Jaren has a new blog

So Jaren has a new blog.... and he wants you to read it. It's all about his metamorphosis into an Army Helicopter Pilot. It can be found at : http://thedream-jaren.blogspot.com/

Christmas Carol

There is something you should know. I love Charles Dicken's book The Christmas Carol. I love the play even more! It was a family Christmas tradition to go see Hale Center Theatre's version for multiple years, and then sadly - it suddenly faded away.

When I married my husband, I got a wealth of blessings in his friendships. One of whom is Eric. Eric has known Jaren for his entire life - you should ask Jaren about the story - it's quite Halmark movie-ish. Anyhow, Eric is a Thespian (love that word) - and has been an Actor at Hale Center Theatre for... well... forever. For the past two years Eric has played the role of Jacob Marley (you remember- Scrooge's dead as a door nail business partner). Last year, Jaren and I got sick the night of our tickets - and we didn't get to see it. This year - Joy of Joys - we weren't sick and got to go!

Eric was amazing. Clarissa - his wife, was also in the play and was amazing as well.

I won't get into all of their parts they had to play - but suffice it to say - it's incredible that they can remember so many lines, songs, directions, etc.

The play last night really got me thinking - why do I love this so much? I've seen it well over a dozen times in my life, and still - I can not wait to see it each year.

Last night as the chorus group was singing Silent Night, I was moved by the Spirit. The proclamation of Christ as our Savior accompanied by a story of repentance, humility, and re-birth... this is Christmas for me! It's a beautiful and touching reminder of what the Savior is, and has done for me.

Jaren has been saying a lot lately that he wants to make this Christmas what it was like when he was a kid. He wanted that Christmas feeling that was inescapable as a child. As I watched Scrooge jump around after he realized that all was not lost - and that there was still time to change... I was taken back to my living room as a child - listening to my Dad and Mom read me Luke 2. The Christmas Spirit wet my eyes, and my heart was full.

I also want to say that for those that know Clarissa and her family's story - the play was even more touching. To see her play the role of a sister that loses tiny Tim - and to watch the role once played by her father of Mr. Cratchet... I was humbled. She continues to find hope in this world, and it was ... well I'm not sure what the word is that I'm looking for here. Hmmm... I think I'm still going with "humbling." My heart again mourned for her family and their loss, and prayed for continued peace for them.

In the end - I am so grateful for friends that share their talents with us, and for the blessing it was to feel so close to my Savior.

See you in 6 years party

In case your just joining us - Jaren and I are leaving for Alabama.

Quite soon actually. Jaren leaves Dec 29th... so that doesn't leave much time for party planning.

Now - I am asking for your forgiveness. I do realize that we are asking you to attend yet another party in the Holiday season.

The party will be held Saturday December 20th. It's an open house from 5 pm - 10 pm at Jaren's parents' house (I'm not putting that address online - if you want it - email me). For those of you that already have a something scheduled that night - well I made my party long enough to give you time to come to both!

One benefit of having it near Christmas is the hope that some of my dear out-of-towner friends will be in town for other, more family-like, reasons. I have no qualms about taking advantage of this timing.

Who knows... maybe I'll be passing out I heart Alabama t-shirts.

Or maybe this one...

Don't lie - you know you want one.

Failure

Need a self esteem crash? I thought so. Come on ... watch it!







Now I'm not the only person that feels like a complete waste of flesh.

Hunter Green

Do you guys remember when Hunter Green (or sometimes called Forrest Green) hit big in Utah? I do. 8th grade. I had an entire outfit of Forrest green clothes. Pants, shirt, vest (!!!), and even a huge bow to go with it.

Boys may not remember it as well - because they were too busy wearing their Catch and Release shirts, or their No Fear shirts.

A friend of mine said something about her Hunter Green ski gloves, and I was instantly transported into a wave of nostalgia.

Go ahead, I know your dying to share your favorite nostalgic memory in your comment - Forrest Green related or not.