For the party, everyone was invited to perform a talent. I thought about what to perform for a good couple of weeks. In the past, my mom and I usually sing a song (usually Silent Night in Spanish or something). I love to sing, but I wasn't really feeling the whole "sing a song thing" this year. Soooo.... on the night of the party I was brainstorming quick talents, and I remembered one awesome talent that Amber and I performed (or didn't perform... sorry for leaving you hanging, Am.. and for turning around and hiding while banging my head on the wall as you tried desperately to continue...) for a YSA ward talent show. Let me explain- I once watched someone on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno laugh a song. She just laughed each note of the song instead of singing it. The secret is to use the laughter that naturally comes from feeling like an idiot to "sing" the next line of the song. We attempted to perform Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in front of our singles ward. Excellent. Why am I not married? Ha. ANYWAY. I figured that my mother and I could totally pull it off at the family party. We "practiced" a couple times on our way to Kaysville. Here are a couple of re-enactment photos.
I think we nailed it. HA-ha. Ha-ha-ha ha-ha.
Lorenzo read us all the Night Before Christmas story. Lovely.
Sorry for not posting pictures of the other talents. They were all great! Including Jamie keeping her baby alive, Hailey and Tom performing ballet (mostly Hailey), Jana and Grandma Ann singing/accompanying, Jordan soldering a pipe joint (that sounds both dangerous and gangsta), Malcom reaching for his toy (and then spitting up :), Ashley yodeling (very cool), Laura shaking her thang, and Dan and Vivian ballroom dancing.
After the talents, we hung around for some caroling with Grandma Ann.
Ha. Lorenzo and Katie were copying Jordan and MiQuelle's dance moves.
Overall, the party was very nice. I'm very grateful for my family.
CHRISTMAS EVE 2011
Kjersty was Mary this year in our family nativity program. I thought it was fitting. :) However, she did not think my joke of her being "great with child" was very funny. I still do. Hehe.
Of course, I pulled out our favorite black Baby Jesus. He was my doll when I was little. I named him Matthew. I gave him a "bowl-cut" hair cut a long time ago. I figured that that was how all boys cut their hair... but actually it was just my brothers. Haha.
My mom played the angel. Grandma Lou used to always be the angel in our nativity program. Mom has done a nice job filling in. I love Kjersty's face. She just got the news. :)
Here we have our shepherds (Brittie and Katie). Brittie had her costume on her lap. Haha. JP was our King Herod, and Lorenzo was Joseph. Mom was getting the myrrh ready.
Lance really got into his part. He was definitely sore afraid.
After the nativity program, Kjersty had to leave for work. Before she left, we made her open her presents. She was so lucky- "Santa" brought Kjersty a puzzle, new maternity pants (ha- she said it was like opening underwear in front of people), and new gloves to use with her phone. I gave her the spice rack that she has been asking for and a new portable heater for her room. She got a super cool cookbook to make me lots of yummy food from my mom and Lance. Win.
Baby Kole got a few presents, as well!
JP and Lorenzo enjoyed their new "chuyos" (the beanies) that Alex sent all of us from Peru. I'm not sure why Chon was hyperventilating into the bag... hmm..
And now for a nice picture.... I said a NICE picture... Oh well.
Finally- Stella and Lupe had a stare down over the top of Baby Jesus. He was nice and protected.
I love my family and my friends. My blessings are numerous. Jesus is the Christ. His birth was a miracle. His life was a blessing. His death and resurrection were real. The atonement that He performed is a gift. Everyday I am thankful.
Merry CHRISTmas.
