Norah has been starting to say words. For some reason her first was dog. Nate was reading a book to Eliza while he was holding Norah and she pointed to a picture of a dog and said it. She has also said Megan, Emma, Merian and very clearly: Mike.

She loves playing pat-a-cake. She's a happy happy girl and very independent.

Derek's Thoughts

"Was I born on my birthday? Sometimes people are born on their birthdays."

"Is Nephi still alive?"

"No, Derek, he died a long time ago."

"But he came to our church after Christmas." (He was remembering when Bishop Pierce came as Nephi and talked to the kids at a primary activity. We had a great discussion about Nephi's story after that.)

With the kids getting older and involved in more activities, we decided to move scripture study to morning. When someone was complaining about getting up early, Michael told them to trust Mom and Dad. How awesome is that? He is excited about giving his first talk in Sacrament meeting this week. Coincidently, Uncle Mike is also speaking. Michael has also been enjoying going on Scout camp outs.

Eliza has Pinkalicious memorized. I need to record her "reading" it. She loves pre-school. She loves going to her locker and getting out her work books. She is so cute!

Derek is doing well in math. He teaches himself! The other day he found out that if he entered in math problems into Google, it would compute them for him.

Merian is quite the climber. We were impressed when she was four and could quickly climb to the top of the rope in the Tarzan Tree House at Disneyland. This week she climbed to the top of the rope at school. She said everyone was chanting her name and after P.E. she heard people in line talking about it. She is such a fun, cute, exciting, loving little girl. I'm happy for her talent and wish we had a rope for her to climb at home since she thinks it is so fun!

Merian is always ready for school on time with out me reminding her to get her stuff done. This week she has asked to make her own lunches! She is very responsible when it comes to doing her homework and getting ready for school on time without being told. I know she is always striving to do her best.

She wants to go on an adventure like the Box Car Children. When it gets a little bit warmer, we'll have to see what we can do about that.

To have the self image of a three year old. Two of the things Eliza said this week were: "I love being cute," and "I was cute in the bathtub."

I like our new laundry system. I do one person's laundry per day plus a tub of something else. Then they help me fold and put the laundry away. Since I don't want to miss out on that one on one time I don't often have a pile of laundry in my hallway. But I've been behind since we went to the lodge so there are three loads there now. When I went to check on Derek tonight he wasn't in his bed. I couldn't find him anywhere! Finally he popped out of the laundry. I must have walked past and over him at least three times. I can't believe he stayed so still and quiet. If he had waited any longer to reveal himself I would have found him when I started folding!

Eliza gets her pj's on when ever it gets dark, so that's been before dinner. It's so cute. If she forgets, it's so easy to get her ready for bed because I just show her it's dark outside and she hops upstairs. I hope we don't have problems with that in the summer.

"Derek, I'm your mom, your supposed to respect me!"

"What does respect mean"

"It means when I ask you to stop doing something, you stop, not keep doing it and smile at me."

"I have a nice smile."

......

Every time I asked Eliza what she wanted for Christmas she answered snowflakes and snow and that she would put them outside to share.

Eliza had her first time in Sumbeams today. She did a good job sitting in her seat and didn't cry even though there was a lot of that going on around her and a few times she looked like she wanted to. She is very brave at getting through things - like going to the dentist. She has great teachers. It's going to be an awesome year for her.

Norah is crawling with her knees now, not just scooting and she is pulling herself up. She loves to laugh and to get attention from the kids. She will now eat baby food not just junk she finds on the floor!

Nathan took Megan, Michael and Emma skiing while we were at his parents cabin at Schweitzer. It was Emma's first time but she caught on really quick and they all had a good time. I wish we could take them out more often!