Festival of Trees

 I volunteered at the Providence Festival of Trees today in downtown Portland.  Three hours of looking at trees and people watching was awesome.  I was assigned to the Wizard of Oz tree.  It was an upside down gold tree with a farm, farm animals, fences, and straw sticking out of it to create a tornado.  The tree came with a play house that had crushed the wicked witch of the East.  Also pictured are: Island of Misfit Toys, Oregon State vs University of Oregon wreaths(they also had full size trees and mini trees-it is a very serious rivalry here, Avengers, and Portland Timbers(with soccer balls and Timbers scarves).  Other trees that were unique were fly fishing and farming themes complete with a heated chicken coop. 

 

Other random event: I am used to seeing odd people around Portland.  It isn't too uncommon.  When I got into the covention center there were a lot of odd ducks with glitter and wigs and big hats, and instruments.  Turns out it was a casting call for America's Got Talent.  It was kind of fun seeing all the people practicing their 'talents' in the suites before going in to audition.

 

Overall it was a really neat experience and it gave JD a whole day to study without several interruptions from me. 

Goodbye Christmas

Merry Christmas

We had a very merry and busy Christmas this year which involved going to three family gatherings and two gatherings on Christmas Eve. It was fun being with those families though and enjoying the food and presents as well. Some events included me getting a new camera, JD playing 4 Way Chess with his family, playing Christmas Deal or No Deal, Christmas at my home ward with my whole family, and various meals at different locations. We hope you had a happy day too!

Christmas Spirit

What a crazy week JD and I have had, between work parties, work, wrapping up stuff for Christmas, and other activities it has gone by in a whirlwind. The culmination of all the crazy was Sunday. We woke up early and went down to the Motab Christmas Concert. Martin was nice enough to register for tickets down in San Antonio and he not only received and hand delivered them at Thanksgiving, but the tickets were amazing we were on the floor at the very front right next to where President Monson came in. The program was great and we ended up seeing the whole concert minus 3 songs, can't complain about that.
It was also caroling tonight with friends from high school. We had almost everyone there, and those we were in far away lands were definately missed. Tara was nice enough to open up her home and accompany all of the songs. Doing the math, I believe that this was year number 8 for this tradition.
We gave our last lesson to the kids in our primary class today which was kind of sad, they have been a great class and a lot of fun too. We watched the Nativity and had treats and talked about remembering Christ this time of year.
All of these things have helped to make it really feel like Christmas. It feels like we have been caught up in work and school and applications and big decisions so doing things that focus on family, friends, and the Savior has been wonderful....and exhausting.

Silver and Gold

I love decorating for fall and Christmas. All of our decorations are up and we are ready for the holidays. I had to relight our Christmas tree this year, it took forever and I have a bazillion tiny scratches all over my fingers, hands, and arms, but I would say it was worth it.

Temple Square

It is fun having both of our finals taken care of so that we have time during the week to do things! Last night we went to Temple Square. We walked around to see the lights before doing a session at the temple. Last year we didn't come to the lights in Salt Lake, but we did go to the lights at the Los Angeles temple, it is a fun contrast between palm trees and pine trees.

Music and the Spoken Word

My family attended Music and the Spoken word with my grandma this morning to celebrate her 70th birthday. It was fun going down the Conference Center and enjoying the program that consisted of all Christmas music. After the program we had brunch and cupcakes at the grandma's house to celebrate. I am grateful for all of the opportunities we have around us to enjoy so many different things such as the Motab Broadcast. We will be back down there in two weeks for the Christmas concert.

Santa Claus is Coming To Town

Erin and I went out to lunch this afternoon and drove past Santa riding the Buffalo on top of Buffalo Bill's Tire Center. He was waving to all of the good boys and girls.....I guess.....people of Ogden: better watch out and better not cry because Santa Claus is in town.

Grinch

"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "Doesn't come from a store." "Maybe Christmas....perhaps...means a little bit more!"