Christmas Fun

We had a Stephens Family Christmas Gathering last night. The inn was full, but we all squished in. It was great to see some of my family that don't live in the state. I have the best family.

My Aunt Kathy made gingerbread houses for all the kids to decorate. I made one too. It was fun. I love my Aunt Kathy.

We also had a Christmas Pageant. I was too busy directing that I didnt' get any photos, but it was fun. I'll have to see if my sister got some photos that I can share later.

Ballet West Presents "The Nutcracker"

On Saturday, December 19, 2009 my niece and I joined my neighbors, the Cardenas family, for Ballet West's performance of the Nutcracker. I sure had a fun time. I was happy that we could all go.

Photographing in the Cemetary!

I just discovered Find a Grave. I became a volunteer headstone and monument photographer for my geographic region. Here's the first two photos that I've taken for someone (Location-Pleasant Green Cemetary).

The Newest Little Angel in My Life...Devry Dot.

ISN'T SHE ADORABLE?

Fun at the Festival of Trees

I had another great year helping out with the Festival of Trees. My friend Stephanie agreed to be on the same committee as me a couple of years ago. I have fun doing stuff for Festival with her. This year we made our crafts for the gift shop together. We acquired some soap dispensers and put fun little quotes on transparency film inside of them. My other friends Heather and Shana helped us finish tying the bows on them. I wish I remembered to take a picture of them. I'm sure you've seen something like it before.

I have some awesome friends. Check out this picture of some of us that helped wrap-up the Festival. The others had already left for the evening before I could get everyone to group up for the picture. I love these guys. I hope they're all free next year to come and help again. I sure had fun.

We wrapped the trees on Saturday night. On Sunday morning, Stephanie and I joined Kathy Purser and her family to go and deliver the trees. Here's a picture I got of another group loading the tree that my sister's friends, the Millers, made in honor of their son who died a few years ago. The name of the tree is "It's all Good." It had a Nightmare Before Christmas theme. The tree was upside down with Jack Skelington poking his head out the top. The tree was almost too tall to fit in the truck.

I'll never forget the years that my cousins, Brad & Nathan, brought everyone from Helaman Halls down to help wrap the trees. If they ever move back to Utah, maybe they can join us and we can have an even larger super crew.

United States Armed Forces Medley

One of my favorite things to listen to is the Armed Forces Medley of the United States. I love it when it's played at an event and all the veterans of the different forces are invited to stand and be honored. My heart is filled with excitement as the crowd claps and cheers.

My favorite experience to date, is when I was at the Castle Valley Pageant in Castle Dale, Utah. The pagent started with this medley. Riders on majestic horses galloped across the stage area carrying the different flags of the different forces. It was stunning!

It's Veterans Day this week. I'm so thankful for the sacrifices of so many to protect our precious freedoms. This is my small way to honor and thank them. I love America!

C.E.S. Firesides are AWESOME!

I'm always strengthened when I attend the LDS Church Education System's fireside broadcasts. Tonight President Uchtdorf was the speaker. It was an AWESOME experience to hear him tonight. Truth is beautiful.