The Best Way to Spread Christmas Cheer is Singing Loud for All to Hear

I was very fortunate this year to attend the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Christmas concert featuring Alfie Boe, Tom Brokaw, and the Candy Bomber, Gail Halvorsen. It was easily one of the most fantastic performances I've ever been to. Mix Alfie Boe's amazing tenor voice with Tom Brokaw's incredible story of the Candy Bomber, as well as Richard Elliot's crazy organ-playing talents, and you're in for a night filled with emotion. It was truly a memorable event. Watch a snippet of the night here.

 

 I was able to attend the concert twice, and one of them happened to be Sunday morning. We were told not to applaud because it was a live recording for 'Music and the Spoken Word.' Let me tell you, that was not an easy task. It took all I had not to applaud because the story of the Candy Bomber is so incredible (you HAVE to watch it when it comes out on video) and Alfie Boe is amazing. 

Alfie played Jean Valjean in the 25th Anniversary of Les Miserables so he sang, "Bring Him Home." It brought me to tears each time. You can listen to it here. I promise you won't regret it.

I snuck a picture of the Boe's, Brokaw's, and Halvorsen's posing for a picture after the Sunday concert. :)

I feel beyond blessed to live so close to Temple Square and that I'm able to attend its incredible events. If you want to listen to more of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Christmas concerts, or any of their other music, check out their YouTube website here. It's pure awesomeness. :)

Caroling, Caroling

This Christmas season has been full of Christmas cheer. Why? Because I (as well as my choirs) have been singing loud for all to hear! (Kudos if you can name that movie).

Throughout December, Xela and Phoenix have been to various places to sing Christmas carols. We've been to nursing homes, elementary schools, and ward parties, but my favorite was singing at Temple Square. We sang at the Church Office Building and the Joseph Smith Memorial building. It's been one of the highlights of my whole Christmas. I love singing, and what better than to sing Christmas songs everywhere with your friends!

{Phoenix at the Church Office Building}

{Xela at the COB}

{Xela at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building}

{Phoenix at the JSMB}

{Xela and Phoenix with Mr. Smith}

Afterwards we had fun goofing off taking pictures.

{Phoenix singing at my elementary school}

The senior choir, aka A Capella, had the chance to sing at Temple Square as well. We sang on a Sunday night at the Assembly Hall. The acoustics were beautiful, and a lot of people came in and watched us. It was an unforgettable experience.

{Assembly Hall}

{A Capella}

After singing, my family walked around Temple Square to see all the beautiful lights.

We concluded spreading our Christmas cheer at our winter choir concerts. A Capella sang with the orchestra for most of our songs, which was so beautiful. We finished by singing 'The First Noel,' then the Hallelujah chorus with the audience. Awesome. I absolutely loved it. Oh how I love singing Christmas songs. :)

{Some of the Xela altos}

{A Capella}

{Thanks to Annie and her family, again, for some of the photos}

Oh, and click here to see a fun flash mob singing the Hallelujah chorus.

After our concerts were finished, we had a Xela Christmas/Ugly Sweater/White Elephant party during class. Schwabee's mom made us a delicious pancake breakfast, and the white elephant gifts were some of the best/funniest I've ever seen. Gotta love Xela.

Remember, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear, so be sure to sing this Christmas!

Ryan and Megan

On the first weekend of December, my cousin Ryan came to visit us with his fiance, Megan. It was the first time we met Megan, and I liked her from the very beginning. I can't wait to officially call her my cousin! Although they were here for only the weekend, we had a great time laughing, playing games, getting to know Megan, and having a miniature family party. On Saturday they went to Temple Square so Megan could see the amazing lights. Unfortunately I wasn't able to go because I was at the Christmas dance, but it looks like they had a lot of fun! I can't wait until June when we get to go to Washington for the wedding!

{Megan and Ryan}

{Cousins}

{My cute grandma and grandpa}

Oh, and guess what?! They got interviewed for the Church News, and were published the following Sunday! :)



Christmas on Temple Square

One of my favorite parts of Christmas time is going to Temple Square. We go every year as YM/YW, and as a family. This year for mutual we went to Temple Square and saw the Joseph Smith movie. I've seen it before, but it gets to me every time. Joseph Smith was such an amazing man. It just so happens that yesterday was his 204th birthday! Our family celebrated by eating stew and biscuits for dinner, and leftover birthday cake from Savanna's birthday. This year I had the opportunity to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Christmas concert with Natalie Cole and David McCullough. I've never been able to go, so this was an extra special Christmas treat for me. It was, of course, amazing. Words cannot describe how fabulous it was. I went with my mom, Savanna, and Rebecca. We had to park a really long way from the Conference Center, so by the end of the night, we walked a total of 10 blocks, in skirts, tights, and heels. To add to it all, it was about 11 degrees. Frrrrreezing! It was worth it though.

{Savanna, Mom, Rebecca, and me after the concert, freezing.}