Alex

2009 will be remembered as the year our family began the dreaded teenage years with our children. So far, things actually haven't been that bad, but check back next year. Alex has had a big year personally. Beginning the 8th grade at North Cache was a big change for him, and he really stepped up with taking all of the initiative to keep his grades strong. He has been an awesome leader in his Deacon's quorum, serving as the 1st Counselor since he turned 12, and just in the last few weeks he was given a new calling as Secretary. He takes his priesthood duties seriously, and really wants to make the best choice in all that he does, even though he is discovering that the older he gets the harder that is. He has great friends, and he is a great friend to everyone. Turning 13 is tough, but Alex has done it well. We are very proud of him.

Ethan

9 years old, with what most days seems like the wisdom of a 29 year old. Ethan is amazing, with a mind that never stops. There are times he struggles with his temper, and his brother and sister, but Ethan has such a good, kind heart. He would give away anything he had if he thought it would make someone happy. Starting the 3rd grade this year was hard for him, because he had the same teacher for the 1st and 2nd grades, and Ethan likes things to stay the same. He seems to have adjusted, and things are going better. Academically he is at the top of his class. He loves anything electronic, and he loves to read. One thing that hasn't changed this year is, Ethan still loves to talk. I was thinking back to when he was not even a year old, and remembering that even before he could say "words" he was always talking. He knew what he was saying, but to the rest of us it was gibberish. Ethan loves days when he can just come home and relax, and there aren't very many days that he will choose going somewhere over staying home. We can't wait to see what he does with and learns during the next year.

Maya

There are many days I find myself wondering what I am ever going to do with this little girl. I never dreamed that raising a girl would be that much different than raising a boy. Sometimes I wish that she would not be so stubborn and full of attitude, and other times I find myself hoping that she stays this stubborn and somewhat full of attitude, so she will be strong enough to make it through in this world that just gets scarier every day. Maya will not back down to anyone, and she will tell anyone exactly what she thinks. She can be full of sweetness too, and those moments make it all worth it. She loves animals, and prefers stuffed animals over baby dolls. If someone had an entire day to devote to reading her stories, that would be Maya's perfect day. I am sure that she has well over 100 books, and has most of them memorized. She will let you know if you skip a word. She keeps us on our toes, working on our patience, and most of all laughing. One of my favorite things she has said lately:
Mom: "Maya, PLEASE come here right now. PLEASE stand still while I get your pajamas on. I am feeling very frustrated and ready to go crazy, because nobody is listening to me today!"
Maya: "Nobody is listening to you today? That is really embarrassing!"

Christmas

It is hard to believe that Christmas came and went so quickly. We were spoiled again, and hope that we helped to make other's Christmas wishes come true. There were family parties, school activities, and our own family traditions that kept us busy through the month of December. Troy took the kids and went into the mountains to cut down our Christmas tree, it is the best one we have ever had, and fun memories were created. Like most Christmas seasons we found ourselves wishing we had more time to serve others, to play together, and to create more family traditions. These are all things we can work on throughout the year, and we will do our best.

Jumprope

For the last few years there has been a jumprope class offered at Ethan's school. It has really been a lot of fun. Once a week Ethan goes at 8:00 a.m. and they teach the kids different jumprope tricks and techniques. They have a whole list that they need to pass off, and Ethan has worked extra hard on it this year. These pictures are from the little program that they had so the students could show off what they have learned. We were really impressed, and Ethan did amazing! There were even a few times that each student went to the middle of the gym alone and did their favorite tricks. Ethan never even hesitated, which is a big step for him. We were very proud.

It is Freezing!

We have been having such cold weather, with highs for the day only reaching around 15 degrees. This has not stopped Alex from going sledding every night after school. This is what greeted Troy when he opened the garage door one day as Alex was coming home. Alex had icicles hanging from his hair, and his glasses were icy. The things kids will endure in the name of a little fun is amazing.

Rabbits

We have two new additions to our family. Alex and Ethan decided they wanted to try their hand at rabbits again. When we moved and built this home they had to give away the rabbits that they had and they have really missed them. So far the new rabbits don't have names, and it has been so cold outside they are living in our garage. I have to admit that they are pretty cute.

Dance Recital

Maya had her first dance recital tonight. She did such a good job. She had been very nervous leading up to it, she had even told me that she did not want to do ballet anymore. Once we got to the dress rehearsal, and she realized what it meant to dance on a stage, everything changed. She LOVED being on the stage, and can't wait to start ballet again after Christmas.

Ethan's New Hat

When we decorated for Christmas Ethan snagged the Santa hat, and hasn't let it go. He asked if he could wear it to a few places, and I told him he could wear it anywhere but school or church. So far, he has worn it everywhere. This picture is of him enjoying his reading reward pizza. Every month if the students meet their reading goal, they get a free individual pizza. Ethan has never missed a month, and it isn't likely he ever will. He reads a lot! A few times a year they have reading reward activities, and by the time the first one rolled around this year Ethan had almost earned enough reading points to get him through the whole school year.