All is Calm - All is Bright...

Christmas 2009 is now a thing of the past - to be filed away with so many others.

It turned out to be a pretty nice one, in spite of the last minute preparations (and the mild panic attack.)
My oldest daughter did most of the shopping (it's one of the things she does best!) It was fun to be able to sit back and have a few surprises again!

We were able to squeeze in some fun activities this month - like attending my youngest daughter's choir concert.

It's her first year in the choir, but her last year at school - bittersweet for us - the last High School concert we will be attending for one of our children...

It's been a long time tradition here, that the last number performed is always Handel's Hallelujah Chorus, and they always invite any and all former members of the choir who are in the audience to come up on the stage and join them. It's always very powerful and touching.
My other daughter went up to sing with them - a two-for-one night!


We also attended her choir concert at Temple Square. It was so beautiful there!

I love the old Assembly Hall, where the concert was held.
Isn't it amazing that back in the day when the tools and technology were more primitive, they still built places like this?
Now that we have every tool and convenience known to man, all you ever see are boring straight lines.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland...

It's no wonder people come from all over the world to see this sight...


Hubby's family party was a big hit - as usual (organized chaos)...And, as always, Santa was there:


Christmas Eve dinner went well too, in spite of all my worry and my absence from the kitchen.
(In fact, I think they did better without me! *Making a note for next year...)

New Jammies were had by all...


If you'll excuse me for being corny - I went to bed that night with a very full heart. I have a wonderful family - I feel very blessed.

The Christmas morning breakfast was nice, (or should I say brunch? It was a little more laid back this year.)

Elmo was late.
"Hey - where did everybody go?"

Hubby and the girls have this week off, so they are keeping me busy, but just wanted to share.

Leaving with this parting thought - my favorite Christmas Message:

Hope your Holiday was Happy too - and wishing you the Happiest of New Years!
.