What matters MOST...

I have been meaning to write this post all week. But things kept popping up and blogging got pushed back. Here it is Christmas Eve and I have a few moments to get some thoughts out of my head and onto my screen. People used to say "out of my head and onto paper." But times are changing I suppose.

My ward choir sang O Holy Night last week in Sacrament meeting. It was absolutely beautiful, if I do say so myself. Launa is our choir director and she did some "Tweaking" to add in a harmony part and some Violin parts. I was in the choir and I loved that. However I do wish I could have been in congregation and just listen. The words are amazing and the Spirit is so strong when ever I hear that song. My favorite line is "His law is love, and His gospel is peace." So simple, profound and thought provoking. That got me to thinking there is always one line or phrase in a song that seems to speaks to you. I love Christmas and I adore the Christmas music that is always played this time of year.

So I have decided to look over my favorite Christmas songs and find that "Line that speaks to me." After all they are all about the wonderful gift we were given so many years ago. When our Savior was born as a tiny baby, in a stable because there was no room for Him in the Inn. May we always have room for him in our lives.

Joy to the World- Let the earth receive her King! Let every heart prepare him room.
Oh, Come All Ye Faithful- Son of the Father, now in flesh appearing.
Silent Night- Son of God, loves pure light
Angels We Have Hear on High- Come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord the new-born King.
Away in a Manger- Be near me lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay close by me forever and love me I pray.
Oh Little Town of Bethlehem- The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
Hark The Herald Angels Sing- Born that man no more may die.
The First Noel- And to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night.
I heard the Bells on Christmas Day- God is not dead, nor doth he sleep.

All of these songs remind me of what the season is all about. I am so thankful for my loving Heavenly Father who sent his son, my Savior to the earth so I can return to live with him someday. I often think how can he love me that much?? I am just one person among the millions on the earth. Yet somehow He does. We are all his children and he wants us all back. I know that the true meaning of Christmas is not what may be wrapped for me under the tree but rather what I feel in my heart. I love Christmas it is my most favorite time of the year. Because everyone seems to be kinder, more understanding and loving. I hope to carry the feeling I have felt this season with me all year!

Cocktail Party...Mormon style!

You have all seen the fancy parties attended by the Hollywood elite. You know the ones covering the pages of every magazine in the checkout line. Well a thought occurred to us a while back. We can party like Rock Stars too. So we did!

We threw a Moctail Party with all the fixin's! There was a full array of drinks to please all tastes. Martinis, Margaritas, Pina Coladas, Daiquiris, Shots, Champagne, Beer, and Jello Shots. Don't go getting all alarmed on me. EVERYTHING was VIRGIN!!! There was not a drop of anything that would make you the least bit tipsy!

We told our guests this was a "Black Tie Affair" in hopes that everyone would come all gussied up! Most people took advantage of this chance to pull out their best duds. Getting all dressed up every now and then is a great feeling.

Christmas music filled the air, Christmas lights set the atmosphere and lots of laughing could be heard all night! The pool table was a hit and it seemed fitting that billiards would be played at such a party.

People ate finger foods and chatted the night away! We did white elephant gifts and I walked away with a really old can of escargot! It is nasty, but something that will be fun to give away at the next party!

All in all it was a success! Everyone had a blast and took lots of pictures! It is not everyday you can see your friends walking around holding a martini glass or beer bottle. And acting as though it is the most normal thing in the world! Then have those same friends sit next to you in church 2 days later. It was something that needed to be documented! We are looking forward to doing it all over again!





Alicia came to check out the party!
Notice she is holding 3 drinks!
She is also 7 months pregnant!
Good thing those are virgin drinks!





You know it is a good party when there is a big
mess to clean up!












White Elephant gift exchange. Some people took
the "Black Tie Affair" Tuxes and everything!














Buying all the "booze" at Walmart. I am sure people thought our next stop was the liquor store. Little did they know that Mt. Dew was as hard as we got!





The Pina Colada was the favorite drink of the night!

Just a friendly game of pool. Beverages and Billiards makes for a great evening!

See what I mean about people walking around holding the drinks like it is totally natural! Katie is a Lush!

This is serious business! Holding a flute of bubbly, in a Tux with a duct tape bow tie! Yet he is all alone! How did this happen?

The Champagne, Beer and Shots table!

The Bar... Margaritas, Pina Colada, Daiquiris,

and Jello shots. All made to order by some of the finest bartenders in the valley!

This party was SO much fun! I love to plan parties so much maybe even more than attending!But this party is for sure near the top of my list!