Christmas time in NYC

Last Monday it finally happened!  For two months I have worked on spreadsheets with tickets to the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall.  We were in charge of making arrangements for all of the missionaries who wanted to go.  Plus we had to get orders for the meal we had afterwards at Ted's Montana Grill.  I can tell you that a lot of money changed hands.  I had to keep track of it.  I came up short, but President Bench made up the difference.  I made more than one trip to the box office to pick up the tickets--then I had to get them to the right people.  Even then there was a crisis at the end.  But I was able to fix it. Some who went didn't live in our building, so that was another obstacle--but it all worked out just fine in the end.

The show was amazing!  I love the 3-D, the special effects, the hundreds of Santas, the toy soldiers who fell down like dominoes and everything else!!  Of course the dancing and choreography was superb!



The orchestra was lifted right out of the orchestra pit at the beginning and end.




They enacted scenes from the Nutcracker Suite and it was delightful to see the characters come to life as the presents opened.

 There was a "bus tour" of NYC that involved lots of special effects.  Actually, almost every number was filled with special effects. 
 One of my favorite scenes was the tin soldiers falling down.  You have to see it to believe it.

 I was very touched that the grand finale of something as famous as the Rockettes was to memorialize the Nativity and the birth of our Savior.  I don't know of any other show that does that. 

They have been doing it for many decades.  It was so tasteful.

 As I said, after the show we went to lunch.  More people joined us for lunch than at the show.  So our 24 people had grown to 33.  Lots of people to keep track of.

Spencer left to do some shopping.  But I stayed to the end.  I walked home with the Beans and the Heidemans.  We visited Rockefeller Center and saw the tree lit up. We watched the ice skaters.  Then we walked a block and saw a beautiful light show on the outside wall of Saks 5th Ave.  It was gorgeous.  Then we went to St. Patricks Cathedral.  There is a nativity inside.  A great story that is online tells about the cardinal that was in charge of the cathedral.  He had a Golden Retriever that all of the neighborhood kids loved.  Eventually the dog died and the neighborhood was in mourning.  The cardinal had a stature made of the dog--same size and color.  It is in the nativity.  That way the kids could see the dog watching over baby Jesus.  It was very tender.  I'm glad I was with someone who knew about it. 


There was probably actually a dog at the stable--at least once the shepherds arrived--but I doubt if it was a Golden Retriever.  :)

The other fun thing about this week was my birthday.  Spencer surprised me with several fun and nice gifts.  I wasn't expecting that because the show and dinner on Monday was supposed to have covered my birthday.
I received some fun cards and a gift from my friend Alona.  Rachelle remembered me with gifts as well.  I heard from four of my sibling over the course of four days.  I had delightful visits with all six of my kids--one right after another.  It was so-o-o-o cool.  I talked to Vicki Jo, Judy and Marsha.  Does life get any better than that.  Then on Thursday I had a great visit with Avery.  So much fun.  Sigh.  It was a wonderful few days.

The sad part of the week was my telephone visit with Kathy Palmer.  John died suddenly on Tuesday from a massive heart attack.  My heart hurts so very much for her loss and all of the heart ache she is going thru. John was a good man.  I enjoyed being around him.  His loss will deeply impact many lives.  All seven of her kids and all ten of his kids will be there for the funeral, so I know she is overwhelmed and busy right now.

It was a sobering reminder of the importance of the choices we make in life.  Life is very fragile.  We must always be holding tightly to the Iron Rod.  None of us know when something unexpected could happen that would call us home across the veil.  I am so very grateful that our Father in Heaven loves us and knows our needs.  He won't interfere with our agency, but He has prepared a plan that will enable us to return to Him.  I have a testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.  I pray for those who are struggling and sometimes wavering.  At this season I hope that each one of you will develop an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ in your lives.

Jeanine