sang solos, Dad, Aunt Suzan and I sang in the choir, David, Mom, Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Joe played in the orchestra. I really felt the message and spirit of the Messiah and the life of the Savior sink into me, especially singing about how he was despised and rejected of men and yet took all of our sins upon him. It was beautiful..... And, as has become tradition, Hot chocolate and toast with Mom and Dad and Depot at M & D's that night
• BYU football Las Vegas Bowl game: I really get into BYU football games. When they are playing well, anyway. When they're losing, not so much....... Thankfully, this time they were playing well early on so me and my stomach were completely relaxed and I didn't even have to wait until halftime to eat!!!! The guest of honor was 3 week old niece, Coralea Elizabeth Litster, baby sister to 3 older brothers. She is absolutely precious with lots of dark hair- but I didn't hold her too much because I tend to yell, loudly and a lot, during games and I didn't want to scare her..... Another highlight was seeing 14 month old Lexi walking and signing things like "please, more, and cracker" The best part, besides a dominating 44-20 over a PAC-10 team???? Having all the family together :)
• Another highlight from the bowl game- sending my nephews into hysterics! During halftime my sister and husband had to deliver neighbor gifts, they took Ashley, I told them I'd keep an eye on Carter. I went downstairs to the family room and found about 8 of my nephews ages 7-12 gathered in a circle on the couches, being led by Bennett, talking about...... something. I teasingly asked Carter if he was behaving himself, Bennett asked, with a glint in his eye..... what if he's not? To which I said, "Then I'll have to hug him and kiss him!" I then proceeded to go around the circle trying to hug and kiss each boy. Jacob and Errol were receptive, but the rest of them covered themselves, shrieking and curling into balls- but we were all laughing, too!
• Attending cousin Brent Morley's fabulous Jazz Christmas concert, "Not Forgotten Carols" Loved the music, loved see so many family there, loved it all!

• An AWESOME trip to Moab with my dear friend Kerri. She totally rocks! And we packed a LOT into a 2 day, 1 night trip. We went to the Moab temple, saw the sights at Canyonlands and met a straightfaced ranger who suggested we "drive down the road.....and look at the sights" , ate at an "off the beaten path" diner with good but very interesting clientle, got amazing ice cream cones and new Moab hoodies, saw tons of arches: double arch, shoe arch, delicate arch, the 3 gossips, survived a serious spray of salt from a snow plow on the road home. Seriously, I don't think more fun could have happened!
• AND..... I ran in the the Moab 10k and beat my previous best my 10 minutes!!!! My new best is 1 HOUR, 32 SECONDS! For real! It was freezing, though, somewhere in the 20's, I think.... Even though I layered it took me until about mile 3 to feel like my toes and fingers were not being pinched by lobster claws- how's that for a vivid description??? Kerri supported me and met me and the finish line- that's the kind of amazing friend she is!
• Christmas Eve Breakfast with Marchelle- we have a tradition of going out to breakfast together once a month to catch up. We take turns choosing the restaurants. So far we've been to Kneaders, Ihop, Village Inn, Denny's, Belgian Waffle, and this time, Jason's Deli. We usually get two breakfast entrees and share/split. I loved going out and catching up with her, love that she listens to me and laughs at my jokes, love her insights into the Gospel and Life. And, not to be sappy but.... everytime we do this, I like to think that Grandpa and Grandma Morley are watching and that they are happy we are together. Grandpa always seemed to be the happiest when his family was together. And..... got a fabulous new journal from Marchelle, she has such a knack for picking out one that I'll like- one with "style".

The end for now.... stay tuned for part 2!!!!