Christmas 2010

Christmas was simply beautiful

and

beautifully simple

Bitter Sweet . . .

. . . this phrase will always sum up the feelings when you are released from a church calling. We've been the Activities Chair for the last year. I've loved it. Actually, I love it just as much as when we were the Activities Chair in the North Las Vegas Stake. I love spending hours on the little details on posters, hand outs, and sign ups. Then there was shopping! Who doesn't like to shop for a party? Then setting things up and making sure they were in the right spot. When people started arriving we would be running around making sure food was stocked, drinks were filled, trash was tossed, and things were running smoothly. I'm not sure anyone even saw all the behind the scenes.

Which is why there is that "sweet" feeling. No more last minute (literally) runs to the store. No more phone calls and emails to the committee and not getting a response. No more putting together and running Christmas Programs and dinners by ourselves. No more early correlation meetings. Oh I could go on!

After every activity Jake and I would get in the car to leave and say, "well, that was a success". We talked about the "next time" and what to do differently. Although I never really sat and ate at one function the food must have been good because it was always gone. People always stayed way passed the expected end time so they must have enjoyed themselves. Best of all we had zero injuries. That just itself is a success.

After a couple years of this it's still hard to list my favorite activity. Pioneer Day would be at the top. Even though we didn't have the funding that the North Las Vegas Stake had, we still had a killer party up here. It was a combined ward activity and we were amazed at the turnout, the food, the games, and the weather! Success. Movie Night is definitely up on the list. Success. Easy and super fun! For my third choice I would have to say the Taco Bar with Broom Hockey after. Everyone ate and so many people played. Loved it!

Last night was our last activity, Christmas dinner. A bitter sweet.

So even though the Activities Committee is no more I will still keep my binder of activities and wait for our next church calling.

Favorite Things

Although I do love cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels

these are some of my favorite things . . .

The story of the Three Trees

The Nativity

Different nick-nacks that remind the reason of Christmas!

Our simple little Christmas tree.

We've had this for years and set it up in a corner even when we have a real one.

And most of all friends and family!

(I'll have to find a good picture for here)

2010 Thankful Tree

Our tree looks rather squarish this year. We missed about five days and I think that would have "rounded" it out.

(in no particular order)

We are thankful for:

Patience

Remote start on the car

Friends & Family

Vicks Vapo Rub and grapefruit juice

The new WalMart

Jason & Andrea

Massages every week

Missionary moments

Temples

Homemade PF Chang's Lettuce Wraps

The weather (experiencing 4 seasons)

Taste buds

Nyquil

Our home

Good appropriate humor

Home and visiting teachers

FHE

All the many birthday gifts and wishes

Emily

Good neighbors

Buster, Belle, and Sage

Journals

Jesus Christ

Jacob's laugh

Jobs

Eyes

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Ears

A happy marriage

Tithing

Puppy breath

A new car

and

The Thankful Tree!