Big Boy

Ok, Yesterday was Christmas- Today Noah can ride his bike all by himself- no parent and no training wheels! We took him to the church parking lot and 2 seconds later he was off on his own. He crashed a few times- a couple into Daniel. Noah thought that was great and wanted to run Daniel over some more. Noah almost took out Jodi a few times too. Noah loves his bike and thought it was the most wonderful thing in the world. We still have to teach him how to stop without dumping the bike or running into curbs, but that won't be as hard as the riding. We still can NOT get Daniel near a big boy bike. He is MOST content just sitting on Jodi's push bike for which he is much TOO big for. I'm sure the bike bug will get him sometime- I hope!

Christmas Day!

We had such a wonderful Christmas. We had a great time Christmas Eve getting the kids ready for the big day. We acted out the Nativity story as part of Family Home Evening. The kids had fun and were so adorable. We then watched "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and the church's production, "Joy to the World." We wrote letters to Santa and got the cookie plate ready. Then, we read Christmas books, ending with the pop-up "Twas the Night Before Christmas." Then, as our nightly scriptures we read the Nativity story again in the Children's Scriptures. They knew the reason for the special night by the end! It was really fun. Then, Dustin and I enjoyed the Mormon Tabernacle Christmas concert on PBS while we put toys together.

The boys woke up bright and early and were super excited to see what Santa brought. Noah loves his bike and in a few days should be able to ride all by himself. He can go a little ways on his own already. He does swerve a lot and will get better the more he rides. Daniel loves his Tonka fire truck. It's big and strong like him! They had such a good Christmas. Jodi's favorite presents so far are the Jack-in-the-box and the cloth tea pot set.

The funniest Christmas moment:
Daniel and Noah both received nerf ball guns. Jodi, the tea pot set. Jodi was running around with the guns as the boys were having a tea party on the floor!! It was the funniest thing!

The worst Christmas moment:
Daniel was so mad when there were no more presents to open. To pout, he picked up his new Little People Farm and threw it at Noah! Yes, he did. That boy was IN trouble!!! It was a rough day for him, but we got through it smiling at the end. A good end to a wonderful day.

Christmas Letter

Dear family and friends,

It has been another eventful year for the Frier family- I don’t think there is ever an un-eventful year! So much has happened that we can’t share it all with you, but here are the highlights:

Jodi turned 1 in July. She has been a walker since May and is a very good climber (and faller)!! She loves to be anywhere and everywhere Mom goes- especially in the mornings when Mom is blow- drying her hair. Jodi wants to do anything and everything that the boys do. If they can do it, so can she! Jodi absolutely adores Noah and will wrestle him any chance she can get. She loves cars and trains and Weeble Wobbles. She gets to go into nursery (a Sunday class for 18month to 3 year olds) in January. We are very excited- no more running after the munchkin during our meetings!

Daniel is a very emotional 3- year old. He loves his truck and loves to pester Noah non- stop. Will the arguing ever stop? Daniel loves animals and is a great big teddy himself. He has the most infectious laugh. It is hard to get mad at him when he is so goofy. His laugh truly makes me smile. Books, games, toys, and the park: you name it; he loves it.

Noah will be 5 in February. He had his first Primary program (a Sunday program with speaking parts and music for ages 4- 11). He said his part very well and got very shy at the end. Noah is my little singer. He is always singing and making up words to songs. He sounds just like his Grandma Joan- always humming and singing. He is getting so excited for Kindergarten next year. He is making lots of friends and is always asking to play with someone. He loves pirates- we have 3 pirate boats and he still wants more. He says 7 at least! Noah loves to read, color, glue, and cook. He loves to ride his bike and play at the park. No wonder Mom is always so tired!

Dustin has been a busy worker and student. He completed all of his prerequisite courses for the nursing program in May. We found out in October that he was placed into a nursing program for January! We are so excited- Dustin is very nervous. I know he will do a great job. This is what he has been working towards for so long. It is an accelerated program at Scottsdale Community College, although come May, Dustin will opt out of that program and move into a traditional program so he can work over the summer and spend some time with the kids. Dustin has discovered a new hobby- woodworking and looks forward to a time when he will have time and space to pursue that hobby. It is fun to look at the projects and dream of the future. Dustin is also a Primary/Sunday School teacher for the 10 year olds. He seems to enjoy it.

Laura has had quite the year herself. In March, she welcomed a new addition to the family- a brand new professional flute. It is amazing and is so awesome to play. Timing was everything and it all worked out that we could make this investment. Laura’s Mom drove down from CO to help in the selection. It was a great trip! In August, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I feel pain all the time and don’t sleep well. Sleep aides seem to have helped some with the fatigue. I have good and bad days and I am learning to pace myself and learning to rely more on Dustin than I ever had. It has been hard to say “No” and to not do it all. I am learning to let go and trust in others and especially the Lord. Besides running after 3 children, i am also the Primary music chorister (4-11 year olds). I love teaching music to the kids and somehow find the time and energy for that as well.

Dustin and I celebrate our 10 year anniversary on the 20th. I can't believe it has been that long, as well as only 10 years. We were definitely made for each other. We suit each other so well. He is so supportive of me and we still make each other laugh. We still enjoy the same things and are perfectly happy enjoying those late night movies- no matter how late it is. We pray with each other every night, and I know it is this that has kept us so strong and still in love with each other.

I am grateful for this Christmas season when I can share with my family and friends the knowledge that I have that our Heavenly Father loves us and knows each of us. He knows our needs and when we have faith and trust in Him, he will bless us. He loved us so much that he sent his Son to come to earth to show us the way back. I am very grateful for the love He has for all of us.

Merry Christmas to all!
Love, The Frier Family