Jazz Game!

The day after Christmas we went to the Jazz Game with my Mom, Dad and the Lasswell Fam! 

The roads were a little snowy and our windshield wiper water froze in our lines, but other than that it was a fun little trip. 

We gave the best seats to Dad and Mom since they had never seen a game before. We sat on the top row in the plaza which wasn't a bad seat. Especially since in the middle of the first quarter the Jazz Bear came right up to the row in front of us and gave roses to a girl and then her boyfriend got down on one knee and proposed! The Jazz Bear was holding the ring while the guy was down proposing, then he (Jazz Bear) got down on his knee and proposed to me! I started laughing really hard, then looked at Gavin who was laughing, and the boys didn't know what to think! The bear then sprayed about two cans of silly string on the couple and all of us, which entertained Preston through a lot of the game. 

Gavin went and sat with Dad for the 4th quarter and Mom came up with me. She decided Preston doesn't really care about the Jazz like Landon and Gavin do. Addie was our angel she sat through the whole game only needing a bottle once. 
It was so cold and snowy outside that we bought her a pair of Jazz socks to go over her other pair. I didn't get a picture of them, but they were cute in their own way. 
Preston collected a bunch of the clapper balloons after the game. He insisted on bringing them all home. Luckily grandma did loose a few on the way up the stairs! ;o) 

On Saturday morning we got up and ate breakfast at the hotel with all the troops, then went and did a little shopping. We first had to go to the Apple store, I LOVE that store! It is probably a good thing there isn't one in town! Then I ran into Old Navy and got a few coats, since the whole trip we had all been freezing! Gavin placed a bet with my mom that I wouldn't have been able to find me a coat, but I would have found a bunch of clothes for Addie! They both lost because I did find me a coat (actually two) and Addie (and Preston) also got a coat! I can't help it, little girl clothes are a lot of fun to buy! :)  

Cabela's was our last stop before we headed home. We had lunch, Grandpa and Grandma bought the boys toy guns. (They are a lot nicer than the parents!) Then we were home before we knew it. The trip was short, but fun. Good Times!! 

Christmas!

Santa made it to our house this year! The boys were thrilled to wake up and open presents. We told the grandparents we were going to wake them up at about 6:15, but Landon showed up in our room about 5 after 6:00, and Preston wasn't far behind him. Landon asked if they could just go out in the family room and turn the lights on and then right back off to make sure Santa had been there, while we waited in our bed for Grandpa and Grandma Hale to arrive. They did go out and check, and luckily enough there were presents under the tree!! 

The excitement of kids on Christmas morning is hard to beat! 

After we opened the gifts at our house we went down to Grandpa and Grandma Frei's. Grandma had made Addie new applesause, so everyone got to have breakfast at Grandma's. She was so excited to watch Addie eat. She even had me feed her a few of Bryce's bottled peaches. (She loved the peaches... probably because they have SUGAR on them!) 

At about 5:00 p.m. we went to my Mom and Dad's for dinner. The food and company was great, but I did miss you Ryon!

Thanks Mom for dinner. 

I can't believe Christmas has come and gone. It seems to come quicker each year. I am so grateful for this time when we can reflect and remember that Christ lives and loves each one of us. We are so blessed. 

Christmas Eve

This year the Frei family was in charge of the town Christmas Eve Program. It was a lot of work, but turned out great. Thank goodness our next turn doesn't come around again until 2016! 

Again, Addie hated sitting on Santa's lap, but she did like her present! 

Landon sang "Frosty the Snowman." He sang the whole song, not very loud but his lips were moving!

"When Joseph Went To Bethlehem" was Preston's song. My Mom bought all the costumes, and I think they turned out cute. Preston loved the microphone... he kept leaning over the the boy next to him telling him to sing into the mic. 
After the program we ran up to Grandma Reber's, we were later than usual so we missed a lot of the family. Luckily a few were left, to visit with.  I did get to eat the good layered green salad and the last deviled egg, so my Christmas Eve was complete! 

After we left the Reber's we went down to Grandpa and Grandpa Frei's they had a house full! It is always nice to be with family. I think that is why I love the holidays. 

When we got home, the kids put on their new PJ's we read "Twas the Night Before Christmas," and they went to bed! I was surprised at how fast they went to sleep... long day I guess!  

Baking Day!

Katie, Bradi and I had our annual Christmas baking day. (Aubrey we missed you!) We started the day a couple years back. We get together and bake and bake and bake! This year we made donuts, cinnamon rolls, divinity, and toffee. It is always a lot more fun to bake when you have family to visit with. The bonus of the day was we got everything to turn out! In past years, our toffee has gone to sugar, so thanks Bradi for your expertise!!  Good Times! 

Happy Birthday Gavin!!

Gavin turned 32 today (well technically yesterday, since I am typing this at 1:02 a.m!) We had all the family over for dinner, cake and ice cream. It is always fun to get together with family, even if it seems like we have been with them ever night in the last week! 

I had to put this picture of Kason on, the Mr. Potato Head Glasses fit him well, don't you think!! ;o)

Gavin I want wish you a Happy Birthday, I hope you had a great day! You mean so much to me and our kids. Thank you for being a good provider, father and husband. I love you so much. 

Annual Bowler Christmas Party!

In 1999 my Mom and Dad started a Christmas Tradition. The Bowler Christmas Party, and it has been  held on the Sunday before Christmas every year since. We all love this tradition, Mom makes Chili and we decorate Gingerbread houses, laugh and have a good time. After dinner and decorating, we always go through the Nativity, we wear funny pld robes, halos and crowns, but that is what makes it so special. It helps us remember the true meaning of Christmas, and what we are really celebrating.  

After the Nativity we write on a piece of paper what our gift to Christ will be for the coming year. It is kept in a sock with our name on it. This is my favorite part of the night, it really helps me think about what kind of person I am and what I want to become. Thanks Mom for keeping this tradition alive, we love it. 

King Preston! 

King Dad and Shepherd Landon! 

Cute Girls, Addie and Mykelle. 

Grandpa and Grandma Hale's Christmas Party!

Katie and Ken threw a fun Christmas Party this year! She made fancy food, and we ate and ate and ate, until we were sick! Then Mr and Mrs Claus stopped by for a visit which turned out really fun!  

Santa told Landon he knew what he wanted... a Nintendo DS. 

Santa forgot to tell Preston what he had on his list, so Preston made sure before Santa left he knew he wanted, a Explorer Backpack! 

Addie still doesn't like Santa, as you can see from the picture!! 

She was shaking and crawling up my arm before I set her on his lap. I know I am a mean mother, but you gotta have the picture! 

Happy Birthday Gene!

Happy 2nd Birthday Gene! 

We are so happy you came to visit.

Landon and Preston didn't attend much of the party they were to busy playing in the snow. 

Addie liked the ribbon... so now Santa knows what to get her! A box with some ribbon! 

Good Cake, Good Company, Good Times!! 

The Polar Express Kindergarten Program.

The Polar Express Train Car. 

The Kindergarten classes had a Polar Express Program. The kids memorized parts, sang songs and even danced. It was really cute. I was proud of my little guy, he knew his line, danced (sort of) and song all the songs. After the program we went back to his class and had Hot Chocolate and donuts. Kindergarten has been so great, he loves school and I love him! 

SnOW dAy!

Thursday, December 18, 2008 was an official SnOW dAy!! School was canceled, so we go to play in the snow all day! Well, really it wasn't all day, because we don't have the right equipment to play in to snow for to long, our gloves get wet and our shoes let the water in! Our snow day lasted maybe 45 minutes and then we were done with the snow. 

Here is Preston helping his dad shovel the drive. Its a good thing it doesn't snow here much, because we have a long drive! :) 
Landon started building a snow fort, he got about 2 1/2 layers and was done with that little project! 

On the way home from making Gingerbread houses, we stopped at Grandpa and Grandma's and took some pictures of the snow and all their Christmas lights! They really went all out this year! It is so fun to drive by their house each night, check the counter to see how many days are left until the big guy makes his appearance and look at all their pretty lights! Thanks Grandpa and Grandma for sharing your Christmas Spirit with so many. I love you. 

Seven Days and 2 hours left!! 

Look at all the Snow!! 

This picture was taken at about 10:00, the boys were so excited it was snowing again, they could hardly contain themselves. Once we got home they stayed outside and played in the snow until 11:00 p.m! (December 17, 2008)

Gavin went to Las Vegas for a meeting this night, it snowed going to and coming. Glad he was able to get home safe! 

Gingerbread Houses

We had the annual Gingerbread house construction at Grandpa Dennis' NEW/OLD house. It was a lot of fun, Landon even made his very own this year. He also made a gingerbread house (bottom picture) at school. He is kind of a perfectionist... he wanted everything to be just right!  I think he did a great job. 

The best part about making gingerbread houses was that it snowed the whole time we did it. It was so pretty to look out Dennis' window and seeing the whole valley covered in white. 

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

Last Monday it snowed! When it snows in the desert, little boys have to go play in it! This picture was taken at 8:00 a.m. (now that might not be really early to most, but to the Frei boys, that's early!)  They had fun, until their fingers turned red and felt like they were going to fall off. It didn't take long for both of them to be in the house wrapped up in a blanket! 

Friends Christmas Party

We had our annual Friends Christmas Party last week. It was a lot of fun, we went to dinner at Olive Garden and then over to Gretchen's for some yummy dessert. No matter what we do or where we go we always have so much fun. Just sitting in a restaurant and chatting with good friends is my kind of party! We really missed Allie, Syd, Heidi B. and T.K. Next year we are going to have to have our Christmas Party in July! We have a busy bunch of friends! 

I love you girls, thanks for sticking together for what 12 or 13 years now!! Good Times. 

I have to write this stuff down!

This morning we were eating breakfast before church. I asked Landon what he was going to get Gavin for his birthday on the 22nd. Landon said he knew and he would tell me but not Preston because he always tells... Preston begins to beg and beg to know what it is. Landon finally tells him, making him promise not to tell Gavin. 

Gavin asks Preston what Landon is going to get him, and he says "a KNIFE."

 Without even hesitating he looks at Me and Landon who are stunned that he just told his dad and says, "What?! I am dads tell-anator!" 

So FYI, don't tell Preston anything.. he is the TELL-anator!! 

Our Little Addie!

Our little Addie has started crawling! It took her awhile to get the hang of it, but now she has finally got it!  There for a long time she did the army scoot, but she has been really crawling for a week or two. She loves to go to the Christmas tree, finding wrappers or candy that is left on the ground from the boys and the fact that she can crawl anywhere she wants! 

The other big news is she finally got a tooth! Yesterday I felt her bottom tooth had broke through. I was shocked because she really hadn't been cranky, I am so grateful she is a good little baby. Hopefully all her teeth are this easy! ;0)

NFR

Gavin and I were lucky enough to go to the NFR on Sunday night and then the plan was to take the boys on Tuesday. Well, on Monday in the middle of the night, Gavin got SICK and I don't just mean a little stuffy nose, it was the full blown FLU! He was shivering and then sweating and he had a bad fever. I couldn't believe it. He wanted to go to the rodeo with the boys so bad, but he couldn't even get out of bed, let alone drive to Las Vegas. 

My dad volunteered  to take Gavin's place. It turned out to be a great night, we went to dinner at Applebee's and then on to the big show. You can see we took Brax with us. Ever since he went with us to the Dixie Roundup, dad said he is a true fan and he is going to the NFR! Both Landon and Brax sat in there seats for the whole rodeo and never really said a word. Preston had a little breathing problem at the first because of all the smoke, and fireworks. We had to take him out a few times, but he LOVED the Bull Riding! 

We even  made it on the jumbo tron, twice! The first time we all waved, the second time it was of Preston dancing to the music! I was laughing so hard, it seemed like he was up on the screen forever because the bull rider was taking so long... we were running out of dance moves! (His dance was me moving his arms.) The night was awesome, thanks mom and dad for those sweet tickets! Good Times!! 

Just a note, my dad was really worried that people at dinner and at the rodeo thought I was his wife and all the boys were his children! He told the people behind us at the rodeo he was the GRANDPA and they were all relieved! ;0)

Gavin is feeling better finally, he was in bed for two full days. He is still doesn't have much strength, but is on the mend. Hooray! 

Santa!

 Do you think Addie liked Santa?!?! 

The TREE!!!

The stockings are hung, the lights are up and the tree is trimmed!! This year was especially exciting for me because we bought our very first artificial Christmas Tree!! For 8 Christmas' now, we have had a real tree. The first few years of our marriage we went and cut it down out in the mountains. But now that we are so busy, it seems like we can never find a time to got out and cut one. This means we get a tree that someone cut and didn't want. They always turned out to be Charlie Brown trees! Gavin loved the real trees. I on the other hand loved artificial, the ones where the ornaments hung properly, don't tip over and not to mention come Pre-lit!!! 

I bought our tree the Saturday before Thanksgiving. I was so excited to get it out of the box that I put it up the next day! Then on Wednesday I found all our boxes of ornaments and the boys(mostly Preston) helped me put everything on the tree. Needless to say this is what our tree looked like... 

Preston put all the ornaments on the same branch! Then both Landon and Preston draped the berries and the wood garland all over the place. They loved it! I on the other did not!! I tried to be a good mom and leave it all where they put it, but it was driving me nuts. I left it for a day... then had my mom come over after Thanksgiving Dinner and help me fix it. I told Preston "that the branches at the top of the tree were lonely and needed some of his ornaments from the bottom." He bought in to it and let me move them up! 
Here is our finished tree! (Preston wasn't in the mood for his picture taken tonight, so its just Landon and Addie.) I think it (the tree) turned out really cute! It is so fun to turn the lights on and not worry that our house is going to burn down, or that at any minute the whole thing going to tip over. This tree has made my Christmas Very MERRY!! (Thanks Gav for caving in on your tradition!) 

When I was a kid...

When I was a little after I got out of the bathtub each night, I would make a hut with my towel. The funny thing is Landon and Preston in the last few weeks have started doing the exact same thing. They make their little hut to stay all nice and warm and just like when I was kiddo it takes lots of coaxing to get them out!!

So Much To Be Thankful For

I can't believe Thanksgiving is over. I didn't even take a picture at dinner, not even ONE! I must have been to busy eating the turkey, and Grandma's rolls! Dinner was great, we went to my Grandma's Reber's this year and had a great time. It is always nice to get together with family and enjoy each other's company. There is always a good game of Garbage after dinner, and this year we watched a few old home video's! I had no idea my mom knew how to water ski, but yesterday I saw it with my own two eyes! The swimming suit she had on was even better than her skiing! 1970's you can't beat them!! 

Gavin and the boys started Thanksgiving morning with the annual "1st Ward Turkey Bowl." This is a flag football game, Elders against the Young Men. I heard the Elders worked the YM! Then they divided into "fair" teams and played another game. Landon played in the game, but he said the YM didn't pass the ball his way to much! In the second game he was on his dad's team and he caught a pass thrown to him! He was excited. Gavin said in both games Landon rushed the QB on every defensive play, never giving up. One thing we can say about Landon is, he is a die hard sports fanatic! (Preston played on the park, until he talked Callum into taking him to his Grandma's house out of the rain!) 

Then, Gavin ended Thanksgiving with a big basketball tournament with the Webster's. So needless to say, Gavin can't walk today and said there is no way he could get on the roof to put up the Christmas lights. All I can say is, tomorrow he better talk a few more Motrin and get up there!  

I am so Thankful for this time of year where I can reflect and remember all the many things I have been blessed with. I have a wonderful family, with a warm home to live in and plenty of food to eat. I have a husband who works hard to provide for us. I have 3 beautiful children who are healthy and happy. I could go on and on and on, there is just So Much To Be Thankful For! When I take the time to think, it really makes me realize how blessed I am. 

Great Season!

The flag football season has come to an end. I can't decide who feels the the worst about it being all over, Landon or his parents! The season was a lot of fun and I think those 11 little boys learned a lot! I had a great time visiting with a lot of neat families, Landon had fun pulling flags and scoring touchdowns and Gavin had a great time being their coach! 

We made it to the Championship game, which wasn't easy! Then we played the undefeated Dolphin's! It was a great game other than Landon was crying after almost every play... I don't know about my child the perfectionist. He thinks he should score on ever play. (Hopefully we can get it under control before basketball season.) Anyway, Landon did score two touchdowns and we got a safety. We ended up losing the game by 2 points, but I think our team should be proud, they had a GREAT SEASON! We will get 'em next year! Go Patriots!! 

Pizza Delivery

Yesterday morning Preston and Landon were in a little tiff. Landon went in his room and locked the door. I went up to the door, knocked and said "Landon its your Mother open the door." He said he didn't want to talk about it and wouldn't open the door.

Then Preston walked up to the door knocked and said "Landon open up, its me Preston." Landon still didn't open the door.

 A few minutes later Preston went back to the door and knocked, but this time he said "Pizza Delivery!!" It would have worked, but unfortunately Landon recognized his voice. I do have to give him a A+ for effort, that was some quick thinking!  

Gavin and I keep asking ourselves where did he come from? The things that come out of his mouth somedays are so funny! :) 

Happy Birthday Nicole!

I know I am a week late in wishing Nicole a Happy Birthday, but as saying goes, "better late than never," right?!? So, Happy Birthday! I hope you had a great day. I know I don't see you much, but know I love ya and think you are great. 

When we were little whenever Nicole came to visit Grandma, I got to stay too. My picture books are full of pictures of the two of us. The picture above is my favorite! It shows just how inseparable we really were! At Grandma's house there was a lot of memories made, here are just a few... 

1. Riding the big wheels.

2. Jumping on the tramp.

3. Sitting in the ditch or swimming in Grandma's hot tub.

4. Walking to the Merc for Sixlets.

5. Going to Hatch in the summer for a week. 

6. Getting Cabbage Patch dolls on Christmas Eve. 

Good Times!! 

Just a Note

I know I don't do many posts without pictures, but because this is our family history I need to write a few things down...

 

Sunday was a wonderful day. It was our wards Primary Program. I think it is my favorite sacrament meeting of the whole year. I even loved it when I didn't have primary children of my own. Now that I do have children up on the stand singing and saying parts, it has a lot deeper meaning to me. Gavin and I were talking and said the program is really touching no matter what, but when it your son up on the stand singing, "I am a Child of God," Called to Serve," etc. it really touches your heart. 

Landon memorized his little part and did great saying it in front of everyone. He sang all the songs and knew most of the words. It made me so happy to know, he is learning about the simple plan our Heavenly Father has for him through song. He and Preston both love to sing the primary songs, they are always singing them in the car, in the bath, wherever, they both like to sing. 

Preston is a Sunbeam this year and their little class got to sing, "I hope They Call Me on a Mission." It was really cute, they had each of them a missionary badge to wear, Preston chose to wear his dad's missionary badge and was very proud of it. It is my hope for Preston that he does choose to serve a mission someday.  

After the program we (Me, Gavin, Mom and Dad) went to sunday school and Brother Bray gave a great lesson, like Gavin said he really teaches from the heart. Then Mom and I went to RS. Sister Murray gave the lesson on letter writing. We read letters Joseph Smith wrote to Emma which was really touching. Everyone was discussing writing letters to military men and women, missionaries, the sick.... Then Mom commented that in the scriptures it commands us to write to those imprisoned. It touched us all, Nancy then read a letter that was written to her. It was at a time in her life when she was going through a lot. The letters she received helped her make it through. She then commented that my Aunt Melanie has a real talent for this, Melanie is always writing notes, her notes always make me feel so good.  So, I have made a  resolution. I am going to be more like Melanie and write those notes and letters, I am going to let the people I love know how much I do love them and how their lives enrich mine. It is amazing what Just a Note can do! 

Goodbye Trailer

We have been trying to sell our horse trailer for a few months now. Back in July I posted the trailer on a few websites and when I got phone calls about it I have to admit I wasn't ready to sell. I guess I just know how much fun my little boys have in that trailer. Well all the ads expired and I didn't renew them. Last week Gavin and I decided that it was best for us to sell it, and this time I was ready to let go. I told Gavin I am going to post the ads and by the end of the week the trailer will be gone! He didn't believe me, but low and behold it happened. (Just goes to show if you pay your tithing, attend the temple and have faith, the Lord will bless you.) It was crazy this time when I posted it on the website I had a bunch of emails asking me questions about it. 

Friday night I got a phone call at about 6:00 pm from a mother and her daughter. They were super excited about the trailer and I knew they were going to buy it. They wanted to leave there home in Phoenix at 3:00 am and pick it up on Saturday morning, but the bank wasn't open on Saturday so they came Sunday and drove back Monday morning. Gavin and I got it all cleaned up and ready over the weekend for them. They turned out to be the really nice people. I am so happy our trailer is going to have a good home where someone will use it and take care of it. 

Gavin wasn't as excited to sell it as I was, but he knew it was the right thing to do. With the economy being so unstable, we are trying to follow the prophet and get out of debt the best we can. I feel a huge burden lifted off my shoulders and I know Gavin does too. 

The picture above is the May family, Grandma, Mom, Barrel racer (who the trailer is for),  Cha Cha (4 year old that turned into Preston's friend) and the dog Zoey (is in the truck). It turned out to be a long trip home for them, there truck wasn't running the best so they didn't get back to Phoenix until Midnight. They wrote me a note this morning and said they love the trailer and loved spending a the short time they did with us. We loved them too. Isn't it funny how everything works out.