Ketchup, or is it Catsup...

However you spell it, I'm playing catchup. So much has wanted that I've wanted to note, but I just haven't. I think I'll try to do a few of these in the next couple days, so bear with me. December is a busy time. Here's what the beginning of ours was like.

At the very beginning of December, we made a pretty sweet gingerbread house and tree. It was SO fun. Sally was completely in love with the activity. The day we did it, she kept saying, "I can't wait, I can't wait!" A couple years ago, Bill and I decorated one. I have to say, that one was prettier, but this was more fun. Sally loved everything about doing this. We'll have to do it every year.

Here's a video of the project

The finished product

The next day, Sally Rose was talking about the gingerbread house first thing in the morning. Over the next few days, I caught her gnawing off little bits. Very funny.

I already did a birthday post for Bill, but it wasn't complete. I planned a little surprise party for him. I was originally going to do it the night of his birthday, but people had conflicts, so we did it the following Friday. On his actual birthday, he knew something was up. He told me he was coming home early and asked several times if that was okay. I confessed that I had tried to do a party, but no one could come, so it was nixed. He came home there was a treasure hunt set up. We ate pizza (his request) and had happy cake as pictured below.

He didn't say this till the next day, but he was a little bummed that I couldn't get people to come to a party for him. It all played into the surprise beautifully. On Friday, the Griggs were able to keep Bill occupied for a while after work. When he came home, we had friends, decorations, and food. We ate a beef tenderloin roast with a mushroom sauce, roasted vegetables (which made an awesome soup the next day), blue cheese mashed yams, and a salad. I also made peppermint ice cream for dessert. After dinner we just hung out and played a little Bill trivia, which was fun. He truly was surprised and I think he enjoyed it.

I failed miserably at taking pictures at the party. Not one. This picture, however, was taking while preparations were being made. The poor darling fell asleep in there. What a sweetie.

The next major event, and the last for this post, was our anniversary celebration. We have been married for FIVE years! I am so happy to be married to this wonderful man. Five years and two kids later, and we still love each other tons. We've had some great times and I look forward to years and years to come. To celebrate, we went to medieval times and saw some rad jousting. It was a great time. We decided to take Sally and Alice (it was the beginning of our family) and I'm glad we did because Sally LOVED it. They really put on a good show.

I'll now end this long post with a picture of sweet Alice from the beginning of the month. I know it's only been a few weeks, but she's changed so much it seems. She's such a sweet, good baby. If you made it this far, thanks, and Bye!

Christmas Time

Christmas is upon us. It is such a fantastic time of year. People are generally nicer. Last year, Sally got pretty sick in the Christmas season. She had to be hospitalized and it wasn't a terribly fun experience. When she was coming home, I needed to pick up a prescription for her. I didn't realize how expensive it was-I was more than a little blown away. I decided to just buy half of what was prescribed, and get the rest later. I went on my way throughout the store shopping. When I was leaving, the pharmacist ran out to stop me. The gentleman who was behind me in the pharmacy line had paid for the medicine for us. He was gone, and I couldn't thank him, but I was definitely thankful. It was one of these experiences that only happen in a movie, but it was real. I love how people are more giving during the holidays. Christ is more on our minds, it makes us nicer, I think.

Since becoming a mother, Christmas has taken on new meaning. Having experienced birth, the story is more amazing. I can't imagine riding on a donkey in that state. I can't imagine being turned away from anything when I'm about to have a baby. I can't imagine going through the process with animals about me. I can't imagine having to put my sweet baby in a manger, where animals eat. I feel tremendous responsibility in raising up two of god's children. I can't imagine the feeling of raising up God's only begotten, the Savior. I can't imagine sending one of my babies to earth, knowing full well what that journey would entail. The Christmas story is full of unimaginable happenings. What's more amazing, is that it's not just a story- it really happened. Through that miraculous story, a savior really was born into this world. He literally saved us. Saved us in a way only he could, from our spiritual death- made it so we could be with our maker once more. I know I comprehend so little of the magnitude of these events, but the little that I do understand blows my mind- and I am grateful. Eternally grateful. This year, I hope to keep these feelings with me more consistently. With Christ on my mind, perhaps I'll be a little nicer, a little better all year round.

Nicolich Elves

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Happy Birthday Bill!!!

Daddy Bill is thirty-five today! To honor such a momentous day, I will give you thirty-five Bill factoids. (Mixed in with pictures of him and the girls)

1. Bill's favorite candy is Neccos. I actually only recently learned this. I know few people who like these, but he loves them.

2. Bill does an awesome goat impression.
3. If Bill was a fighter, he'd want his nick name to be Bill the Bookworm (intimidating, right?)

4. Bill's triceps are amazing
5. Bill used to hip hop dance with a group called Trans Fusion Hype
6. Bill makes a mean crepe.
7. Bill is quite picky about clothes. It pays off because he always looks good

8. Bill collects old editions of classic literature.

9. Bill's favorite author is Joseph Conrad.

10. Bill loves poetry.

11. Bill loves Mexican food.
12. Bill would love to visit Croatia. That's where the name Nicolich hails from. I think that's what we should do for our 10th anniversary- we're half-way there!
13. Bill loves the Hudson River school art.
14. Bill likes lots of music, but likes techno a lot. He will listen to certain DJ's, like BT just to enjoy.

15. Bill was apparently a perfect child. Neither parent can give me any dirt on him as a little boy. He was so good and still is.
16. Bill majored in economics and minored in English. He got his associates degree from Dixie College and his bachelors from the University of Utah

17. Bill started programming as a boy- he made games he could play.

18. Bill likes role playing games like Fable and Oblivion.

19. Bill likes the names Boris, Craven and Dartanyan. He also ultimately chose Alice Marie, so he does have some good taste in names.

20. Bill is a cuddler. he likes to cuddle with both girls and even me. (Yay!!)

21. Bill has read quite a bit about human nature and why we act the way we do.
22. Bill has beautifully brilliant blue eyes.
23. Bill's speaking voice is to die for.
24. Bill slept with a ride on toy named Opie as a child.

25. Bill chose all black tuxes, shirts, and ties for the men in our wedding party. They looked so handsome- especially the groom.
26. Bill has a little goth in him.
27. Bill has a specific kiss that would melt any woman. Luckily, it only melts me now.

28. Bill is tender hearted. Here's an example. We had a mouse problem and Bill REALLY wanted to take him in as a pet. Silly, but so sweet.

29. Bill is a FANTASTIC daddy. He plays with the girls tons and is willing to be silly with them. Sally ADORES him. He sings lots of fun songs with them and lets Sally ride him like a horse. He's always willing to play with them.
30. Bill has a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

31. Bill puts up with me, which is really saying something.
32. Bill honors his priesthood.
33. Bill tells me he loves me every day.

34. Bill makes me a better person.
35. Bill is an excellent husband, father, and overall man. I am SO lucky he chose me to be his wife. I love him ridiculous amounts and hope he knows that. He is a great friend and I can't wait to see what new things I learn about him..

I love you Bill!! Happy Birthday!!!