Monday, December 15, 2008

My Christmas Inspiration

Ever since we moved from Idaho, I have missed being a part of or attending The Messiah at Ricks/BYUI. It was a personal highlight of the Christmas season. It deepens the Christmas season and my love for the scriptures. I have found something that is also inspiring here.
Every year at the Arlington Stake Center they have a Natvity display. The rooms all over the church are decorated thematically and display nativity sets. They have over 1000 throughout the building. A couple of rooms are sets from 1 collector each. One lady has her sets organized according to where the set was made, like these from Africa. One is made from banana leaves and the lower one indiginous organic items. They are from all over and many are unique.

They have a look and find sheet for the children to point out different kinds and sizes, helping the children look at each nativity. One set was from a lady in Poland who learned of her collection so she made one for her made of colorful tinfoil candy wrappers.

They have choirs from around the area sing Christmas songs every half hour. Emma got to sing this year with her choir from Pearcy. Taylor sang with West a few years ago.

I feel full of awe at the craftmanship of the different sets, the effort of the displays, and the love and rejoicing that comes from the rememberance of the Savior born for us. This gift and His gift are so powerful to me. I weep every year.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Don't bug me


Daniel is very allergic to the fire ants here.

Collegiate Inn Improves!



Just in case you haven't driven by to check out the improvements on the apartments lately.
You can't see the Plumbing redo (which was enormous) and the HVAC system, (also extremely big) but all will enjoy this. The exterior is looking increasingly better. Yay!

Trial slide

Halloween Trunk or Treat




At the ward Trunk or Treat, Luke got maybe one candy, a package of skittles, and got to jump into the back of a truck with the MacDonnell's. He had a ton of fun and was completely satisfied with his "loot".

Friday, October 31, 2008

Jacob is of age (last month)



Jacob's baptism day.
Grandma and Grandpa Timothy and Grandma and Grandpa Andersen were all able to come!