Joy

This is what Joy looks like!

We were at Katie and Ken's Christmas party last week and as you can see we all had a ball.

Annual Baking Day

Katie had her annual baking day. It is always a fun tradition. This year I tried to make honey candy... I guess I needed to cook it a few more degrees. It tasted good, but oh was it gooey! Good thing everyone else made good treats so I could take something home! I did have success on my batch of toffee, and it was gone before I remembered to take a picture of it. If you ever want to get in good with Gavin just bring over some toffee and he will love you for life!

Kindergarten Christmas Program

Preston had his Christmas Program at school. What a treat it was to watch him perform the Polar Express! He did his part fabulous and even let his little sister sit by him back in his classroom. He is a great brother.

Ps Does that train car look familiar? Yep I saved it from last year! It took me awhile to make it last year, and in December time isn't something I have a lot of so, I recycled it! It worked perfect. I guess having two boys close did pay off in some ways.

Hope the next few days are Merry and Bright for everyone! It IS the best time of year!

Happy Birthday!

It's Gavin's Birthday today and I wanted to wish him a happy one! He is a great Dad and Husband. I know I don't tell him enough how much I appreciate him, but I do. I can't believe we have been married for 9 1/2 years. Last week we took the kids to the temple and as we were walking around the temple we realized that it was almost 10 years to the day that Gavin proposed to me there. On December 17, 1999 our lives change forever and what a awesome change it has been. I couldn't ask for a better partner to walk through life with. I don't know what I would do without him, he is my rock.

Gavin, I hope you have a great day! Happy Birthday!

Wishing You a Very Merry..

Rodeo Time

One of the best parts about the months of December is watching the NFR. We were lucky enough to go with my parents one night and take the boys another. Thanks mom and dad, it was so fun!! The night we took the boys, Cam Terry came along and had a great time. During the Grand Entry Tuff Cooper motioned for Preston to come down to the front and he handed him a pink rope. It was tough enough to wear pink night, that is why they were throwing out ropes. It totally stole the hearts of all the people around us. From then on they were buying us peanuts, taking our picture, and checking on us throughout the rodeo. We let the three boys sit on the front row during the bull riding and they were in heaven. It was a great night. I got to hang out with four dang cute cowboys and it doesn't get much better than that!

Vegas Baby!

On the 5th we took a spur of the moment trip to Vegas with the Terry's! It was a blast. We shopped, ate and shopped some more! The guys got a little tired of the shopping and found a football game to watch while we finished. It was a much needed break for Gavin and I. It was so nice to laugh and visit with Dave and Gretchen without the interruptions we usually have. I stole these picture off Gretchen's blog (Thanks Gretch! Can't wait to go again!)

Finally Caught up!

It took me a couple days to catch up on this blog of mine! The month of November seemed to have been put into overdrive! I am sorry things got a little out of order, but at least it is posted. I know that December will have a lot of pictures. I figured if I don't catch up now, it might become hopeless!

The big reason why my blog took a back seat is because I have had the opportunity to start making digital scrapbook supplies! It has been the best creative outlet that I have had in a very long time. I actually made a few of the frames you are now seeing on my blog, and many more will come! It has been a big learning curve, but I am starting to feel like I can create just about anything. I am selling my elements at dscrappro.com. The site has only been up for about 3 weeks, but the designers are putting new products on daily. The official opening will be in a week or two, but for now everything in the store is on sale. All the sale prices will go after Christmas, so you might want to go check it out!

The Thanksgiving frame and the Polaroid Frame (Last trip to the Park...) I have on here are free, so what are you waiting for? You have nothing to lose... Hurray go check it out!

Thanksgiving

This year for Thanksgiving we were able to spend the day at Dennis' home with Grandpa and Grandma Frei. It was a real treat to have Grandma make her Chicken Noodle Soup. The noodles are SO good. I am truley grateful for Grandma Frei in my life, she had taught me how to make jam, bottle fruit, make applesauce and I have even "attempted" her noodles. They just didn't taste as good! She calls me all the time to make sure my fridge is stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables from Grandma's garden, and to check on the kids. Sitting with them at the Thanksgiving Dinner table really was an honor.

After dinner Bradi, Aubrey and I scoured the ads to find all the deals, we made a game plan to set out for Target at 2:30 the next morning. When we got to the Target parking lot at 3:00 am! I couldn't believe how many people were already there. Susan, Bradi and I (Aubrey chickened out, but we still love her!) stood outside in the cold waiting for the doors to open at 5:00 am. By the time the store was about to open it was crazy how many people were there. I ended up with everything I had wanted and only had to wait in the checkout line for 1 HOUR and 12 MINUTES. AAAuUGG! I did save $100 dollars so it was worth it. I had a great time, and will be there next year I am sure! It's all about the memories. :)

PS Can you believe I don't have ONE picture of myself on Thanksgiving? I am vowing today to pass the camera at least once during Christmas!

Football Champs!

Last year the ending to our Flag football season didn't work out quite as good as this year! If you would like to read about that click here. I personally like this years story a lot better! Both the Chargers (Preston) and the Patriots (Landon) made it to the Championship game! Which was no easy task, they had to play great teams to even get there. Then it was the morning of the Championship! Everyone was nervous and excited. The Chargers played their best game and took home the trophy! Then the Patriots took the field and played awesome too! I was a very proud Mama that day. It was a fun way to end a great season. Way to go Coach Gav! (I was a really proud Wife too.) Good Times, Good Times!!

I was sent to Time Out.

At the first of November my mom sent me to Time Out! I don't think that has happened since I was a kid, and boy was it nice! We spent the weekend at a conference put together by Deseret Book called Time Out for Women. We listened to great music, exceptional speakers and just enjoyed each others company without the interruptions that come with a 7, 5 and 1 year old. I am grateful I had a chance to renew and think about my many blessings. Thanks mom, I love you.

Addie's First Haircut

I can't believe I forgot to post this... On October 23, 2009 my baby received her first haircut. Does this mean she isn't a "baby" anymore? Please say no, because I don't know if I could handle it if she wasn't.

Last trip to the park...

In the middle of November we made our last trip to the park for the season. We heard the weather was going to get a lot colder in those next few days, so we called our cousins and headed to the park. The weather was cloudy and warm, perfect for capturing their joy! I love my kids so much they bring me just what I wrote above Joy, Delight, Glee and Happiness.

Raining Leaves

Wrestling

We added another sport in our fall line up. Wrestling!! This is a sport Gavin and I knew NOTHING about. The first meet, Gavin walked in and said "I don't think I have ever been to a wrestling match in my life!" Good thing we had a few people like the Frei's, the Terry's and Uncle Garrett to follow around so we didn't look completely confused! The boys did great all season, they learned a few moves, and really liked it. It taught them to never give up, and it made them rely totally on themselves. It was a fun season, they even came home with some 1st place metals! Way to go boys!

FHE Farm Style

The first Monday in November we had the Nowatzki family meet us at the farm. It was a fun night full of feeding cows, chasing chickens, roping, and best of all riding on the tractor. After it got dark we headed to our house for dinner and a lesson. It was a great night, spent with a great family!

Preston's Early Christmas!

On the night of Halloween, Garrett and Aubrey stopped by our house to give Preston a set of his very own lefty golf clubs. I don't know who was more excited, Garrett or Preston?! Both had really big grins on there faces. This all started back in the summer when Garrett and Gavin took the boys golfing one afternoon, and Preston had to use the backwards because he was left handed. Then Garrett found some tiny club at the Country Club and decided to get them for him. (Good thing Garrett picks the range to help his golfing habit! Because he has a really big savings account at the Proshop!) I told Garrett when he said that he was ordering them for Preston that he should wait and give them to him at Christmas, but he said "he couldn't wait that long!" I can't wait for when he has kiddo's of his own and has to keep their presents a secret. It will kill him!) We are really thankful for Uncle Garrett and Aunt Aubs. It was such a nice gift for Preston. Thanks again guys!

I'm Back..

on your rolling blog list!

So were you as sick of logging in as I was? I am saying goodbye to the private setting for now. (We will just see how long it lasts! I have decided I am undecided on the private thing!)

First Field Trip!

At the first of the month Preston was able to go on his FIRST School Bus ride. He could hardly wait. I don't even think he cared that they were going to Staheli Farms to see the animals all he cared about was riding the BUS! I asked him if he wanted me to go with him. At first he said "Yes!" Then a second later he said, "Well would you care if I just rode the bus alone?" I didn't mind! ;o) The week before he had a count down going and could hardly sleep the night before. The field trip was great and he loved the bus, except he said he didn't have time to have the nap that he was planning. Who know where that came from?! All I know is my little guy is growing up, and that is pretty exciting.

Football

It is Football Playoff week! Good Luck Chargers and Patriots, go pull those flags!! I can't believe I haven't even posted about Football or Wrestling and now both season's are almost over. I hope to get to it soon, but who knows at the rate I am going it might have to wait until after Thanksgiving! (Which I can NOT believe it NEXT week!) This picture will have to do for now, isn't it cute?!

Goodbye...

Today we had to say goodbye to our horse Chewy. He has been sick for a month now and finally passed on in the night last night. It has been a long month for all of us the horse included. He was a tough customer to have lived for a month with a stone the size of small bowling ball blocking his intestines.

Here he is in our Family Picture in 2004.

Gavin loved Chewy he could rope and gather cows on him, I couldn't even count the number of hours Gavin spent on him over the years.

Gavin roping on him in Flagstaff, AZ. 2004

Gavin bought Chewy from my Grandpa Bowler when he was 6. He and my Dad trained him to be a rope horse. He was a firecracker to ride, I guess that is why Gavin liked him so much. He definitely had a lot of heart and try.

A few weeks ago we took Chewy back to my Grandpa's place so he could watch him while we were gone on the Deer Hunt. He had been there ever since. We will forever be grateful to my Grandpa Bowler, Dad, Uncle John and Dr. Max Brinkerhoff for caring for Chewy these past weeks. He was given the best care a horse could ask for.

Now I like to think of him in that big pasture in the sky, chasing cows and eating tall grass. Goodbye old friend we'll miss you.

Halloween...

What a fun busy weekend. On Friday after the Parade and Class Party, Preston Addie and I headed to the ball fields for Landon's baseball tournament. He was so excited to miss school to play baseball that he didn't even care he was missing his class party. (I couldn't believe it.) Then after he played two games, he and Preston both had a wrestling match. It was a long, but great day!

Saturday morning Landon had another baseball game and then when most people in America were getting ready to Trick or Treat we were again at the ball fields for the final Championship game. It was a good game and even though we lost the boys were in good spirits because of course Trick or Treating!!
They had to wait through awards presentations, mom's taking team photo's and coaches pep talks. Then it was time to go knock on a few doors!
In all the rushing this is the only picture I took of Addie and I didn't even take one picture of my boys trick or treating with their friends. I can't believe it, I feel terrible. When we got to the Nowatzke's house they jumped out of the car and sort of heard us yell stay out of the road and don't leave your brother, then they were gone never to be seen from again... What a fun age they are at to Trick or Treat, they seem to have grown up a lot since last year.

We took Addie to a few houses, she caught on really quick and loved the candy! She was done as soon as she had enough to hold in both hands. She wasn't sure what would happen to it if she dropped it in her bucket!

Sunday afternoon I had everyone dress up again, so we could pretend it was Halloween and I could get some pictures! So, pretend this is what Landon wore trick or treating (he really just wore his baseball uniform, good thing I didn't buy him a costume this year!) and pretend that Addie is going up to someone's house to say "Trick or Treat!" (She can't really say that, she would just stick her hand in the bowl and grab as much as possible!) Hey, while we are at it pretend that those two boys in the bottom right hand picture are always as nice to each other as they look right there! Thanks, now I feel a lot better!

Tricks and Treats!

This week has been full of Tricks and Treats! Tricks in the fact that it has been a Trick to get everything accomplished and Treats meaning all the fun we have had! Here are few pictures of our Halloween Week...

School Halloween Parade.

Pumpkin Carve at Grandpa's.

Note the picture of Addie in the middle, this is how she has been a lot of the week. Her witch costume she will be wearing tonight is very fitting right now! Augh!!

Happy Halloween!

Deer Camp

Deer Camp was this last weekend, it was great. We stayed in a tent at Cougar pass and had loads of fun! Thankfully Addie stayed home with Grandma Gai (and Bradi too) and was treated like the Princess that she thinks she is! I missed her, but was glad she was where I knew she was clean. As for the rest of us clean was not even in our vocabulary this weekend!

Here are a few memories:

• The drive out was beautiful. I loved the all fall colors, the bright read oak and the golden Quaking Aspen were my favorite.
• Gavin and his A+ driving skills. He drove us to our camp without a hitch, even when it was narrow switchbacks with a cliff on one side. Augh! I just closed my eyes and prayed, then after I noticed my palms were sweating. I am not much for heights.
• We passed all this beautiful "Deer Country" as Dennis would call it. Only to camp in the middle of burned down Cedar Trees. Still wondering about that one....
• Our tent, it was great! First time we have used it since we purchased it 7 1/2 years ago. The little boys are already planing our next camping trip for the spring, it really was fun!
• Garrett's Dutch Oven Potatoes and the Squirrel Pi$* Sagebrush Steaks (excuse the language had to be completely accurate!) It is a long story but the pan to cook with was left home. We found a grate left from previous campers on the ground and used it. It's amazing what you'll eat when your hungry! They tasted pretty good too, Outback might want to check into this new idea, and put it on the menu!
• The wind on the first night was fierce. We didn't get to have a fire, so everyone was in their tents by 8:30. Because it was so early, Preston put on a little dance show complete with flashlight strobe lights! Have I ever said how much I love that kid?!
• The lack of Deer and the unbelievable amount of hunters.
• Dad, Ryon and Lex showing up! It made my day!
• Puzzles, books, pretzels, jerky and good visits with Aubrey.
• Jake and his Boy Scout fire building. Dennis and his throw fuel on it way to build a fire.
• Stories and marshmallows.
• Dr. Pepper
• Dirt in my nails.
• Ryon fixing the flat. Glad the mechanics showed up!
• Dad and his many stories, we decided he really loves to hunt and that alone made it so fun!
• Shooting the twenty two.
• And best of all, the shower I took when I got home!

Good Times, Good Times!

Dirt!

The dirt on this face shows just how much fun we had this weekend! More coming soon.

Pumpkin Pictures.

I can't believe it has already been a year since we took our now annual Pumpkin Pictures. I love fall, the changing weather, the great colors, Flag Football, Trick or Treating and of course the Deer Hunt. Speaking of which, we will be leaving in the morning and sleeping in a TENT. The boys are thrilled. Preston has never slept in a tent before and Landon was so little the last time he did, he can't remember. I on the other hand DO remember and can't wait to get that tent set up! ;o) Really I am excited, the memories we will be making are some that will last a lifetime. As you know, Deer Hunting stories are never forgotten, there is just something about those orange shirts that keep the memories vivid in our minds. Good times are ahead and I better get packin'!

Hunting or not, have a great weekend! I'll be back with I am sure a few stories to tell around this campfire we call FreiFam!

Green is turning into my favorite color!

Two weeks ago we finally had our yard landscaped. It has been a few years in the making, but we finally got it done. (Thanks Bob!) Now that our yard is in, I have decided my new favorite color is green! I just love walking in the backyard and looking at the green grass or pulling into the drive and seeing that bright green patch. Green right now really just makes so so me happy! Who would have thought? :)

Good Morning!

Last night when we had FHE we let the kids give the lesson. They used an old General Confrence Ensign and showed us pictures of President Monson and the General Authorities. This morning Preston was pretending to give his lesson again while I was cleaning up breakfast. In the front of the Ensign there was a picture of Jesus, Mary and Martha. As he was explaining the picture to me he said "Wait, where is the sheep?"

I replied "What sheep?"

Then Preston said "No, I mean a lamb..."

I looked puzzled.

He said singing, "You know mom, Mary had a little lamb!"

Oh boy! Hope you have a great day!

Sliderzz take Second.

The Saturday of Swiss Days was a long day to say the least. At 6:00 pm Landon had another game against the Las Vegas Dust Devils. He played great and even got an in the park homerun to help seal the teams victory! Because we got the win we then played in the Championship game against the Devils again. Our little boys were worn out. They were really struggling against their ace pitcher and were getting really discouraged. Landon was spent, he was tired from playing catcher and getting a little frustrated with our hitting. He did come through and score by laying down a sweet bunt! Our team started getting their spirit's up and came back to make it a close game. We ended up losing, but I think our team learned a lot.

During the final game Addie, Preston and all the kids found some fun! Who knew ice on grass could create so much joy? It was great, because it helped clean those dirty dirty shoes!

What an exciting weekend! It was busy, just the way I like it. Can't wait for the next one!

Swiss Days

After the game we went to lunch and then to Swiss Days for a bit. The boys loved the Car Show. I don't think they had ever been to one before and they couldn't get over all the Corvettes! It was great because they are always looking for Corvettes and Lamborghini's as we drive. So to see that many Corvette's all in one place was pretty cool for two little boys! Ryon and Lex put the Buick in the car show and that was good because at least the boys could touch one car! I must have said "Don't Touch" 50 times while we were there! They picked their favorite car for a picture, yep shocking... a Corvette!

After we left the Car Show we headed to the City building to check out the kids booths. They had a great time playing all the $.50 booths and won a lot of junk I have all ready thrown away without their knowing! a lot of great prizes! Good Times! :)

So Very You

As soon as we came to the end of the Parade, Gavin was there waiting for Landon to take him up to his Sliderzz Baseball Game. He had a game on Friday night and won, so he was very excited for the games on Saturday. They were at the Gubler fields in Santa Clara, so after we had the float taken care of all the rest of the family went to the game. It was fun to have so many there watching Landon. For family to share in what is So Very Him really made the day special. Thanks to all who came! He played great, and the team won!

Swiss Days Parade

After the 5K we raced home and got ready for the parade. We had built the float earlier in the week and it was ready at the Webster's for all the Frei Grandkids and Great Grandkids to ride on. The float must have turned out cuter than we had thought, because we won "Best Overall!" I couldn't believe how many people were on the parade route, it was fun to see everyone. Landon and Preston loved throwing candy, Addie was getting pretty good at waving by the end too.

Grandpa and Grandma Reber were also in the parade. Ryon and Lex got the old Buick running and it looked pretty spiffy! Mom found old hats to wear and I think they looked snazzy! Can't wait until next year when the old 10 Wheeler will make its debut! Good Luck with that Lex and Ryon! :)

Swiss Days 5K

I did it! I ran my 1st timed 5K, in 28:24.8 to be exact! Not bad for a newbie! I was kind of nervous at the starting line, but then I found Gretchen and we found Nancy and I felt a lot better! The three of us started the race together, we were all in pink it almost looked like we planned it! Thanks Gretch for helping me to start running, you are the best partner a girl could ask for. I would have never done it, if it wasn't for you! I love ya!

When I went by my house all the kids and Gavin were out at the street cheering! I am so lucky to have each one of them in my life. They all came to support me at the finish line too. Mom and Dad drove down and cheered for me also, you would have thought I was running the marathon! (Not in this lifetime, that is for Steph and Tara! Good Luck this weekend girls!) Thanks everyone for your support, it was so much fun. Next year I will be beating Jake and Kallan. I hear Paul will be beating me...we will see about that! I can't wait!

Pink Night

Friday night at the rodeo was "Pink Night." We all were tough enough to wear pink, even the clown! We went to the rodeo on Saturday night, but I didn't take a single picture. It rained and was so windy that I hid my camera bag underneath my chair. That is also where Preston spent most of his night (under the chair) he does not like the wind, (either does his lungs!) especially if it is mixed with hay and horse hair. Needless to say we paid the price the next week when his allergies were so bad we had to make a quick trip to instacare. I can now say he is no longer a weezer, at least for a little while.

First Grade Rodeo!

Last Friday all the First Grade Santa Clara Elementary students attended their Rodeo. It was great! I volunteered Gavin to go help with the Dummy Roping, and he was thrilled to help! ;o Landon really was happy we were there and that he could show off his roping skills! They also had a Grand Entry, Barrel Race and Bull Riding (on some of the Dad's backs.) Landon loves school and I think it is because the teachers are always going the extra mile. Can I get a, "Yee Haw" for the First Grade, it's the best!

Rodeo Time!

Roundup time, once again!

Thursday night at the rodeo was loads of fun! After I had my 15 seconds of fame, Preston got his too! He drew out to ride a sheep! He wasn't to sure about the whole idea of falling off the sheep once he was done riding it, but he decided to give it a try. Needless to say he ended up taking the sheep down with him, so it probably hurt even worse! After he got up he was spitting dirt and crying, but by the time he got back to his seat with the trophy he was a proud "Mutton Buster!" Come to find out, trophies heal!

Aubrey makes a pretty cute cowgirl don't you think?! The girl she is holding is dang cute too! ;0)

Stay tuned for Roundup day 2, coming soon.

15 Seconds of Fame

This year was the 75th Annual Dixie Roundup Rodeo. In honor of 75 years they had all past Roundup Queen's ride in the Grand Entry on Thursday night. It was fun to ride in the wagon with mom and to show off our Queen Wave one last time!

Sliderzz Scrimmage

After the reunion last Saturday we headed to Cedar for a baseball scrimmage against the Cedar Stix's. It was a perfect night for baseball. The weather was beautiful and the field was immaculate, and we won! Winning always makes for a great ride home! The only downfall of the night was literally a fall. Addie fell on the blacktop and cut her forehead, she ended up with a big goose egg too, but she survived! All in all it was a fun night, and we all can't wait for the next tournament this coming weekend.

Bowler Reunion

Ingredients to make a great family reunion:

• Meet in Gunlock at the park.
• Have LOTS of Good Food.
• Must have a Fun Family!
• Silent auction's are always an added bonus.
• Have a chart of every family member. It is a great way for all to feel connected. :)
• Keep things, short and sweet.
• You will also need a few "visitor's." (Kind of like in Wedding Crashers, they will keep everybody on their toes!)

Thanks Josh and JC for being our "visitor's" we will adopt you as family anytime! Can't wait until the next Francis and Anne Bowler family reunion. It is always a treat to attend!

Can't be beat!

Mornings like this, can't be beat!

Santa Clara Park, September 11, 2009