Christmas Day!!!!

Here is a fun family picture.  We got to skype with Willy today.  It was amazing to visit with him, hear stories and see him, I will not lie, it was hard at different times, I got emotional.....It was hard to say good bye.  Amazing son!!!!  My family is awesome!!!

Willy-update

We met a family that was passing through town from Canada headed to Arizona.  They dropped off a package from Willy.  I got his SD card from his camera......Love getting pictures from my son!!!!  He is looking good!!!!

Noah-hair cut time!!!!

Noah is sporting a new do!!!!  He does have a "jedi braid" in the back!!!  He is handsome!!!

Noah-with all his hair!!!

Noah is very attached to his hair!  He was given a challenge.......guess what?

Caroling!!!!!

The city of Chubbuck, did a Christmas Caroling Caravan, this was our trailer, we had a full crew on our trailer......we had a good time. We sang lots.....Good times!!!!

Payton-school award

Payton struggles in school.......We are so proud of him and for what he has accomplished!!!!  What a great job Payton!!!!

Noah----driving!!!!

Noah is offically done with all his testing and is able to drive to school.  He is so proud of his beat up car......He also passed his written motorcycle test.  He is very proud!!!!

Willy- update

Willy is doing great.....he started off with 7 days and counting.  He is very excited about the phone call on Christmas day.  However we will be able to Skype this time.  We have a call time of 1pm.  We will all start with the count down now.    He is doing super.  They are staying busy.  It is getting cooler there.  They are still doing great and working hard together as a team.  Not alot said this week, other than he loves us, he has his little tree up with the box from home under it.  Talk to you in a week son!!!

Willy- update

Willy is doing super!!!  He is still enjoying everything about the area they are in now.  He is very upbeat and positive about the things that are going,  He is very excited about talking to his family on Christmas (as are we!!!).  He said that he loves all the mail he has been getting, he loves the Christmas cards!!!  Keep up the great work, stay positive!!!!We love you!!!

JoLynn's work Christmas Party

We had a ELFin good time at the party. We had a great dinner, played some fun games and had a gift exchange.  Always nice to end the year on a good note!!  Thanks doctors for a great party, thanks to the committee for planning!!!! 

Rhubin-under the weather!!!!

Rhubin will probably be upset that I posted this picture, but oh well.....this is our life!  Rhubin has had the worst time getting better.  He had strep the week of Thanksgiving, then got this awful, cold, cough, chest congestion, yucky nose, can't sleep at night, ect.  It finally got to a point he could not breath and we ended up in the ER (Rhubins favorite place-NOT!) They did some tests, but he just has the CRUD they told him and that would take about 10-14 days to get over.   He is still fighting it but he is feeling better,  it has really kicked his butt!!!  Hate to see my babe not feeling well!!!  Get Well Soon Rhubin!!!

Happiness----Love!

This picture is alittle blurry, but I love it anyway.  I love the way we are looking at each other and are so happy.  We were getting ready to head off to Rhubins work Christmas party.  They had a awesome dinner, a quartet came and same and a gift exchange.  There was a $10 limit.  Rhubin got some lottery tickets.....he made $47 ---not bad!!!  Great time!!

Willy- update

Willy is full of spunk today!!!  You can tell from his letter his humor is back and he is enjoying what he is doing.   He first said, keep sending me letters and it is ok to put money in my account.  He is funny, He loves to get mail, letters, and packages......he loves to hear from friends and family.  We did go and put a some money in his account.  He does not use it much, but we would never want him to be with out a few dollars if he needed it.  He also said in the letter, "whats a crackin lackin".  He is funny and the things he said.  We love hearing his happiness!!! Keep smiling!!!!

Willy- update

Willy is thrilled with his new area!!!  He loves it!!  Him and his companion get along well and are doing good things.  They are staying on track and doing super.  He was excited about his boxes that arrived on Thanksgiving day.  He put his Christmas box up until it is time.  He loved all the stuff that his brothers and family put together for him.  It made his day.  He is thankful for people that are willing to do pick up stuff for him, so are we it costs less to send!  Thank your for those members that are willing to help us out!!! Love to all!!!

Caroling--Pocatello Parade of lights

We were asked to be on a float for the Parade of lights.  It was fun.  We sang the whole parade route.  Rhubin was able to get out of singing, he rode in the truck with Ken.  It was good times.  There was a huge turn out. 

Willy-Transfer week

Willy has been transferred and has a new companion.  He is going back close to one of the first areas that he served in.  He is excited about the move and having a new companion.  I think with every transfer it is tough.  You have to use to a new person and new area, and a new ward, ect.  The last area was a tough one and he is excited for new companionship and same goals.  He will also be excited because there was a family traveling through that offered to stop and pick up stuff for him.  We have two boxes ready to go.  He will have one with Christmas in it....and then a box with fun crazy stuff from home to enjoy....and some treats.  I am sure that will make his day!!!  Good luck!

Willy-another update

Willy is doing OK this week.  This past week has put some tough circumstances in front of him and has had to hit them head on.  He is strong and and is able to conquer and get through those tough times.  He is greatful for the many blessings he receives from being diligent to what he is suppose to do.  He is looking forward to transfers next week and what that will bring.  He is ready for the change and to press forward.  You are in our prayers! 

Willy-update

Willy is doing great!  He is had some good things happen and is enjoying his mission.  He knows that there are changes coming and he is ready to make that change and to keep pressing forward.  As with anything you have to stay positive and remember the reason you are where you are at this time.  He is doing awesome this week!!!  Keep it up son!!

Payton is so much like his dad!

Payton needed to get the two 4 wheelers in the back yard, he is so much like his dad, he decided to tow it, He thinks like Rhubin.  He did end up getting Noah to ride and steer the back one.  He is very much like his dad!!!Can you see Rhubin doing the same thing?  YES!!!

Noah working on his car

Rhubin picked up this 1985 Buick La Sabre for $50.00  for Noah.  He has taken some pride in this car.  He is working hard on getting it ready for when he is done with his learners permit.  Only 3 weeks left!  He has cleaned it up and put new seat covers on it.  Is learning some basic mechanic skills.  Rhubin and Noah are having fun tinkering with it.  Great bonding time for them. 

Biker Babe!

For work we do a candy buy back, we collected 280 pounds of candy this year.  I went as a biker babe.  For those of you who know me.  I love to be on the motorcycle with Rhubin,  it is one of my most favorite things to do.  I love the bike!!!

Halloween at the office!!!

we were asked to dress up like cowgirls, i do have some country roots in my family
hopefully I pulled it off like a i should have.  It was fun, and yes those are real pony tails
in my hair, i am not sure i have ever had hair long enough to do that. 

Wil.ly- update

 

Elder Thomas is so handsome.  He is quite the stud!

He is doing fabulous this week.  He is staying busy and focused on what is

important.  He has such a positive attitude and tries to make the best

out of the situations he is in.  He said that he loves the area and is glad that he is there.

Keep up the good work!!!  We love you Wilster!!!

optical illusion!

When we were driving home, there was a river that looked like it was going uphill when we were driving down hill.  It was really cool to watch, we parked and went down and played by the water.  It was cool. 

checkers anyone!!!

We went to Cracker Barrell in Billings Montana, the boys were playing checkers on the big games outside.  They love checkers, this was the favorite thing to play with Great Grandpa Morrison. 

Who are you calling a DIP?

We thought this was a funny sign.  We were driving through a town in Montana.  Rhubin took a picture of us.....I think he was tired of us all in the truck with him!  We needed a break anyway!!!

Crazy Horse Memorial

Worlds Largest Mountain Carving---still in progress.  There is an Indian Museum that you can walk through and see many different things about the culture, and traditions.  It was really educational and interesting. 

Payton-Forbidden Mind!

This was Payton's favorite 3D gunslinger game we did as a family!

Mount Rushmore Cave

This was down inside the cave we took a tour of.  It was really cool.  We learned alot of interesting facts.  Awesome time at the cave!

Noah-Zombies

This was Noah's favorite 3D gunslinger game we played as a family, This is the one that made Rhuibn very nauseated!!!!!  He was not a fan of it!

Mount Rushmore!

We loved Mount Rushmore, it as really cold though.  It was nice to wander around and look at the different things they had.  The kids had more fun walking around the trails ----i think they were happy to be out of the truck. 

Mount Rushmore walk way

We went on a walk by Mount Rushmore and we loved the back ground.  All of us trying to squeeze into the picture.  Lucky that dad has long arms!

3 day mini vacation!!!!

Well you know us and we do not do things in a normal manner, so we did a mini vacation this past weekend.  We have a family friend that needed to get a trailer from North Dakota to Driggs Idaho.  Wednesday night, Rhubin went to Idaho Falls and picked up the windows to take with us, then Thursday after the kids were home from school and JoLynn got home from work, we started our venture.  We drove to Salt Lake City to pick up a  cabinet from Crown Cabinets.  Then headed towards South Dakota.  We drove all night, we drove through snow, hail, rain and many blizzards.  We got to our first spot an hour ahead of schedule, so we just got out and looked around a town.  We then went to the Crazy Horse Memorial, that was neat.  There were so many buildings and a movie to watch that told of how it came about.  Really a neat place.   Then we went to Mount Rushmore.  That was really cool also.  It was quite cold but it was neat.  Then we went to Rushmore Cave.  That was awesome.  We love caves, so it was informative, and we had a great tour guide.  At this place there was a 3D gunslinger game that you sat in these chairs and you had to shoot at different things, the chairs moved, your hair blew it was like real life.  We did two different ones, the first one was a cute coal mine ride that you had to shoot at skeletons.  Then they decided to do a Zombie one.....That was crazy, in fact, by the time it was over, Rhubin.   was ready to throw up, he ran out and hung his head over the railing.  Motion sickness must have kicked in.  The boys loved it.  We had a great tour guide that took us in the cave, it was a great and educational tour.  After that we headed to North Dakota, we got to drive thru Sturgis....(way cool).  We got to Steve in Stanley North Dakota about 9pm Friday night.  We did get to bed about 1am.  We stayed in a great hotel, it was so warm.....it was cold there.  I was amazed by all the "man camps"!  Crazy how many people are there working!  I went to a store to buy some soda, well, i grabbed 2 twelve packs.....they were $7.99 each, we did not buy any more soda there!!!  Really???? We got a good night sleep, we did not want to get up but we did, Noah and Rhubin went to Steves and then came back for me and Payton.  Then we started our journey homeward.  We ended up stopping in Billings Montana for the night.  We had a great day, and we were tired.  We went to Cabelas for about an hour and half, then we went to dinner at Cracker Barrell, then back to the hotel.  The boys went swimming, and JoLynn soaked in the hot tub!  Then it was bed time.  We slept amazing, we did not get up until almost 9 am.  Had a great breakfast at the hotel and then loaded up and headed home.  We drove through some crazy weather, the wind was awful in Bozeman Montana.  Then we hit a horrible snow storm, and the roads were scary!  After we got through it was clear and sunny, then when we hit Idaho Falls it was raining.  We were happy to be back in Pocatello.  So we drove about 2441 miles, and we were in the car about 45.30 hours. We are looking forward to sleeping in our own beds!  We had lots of fun, good memories, and  lots of laughs!

Willy - Update

Willy loves mail.  He is doing super, this was a picture that he  took and sent home.  I think he is wanting us to write more.  Please write letters to him if you have time. 
He is trying to stay motivated, sometimes companions arent as motived as the other.  He is working on his exercising so he will be better prepared when he comes home and is back in the national guard.  We love you Willy.  Keep up the good work.

Homeless Stand Down

For Noah's Eagle project he collected items for Hygiene kits to give out at the Homeless Stand down.  Today we arrived at 7am to get set up and then the event started at 8am.  There was a huge turn out.  We planned for 150 bags, we had 162.  They had over 200 people show up, we were able to round up some other items and throw stuff into some dontated insulated coolers.  It worked out perfect.  This was a good humbling experience for them. They had a great time.  Now Noah will finish his final paperwork, and we can do a Eagle court of honor!!!  Great job.

look at the plane!!!

I like this picture because we are all looking at the sky rather than the camera!!! 

NOAH-PIRATES OF THE CARIBEAN

TODAY THE MOVIE WAS PIRATES OF THE CARIBEAN!

NOAH PULLING OFF A SIMPLE JACK SPARROW!!!

NOAH-GREASE

THIS WEEK AT HIGHLAND HIGH SCHOOL IT IS HOMECOMING WEEK,

THEY ARE DOING A MOVIE A DAY, TODAY WAS GREASE....NOAH

WENT DRESSED AT JOHN TRAVOLTA!!!

WILLY-UPDATE

WILLY IS DOING GOOD!  HE IS ALITTLE HOMESICK RIGHT NOW, THIS IS HUNTING SEASON IN IDAHO.....THAT IS ONE OF HIS MOST FAVORITE THINGS TO DO WITH HIS DAD AND BROTHERS.  HE HAS HAD ALITTLE STRUGGLE, BUT IS DOING GOOD.  HIM AND HIS COMPANION ARE EAGER TO GET THINGS DONE.  HE LOVES HIS MISSION AND IS GLAD HE WENT. 

FAMILY FUN!!!

FINALLY TOOK SOME TIME TO GO AND TAKE SOME FAMILY PICTURES....FALL IS MY MOST FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR.....LOVE THE COLOR OF THE LEAVES.....FUN FAMILY PICS!!!

Brothers!!!

Hunting with these two is always a treat.....they are never serious!!!  At least they are getting along!!!

Payton is 13!!!

Happy Birthday Payton!!!He could hardly wait to get on the mountain hunting!!!

Willy-update

Willy is doing great.  He did not get transferred.  He did get a new companion.  He is a BYU football player.  He is hoping that they will help each other stay in shape.  He is doing great, staying positive.  He does miss home, (it is hunting season).  Keep up the good work!!!!

Willy - Transfer day

Today is transfer day, Willy is going to be staying in the same area, he did not know who his new companion was, he was excited about staying where he was.  He is doing super.  He said that there are times that he really misses home.  He is learning and growing every week, and has enjoyed the mission!  It was one of the best things he has done.  Keep up the good work!

JoLynn headed to surgery!

Headed to the hospital for surgery. I had two hernias on the left side of stomach/groin.  The sugery went well and now it is time to recover.  Taking it easy and resting.  Glad that it is over.  Gotta love getting old and your body falling apart!!!

Willy- update

Willy is doing great.  He loves the area he is in.  He sees lots of wildlife all the time.  He told us that his new mission president said they could skype on Christmas and Mother's day.  I am excited but then at the sametime alittle nervous.  He said that a place that they went this this past week he could see the US Border.   He was thrilled about that.  His companion is getting ready to go home this next transfer.  Keep up the good work son!!!!  You are amazing!!!

Payton making a splash!

Payton was quite the splasher!  He got pointers from "grandma" (a lady that was with us and we nick named her that).  She also loved to go through the water.  Payton and her soaked.  Good times!!!!

Noah playing in the water!

There was a creek close to our camp site, we all had a ton of fun going through the water trying to make the biggest splash and of course getting muddy and wet!!!!  Noah had a great time!

Brothers!!!

We found a man made Lean to down the creek.  The kids had a blast climbing all over the rocks, fallen trees and crossing the creek.  Being outdoors is awesome!!!

Crazy kids!!!

It was so pretty near our camp area, it is fun to see the leaves start to change colors.  I had the boys go up near some quakies, you can tell that they are not very serious...but it is a fun pictures.  They had a great time camping!  We have the best kids!!!

NOAH IS 15!!!!

THIS IS WHAT A 15 YEAR OLD LOOKS LIKE!!!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY NOAH!!!

FOR HIS BIRTHDAY HE IS TAKING THE IDAHO STARS CLASS (THAT IS FOR A MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENT)  HE WANTS TO SPORT AROUND THE SCOOTER!!!

Dairy Lake

We took a ride to Dairy Lake.  It was a fun trail, we saw about 5 head of deer, it was really pretty there.  Rhubin and Payton took Rhubins 4 wheeler through the water to a island, then we had fun skipping rocks.  Rhubin won, he got 7!!!  It was fun.  

Our 4 wheeling crew!

Here was our trail of 4 wheelers and the crew we went with.  It was alot of fun.  Lots of memories made!

Old cabins!

Where we were camping in Leadore, there was lots of run down cabins, sheds, mining spots.  This old rail track for carts was neat.  There was lots of fun stuff to check out.  We like the old stuff to go through.  The kids found some old oil cans and horse shoes. 

Cute Couple!!!

What a precious couple!!!!  We had a great weekend.  Love the outdoors! Being with family camping and 4 wheeling is the best time!!!!

Camping Weekend

We went camping with some friends over the weekend, we had a great time. There were 10 4 wheelers, and we went on some fun trails.  We had a great time as a family. Got to laugh alot and enjoy hanging out.  We did talk about Willy lots, as this is our families favorite thing to do.  We missed not having him there with us, but know that he is where he is suppose to be right now.  We will make up camping time when he gets back!!!  Good times camping, boy was it dusty!!!!











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Rock climbing

There was this huge rock in the camp site area, Rhubin and Noah were the only ones to climb it.  They are the bravest!!!  Great bonding time for the two of them!!!

Willy-AWESOME!!

Willy is doing AWESOME!!!  That is what he let us know in his letter this week.  He said things are going well and they are doing super.  Nothing special is happening at the time.  He said that he was told his release date would be July 25, 2013.  That gives us and idea of what we need to do and when to plan our vacation so that we can go and get him.  He said to continue to pray for him and he is truly blessed.  Thanks to all for your prayers!!!

Cave Falls

When we were on our family day drive, we drove to West Yellowstone and we went to Cave Falls.  It is really cool, the falls are fun to watch, you can feel the water where you stand.  We had a good time!