Living Our Dreams

California San Diego Mission

2011-08-29T20:12:00.003-06:00

In our most recent letter from Ryan, he included the address of his mission blog. Click on the following link to view it:

California San Diego Mission Blog

Back To School

2011-08-17T10:28:00.003-06:00

After two years of home schooling,
the boys are going back to public school...

Unbelievably, this one is a freshman in high school!

And look at these two cuties...
They were so excited this morning!
I'll miss having them home all day with me.
Good luck boys!!!

Five Kids, Five Birthdays

2011-08-17T09:40:00.008-06:00

First, this beautiful girl...
She turned 17 in December, wow!
Love you Andrea.

And then my first baby in January...
He turned 19, hard to believe!
Love you Ryan.

Up next...
Daniel, 10 years in February!
Love you Daniel.

And look at this guy...he's so BIG!
Tyler turned 14 in March...
Love you Tyler.

And most recently, the baby...
He turned 9 yesterday.
Love you Michael.

Summer 2011

2011-08-17T09:16:00.005-06:00

Summer was filled with fun and soooo busy...

Heather came to see us, it's been a few years and we were all so happy to see her...

Daniel and Michael played for the same baseball team.
Go Wildcats!

We had our big 4th of July BBQ this summer...

Tyler was the grill master and did a great job!

We enjoyed the company of so many friends and had a great time.

Catching Up...RYAN

2011-08-17T08:48:00.009-06:00

Okay, so I've been slacking with my blog. Time to play a little bit of catch up. I won't catch up all ten months that I'm behind...but here's a little bit of catching up for ya...

In May, my heart broke as we said our goodbyes at the airport and sent Ryan off on his mission. He gets to serve in the San Diego, CA mission for two years. I will miss him so much, but I'm VERY proud of his choice to serve.

He recently sent us this picture from the Mormon Battalion Visitors Center. The part of Richard Martin that he played in the Winter Quarters Musical last summer was a young man that joined the Mormon Battalion in Winter Quarters and marched all the way to San Diego, CA. How fun that Ryan ended up in San Diego for his own mission.

Look at that smile...it says it all.
Elder Dennison, we love you!!!

Reunion Time

2010-12-07T13:32:00.006-07:00

A Freeman Thanksgiving Reunion in WA State...

We had ALL 22 cousins together, so fun! Here you see us getting ready to sing a song for our family night lesson.

Ryan shared with all of the cousins what he's done to get ready to serve a mission. (He's the oldest one of them all and the first one to go.)

We played jungle basketball at the church after turkey dinner. Michael threw the winning shot for his team!

The boys did some wrestling and goofing off in Grandma's formal living room...uh oh...

Ryan, Tyler and Eric even helped put up the flag pole Christmas Tree made of lights with Grandpa.

Daniel and Michael loved Grandma's hideouts and dress-up props.

Andrea enjoyed playing Grandma's beautiful organ.

So much fun was had by all...Games, football, basketball, family pictures, good food and so much more.

The kids loved seeing all of their aunts, uncles, cousins and Grandma and Grandpa Freeman. Giggles and memories to remember forever. Thank you!!!

Trunk R Treat

2010-11-01T15:35:00.004-06:00

A tile guy, a Cub Scout Ghost and cute Cookie Monster,
oh my!!!

An Xbox Fanatic...

And the Corpse Bride with her groom: Victor.

We spent the night before Halloween Trick R Treating at the Trunk R Treat. Followed by movies and fun at our house. We had a great time with friends and brought home WAY too much candy!

Happy Halloween!

Andrea - Homecoming 2010

2010-10-10T16:32:00.005-06:00

This was Andrea's first Homecoming Dance.
My girl's growing up...

Her dress was both modest and beautiful...

She looked like a movie star!

Absolutely stunning.

The flower, girls love flowers!

They had fun: miniature golf in the afternoon and dinner in the evening.

Andrea and Alex - Homecoming 2010

Field Trip - Horses

2010-09-28T11:35:00.008-06:00

The boys went on a field trip this month...

Our lovely friend, Bridget, let them come over and ride her beautiful horses.

The boys were so excited and had a wonderful time!

They treated the horses well and rode like naturals.

This one is a mule.
Tyler enjoyed riding the mule the most.

Michael loved this horse, Fata. She had to be put down this week. She was very old and had complications.
Thank you for the ride, Fata.

Now they think they want a horse of their own.
Thank you for everything Bridget.
What a fun field trip!

8 Is Great

2010-08-31T11:50:00.005-06:00

So, my baby turned 8 this month...

He's pretty happy about it!

We had a big party, Michael planned the whole thing.

From Mario Kart on the Wii...

Which was a huge hit with all of his friends...

To the best squirt gun war EVER!

Oh yeah...

Game on!!!

The best part about turning eight? Getting baptized. We're so proud of you Michael, for making this wonderful decision. WE LOVE YOU!!!

Hayride

2010-08-06T12:09:00.006-06:00

Nothing says fun in the country like...

A tractor...

A trailer...

Hay bales...

Family...

And friends...

Out on our beautiful land...

Until the sun goes down.
Fun memories during Grandma and Grandpa's visit.

Freedom and Friends

2010-07-27T14:08:00.005-06:00

We had so much fun doing a 4th of July BBQ last year, that we had another one this year. With the rain, we had to do the grilling in the garage, as soon as it cleared...we moved out of the garage. It was so hot!

The teenagers were fascinated by the stories
(? we'll go with that) from the missionaries.

Kids, kids and MORE kids...LOL
It looks like Daniel and Michael
are getting ready for a shootout.

One of the cutest kids...Blake.
We love that little boy and his family!

Freedom, food, friends, fun and fireworks...
That's what makes a holiday GREAT!!!

Two gloves and a ball

2010-06-29T09:45:00.007-06:00

Who knew how much fun could be had...

With two gloves and a ball.

Daniel LOVES it and doesn't have any trouble
talking Eric into a game of catch.

Bella and Ginger thinks it looks like fun too.
They go after the ball every time it hits the ground...

And wait, with anticipation, for the ball to get loose again.
Father and son moments to lock into the
memory bank forever.

Cousins Rock!

2010-06-23T12:00:00.007-06:00

Last week, our Dennison cousins came to visit,
all the way from Utah.

We all had a great time and played hard all week.

Dutch oven dinners...

Bonfires with s'mores and starbursts,
BB Guns and fireworks...
(Can we say rednecks?!)

Playing with the puppies, going to the movies, swimming...

Riding the four wheelers in the fields...

A LOT of four-wheeling!

Double dates for the boys and parents...
Lizzie joined us a LOT (we love her too!)

The girls went to the local dairy TWICE!
Must have been the boys working there...
maybe it was the flavored milks...right?

We went sightseeing...
the kids all tried to lick their own elbows...

Just because Lizzie could do it, ha!

What a crazy crew...
We missed them the minute they left to go home.

21 Years

2010-06-02T11:18:00.005-06:00

21 years ago, I fell in love...

Today, we celebrate those 21 years together

Happy Anniversary Eric...I love you

Our New Babies

2010-06-01T10:54:00.007-06:00

Meet Ginger and Bella...
Born April 23, 2010

Playful, adorable, Golden Retriever puppies...

Daniel and Ginger

Andrea and Bella

Bella giving Andrea some puppy love...she is so sweet.

Michael and Ginger
Injured when she was born, the smallest of the litter...a larger dog bit her on the lip. She started out her life being called "split-lip" We think Ginger suits her better.

We're in love with these girls...
Welcome to the family!

Give Me Some Tots

2010-05-20T16:40:00.005-06:00

My boys love this very silly movie called "Napolean Dynamite". They like to act out what we call the tater tot scene...I caught it on video tape (press play):

Oh my heck, so funny...I love these rascals!

That's How We MOW

2010-05-09T16:25:00.005-06:00

New mower, protective ear muffs = happy 7 year old.

We love every inch of our yard,

and there's a LOT to mow.

Using the mower and the tractor at the same time...

It takes 3-4 hours to get the whole job done.

Andrea uses it as an opportunity to catch some rays.

So proud of a job well done...That's how we mow!

Rock and Roll

2010-05-06T10:24:00.006-06:00

Out here in the country...

It's pretty big excitement for the day...

to have one of these in your yard.

In the country, rocks are EVERYWHERE...

The roads, the driveways...EVERYWHERE!

Two truckloads of rock later...

We've joined the country folk...

Loving our new ROCK driveways!

Now when it rains, we don't have to walk or drive in the mud...ROCK AND ROLL!!!

Ryan and Lizzie - Prom

2010-04-18T16:15:00.009-06:00

This is Ryan and Lizzie...
Prom - April 2010

My son looks so handsome and she is absolutely beautiful.

These two always have fun and Prom was no exception.

So happy, so cute...I love 'em!

This was part of their group date. They played laser tag in the afternoon, went to dinner, the dance and then the after party, a fun group of kids.

I'm telling ya, it's so hard to believe that Ryan's Dad is old enough to be sending him to his last High School Prom. Love you Ryan.

Teenage Antics

2010-04-17T13:21:00.004-06:00

Give teenagers a camera,
you never know what you're going to get.

They took my camera last week...

and this is what I found...

Yep, these are my crazy teens, two of the three...

So goofy, you gotta love 'em.

Back in the Saddle

2010-04-13T15:35:00.006-06:00

Last week, he crashed on the bigger 4-wheeler...

He went flyin' into the air, lost his shoes AND his helmet when he hit the ground, even had skid marks across his back and stomach.

So Eric fixed the smaller 4-wheeler...
and he's back in the saddle again.

This little guy...is the most excited to have the smaller
4-wheeler to drive again.

My little daredevils.
At least they're wearing their helmets.

Monkeys In The Trees

2010-04-09T17:12:00.004-06:00

Spring is here, it's a beautiful day...the monkeys have decided to come out and play

Climbing in the trees...

Means happy monkeys...

Pretty cute ones too!

Shadow just stands guard...the protector, making sure my little monkeys are safe.

Happy Easter

2010-04-07T16:23:00.003-06:00

Easter morning came with much anticipation...

What's in our baskets?!

Candy for breakfast

These guys were so excited to color the eggs...

They did a great job...and had so much fun!

The much anticipated egg hunt was the BEST...

Happy Easter from our house to yours!

You know it's Spring...

2010-03-28T17:19:00.003-06:00

When you can see green grass again...

And the boys break out the baseball gloves!

We're lovin' it!

Teenager!

2010-03-13T15:54:00.004-07:00

It's official, Tyler's a teenager.
The guys came over to celebrate.

Personal electronics are always a hit for boys...

And don't forget about the much anticipated
CASH from Grandma and Grandpa!

Money, a fishing pole and speakers for his iPod...
He's one happy, new teenager.

I love you Tyler, Happy Birthday! Love, Mom.

Serious Fort

2010-03-05T09:15:00.004-07:00

The rules of the fort: 1. No shoes 2. No dirty clothes with mud 3. No breaking it. Underneath the rules, is the guest list. You have to sign in if you want to climb in.

I climbed in for a visit and he gave me the tour. The flashlight, he explained, was his emergency backup light. I got a step by step story of how the bottom bunk bed became this serious fort.

Here, he's showing Eric the list of visitors that had signed up to visit the fort. Their names are on the little papers. You can see his touch light on the wall and a makeshift light taped to the ceiling made from plastic pipe with an LCD pen light attached to light it up like a fluorescent tube.

The proud builder. Love you Michael.

Nine

2010-03-01T19:25:00.005-07:00

Nine years old...

A two-man tent...

Matching fishing poles...

Cash from Grandma and Grandpa...

A movie and a camp out with Michael in the Game Room...

"This tent is so cool!"

"Look, we can both sleep in it!"

I love you Daniel, you're the BEST!!!
Happy Birthday
Love, Mom

Double Trouble

2010-02-25T11:34:00.006-07:00

What?! Are you talkin' about ME?

Yes, you two...DOUBLE TROUBLE for sure!

The boys were fascinated by this old Scouter at the
Cub Scout Blue and Gold Banquet.

Daniel and his friend Ryan - Is it time for the cake yet?
I told you, Double Trouble.
It's a good thing I love trouble...a LOT!

White Blanket

2010-02-22T16:15:00.006-07:00

It's beautiful...

It's quiet and peaceful...

It's C O L D...

It's the END of FEBRUARY!!!

After three months under this beautiful white blanket...

We are going on FAITH that there's still grass underneath that foot of snow that fell down on Sunday.

She Did It!

2010-02-19T14:08:00.006-07:00

We just found out last night that Andrea has been accepted into this year's production of "Come Home to Kanesville." The Winter Quarters Musical. She will be joining Ryan, spending JULY 2010 singing, dancing and having a wonderful time!

The funnest part: Her best friend, Brittney, will be there. She's in the show too! It's going to be a fun summer for these kids. Congratulations Andrea!

Love and Baking

2010-02-13T14:40:00.005-07:00

Love and baking, Valentines Day and frosted sugar cookies...They go together like peanut butter and jelly.

The kids have been excited for a few days to bake, frost and decorate sugar cookies.

Of course, the most pressing question on these little bakers minds is, "When do we get to eat the cookies?" Happy Valentines Day

Rise and Shine

2010-02-11T08:27:00.006-07:00

So, I tell Daniel and Michael (8 and 7) to go downstairs and wake up Tyler (12). It was time to get their schoolwork going and Tyler wasn't moving yet. As they walked down the stairs, they start to whisper to each other...I can see a plan brewing. Quietly, I listen from the kitchen with curiosity, I KNOW they're up to something.

A few moments later...The sound of a rooster crowing, over and over again...comes trailing up the stairs...

Tyler, "You retards!" (We're still working on getting the boys to not call each other names.) I hear the younger boys giggle and scream as they run from their older brother...

Andrea and I were in the kitchen listening to it all unfold, oh my heck, it was so funny! Even as I write this, I'm still giggling about it.

I can say one thing for Daniel and Michael...great creativity! The noisy rooster was a gift from Grandma for a game. How they thought to use it? The minds of little boys amaze me.

As for Tyler...maybe he'll learn to get out of bed before the "rooster" crows.

"Come Home to Kanesville"

2010-02-10T11:10:00.004-07:00

What are you doing in July?

We just found out last night that Ryan has been accepted into this year's production of "Come Home to Kanesville." The Winter Quarters Musical.

We're pretty excited. It's very likely that Andrea will be joining Ryan there this summer as well. We'll keep you posted. www.kanesville.org

18 - Really?!

2010-01-28T10:45:00.008-07:00

It seems like just yesterday when we held you in our arms...it sounds cliche, but it's so true.

You're growing into a very handsome young man and we're so proud of you.

The funnest big brother the boys could ever ask for...

With a cool truck (the stereo ROCKS!)
You're a hard worker...

and a good friend to many.

Our most favorite performer, you're amazing. Happy Birthday Ryan, Love you forever, Mom.

The Family Crockpot

2010-01-20T15:39:00.002-07:00

So, Andrea and I have been testing crockpot recipes from blogs, cookbooks, friends and various websites. When we try a good one, and the family votes to have it again, (which means it's a hit), we're putting the recipe onto our new blog. If you click on the LABELS, you can quickly get to the recipes you're interested in, based on ingredients.

We hope you enjoy the recipes as much as we do. Having dinner done by lunchtime is the BEST!

Click here for the new blog:

The Family Crockpot

Also to the right of THIS blog under "What's for Dinner?"

We're testing a new one today, if it's good, we'll add it to the blog!

Show Time

2010-01-18T11:41:00.007-07:00

The High School Jazz Choir put on a fantastic show last weekend...

"Cabaret Night" The auditorium was packed!
(check our playlist to the right for a sample of songs from the show ---->>>>)

Ryan did a fun duet number called "We Can Do It" from The Producers.

WOW! We knew he could sing - now we know he can dance/act too. He did awesome! He looked like a natural performer...

It was way out of his comfort zone, but it sure looked like he got used to it and had a wonderful time. (Now the kids from school are trying to get him to try out for the school play.)

Ryan wasn't sure about wearing stage makeup, but it wasn't so bad when GIRLS were helping him put the makeup on...we sure had fun razzing him when he came home from rehearsals with it on.

These kids worked soooo hard. Full day practice sessions since New Year's Day...they put their hearts into it. They did great numbers like: "Slap That Bass", "You'll be in My Heart" and Trashin' the Camp" from Tarzan...

"Transylvania Mania", "You Can't Stop the Beat", "Family" and so many more...

Congratulations on a job well done, we loved it!

Happy New Year

2010-01-14T09:20:00.007-07:00

A small break from tradition, we hope you won't mind. We'll post our card electronically this year and hope that it reaches you just the same. There is a magnify button if you have a hard time seeing it, or you can view it full screen.

CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR POSTCARD,
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Holy Icicles Batman!

2010-01-13T09:34:00.005-07:00

Daniel and Michael found some amazing icicles hanging off of the house and the grain silo...they're HUGE! (Michael took these pictures, he did a great job!)

So many fun adventures in our new winter wonderland...

Andrea, Ryan and Tyler...headed to rescue Ryan's truck out of the ditch.

Our tractor didn't quite do it. Two big 4x4 trucks and a tractor later...the truck was finally out of the ditch. We'll get used to driving in this snow one of these days...

Sledding - Country Style!

2010-01-04T10:32:00.006-07:00

Christmas Scenes

2009-12-25T16:36:00.005-07:00

Christmas Eve, the freezing rain came down for hours...

Creating a VERY slick wheelchair ramp off of the back porch.

So...of course, it became the best slide EVER!

Even Shadow got in on the action.

The much anticipated Christmas morning, Santa brought sleds! Thank you to our Secret Santa, we love you!

These are so cool!

We can't wait to use these...as soon as our blizzard clears up and the temps get above zero degrees!

A Wii...oh my goodness! These are some very excited kids! Thank you to my Mom and Dad. You guys made our Christmas so much fun this year.

We are so very blessed.

Look how much fun they're having...wish you could be here to play with us.

Even the older kids were excited...they were all smiles too. We're discovering that Ryan is VERY competetive. Maybe he'll beat Grandma Freeman's record on the Groundhog game?

They played ALL DAY! I almost forgot to take a picture of our blizzard. After four hours of freezing rain, the storm turned into snow...It's been almost 24 hours and still going strong.

Merry Christmas! We love you all.

Sweet 16

2009-12-24T12:47:00.006-07:00

My baby...it seems like just yesterday she looked like this:

She's amazing, kind, talented and the best helper I could ever ask for...

A very beautiful young woman, growing into a stunning woman...

She's a good friend to those around her...

Silly and fun to be around...

The boys agree, she's the BEST SISTER EVER...

Andrea...as The Pioneer Woman would say,
I love you more than my luggage!

Happy Sweet Sixteenth Birthday...I LOVE YOU!

Sing, Sing, Sing

2009-12-15T09:58:00.005-07:00

One of my most favorite things: Listening to my children sing.

It's tradition at the high school in our little town to have a Patriotic Concert at the school, the day before Thanksgiving.

It was absolutely fabulous. The kids sang their hearts out about the Constitution, our Founding Fathers and this beautiful country that we love.

We are so grateful that the school has allowed Ryan and Andrea to enroll and participate in High School Choir as home schooled students. "Let freedom ring."

Last Sunday, the High School choirs performed a Christmas Concert. Here you see Andrea singing with the Concert Choir. She also sang in the Women's Choir.

Ryan's on the front row here with the Concert Choir.

And here is the school's Jazz choir. Ryan goes to the school early a couple of days each week to practice with this dedicated group of kids.

Ryan was given the opportunity to sing a Bass Solo, "Have You Heard?", with the Men's Choir. He did an amazing job! (Yes, I'm biased. He DID receive MANY compliments.) Christmas music is the BEST! Thank you, Ryan and Andrea, for sharing my love for music. Love you.

First Snow

2009-12-08T10:36:00.010-07:00

This was the scene on Sunday night, so much for bedtime!

Watch out Mom!

Andrea let the pets out to see their first snow EVER.

Shadow loved it! He played as much as the kids. He thought that eating the snow was "the thing to do".

Our first storm isn't over yet. This was the scene this morning, and the forecast says we will be getting snow until tomorrow morning.

It turns out that even kids that do school at home can't concentrate when there's piles of snow on the ground...SNOW DAY!

We Miss You!

2009-11-23T12:38:00.013-07:00

Dads and kids with guns,
while the mom's COOK the feast...

Oh my!!!

The Thanksgiving feast: Good food, great company...

The Christmas lighting ceremony...

Time with some of our favorite people in the world,
catching the latest movies, playing games and shopping...

Welcoming Christmas at Tuacahn's beautiful
Live Nativity presentation...

Bruce, Kerry, Chase, Mariah, Savannah and Nicholas, we will miss you guys this year...
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Grilled Cheese

2009-11-17T08:10:00.008-07:00

Bread, butter and cheese, my boys' favorite food combination, especially with tomato soup!

All the boys in my life have had this recipe mastered at a very young age...

It looks like this phenomenon exists in Jadon's family too.

Thanks for the pictures Adam, it's time for you guys to visit again!

Work, Candy and Grandparents - Perfect!

2009-11-13T10:16:00.004-07:00

Halloween began with Ryan's Eagle Project. They cleaned up, repaired and painted the picnic shelter at one of our city parks. Eric and the boys went to help, it was a great success! Thank you to all who came to help make this project possible.

The teenagers went to a youth party at a friends house in the afternoon. Tyler was "Skittle, the candy rapper." They had a great time.

The boys were so excited to be chimney sweeps. They loved having dirty faces! Trick or Treating was high on their priority list for the day.

We stopped at the Police/Fire Station. They were letting the kids climb into the fire truck. Michael was so excited and had tons of questions for the firemen! (He kind of looks like a fireman after a fire!)

The highlight of our Halloween was a visit from Grandma and Grandpa, my mom and dad. They even went trick or treating with us! We will never forget our first Halloween in Missouri.

So Thankful

2009-11-06T13:04:00.004-07:00

Just in time for Thanksgiving and the holidays, our new dining room table. It's beautiful and we are so grateful to have it.

The picnic table is back in storage, ready to be used again next summer - OUTSIDE! Two more chairs will be arriving in a couple of weeks - yes, there ARE more than six of us and yes, they fit around the table.

This beautiful table goes so well with our home. I'm looking forward to having the hardwood floors finished someday, it's going to be amazing.

I imagine many family discussions, studying, games and meals with friends and family around this table. What a wonderful way to begin the month of November!

Andrea's Babies

2009-10-29T18:39:00.008-06:00

Almost 5 years ago when we moved from Washington State to St. George, UT - we had to give up our two outdoor cats: Boots and Garfield. Andrea was absolutely heartbroken. The thing about being out in the country is, you HAVE to have cats to keep the mice away. Sooo...Meet the most spoiled kitties in the state of Missouri:

Sally and Max - they sleep anywhere, anytime and however they like. The dogs catch more mice than these two! We love them anyway, especially Andrea.

SuperSilly Cub Scout Skits

2009-10-28T10:49:00.007-06:00

Daniel at the Cub Scout Pack Meeting a few weeks ago. One by one, the boys came in: "What ya doin'?" "Sittin' on my imaginary bench." "Can I join ya?" "Sure."

The last boy: "I sold that bench two weeks ago!"

And then the "quiet moment skit". The boys were actually perfectly quiet, for about 30 seconds. They watched the 2nd hand slowly make it's way around the clock...

As soon as the 30 seconds were up, WOW! They had fun letting us know they had NOT forgotten how to be noisy. Daniel is LOVING being a Cub Scout. Fun, fun, fun!

Forever Friends

2009-10-25T16:04:00.003-06:00

Ryan's friends, Jadon and Adam - from St. George, came to visit us this month. These are the most polite, gracious, talented young men! We thoroughly enjoyed their visit and can't wait for them to visit again! The boys played X-box, watched movies, stayed up late eating ice-cream, did a musical number in church, rode four wheelers in our fields, visited the nearby church sites, made grilled cheese sandwiches, hung out at the piano and put a BIG SMILE on Ryan's face. We love you guys!

Homecoming 2009

2009-10-05T10:28:00.010-06:00

It's Fall...time for the Homecoming Dance...

And my handsome son is lookin' sharp!

This is the beautiful girl he took this year.

Ryan and Meghan.

They both look wonderful! This is my favorite picture.

Off to the dance, what a gentleman!
(Note: he washed his truck)

I try not to think about how old he's getting.

Karate Kid "Daniel-son"

2009-09-30T11:22:00.009-06:00

An amazing man in our little town, teaches Kenpo Karate to the kids...for FREE. He has 8 Black Belts in different disciplines, including TaeKwanDo. When he was a child, finances were tight for his family. A giving man with a Black Belt in Karate taught him for $10/month. The gratitude in his heart has lead to his very generous gift of his time and talents to our children. With gratitude in MY heart, thank you Mark!

Daniel has been working hard for about two months to earn his first Belt. Here you see the ceremony for his yellow belt:

Taking the white belt off. Placing it in the "L" position, symbolizing Love and Loyalty for family and his fellow Karate Instructors and classmates.

The new yellow belt is placed in front. They kneel and touch their foreheads to the belt...

With the new belt partially tied, he stands in front of the Instructor...

Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in - hold it...a gentle kick to the belt...

The Instructor finishes tying the new belt and gives him a hug.

Congratulations Daniel...we're so proud of you!!!

Summer Growth Spurt

2009-09-19T12:21:00.009-06:00

We first met Shadow on the 5th of July...so cute, so chubby, so SMALL. He was the same size as our little kittens...about 4 lbs.

That SMALL bit...it didn't last very long.

Here he is one month later in August...the SAME size as Suzy, about 17 lbs. She's still in shock and not quite sure she likes it. She's gotten very spunky lately, trying to prove that she's still the queen bee.

Here he is THIS month, right after his bath...yup, in just two short months, our little bundle has become a BIG bundle, and it's just the beginning, I'm sure. Check out the size of those paws.

One cat says to the other...How did THAT happen?
He has taken on the role of protector - he won't go to bed until all of the other animals are in the barn. He makes us laugh with his funny ears. He's part German Shepherd, part black Lab...and the ears can't decide if they want to flop over like a Lab or point up like a Shepherd. We love you, Shadow!

Michael Eats!

2009-09-16T22:57:00.003-06:00

Wednesday night, the four older kids gobbled up dinner at record speeds and ran out the door to their activities at the church. That left Michael, Eric and myself. As with every night, I asked if he was going to try dinner. I expected the "no", but I got a "sure". What?! After almost falling out of my chair, I dished him up. He tried it, liked it, and dished up some more! After dinner, he was feeling so grown up, we did the dishes together.

I know...amazing! He tried something new, and he liked it! Bow tie pasta with spinach and cream sauce. This may not seem like a big deal to some of you, but for those of us that try to coax him into trying dinner almost every night, we're still in shock over the whole event.

Celebration in California

2009-09-10T16:40:00.006-06:00

August brought our Annual Isagenix Celebration. This year it was in Anaheim, CA! I made reservations for the team at Jazz Kitchen in the Downtown Disney District.

The Lloyds, so cute! I was so excited to finally meet them.

Everyone LOVED the bread...Here you see the gang enjoying the "famous bread". Tracy, Dan, Nedda on the left - across the table: Juanita, Bill, Bill and Chanda

Smitty, Julie, Karen, Jeff, Michelle...there's Priscilla peeking into the picture on the right!

Nedda, then across: Jerry, Juanita, Bill and a better one of Bill and Chanda

Dawn? I just met her...so nice. Sweet Diane and Jan.

I finally got to meet Jeff and Karen in person! We missed you Norita and Warren...we know you were having a great time at the Gala. We especially missed Tami and Gary who needed to attend a wedding and then a funeral.

Some of us watched the Disneyland fireworks to music to make the evening perfect. I love this team. Thanks guys...I can't wait until next year!!!

Root Beer Milk

2009-09-06T15:13:00.006-06:00

We took a trip in July to a local dairy called "Shatto Milk" with the George Family.

The boys got to get up close and personal with the cows. Michael was hesitant at first, but when he saw Daniel do it, he worked up the courage.

It was so cool to see how the dairy worked the cows. The calves were so cute, they sucked on our hands. Daniel said, "It feels wierd."

We tasted Banana, Strawberry, Orange, Chocolate and our favorite, Root Beer Milk!

The old milk truck was AWESOME...and so was spending time with our new friends!

Don't Feed The Animals

2009-09-02T18:43:00.006-06:00

New friends, new city...we had to go to the zoo on Wild Wednesday! Can you believe we were there with TWENTY-ONE KIDS?!

It was so much fun - and we only lost a few of them. Briefly.

Tyler was the easiest to keep track of...
just look for all of the girls.

Michael's favorite part of the whole day...
the swinging bridge!

The sea-lion show was a big hit.

Everyone had a great time.

Our feet were sore, we were hot and sticky...
but it was a super day.

We love our new friends.
(The kids got surprised with a cup full of water!)

Monkeys

2009-08-27T13:29:00.006-06:00

Monkey #1

And Monkey #2

Since we got our new clothes dryer - the best birthday present EVER,

the boys have discovered another use for the clothesline...

These little monkeys are GREAT climbers -"Look at me!"

Yep...I like using the clothesline for monkeys much more than using it to hang the laundry.

It Won't Last Long

2009-08-22T14:46:00.008-06:00

The little pup, Shadow, that joined us on the 5th of July weighing only 4 lbs...

...has caught up to Suzy, and it won't last long.
Soon, probably TOMORROW, he will be bigger than her.

Every day, Shadow is bigger...
you can almost WATCH him grow!

He's found a place in our hearts, and loves to lay in our laps and on our feet.

Suzy was not about to be left out of the picture taking. She stepped right in front of the camera to pose, not to be outdone by Shadow! Funny...we didn't know we were dog people, until we got dogs. We LOVE them, their part of our family!

We did it!

2009-08-19T11:07:00.005-06:00

We actually grew some yummy vegetables in our weed infested Missouri garden!

HUGE yellow squash and zucchini's, bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, tomatoes...

And don't forget the corn on the cob...our family favorite!

The boys had the best time finding things to harvest amongst the weeds.

My cute little farmers - so proud of their veggies.
Now if I can just get 'em to eat them!

I guess it's true what they say here in Missouri,
"Throw a seed out the window and it will grow."
We might turn into green thumbs after all!

Birthday Boy

2009-08-17T10:18:00.002-06:00

Michael turned seven years old yesterday! He's growing up so fast.

Of course he wanted chocolate cake, chocolate frosting and sprinkles...make a wish!

The moment he's been waiting for all year...what's in the bags?!

None of the boys could resist the Hot Wheels Monster Truck Crash Cage - always little boys at heart.
We love you Michael! Happy Birthday.

Demolition Derby Memories

2009-08-15T13:11:00.009-06:00

It's August...it's Demolition Derby time! We won't be seeing it this year at the County Fair in St. George, but since it's tradition...Here are some pictures to remember from last year:

So exciting...the cars line up for their demolition death!

Andrea - she's so beautiful.

Ryan...be still my beating heart. My FIRST baby!

Daniel...my sweet romantic boy, melts his mama's heart.

Tyler...don't let that smile fool ya...this boy is always thinkin' up some trouble!
I love him tons, trouble and all!

Michael...one of the loves of my life...my baby boy.

Our crazy friend Hopie with her sister! It was so fun sitting by her and her family last year.

And a crowd pleaser every year - The Rock Climb...done with a minivan! Dude, Demolition Derbies ROCK! Wish we could have been there in person this year...great memories.

City Mouse visits the Country Mouse

2009-08-01T10:07:00.004-06:00

Ryan's good friend from St. George and Las Vegas, was passing through Missouri on a Church History Tour...

Ryan was able to join the tour while they were at Far West, and Kelsey got to visit us briefly at our new home.

Ryan was very happy for the visit, we ALL were.
WE LOVE YOU, KELSEY!

Who Knew?

2009-07-30T14:04:00.003-06:00

Last summer the days and nights were filled with cooling off in our pool with friends and family...

The desert is such a beautiful place to live, the sun shines almost every day. Oh how we loved living in St. George for the last four years.

This summer, we find ourselves in a land called Missouri. It's peaceful, green and beautiful. It reminds us somewhat of living in the Northwest. the fireflies at night are like glitter all over the fields...one of the coolest things we have ever seen. It's such a surprise to find ourselves here, one year later...

We really are loving it. Actually, we have loved everywhere we've lived, Missouri too. Life in the country seems to suit us. Who knew?

Lazy Summer Days

2009-07-25T13:14:00.005-06:00

Watching my kids, laying on the trampoline in the shade on a breezy summer day...

takes me back to my childhood. Oh how we loved hangin' out on the trampoline when we were kids.
Can you hear the giggles?

I cherish these moments when they're all getting along, it's kind of magical.

When we're having a grumpy day...I will pull this from my memory bank. I love these kids!

Food, Fun, Friends and Fireworks!

2009-07-18T18:35:00.005-06:00

For the 4th of July, we hosted a big potluck BBQ dinner at our new home in Missouri.

We are making new friends, everyone has been very nice here, we already feel at home!

Many families came over to celebrate with us.
Great food, great company...

and a firework finale. We may just have to make this an annual tradition.

Splashin' Good Fun

2009-07-13T11:30:00.005-06:00

The new mat and pad for our trampoline arrived this week. The kids were so excited to have our trampoline to jump on again...

Especially these two...they couldn't wait to get the sprinkler going. They said, "Woohoo! Who needs a swimming pool?!"

Tough guys...aargh!

The water bill may go up a bit, but look at these smiles...yah, they're worth it!

The Next Day

2009-07-08T08:29:00.005-06:00

Losing Scooter was traumatic and sad for us all, it has been nice to have this little distraction...(check out the white tipped claws...like a french manicure!)

Meet Shadow. He joined our family on Sunday afternoon, July 5th. The young man that hit Scooter with his truck, showed up at our house after church. He had this little guy with him. He apologized many times for hitting Scooter, you could tell he felt terrible...especially when he saw Suzy panic at the site of him and his truck. He asked if we would accept the gift of this little pup. It didn't take long for the kids to say YES! We were very impressed with this young man and let him know how upstanding his actions were and we assured him that he was forgiven.

The other animals are getting used to this chubby, waddling, little ball of fur. He's a black labrador/german shepherd mix...newly weaned and ready for a home.

Eric is happy to have a dog that will GROW into the guard dog position for the farm. (We can hear the coyotes every night.) He won't replace Scooter, he just makes a great addition. Suzy is getting used to him...it's a good distraction for her too.

Welcome to the family Shadow!

We Miss Her

2009-07-05T15:21:00.004-06:00

Suzy's sister and loved companion...

Loved pet, member of our family...

Scooter
Passed away: July 4, 2009

A young driver hit our little Scooter on Saturday, right out in front of the house on the gravel road. Scooter seemed a little hard of hearing and the boy felt terrible, it was an accident. I was at Walmart getting food for our 4th of July Potluck BBQ with Ryan, Andrea and Michael. The phone call came from a strange phone number, it was Tyler on the other end. "Mom, Scooter got hit by a truck, it's pretty bad...she's dead." We were numb. I barely remember checking out at the register. By the time we got home, Eric, Daniel and Tyler were burying her near the garden. The injuries were severe, she didn't suffer very long. There were no dry eyes as we said our goodbyes. The tears still come and go. We miss her so much. Do forever families include our dogs? The heart says "yes". Until we meet again, sweet Scooter...we love you.

Just Chillin'

2009-06-30T23:21:00.004-06:00

Ryan, after a hard day's work with his Dad...dirty, tired and ready to crash. (I love Michael's wink for the camera!) No rest for the weary, these two little guys wanna play...

Daniel leans in to grab Ryan's ear, hoping to get him to react...maybe wrestle...

Ryan grabs his arm, Daniel giggles...success!
Big brothers are the coolest!

Rub a Dub Dub...

2009-06-26T09:53:00.007-06:00

...puppies in the washtub!

Scooter didn't seem to mind, but Suzy...let's just say, she has no interest in going down to the basement anymore!

Suzy got caught in the neighbor's drainpipe under their driveway across the street. We came home from shopping and could hear her freaking out. We were frantic, she was frantic...all we could see was her little nose poking out. We think she had been chasing a frog. We got out our garden shovels and as soon as we dug out enough mud, she squeezed out of the hole sideways. She was covered in mud, head to toe! Bath time again Suzy...

Mowin', Mowin', Mowin'

2009-06-22T09:07:00.003-06:00

It took 3-4 hours to mow the entire yard. Andrea mowed the WHOLE THING!

She gave the boys rides on the tractor when she was done, they were thrilled.

Thumbs up from Michael, Andrea is the BEST SISTER EVER!

SSSSSSNAKE!!!

2009-06-19T10:02:00.005-06:00

Look what Ryan found last night, can you see it?

Suzy looks a little bit nervous...I know Daniel was, he spent the rest of the evening in the house.

Boys!

The 3 F's = Forced Family Fun!

2009-06-16T10:55:00.007-06:00

The boxes are unpacked from the move, it's time to get the garden in!

The men of the house did most of the planting, love these guys.

"Everyone smile about gardening!" (hahaha)

These guys were more interested in throwing the mud clots from the garden out into the field, typical for boys.

You know you have a good husband when he thinks of washing off the kids boots when they're done!

Heaven on a Tractor

2009-06-12T10:55:00.005-06:00

Picture a 12 year old boy, driving home his Dad's brand new tractor from a dealer on St. George Blvd. Happiest boy on earth...now check him out 30 years later on that same tractor! Oh yes, this is a happy man.

Thanks to the generosity of his mom and dad, this tractor is now with us in Missouri, and there is a LOT of lawn to mow.

Now, his own boys get to learn to drive HIS tractor...

Priceless.

Country Cuties

2009-06-10T17:59:00.011-06:00

After LONG driving days from Utah to Missouri with ALL of our stuff, we are starting to get settled on our little farm in the country. With 24 acres to play on, the kids are in heaven (so is their dad!) Me, I'm getting used to the idea. Things are so calm and peaceful, that's my favorite part. As promised, the kids already have some new pets!

Our first new pair of troublemakers: Beagle sisters, Suzy and Scooter. They mind well and are oh, so cute. They chase off all the other dogs that try to hang out in our yard.

Next our kitties, also sisters: Sally and Missy

Andrea is so happy to have some whiskered friends again.

These kitties are well loved. Missy even has an extra toe on her paw, making her a "lucky" cat and a great climber! The puppies and kitties came from the same owner, making them family already - they instantly become a part of our family too!

Singing Beauty

2009-05-19T13:08:00.008-06:00

Andrea was part of an all girls singing group at the middle school this year, Vocal Essence. She has had a great time and made wonderful friends!

A big thank you to Mrs. Reep for helping Andrea develop her talents and increase her love for music.

She's still my silly drama queen. I love that about her. Teenagers are tons of fun!

No charge for Awesomeness!

2009-05-15T12:38:00.005-06:00

This is a sampling of the beautiful music we have enjoyed all year by the Snow Canyon High School Madrigals. They are shown here qualifying for State where they achieved Superior Ratings. Ryan is on the far left in the large group and in the middle of the Mixed Ensemble Group singing "In Remembrance". It's wobbly camera work - beautiful music! These kids got up early throughout the school year to meet before school and practice. Such dedication and love for music. Awesome! Brings tears to my eyes every time.

Perfect Picnic

2009-05-15T10:58:00.008-06:00

The boys' school invited the mom's to come have a picnic lunch last Friday. My guys were soooo excited! A beautiful warm, desert afternoon, with a slight breeze - perfect.

Peanut butter and jelly tastes the BEST while sitting on a blanket on the grass...

Be still my beating heart...I love these guys!

We topped off the afternoon with Baskin Robbins Ice Cream - YUM!

Am I really old enough?

2009-04-27T13:41:00.004-06:00

For THIS?! Ryan...going to Prom? It just dawned on me the other day. He will be leaving for a mission in 19 months. Pardon me while I freak out for a minute. My baby. I will love this boy forever.

Big Weekend

2009-03-16T12:41:00.004-06:00

Tyler's 12th Birthday, Daniel's Baptism, Tyler's Ordination and Family visitors! We had the best weekend EVER! It was so fun to see Shawna, Brad and the boys, Grandma and Grandpa Freeman too. Thank you to ALL the family that participated with us. We love you!

Battle of the Bands

2009-02-14T11:55:00.004-07:00

Ryan's band did GREAT at Thursday's competition. They will compete at the Regional Competition in Enterprise on Monday! They sang an original song, "You Mean the World to Me" and "Just What I Needed" by the Cars. So much fun! Come check it out on Monday in Enterprise...

Another Year Older

2009-02-05T13:25:00.002-07:00

Ryan turned 17 on January 28th, we are so blessed to have him in our family. Love you, Ryan!

A funny story...

2009-01-23T23:16:00.005-07:00

Daniel and Michael came home from school two days ago (they love to walk home together). They were laughing at a "secret" and were arguing over who was going to "tell mom". Finally, Michael confessed..."We have big rocks in our backpacks, they make us stronger while we walk home!" They are so funny. The next morning, I found myself removing these huge lava rocks out of their backpacks to make room for their lunches. They must have weighed 15-20 pounds! It still makes me laugh.

Watch out!

2009-01-15T09:13:00.000-07:00

Another teen behind the wheel! Andrea got her learner's permit. I was with her when she first tried to drive...aagh! She's actually doing pretty good and wants to drive ALL the time. We are excited for her. (Just proceed with caution, she might be out there!) haha

Cowboy Boots

2009-01-07T11:36:00.001-07:00

So, our new house is surrounded with wonderful RED dirt and the boys want to play in it ALL the time. I took them to Walmart to find some plain old rubber boots and they found these Cowboy boots that they just LOVE! I have to laugh, but at least their socks and school shoes are safe again.

First Christmas in Ivins

2008-12-29T11:34:00.009-07:00

Festivities began on Christmas Eve with our Gingerbread House, reading the Nativity Story from the scriptures, reviewing what we are grateful for and watching "It's a Wonderful Life". The night ended perfect...with snow! Christmas Day was full of fun surprises from Grandma & Grandpa Freeman, the Lay family...and Santa! The movie room will be complete with the fun bean bags. The fooseball table was a hit too. We are so blessed and will cherish the memories forever.

Christmas Eve Baby

2008-12-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

We love you, Andrea - Happy Birthday!

Sunday Morning Pancakes

2008-12-21T11:01:00.002-07:00

It's tradition! Things are starting to get back to normal when you can have a leisurely Sunday morning breakfast with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in the background doing Music and The Spoken Word. Ryan makes a great chef (he's got TWO pans going!) Eric made eggs too. They were all smiles this morning. Andrea slept in, we saved her a few.

Snow Day - No School!

2008-12-19T10:49:00.003-07:00

The kids had the best time yesterday. The snow just kept coming down, the roads were slick and school was cancelled! They made snowmen and played in the park. Pretty cool to have snow three days in a row...not a usual scene for our "neck of the woods". Christmas Break begins tomorrow!

Snow in St. George!

2008-12-15T16:52:00.000-07:00

The boys had a great time after school today - snowball fight!

Trucks and Muscle

2008-12-04T19:57:00.001-07:00

Calling all of you with trucks and/or muscle...We are moving out to Ivins on Saturday. If anyone has the ability to squeeze us into your busy schedule, we would love your help. If you are better at packing, we are doing that on Friday. If you can't come, no problem. We know it's a busy time of the year. Stay warm!

Check out the dancing elves!

2008-12-02T13:39:00.003-07:00

Exciting news...we are moving for Christmas! Packing, packing, packing. Thanksgiving was a blast, we really enjoyed our visit from Bruce, Kerry and the kids. Four wheeling, shooting, eating, Temple lighting ceremony, eating, Tuacahn nativity show, eating...oh, and of course we had to go see Twilight again! (All the pictures are on Andrea's blog...) If anybody has boxes, we need them TODAY. :-)

Good News

2008-11-20T11:29:00.003-07:00

Or should we say, news we can live with. The Neurologist in Salt Lake said that everything he sees looks like MS. So no extras...and that's the good news. He's going to have a radiologist look at it to be sure, but he was pretty confident in his conclusion. We had a discussion about meds and we opened the door for him to criticize our "New York Approach" of using the LDN and he said nothing negative about it. He said, "I don't know why it helps people with MS." An honest answer...a doctor admitting he doesn't know! Wow.

New York Approach

2008-11-17T22:05:00.002-07:00

Eric and I get to go to Salt Lake tomorrow for a romantic trip to the Neurologist's office! I am betting on good news. I found a doctor from New York, Dr. Bihari, that suggests a great approach:

1. LDN (my new medicine)
2. Acupuncture (not sure abt this one)
3. Exercise (I've been rebounding every day!)
4. Chocolate (perfect!)

Halloween Fun

2008-11-03T18:50:00.008-07:00

The best looking boys on the block! They were pretty proud of their pumpkin...it looks like they took it shooting. The trunk R treat was especially exciting with the TALL SKELETON. Andrea and the girls had fun watching scarey movies and the rest of us watched "Ghostbusters" with friends. Ryan...ate too much candy! He wants to wrestle at a higher weight class this year. haha.

It's Official

2008-10-21T19:32:00.002-06:00

I get to go up north to get my second opinion the week before Thanksgiving. Today was so beautiful, I went for a drive with the top down on the car. The fresh air, gorgeous sunshine...it was good for the soul. A shout out to Eric: He learned how to coupon/case lot shop over the last few weeks. He seems to really enjoy the challenge of saving a boatload of money during his trips to the grocery store. We are now well stocked! He even installed a can rotator shelf. He's my hero!

Fall Concerts

2008-10-15T10:17:00.015-06:00

Andrea sang and danced with her special Vocal Essence group at the Fall Folk Festival, it was lots of fun...

Ryan had the opportunity to sing with High School Concert Choir and the Madrigals in the historic St. George Tabernacle, it was breathtaking...

Michael and Daniel performed dances from countries around the world at the Dance Festival. I managed to get to all of these, despite the current relapse. We can count our many blessings! I did see my neurologist yesterday. There is an active lesion in my left optic nerve...this is causing the fatigue, etc. It looks as though they want to send me to get a second opinion due to some abnormalities on my MRI scan. It could be MS related, but they are not sure. We will need to go up north to the University of Utah MS Clinic to see a neurologist that specializes in MS. Fun, fun, fun! The things I will do to get a little "vacation" up to Salt Lake City...

Driving Again

2008-10-02T09:30:00.003-06:00

I know that doesn't sound like a big deal, but it is to me. Being home "resting" is getting really old! I am still woozy, tired and get a little bit dizzy, but not enough to impair my driving. I will DRIVE MYSELF today to go see my neurologist. The optic nerve is looking good, according to my opthalmologist. I think we have seen the worst of this relapse. Each day is a little bit better, as long as I pace myself. I have started my 2008 family album and glad to have something to do when I'm "resting". Ryan is getting excited for Homecoming this weekend.