San Diego Shots.

Spring Break was an awesome time as a family. We met in San Diego for Spring Break. We were all together for 3 1/2 days, then Kevin and Kristi had to get back to school. James, Melissa and Sommer had 3 more days with us so we could do some Sommer stuff and then Dave and I had a day to ourselves. It was a perfect arrangement and our place worked out really well too. Dave continues to be the reigning tennis champion in the family. James and Kevin will have to pratice up for next year. We loved Sea World and the Wild Animal Park. The only tragedy was losing teddy. Somehow we four adults couldn't keep track of him and he vanished. After retracing our path and coming up empty handed we visited Target, Walmart, Sears, Macys you name it to try and buy a new teddy good enough by Sommer standards. We soon came to the realization that she was just going to have to get over it, we couldn't find another teddy that felt just right. Let me just say it was not pretty. Teddy, Please, Thank you, Teddy, Please, Thank you ... it was heart breaking especially for a grandma... Grandpa and Grandma bought 4 different teddies to try but they just weren't TEDDY. We just couldn't reward her manners with teddy. SO SAD. Please, Thank you. Thank goodness there was a second teddy at home waiting for her. Good thing we didn't lose the pacifier our life just wouldn't be worth living.

Looking Forward to Spring

We were in Palm Springs just a few weeks ago and signs of spring were all around us. We enjoyed President's Day weekend playing golf, reading and relaxing. Although I'm afraid I need to work on the golfing. Dave's advice is that I get out with him more often. I am such a perfectionist I want it to go perfect every shot but if I did I could go on the pro tour. It was fun to get away and although we have had this tradition for just a few years it is one we both want to keep for many years to come. Our whole family will be meeting in San Diego for Spring Break and it will be good to have the week relaxing. James, Melissa and Sommer are in Cuba right now for a week so their tans will be well established for the end of the month. Finding Sunshine this time of year is a highlight for us Canadians and PNWs.

Christmas 2008

New Year's Williams Update

This is the perfect chance to update everyone on our family. It was so much fun to have our family all together for Christmas. Dave's Mom and Dad and brother Scot and his family were here for Boxing Day as well so that was great. Now the house is quiet and everyone is back into their routines of life.

Kevin and Kristi are up in Bellingham, WA where Kristi is in her 3rd year at Western Washington in Human Services and Kevin is in his first year at WATCOM (after spending last year in Europe last year in Bible School.) It is nice to know that they are close enough to take care of one another and cook a few weekly meals together. They are both a part of small groups for bible study and Kristi has found a nice church plant up there and takes Kev along when he isn't visiting Brittany on the weekend.

James and Melissa are back to Canada where James' business is doing well. He still runs Trademark Construction which specializes in siding and has started Trademark Homes building new homes with a partner which has also been very successful. Melissa works for Trademark Homes 3 days a week managing the office. They have moved into their beautiful new home and are already dreaming of building their next home on the 5 acre parcel of land they have bought. Sommer is so much fun right now, parroting every word they say. Melissa is leading a mom's play group and keeps busy connecting with friends and their little ones.

Dave is continuing as Lead Pastor at East Park and is very busy balancing the many needs of our growing congregation. We are really excited about what God is doing in and through our church family. We are in the midst of a renovation project and entering into a building campaign for a second much needed CE building.

Kim is teaching 4th grade full time once again this year and most days enjoying her class of 22 students. It is so rewarding to watch them grow and mature. She loves teaching Math, Science and Social Studies each day. She has an amazing teaching partner and prays she will stick around for a few more years. It is so nice to live, work and worship in the same neighborhood. God is good.

We have been blessed with so many great family times this year. Melissa and Sommer came last spring break, we met in Florida for Mom and Dad Boda's 50th Anniversary celebration and then we headed up to Regina to see James, Melissa and Sommer in August. The family was all together for Christmas and we are all meeting in San Deigo for spring break this year. What a wonderful blessing to see one another every few months. Dave and I are sneaking in a retreat to Palm Springs in February and are looking forward to lots of sun, golf and down time together. We need it.

2009 is sure to be a year full of challenges, blessings and growth. We look forward to all that God has in store for us.

Thankfulness!

Thankfulness, thankfulness is what I long for! Thankfulness is what I need! I am so thankful for the blessings God has given me. WOW!

1. An Amazing Husband... He takes such great care of me. He is my best friend and I look forward to growing old with him and watching our children and grand-children enjoy life.

2. 3 Wonderful Kids and 1 Awesome Son-in-law and of course SOMMER!... I am so proud of each one of them. Each of them has such amazing gifts and talents. I thank God each day for giving them to me. It is a blessing to watch them grow and mature.

3. A Beautiful Home in a great neighborhood... a hot tub and fire pit to enjoy and plenty of room for friends to come and visit.

4. 2 Beautiful Golden Retrievers... Maddie and Bailey keep me walking and give me plenty of cuddles each day.

5. A Job I Love...I look forward to heading off to school each day. I feel like my days' work makes a difference in the lives of so many, the kids, their parents as well as my co-workers.

6. A Great Church Family... my East Park family cares for one another and genuinely wants to learn about what it means to follow God.

7. Over 100 Great Kids in the Clubhouse each Sunday... The clubhouse kids are the best kids in the world I love teaching them, it is so fun to watch them grow.

8. Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Health...The strength to face each day with optimism and energy is such a blessing.

9. God's Provision Each Day. He has generously poured out his blessing on me. My needs are met and even some of my wants. It is so fun to share these blessings with others.

10. Most of All, An Awesome God... I think of all the attributes of God and am amazed that He cared enough for me to send His one and only Son and radically transform my life. I will be eternally grateful.

Thankyou God for all you have blessed me with.

Birthday Fun!

We missed the party but I know it was a great time. Look at that delicious cake. WOW! Homemade by mom... How cute! Can't wait to compare a picture of Melissa to Sommer.