Twas the Night Before Christmas...

And I couldn't sleep. Like usual. TOO MUCH EXCITEMENT! Also I took a nap today, which may have caused this lack of sleepiness. So I decided to watch some Disney movies (thanks Netflix for the Aristocats and Pocahontas) while I updated my December blogging. 

But meanwhile, I wish you all, family and friends, a VERY merry Christmas. 

"As we commemerate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite value of His great atoning sacrifice."

"...And now after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!" 

-The Living Christ. 

December 24th

Favorite part of Christmas Eve

I couldn't choose a favorite. I told you, our family does tradition like none other.

This year was a little different from our usual plan of action, but it was so fun. Had a polar express party complete with soundtrack, hot chocolate (and paninis), ice hopping, coal throwing, and train whistles. We enjoyed the surprise snow!! We got a got inch or two, which was a Christmas miracle. I love a white Christmas. We went to the Cummings' casa to spend the evening eating, visiting, enjoying/performing music, and of course a nativity pageant. It was a lovely time. We came back home for Polar Express reading with eggnog, letter writing to Santa, and St. Nicholas village gift openings. What a wonderful way to spend the day. 

December 22nd

Tradition 

This family does tradition like nobody's business. 

This year we have 3 displays of our Christmas village set up. And it keeps on growing! 

December 18th

Stockings

The original 7. 

December 16th

Outside Christmas lights

December 14th

Christmas tree

December 13th

Family

Ready for a performance at the Washington DC Temple's Festival of Lights.

December 12th

A beautiful sight

I got an "Awesome!" at the testing center. BOOYAH. 

December 11th

Green

I've got a Christmas tree. in. my. room. yeaah. 

December 9th

Something you're reading

At school, our FHE family gathered every night to read a Christmas story and sing a Christmas hymn. Great tradition. 

December 7th

Bright

Pretty self-explanatory. 

December 6th

Shopping

I don't go shopping very often, but this has been one of my favorite Christmassy purchases. A nice festive sparkly color. 

December 5th

Today's temperature

December 4th

Joyous

I'm super proud of Miss Maddie singing solos and facing some pretty big fears (some that most people, myself included, still have years into life!). I feel pretty joyous thinking about her, and how amazing my nieces and nephews are. 

Make Me Smile.

Can I just say that I love being an aunt? It's basically the best thing to be, in my opinion. Especially when your nieces and nephews are some of the most intelligent, hilarious, ambitious, spirited, caring, good-lookin people you know. And the oldest is 8. Yeah. That's how cool they all are. And two more are joining the family this year. Love them. 

December 3rd

Red

Christmas lights on campus. 

December 2nd

(One of) My Favorite Holiday Movie 

Elf 

December 1st

Okay, I know I didn't quite make it through the last photo challenge, but this one seems easier since I love Christmas a whole lot and December is a limited amount of time. Plus, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is blogging loud for the world to hear... holy cow I've got to be the cheesiest human being alive; next to my mom ;)

I spent the majority of today rehearsing/performing in BYU's Celebration of Christmas concert. Actually two showings of it, but nonetheless, it was a pretty spectacular thing to be a part of. All four choirs with the BYU Philharmonic? Super cool. 

Up-do's, sparkles, and a whole lot of pretty girls.

Also BFF Cassie surprised me by coming to tonight's show! What a pal. 

Day Thirteen

Written Words

I'm grateful for letters from missionary friends. They are awesome. The letters and the friends.