The Morrill Moments: January 2009

Monday, January 26, 2009

Born a Reader!

Blake has LOVED books since the day he was born. I often tell him he acquired that love while still in the womb as I have a passion for reading a good book, not to mention the countless hours spent reading great books to McKenna before Blake was born. As an infant Blake was content to sit for long periods of time listening to me read and as he got a bit older he would spend hours looking at books and making up his own story as he went along. I remember in Kindergarten, Blake was trying to make the sounds he knew best that went along with whatever story he was reading. It was often cute to listen to what one might think was a foreign language.
When Blake started first grade he was really ready and eager to learn to read. By this time he had mastered most books in the house that contained any 3 letter words. He sometimes would hunt for the 3 letter words in books and read them...soon to find out, nothing was making sense because he was skipping all the words in between.
Then came first grade. Blake had the most AMAZING first grade teacher! Blake found out within the first few days of school that not only was his teacher a huge Nike fan, but a huge reader. Need I say anymore. From then on, he was hooked and to this day she is one of the most important people in Blake's life. He often brings up times he can remember, and how Miss McMorrow taught him how to read and what a good reader does and what strategies they use. It's too cute!
With all this, Miss McMorrow has become a family favorite and we cherish the friendships we have formed. Over Christmas break, she came over and gave the book "The Tale of Despereaux" to Blake for Christmas. I later informed Blake that after he had read the book, I would take him to see the movie as it was playing in the theatre. He was excited about the idea as he had never read a book and then been to the movie.

When it came time to head to the show, he couldn't go without taking Miss McMorrow. He said, " Can I invite Miss Mcmorrow? after all, she did give me the book for Christmas." So he made the arrangements and called her for the invite, along with getting her a treat. We had a great time. Blake loved the movie, but claims he still likes the book a "twitch" better. He told me on the way home, that in the book they describe the characters a lot better and don't leave out all the important details. I told him unfortunately thats how it usually goes when you head to the theatre after reading a book.

We hit Carl's Jr. following the movie so Blake could get his favorite. The Bacon-A-tor! he loved every bite of that huge greasy Hamburger with bacon and onion rings on it.
We had a great day and I'm so lucky to have kids that enjoy reading and using their imaginations. Thanks for the special day Mr. B.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Recap - 2008

OK...per request, since I didn't send out a detailed letter with my Christmas cards, a few of you are wanting to know what life is currently like here in the Morrill household...

Steve - Or sometimes referred to as Steve "O" or Daddy "O", continues to work downtown Boise at St. Luke's Hospital in Radiology. He has worked there over 4 years and LOVES it! He comments often on what a good feeling it is to know your helping someone in need. He primarily works in the ER, so he sees just about everything on a daily basis. (this of course can be good and bad)

He continues to have a passion for rebuilding cars and tinkering in the garage. This is a hobby of his that started as a young boy in the garage working side by side with his dad. ( it is kinda nice to never half to take the car to the shop)

Steve was recently released from serving as the Elders Quorum President in our ward and although he thoroughly enjoyed the blessings of his church calling, he's now enjoying a bit more free time.

In his spare time, Steve enjoys to cycle. He is hoping to ride the STP ( Seattle to Portland) this summer and is looking forward to that with much anticipation and preparation.

Coaching soccer in the fall/spring has also been something he has enjoyed doing the past several years.
What more can I say, Steve is truly the BEST Dad & a GREAT husband. :)

OK....onto what keeps Paige busy. All I can say is, I LOVE being home with my kids! Even if it means full time taxi driver, maid and everything in between.
I thought when our ward at church split 2 years ago and I was released as Primary President and was put in a new ward where no one new us, I would be "safe" for a while as far as a calling that requires a lot of time commitment. I guess it was wishful thinking on my part, as I was soon put in the Stake Young Woman's Presidency. At first to be honest, I was a bit intimidated by my new responsibilities or a better word might be, I was FREAKING OUT about the idea. It grew on me little by little and now I can say I'm truly enjoying my church calling. It keeps me very busy and the ladies I work with are the BEST!

I continue to enjoy reading in my spare time. One of my favorites this past year was.....YES, I know, the Twilight series. Who would have ever thought a book about vampires would be so catchy.

Scrap booking or something of the sorts continues to be on my list of things to do. When I do get the time to sit down and play with pictures and turn memories into keepsakes it is so rewarding. Not to mention FUN!

I'm so blessed to have such a wonderful family. I count my blessings everyday and am so grateful to be a mother, daughter, wife, aunt and all the blessings that come along with it. Life is Good.

Miss McKenna (11) - As noted in the side bar, so FUN and full of Adventure. This truly is McKenna. Little miss social and loves to be adventurous and try new things. There never seems to be a dull moment when McKenna's around. :)

She continues to play the piano and enjoys playing church hymns and song she knows. She played a piece for the Primary program at church in October. We were so proud of her. She did a great job. It was a tough piece and she really had to work at it. ( not to mention, she was VERY nervous)

ClOgGiNg is of course at the top of her list. She absolutely loves to clog. She is enjoying the challenge of a new team this year and is anxious to head to competitions here starting next month.

In her free time, McKenna enjoys clogging ,clogging, and more clogging. No, just kidding. She also has enjoyed having email and emailing her cousins on a sometimes daily basis. it's pretty cute. She also loves to write stories and play games. ( Scrabble is her favorite!)

Blake (8) - Or often times known around the house as Mr. "B". He is our SWEET deep thinker. He has such a tender personality and is just a GREAT kid! Blake turned 8 and was baptized the end of March. It was truly a special day for Blake.

Blake continues with his treatments for allergies and he has mastered the "shot process" and getting poked on a weekly basis. He's such a trooper!

Blake started piano lessons this year and is really blossoming and enjoying learning to play.

Cub Scouts keeps us busy and its fun to see the excitement in Blake as he focuses on completing goals and learning new skills.

Blake enjoys soccer in the fall/spring. He started Basketball this week and will have a chance to try it out for the next 5 weeks. he's excited.
In his spare time, Blake enjoys, reading, drawing, building with Lego's and playing "Star Wars" outside with his friends.

We continue to enjoy living in Idaho and are so blessed to have both our families nearby. Like I stated earlier......"Life is Good"

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Christmas Break

It's hard to believe our 2 weeks of playing and sleeping in have come to an end. Tomorrow it's back to reality with early mornings, and our regular routine under way. I love the breaks during the year as well as summer, but always look forward to getting back into a routine. We enjoyed the holiday season with family, fun, and snow, snow, snow!