My Little World...

Elder Brazeau Returns With Honor!

2010-12-12T22:23:00.009-07:00

The count down has finally ended, Elder Brazeau is home!

It was fun to have an open house for Derek!

It was good to get together with friends and family and visit! Little Paxton, my grandson is at the bar, my brother Steve, Bonnie and Randy Stowe, two of my dearest friends and.... Jeanne....turn around. That's my sister in law facing the other way:) Love you sista!

It was good to see Derek reunited with his old friend....the piano;) I have truly enjoyed hearing the sound of music in our home again.

He was so happy to see some of his wonderful friend, all of which were such good examples to him. Jason and Tricia posed for a quick shot! They were the food models!

My sister Debra was here for the big day! It was so fun to get to share that with her! I want her to know how much I love her and appreciate her help! She helped keep me calm that day and shared stories of her own experience with her return missionary, Brad!

LaDawn (the mother of Teren and Tyson, below) has been such a sweetheart to us. Working for Sky West Air Line, she kept us informed how Derek's flight home was progressing. She had to inform us though that he missed his last leg to St. George which was hard for her to do but she let us know we only had to wait a couple hours for the next flight!

Tyson, Derek and Teren all served within a couple of months of each other and it was interesting that even though they didn't see each other they all served within 1000 miles of each other. They have had a lot of fun reuniting!

We gathered around the piano and sang a few hymns which I was pretty impressed with this group of people and their ability to sing:) We've got Talent!!!

LaDawn Tasia and Evie found a spot to sit and partake in some nourishment. It's so wonderful to see the love these ladies have for my son! Evie and Derek claim each other as cousins even though it is only in spirit;)

All I can say is by the end of that day, I was just plum tuckered out, emotionally and physically! I still have moments where I can't believe he is really home!!!

Mandy and her brother were always so fun to watch growing up. Like a couple of silly puppies teasing each other! It's so fun to see them together again!

You can tell we were so excited to have our Deek back!!! I'm not sure if he was feeling the same excitement as I was LOL.

Grandpa Thurston is so proud of Derek and the man he has become.

I think the thing that has given me the most joy is seeing my kids reunited as brother and sisters! I am so proud of them all and want them to know that they are the best kids a mom could ever have! I love you, Tara, Derek, Kiva and Mandy!

Love,

MOM

Kiva's Big Day St. George Marathon "2010"

2010-10-02T16:13:00.010-06:00

We had an awesome day all because of this girl! Kiva ran the St. George Marathon for the first time!

Paxton and Carson were so excited to watch their mom they passed out! These are their signs they would have held, had they have been awake!

Mandy, Austin, Cooper, Tara and I were by a mortuary awaiting her passing..... They had a sign that said "Mortuary Ahead.... Look Alive!!!!" It made a lot of runners smile!

The girls were so excited to see her they ran up the road and greeted her, then they ran with her a ways to give her encouragement!

Gum ma and Coop kept a vigilance at the corner of 300 East and 100 North, one mile away from the finish line.

Tara and Mandy were so proud of her as you can see on their faces!!! They love their sister!

We drove to the finish line just in time!

this is the final stretch. She hasn't seen us yet and is still focused.....

there we go.... we've broke her concentration....the other runner has passed her now.

She would have been 4027th but we made her be 4028th. Isn't family great!!!!

and look ..... she isn't even mad at us!

Newt was happy and proud of his beautiful wife! She didn't even look tired!
Here is the medal she received. It's engraved stone. We are so proud of her! She trained all year for this and achieved her goal. She certainly is an inspiration to me. I love you Kiva! Way to go!!!!! Love M♥M

Elder Brazeau In Oshawa Ontario

2010-08-15T22:30:00.010-06:00

Brother Hungerford was one of the Brethren that helped in the mission Derek was in when he served in the city of Oshawa. He refers to the two young men beside him as the dynamic duo.

I received some photos from brother Hungerford that I have cherished so very much. It has been hard to get pictures of Derek and so to receive these just out of the blue was so wonderful.

The young man beside Derek is Elder Dewey, Derek's companion. They were tracting in this photo to a woman by the name of Sherry, in hopes to be able to be welcomed in her home to teach her the gospel of Jesus Christ.

It was so wonderful to get these candid shots of Derek, just to have a glimpse of his day.

Derek is now a zone leader teaching other missionaries and helping them become better missionaries. It has been a very humbling experience for him because he feels he walks away from these meetings learning more than he could ever teach.

It has been so good to see that smile that I have missed so much and for those who have missed it too....

I share this with you!

April 22nd, Our Ten Year Anniversary in Seattle Washington

2010-05-07T20:17:00.012-06:00

We had so much fun exploring Seattle! It was nice to have some time to relax and spend some time together!!!

This is the Westin where we stay on the 43rd floor!

We had a fantastic view from our room ! This is Elliot Bay and down town Seattle! You can see the Space Needle to the right with the Mono Rails leading to it. Both of these were built for the 1962 Worlds Fair. Dad worked in Seattle at the time this was built. He told me when the foundation to the Space Needle was being poured, all of the concrete plants in Seattle were shut down to the public in order to facilitate the project.

David and I decided to celebrated our 10 year anniversary at the top of the Space Needle so we rode the Mono Rail there!

We had one of the most wonderful meals we have ever ate!!! Fillet Mignon and Crab, cooked to perfection. It was so yummy! The restaurant rotates at the top so we could look out over all of the city as we ate! At the end of dinner they surprised us with desert! An ice cream sunday with 2 candles:) It had dry ice at the base of the dish so it was as if it was on a cloud! It was so lovely:) Our waiter told us that the restaraunt has served that desert from the begining in 1962!

Since Seattle is know as the Emerald City, David bought me a necklace. It was a key inlaid with emerald's and diamond's. It is so beautiful! What a perfect night

This is "Pikes Market" one of the funnest places we went to. There was all kinds of wears being sold! It is huge!!!!

This was my newest bestess friend until I ran out of french fries! Oh well Say La Vie:)

This is the Metro Transit called the Sounder. It travels from Sea Tac Airport to down town Seattle above and below ground.

Who's that HOT Cowboy???? Eirr Eirr!

We got to go to the Aquarium and saw all kinds of fish and animals that live in and on get Sound.

My favorite were the sea otters!

We went to the Museum of Flight and this is the cock pit of Air force one. It flew President Kennedy and Nixon.

Hey there's that hot cowboy again!!! Nice!!!

A Little Spill At The Races

2010-04-18T19:49:00.006-06:00

David is an active member of the St. George Lions Club. One of the events they sponsor is "The Dixie Downs Horse Races". It was held on the 10th and the 17th of April. Above is a photo of the starting gate. These men in the photo load the horses for each race. That good looking Brut in the purple coat is my husband:)

These horses are green and high spirited. As they were loading one of the horses at the end of the day, David almost had the gate shut when the horse rared up and spun out of the gate. David couldn't get out of the way. The horse pushed him down and he caught a hoof on each of the back of his thighs.

Here is what was left of his jeans. I would show you a photo of the injured area but as you can see by the location it may not be appropriate;) But if you know what an Egg Plant looks like.....ya well he is a little stiff and sore and he has appreciated all of the calls from his fellow Lions, Lady Lions, friends and family! Thank you all so much for caring.

Hang Time With Auntie Mandy!

2010-04-11T09:01:00.011-06:00

Drew Allan was giving Auntie Mandy some pointers on how to shoot a little hoop!

This is Drews rendition of "Hang Time"

Cooper Roy was not much into basket ball that day but was more interested in what was growing in gummas garden.

Drew joined in helping water the flowers, the plants and...himself! YEA!!!!

These were some photo's I took of our front yard last fall. It was raining that morning and the colors from the Bradford tree were so pretty.

As you can see by the fountain it was a little bit chilly out this particular morning but the goldfish in the water "Fillet" survived yet another winter!

Auntie Alideans Visit!

2010-03-17T22:39:00.005-06:00

We were so glad to see aunt Alidean and her family! She is far right and pretty in pink:) To her right Judy, Kay and their boy Tony!

Aunt Alidean and I have kept in touch over the years. She is my 1st husband, Jon's aunt, on his mothers side. That would be grandma Bernie Brazeaus sister!

We wanted to get some family pictures of the kids with her. She is the closest person that they have to a grand parent on their dad's side. Their grandma Bernie passed in 1990 and their grandpa Ronnie passed in 1979. In this photo, Mandy, her husband Robert and their son Cooper pose to capture the moment:)

She got to spend some time with all of the grand kids! This is Carson Ramsay getting some dinner.

Here is a close up of what he looks like normally! Those lips are so kissable!

And here is Kiva, Paxton and Carson with their auntie Alidean. The whole family was there except for Newt! He had to work.

Paxton is cheesing it up for the camera here!

and Drew Robertson is just a a blur on the run!

Tara, Drews mommy, is on the far right and her other two boy's are such a blur they were not in any of my pictures.

Thank you Auntie Alidean for making such a great effort to come all the way to see us! We love you!

Our Big Day at Primary Childrens Hospital

2010-03-08T11:07:00.003-07:00

Riley Robertson!

Riley is such a special kid. I call him our special delivery. He was born with a heart that wasn't quite right. He has had to have multiple surgeries to correct what is wrong with it and is preparing for another.

Some of us were able to go up to Primary's with Tara and her boy's to help out

Mandy enjoyed being a part of that! Her and Riley are very close and he was glad she was there for support!

Cooper brought his lap top to keep friends and family posted on the situation;)

Drew helped Guma get a good work out that day running up and down the hall way's. We had fun looking at all the pictures that have been drawn by the little children!

This one was done by an 11 year old little girl.

and this one was 6 year old little boy. It is just amazing what these kids can do!

Kade wanted to write to his uncle Derek while he was waiting for his brother to get out of surgery.

At the end of the day everyone was a little tired but all smiles because we had our Riley back!

This procedure was to see what condition his heart was in and when to prepare for his next open heart surgery. We have always been told that it would more than likely be when he was seven years old and this is that magical year. We hope and pray that they can reconstruct his little heart to function and beat just as well as all of the love that pours out of his life to ours.

We love you Riley:)

My son is looking a little crazy

2010-02-15T22:27:00.006-07:00

I just thought this looked like the crazy son I know! I love him:)

This is Mo Mo with Derek! They look like they were having fun.

Three sisters in the church with Derek and his companion Elder Wagne who was his first companion in the MTC

Elder Brazeaus P day!

2010-02-06T23:23:00.000-07:00

Derek had fun going to the CN tower! Here is a shot looking up at it from the ground. This tower is the tallest structure in the world at the height of 1815 feet. It was built in 1975 for communication. CN stands for Canadian National.

This is one of lake Ontario and a sail boat coming into port.

Derek looks a little nervous laying on a clear floor that looks down to the ground in the CN Tower

Derek has spoke so highly of Gu Ma Ma! She helps with investigators. I have to laugh at how tall he is compaired to those in the picture! I think they were thinking the same thing!

Golfing on "The Ledge!"

2010-01-20T21:37:00.004-07:00

Kiva Newt and I had so much fun playing at the Ledges Golf Course!

Note where Kiva's ball is! :) That was a long sand shot! LOL

If your wondering what I have in my hand it is the left overs of my driver! Newt wanted to try hitting with mine. Well he had one of the coolest drives I have ever seen! not only did he tag the ball down the fairway but the head of the club wound up going almost as far!

I had him pose with the trophy club and as a side note I just want to say, it was an old club!

PS, Don't mind the weirdo in the back ground. She doesn't get out very much. We forgot to give her, her medicine

WOW! What form.....too bad I didn't hit the ball! LOL. Hey I've never noticed how bent my left arm is on my back swing! bad girl! No wonder I can't hit it!

Newt really gets the ball down the fairway! He's such a good golfer and a lot of fun to go with!

Here is my favorite part of golfing! I got to see my grand son Paxton!

In a Cupboard, Forgotten, Was a Type Writer

2009-12-29T10:28:00.000-07:00

Derek has been a faithful shopper at the D.I.! We have all enjoyed watching him bring home treasures that he has found at basement bargain prices! Well....

Mandy and I made a long forgotten discovery a few weekends ago. We were looking through a cupboard of his and much to our surprise we found this old type writer he bought there! We drug it out and were so surprised to discover, it still worked!

We had a brilliant idea! Lets write to Elder Brazeau using this old typewriter! So we did! In fact all his sisters put a few lines to the page!

It was so funny to watch all the girls, who I might add, are very fluent in their computer skills, had some what of a difficult time just getting the hammer to strike the page!

At one point Mandy wanted to have the page return to the next line. She said "Mom? Where is the enter on this?" I chuckled and took hold of the arm on the reel and pushed it over to the other side. We laughed as she said" Really? shut! up! Your kidding!" I said "No I'm not kidding!" And then I showed her how to make an exclamation point. It was an apostrophe then I backspaced and put a period under it! We laughed some more.

Each of the girls and I had fun typing on Derek's old type writer! We laughed and reminisced about what fun memories we have had with him!

A Little about Elder Brazeau and his little world!

2009-12-22T21:38:00.000-07:00

This is the church Elder Brazeau teaches free English classes as you can see the sign to the right in the picture above!

This is his apartment that he lives in. His door is on the right hand side. He said that he really loves it there and will hate to move out of it. They had another transfer but Derek stayed put and his companion Elder Chan transfered to a new area. But the thing thats neat is that he is back with Elder Mitchel!

I thought I would put a couple of cutie pies on here that are Derek's friends Evie and Heather! This was at Dallin Cox's farewell.

Riley in the 1st grade teaching how to make "The Basic Dart Airplane"

2009-11-24T19:16:00.000-07:00

Step one

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Splishin and a Splashin

2009-11-13T11:12:00.000-07:00

Over the river and through the woods

2009-11-13T10:53:00.000-07:00

To Grandmothers house we go!

I was so excited to see the kids! They came down for Brother Stirlings Funeral. Mandy and Cooper stayed the weekend with us but poor Rob had to go back for work. I wish he could have stayed too:( We watched the movie "Up" which I, by the way rated a 10! Soooo funny! Aunties and Cousins came to enjoy our travelers too!

Cooper enjoyed a bath with a new little friend.
Whats that?
You don't see any one with him?

Here's a better view! Ribbit ;P

The 75th St. George Lions Dixie Round Up!

2009-10-07T14:39:00.000-06:00

Jessica, I just had to show you off! Your an inspiration to me lady! By the way she wore her helmet and her hair still looked terrific!

Lori had fun trying to keep up with all the little people walking by in the childrens parade!

Katie and Kelly pose for a snap on pink night. Good luck Kelly. Our prayers are with you!

Wayne still looks pretty tough in his pink hat!

Joann Bill and Jim look pretty happy to be working together!

Rowdy Mary and Kathleen are such cuties! Yea for the hot dog ladies!

Wulfs looking good, ready for the parade. Eer eer!

Pete is sitting pretty tall in the saddle as well!

Marilla and Gina, just 2 of the many wonderful women we have! You ladies are awesome

Maurine stands a foot shorter than Calob but shows she's just as big of a part selling for pink night!

Here is Jill in the wind storm Saturday night still looking just gorgeous

and Nichole as well! She can look beautiful and still take care of business!

Joanne, Michon Jonette and Tara are all cheesing it up. I think sales were up for nachos because of these beauties!

Cindy and Misty stop for a quick photo and then back to work! Welcome to the club Misty!

Cindy Margaret Anne and Neica all got the job done making hot dogs iresistable

Deana was going so fast I couldn't get my camera to take the picture in time! You go girl!

Here is one that just makes you proud to be a Lion and Lady Lion and to live in the greatest country in this world!

God bless you all for the service you do for others!

Elder Lan Fei Long (Blue Flying Dragon) (Derek)

2009-09-07T12:22:00.000-06:00

I was so excited we received a package from

Elder Brazeau!

We received some pictures from him so I wanted to share them with you!

He is allowed to go to the temple on their preparation day every so often. He really enjoys being able to do that!

This is a picture of Paul Cui on his baptism day far right to the left Elder May, Elder Wayne, Gu Ma Ma and Elder Brazeau.

Gu Ma Ma is a very special person in Derek's life. He speaks so highly of her. She is kind of a Mom to these boys while they are so far from home! Gu means Turtle in Mandarin Chinese. In this picture Derek wanted us to see the little beaded turtles she makes :) Thus the name Gu Ma Ma

This is one of there P Days they went sight seeing!

This is one of 3 China towns in Toronto. Derek picked up some fun things while he was there to send to the family. Of course chop sticks for all of us were one of them!

Here him and his fellow and sister missionaries are at a sushi bar! He said he really likes sushi now! who'd of thunk that! :P

This is the CN Tower in Toronto. It is the tallest man made structure in the world. It was made for communication purposes.

This he calls the St. George Crew. Sister Davis, Elder Brazeau and Elder Bennion

I'm not sure if the scale is right in this one of if they made Elder Smith squat down. Elder Rawson, Elder Smith and Elder Brazeau

I think Elder Smith is a good sport! I call this one "Order Up!"

Silly boy's

Carson Jon Ramsay has arrived!

2009-09-02T22:22:00.000-06:00

September 2nd 2009 (9/2/9) I thought Kiva was going to have him at 9 minutes 2 9:00 but it was 8:45 am!

What a doll! He is such a cute baby! Kiva did such a great job delivering him. I'm so proud of her! I think Newt has another little mini replica! See if you can guess which is Paxton and which is Carson.........

Ding Ding Ding!

Your right if you said this one is Carson....

and this one is Paxton!

He weighed 6lbs 15oz. and measured 19 inches long.

He has blond hair.......

beautiful lips.....

Smurfy little blue hands........

and 2 feet.......................

with webbed toes like grandma, mommy, Auntie Tara and Uncle Deek!

He has a very proud auntie Tara.......

who has lots of kisses for Carson

and a brother that's a little confused!

Paxton "thought I was getting a basketball!"

He is a little bundle of joy for grandma and grandpa wuff!

xoxoxo

We're so grateful for such a beautiful healthy little grandson! Heavenly Father has blessed us with Carson!

Mandy's Birthday Party!

2009-09-01T21:34:00.000-06:00

It was Mandy's 22nd birthday August 28th! We all stayed over night in Mesquite, everyone that is but the husbands! We only had one single man to accompany us on this excursion.....

Yes that's right. Our little stud, Cooper Roy!

Daddy came down but couldn't hang with the ladies for very long so he turned it over to his best buddy and number 1 man.

We knew Mandy would need new school supplies, going to SUU,so we bought her a back pack to carry all her coloring books and crayons to school! Yes!........she was very excited!

These are her beautiful sisters, Kiva and Tara!

The Robertson Boy's

2009-08-16T22:42:00.000-06:00

Riley and Kade pose for the start of school. Riley is in 1st grade and Kade is in preschool and on a little side note both of the boy's will have gone to the very same pre school their mommy, Tara went to when she was as big as them!

and while his big brothers are all off to school, Drew is enjoying his freedom!

Camping at "Yellow Jacket"

2009-07-09T11:43:00.000-06:00

Our grandsons, left to right. Paxton 1 1/2 Kade 5 Riley almost 7 and Drew working on the first:)

We had so much fun with Kiva and Taras families! We went to some property of Lucas's family called Yellow Jacket. It isn't too far from Coral Pink Sand Dunes" in this photo Kade left and Riley paused long enough to capture this photo in the Ramsays field!

Grandpa David playing kick ball with Paxton!

David is holding Paxton while we were hiking up a very steep hill! We got a good workout!

Here is Newt with his little buddie Paxton. Looks like Paxton had an easy hike but when we got back to camp.......

Paxton really loves moving rocks as he sing "TEAMWORK" off of the childrens show "Wonder Pets"! He fell down more than trees being logged! He was tough though, didn't cry just got up, grabbed hold of his truck and sang some more....WHATS GONNA WOWK TEAM WOWK!

This is Taras family....Alex, Riley and Kade.....Drew Allen is with his auntie Kiva. In the back ground you can see the Ramsays land. It is so beautiful!

Pictures of our grand children

2009-06-18T20:14:00.000-06:00

It was so hard to get them all sitting and looking at the camera but I cropped out some that were so cute

Paezlee and Drew trying to have a little chat

Drew Allen looking cute as ever

Paxton looking so inocent....dont let him fool you too!

"Drew" I'm so good I can hold yours and mine both

our little Miss P! Paezlee Dawn

And her pretty mommy Whitnee

My little Charmer Kade! He's got me wrapped around his finger:)

My flower Mandilynn with her little man Cooper Roy!

Dad's 78th Birthday Party, May 24th 2009

2009-05-28T11:41:00.001-06:00

We had fun celebrating Dad's birthday. We all met at the St. George Main Street Park for a little KFC and birthday cake.

This is a family shot of all of us who could come. We missed everyone that didn't make it but understand how busy life can be. Top row left to right, Chris, Robert, (me)Lorrie, Kiva and Mandy. Second row, Steve, Debbie, Dad, Trinity, Ruth (Dad's Wife) and David. Bottom row is Jeanne (Steve's wife) holding Cooper, Casson and last but not least little Paxton!

This is all of us kids with Daddy! Top left clockwise Steve, me, Dad and Debbie!

It was so neat our sister Debbie could make it. It was her surprise gift to dad. This is a silly picture of us in the fountain:) Love you Sissy!

Here dad is holding his great grand daughter Trinity Chris's daughter! She is such a cute little girl and was the life of the party

She gave Paxton some finer points on running through the splash pad!

Auntie Lorrie too!

This is my hansom nephew Casson.

and this is my other hansom nephew Chris! We sandwiched him good!

This is my sister in law Jeanne holding Cooper.

We'll always have a little teasing when ever the three of us are together! I love you Booby and Tay Tay:)

Jake's Graduation May 21st 2009

2009-05-28T11:12:00.001-06:00

We were so excited to attend Jake's graduation in Cedar City. We want him to know that we are very proud of him in this accomplishment!

This is a picture of him with his Dad David

This is a picture of him with his cute sister's! On the left is Whitnee and on the right is Sami!

His step sister Kiva and her husband Lucas and nephew Cooper, (Mandy's son) are in on the big day too!

From left to right Kiva, Cooper, step sister Mandy and Kiva's son Paxton got to have a picture with the man of the hour!

Pony express for Elder Brazeau

2009-05-14T23:21:00.000-06:00

Mothers Day!! A call from my boy!!!

2009-05-14T14:42:00.000-06:00

What a wonderful day it was! I was so excited to spend time with my kids.

I missed my oldest Tara but I know she would have rather been here with her mom than at work any day! This is a picture her sweet husband sent to me.

Her and Drew where resting before she had to go to work one evening. What a wonderful mom she is. I'm so proud of her and her hard work that she does for her 4 boys!

Clock wise Alex their cute daddy, Drew, Riley and Kade. PS in the background is little Paxton!

I just answered Derek's phone call from Toronto Canada:P Yes I cried when I heard his voice:0 It's mothers day and I can cry if I want to!

Kiva on speaker phone with her brother and Paxton getting rid of the sock he didn't like. She is such a cute mother to her boy and we are so excited that she will be having our 6th grandson in September! Her husband Lucas, my other wonderful son, was spending time with his family in Tropic. We missed sharing this time with him but are glad he was with his loved ones.

This is Mandy and her newborn son Cooper Roy who is 2 months old. He will be one and a half when uncle Derek gets home and gets to meet Cooper for the first time. It has been so fun having Robert and her living here in our home with David and I. I have really enjoyed watching these young ones begin to raise a young one of their own! I love every moment I get to rock Cooper and discuse the days events! My sweet grandson Riley is also in this picture! He will be 8 when his uncle gets home.

Maybe Derek will have another baptism!

And this is Mandy's Husband and my other wonderful son Robert and his little man Cooper Roy

Even Drew was excited to get a hold of the phone! He will be 2 when uncle Deek comes home!

We were all so excited to get a call from Derek! He is aloud a call at mothers day and one at Christmas so we truly cherished every second he was on the line! He sounded very happy and healthy although grandma asked if he was getting enough to eat and it sounds like he may be loosing a little weight, but I'm pretty sure it's only because he is so busy:P He is loving the work and has had challenges but seems to press forward keeping his head high!

He bore his testimony to us along with Tara on a conference call.

It was truly a most touching moment in my life

to have all my family gathered around me along with my mother.

It is one that I pray I never forget.

I love all of my children and ask God to please bless

each one with love and peace through out their lives!

Thank you kids for such a wonderful day,

Love mom

Mo Mo is Baptised May 3rd 2009

2009-05-14T13:51:00.000-06:00

May 3rd was a wonderful day for Elder Brazeau. It was his first baptism that he helped convert. Her name is Mo Mo and she is from Beijing. He is so excited to have the opportunity to do this work for Heavenly Father! He has another young man named Paul that is interested in the gospel but has had some problems with his mother's acceptance. He has decided to go through with it and trust in the Lord. We hope and pray that his mother will soften her heart towards the Gospel of Jesus Christ and except her son as a member.

I am grateful for the example that Derek sets for me in the sacrifice he has made to serve the Lord. It is humbling to know that he is Heavenly Fathers messenger. I know the Lord loves and watches over him and blesses us all for the service he gives.

Best In Show! Way to go Jake!

2009-04-27T21:47:00.000-06:00

David Paxton and I were invited to go to an art show Jake had some entries in! We are so excited and proud of him. He won Best In Show along with $75.00! I really wasn't surprised because he has always impressed me with his work! He really enjoys it so much I'm sure he would never call it work!

This blue tea pot was the prize winning piece!

This is another piece he entered that I just fell in love with:)
We went to dinner with Jakes family. This is a picture of his sisterWhitnee ( she is so pretty) and our cute little grand daughter and Jakes niece, Paezlee
Here's Paxton! Him and Paezlee got a picture together at Wingers!

Two Sisters Reunion plus Dad!

2009-04-24T22:32:00.000-06:00

Debbie and I are so lucky we have such great kids that made such a great effort to all get together in Phoenix!

My Most Awsome Siser with her newest little nephew Cooper Roy! Just getting to know eachother:P

Cooper Roy and Paxton Lucas....Are we having fun yet?

What is wrong with this baby? Is it broke? Whatever it is, I didn't do it!

C C I think likes her cousin Riley! All the little girls seemed to enjoy teasing him and Kade.

Kiva was wanting to play in Mc Donald Play Place and so she totally used Drew to gain access to the fun!

2009-04-24T21:21:00.000-06:00

My sister Debbie and I were so fortunate to have the opportunity to have both of our families get together down in Phoenix in April! All of our kids were able to make it except for her daughter Haley and grand daughter Madison and my Derek. To be able to have so many of our kids together at once was incredible! Thank you kids for making that extra effort to come celebrate Easter with your aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, brother and sister in laws, brothers and sisters and we can't forget the greatest man in our life, Dad ! He put a cherry on top of all this, Dad was able to make it to the outing and see his posterity! We all had a blast!

Here is Dad with my sisters grand daughter CC

It was Tara's Birthday the 13th so we went for Pizza! This is the whole crowd (I think)

Here is Alex and the boys being nuts! Brad's daughter Emma is the red head in front. This was at my nieces house Amy and her husband David.

Riley wanted to ride back with grandma after one of our big day's spending time with the whole crew! He was plum tuckered out! I love this boy!

Here is Drew bear my little angel!

This is my sweet father Allan. He is sitting with his great and my grand son Kade! They sat in the back yard of my Nephew Brent and his wife Jeanett's house and had a little man to man talk:) We really enjoyed staying with Brent's family. They were so kind to let us stay there

Amy, my beautiful niece is holding my darling grandson Drew Allen at the end of a wonderful day! She is the Mommy to Addelyn

Emily and my nephew Brad dropped a bombshell! They announce they are having twins, a boy and a girl! Yippee!

Riley and Kade got in trouble so cousin Addelyn gave some moral support!

2009-04-05T23:25:00.000-06:00

Elder Brazeau is doing really well. His spirits are high in spite of some negative responce he has had while out serving the Lord. He says "Sometimes it is hard to keep my head up, but then I remember who called me to be a missionary and I know I'm where I'm suposed to be.

He knows how much I love birds and so this one made me laugh!

This is the CN Building known to be the tallest building in the world. When Elder Brazeau took this picture he told me that it was funny because every thing he looks at reminds him of something in the scriptures. This is the tower of Bable!

These are the missionaries in Elder Brazeaus Zone.

I am so greatful to have such a wonderful son in my life. I thank my Heavenly Father for blessing me with Derek

Target Practicing With Newt!

2009-04-05T22:08:00.000-06:00

Lucas also known a Newt took us on an adventure. He needed to sight in his new bow he bought! I'll tell you this kid can shoot! He can hit a target that is 30X 30 from a distance of 70 feet away! Just amazing

You can see my daughter Kiva is very proud of him!

It takes so much strenth to pull back on the bow, I thought I would show off his guns!

Grandmas sleep over

2009-04-05T20:27:00.000-06:00

Riley is holding his new little cousin Cooper Roy. He loves Cooper so much. Even though he wants his mommy Rye still has a smile on his face, enjoying this new little life that our family has blessed with.

Tara and Alex were so happy to get away for their 9th Annivesary. They went to Las Vegas to the Monster Truck Rally. They had a blast!
Drew was so excited to see mommy and daddy come home but not as excited as he was to see their phones!

Pictures, buttons, sounds, what cool toys. We don't want to say how many phone's the Robertsons have went through though

This is my little charmer Kade. He played so hard he just plum gave up!

Paxton came over to see what all the fun was about. Uncle Alex or Al as Tara calls him gave him a sqwug. Thats a squeeze and a hug all in one! Al's good at those!

Elder Derek James Brazeau

2009-03-14T22:01:00.000-06:00

I received a letter from Derek and also some pictures! He told us that he was doing good. He is excited and happy to be serving his Heavenly Father. He has been very busy!

Him and his companion Elder Watson have 13 investigators and 11 inactive members that they have been teaching.

He has one older lady, Ding Chuen Yan who is a non member that has been investigating the church for 7 years! She loves to come learn English from the missionaries and it sounds like Derek is also teaching her piano! He is a little confused about this one but I think it makes her feel happy to be around these missionaries because they are so enthusiastic towards the gospel. She just doesn't understand why!
They are also teaching the Lin family who are ready to be baptised and are waiting for a date to be set.

There was a lady named Zhou Yan that called for a free Bible and so Derek and his companion showed up the same day she asked for it which he said was "pretty cool!" They gave her the Bible and they are going to give her a Book of Mormon soon. She is very excited to learn!

Derek is staying warm for the most part. He loves his mission and has learn so much from this experience.

Derek was able to go to a car show not too long ago. I hope he doesn't put the top on.

This is the same as my last name. Thurston!

I had to look twice....I thought this was my work but a closer look reveils that it must be in Toronto Canada. How do I know? Our customers wear short all year long:)

Cooper Roy Fielding is here

2009-03-14T21:08:00.000-06:00

I am so excited to announce that I have a new grandson that has just recently delivered to my little world. His name is Cooper Roy Fielding born Monday, March 9th at 3:29 pm. My daughter, Mandy is doing really well and so is the proud father, Robert! They are so cute with their little bundle of joy. I must say that he is a beautiful baby:) I love to hold him and give him kisses!

Riley and Kade were sure excited to see thier new little cousin! Robert is burping Cooper in the last picture. You can get a good look at his cute little legs!

Mr & Mrs Robert Fielding

2009-03-06T10:59:00.000-07:00

This last year we had such a wonderful addition to our family. Mandy was married to Robert Allen Fielding May 24th in the St. George Temple! It was such a wonderful experience to see these kids marry and start their new life together! We absolutely love Robert and his family. They are such good people. We are so blessed to have this sweet couple in our lives!

First Day in Toronto Canada

2009-02-26T20:16:00.001-07:00

It was so nice to hear from Brother and Sister Eyre. They let us know that Elder Brazeau was received at the air port and that he was in good spirits, ready to get to work as a representative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The young man to the far right is Dereks Companion, Elder Watson. President Eyre said that this young man will be a real positive infulence for Elder Brazeau which is very important when they are first starting out. I was so glad to hear from them and to have that moment captured on film. I can tell that Derek looks very happy!

Elder Derek James Brazeau

2009-02-26T20:04:00.001-07:00

This is my youngest and only son. He is presently serving in the Canada Toronto East mission and is doing very well. This is a picture of him in the MTC with the Elder Wagne his first Companion he trained with and who was going to the same area. Derek stayed for almost 3 weeks to learn Mandarin Chinese. It was hard for him to see his friend come and go (eight total) while he stayed behind to continue his language. He really has only been out on his mission preaching the gospel since Jan 13 2009. The view of the Provo Temple from the MTC
There is where he is going!! :)

Lucas Paxton and Kiva

2009-02-26T19:38:00.000-07:00

This is my middle daughter, Kiva and her family Lucas (Newt) and Paxton who is one year old. I love this family portrait of them and wanted to post it on my blog. They are expecting their second baby in September and we are all excited! Except for the morning sickness things are going very well! By the way Kiva and Lucas are celebrating there 4th wedding anniversary march 25th.

These photos were taken up near Bryce Canyon
"Stop your so annoying!"(he he)

Eagle Scout Derek Brazeau

2009-02-26T19:08:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of Derek. After much hard work from not only him but friends and family, he was able to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout September 12 2007. For his Eagle project he made a miniature Basket ball court for the little people of Sandstone Elementary.

What a great learning experience that was for not only him but for our whole family. We had no idea how hard it was to reach Eagle. Our respect for him and others who have obtained their Eagles have truly soared while watching this great accomplishment. They say only 2 out of 100 make Eagle scout. I can see why! I know it was hard for him.

At one point he wanted to give up, it was so hard. He had already attempted an Eagle project the year before that involved 63 hours of his time but fell on its face. I understood his disappointment but I told him, "If you give up now, all of the work that your scout leaders have done to help you up to this point will be lost. Do it out of respect for them" And he did. I am so proud of Derek for truly going that 2nd mile to earn his rank of Eagle Scout. He has truly earned the right to now soar with those other Eagles that have set the examples to other

Boy Scouts of America!

This is the plaque that is inlayed in the concrete next to the basketball standard...
They poured the concrete...

From Left to Right: Brother Skousen, Ryan Zabriskie, Max and Mic Henderson, Brother Zabriskie, Lucas Ramsay, Brother Henderson, and Derek

Kade helped too :) OOPS

They removed the grass by hand...
The sight at Sandstone Elementary where Derek selected his Eagle Scout Project.

This is the day he passed off his Eagle

September 12, 2007

My Sweetheart David

2009-02-26T18:58:00.000-07:00

David was elected the St. George Lions President in spring of "07" to spring of "08". He was blessed with a great group of men 100+ strong that believe in the Lions motto; "We Serve so Others May See"
Through out the year, I was able to watch him in this position of leadership, stand as a humble servant to these fellow Lion members. He up held his place with such respect and dignity, always diplomatic in making decision after weighing out all variable and listening to those involved. It was amazing to see up close, the countless hours that these men contributed to the community donating to many in need, giving a helping hand and donating to worthy causes.

I am very proud of David and this great cause that he puts forth so much time and effort. Service is not just something he talks about doing. It is the driving force in his life. He is a man of few words, but his actions speak loud and clear. Service is his example. Git R Done!

St. George Lions President David Wulfenstein and sidekick Kade
Kade watching his grandpa ride the rodeo

A Tribute to the people in my little world

2009-02-15T22:26:00.000-07:00

To start with, I am happy to say I am married to a wonderful man. He is my cowboy, boyfriend, and the love of my life. I am so lucky to have some one with the wonderful qualities and standards that my David has. To say the very least, he is a man of principal, the only thing we have when our journey is ended in this life. He has been a great example to me of quiet strength and humbled service to all he knows. He has a presence of John Wayne walking in the door yet he shows tender love and quiet gratitude to those close to him. I am truly grateful he found me.

I am also grateful for his 4 wonderful children whom he is sealed to in the temple of the Lord for time and all eternity. Also for their acceptance and love of me and mine!

I am a mother of four, three daughters and one son, all of which are grown and gone but only from my home. They will always dwell in my heart.

While our daughters have been gone though, they have collected additions to our little world which have made it that much brighter. We have four son in laws that have such wonderful qualities. They truly accent our precious daughters and contribute so much to our lives. We love our boys and I'm thankful for the happiness they have brought with them.

Now because we have had these fine young men added to our little world, David and I are happy grand parents of 4 grandsons 1 grand daughter with 2 more on the way! I know now that Heavenly Father knew that we needed these grandbabies. After the brutal years of having teenagers, joy, love, happiness and sheer pride replaces years of desperation, frustration and confusion:)

David and I have 3 boys’ that have not yet added a better half to their lives but we really don't mind that, they have other thing they need to finish before all of that! Well accept for Chance. Any time now is good sweetie:)