The Lights

Yesterday evening was spent with the Providence 3rd Ward Young Men and Young Women. Usually I am a little peeved when Mutual activities are planned for the weekend. But this one presented us with a very good opportunity to spend time with Daddy and support him in his calling.

We borrowed Grandma Granges new Yukon, packed it with warm blankets, the bike buggie/stroller, a few Priests and a bag of Rollos. The making for a good time! We all feasted at Chuck'O Rama in Salt Lake. Not the classiest place in town, but fun for all, and they have the biggest rolls in the state. I had a salad and two rolls and went away a happy woman. Ok, there was also a little frozen yogurt there at the end. (I am having the hardest time resisting sweets. Sheesh! My will power is giving way time and time again this December. O'well. That is why we go to the beach during Christmas vacation. No one is there, so there are not many to judge you in your bathing suit! Now, as we speak. DJ and I are cooking up a Pappa Murpheys' Cinnamon Wheel. Let me tell you. . . .Mmmmm! The girls are in bed, so it is just we two to share it. Can't make promises for DJ, but I vow not to eat it all.)

After the feed at Golden Corral we circled Temple Square trying to find a parking spot. Ha! No luck. We paid $6.00 to park in the lot just to the West of the Conference Center. (I add this tidbit of information for my future posterity who will wonder at the thought of there being just a parking lot there, and perhaps at paying $6.00 to park for two hours.) The lights, like always, were truly amazing. I see them almost every year, and never cease to be impressed. That, and the grounds have such a wonderful vibe! You know what I am talking about. It is undeniable. Clearly the Lords' spirit is ever present.

I just love the Salt Lake Temple. Can one not, I ask? It is magnificent! I always try to picture the saints who built it, their faith, and their dedication. 40 years. That blows my mind. It was a sweet evening. Here are a few photos.

I Love Bedtime!

I did no less than 9 loads of laundry today. Sort, wash, dry, fold, put away. I have 2 more to go. I wish that I was joking.

Before I could even begin this morning I had to clear a path through the laundry room. There were wet socks, muddy boats, hats, gloves, sippy cups . . . I could go on. I will spare you. I am sure you have seen what can happen to a back hall when there are little ones, and big ones playing in the snow, working, and just plane tromping in and out of the dirty garage. It was clean last week. Then the snow began. It is lovely though, the snow I mean. Jeff and Dad got to make tracks on the Beav on opening day, and DJ and Tali made this great ornament for the front yard. We sledded and stomped and had snowball fights! The girls have had a real riot. And DJ even got in a few rescue missions on the night of the blizzard.

So, no real complaints about the state of the laundry room, I am just making mention of the fact that I could barely locate the washer and dryer amongst the carnage. To add to the fun of my day, DJ and Talia were violently ill last night. Really, it was coming form both ends. I was up a good portion on the night, cleaning sick and other unmentionables. (Some day I will tell you about the 'gamble farts'. I can barely bring myself to say the words, but they are appropriately named.) I also made a rather unwise decision to begin watching Troy on TBS. It was about 4 hours long, and I had to see the end of course! I can sure do 12:00 pm, it is the following 7:00 am that makes me regret late night TV movies.

Needless to say, I look forward to bedtime this evening. I am shooting for 9:30. The girls are already nicely tucked into their clean sheets as I speak. We had a sweet little family night this evening and then said prayers in the light of the Christmas tree. Daddy read the little ladies stories while I hung up little duds. All are feeling better. Miracle!

In closing, here are a few shots from our Christmas tree selecting evening last week. And one of Talia with the official Family Night conductors microphone. It is the top of our paper towel holder. HA! So much fun!