The Neuman News

Caroling Day

2009-12-08T17:57:00.000-08:00

On Saturday Dad hooked up the horses and wagon again for caroling rides around Cheryle's neighborhood. We have done this for several years now, but we missed last year due to rain. It was so fun to have family and friends together for this celebration.

Jessica, Anna and Grace
Silly Grace

Anna and her boyfriend Tyler. He is great! So is she!

Sandi and her grandkids!

Ready for caroling

Pop and Amanda

Pop and my cousin Stephanie and her kids, Olivia, Catherine and Luke. We missed Joseph!

Will playing in the flower beds

Jake and Ronan

Uncle Kenny, Olivia and Luke

My mom and aunties

Ally

Aaron sporting a super cool hat!

This was an especially fun day filled with laughter and family and friends. Actually it was an especially wonderful five days at home. Thanks Dad, Cheryle, Amanda and Matt for all your hard work that made it happen. Can't wait to be home for Christmas soon!!!

Parade Day

2009-12-08T17:16:00.000-08:00

Will was happy to wake up to his new friend George

Amanda making the signs for the parade

Aaron just being his cute self!

Aaron with his godmothers Gracie and Anna

Only a Granny would let a toddler stir the hot chocolate...

and drink it from the spoon! Lucky baby!

Pop, Will and Joe get the horses going

My sister-in-law, Liz and niece Danielle riding in the wagon

My sister Kim holding Aaron who is all cowboyed up for the parade!

My nephew and godson, Phillip

Sam, Alex and Jake. They were supposed to be waving those candy canes and saying Merry Christmas, but they immediately turned them into swords! Sigh... My sister, Cheryle and cousin, Keith

Cheryle got cleanup duty.

Everyone on the wagon that Cheryle and Amanda decorated so cute!

Amanda, Kim and Aaron, who had had enough fun!

The wagon going under the TV lights. The kids were so excited to see themselves on tv! At the rear are Amanda and Cheryle carrying the "poop wagon". We thought we had a great system of tying the little wagon to the big wagon to put the horse poop in--but when Dad left Cheryle standing holding a shovel of poo literally, Amanda decided to pull the wagon for her. It was ok though, the crowd cheered Cheryle as she ran to catch up to us carrying her poop shovel! Jake putting away the jingle bells after a night of fun!

Surprise!

2009-12-08T14:50:00.000-08:00

We flew home to Bakersfield December 2nd to surprise my dad. He was putting his draft horses and wagon in the Christmas parade, but was wishing his little grandsons could ride along in the parade. So as his Christmas present, my sister sent airline tickets for us to all come home and surprise him. Only dad surprised us! He showed up at Cheryle's door about 45 minutes after we arrived. Oh well! It all worked out and we still surprised him. Plus we got one extra day to spend with him! Jake and Will sitting on the wagon while Pop ties it down.
Will helping Pop work. This little boy loves his grandfathers! Both Oompa (John's Dad) and Pop are his favorite people. He was very excited to work and kept saying, "Pop, boots, hat, work!"
Aaron in his wagon.

Will pulling Aaron

Pockets!

2009-11-29T18:21:00.000-08:00

Will discovered that his pants had pockets. Boy was he impressed with this seemingly minor detail! Then Grandma showed him that you can keep money in your pockets. Wow! He couldn't stop saying, "Money! Money! Pockets!" Yesterday morning he woke up at 5 am and I put him in bed between John and me hoping he would fall asleep. He just kept chattering away, until I said, "Will, I'll give you a dollar if you go back to sleep." He said, "Dollar? Money? Okaaaaay!" It's great to have a way to bribe him. Thanks Grandma!

Thanksgiving Weekend

2009-11-29T17:55:00.000-08:00

Our family shared a perfect Thanksgiving weekend with John's parents and our nephew, Lawrence. The Thanksgiving feast was great, and it was wonderful to reflect together on how much we have to be grateful for, especially for the time to be together. John reads to us from the Bible

Prayers of gratitude Saturday we got ready for the start of Advent on Sunday by decorating our tree. Lawrence helped John get the star on the top.
The boys enjoyed hot chocolate by the fire and watched the snow fall outside. This morning we awoke to a peaceful white world--until the boys ran outside for a snowball fight! It was a perfect weekend and a beautiful start to Advent.

Stuffing Day!

2009-11-25T19:03:00.000-08:00

In case anyone may have forgotten from last year, Stuffing Making Day is my FAVORITE day of the year! When I was little all the women got together on the night before Thanksgiving and made my godmother's Portuguese stuffing. I remember those days full of cooking, laughing and togetherness and my heart is full. Last year was the first year that I had no female family members to make stuffing with, so I enlisted the help of my men. It was so successful that we did it again this year and they were tons of help! The big news is that for the first time we did not make Aunt Betty's Portuguese Stuffing, instead we made this recipe http://http//thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/11/stuffing_dressing_my_favorite_thanksgiving_food/

and boy is it delicious! I feel like I am betraying my godmother, but I 'm going to have to say, it's the best stuffing ever! Can't wait to eat it on Turkey Day! Sam chops the rosemary

Jake chops the onions and celery

Will has his first sip of sparkling cider...yum!

Two little turkeys browning the onions

What a goofy boy!

John made Sam laugh so hard he blew his sparkling cider out his nose!

This is where we post our blessings as we think of them throughout November.

It is good to be reminded of how abundant they are.

Bedtime stories read by big brother. What could be sweeter?

Jake's Big Day

2009-11-20T14:42:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday we went to the American Heritage Festival in Phoenix to celebrate Jake's birthday. He counted down the days to this event and it did not disappoint. They had re-enactors from the Revolutionary War through Vietnam and they held battles from the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. There were also interactive exhibits from many different historical periods. Jake was in his element! Needless to say, we left the festival with the necessary paperwork for Jake to become a re-enactor. The problem is what era...last week he only cared about the Civil War...this weekend he is focused on WWII again!

Will loved the canons...he didn't even want the ear protection!

Jake and President Lincoln

Mr. Lincoln gave will a copy of his portrait...on a penny. We didn't have the heart to tell the President that it's not okay for babies to have pennies.

Jake questions this Revolutionary War soldier about his flintlock rifle.

This family was too cute. The little girl playing with her corn husk doll was darling!

This little Confederate Soldier melted my heart.

And girls in sun bonnets...texting the old fashioned way.

I'm dying with all these cute kids. I guess it will be fun to see my boys in these little get ups as well!

Our Fifteen Minutes of Fame

2009-11-13T10:39:00.000-08:00

Here is the video clip of the Arizona Highways TV show we were on. I'll just say it now, I look awful! Ugh! We had been hiking, so I have no makeup, my hair is awful--and of course I end up on TV! But John and the kids look cute and Lockett Meadow is gorgeous!

Unfortunately, they cut the scene I told you about earlier where Sam was waving his bayonett. I can't imagine why! So if you have an extra three minutes check it out:

http://www.azcentral.com/video/#/Arizona+Autumn/49825689001

Friends

2009-11-13T09:44:00.000-08:00

Last weekend our friends Connie and Julia visited from Virginia. Connie founded and heads up Angioma Alliance. Connie's daughter, Julia, has had four brain surgeries, just like Sam. They have only had three opportunities to visit with eachother, but Sam and Julia definitely have a connection. It's good that they have a friend who can understand, even if they choose not to talk about their illness and just play pretend or video games. Just like kids should!

Jake is 12!!

2009-11-13T09:37:00.000-08:00

Jake turned twelve November 7th. He is changing so much--where has our funny baby gone? He is growing into a funny, caring and smart young man. We can't wait to see what comes next with Jake, he always keeps us on our toes! He requested a Civil War cake two days before his birthday. This was the best I could do on short notice!
He was off to play with his friends and wouldn't even hold still so I could get a picture in front of this beautiful sunset. Kids...don't they know what's important?

Halloween

2009-11-13T06:21:00.000-08:00

Here are Jake and Sam before we went to Downtown Flagstaff for the Halloween Party. As you can see Jake wore his WWII uniform and Sam was the Phantom of the Opera. Will decided he was not going to wear his costume. He had fun just watching everyone else!

It Snowed!

2009-10-28T20:56:00.000-07:00

It snowed today! Not a lot, but enough to make everything look pretty. The real news is that it is cold here! The hight today was 31 and tonight it is supposed to be in the low teens. God must know that I am not quite ready for winter to be here yet, it is supposed to be 60 degrees by Saturday. Also, you may notice that Will now refuses to look at me when I have a camera in my hands. I hope you'll be able to see his eyes again soon!

Our History Buff

2009-10-28T20:48:00.000-07:00

Jake has a real love for history. It is definitely his favorite subject in school. His favorite era is WWII and lately he has been thinking about trying to get involved with reenactments. So you can imagine his delight when he found this WWII uniform at the Army Navy Surplus for only $13.00! Fortunately, that was just how much money he had to his name. He bought it on Monday; it hasn't come off since.

One More Autumn Pic

2009-10-25T12:49:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share yet another picture of Will. And this may be our last picture with fall colors for the year. Snow is predicted for next week. If it is true it will be the earliest snow we have had since we moved here...maybe we will be trick -or -treating in the snow. Yikes!

2009-10-24T06:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we got another cord of firewood. As you can see, all of the boys were a big help taking it down the hill to the back of the house and stacking it up. It was a lot of work, but we all had fun! Now we are really ready for winter!

"Yes! I conquered that climb!"

Sam wishes he could use the wheel barrow too!

Jake did a great job of getting the wood stacked.

Aren't I blessed to have all these handsome men to get us ready for winter??

Happy Oktoberfest!

2009-10-17T07:35:00.000-07:00

Last night we had a few people over to celebrate the arrival of autumn. Will was our baby Oktoberfest! We tasted German beers, ate brats, homemade pretzels, delicious German apple cake, and Sam made caramel apples. We were going to carve pumpkins as well, but we ran out of time, so now we have an excuse to have another autumn party! Hope you are all enjoying the season!

Another Day at Lockett Meadow

2009-10-14T13:55:00.000-07:00

Monday we headed back up to Lockett Meadow for our day of faux camping. Will helped make the campfire,
he and Sam helped set up the tent,
and he even chopped kindling!
We saw this lone aspen tree surrounded by pines
on our hike.

Will promptly swiped my walking stick!

Silly baby!

Sam making a walking stick of his own.

Three boys off for a walk

Jake played music for us around the campfire. Unfortunately, we had to leave earlier than we hoped because a bitterly cold wind was sweeping across the meadow. Not even the campfire could keep us warm!

At the very end of our day we were interviewed by Arizona Highways TV show. It's scheduled to air on Saturday. It should be a hoot, actually, it's a fairly typical depiction of our family. We are sitting under some lovely aspens being interviewed about the beautiful fall colors, and I hear John talking over me, "Jake, Sam stop it!" Afterwards, I asked why he was scolding the boys during the interview, and he said that while I was talking, Sam had picked up a bayonet and was waiving it around for the camera. Great...maybe we will end up on the cutting room floor! That's our boys for you!

A Drive to Bill Williams Mountain

2009-10-11T07:23:00.001-07:00

Will and Pop This is where Will gets his love of boots. All weekend he would say, "Pop, hat, booooots!"

Matt and Aaron

Aaron flying in the air!

Jake and his Aunt Kim

Aaron, seconds before he fell off this rock. Oops!

There was a big fire raging, and Pop and Will are checking out the smoke.

On a clear day this spot would be really amazing because you can see all the way to the Grand Canyon to the North and Oak Creek Canyon to the south. Unfortunately, it was not a clear day! But we did get to see three dear and a bear cub! Also, Will learned to tell his first fish story. When he was telling Amanda that he saw the bear, he said, "OOOh bear, teeth, mean." I said, "It was just a baby" and he firmly replied,
"No, bear BIG!"

Will's Very Hungry Caterpillar Birthday Party

2009-10-11T07:48:00.001-07:00

Will's favorite book is A Very Hungry Caterpillar, so we chose the fuzzy little guy as the theme for his 2nd birthday party! We had a caterpillar made of balloons, and Amanda painted a really fantastic mural with items from the book for our table covering. I never knew she was such a great artist!
Bre made another amazing cake for Will. Keep in mind, that not only was Bre talented enough to make these cakes, she did them back to back. Sam's birthday was Saturday night and Will's was Sunday morning! Thanks Bre!

YUM!

Pop, Gran, Aunt Kim and Uncle Rick got Will this animatronic dinosaur. He LOVES it. It interacts with you and you can feed it, among other things, but Will really likes to feed it! When it is full it burps. Totally a boy thing!

Will figured out the present opening pretty quick!

Grandma and Grandpa got Will this really cool car that he absolutely loves. He wants to play with it all of the time, and luckily it plays really loud techno music. I'm sure he will want to take this along next time he goes to Grandma's house!

A singing Sponge Bob card from the Flemings was a major hit!

It was a fun day!

Monday Morning

2009-10-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

Sam's Movie Birthday Party

2009-10-11T07:36:00.000-07:00

Sam requested a movie theme party for his birthday. We played movie trivia and name that tune, and the kids won "money" which they could use to buy popcorn, sodas and candy during the movie. We also served an assortment of theater food for dinner...hot dogs and nachos. Sam loved it! The table for the party.

A red carpet led the way to the party and John even made a marquee and a concessions stand

This is the amazing cake that, our friend, Bre made for Sam

A close up of the cake. It was AWESOME!

Sam and his friend Erica.

Sam is 10!

2009-10-11T07:19:00.000-07:00

October 1st was Sam's 10th birthday! It was a great day, especially because Gran, Pop, Aunt Kim, Amanda, Matt and Aaron all came from California to help celebrate.

In honor of turning double digits I asked Sam to make a Top 10 list for his 10th year. Here it is...

Sam's Top 10

10. Jumping off of rocks

9. My Family

8. Sleeping in bed with Mom, when Dad goes to work

7. Birthday Parties (especially mine!)

6. Cuddling with my mom

5. My cat

4. Math

3. My friends

2. Video games

and Number One.......

Legos!!!!

An Afternoon at Lockett Meadow

2009-10-11T10:24:00.000-07:00

Lockett Meadow is our favorite place to hang out and soak up all the beautiful golden Aspen leaves. It's really amazing, and it is only about thirty minutes from our house. It makes for a perfect afternoon getaway! The reflection of the mountain in the water above, took our breath away.

Will's mean bear face. He likes to be a bear a lot--he was a bear most of this afternoon, in fact. He may not look really scary in this picture, but wait until you hear him roar!

Will took off on a log by himself. Pretty good, I think, for a two year old!

Being silly in the car window!

I love these pictures of John on the outside and Will inside the car...

We had so much fun we decided that we are going to go back next week. We thought about camping, but decided that the nights are just too cold for Will. We hope to get up to the meadow early in the morning and leave after dark. We will pretend to be camping, but sleep in our own warm beds!!

Autumn has Arrived

2009-09-29T22:08:00.000-07:00

The mornings are chilly and the leaves have turned. Pumpkin and ginger are reigning in our kitchen. We got our firewood on Sunday, and Neumania (8 crazy nights of Neuman Family birthdays) begins on Thursday. As I have said before, this is my favorite time of year. The beauty of God's creation astounds me, and since all my babies were born in the Fall, I am filled with profoundly happy memories this season.

But this also seems to be the season of crisis for our family. Four autumns have included a brain surgery for Sam. And while this year we have only signs of excellent health, every so often, out of the blue, I get a lump in my throat or tears fill my eyes. At first I am confused by my shifting emotions and then I remember why.

When I think of carving pumpkins last year, or smell the gingerbread tea brewing and pumpkin muffins baking, I realize that last year when I experienced these things, fear for my precious child hung heavy in the air, like the smoke from the fireplaces. And yet, the sadness doesn't last long. It lasts just long enough to remember. It makes me slow down and take notice, even when I am rushed or tired. It reminds me to be grateful, for every laugh, every smile and every, "I love you Mom." These sudden memories remind me that these are good times, and I am so very blessed.

So while I may feel a tinge of fear or sadness from time to time, what God has really given me is a gift. I know how blessed we are, and every moment I am thankful. And while the tears sometimes catch me by surprise, I can't think of any way I would rather spend this season, than with a heart full of gratitude.

A Fun Afternoon

2009-09-29T21:56:00.000-07:00

Today, after school, we went out target shooting. It was a beautiful day, full of adventure and fun. Will really enjoys hugging and loving on his brothers. Jake and Sam are learning early the meaning of "Love Hurts."

Sam conquered this mountain and then christened it "Loose Rock"

Jake had to conquer it as well. They felt very tall and had a great view of the canyon we were in.