Happy Holidays

Dear Family and Friends,

It is so hard to believe that another year has come and gone. It flew by so fast! 2009 has been a great year for the Frier family, hard, but great.

The biggest and best news of all is that Dustin graduated from Scottsdale Community College with his AAS in nursing. We are so thrilled that school is finally over. The kids are so glad to have their Daddy back. I am so glad to have my husband back. The next big hurdle is the NCLEX test so he can be registered. It's a huge test, but we have all the faith in the world that Dustin will do well and pass. He already has a job lined up as a float pool nurse for the hospital in Scottsdale, the same one where he has been working the last 4 years. It was our hope to move to Colorado, but with a job already waiting we feel Mesa is still the place for us to be. Our Colorado dream will have to wait awhile.

Because Dustin will have his RN, we will now be able to move out of these apartments!!! That is probably the best gift I could have. We only have a few more months here. We are looking at a move by March or April at the latest. We can not even begin to say how excited we are for that move!

We also said goodbye to Dustin's mom, Joan. She passed away on July. She was always so happy. The kids mention Grandma Joan in many conversations. They know they will get to see her again someday and that brings them and us peace and joy. We love her very much.

Noah has had a good year. He moved on from Kindergarten to first grade. He is reading so good and writing so well. He loves math, PE, and playing with his friends. He loves Mrs. Vaughan. Noah played Tball this spring and had a blast. He loved being the catcher and hitting the ball. Noah also started piano lessons this year. His piano book is awesome. Almost every song he learns has an accompaniment part. So, I have been able to play the piano with Noah. It has been so much fun to play with him. Noah turns 7 in February. He is growing up way too fast.

Daniel has had a good year to. He is in the same preschool program as he was last year getting extra help in speech. He loves to go to school. He loves all the crafts they get to make. He is learning to write his numbers with cute little rhymes. He is starting to sing for us- he never would before, but he will sing the songs he learned at school to us. He is still as happy and excitable as ever. He gives the best hugs and can be such a little puppy- literally. Daniel turned 5 in October. He loves everything Batman, animals, cars, etc... He and Jodi have become best friends. I love watching them play. Daniel also loves riding his bike and is getting really close to taking the training wheels off.

Jodi is my little Princess. She turned 3 in July. She is forever dancing and singing. She loves watching "Dancing with the Stars" and "SYTYCD" with me. She is always picking up new dance moves. She is such a hoot to watch. Jodi is so adaptable. She can play transformers and animals and all the boy games with her brothers, but she also loves her baby dolls, purse, make-up, and Barbies. Our one concern with her is her respiratory problems. They have not gotten any better. She has to do breathing treatments twice daily and she still catches any little cold that is in the air. She will be in Primary this coming year (for kids 3- 11 in our church). She is excited because that means she is a BIG girl now. I am excited because she won't be in a nursery room with all the younger kids spreading germs on all the toys. So hopefully she won't get sick as often.

Now that leaves me. What can I say- my life is pretty boring. I have been supporting Dustin in all his studies and work. I have been taking care of 3 children- not so easy on some days. I am no longer the Primary chorister (kids music director for ages 3-11 at my church). It became too painful. I was very sad to have to leave that position. I have been devouring every book I can get my hands on. I can read about 3-4 books a week. I try to play my flute on my "good" days. I just have to take some pain meds! I have to say that I have a wonderful husband who picks up the slack for me- even with all he does. I have 3 awesome children who love me and try hard, mostly, to adapt to my life. They help me as best as they can.

We hope this holiday season brings you much joy and happiness. We miss all of the friends we have made over the years. Please keep in touch. You are all so close to our hearts. You have all affected our lives in some way and we are better for our friendships with you all.

With Love,
The Frier Family

Things I'm Grateful For:

We had a great Thanksgiving. We had loads of fun with Dustin's brothers.
But, I want to share some things that I am truly thankful for.
1. Absolutely without question, I'm thankful for my testimony in the Restored church of Jesus Christ on the earth today; for the Priesthood blessings in my home; for the Book of Mormon that truly brings peace and comfort when I read it; for Prophets that lead and guide me; for the eternal sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2. I am so thankful for a wonderful husband- he is my best friend and love of my life. And for the 3 beautiful children he gave me. I couldn't ask for better children- despite a mother's frustrations in teaching and disciplining them. Along with them, I am thankful for my own extended family. For loving parents who support me and comfort me even now as an adult, who teach me how to be the loving parents that they were for me. I am most thankful for loving siblings: to Elisa for being such a great big sister who I can share frustrations and joys with; to Derrick for his creativity, his quirky personality that is so fun and that I miss so much; for Juliann who always makes me laugh, who is such an example of long- suffering, for she truly has endured long, for her great faith; and for Lief who is more like me than I would think possible, for his trust in the Lord and people, for his boyish fun in life. I love my family so much and really missed them this Thanksgiving.

3. I am thankful for my thirst for knowledge. I love reading books and can not seem to get enough of them.

4. I am thankful for my talent in music, although I feel as though I am losing those abilities I once had. This makes me sad, but I am hoping that a renewed desire will help me fill that void that I have felt in terms of my music performance opportunities in all aspects of music that I so love. I am most thankful that I am able to share my love of music with my children. Helping Noah learn to play piano and playing with him has been so much fun.

5. Funny to think- but I am thankful for my "condition." Being in so much pain brings you to your knees- literally. I have had to humble myself- a work in progress- and accept the help from a loving Heavenly Father, Dustin, my children, and on occassion others. I am thankful for this condition because I know that things could be SO much worse. My fibromyalgia has taught me that my personal expectations for what a wife and mom should be are not my reality and that's ok. I am learning to accept what I can and can not always contribute to my home and community.

6. I am very thankful that I live now and not in the 1800's or another time past. I am thanful for the ease of life that we have. I love the conveniences that we take for granted- running hot water, electricity, comfortable transportation, quick communication, knowledge at our fingertips.... I am very thankful for those divinely inspired forefathers who built our free country with sweat, blood, tears, hope, and faith.

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

Ok, for some this is sort of old news- like 2 days old, but for others like my big Brother, this is new news. Dustin passed the course work of his last semester in the nursing program!!!!!!! All that is left are seven 12-hour preceptorships (like an internship) with a registered nurse; Graduation in December; the NCLEX board test in February; house hunting in February/March; move out of the apartment not soon enough!!!!!!!!

I am so incredibly proud of Dustin. He has had to carry so many burdens while trying to go to college. Working full time, taking care of the kids, cooking dinners because I couldn't, taking care of a lazy- I mean sick wife. He has had to do so many things and worry about so much, and has done it all without complaining. There were days when he was comforting me when he was the one needing the reassurances. He never ceases to amaze me. I truly am more in love with him now than when we were first married. I know that the Lord has truly strengthened him and has blessed our home so much. I can't even begin to describe or explain some of those blessings, but we have endured with the Lord's help. There were some close calls on some of those tests, but all came out fine, especially with a "B" on the final!!!

The kids are thrilled that Daddy will be able to spend more time with them, although the next 3 weeks will be crazy because he has to fit in his 3 12- hour shifts of work as well as the 3 12- hour preceptorships. His work ones are at night, his school ones are days. That will be crazy, but a walk in the park compared to the course work!! We are celebrating as a family on Monday night, and we are celebrating big for our wedding anniversary in December after graduation!!!

Congratulations Babe!!!

Halloween Fun

Daniel

Noah



We have had a great time with Halloween this year. At first our goal was to win a prize for the best costumes at the Ward Trunk or Treat Party. In reality it turned out that we were just trying to wear some unique costumes. I did some research at the library and found some great ideas. Daniel wanted to be a Knight and we found a cheap and way to accomplish that. Noah wanted to be an octupus, but I was running out of time, growing frustrated that it wasn't turning out, and ran out of energy to get it done. Noah decided he could handle being a knight as well. The boys had fun looking at dragons and coming up with their shield designs. We found the cutest idea for Jodi and went with it- a hot air balloon. She turned out so adorable and YEAH! Jodi won FIRST PLACE at the party. She was so happy even though she was freezing (I know it's AZ) and soooo tired. She even threw her arms in the air and cheered for herself. She was too cute.

The kids had a blast at the party as always. We came home the proud owners of 4 fish! Now we will see how fast it takes me to kill them! We are going to the Pet store tomorrow to get them all set. Where I am going to put a fish bowl/ aquarium is still to be decided.

Noah, Daniel, and Jodi enjoyed themselves so much. Our Activities Committee really knows how to throw a party. It was fun watching the kids have so much fun playing at the carnival games and bouncing on the big Air Jumper.

The best part of this Halloween was the cost. Tin foil and card board from Hobby Lobby and tape- $14 for 2 costumes. A canvas basket at 40% off, a beach ball from Grandma, bows and streamers- $13. This was by far the most economic, creative and fun Halloween. I think we started a new tradition as the kids are already planning what we can do next year like this. So fun!!!

Happy Halloween from the Friers!

Happy Birthday Daniel!

Daniel's birthday was the 23rd. He turned 5. My little kid is growing up so fast! He has made some huge improvements. His behavior is a lot more manageable. He really has gotten easier to talk to. Just when I think he isn't paying attention to me, he surprises me.

Daniel had an awesome birthday. Dustin and I decided Daniel really needed some spoiling. With a little help from the grandparents, he had the time of his life. He has been wanting "Gorilla Island" for so long. We actually found it on the Walmart clearance isle for half off. They were discontinuing it. So we got a really good bargain. We also got him a Spirograph set. They are hard to find, but we got it and he loves it. The grandparents came through with the Batman cave and extras. I have not seen Daniel so happy and content in a long time. He shared his toys all day long with Noan and Jodi. They all had plenty to play with and there were no fights that day. Amazing!!


Daniel wanted me to make him a Batman cake. I don't have the patience or the talent to do it all "professional" with the special tips and things. I don't have the stamina either. But I did the best I could and I think the cake was a success. At least Daniel loved it.

Fall Fun

The kids had Fall break this week. We went to the zoo on Tuesday with some friends, the Caddys. The kids had so much fun being at the zoo with friends. It was so fun watching them chase each other and talk and laugh. It was exactly what my kids needed after so much time couped up in the apartment. The weather was absolutely perfect. This is when iving in AZ is fun.



I decided, totally last minute, to drive to Colorado with the kids to see Grandma and Grandpa. We left Wedensday. We enjoyed a beautiful drive through the mountains. Fall was at it's peak. The colors were so gorgeous. I didn't realize how homesick for the different seasons I was until I could see them again. Fall in my hometown of Craig is so amaxingly beautiful. I can't even describe the gratitude I felt for all of God's creations on this trip. We saw the beautiful trees in all their many colors, llamas, prairie dogs, deer, antelope, sandhill cranes, and buffalo. The kids had a blast looking out the window trying to see all the wildlife and mountains. We had fun traveling together.


We spent Thursday at my parents raking leaves and running and jumping in the piles and climbing the trees in the yard. The kids had fun playing with all of Grandma's stuffed animals. Her giant panda was a police car and the baby was the police man. The kids were spoiled by their grandparents and they soaked up every second of their love.









Friday we went to Dinosaur National Monument and the Dinosaur Field House Museum in Vernal, UT. The monument is under construction so there wasn't much to do there except hike- not exactly what my body needed after the 13 hour drive. But, the kids did get some things to doodle on for the rest of the drive to Vernal. The Field House Museum was the best dinosaur museum I have been to. They had a complete dploducus skeleton. The whole museum was completely hands on for the kids. Everywhere we looked there was something for the kids to touch or do. It was so fun. Not once were the kids bored. They had so much fun learning and remembering all the things they have learned in all the dinosaur books they have read. This museum is in a little town in UT, but it was the best museum ever. So much fun!!!












We had a great drive home on Saturday. The drive along the CO river through western Colorado was so gorgeous. The river and the fall colors was picture perfect- man I miss Colorado. We drove through Moab and stopped at Wilson's Arch just off the highway. I let the kids talk me into hiking to the top. It was fun going up, coming down was an experience. We crab walked our way down in a line so we wouldn't slip down the rocks. Going down with 3 kids was an adventure in itself! We made it down safe and sound.

I am so glad we were able to go on this trip. I learned my limitations, but I would probably do it all over again just to see the joy on my children's faces as they spent time with Grandma and Grandpa and the "other" dinosaurs. (I love you Mom and Dad). Sorry that was too funny.

We now have a couple of busy weeks ahead. We are celebrating Daniel's birthday on Saturday. We are making our Halloween costumes and getting those ready. Halloween will be so much fun this year. All of the costumes are all hand made with the kids' help. So much fun!

Back to School!

Summer is over and school has begun. Noah had a great first week and a half. He loves his 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Vaughan. She is really nice and has gotten Noah super excited about reading. Noah is happy because his favorite pal, Gabby, is in his class again. They sit right across from each other. Noah loves lunch time this year. He gets the school lunch and he loves it. I love it because I don't have to get anything ready in the mornings!

Dustin started classes this week as well. He is going to be BUSY! He has had such a nice summer break, everything seems so daunting right now. I know he will pull through as he always has. The kids will miss their Daddy, but it is the last semester!


Daniel starts his preschool again next week. Everything finally got worked out. There was so much confusion for awhile, but Daniel is back in the Community Ed. program with the same teacher and the same speech teacher as last year. I am really glad. Mrs. Norgren knows how to handle my son and what to do for him to help him. I am pretty sure Daniel will start out on his own carpet square again this year!


I also am introducing piano lessons to Noah. He is super excited and can't wait to start. Actually, we have started some and he is so excited to move on. It is so fun watching him learn. We are also continuing our nightly chapter book reading. I read him some books that are harder for him to read. It is our time together. We read Harry Potter II over the summer. We are now on the last Mouse and the Motorcycle book.

So that is our life in a nutshell- oh except for this: I was released as the Primary chorister a couple of weeks ago. I now get to enjoy my Sunday's. I actually needed to be let go because I am not dealing with my fibro pain well at all. It would take me a good 2-3 days to feel better after all my efforts on Sunday. With how busy Dustin will be this semester, I knew I physically could not continue on. So, now I am taking it easy and reading all the books I can, and keeping my family running as best as I can.

In Memory of Joan Frier

29 January 1939- 5 July 2009

We had the great honor to see Joan Frier, Dustin's mom, one last time before she passed away quite suddenly- for us. Joan had been fighting mouth cancer this last year and a half. She was going through chemo and radiation. In December, she told us it was pretty well gone. She had one last round of chemo but it kept being delayed because her white blood cell count was low. The doctors kept waiting for the numbers to go up. We kept planning trips to Kingman and would have to cancel the last minute because Jodi would keeo getting sick. We didn't want Jodi getting Joan sick. We kept in touch with Joan. Our last few conversations were really short. She told Dustin her chin was swelling and had an indection in it. We didn't realize the severity of it, nor did she want any of her children to know.

We finally managed a trip to Kingman to celebrate my birthday and the 4th of July. We had a wonderful time, and were in a little shock at how old and sick Joan looked. Her chin was so swollen; it was like there was a tennis ball stuffed into her chin. She also was suffering from congestive heart failure- her legs were swollen as well. She was all wrinkles on top and smooth on the bottom.

Despite her looks, Joan still had plenty of laughs. She enjoyed the little firecrackers we brought- my children as well as the real ones. The kids made her laugh. She enjoyed watching them play in her fountain, Daniel play with her stuffed bird, Jodi sing and twirl around her house, Noah playing GI Joe on the floor, me yelling at the kids and chasing them around, and fun conversation with her baby, Dustin.

We had a wonderful babrbecue with Dustin's brother Scott and his family and then enjoyed the fireworks display. We said our goodbyes and drove back to Phoenix after the fireworks. We got the phone call the next evening that Joan passed away.

We had the great honor to see her one last time and to see her smile with the joy that she always had. We are grateful that she was able to see her grandchildren and her son one last time. The funeral was this last Sunday. Dustin officiated at his mother's funeral and did a beautiful job. He was the calming hand, the rock of faith his brothers needed.

I will miss Joan's singing and laugh and tickles. My children will miss their grandmother very much. Dustin is now an adult orphan, but he is happy knowing that his parents are together again in the Spirit World. I am grateful for the knowledge that I have that families can be together forever. We loved Joan and will miss her dearly.

A Little While

OK, So I think it has been long enough since I last wrote an update. The end of the school year became quite busy for us. Dustin was plowing through another semester- he passed and we are on to the last semester in August. Noah had so many end of the year programs, parties, and a try at T-Ball. Noah liked TBall when it was his turn to hit, or when he was the catcher. He did not like playing the outfield. He did not like TBall when the temperature reached 100 degrees either. It was good fir him. Daniel and Jodi enjoyed playing in the dirt each game. Bath, dinner, books, bed was our moto for the month of April and May.


I spent the last weekend of May at Flute camp. I went to it all excited and left quite deflated. I have not practiced my flute once in a month. I lost the drive for some reason. I have gotten back into my summer reading and have read many books with more on my to-read-list.

I honestly have no idea where the month of June went. It was here and now it is gone. I feel like I don't have much to show for it. The kids have taken awhile to learn how to play with each other all day long again. The days seem longer to me. I understand how parents are very much ready for their children to be in school again. I wish that at times as they are pestering, fighting, or yelling at each other. Where did the love go?

We have had to take Jodi into an immunologist. She gets every little infection and it always ends in her chest and on antibiotics and breathing treatments. Her blood work turned out normal, but they are keeping her on the breathing treatments twice a day for the next 6 months. It is really hard to keep up with it, but hopefully the infections will stay away because of it.

We are going to Kingman for the 4th of July to spend a few days with Grandma Joan- Dustin's mom. It will be good to see her again. It has been too long since our last visit and the kids miss their Grandma. I love going to smaller towns to watch the fireworks as well. Craig, CO or Kingman, AZ sure is a lot cooler than here and less crowded as well!

So, Happy 4th of July to everyone. I love this country and the liberty and freedom we enjoy. I love the spirit of those founding fathers and hope we can all find that spirit again. Happy Birthday USA!

Good Job, Daniel!

We have been working really hard with Daniel and his behavior. He just loves to torment his siblings- and his parents!!! We have been doing incentive charts with him for quite some time now. Sometimes I wonder why we are even doing it, but then other times I see Daniel trying so hard to do what is right. We had a break through day on Monday. I don't know if it was because we started our ward's "media fast," or if it was because I had that specific prayer in my heart that day, or that Daniel just decided to try to be good. Whatever it was, Monday was a great day for us. Daniel listened, was ever so polite to Jodi, was wonderful at preschool. He truly earned those last 2 stickers. He was working for a "Build-A-Bear" and he earned it after a month of 1 step-forwards/2 steps back!





We had fun removing the stickers for his next project- a Happy Meal with Mommy.

Spring Break and Acupuncture

I have so much to share, so excuse the length of this post. I don't get to the computer as often as I would like thanks to a wonderful husband who is doing a great job of studying a lot!

We decided to go to Los Angeles and San Diego for our spring break. We first visited my younger brother in L.A and enjoyed the fun of the Natural History Museum and the Air and Space Museum. We had a great time with "Uncle Lief." The kids really liked the Nat. His. Museum. They had a life size baby triceratops moving puppet. It was really neat.






They loved all the animals that they never get to see in a zoo- walrus, hippos, buffalo, etc....










We went to the San Diego Zoo the next day. I loved watching the kids get excited over the animals. Daniel loved destroying every pretty flower that came across his path. Noah loved all the monkeys and the sky train. Jodi loved fighting with Daniel over which side of the stroller was "hers." I was so ready to go back to the hotel and soak in the hot tub-which we all did! The kids really had a great time. We loved the animals and just being together as a family- for the most part :)
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We had planned on spending the whole next day at the beach and the USS Midway. But, Noah's throwing up and scorching high fever after the zoo, and Dad's fever put a bust on our plans. We did go to the USS Midway. The kids, Dustin especially, loved the air craft carrier. They had a good time and they did so good despite not feeling good.








We also went to the beach and stayed long enough to build a real sand castle and for Daniel to destroy it. We came home with a very sick family.


Noah finally was feeling better by Tuesday. Dustin got strep throat and tonsilitis at the same time. Daniel has the sickies now and Jodi is bringing up the rear! Noah has been so burnt out this week with TBall. He loves it and is doing good- if we can get him to pay attention to the ball when the other team is at bat.

I made a leap of faith and decided to try acupuncture to try to eliminate my pain. It hurt having the needles in my leg. The Dr. said it was because my back was so tender. Then, she did a cupping therapy. This was really trippy. She took a flame and heated up glass balls with openings and stuck them on my back. My skin was sucked into the cups and left like that for 10 minutes. When she came back my back was free of pain- enough to have a little massage. I can not tell you the last time I have been able to have someone rub or even brush my back without me wincing in pain. It was a miracle for me. I may have looked like I lost a fight with an octopus, but I am feeling amazing. I go back in a week for more torture and then sweet relief!

That's a quarter taped to my back for comparison. It looks nasty but doesn't hurt at all!

Daniel's Portraits

Ok, So I have been terrible about keeping up with the kids portrait pictures. It has been 2 years since we last took some of Daniel. So, now we have finally taken them and here they are. He is quite the cutie!

Kids Say the Darndest Things!

Ok I have a couple phrases the kids have blurted out that I have to share.
Jodi: I love hearing Jodi pray. Whenever she says, "Heavenly Father" it sounds just like she is saying "Harry Potter." It makes me snicker every time. And just some good news with Jodi: She is now a BIG girl. She is fully potty trained- even at night!!! Yeah!! No more diapers- EVER. Also, we have all been sick and Jodi has NOT gotten sick. This is huge for her!!




Daniel: We were eating the cheap frozen pizza for dinner (well the kids were) and Daniel said, "This is deee-lish!!!" I have no idea where he picked that phrase up from, but it was hilarious!!

Noah: I think Noah hears Mom and Dad get angry and frustrated a little too much. We were eating something hot and Noah said, "That is freaking hot." I don't always think about what comes out of my mouth as much as I should. It sure sounds different coming out of your 6 year old's mouth. It was funny but it sure made me stop and think about the words I do use and how I use them!!

Noah's Birthday

We had a fun celebration with Noah for his birthday- I know it's been forever since I updated! We took Noah to the toy store a few weeks before his birthday to get an idea of what he wanted. He fell in love with this huge Army/Rocket Launcher. He is so into the Army thing. I went abck a few days later and bought the huge thing. I hid it under our bed. I kept asking Noah what he wanted besides the rocket launcher. He would get really upset and say that was what he really wanted and it would be such a sad day if he didn't get it. We put all his other presents on the table and we started opening them. He got really sad as he kept opening them. He got some really neat books and some fun games, but as he said. "I just didn't get any toys." We sent him Dad's closet to get slippers for Dad, and there it was the biggest present he has ever seen and we got the biggest grin from him! He loved it and had a great day. Dad also took him to the Build- a Bear workshop where he got a monkey that he named Dexter. (We got a coupon for $12 off a bear- it was over half off!) He had a great day and we had fun celebrating with him. I can not believe my little "noodle" is now 6! I tried getting pictures of him for the computer and for this blog, but have not been able to go through all the negatives we have of his baby days yet. SO here are the ones we could get. Happy Birthday Noah. We love you and think you are truly one special little boy!