More surprises

Probably my most favorite part of Christmas happened on the day of Sara's wedding. Let me first start by saying that many things went wrong for Sara's special day. The dumping of snow being the LEAST of the worries! But somehow, they all turn out alright, don't they? Her dress alterations didn't quite turn out the way she wanted them to, the lady who did her flowers had to go to work and locked her door (with the flowers inside - NO flowers at the Temple), her hair situation never really worked out. SO, Stacey, Channy, Lisa and I played around with her hair the night before...and then drove up to Salt Lake bright and early in the morning to do our best on Sara's beautiful hair. I wish I had a "finished" picture...but uh, they were already about 20 minutes late for the Temple! What a memorable day! :) But, take my word for it, Sara looked beautiful!

The BEST part was when we hurried over to the Temple (walked from the Hotel) and the whole family was all their waiting in the waiting room upstairs...hugs to family we hadn't seen in a while..but then I noticed my HUSBAND! Yeah, remember how he wasn't supposed to be here until TOMORROW? Basically, I couldn't believe I was seeing him! I had just talked to him the night before...the plan was still the same, leaving Friday after work or early Saturday morning (most likely Saturday morning). Today was FRIDAY morning! Turns out, this guy left at 11:00 PM Thursday night after he got home from work, got packed and did a few errands for me! He drove all through the night arriving in Spanish Fork around 8:30 where he showered and then left for Salt Lake...which is where I saw him! CUTE eh?! THAT was the BEST Christmas Presant EVER! And it's too bad I don't have a picture of it...but uh, I was to stunned to even THINK about blogging about it! Sara didn't see him until he gave her a hug on his way out of the sealing room and needless to say, she was about just as excited as I was! He had told her the night before that he didn't think he was going to be able to make it (his way of letting her down easy) and I think she was kind of bummed.

Did I mention that it started DUMPING as soon as we all got out and were waiting for Sara and Spencer?

Sara and Spencer! We're so happy for you! Maybe you should come visit us in Albuquerque some day!!! :)

Redemption

When I came home from my mission, my family was no where to be seen at the air port. Nope, not there. But don't worry, ALL the friends, family, neighbors, and friends of friends and family of the 45 other missionaries who were arriving in good old Salt Lake were there...boy, I sort of felt like a loser! I don't think I ever got over it. ;) Well, I flew into Salt Lake a week earlier than Gary for Christmas Vaca. because A) I wanted to B) Gary has a job (Haha! Sucka!) C) (probably the REAL reason) my Cousin was getting married!

I thought my Mom and Sister were coming to pick me up on the curb, but look what I got! Oh, about half my family trying to redeem themselves! They even looked up the "New Mexico" Flag online before they left so they could draw it properly. :) It was AWESOME!

Yes, I'm still talking about Christmas...

We decided to have a little Christmas party before everyone left town for Christmas. It included a 'bring your favorite treat', a '$15.00 gift card exchange', and a rousing game of charades!

As you can see, my "holiday weight gain" began long before I even went home for Christmas!

Rachel and I made these caramels to give to everyone. They were SO SO good and took WAY WAY too long to make!

These two excited people ended up with the REI gift card!

I didn't get nearly enough pictures of the action that went on...

Let's start with Christmas

Our Stake held a "Nativity Display" - I was asked to be on the committee. I must say, it turned out quite successful. Below are a few pictures of some of my favorite nativities! For the first two hours we had the Nativities on for display in the RS room, Primary Room and YW Room...after that, they came into the gym for refreshments where each Primary in the stake performed, sang, or did something having to do with the Nativity. After all of that, a stake choir sang selections of the Messiah. It was FABULOUS!

Look how cute the little snowmen are!