A Year's Worth of Reflection...

2008 is soon coming to a close and I can't help but think of all the wonderful and challenging things we have done this year.
Shon and I are happier than ever. We have achieved so much, but yet we have so much more to look for.

Shon:
*was given his Priesthood in August which has been a true blessing in our home and within our family. It has been an amazing year for Shon with his accomplishments in the Church and I couldn't be more proud of him.

*is ONE year closer to being the big 3-0!

*finally got himself a bif ol' diesel truck like he has been wanting.

*Has his first calling in YEARS (yes, years!) in the Primary.

Cristina:

*Was baptized into the Church in February, one day after our 5 year wedding anniversary.

*is also in the Primary with Shon-my first calling.

*FINALLY visited family in Arkansas in August!

I know it may not seem like much, but we really have been busy this year with work and church. Shon and I also both started new jobs this year. We are both happy with our jobs and love the people we work with.

We are excited for the New Year to come. We have so much to look forward to. We are preparing to go to the Temple in a couple of months and Ashton will be able to be baptized in April (by Shon). We are also preparing to do some Temple work and prepare some family names to be done also.

We are also grateful for the wonderful friends we have met this year. We couldn't have asked for better friends. We have come in contact with some old friends from high school and beyond as well as some new friends from work.

Our family has truly been blessed this year and we are so excited to the future to come. Sure Shon and I have had our challenges this year, but it has only made our testimony stronger and our marriage even more stronger.

We love our family and friends! Life is great!

Mary Did You Know?

I have a new found respect for the song "Mary Did You Know"? I mean have you ever really listened to the lyrics? I love it! Here they are. Next time you hear the song...preferably by Donny Osmond (I am sure you can't guess why :-) ) really listen to it...it's a good one!

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Did you know
That your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
That your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered
Will soon deliver youMary, did you know
That your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Did you know
That your baby boy will calm a storm with His hand?
Did you know
That your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little boy
You've kissed the face of God
Mary, did you know?
The blind will see
The deaf will hear
And the dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of the Lamb
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Did you know
That your baby boy will one day rules the nations?
Did you know
That your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding
Is the Great I Am

I love your Blog Award....

Thank you Jen for the I love your Blog Award...now we HAVE to do this survey.
I really do love your Blog Jen, so thanks for loving ours!

I have been awarded the "I Love Your Blog" Award. With the award comes a tag, so I have to answer each question with one word only.
1. Where is your phone? in my purse next to me
2. Where is your significant other? Working
3. Your hair color? red
4. Your Mother? Celeste
5. Your Father? Roger
6. Your favorite thing? cleanliness
7. Your dream last night? non-existent
8. Your dream/goal? money!
9. The room you're in? Bedroom aka Office
10. Your hobby? cooking
11. Your fear? Failure
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? settled works for me
13. Where were you last night? bishop's office
14. What you're not? creative
15. One of your wish-list items? Ireland
16. Where you grew up? Arizona
17. The last thing you ate? Carrots
18. What are you wearing? Clothes
19. Your TV? works
20. Your pet? fuzzy
21. Your computer? used
22. Your mood? Anxious
23. Missing someone? nope
24. Your car? galant
25. Something you're not wearing? belt
26. Favorite store? lane bryant
27. Your Summer? uneventful
28. Love someone? Indefinitely
29. Your favorite color? pink
30. When was the last time you laughed? Today
31. Last time you cried? couple months ago

I now award five people the "I Love Your Blog" Award:

Brad and Shay Miller
Stephanie Nielson and Fam
Shay and Billy Shumaker
Kim Clement
Sara Gray--as I remember her! :-)

Twilight...again...

Yes yes yes, I saw Twilight again Saturday night with some friends. I have to say the second time around was MUCH better. Not so much shock of what is going on and no little kids in the theatre screaming and shouting during the movie.
My SECOND time around rating: ok--up from "ehhhh"

Everything really will change, but love remains the same...

Oddly enough I felt seriously inclined to blog about this RIGHT when it came to me.

So much is changing in everyone's lives--money, work, family, just everything.
As the holidays approach, I remember Shon and I telling ourselves this was the holiday season we are going to make it a point to enjoy it this time around. We always find ourselves wrapped up in what we are going to get Ashton next, how are we going to pay for that person's gift, what are we going to get eachother, etc.
Forget the gifts, forget about money, forget about how much money you spend on someone's gift. It doesn't matter.
Instead, reflect on the more positive things...
Here is my (condensed) list:
I am thankful I have a job
...My husband has a job
...I may not be able to pay my bills on time every month, but atleast I can try
...we have cars that can get us from point a to point b
...my family has a roof over it's head
...we have food in the fridge (not much, but we do)
...I have a husband that loves me for who I am
...I have a family that cares
...everything is changing in our lives...but our love remains the same.

There are things in our lives we need to recognize that we have, because someone next door may not have it.

I hope you are all thankful this holiday season.

Love,
Cristina

Twilight....

Yes, yes, yes...Cristina being the wierdo she is went to Twilight at midnight last night!
Review: Ehhh.....

Happy 29th Birthday Shon!

Cougar trying to get in on the goods!
Ashton trying REALLY hard to keep dinner a secret!
So, maybe he will keep it a secret, but he might eat before we all do!
Shon aunt helped me make spaghetti, and Shon's favorite cake (butter minus the rum cake)
Daddy is home and ready for his surprise! Blow out the candles! (We actually only put half the candles on, so we wouldn't burn the house down with all the candles, since Shon is a little old).
Asthon after a little too much spaghetti and cake!

Happy Birthday Babe! Ash and I love ya-gray hairs and all!

"The Still Small Voice"

We know we have several non-member family and friends. And at first were keeping this to ourselves, but in some way we (a) feel as though we need to share this and (b) we hope you are as enlightened as we were to figure this out.

Kathy (Shon's mom) tends to have dreams when her children or in-laws are pregnant. She has been pretty accurate on her dreams. She has had a few about is being pregnant in the past, which have obviously been false. However a few months ago, she had a dream that we would be pregnanct as soon as we went through the temple (which is in 3-4 months).

Last week, the doctor told us it would take us about 3-4 months for Cristina's body to regulate with the new medication. She felt confident that this is the only pill we would need to take, keeping our hopes high of not having to take Clomid or Progesterone to get pregnant.

We believe many blessings come from the temple. We have had many blessings just from paying our tithing and doing the things we know we should be doing.

The other night we put the two timeframes together from Kathy's dream and from what the doctor had told us. We are hoping and praying that was the spirit speaking to us and that is what will possibly happen.

If this isn't what is going to happen, it will still not stop us. We have had much disappointment through our infertility journey and still, nothing can bring us down.

We will keep our hopes and spirits high. We'll keep you posted.

By the way-again for those who aren't sure--We (the LDS faith) call the "still small voice" the holy ghost, which some other religions refer to as the holy spirit.

Summer Lovin'-Had Me A Blast!

So we had ourselves an eventful summer--from marriage, to a death in the family--there was never a dull moment in the life of the Frarys'!

Kelli (Shon's cousin) and Schyler were married and sealed in the Timpanogos Temple to start the summer off with a bang! We are so very proud of them-they are truly an example to young couples around! We love you guys!

At the end of Ashton's school year he had a school wide field day. Shon thought this one topped it all!

After one of our best cats was hit by a car--we went out and got Cougar. He definately does not look like this anymore, but he was and is the funniest kitty!

He is surely Shon's little buddy!

We went to the Orem Days Events. Shon and Ashton rode the Sizzler. We had Ashton's face painted, we watched Polynesian Dancing, ate fry bread and lots of other junk food. At the end of the day we watch Orem Days fireworks. It was a fun day!

We had lots of fun with our nephew Kolton and our nieces!

We went to the Pleasant Grove Annual Rodeo. It was only our second time together. Shon loves it, while Cristina kind of has a hard time with how they treat the animals.

Opa's brother passed away in June. We all drove to Manti to pay our repsects. It was Shon's favorite Uncle, so we couldn 't miss it. You never would have guessed we were mourning. Us Frarys' have a way of making light of something tragic. Cristina and Brittany developed the "fertility dance"...the picture above is the joyful laugh we got from Opa. Picture of Opa and Shon=Priceless! We love our Opa!

We haven't had a full family picture--this isn't even all of the family. But we were all there and decided to takes some snapshots. Pictured are Shon, Shalynn, Cristina, Meghan, Brittany, Oma, Matt, Opa, Steve, Kathy, Cameron and Robert.

And this is the 1st line Frarys' showing what they do best! Being goofy!

***************Still more to come****************Check Back!*************************

The Perfect Drug

So we went to the doctor's on Wednesday to almost start over. We actually decided to go with a Nurse Practitioner, who seems to have a good reputation-plus she was female! We spent about 45 minutes with her discussing our history and what we have and have not done, and what we will and will not do.

She agreed that starting on the Metformin for now was a good choice. There was no point in starting the Progesterone or Clomid because as far as we can tell the past 2 months ovulation has ocurred without that medication, so why take it when it SEEMS to be working!
She did explain some things we have already heard before. Such as, how PCOS works, and why it is causing us to not get pregnant. She seems to believe and she is hoping, like us, that the Metformin with fix pretty much all of the problems. Such as not being able to lose weight (which no one believed Cristina couldn't just lose weight naturally), fixing the insulin from being wacked out--all of which should help the female things work the way they should and solve our problem.

We are going to do about 3-4 months on just the Metfomin as that will give the body time to adjust and get pumping correctly. If nothing, then on to Clomid and ovulation predictor kits.
She did also take a ton of blood work, which we knew was coming. So we are waiting to see if there are any surprises there that we didn't already know about.

One thing we are interested in seeing is if this all works out that will be pretty darn funny if (no offense to anyone) a nurse practitioner can resolve our 6 year battle over the high tech doctors from the University of Utah and highly, highly recommeneded doctors from all over the state of Utah. We have a new found respect for nurse practioners!

We'll keep y'all posted.

You've got Baby Mama Drama!

So after taking a year, or more of a break from being poked, prodded, spread (gross, but true), lectured and anything else you want to add to this list--we have decided to go back to the doctor again. This time a new doctor, instead of one in Salt Lake, cause it is too far.
We are going to get some more testing started, and Cristina is going to start taking Progesterone, Clomid and another PCOS (poly-cystic ovarian syndrome medicine). We are sincerely hoping and praying that this is the true answer to what will help us get pregnant! We truly think we have done the things we are suppose to be doing, and continue to do. This is one thing that we think is an answer for us. So keeps us both in your thoughts and prayers. Appointment is Wednesday--fingers and toes crossed! We'll try to update that night.

Loves,
Shon and Cristina

Arkansas pics are here!

Yes, yes, well all know Cristina is a flake! But we finally found the camera cord...so enjoy!

Melissa (Cristina's sister), Cristina, Dad and Mom after going to Cristina's cousins church

Kevin, Gwen, Andy and Brad...Gwen and Andy are Cristina's cousins.

Cristina's future car (ya right!)--and behind there is the street dance--yes they really do exist like in Sweet Home Alabama!

That bridge in the water between the trees......

WAS here before a storm...

Apparently Cristina's dad got a new fashion sense after moving to Arkansas!

Cristina's parents home--eh hem, sorry...their Cabin.

Mr. and Mrs Harley-aka mom and dad

Nicknames...

So, Shon and I had been talking. A lot of people seem to get a kick out of our nicknames, from the past and for eachother. So here it goes:

Shon:
T-rex (from high school football)
Hubby
Uncle Monkey
Monkey
Shon Ray

Cristina:
Pebbles
Wifey
Tina
Honey

Ashton:
Ashy Poo
I am sure he will get more as he gets older. :-)

Today the bench, tomorrow the NFL...

This is Ashton, and who we were hoping was his coach this year. But he was just filling in. Ashton had him the past two years and we love him! He is awesome with the kids.

That kid on his knees with one hand down, getting the flag is our boy! He is definately a defensive player!

So Ashton started his third year in flag football today. He doesn't have the same coach as last year which we are kind of bummed about, although his coach didn't show up, so his coach the last couple of years helped out! He is great with the kids! We are proud to say Ashton had two, yes two touchdowns and we seriously lost count to how many touchdowns he blocked for the opposing team. I know, we sound like cocky parents, but Ashton definately got daddy's blood when it comes to football. He's a great quarterback and also really good for the defense. So we will see what happens. Of course we want him to be a QB, BUT Shon was on the defense line in high school, so he would be following his dad's steps there.
We still have him in flag football. He is still a little small for tackle. Shon wanted him in tackle SO bad this year, but I kinda sided with MaryKae and agreed he is still too small. So maybe next year we'll let him start in tackle. But I am good with where he is at right now.
He wants to also do wrestling in the spring-which Shon also did in high school. So we'll see if we go there or not. We don't want to give him too many sports, but we do want him to be involved.
I have pictures-still looking for that cord I mentioned previously. LOL. I promise I will have some up soon!

Obsession...

November 21, 2008 the first movie of the Twilight Series comes out! If you haven't started reading them...you might wanna start now.

Warnings include never being able to put the book down and random laughing at the teenage romance and flirting.

"Book of Mormon Stories that my teacher tells to me..."

So I started my Book of Mormon class tonight at Utah Valley University Institute. I am excited for the teacher. He seems like a great person and I think I will learn a lot from him. He isn't a lecturer. He will help you find the information, then the interpretation is up to you, which is what I think I need.
Shon agreed to go to the class with me from here on out. Tonight was more of an intro. Most of the girls from work signed up for the class, but Mel and I were the only two from work. :-( But it's ok. This is a good benefit to me and I am glad Shon has decided to take the class with me now. Each person can take up to 3 Institute classes at a time, so Shon and I are thinking we will take advantage of that next semester. Tuesdays looks like "Teachings of Monson" (who is our current Church Prophet for my non-member family and friends) then Wednesdays are going to be fun! We will take the second course to The Book of Mormon, cause the first course (the one I am taking now) only goes to the Book of Alma. Then that same night, we will also take LDS Church History. So I hope we stick to it and we just keep in mind that this is all beneficial and FREE information/inspiration!

Tomorrow, we are bidding farewell to Elder Ellis, who is the missionary that actually baptized me. He is done with his mission and on his way back home to Texas. But...as far as we know he is coming back~or else! LOL! Just kidding!

Monday, for Labor Day, we took Shon's beast a.k.a. his truck up to Squaw Peak in Provo Canyon and I got to see the whole picture of Utah County --almost. It was a little cold and the very tops of the mountains had SNOW! Yes, snow already-on the first day of September. Welcome to UTAH! He he he.

That about wraps it up. We hope y'all (trace of Arkansas accent still there) have a good rest of the week.

So we hope everyone has a fun and great week!

What a week!

I made it back from Arkansas, with more in tow than I left Utah with, thank you mom! But I had fun. Shon went nuts! And I thought it was kind of funny. We haven't been apart for that many days (four days) ever. We have always done things together. So that was interesting.

But back to Arkansas. It wasn't as bad as I remember it from say oh-8 years ago, I think it was. It was a little warm, but once you had about enough of the heat, we were either back in the truck with the air conditioning running or the breeze would start up again.

I got to see my sister who I haven't seen in 3 years. Same for my parents, it was going on almost two years. And, my cousins, second cousins and my uncle John-who is SO much like my grandpa! I didn't get to seen my Aunt Carol, though I had a blast getting to know my cousins and second cousins more.

I think I need to purchase a frequent flyer program somewhere, cause it seems to more we will need to be making more trips out there!

I have some nice pictures to share, just as soon as I can find my camera cord. Let's all say a prayer that Cristina can find it! My blonde moment for the day--well maybe the second or third, but who's counting?!

On to other subjects:
Our family has "fall-itis"-meaning we are ready for fall! I want to put my halloween decorations up now! I want the leaves to change more and I want the stinker summer to go away! Is that too much to ask? I think not!

Shon has the deer hunt itch as well. He got a new gun, after selling his old one, and he has the big ol' Ford F-250 4x4 to go with that hunt now.

Ashton is also signed up for football again this fall. He is still going to play flag football, no tackle yet. He is a bit too little for his age for tackle just yet. He did start school a couple weeks ago and he seems to like it. We are having him work on some reading because he seems to be having a little bit of a problem on that. Otherwise, we are hopeful for straight A's again this year across the board.

She's Everything...

For my wife...

"She's Everything"
She's a yellow pair of running shoes
A holey pair of jeansShe looks great in cheap sunglasses
She looks great in anything
She's I want a piece of chocolateTake me to a movie
She's I can't find a thing to wear
Now and then she's moody
She's a Saturn with a sunroofWith her brown hair a-blowing
She's a soft place to land
And a good feeling knowing
She's a warm conversation
That I wouldn't miss for nothing
She's a fighter when she's mad
And she's a lover when she's loving
[Chorus]And she's everything I ever wanted
And everything I need
I talk about her, I go on and on and on
'Cause she's everything to me
She's a Saturday out on the town
And a church girl on Sunday
She's a cross around her neck
And a cuss word 'cause its Monday
She's a bubble bath and candles
Baby come and kiss me
She's a one glass of wine
And she's feeling kinda tipsy
She's the giver I wish I could be
And the stealer of the covers
She's a picture in my wallet
Of my unborn children's mother
She's the hand that I'm holding
When I'm on my knees and praying
She's the answer to my prayer
And she's the song that I'm playing
[Repeat chorus]She's the voice I love to hear
Someday when I'm ninety
She's that wooden rocking chair
I want rocking right beside me
Everyday that passes
I only love her moreYeah, she's the one
That I'd lay down my own life for
And she's everything I ever wanted
And everything I need
She's everything to me
Yeah she's everything to me
Everything I ever wanted
And everything I need
She's everything to me

Kitties a.k.a. boys a.k.a kids

Shon and I could never really live too long without having a cat. We love dogs, but definately DO NOT have time for one. Plus we don't have the yard for one. So cats take place of that. We have had SO many cats during our marriage so far. There was Willy (our big fat white cat, who peed on Shon, but he talked to you in the middle of the night), Binx (literally a possessed cat and not very friendly), Kodi (who we miss a lot), Homer (our stray cat that was hit by some stupid person-but he was the best cat ever!) and now we have our Cougar and Bear. Shon was dying to have another cat, and so was Ashton...and maybe I was too. So we got Cougar. So playful and cuddles on his own time. He is definately Shon's cat! So I wanted one of my own. I love fat, lazy house cats! And we lucked out finding Bear! He literally wants to be rocked to sleep, no kiddin! He cuddles ALL the time, and lets you know when he wants attention because he will climb his way up your leg if you are standing. So don't ignore him! He will let you know! So yeah our cats are very HIGH maintenance when it comes to attention, but who would complain about that?! They both love Ashton and sleep in his bed when he is at our house. Otherwise at night they get kicked out of our room most the time because they are bed hoggers! But we love our boys! They love eachother and play all the time! A nice addition to the family that greets you at the door when you get home from work. Enjoy the pictures.

The Joys of Life!

Shon and I have definately had a run for our lives, or a run for our money you could say this week! I think anything and everything that COULD go wrong, kinda went wrong. I think all in all, everyone had a crappy weekend. Shon was late to a meeting with the Bishop-and almost didn't make it, I got a nice large fine ticket, car was impounded (don't ask), my sister is still meeting the top line jerks of all jerks and we're dirt broke (note the "we're in a bit of a pickle dick" quote.

But, Shon and I are always optimistic.

On a lighter note, I am getting ready to take a Book of Mormon class at the UVU Institute, Shon is getting his Melchizedek Priesthood AND we were given the thumbs up to start our Temple Prep Class. The Lord blesses you when you least expect it. I can definately say I gots a testimony on that one dear friends!

Oh! And Ashton starts second grade on Monday! While my kid brother in law starts high school! I am getting old. Shon and I have started to count my gray hairs, and we can't really count Shon's--he has too many!

I am also getting ready to go see my sister, cousins, Mom, dad---well it would just be easier to say I am seeing ALL of my family in Arkansas next week. I am meeting my sister in Arizona and then we are taking the long journey South. Should be a bittersweet weekend, oh and HOT and HUMID!

The beginning!

I am totally new to this and obviously illiterate on HOW to use this stinkin thing, so give me sane time to figure it out and I promise it will be cute!