A New Year: January 2010

Welcome 2010! We rang in the New Year with breakfast at Cracker Barrell and sledding after with Ryan and Leslie's family. Happy New Year to all our family and friends!

January was full of activity. Royce had 2 Buckit gigs: One New Year's Eve until 2 am at Charly's and at Oak Creek Brewing Co. in Sedona 2 weeks later. They are growing in skill and popularity! He also got some new WarH figures for Christmas he's been putting together, and he saw the band "Humphrey McGee" at The Orpheum here in Flag with Vaughn. His practice is doing well, and he is learning new skills as he fills the role of owner now.

We went to Mesa over MLK weekend to visit family and swim at Dad's hotel. We saw Richard and Lindsy's new place and Jared and Kathy's. We also visited with Dad and Jason and Julie. The pool was chilly, but Brynne jumped right in. Maren frolicked around the deck, picking flowers and talking to herself. I noticed how nice the flowers smelled and how each one, though small, was unique and beautiful...like my children.

The night we drove back, a snow storm hit Flagstaff, lasting until Saturday. The kids were out of school the entire week! The kids played in the snow, sledded, played with friends, had sleep overs, and stayed up late lots. Royce joined in on the fun on Thursday when the worst of it hit, and they closed the office early. He did a lot of shoveling but also enjoyed the down time.

In the spirit of setting goals, I made a decision this year to have more fun and to develop my interests and talents more. So...I'm now attending a Scrapbooking group, re-started Book Club with a friend, am writing weekly, will be leading a church group on Parenting, and am creating a blog about overcoming depression and anxiety, focusing on Pres. Monson's adage to "Find Joy in the Journey." I also planned a getaway for the Porter family in March at our Bishop's vacation rental.

Duncan had a blast recently digging snow caves with Royce for a Scout campout. They slept in their cave overnight and survived, with minor frostbite! At the campsite, he sledded with the Scouts and learned some snow survival skills. He is doing well in school still and reading series after series. If I can't find Duncan, I know to check his room where he is often reading or inventing something.

Brynne was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints on the 9th. Lots of family came, making the occasion even more special. As I helped her into her all white dress, I reflected how one day I'd be doing this same thing for her wedding. She is a beautiful girl, on the inside and out. We did a "Great To Be 8 Countdown" with her the 8 days before. She is still enjoying music class, piano lessons, and Activity Days.

Maren is glad that Music, Pre-School, and Story Time are back in session! She is a social girl and likes to be doing and playing with her friends. She loves books, dancing, music, singing, and playing dress up. She is also becoming a shrewd shopper, having found a 3 Musketeers Dress on clearance to buy. Maren's rule of thumb for dressing/shopping/learning is: If it's not cute or princessy, she's not interested.

Eva, though barely one, is already filling the role of girl/sister: she fights with Maren over Maren's things-screaming, pulling, and sometimes hitting (Maren is already talking about her own room); she wanted a purse to put things in and carry around (we hang it on her shoulder and she holds her hand up to keep it on); and she likes to give kisses and talk. In her repertoire is now "owie." She also shakes her head no adamantly now and knows what it means.

Hope your new year is off to a great start too!