Finishing Touch

So excited about my new corner shelves. Thanks to Joy for making them. Thanks to Sara for copying and framing my family pictures. Thanks to Dad for hanging the shelves. Thanks to me for excellent supervision of the creative process. We've done some good work here. Go team.

A Very Fun Surprise

I just received a box of Frango mints as a Christmas gift from a co-worker in our Vegas office. It was such a fun surprise for me. My Grandma and Grandpa Flanders used to send us Frangos from Seattle in a very fancy box at Christmastime. My very own box of Frangos was a special surprise this morning. It made my whole day.

My Favorite Christmas Story

The African boy listened carefully as the teacher explained why it is that Christians give presents to each other on Christmas Day. "The gift is an expression of our joy at the promise of peace on earth, and of our friendship for one another," she said.

When Christmas Day came, the boy brought the teacher a sea shell of lustrous beauty. "Where did you ever find such a beautiful shell?" the teacher asked as she gently fingered the gift. The youth told here that there was only one spot where such extraordinary shells could be found. When he named the place, a certain bay several miles away, the teacher was left speechless.

"Why ... why, it's gorgeous ... wonderful, but you shouldn't have gone all that way to get a gift for me."

His eyes brightening, the boy answered, "Long walk part of gift."

Assembly Hall

On Saturday, my organ class had the chance to play at the Assembly Hall on Temple Square. It's a beautiful instrument and it was fun to hear how great my little piece sounded on such an impressive organ. My Aunt Renee (I guess I should say Sister Hawkley) came to the concert and snapped this picture for me. It made me smile. My Mom never liked having pictures taken while she was playing the organ. I can understand that better now. My backside is not my best look. Oh well.

Jim & Pam

Just saw a photo of John Krasinski (aka Jim from The Office) and Emily Blunt at a movie premiere. This was very upsetting to me. I hate that they are engaged because it forces me to face up to the harsh reality that he and I might never get married. I mean really. It was cute when Jim and Pam got married on The Office. But John and Emily in real life? Not nearly as cute.

What Happens in Wendover... Ends Up on the Internet

My little sister turned 21 on Friday. Can you even believe it? We decided to celebrate in style with a trip to Wendover. We enjoyed the all-you-can-eat-and-then-some seafood and steak buffet at Montego Bay, followed by the Temptations and the Four Tops in concert at the Peppermill. The Temptations were fantastic. The Four Tops… not so much. Good thing everyone but us was pretty drunk by that point anyway!

After the concert, Biz was introduced to the joys (I mean dangers and ills) of gambling by Aunt Patsy and Uncle Hal, who we were lucky enough to meet up with in Wendover. Tricia lost $25 at a record-breaking speed, but won $11.73 on her second slot machine. It was a great night! Happy Birthday Biz!!!

Relief Society Lesson

On Sunday, I taught Relief Society in my ward. We focused on three questions:

What is one gift the Savior has given you?
What is one gift you need from the Savior?
What is one gift you can give to the Savior?

Just something to think about.

Triumphs

It was a week of great accomplishments for me. Well, small accomplishments anyway.

1) I got my Christmas decorations up.

2) I played "Prelude on Deliverance" at my organ recital - and didn't suffer a nervous breakdown.

3) I earned my CISR designation at work. (Certified Insurance Service Representative? I actually have no idea what CISR stands for. But I'm proud to say I am one nonetheless.)

4) I took my car in for its annual safety and emissions test BEFORE the last week of December.

5) I bought a really cute pair of argyle tights which are my new favorite.

Yeah for me!
Traci Thomas, CISR

Thanksgiving

My family spent Thanksgiving weekend in Park City. We stayed in a couple of condos. We ate a lot, played a lot of games, and watched a lot of football and basketball. We also did some midnight shopping at the Outlet Mall on Friday, followed by a quick run to Wal-Mart just to say that we had been there at two in the morning. I won’t tell you what I bought on my shopping expedition (‘tis the season for secrets) but I will tell you that I did some good work.

The other major event was our annual “Scandinavian Cleanse.” My brother Tyson served his mission in Sweden, and he claims that Scandinavians have a tradition of rolling around in the snow before jumping into a hot tub. When we spend Thanksgiving in Park City, we participate in this “cleansing” tradition as well. Even me! But I don’t do it for health benefits – I do it so my younger brothers and sister can’t make fun of me for NOT doing it. It’s probably the dumbest thing I do all year. The walk back to the condo is always so cold!

Attention Shoppers

Last night I saw President Henry B. Eyring and his wife grocery shopping at Target. Is it wrong that it makes me happy that President Eyring is a Target shopper? Because it does.