Families - are Everywhere!

Last night, the majority of my husband's family congregated at the LDS Conference Center for a practice session of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. My husband's sister, Rachel, is a member of the choir (and we are very proud of her!).

Apparently the MoTab allows special guests to practice with them occasionally. Rachel and a cousin, who also is a choir member, made arrangements for their dads (who are brothers) to sing with the choir last night. According to dad - this was a chance of a lifetime!

Though just an observer, we are so glad we got to enjoy the experience too. The count of more than 80 family members were there to support a long awaited dream.

Dad - we love you!

Food+Music = Happy Grocery Store Experience!

Thought you might like a little happiness in your day! I smiled the entire time - how about you?

SINGING IS SO FUN TO DO!

This past Sunday we had our last ward conference. We visited our Spanish Ward. They have the smallest Primary in the stake. I had the privilege of speaking to the children. It was such a treat to share with them a message and my testimony, but more importantly, it was a testimony to me to feel their love and excitement for Primary! These children were beautiful. Every one of the boys were either in a suit and tie or a white shirt and tie! And the girls were dressed in their Sunday best.

But the best part of our visit was singing time! They learn all the songs in Spanish. Their chorister knows the songs and teaches with such great enthusiasm - it was contagious! And the children's voices - oh how sweet and joyful. Even though their numbers are small, their voices were anything but small! If we could only capture that moment and share it with others - I guarantee you would smile and feel unspeakable joy!

MOTAB IN CONCERT

This evening Von and I attended the Mormon Tabernacle Christmas Concert, with guests Brian Stokes Mitchell and Edward Herrman. It was an incredible evening. Neither one of us had been to the Conference Center for an event. And of course I forgot my camera!

The MoTab was beautiful, the Orchestra on Temple Square were superb, and I think Max Wilberg is a genius, but besides that, the guest soloist had an incredible voice. I believe he is African-American, or at least part. His range of vocals was vast, but the best was when he used his deep gutteral sounds, which just bubbled out, rich and strong. He had arranged a number of the songs he, the choir and orchestra sang and played together.

And then Herrman did a narrative of the life of Longfellow, and the history behind the song "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." I have heard it before, but he did such a beautiful job, and then the vocals to accompany it.

The MoTab sang the Hallelujah Chorus, and everyone stood! I love that song. It brings back memories of when I was in high school, and the choir I was in sang it. Back in the 70s, our director had some "techno" music to accompany us, which was really cool back then. But what I remember most was the part the soprano's sang - the notes just kept getting higher and higher, and sustaining those high notes was a feat unto itself!

Music is powerful. Hearing and singing those ole' familiar carols once again does bring a sweet spirit of remembrance to this Christmas season. How I wish my voice had the ability to sing like it once did!