Back at Will & Jenni's

I made a second trip to Washington this summer; this time to help out with the "last days" of Jenni's pregnancy. There's not a whole lot of news to share but we'll send pictures as soon as the little fellow arrives - sometime this week.

I'm still shopping for a car and am even more confused. I thought maybe I'd find something here in Seattle since there's more cars to choose from, but I may be taking the bus back to Idaho Falls after all, which is fine. That's what I've planned all along. It's just if I did find something, that would be great too.

Fancy isn't going to happen. Inexpensive makes me scratch my head. I think I might be interested in something and then I wake up the next morning feeling blah. I just want something that runs well, won't zero out the bank account and is reasonably enjoyable to drive for the next ten years. I've scoured Autotrader, Kelly Blue Book, Craigslist, KSL and more. Help!

Visiting Will & Jenni

In June I headed over to the family reunion early and spent a few day with Will, Jenni and Preston at their place in Seattle.

My nephew Preston was a lot of fun to play with. He's a growing one year old with a little toddle left in his step. I was amazed at how much his language grew in just a few days. "Oh, my goodness." He picked up on my expression overnight and had us all laughing.

One day we took a trip to Camano Island to see Ron and Carolyn Southworth (Jenni's parents) and Ron's art show, in which he was awarded "Best in Show" among other accolades.

Check out his website! http://www.ronsouthworth.com/

In the afternoon we took a trip to the beach. Preston was fascinated with his stick and Will (my brother) took him out farther into what we later learned is quick sand. What boy wouldn't love to have these kind of adventures with his dad? I always knew Will would make a great father. He's also a loving husband, which is tender to watch.

I got to listen to Jenni while she was composing a score for an independent film. I'll just say there's a lot of detail involved. She was doing all this while coming in at the eight month pregnancy mile marker.

http://www.jenniferthomasmusic.com/

Daniel This Picture is For You

What to do with ones retired sets of ski's.

Time with the Sugies

While I was in Provo I got to spend some time with Haini, Kristi and their kids. Can I say, I really love being an Aunt.

What a fun mom!

Sitani, Marley and me went for a Sunday drive while mom and dad took a long nap. We were sure to stop and pick some flowers from somewhere where we probably were not supposed to pick flowers.

The kids napped for most of the ride, which I think they enjoyed. They occasionally woke up as we rounded bends and climbed to new vistas. This time they awoke long enough to see a deer from the car window.

The Provo Freedom Run

I got to spend the weekend of the 4th at Mark, Laura, Jace and Anabelle's place. We had a fun time and it was nice to be with them.

Newborn Anabelle and me had the eve of the 4th all to ourselves while mom and dad went out on a .... pause ... yes, a date. They went to the Stadium of Fire. Ooo. Ahh.

These two do look like the kind of couple that set off fireworks with one glance. Wouldn't you agree? This is them early the next morning running the 5K Freedom Run race.

Go, Laura! Go, Mark! Good job sleeping, Jace and Anabelle.

Provo's 4th of July Hot Air Balloon Festival

Woah!! Look at that, mom.

You vote:

A. "I love you; today, yesterday and forever. I'm so glad you are mine."

B. "I'm really tired. Can I lean on you?"

C. All of the above.

As the French Say It; Couer d'Alene

Elizabeth and I drove through Couer d'Alene on our way to Washington.

Everyone already knows the Thomas sisters are party-girls. Keeping true to our reputation, we opted to stay over night - so we'd have a chance to "play."

This one is for you dad.

Perfect day for a picnic, ay?

Ooo-la-la!

Grace's Last Week Prior to the MTC

Our missionary (who likes to pose for pictures) has entered the Missionary Training Center in Provo, UT. After three weeks she will then be heading to Tampa, FL for the remaining eighteen months.

We are very excited for her. She will make a terrific missionary and as if all the boys weren't already finding her a diamond of a catch...now she'll add the "RM" (Returned Missionary) status to her dating resume - so, watch out!

I feel lucky to have had one full week with her at home; the "last week."

She and I ran to-and-fro picking up last minute items, scouring the mall for ultra comfortable tracting shoes, and making a super fun trip with Mom to Pocatello to consult our personal bike expert, Seth.

Sisters on bikes are the best! Been there, done that. There's nothing like wearing a helmet in high fashion, while yanking your skirt out of the chain as you ride.
























Later in the week we met up with Lauren at the Rexburn Temple to do a session.

For those of you who haven't been to this temple, the chandaliers in the Celestial Room are amazing and a new fav of mine.

























Grace took her Endowments out in the Idaho Falls Temple. Several sibblings were able to attend.

Afterwards we took some pictures on the temple grounds. Someone told mom we were doing a funny face for this shot. Not fair.

























I'm adding a PDA warning because I'm anticipating Kristi's anquished ugh, sigh, followed by yuck, parents kissing...ooey.

Mom and Dad are standing outside the Idaho Falls Temple where these two "love birds" were married, thirty-five years ago.

Tweet. Tweet.

I've Been Approved

I've got some long awaited, but good news to share; my disability case has been approved. Hopefully, by July I should have an income again and maybe soon there after be able to buy a car. I'm feeling very grateful as well as relieved. Thank you for your prayers and concern.

Every word, word by word.

During the last month of my mission our local Area Authority (which unfortuatley I don't remember his name), issued the challenge to memorize and pass off, The Family: A Proclamation to the World and I did. As part of my 2010 goals I decided to relearn it and now I can say I've done it!

When I think of the Proclamation I think back on the unique place, my mission and most specificlly the Visitor Center where I memorized a lot of things and particularly this one.

The Christus room at the Arizona Temple Visitor Center is breath taking and an must see if you are ever in Mesa. When I wasn't with a tour group I would spend the quite time walking the large lobby where the 11 foot replica of Bertel Thorvaldsen's Christus statue stands. I remember carring my mini copy of the Proclamation and strolling through the room memorizing line by line, word by word.

At one point my companion and I took our memorizing outside as we strolled on the sidewalk that circles the front lawn, which is quite large. Looking towards the visitor center through the oversized glass window you can view the Christus and at night it is light up beautifully in such a way that the impression and the spirit is one you'll never forget.

That experience was memorable but perhaps the best part is the meaning I've come to treasure in that document. Next is The Living Christ. This may take me a while since it's the first time I'm learning this one.

I'm passing along the challenge to you to learn or relearn either of them if you haven't already. Let me know if you decide to take the challenge.

www.lds.org/

--> Gospel Library

--> The Family: A Proclamation to the World

or The Living Christ

I thought this day would never come.

I borrowed this pic from Kristi's blog. It sums up the past few weeks for me as I've been getting ready for my social security disability hearing.

In May of 2008 I had sent in my third appeal in which you are allowed to request a hearing with a federal judge. At that point it had already been a year of applications and paperwork. The wait time to see a judge is right around 12 mos but Idaho is lumped in with Utah and is behind even more. I was told it could be a 15 mo wait. It actually took 21 mos to get a hearing, and so all together it's been 2 yrs 8mo and 11days, or 32 mos from begining to date. Ah, no wonder I'm exhausted.

Mom came and I was glad to have her there, although I know she's already missed a lot of work with Dad being in the hospital and now rehab. She's been a true friend and support. A person can go crazy second guessing themselves and "trying harder." It's hard to explain Chronic Fatigue and whatever unknown mystery virus I may or may not have.

My attorney presented my case well. He came recommended by a ward member and also because he is part of a state funded legal aid program, which means big savings in attorney fees should I be awarded.

We were fortunate to have the first appointment of the day, indicating that the judge would still be fresh, as opposed to the end of the day or right before lunch.

The meeting took place in a conference room in a local hotel. An expert occupational "witness" from Logan conferenced in to offer various job possibilities I could do, which came down to assembling surgical plastics and one other assembly job. I just imagined myself lying in bed in my pajama's assembling parts at 2 cents a piece. I haven't bought pajama's in a long time and the ones I have aren't very cute, so I didn't quite get in the moment of that vision.

Many of you have fasted and remembered me in your prayers. I appreciate your support. It will be several weeks before we hear back from the judge and honestly, as well as the hearing went I just don't think there are any guarantees, but life is full of surprises (Okay, this pic does'nt go with the tone of this blog, but I thought it was funny. )

I know Heavenly Father is aware and knows my needs. He has always provided for me. "Note to self: I'm going to be okay."

St George New Year's Getaway

Looking east towards Zions National Park

Grace and Sitani's cool finds.


Alisha's Gold

Grace and one great refreshing day!

Laura and Jace found a super cool rocking bench.

Seth breaks out his bike. Who knows when we'll see him again...

This is actually grandma holding on to Sitani as he throws rocks. It's pretty steep and wouldn't make for a fun flight.

Grand-Papa re-living may off road trips from the days when his little ones were the ones climbing on old "stuff" and tossing rocks.

Hum. What did I get myself into? And am I "having fun yet?"

Back at the hotel, Laura opens her Christmas present.

Grandkids get custom grandma-made pajama's. Ooo-la-la. Remember when we used to get pajama's for Christmas?

And Gospel Art books! Isn't it great to open presents?

Grandma and Grandpa keeping company; resting and cross-stiching.

Tessha's First Lemon Meringue Pie

While Mom is Away

While driving Alisha home from her midnight after school party...

Alisha: I'm boy crazy.
Tessha: It happens to the best of us.
Alisha: I like three boys.
Tessha: Now that's trouble.




Christensen's brought over dinner one night. Alisha checks it out while her burrito is already in the oven.

Alisha: That pasta looks good! (Perplexed as what to do; eat the burrito or go for the pasta.)
Alisha: I'll have the pasta for breakfast.

Three Weeks in Logan Utah

I've been in Logan for the past few weeks helping Aunt Penny care for the girls after a last minute surgery. The girls live outside their school district, so there isn't a bus to pick them up here at the house. The day starts with running them to Heidi's school in time for Amanda to catch a bus to her school.

We've done chores, homework, dance lessons and doctor appointments. Penny is on her way to a full recovery, although she still has several weeks before she will be able to do much. We are hoping she'll be able to drive by the end of the week when I head back to Idaho Falls.