The Forgotten Carols

I wanted to post this while I still had the impression and feelings from my experience tonight (and still wiping away tears, thanks for the heads up Jennifer). Let me first just say WOW! I am not even sure where to begin. Living in Missouri, we didn't have the chances to experience things like this because they tend to stay in the Utah & Idaho areas. So, a gift from my mom, was tickets for our family to go see The Forgotten Carols.

Let me add a side note, so you can follow my emotional journey...I have LOVED Michael McLean since I was in high school. I went to an EFY and fell in love with his music. Then The Collection CD's came out and I was hooked all over again.

Sitting in this beautiful theatre tonight, Scott and I and the kids were all talking and enjoying the Christmas music playing. As the lights dimmed and we all were eagerly watching...Imagine my surprise when I saw Michael McLean walk out on stage!! I DIDN'T KNOW HE WAS IN THE PLAY!! I was in tears from the beginning with Michael playing this little musical flute type instrument.

Throughout the whole evening, as I was listening to the message, (and still in awe that Michael McLean was in the same room as me), I couldn't help but feel this overwhelming calmness and a sense of blessing.

As the evening closed, and Michael was singing my forever favorite song, We Can Be Together Forever Someday, he invited the audience to join in the chorus. We sang it a few times, and then he asked for us to think of someone we loved that wasn't with us. Either in the military, or across the country, or in Heaven, my thoughts turned to my family. (more tears now) I am so truly blessed to have my husband, Graison & Baylee and the impact that moving has had for our family. We have come together, and rely on each other to be our support. It has brought us closer together. I then thought of my extended family...and for the wonderful parents that I have. For the examples they have been to me, and are to my children. I thought of my sisters & brother...who are daily reminders to me that I am never alone in this world no matter what happens. They are examples to me on how to be compassionate, how to serve others, how to be a wonderful mother, and friend.

As we were sitting in our seats and the house lights come up, I am looking at our program and notice....Michael McLean and cast will be in the lobby for autographs!!!! I know it was getting late, and there were literally thousands of people there I never thought that I would be able to stand in the line long enough to get the casts autographs. As we walked down the stairs I noticed there wasn't a very long line, so we decided to go for it!!! I will never forget meeting Michael McLean, and him talking to us like we were old friends. And an added bonus...we scored a picture!!! I love the way he is hugging Baylee!! What wonderful memories!!!

Family Pictures

Yes, my husband is a wonderful photographer, but it has been a few years since we have had our family pictures done. So, since we have moved, and this is our first holiday season here in the Boise area, we wanted to do our pictures and show off how beautiful it is here. Scott recruited a co-worker to come out and actually take the photos (with the promise of White Trash!!) and she did a great job.

Scott of course "tweaked" them as he calls it, to make us all look gorgeous! I absolutely love them , and I think they turned out great.

I am so blessed to have been married for almost 14 years, and to have 2 great kids (3 i you count Max!). I love being a mom, and I thank Heavenly Father every day for the many blessings in my life.

BATH TIME...FOR MAX

One of the things we are coming to love about the Meridian, ID area is that there are so many things to do. Places and things to do that you are like "Why didn't I think of that!" One of these is a place called U Do Doggie Spaw. You take your dog in, and wash & dry him and then you leave...and THEY clean up! So cool! So for our Family Night, we decided that this was what we were going to do. Max desperately needed a bath, and I refuse to let Scott bathe him in our shower!


So, Baylee was all up for helping, and Graison & I went to laugh and to "document" the evening! We ended up having a good time, and Max looks great! I forgot that he was supposed to be WHITE!

By the time we got home, I think Max was wore out! Not to mention Baylee & Scott. We weren't home for 10 minutes and Max was snoring louder than I have heard in a long time! We never let Max on the couch, and he can't get up there by himself anymore anyway, but he wanted to be cuddled and so Graison let him up on the couch...and it was back to snoring!

We have all come to the realization that Max is on borrowed time. We have had him for 10 years now, almost as long as we have had Baylee! We try to prepare ourselves, and just enjoy Max while he is still here. We have come a long way, and almost lost him a few times back in the summer. He has been a great addition to the family!

Baylee turns 11

Can you believe that Baylee is 11?? I sure wonder where time has gone. Her birthday was during the week, so we didn't really celebrate until her party on Saturday. She had a really fun "theme", as we sent out movie tickets and told everyone to wear their favorite PJ's. We popped popcorn, had candy and sodas, did I mention the CANDY!! Then with 12 tween girls we watched CAMP ROCK, and let me tell ya they girls sang louder than the movie!! We of course had a pillow fight, and then a dance contest (which i had to join in!!) I think it was a huge hit, and all the girls said they had a great time. Baylee has really made some good friends since she has been here.

HALLOWEEN

We celebrated our first Halloween here in Boise. It was a little weird, as this was the first year Scott & I didn't have to take anyone trick-or-treating! A little sad, but it was also kinda nice. Graison went to a friends house to set up a spook house and scare the trick-or-treaters that came to their house. (Didn't have anything to do with the fact that there were 6 girls hanging around!!) Baylee actually dressed up and went T-or-T with some friends across the street. By the time Baylee got home, we had yet to hear from Graison, so we decided to go over to the Drollinger's house and see what was going on. Needless to say, there were about 12-15 "young adults" hanging around. So the decision was made to order pizza, and we all hung out for a while. it was actually a lot of fun. Scott & I were excited that we were able to get to know a family in our ward, and that they had kids the same age as Graison & Baylee. We all enjoyed out first Halloween in Boise, and looking to many more!!