Football Season

This year Nicholas chose to play tackle football for the first time. It was definately different than what I expected. I grew up in Canada and up there football is not a big deal. Here the Mighty Might league (7 and 8 year olds) was so intense. Nicholas absolutely loves it though and we support him 100%. He was a pretty good player for his first year. He was one of the fastest on the team and pretty much played defense and offense most of each game. He loved it so much that I could use it to motivate him to do his homework. That was probably one of the greatest benefits of football. One of the Mom's on our team took these amazing pictures. We were so lucky to have her son on our team. Go VIPERS!

New Calling

About 4 weeks ago I got called to be the 1st counselor in the primary presidency. When I was asked I really wanted to say no but I have never before said no to a calling. There were many reasons why I wanted to say no and the only reason to say yes was to be obedient and show my Heavenly Father that I was willing to do what ever he asked. Well I can't believe I am saying this but so far I think that this calling is my favorite calling ever. I have been doing sharing time for the past 3 weeks and I just love teaching the children. Every Sunday they teach me more than I could ever teach them. They have such special spirits and have been so reverent and attentive. When I hear them sing the primary songs it is like I am listening to angels. I also love being in there with my son Nicholas. It truly has been a great blessing in my life and I am thankful that I didn't say no. Heavenly Father knew what I needed and I feel so greatly blessed.

Something Funny

The other day Jeanene came over right around Nick's bedtime. He didn't want to go to bed partly because he likes to know what is going on and partly because he wanted to read scriptures/say prayers with me as we do every night. As Jeanene was getting ready to go she said something like, "I guess I better be going so you can get on with your nightly routine". Nicholas turned to her and said, "no offense". Jeanene said none taken and we both turned to each other and cracked up laughing. Sometimes I feel like my little guy is turning into a little man.

Fall 2009

Cakes I made for our annual Halloween Block Party.

Nicholas showing off his handywork.

Nick's class sang several patriotic songs in a concert at the school honoring our Veterans.

Mom came to visit for 3 weeks over Thanksgiving. We had a great time minus a few bumps.

Mom with Yukino and Makoto. Yukino and Mom developed a special bond very quickly. By the way Yukino did paint Mom's toenails hot pink. I wonder what the ladies at Marigold Manor will think of that.

Nicholas playing with some of his second cousin's after Thanksgiving dinner. Kate, Andrew, Nick, Gracie, Addrianna.

Nicholas on his 7th birthday looking all cool. His birthday was 2 days after Thanksgiving this year.

Our friends the Reeves moved back to AZ from Utah in the summer. We enjoyed having them over at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Nicholas with Grandma and Grandpa Boice on Christmas Eve.

Silly picture in front of the tree on Christmas Eve.

A more serious pose.

Nick's new haircut. He has been begging for a mowhawk for months. I finally gave in but told him he had to cut it all off before school starts. He said to me the other day that he knew why I let him do the mowhawk. He said it was a way to get him to cut off all his hair. I told him you're right. I am tired of taking care of his fro (especially when he gets sand in his hair from the school playground).

Monday night for family home evening we went to the Mesa Temple to see the Christmas lights. As usual Nicholas was bouncing around and we had to remind him that we were on the Lord's property and that it was sacred. We had a fun time walking around and even saw a short film in the visitor's center. While we were driving away I asked Nicholas what was his favorite part. He then said, "My favorite part was when I felt the spirit." I could hardly hold back the tears. Later that night when Nicholas was being tucked in bed we talked about some of the scriptures that we heard in the visitor's center. Nicholas was able to quote some of the scriptures with no help. It proves to me that children are listening and feeling the spirit when you don't expect it. I am grateful for this reminder of how precious our children are. We think we are teaching them when in reality they are teaching us. This has been a wonderful holiday season. I am grateful for wonderful parents who raised me in faith. They both had such great testimonies that never waivered and were both a wonderful example to me. I am most grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ. He lives and I am so thankful for my testimony of Him.

Yesterday Nicholas and I had an awesome day together. First I talked him into going to the Hannah Montana movie. I just couldn't stomach going to Return to Witch Mountain again. They talked in the movie about Hannah's mother dying. I asked Nicholas what he would do if I died. He said he would visit my grave everyday and then gave me a huge hug. It made my heart melt. Then we visited the Mills Mall. It is so fun that Nicholas enjoys Black Market Minerals as much as me. We then went to a late lunch at Sweet Tomatoes. This is one of our favorite places. Dale does not like to go there so it was a perfect time for us to go together. We ended the day at a baptism for a young man in our ward Matthew. The picture of us was taken in Vegas.

Family Vacation

Gailine, Cathenia, Mom (Mary) and MaryAnn.

Nicholas with his cousin Alex.

Us girls with Mom after church on Sunday.

Waiting for the Manti Pageant to start. Nicholas, McKenzie, Alex and Zachary.

In front of the Manti Tempe. It was so beautiful.

This year we chose not to go to Canada for vacation. It will be the first year I have not gone to Canada in the 18 years we have been married. I am glad I was able to see my 2 sisters and mother in Utah. Mom and MaryAnn (my younger sister) with her family, drove down from Canada and we met at my sister Cathenia's house in Springville, Utah. While there we went to the Manti pageant and attended the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house. Nicholas very much enjoyed playing with his cousins. On the way home we chose to stay in Vegas for a couple of days. There we went swimming, bowling, ate at the buffet and went to the Aquarium. It was a fun couple of days. When we got home Dale had 4 days before he had to go back to work. We were able to go do some fun activities close to home which was really nice.

First Post of the New Year

In January I decided to break out the gingerbread house that I had purchased 2 weeks before Christmas. Regardless, Nicholas and I had a great time putting it together. I think Nicholas ate his weight in sugar and he is not a lightweight by any means. Here are some pic's.

My niece Laurel had her third child, Paul, on Christmas Day (at home). She lives in NM so on the way to see their other daughter in Chino Valley, I was privileged to see my older brother Konrad and my sister-in-law Carla. It is so fun to visit and reminisce about old times. I was 8 when they married so I have known Carla for most of my life. She was my escort when I went through the temple for the first time (my parents were on a mission in Poland). Nicholas was sad when he had to leave for school the morning they left. I am so glad they came out of their way to come see us.

Also in January Nicholas started playing basketball with parks and rec. for the first time. He was rusty at first but has really improved over the last 4 weeks. He has enjoyed playing and learning. He asks me very inquisitive questions like: "When I am in a game how am I going to remember how to hold my hands when I shoot a basket." He really wants to do his best and always shoot with the proper hand position. I think it is cute that he takes it so seriously at the age of 6. Practice, Practice, Practice! The last picture is a little blurry but it is my favorite action shot. What is Nick doing?

January has also been a difficult month in many ways. Our family has been dealing with some personal issues. I know that this experience we are having is for a reason and I am learning to put my faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I feel Their presence in my life and it has been a great blessing to me. I am thankful for the Holy Ghost who guides me to the things I need to do as well as comforts me. I don't always handle things perfectly but I know that They know I am doing my best and that is what matters. February is already turning out to be a much better month and I am hopeful that this will continue through the year.