Cute Babies!

From youngest to oldest we have Sydney, Callie and Afton. Have you ever seen 3 more beautiful girls? I love my nieces!

I Do...

Last Sunday, my big sis and James Banville exchanged vows at a beautiful Hacienda in Scottsdale, Arizona. The evening before the ceremony we enjoyed heavy appetizers and drinks as we met and had a chance to get to know James's family at the Sanctuary resort.

On the big day, my mom, sister-in-law, niece and I all joined Carrie as she got ready for the ceremony. We got our hair done and Carrie had her make-up done, we ordered delicious room service and had a great time hanging out.

The wedding venue (Hermosa Inn) was elegant and beautiful. Carrie and James had a garden wedding with music by Todd and me, a reading by Jo, and the ceremony performed by my dad and we had an amazing dinner at the Hermosa Inn after the wedding.

James makes a great addition to the family! He and Carrie are in Argentina for their honeymoon and we have missed them this week but we are so excited for them!

Seven Days of Celebration!

I have officially been finished with nursing school for 7 days!

Here is what has been keeping me busy...

We had a great time gathering with good friends to celebrate my graduation! Thank you to all of those who took the time to be with us!

Todd decided last week that he was going to sew his costume for his role as "King Herod" at our church Christmas party (check out the pics of the process).

I spent Sunday and Monday with my cousin Candice who works as a mobile vet in rural, East Texas. We made Christmas treats (caramels, peanut brittle, chocolate peppermint biscotti, almond roca, 2 types of cookies, mint dipped oreos, and peppermint bark) and I went out to work with her Monday. She is an amazing vet and it was great to be her assistant as she worked on the horses.

Todd and I tried out and were selected to sing the National Anthem at an Ice Bat Hockey game--check out Todd's blog for more.

Our Church youth group had a great time caroling last night around the neighborhoods around our church.

I had my student guitar/piano recital tonight. The kids did so great and I am so proud of each one of them!

We went to the Trail of Lights at Zilker Park tonight with the Mattsons.

We take off for Scottsdale, Arizona tomorrow---so if I am still on blogging hiatus please have a great holiday and happy new year!

Hallelujah

Christmas at my home growing up resonated with one of two records playing--

Roger Whittaker's "Christmas with Roger Whittaker" or Handel's Messiah.

Inspired by Jessica, I have to add to her expressions about Christmas music creating the true magic of the season.

Tuesday night a group of girlfriends and I went to the Austin Symphony's presentation of the Messiah. The performance included one tenor, base, alto and soprano soloist, full orchestra and 100 member choir. There is something so intensely moving about the whole performance--it traces Christ's life from before his birth through his crucifixion, resurrection and then his promise of redemption and victory over death and sin for all.

Some of my favorite selections include "For Unto Us a Child is Born", "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth", "Comfort Ye My People", "O Though That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion" and of course the "Hallelujah Chorus".

It is the tradition for the audience to stand for the "Hallelujah Chorus". This practice traces back to a performance in which King George rose to his feet as the first notes of the triumphant Hallelujah Chorus rang out. Royal protocol demanded that when the monarch stands, so does everyone in the monarch's presence, thus the entire audience stood which initiated a tradition that continues to this day.

It is truly spectacular to be in a room of 2,500 people standing in celebration of the inspired music of the Messiah.

What do you listen to at Christmas?

By the way....check out the samples of Roger Whittaker Christmas album here--it is hysterical but we loved it as kids (okay...I still love it!) http://www.amazon.com/Roger-Whittaker-Christmas-Album/dp/B000003FSQ

Scoop on Portland

There has never been a more beautiful wedding and reception that Liz and Scott had this weekend!

Liz and Scott were married in the Portland temple Saturday afternoon followed by an incredible dinner and dance at Arista Ballroom. Liz did a great job arranging the menu, flowers, and music. Liz and Scott made a gorgeous couple!

Per my last posting, Portland was not a disappointment. I loved the funky, trendy atmosphere, beautiful rivers and trees and very granola feel. Second to the wedding, my favorite part of the day was my morning run along Columbia river. There is something about a long run that gets me in tune with a new city or location. You pick up on the smells, sounds and sights that are missed when you fly by at 65 miles per hour in your vehicle.

I had an incredible 36 hours in Oregon but when I arrived in Austin and the 78 degree, sun drenched, humid air hit my body I knew I was home. I took the big dog's on a long walk in flip flops and waved at the neighbors putting up Christmas lights in their tank tops and shorts and felt glad to be rid of my fleece and the gray drizzle of the Northwest.