Christmas Photos

Christmas Eve Fun began with the delivery of a crib that we were going to give to darrel's co-worker. We "strapped" it to the roof of the suburban and on the way there...it flew off. We drove to a dumpster instead and delivered the changing tabe without the matching crib. Sorry Co-worker!
We ate dinner at RED LOBSTER... could this be a sign???

Then we spent "Christmas Eve in Washington"!

Nic and Dad at White House Christmas Tree

Darrel and Dad at the White House Christmas Tree

Corey and Dad at the White House Christmas Tree

I am grateful for people who offer to take family photos of us so that I can actually be in a few but, I keep forgetting to ask them zoom in as close as they can. Oh, well.

Spenceee!

Daryl

Nic. Who doesn't love a good read?

Corey. Seen any good movies lately?

I love the magic of Christmas as you see it through the eyes of a child.

The Holiday Train Display

We Love Trains!

Our Family Christmas Letter

I wrote this weeks ago and never sent it out. Then it just occurred to me that I could just post it here and at least a few of you would have the pleasure of reading it. Enjoy!



"Go Tell It On The Mountain"

January: Corey and Nicolas turned 2 and we celebrated with cupcakes and balloons. What is a birthday without BALLOONS!

February: Nicole turned 31 and celebrated with her daughter, mom, sister and two nieces at the Cheesecake factory.

March: We obtained a FREE piano but we scratched our hardwood floor while moving it in. There are worse things that have happened with pianos and floors.

April: Daryl started a ballet class once a week and it was fun to see her in her pink tutu, leotard and ballet slippers. She is our princess.

May: For Mother’s Day we watched our daughter participate in a special program at church where the children sang to their mommies. What greater gift! We started our Daughter’s Day tradition and Daryl loved all the special attention and favorite things like cupcakes, ice cream and marshmallows!

June: Darrel and Nicole celebrated their 6th wedding anniversary with the purchase of a Dyson. Father’s day was celebrated with Darrel’s favorite, Macaroni and Cheese topped with bacon bits. We also began our Son-Son Day tradition where we celebrate our boys. They enjoyed new matchbox cars.

July: Fourth of July was celebrated with friends at picnics and a softball game. We began our Camp Cole tradition with the cousins at the Science Center.

August: We vacationed in Maine and loved the outdoor adventure and traveling.

September: Two separate Preschool Coops started for Daryl, Corey and Nicolas. It’s a lot of work!

October: Darrel turned 29. For Halloween, Daryl in ballet outfit and cowgirl hat, raced from house to house collecting her candy while Nicole trailed behind with a cautious Corey and Nicolas dressed in cowboy hats and capes. Spencer was a Bumble Bee.

November: We celebrated Daryl’s 4th Birthday with a Dora Fiesta. Thanksgiving was celebrated with family. Spencer turned 1 with a birthday cupcake and candle.

December: Is our favorite time of year. This season our Christmas letter reflects the words from an African American spiritual written by John W. Work. "Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere; go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born." This has been one of Nicole’s favorite carols ever since she was a little girl. Climbing a mountain, proclaiming good tidings, and rejoicing in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is what our family has done this year.

May the season bring joy, love and laughter to your heart and home.

Ward Christmas Party

Darrel was working Saturday and so I braved the Wad Christmas Party alone with the kids. After returning from the Pumpkin Theater, I came home made the green bean casserole I signed up to bring and whisked the kids off to the chapel arriving only 30 minutes late. We were seated and began eating turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and rolls. Spencer and I had turkey. There was a room for the kids which was nice and the adults enjoyed the talent show. I also signed up to participate in the talent show. I had practiced several times but when I stood up on the stage my voice quivered and my heart pounded. But, I did it!

Snow White

For Daryl's Birthday, I decided to take her to the Pumpkin Theater with her cousin McKenzie to see the musical Snow White. Snow White is a fairy tale favorite. The production, Saturday, included children who played the forest animals and the seven adorable dwarfs Grumpy, Sneezy, Bashful, Sleepy, Happy, Dopey and Doc.. It was a great show and I espcially enjoyed their interaction with the audience as they danced and sung up and down the aisles. Originally, I was only taking Daryl but I ended up taking all the kids and it was a fun time for all of us.

Why we're private

I have thought about going private for a while and just decided to do it. It was without warning but I was hoping that you would find my e-mail address somewhere and contact me if you wanted to. So much has been going on and Darrel had expressed his concern with sharing our "life" with the world. I need a creative outlet and a way to keep in touch with family and friends which meant I wasn't going to give it up. So, here we are... private. All are still welcome and we are happy to share our little family with our family and friends.

Waiting...

Darrel called Georgetown Friday afternoon and inquired about his acceptance or non-acceptance status. He has been recommended for the wait list which will be reviewed in April. Considering he was just in New England last week for his two interviews, I can't expect an immediate response from them but I wish I could. Patience is a virtue and I am in the refiners fire. I am not good at waiting. I am not good with surrendering to the powers that be. I like to have complete control over my entire life and ... that does not happen - ever. So, I will wait and try to endure it well.

Less than five months for baby
Less than 7 months for potential move
Less than 8 months for graduate school to begin (potentially)

Things to look forward to... TODAY!

Allergies...

The events leading up to Thursday, December 11 were nothing less than stressful. Spencer has been on soy formula since 10 months when I stopped nursing him. I had tried a milk-based formula with him but he immediately vomited. Ever since he was born, he has had a rash covering his entire body. I have severe eczema and well, he gets it from me. A few weeks prior to 12/11 Spencer had been throwing up on a more regular and consistent basis - daily, sometimes twice a day. I didn't know what to do. I called the pediatrician, I scheduled an appointment with an allergist and away we went. After the visit with the allergist we discovered that Spencer is allergic to soy, milk, and egg. I sat in the allergist's office and as she was talking to me I started to tear up. It was extremely overwhelming. What do you feed a child that is allergic to Soy, Milk and Egg??? I had several prescriptions when I left the office which included an Epi pen (intimidating) and a daily routine to follow for his skin care.

The good news is - Spencer is not throwing up and his skin has cleared up 100%. I am still stressed trying to adjust to the eating habits of our family. How to manage feeding Spencer a well balanced diet along with my other three children, Darrel and myself.

The allergist also suggested that I refrain from the same products as Spencer due to my pregnancy. The chances of our baby having similar issues is good. This additional stress is because I LOVE food. Over the past 11 days, I have actualy lost a pound or two. Not good for a pregnant lady. The question arises what do you feed a pregnant woman allergic to soy, milk and egg? I haven't been tested yet but I do have an appointment scheduled. Changes and adjustments. So is our life.

The Festival of Lights

Last year we went on Christmas day. This year my neighbor had a coupon and offered to split the remaining cost and pile into our truck (one reason why I love having a larger vehicle and why I wouldn't mind having a larger one still - the more the merrier!)

So we went and the kids were awe struck. Daryl has been asking to go since the first night she say the lights as we drove by them. It was so intense that if I had to go out at night with the kids I had to plan my route around the lights just not to pass by them.

Here is another wonder of Christmas. I remember lights being so magical and amazing. All the blinking, colors and sparkle was more than one little person could bear. These are the simple pleasures that I hope to continue throughout the years. $7.00 to see the Festival of lights. To see the expressions on my Children's faces... priceless.

The Paper Chain Count Down

This idea came from a friend and until I read it on her blog the thought did not cross my mind. Daryl had been asking daily if it was Christmas. I would reply not yet and we would repeat the same conversation the next day. The paper chain has really saved our relationship. We are both happier and more pleasant to be around. I started with 15 days left until Christmas. Next year (ha ha) I'll try to start on December 1. So here is what we have done and will do:

1. Color a Snowman
2. Sing Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
3. Complete the Snowman Maze
4. Go to the Temple Visitor Center
5. Sing the First Noel
6. Go to the Festival of Lights
7. Make treats for a neighbor
8. Make a reindeer door hanger
9. Read a Christmas Story
10. Bake cookies
11. Attend the Ward Christmas Party
12. Sing Frosty The Snowman
13. Play pin the nose on Frosty
14. Drive around the neighborhood to see the Christmas lights
15. Read Luke 2

Another Christmas tradition that I like. I have tried to do an advent calendar but I think this works better for me and the kids.

Washington DC Temple Visitor Center Christmas Lights and Concert

Moving on with more Christmas traditions. My mom and I took the kids to the Washington DC Temple Visitor Center to see the lights and a bell chior performance. Before I jump into the delights of the evening I must document THE EVENT that occurred prior to our outing.

I had been feeling tired and rather sick. I had no intentions of falling asleep but when you are pregnant and the mother of four... it happens! So, there I lay on the sofa, asleep. When all of a sudden I am startled by the sound of rushing water. The sound of a waterfall is more like it. Totally and completely unaware of what is going on I open my eyes to water falling from my living room ceiling through a recessed light fixture! There might as well have been a faucet in it's place because the water was streaming down as if there was. I hear squealing and loud laughter from upstairs and run the stairs two at a time. What do find? Daryl, Corey and Nicolas in my bathroom, soaking wet. Nic is sitting on the counter and water is spilling over the counter top onto the floor. I quickly turn the water off, grab as many towels as I can find and herd the children out of the bathroom.

An hour later, I had arranged to pick up a wet vac, and fan, had towels covering the living room floor trying to absorb the water out of the carpet and managed to stay relatively calm. Darrel was out of town for the weekend. I didn't bother to inform him of THE EVENT until he returned home. After all, what was he going to do?

I couldn't be upset with the kids. They were being kids. I am the one who fell asleep unintentionally and left them unattended. What's a mother to do. No one was harmed. The damaged can be repaired (for a price) but the most important thing is, we are all still alive and well. Did I laugh? No. have I laughed since? No. But maybe I will ... one day.

Of yeah, this post is about the Lights and the bell performance. We went, we say, we heard and loved it all.

What's not to love about Christmas lights, Christmas trees decorated from all over the world, a photography exhibit about the Savior, a live manger scene, and Christmas music with shiny gold bells!

2008 Christmas Ornament

Another Christmas tradition growing up that my mom started was to make a new ornament for the tree each year. Darrel and I have been married for six years and so far we have one ornament! This was a goal that I didn't let slip by for this Christmas season. So, the 2008 Christmas Ornament is...

The Snowman head!

Daryl and Destiny went with me to purchase all of our materials:
Styrofoam balls
Wiggly eyes
red ribbon
red pom poms
gold jingle bells
Holiday wonder foam
paper nut cups (that is what I call them)

It was fun to sit at the table and create a new snowman with each ball, hat and face. The boys were not into it as much but Daryl was right by my side. These are the memories I enjoy. Spending time together. Doing things together. Seeing smiles and hearing laughter. I know that the world is not all right. Even for my own family. I am learning that I have no control over the world or others. But, within my home, on this day, we made memories together and for that day - our world all right. If only every family, mother, father, child, brother, sister, etc, had such an opportunity. The world would be a different place.

Putting Up Our Evergreen Coniferous

Christmas is my favorite time of year. I would love to celebrate all year long. So the day after Thanksgiving is my day to put up the tree! I remember having a real christmas tree a few years while growing up. I remember reading stories and watching movies of families going to cut down their tree and putting it on top of the family vehicle and carrying it home. I have imprinted that in my mind as a thrill of Christmas. I had made it a goal to have a real evergreen this year but, with all that has been going on it just did not happen. That's okay, we still have an artificial tree and it looks great. I will hold on to my wish and we'll plan for that to happen next season. The kids were excited to put the tree together and they helped as much as possible, actually they did a lot. Usually, I put white lights on the tree but this year I let the kids choose and they chose colored lights. It looks festive and merry!

My dream is to one day have a ten foot tree trimmed and sparkling. If possible, we'll have two trees (that's how particular I am) one for me to decorate and one for the kids to decorate. You can never have too many Christmas Trees! I've been thinking of new family traditions (this one is tree related) and I think it would be worth the trip to see the White House Christmas Tree. We live right here and why not? There is so much fun to be had at this time of year. Christmas is what you make it.

Happy Birthday Spencer!

Spencer turned ONE this year (November). This year has flown by. As I watch him each day I realize how much of a blessing children are. They are pure blessings from God. We as adults and parents are missing out when we don't recognize who we are holding in our arms or who we are caring for on a daily basis. It is a lot of work but usually the things in our lives that matter the most require the the most from us.

Spencer had a birthday cupcake with a candle. We sang happy birthday to him and he had no idea what was going on. We couldn't let him eat the cupcake because he had thrown up on Thanksgiving after having cake so we didn't want to risk another episode. But we enjoyed singing to him and wishing him another splendid year with us.

Now that Spencer is ONE he can:

1. crawl up and down the stairs and even woosh down the stairs like his siblings... not super fast but pretty fast for a guy his age.

Happy Thanksgiving

We hosted Thanksgiving Dinner this year. Darrel was supposed to wrk but magically, he was not scheduled and he was able to join us for the festivities. My cousin Jason with his Girlfriend and his two kiddies came, my cousin Destiny, my mom and Darrel's mom - better referred to as Grandma C and Grandma Ree and my aunt, her husband and their two kiddies. It was a typical day, lots of time in the kitchen cooking, football, kids running around, lots of eating, conversation etc. Destiny made Turkey posters for us that we each wrote down what we were grateful for. It's good to reflect on our blessings and the things that matter most to us. Family matters most and our relationships that we form. No one can ever take those away from us and we only deprive ourselves of added joy when we don't cultivate or form those relationships.

I am grateful for:

Darrel- he is a true companion and friend.
Daryl - she is la oving daughter and bright spot in my day.
Corey - he is so compassionate and huggable.
Nicolas - his smile will light up a room and his will to do anything he desires to do is admirable
Spencer- he is a pure delight and tease, so gentle and patient

We have each other and no matter what happens in the world around us, we will always be together. This knowledge is a comfort and a joy to me. Family. It's what LIFE is all about.

Happy Birthday Daryl!

Daryl turned four this year (November). Hard to believe. We celebrated by inviting her Preschool friends over for a Dora Fiesta. We ate all of Daryl's favorite snacks and lots of cupcakes. We played pin the tail on Swiper, musical chairs, and Bingo. We then used The Map to find the treat bags at the end. It was fun to have friends over and share a special day with them. We will always remember our preschool friends from when we lived in Columbia. I know that at some point we'll move away and possibly others will also. But for now, we enjoy our associations and friendships.

Now that Daryl is four she can:

1. Put on her own coat and shoes
2. Pour her own milk in her cereal bowl (not always encouraged by Mom)
3. Use the potty all by herself (it's taken us a whole year)
4. Unlock the laundry room door by stacking multiple toys on top of each other to reach the top latch (definitely not encouraged by her parents)

Until one is committed...

'Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back is always in effect. The moment one definitely commits oneself then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material sustenance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.'
- Goethe

I am proud to be an American!

We stayed up late last night to watch the results pour in from the polls. It was exciting and moving to witness this historical event take place. We had our children there in front of the television as well. Even though they may not remember being part of this great moment in history, we, as their parents will. Our children and grandchildren for years to come will read about the change that took place on November 4, 2008.

For us, it is not about race. Yes, it is historic that America has elected the first African-American president. We are proud to support Barack Obama and proud that he is African American. There is so much more meaning behind this presidential election. We have seen people come together over this campaign and election no matter their political affiliation or racial background. We are all ONE. One Nation Under God.

Senator McCain pledged his support to Obama and encouraged his supporters to do the same. What an honorable act. It's not about the person, it's about the TEAM, the Country, the Whole, not the part. I commend Senator McCain for his leadership and amazing example despite the unfavorable results.. He is still going to be a driving force and supporter of the building up of America.

Barack Obama's words were sobering and focused in his speech last night in Chicago. We have a long road ahead. The solution may not come in one year or one term but we will get there. McCain said, we are not quitters. We do not give up. I feel this renewed energy to unite as American citizens. To roll up our sleeves and put our shoulders to the wheel... push along! We as a people have spoken and now is the time to GO AND DO. I pray that we will. America needs us to stand up for what is right, true, praiseworthy and of good report.

I am proud to be an American!

Add one more to the pot, ya'll

Today we received a phone call for another interview at St. John's School of Anesthesia in Rhode Island. They are affiliated with UNE. Darrel would complete his acedemic work at UNE and his clincal work through St. John's.

A month ago, we were unsure if any interviews would come our way (oh we of little faith) and now we have three! This has been a wonderful process as we explore our options and ponder the possibilities. We want to make the best decision for our family. We continue to pray for guidance and understanding. It's an exciting time in our life and it's great to feel this type of positive energy instead of anxiety over our future.

Round Two Completed

Out of the four schools Darrel applied to, he has been invited to interview with two. By Christmas we should have heard back from both schools and made our decision as to where he will attend. Receiving interviews is a celebration in itself. Darrel has worked hard to help raise a growing family and pursue his occupation at the same time. The world thinks we are crazy to enter graduate school with a young family of 7. Many would have put off the kids and had the wife work until he was finished with his graduate degree. Maybe even waited until we could afford a house and furnish it. Well, we have four great kids, we rent, and the wife stays at home. Five armfuls of gratitude go to Darrel for working as hard as he does and securing a promising future for our family. We love you, Darrel and congratulations! GO HOYAS!

Happy Birthday Darrel!

I know the cake says Happy Birthday Jackson but I had help selecting the picture for this post and this is the one she selected. She knows her daddy well.

So Darrel is the big 29! Wow! Next year it's the really big 30, Honey! In 29 years Darrel has made great accomplishments. Here are the top five:

1. Baptized at the age of 17.
2. Served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Caracas Venezuela.
3. Married Me!
4. Completed his BSN at the University of Maryland
5. The best Daddy to four great kids!!

I Love you, Darrel.

The Freeman Five

I haven't been too motivated to do much of anything lately.
We're expecting baby #5 and I feel like Mrs. Yuck.



One morning last week, I moaned as I approached the kitchen. I was not looking forward to eating, smelling, or touching anything in the kitchen but, I have four people in our house who depend on me for their meals and there's no getting around it. So, as I moaned my daughter says, "Mommy why you say... (and she moaned as I did)". We had not "officially" told the children about our newest addition. So I took a moment to explain that I was going to have a baby and that meant I would feel sick for a little bit. Immediately, she asked, "One baby or two?" I smiled and went on to explained that it's probably just one baby but we won't know for another couple of weeks. She thought for a moment and then her face lit up like a Christmas Tree and she asked," Can we have a baby girl?!" With the biggest smile I have seen, she exclaimed, "I want a baby GIRL!" and she started to dance around the room.

I am hoping for a baby girl too. Every girl needs a sister.

Boston Museum of Science

I love the Boston Museum of Science! It is really cool. We had to peal our kids out of there.












Darrel and I were here in March of 2004 and we had a blast. I remember thinking to myself then that I couldn't wait until we had children and could bring them. Well we did it and it was hard to leave! We were in the kids space area the entire time but that was enough excitement to contain everyone. I kept thinking, if only I could bring this home and set it up in my basement, my kids would be entertained all day. Nic and Corey enjoyed rolling balls down the ramp while Daryl played at the water table. Spencer loved the baby area with soft blocks and plush toys and a space all his own that was sibling free. We met some people from Maine and Darrel exchanged information this time. We'll see what happens!

Boston is one of my favorite cities. I love the culture, the history, the energy that the city has. It's a great place, I think. I would make a special effort to come to Boston as much as possible while we were in Maine. They have an Aquarium, lots of museums and outdoor productions, history walks and many more cool things that I have yet to explore. One day...

Biddeford, Maine

We just wanted to stop by the UNE Biddeford campus before leaving the state. It is VERY different from the Westbrook campus. It sits on the water and this is where all the undergraduate programs exist. Lots more facilities, lots more students and faculty. The area surrounding the campus is beautiful. Too bad we won't be down here for school.

The last picture is depicting our packing up stage. The stroller was actually on top of the truck in a Thule bag and everything else was inside the truck. Never again. When you have four kids, it's easier to just get where you're going with the least amount of cargo. The kids are more than enough to transport let alone additional items that simply get in the way. The stroller is essential. Camping is ridiculous!