Jared and Sarah

Ward Christmas Party...

Sooo....for those of you that know Jared and I, you might know that neither one of us are terribly outgoing. We kind of keep to ourselves and don't really enjoy talking to people we don't know. I don't think any of you would disagree. So, it came as a bit of a surprise when our Bishopric asked us to help organize the Ward Christmas Party. Now at first I thought, ok, we will have some potluck, have some people sing some Christmas Carols, and call it a night.

Nope!

They had bigger plans. Just, ya know, turning the Cultural Hall into Bethlehem, having a live Nativity Scene, reenacting the story through a play(this is the part we were in charge of)...the whole shebang!

This was not something we were excited about.

Also another thing we have no desire to do..coordinate plays. We don't even really like attending plays nor do we know how to do it. So this was a learning slash stressful experience to say the least.

For a few weeks we were on the phone, coordinating at church, asking for help from the Bishop, visiting people in the Ward we had never met, all of our favorite things.

That was another trial, asking favors from people you don't even know.

In the end, it turned out ok...we think. People say it went well anyway. Luckily, our Ward is very kind and helpful and it all came together. I'm just glad we only had to worry about the program/music part of it, they had another couple in charge of food and other aspects. A guy from our Stake, I can't remember his name but he is a Vet, builds all the props for fun and stores them in his barn. He is the same guy who brought the animals and the camel. So they did this as a Stake and each Ward took turns using the set. Our party was Saturday, December 1.

We were supposed to dress like in the time of Christ's birth. So we cut up some sheets and called it good.

Live Manger

The star of the show, the camel. I wanted to get a better picture but it was too crowded so this wil have to do.

Afterwards I took some photos of the set because it was all so amazing.

Now that it is all over, I can look back with fond memories. It was stressful and I wouldn't ever want to do it again, but I'm glad we had the opportunity. I do wish that I had taken the time to enjoy it more instead of being so stressed about everyone remembering their lines and the program running smoothly.

My favorite part was when we all walked outside to see the Manger and everyone sang Silent Night A Capella. It was a perfect moment to capture the Christmas Spirit.

More Trees...

We went over to Mom and Doug's to help them decorate their tree again this year, of course!

BEE-YOO-TEE-FUL!

After we had finished the tree we had some Chinese food that Doug cooked for us(delish!) and played Uno. Mom won, shockingly!

But we think she cheated...just kidding mom, good game!

O' Christmas Tree

My favorite day of the year has come and gone, Decorating the Tree Day!

It was a marvelous success!

We bought a new tree this year because our other one just wasn't big enough! When you have a house you have to have a big tree, don't overthink it like Jared was.

Our ornament for this year. It was our first time going to Disneyland in May so we bought an ornament while we were there.
We think we might buy another one for our first Christmas in our new home but we haven't found one yet.
Guess it's been a big year!

This is my favorite decoration EVER! I grew up with these Ice Skaters and my sister, Ambo, has had them for a while. This year she gave them to me(I don't remember why, but she did) and they make me happy. I loved these as a kid! Turning them on for the first time while the musice played and the people skated was one of the happiest feelings of the season!
I am not exaggerating!

Also, hanging the stockings on the mantle was a close second...

I LOVE CHRISTMAS!

Thanksgiving 2012...

This year for Thanksgiving we were with my family. It was the usual too much food that was delish, everyone talking over each other(but in a good way, we just have a lot to say), laughing, the Cowboys game, looking at the Black Friday Ads, and some games were played by the kids.

It was fun. I love my family, I know that is kind of a "DUH" statement, but I really do. They are great! My sisters and I are loud and giggle a lot, but that is happy to me. We all get along, even though we are so different and that is hard to find sometimes.

I love Luke's curls.

Getting the food ready.

Grandpa Doug, Blake, and Aubrey playing Battleship.

Watching some football.

We also got some exciting news from Amber and Jeremy, they are expecting another baby! She is due in June and we couldn't be more excited for them! I'm glad Austin will get to have a baby brother or sister.

I know this will sound cliche' but I am so very grateful for everything I have.

I have Jared, and I know without a doubt that he is the best husband ever and my very best friend!

I have a wonderful family and the best in-laws I could ask for. Seriously, I don't have horror stories from my in-laws, they are all great! We have great friends. We have our health and always have food on the table Jared and I are so blessed with our new home and our jobs. We are so thankful to have the gospel in our lives, for the knowledge we have.We love our Ward. It's nice to be in a Ward where people know who you are and you know you will be there for a while.

Life is good..

Sometimes we all have bad days and it is hard to remember how lucky we are. Life is pretty close to perfect and I need to remember that.

We know how blessed we are and try to never take that for granted.

I am grateful every day!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Bang!

The day before Thanksgiving, Jared's friend slash co-worker, Dan, took us shooting up on the mountain by Perry. Dan owns a lot of guns and knows a lot about them. Jared likes to hunt but usually only shoots a bow, now I think he might want a gun. Maybe now we can start rifle hunting!

I, on the other hand, grew up shooting guns with my dad and uncles but haven't gone shooting in years.