the thermometer has become a daily routine...

This poor girl has been sick for the past eight weeks - she'll have 1-2 days where she'll feel really crummy, with symptoms ranging from coughing, sneezing, mild to high fevers, achiness, and feeling worn out. Then she'll be fine for a few more days or even a week or two. This weekend the fever came back on, and even though she swears her throat doesn't hurt, you should see her tonsils...like golf balls in the back of her throat! I'm thinking about taking her into an ENT; you can even hear it when she talks as the swelling changes her voice. Poor, Halle. Let's hope we can finally kick this in time for Christmas!

P.S. We had to take this picture a couple of weeks ago, especially for Grandma K. That light blue poncho used to be MINE twenty-five years ago!

Brian Stokes Mitchell & the MoTab

My favorite songs from the baritone's jaw-dropping concert with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir:



This next video, watch how fun it is at 2:20 as the "sleigh" sounds like it's getting faster and faster out of control!


I thought his "Crazy Christmas List" was such a hoot!

keeping all options open...

Wyatt sang a song ("All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth") from his Kindergarten Program for Grandma B. last night. When I complimented him on his singing, he said,

"Maybe when I grow up I can sing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and be a Football Player!"

I'm relieved my son is not limiting himself to only one career direction!

we need a little Christmas...

I tried learning the organ once and got so frustrated with my inability to get my feet to do what I wanted them to (I was so inaccurate!) that I gave up after six weeks. I was there for the performance in the below video and I doubt I'll ever again witness an audience go so CRAZY after an organ solo. The entire conference center (20,000 people) were on their feet applauding and screaming their praises!



Angela Lansbury reflects upon the lowly, humble birth of the Savior of the World:


I'm impressed by her vitality! So much energy - a true entertainer!

fabulously four

Carson's Crew (l. to r.):

Anna Luke, Tanner Marsh, Mason Taft, Carson,

Lincoln Hodge, Preston Aune, Caleb Jacobson, Benjamin Bodily

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Toy Story Birthday Party

"Buzz, Buzz, Woody" (Duck, Duck, Goose)

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The little green army men were hiding around the house watching to see what Carson got for his birthday just like they watched Andy on his birthday in the movie TOY STORY. The kids had to run around and see who could find the most!

Putting Mr. Potato Head together blindfolded produced some pretty silly results!

Thank heavens we had Grandma Dixie there to help with the party!

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Alien Cookies!

In the Dark Streets Shineth - the Christmas following Pearl Harbor

I had never heard this story before - I never knew that Winston Churchill risked his life to stand next to President Roosevelt at the 1941 Christmas Eve Presidential Radio Broadcast. You can hear the broadcast from Churchill in almost its entirety on my playlist on the right (scroll down the playlist to #127). It's very interesting, very moving, and deserves a good listen. I must admit "O Little Town of Bethlehem", while appreciated, has never been a favorite of mine. But when I consider the blackouts and bombing raids that took place in those "dark streets" of Britain and Europe during WWII, I doubt I will hear that carol again without feeling gratitude for the LIGHT the love of our Savior offers us.

Last weekend's storm brought the perfect snow for a snowman!

Dad got conned into helping place the

heavy balls one on top of the other,

despite being ill-dressed for the weather!

Look at Halle try to push that big ol' ball!

She did a better job sliding her feet back

rather than pushing the ball forward!

Gobble 'til you wobble

We had the treat of offering Jo a ride out to Vernal after she was finally able to arrive into Salt Lake (poor gal had to bunk up with friends in Vegas due to the high winds and snow storms in Utah).

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Mr. Wy was excited about his new iPod (new to him, anyway), but still wasn't willing to entirely give up listening to the movie playing in the car - who says you can't have your iPod and DVD, too?

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Two turkeys carving the bird...

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Kael, Carson, Wyatt
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Mom and Dad are giving "snowbirding" a try for a month or so down in Pahrump, NV with Faith and Les after the holidays. To help stay connected, we all went in together on a laptop computer for them to use in the trailer down south.

Ah, the ol' OLIVE-ON-THE-FINGER routine. Classic.

Carson, McKay

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Fawn and Laurie, having a good time!

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THANKSGIVING DINNER AT THE KREMIN'S MEANS:

Parker House Rolls,

Relish Trays, Fruit Salad w/Marshmallow & Cream Cheese dip, Broccoli Salad, Sweet Potato Casserole,

Peas, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, and Stuffing,

Turkey (Mmmm....dark meat!) and Ham! All very good, but my favorites are the rolls, Sweet Potato Casserole, and Homemade stuffing. Give me a couple platefulls of that and I'm in hog-heaven!

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And for the after-dinner entertainment...(drumroll)...

Ta-Da! The annual unveiling of a major award!

Angels, From the Realms of Glory

Each year the Mormon Tabernacle Choir invites a well-known guest or two to join them for their astounding Christmas Concert. They go all out - decorations, symphony, costumes, props, musical arrangements. I'm still amazed this is free to the public if you're lucky enough to win the tickets in the drawing! Each week I'm going to post my favorite performances.

Every year presents a one-of-a-kind concert with its own unique performances, but they always end with this breathtaking arrangement of the familiar "Angels We Have Heard on High". I've never been disapointed and look forward to the finale with great anticipation! Here's two from 2007 and 2008 (I believe). They're both incredible but my absolute favorite is Sissel's performance...her voice, those bells...My goodness!!! (P.S. Once the credits start, fast forward to about 6:30 or so on each video - they do an encore that will blow you away!)

in honor of the "blizzard storm" that's supposed to hit Northern Utah later today...

a little snowman (or should I say snowwoman humor?):


I think my snowcones have melted...they're pretty droopy these days.