Week 56
This was the final week of classes at OSU, so the final week of classes in the institute; also our last Soup Tuesday until January 17.  We had such good discussions in each of our three classes--it's been a good semester of learning and growth.  OSU has a week of finals, then the students get an extra long break; 5 weeks.  During finals week, different local people come do breakfast for the kids at the institute from 7:30-10 am Monday through Wednesday.  That way students can come get some breakfast before or after a final exam.  They are well cared for here!

For FHE on Monday they made graham cracker houses.  Amazing what a little frosting, some candy, and imagination can do:

Such a nice break from studying

The Fanfare of Lights on campus this week brought Santa in his orange suit (I tell you, these people are maniacs for their school colors!) and all the beautiful lights on campus came on.

Last night we went to a performance of Messiah by the OSU Concert Chorale and OSU Orchestra.  It really was magnificent!  Before the performance about a dozen members of the Chorale were singing old English carols in the lobby.  They were delightful, and certainly made us feel like Christmas.

It was drizzling all day today.  We spent the morning finishing up our Christmas packages and cards. Here they are all ready to mail:

The plant is the bright spot of Christmas color in our apartment

After our shift at Elite Repeat we just finished up some errands and then snuggled in for the rest of the day. Not very eventful, but that's nice once in a while.  

Tomorrow evening there is a little Christmas open house at the bishop's house. We'll all bring some finger foods and munch and visit until the First Presidency Christmas Devotional is broadcast.  It's a fun tradition to watch that together.