A December Evening in Salt Lake

Beth's friend, Erin Asay was able to get us tickets to the Tabernacle Choir and David Archuletta Christmas Concert (her parents are both in the Choir!) so we planned a fun evening up in Salt Lake. It turned out to be a double treat, as Andrew had a special sculpture show right downtown as well! It was quite exciting for him, as the group leader, his was chosen among many to be in the show!


We arrived with Andrew now where to be found... so amused ourselves being silly.


We went to see Andrew's sculpture show first, and got there as the students were setting up their various displays. Here is the creative description Andrew wrote of his piece.


Andrew and his Tensegrety sculpture. Amazing design! None of the pieces touched, but were suspended by cables!


Was fun to see the other students setting up, but Andrew's was definitely the coolest!



We had planned to enjoy dinner at the Blue Lemon, but Erin's dad rang to tell us the lines were already forming, and we should hurry over, so while Moroni and Leslie went off to get some dinner and do some Christmas shopping, Erin, Beth and I headed to the Conference Center.


While waiting in line we could see Temple Square across the street...


and the Church Office Bld.


We weren't allowed to film the program, so took just this one shot of the stage before it began. It was amazing as always with the incredible choir, and David A. wasn't too bad either!


After the program, we hurried back to Andy's show to see his sculpture and the others all lit up before we headed home!

Beth's Gingerbread Castle

When Beth mentioned she wanted to build a Gingerbread castle... I wondered, knowing her, just what this venture entailed...
Well, see for yourself!

Snow monster!! Augh!!!

A few late November and early December goings on...

Emma fills her 17th!


A New York Cheesecake for this girl with quite the assortment of candles!


Teagan, Steph and Libby met me in Provo for a live nativity! So beautifully done, even Teagan watched attentively!


Sorry, photos were not aloud inside the tabernacle, but outside were a live camel, sheep and "Small One"!! Libby was thrilled and sang the song all evening long!


Moroni, Lel, Beth and Emma choosing our tree.


Which one will it be?!!


A lovely view of the temple - Wee Christmas lights floating in the lake.


Almost too many lights!


Beth's 20th!


Triple layer Orange Chocolate Cake (she made, of course!)

May I brag?

This evening I am a bit achy, think a bug is trying to get hold in me, even my hair aches! I was sitting here trying to get my mouse to work, only to discover, I was holding onto my mobile phone for goodness sake!! I think I will take something lovely that will help me sleep and call it an early night! As I came downstairs just a bit ago, I saw to my joy, a clean and tidy kitchen! The kids had not only gotten dinner together, but had cleaned the messy dishes from earlier in the day! Not a word... just quietly taken care of! I love it!! It's mainly my Beth, as she is home this semester. She has become such a delightful young woman, and thinks of things like that. She is unafraid to try new things, as if failure never crosses her mind. She thinks of others in such kind thoughtful ways. She is quick to volunteer, slow to anger and judgement, taking care of things that need doing with no pomp and circumstance... just quietly. I won't go on, so as to avoid creating a big head on her, though I doubt that would ever occur anyway. She is a love, and I am so thankful to see her becoming such a wonderful person! I understand now that it isn't a matter of parents really bragging, but more taking such pleasure in the good people their children become. All my kids are wonderful.. and I see I shall have to dedicate a page to each one, but tonight I am thankful for my Bethie!


A princess costume she designed and created for Libby.


A Vampire for Halloween, she wore it to work that day, blood, teeth and all! Marvelous!!


Dressed and ready for the opening night of Harry Potter with her friends. They made their own robes even!! So cool!!

The Salt Lake Temple? Or is it??

On a recent visit to Salt Lake, we chanced upon a new display in the south visitor center - a scale model of the temple with "cut-aways" revealing the interiors! Absolutely gorgeous! I'm aware these photos don't do it justice, but if you happen to be passing through it is well worth the visit!


The original, of course, and then....






One more of the original through the window...
You know what is amazing too, no matter how many times I see this beautiful building I never tire of it, and have to just gaze on it's loveliness!

Here we go...

I have become a member of the "Sketchbook Project" (See link below) and received my official sketchbook today! Here it is..simple and plain, and I have until January 15, 2011 to decorate and fill it with delightful illustrations and sketches, whatever I choose on the theme "It's Raining Cats and Dogs"! How thrilling, eh?! Will keep you posted!!

SCOTLAND!!!

Until I can step foot on her shores, productions like this one will have to do! You wont believe the incredible photography! GORGEOUS!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzMAxyiUWo0

Drive-In Movies

This past week Libby and Teagan came for a visit while their mum and dad were away. We love it when they come, and I mean that too!! Libby enjoyed the "Little Bear" videos I recorded years ago from Nickelodeon while Moroni was a wee laddie, and when I suggested she could watch them from the car, like a drive-in movie, Beth reminded me that Libby had no idea what such a thing was, nor would she ever likely know either! How sad. I have some very fond memories associated with Drive-ins... like watching from the back of Uncle Doug's pick-up, all snuggled in blankets with my cousins and siblings... kids running to and fro through the parking area... even swinging on the swing sets provided for what reason I've no idea... wearing our footed PJ's and watching "101 Dalmatians" in the old station wagon... Even when William and Andy were little, we took a few trips to the Art City Drive-In. They wore their jim-jams, and munched popcorn, and there was nothing like that funny "echoy" sound that the speakers made, clipped there to your side window..... After a while the theaters came out with amazing sound systems, and comfortable seating, and folks lost interest in the noisy lots and unpredictable weather. There seemed to be a lot more cigarette smoke and cars with more than movie watching in mind... and fewer and fewer families to smile with and share memories... And so it goes....

Teagan

"A right wee cutie!!" A Scottish friend used that phrase, and it is fitting too, as every day Teagan becomes more and more precious to me! My heart just keeps growing and growing to fit in these lovely wee souls! Such a love!!

A Summer Rain

Changing the view...

I've recently re-arranged my office. It's something I like to do now and again when I need to jump-start my creative self. Somehow by moving things around, I sort through my collections, eliminate the rubbish, and end up with a feeling of excitement and renewed energy! There's definitely something to be said about a fresh view and the ability to see things from a different perspective! Sure could use some of that at the moment!

Niven Reunion 2010

The kids and I were in charge of the reunion this year, and let me tell you, that's a lot of work!

We had fun though, and many came from great distances to join us! I think there were more grandchildren and their families than the original Niven 9! The day started out warm, grew quickly HOT, and ended in a tremendous thunder and rain storm! In fact, we all ended up in the basement drying out for the closing activities!! Here is a sampling of some of the fun for those who couldn't make it there! A huge thank you to Grandpa and Grandma and everyone who made it such a fun day!

Making potato babies...

Ashlee loved her potato baby so much she carried it most of the day...

Ethan's shows his cyclops baby...

One of several games, wheelbarrow races to collect "Buffalo Chips"...

John and Jared putting the potato babies to nap...

Afternoon water play with cousins...

Carolyn manages the hose for a while...

Plenty of visiting time in the afternoon...

Rescuing the potato babies from the burning wagon...

The rain began to fall about now, and Grandpa began the bartering with information concerning his spinners...

Testing out Grandpa's spinners, and the reversible method...

Family flags...

The first time many had seen Will since he returned from Afghanistan...

Plenty of hugging of course...

Cousins, nieces and nephews getting to know each other again...

A final sweet baby face by Kiley Kunz, held by her mum, Hailey. Bye everyone!!