New Beginnings

Our Ward Young Women had their New Beginnings program last night. It was very nice, and Makala was invited as were the other girls who will be turning 12 sometime this year. She is beyond excited to be turning 12 and moving out of Primary and into Young Women. Kathleen is turning 14 on Sunday, and is beyond excited to move up into Mia-Maids and out of Beehives, (just in time for Makala to move into Beehives, no connection there, right?) She is also counting the days until her first Stake Dance. (Little does she know that we were planning on going so we can keep an eye on her.) Anyway, she was the pianist for the program last night, and did so well, we are so impressed, because she doesn't take lessons, she has just basically taught herself. She also sang in a special song that they put together. She and Makala both have beautiful voices. We are so very proud of our Young Women! The other picture is of the girls with Sis. Erekson, our Beehive leader. She is losing one Williams, and gaining another. We love you, Sis. Erekson!

Karate Kids

Well, we finally put the boys in karate. We have wanted to do it for a long time, just didn't have the time, or the money, or a good location. But we were finally able to do it, because there is a team that is teaching classes at the boys' school gym on Thurs. evenings. The price is really reasonable, and it's a convenient time and place, and so far, they love it. Tonight was their second class, and they have already learned a lot. They are official white belts!

Joshua's Award

Joshua was nominated by his teacher to receive the "Circle of Pride Award" for the 2nd six weeks of school. The awards were given out in December. Each class has 1 person receive the award each six weeks, so it's a pretty big deal. Mom came down and went with the girls and me to the award ceremony at the school. His teacher wrote something about him that the principal read while his teacher was putting the pin on his shirt. We are so proud of him! Here is what his teacher wrote:

Joyful

Optimistic

Sweet

Hardworking

Unique

Awesome

"I am fortunate to have had Joshua in my class for 2nd and 3rd grade. How lucky am I? He is kind, friendly, and caring. Not only is he an excellent role model at school, but he is also very involved in Scouts. His hugs are one thing I look forward to each day." Ms. Tanos, Dec 12, 2008

Our Christmas

I know we're a little out of order, since we already posted New Year's Eve's big news, but now we have to go back and tell you a little about our Christmas. It was actually pretty quiet this year for a change, a really nice change. Very relaxed. Tony's parents were in Utah spending Christmas with his brother's family, and my mom was in OK, so it was just Tony and I and the kids. Christmas Eve we spent with our neighbors helping them put a trampoline together, that for some reason, Santa left UNassembled! But we are pretty good at it now, since last year, the same thing happened to us, and they helped us. No one get any ideas! The kids got their traditional pajamas on Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day was not a disappointment for any of them, what a relief. With 4 kids, I always kind of worry that one of them will be disappointed. Christmas Day was quiet, lots of playing with all the new toys. Rick and Jaynie and the kids came over for dinner in the afternoon, then a quiet evening. I was very satisfied. Uncle Danny got the boys a tetherball set, so we spent Saturday cementing that in the middle of the backyard, and all 4 kids were kept busy all afternoon. Thank you Uncle Danny! The day after Christmas was spent shopping with the girls to spend their Christmas money, and some maternity clothes for me! All in all, a great Holiday. We hope all of you had a wonderful Holiday as well.