THOMAS TIDBITS

June & July highlights

2011-07-16T14:52:00.002-07:00

Jon and I celebrated our anniversary by going down to Vegas for the Donny & Marie show, then to St. George and saw Grease at the Tuacahn Theater. Here we are in the Flamingo theater waiting for the show to begin.

In mid-June, many of us went down to enjoy the Manti Pageant. Here we are (minus Mark & Sariah who went to NY for her brother's wedding).

Fourth of July.... lots of fun - picnic, homemade ice cream- Brian made TWO kinds, played a few water games, some basketball and ended with fireworks in the driveway.

Janie loving her fingernails painted that night!

Enjoying our front porch while the kids play a little intense, yet fun, B-ball.

Cherry Hill fun! On July 9th, we did a little family reunion, where we enjoyed the sun and water... many paid for it the next day with intense sunburns.

Janelle and her friend Tyler.

Jon and I celebrated my birthday this year going down to Temple Square, eating at the Roof Restaurant, checking out the new family video presentation in the North Visitor's Center, and watching Sunshade & Rain in the Brigham Young Park. Fun night!

INDIANA - May 2011

2011-05-14T21:59:00.001-07:00

We made it back to Laura & Mike's sweet-home-Indiana one more time the first week of May. It will probably be our last since they are working to sell their home and begin their new life, moving to the working world in Chicago.

We were so happy to see our newest grandchild, Tyler Carlston!

Grandpa Jon is getting some great smiles for his first time seeing this precious boy.

Laura & Mike's beautiful Indiana home they are trying to sell. They've worked so hard on it, inside and out... it's been perfect for them and their little family.

It's actually on a great little cul-de-sac for Ella to play in. She loves riding her bike there. Boy, are they going to miss this place!

Big tall Mike, got up to hug us, but is dealing with recovery from surgery for his ACL and cartilage tears.

This picture is for Julie. She told me to give him a big lipstick kiss!

Sweet Tyler---so delightful, happy, smiley, and social.

Little dancing Ella!

Here we are enjoying a fun park which was close-by with some of their dear friends.

Janelle celebrated her birthday out in Indiana this year! We enjoyed celebrating it at Red Lobster with all the Carlstons.

The next day we were honored to go to the Kelley School of Business graduation where Mike received his MBA and walked across the stage on crutches, plus up and down stairs! Congratulations and good job Mike!

Mike, Laura, and parents went to the huge stadium after for lunch... which was held inside in a big room off this view of the stadium.

Mike and Laura celebrating this big event, catching this photo opportunity.

That night we went out to eat enjoying a graduation celebration at Outback--Mike's choice! The following day was his Law School graduation! All his hard work has paid off. He (and Laura) have worked hard to get him through this double graduate degree. It's paid off as he has a good job starting at Bosch in Chicago and will rotate every 6 months for two years - one of those 6 months will likely be in Germany.

I love this one in how Tyler is grabbing onto Grandpa Jon's finger.

Tyler Michael Carlston's BLESSING DAY... on Mother's Day! How appropriate.

Carlston grandparents... Eileen & Larry with sweet Tyler.

Jon & Tyler

Janelle & Tyler

Gramma Cheryl & Tyler

Tyler: "Wow, it doesn't get much better than this with all this kissing and attention!"

We hate to leave, but we are all ready to go in our Indiana shirts!

It was hard to say good-bye to this precious family again, and to their lovely home that has safeguarded them well for 4 years. They move on to new horizons!

April 2011

2011-05-14T15:26:00.001-07:00

April was busy, busy, busy....

Janelle and I at the Garden Restaurant on top of JSMB after Paul Cardall devotional...

Jon & Janelle getting ready to open gifts for Jon's birthday.

Holy hot candles.... 60 of them... just like a torch!

EASTER EGG HUNT - Saturday afternoon at Grandma & Grandpas
Two youngest first...

Look out... here come the big, fast kids.

Julie and I really enjoyed our day at BYU Women's Conference, but sure missed the other girls! We realized we are the ones who aren't the talkers and missed everyone else. I was able to enjoy one day before flying the next day to CA to join Jon and the kids. Here we are doing service--making snakes.

Crazy Grandma & the snake she made...

ROAD TRIP with Mark, Sariah, Janie, Janelle, Jon and I... to Doermann Wedding.

At LA Temple

Tyler Doermann with his brand-new-nephew:Ryker Tidwell

Waiting for bride and groom to exit the temple....here they come!

Alex & Angela Doermann after coming out of temple...the happy couple.

Family at LA Temple

Beautiful entry to Sorenson home.

Janie looking at real flowers floating in one of the many fountains. Smelled so good!

What a view!

Sitting by one of the fountains on Sorenson property.

Andrea & Jeremy Tidwell (without new baby Ryker--he was crying and Sariah holding)

Beautiful day, fun trip and great family bonding time.

FEBRUARY 2011

2011-05-14T14:59:00.001-07:00

Family gatherings: with our immediate family and with the extended Thomas clan.

Bryce Thomas giving us a concert....

These next two require some explanation.... Sara & Patty had each girl come sit between them and "interviewed" her to see how each was doing. Caught a couple of those who got the Thomas treatment.

Crazy Kyle allowed Janelle to put his hair in ponytails and she felt like doing so because of his very long hair.

Love this one of Kylie & her Mom - Julie.

Savannah doing a backbend.

Great shot of Dave & Richard.

This picture shows Mark with a baby outfit he used to wear when he was born! Oh My! What a comparison!

The rest are some fun views of family together. The last shows Mark & Zac together, showing how tall Zac is getting.

MARCH-

2011-05-14T14:52:00.000-07:00

On the 5th day of Christmas...

2010-12-18T05:48:00.000-08:00

I hope this video will inspire my children and grandchildren to do Day 5 of your 12 days of Christmas:

MEMORIES OF MOAB -- Part 1

2010-11-12T14:22:00.001-08:00

Over UEA break, our family of 19 met down in Moab. Laura, Mike & Ella flew in to Denver, driving over from there. We had 3 awesome days and nights together. The following pictures bring back so many memories.

MEMORIES of MOAB--Part 2

2010-11-12T12:49:00.001-08:00

End of Sept.

2010-11-12T12:12:00.000-08:00

Janie's two year birthday party:

Relief Society Women's Meeting at Conference Center.... we had super great seats as you can see!

Janelle and Julie joined me at the Conference Center. Wonderful evening with two of my girls.

September 2010

2010-10-03T11:21:00.000-07:00

In September, our family gathered a couple times.... once for Labor Day and the other for Janie's birthday.

On Labor Day, we enjoyed an evening together... playing a few games, using the hot tub, and playing volleyball.

For Janie's 2 year old birthday, Mark and Sariah cooked a wonderful meal for us and we enjoyed it at our home.

Janie's Birthday--She was shy and a bit overwhelmed with the attention, but enjoyed the fun new toys.

Conference Weekend...We had a sleepover with Brian's family and Julie's kids, plus Janelley. We enjoyed a big waffle breakfast today and then conference, anticipating a nice dinner later and to skype with Laura.

AWESOME August

2010-09-05T17:44:00.001-07:00

August was full of activities, many with grandchildren. Here are just a few of the several hundred photos I've taken.

This is sweet Julie and Kylie when we went to lunch one day. Chris was a scout camp.

Another day while Chris was out surviving a 50 mile hike, I took Kylie and Janie to the Discovery Museum. This first picture captures Janie's enthrallment while she clutches her cute "Pinkey".

Kylie's cool magnetic creation!

Janelle and I and Kylie (on a day without Janie & Chris still gone) went to Kennecott Copper Mine. What a spectacular man-made creation! I love the two cute creations in front the best.

With Julie working for Bangerter Homes, we got tickets to go see the Parade of Homes.... all over the valley. We took a night here and there to go see most of them, from the Avenues, to Herriman to Draper. It became quite the treasure hunt as we looked to find them. Janelle went with me to see the one up high on the hills of Salt Lake. Wow, what a view, and what a house!

This is one of the cutest things I saw in the Parade of Homes. I loved this cute playhouse beside a gorgeous hand-painted mural!

One day as Julie left for work, I got a cute shot of her kids hugging her kids good-bye. It's tricky to get photos like these.

On a 2$ Tuesday, Chris, Kylie and I went to the Dinosaur Museum. Pretty awesome! We saw all kinds of fun things, and some pretty freaky things too! These kids make it so fun.

Also down at Thanksgiving Point, we went to the glass blowing factory and saw where they made stained glass windows. They were working on some for the temples. This one was for a restaurant.

On a beautiful Tuesday evening, Jon and I met down at the Brigham Young Park and went to see the Wasatch Pipes. The sound and songs thrilled me! I love that Scottish feeling!

I love this huge pink hibiscus outside the RSB. Magnificent!

On one of my trips downtown to take pictures of the shifts, cute little Janie went with me. She got a little restless so I gave her a jelly belly. Big mistake... she kept saying: "more, more, more, more" while signing for more. Such a cutie!

For four days in the middle of August, Jon and I went to Education Week. BYU is our old dating grounds and brought back many memories for us. We love this campus and the feel of everyone's intensity in getting to class and learning all they can. I loved being able to see my cousin Bev, and her daughter Jamie. It was also fun seeing my sisters there, and two of my children. We love Ed Week! The speakers are great, the spirit is wonderful! A true uplifting, bucket-filling time. Thanks to Alayne & Jeff for letting me stay a couple nights since Jon bunked with Brian at the dorms.

One Saturday evening, the Thomas family gathered up at a park in the canyons of Bountiful. We roasted whatever we brought...hot dogs, marshmallows or corn on the cob. Fun evening kicking back and seeing everyone again.

Jon had a work party up to the This is the Place or Heritage Park. What a fun and spectacular day. We could take our grandchildren. Unfortunately, Brian's kids couldn't make it because of another party they were invited to, but Chris & Kylie had a super time. We learned so much of what our pioneer ancestors went through. We are glad we have air conditioning, nice homes, flushing toilets, NO flies, etc. It was a great day with lots of crafts, pony rides, free food and great fun. Super fun day! I learned so much!

This first picture was of a big mural... Kylie wanted her picture in front of the horses.

At this home they had all kinds of fun things kids did back then... here Chris & Kylie are walking on stilts. It's not as easy as it looks. There were also fun & different games to try. No video games here. We even were taught in an old school house for about 20 minutes. Very enlightening.

Kylie enjoying a horse ride... she got the biggest horse!

While we were waiting to catch the train, a man showed Kylie and Chris how to do the stick pull. Chris tried it first with another boy about his height and age. Chris beat him two times. He also beat Kylie. He's strong!

Riding the train!

This picture was taken at 5:45 on the morning of August 31st! Hail woke us up from a dead sleep! It was about the size of a dime or nickel and seemed to come out of a dry sky. We couldn't see any clouds to the north. There was lots of lightning... quite a storm for hot August.

Janie with a good gut laugh while Grandma ticked her. We were waiting at Balmforth's for Katee's mission call.

After doing this post, I realize what a busy August it was! I should do these more often than once a month. I sure enjoyed this wonderful summer. But I LOVE fall!

Jumpin' Joyful July!

2010-08-05T05:21:00.000-07:00

July started off with TONS of JOY as Jon was able to baptize and confirm sweet little Heidi Nunley as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This photo captures many of the missionaries who were all part of preparing her for this great event in her life. She chose to be baptized on July 4th ... a real celebration! Her father died a year before on that day, and she wanted to make a negative day into a positive one. What an example she is to her family, our ward and to us.

July was very full of many wonderful happy events. Jon and I celebrated my birthday by going out to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory and to the Mormon Youth Symphony 30th anniversary concert. We also saw a couple fun plays - one at Hale Theater: Wedding Singer, and at Desert Star playhouse: Big Fat Mormon Wedding. We also were able to attend the Pioneer Pops Concert and the uplifting Tabernacle Choir concert at the Conference Center. A very musical month.

As you'll see from all these photos, I love being a grandma and taking pictures of my sweet family...
Photos of sweet little Janie. She has tried for a couple months to learn to jump. She has finally accomplished that feat although I don't have pictures of it.

Funny girl--clamping down on spoon sideways. Always experimenting.

Loves being on Grandma & Grandpa's bed!

Trying to stand on her head.

Loves to play shopping with her animals in the old shopping cart my girls used to play with.

Field trip day with Chris, Kylie and Janie. We first went to the International Peace Gardens and practically had the whole place to ourselves... where I got some great photos of the kids. We then hit the Discovery Museum.

LAGOON!!! A few of us went up early on Monday the 11th to enjoy our Stake Lagoon Day. It was HOT! It was FUN! Later in the day, many of the other family came up for a picnic but forgot to get any pictures then.

One week I had the privilege of tending 7 of my 8 grandchildren. I had loads of fun with all these beautiful children. It was a little chaotic, but good times prevailed.

Janelle was such a great help, but she really enjoyed herself too, surrounded by nieces and nephews. This first picture is of them watching Laura's blog of Ella. They loved the video of her laughing.

Here we are at a free-lunch park enjoying the day, each in their own way.

Kyle, sucking the juice out of his orange instead of peeling it.

After eating lunch in the shade of a tree, they loved chasing seagulls, playing catch with Janie's monkey, and rolling down the hills.

On the night of my birthday with all of these grandkids, we went up to the Spruces to cook dinner - hot dogs and tin foil dinners.

I wanted a picture of all my grandkids and me for my birthday. I had to include all three shots because it shows how different and unique they all are and what a challenge to get all 7 posing for the camera.

This next picture was hilarious to watch. Janie kept going up to Dave's car and talking to her reflection in Dave's shiny bumper.

Brian & Courtney's children were with me several days (and nights). They obeyed me so well all week and were delightful to be around. Janelle & I decided to visit Temple Square with them one hot Friday (since I had a little business to do at the RSB). We really enjoyed our day together visiting many of the buildings and sites as well as eating in the COB cafeteria.

I love this photo of Janelle in front of the RSB... in the shadow of the temple!

Outside on the Plaza by the RSB.

Zac, Savannah & Janie in front of the huge fountain.

Eternally ours....

Love this photo in the RSB... so sparkly and golden looking.

One July evening, our ward RS sisters met downtown at the COB to go on the Temple Square garden tour. I took lots of pictures of the flowers, but I liked these pictures best.

On July 24th, our family didn't do the usual Pioneer parade down with the Johnsons at Liberty Park. We found a picnic spot at Ledgemere up Big Cottonwood Canyon, and cooked breakfast together.

The kids loved throwing rocks into the stream.

Part of the fun for me was seeing my kids relaxed, kicking back and talking together.

Zac walking towards river, enjoying morning at picnic site.

As we waited outside the cave, Janie was scared because her parents went into the dark hole. Here are some fun candid shots with her aunts.

Christopher & Kyle emerging from cave.

Cute grandkids above cave.

Monkey Mark...hanging from a tree... Is this why Janie likes monkies?

Walking back from cave.

It definitely was a full month with event-filled days with grandkids and family. Good memories, fun times. And last but not least, I have to include my favorite picture of Ella (and Mike) from Laura's blog this past month. So cute of them... so animated and happy... it really captures how she loves life!

June 2010 with Laura

2010-07-22T19:44:00.000-07:00

Jon and I decided to take a week long trip to Minneapolis, MN the last week of June. We went to help Laura & Ella drive to Indiana... a 12 hour drive....for her OB appt.
The day before we flew out, I was tending little Janie. She wanted to get right into the middle of my packing and had a great time in the suitcase.

This was the car we rented...a Dodge Nitro-SUV. Here are a few photos of our road trip. Ella was a good little traveler with her books, movies and snacks her mother had prepared.

Ella was so happy to get to her home in Indiana! She had fun exploring outside after we arrived, touching base with all back home... even the neighbor's cat.

After our quick trip to Indiana, and finding #2 baby coming along great, we headed back to MN. We had a great time visiting the falls, the Mississippi River, the water park inside our Radisson Hotel, and a drive across town to visit the Minneapolis/St.Paul Temple.

While Laura & Mike visited the temple, Ella, Jon and I enjoyed an evening at the Mall of America enjoying dinner there and walking around. Legoland was a hit.

It was a special cherished time with our daughter and granddaughter. We developed a bond again with this sweet family and enjoyed each and every moment!

June - SL Temple & B.J. B-day

2010-06-14T17:31:00.001-07:00

This is the view of the Salt Lake Temple I get inside from the Relief Society Building Office window. I love it! So pretty, the temple so majestic! I just wanted to put that in here because I just love it.

The next two photos are of the new model of the SLTemple in the So. Visitor's Center. It is so incredibly perfect and made to scale--both inside and out! Janelle & I went to see it the first week. I'd love to go and study it again. So much tiny detail!

This is cute Janelley in front of the RSB. While she was off track, we did a session at the SL Temple, went out to lunch and enjoyed the day together.

B.J.'s 4th Birthday!!! Here are some fun pictures of the day, from his family watching him open his gifts, to blowing out candles, giving hugs, and the fun cowboy hat pictures. The hat seemed to be a hit with everybody.

I LOVE this picture of getting a hug from my B.J.

Don't you just love those cute puffed out cheeks? And the Cake? Brian got creative with the candles... 3 + 1 = 4.

Front Yard - finished makeover

2010-06-10T21:57:00.001-07:00

After a month long process, the front yard is finished for now. What was supposed to be a one week project, dragged into a month, but we are happy with it and glad to have it completed. I love the front porch. It makes such a nice place to sit in the mornings and evenings, a great place to sit with my grandkids, watch what is happening in the neighborhood, etc.

The first picture here is the BEFORE picture. The Finished project is at the end with various progressions in between.

Fun with Laura & Mike

2010-05-25T13:22:00.000-07:00

Normal life STOPS when the Carlstons come to visit! It becomes Family Time, field trips, game time, and good ol' PARTY time! We are all so glad they came for a couple days! Thanks to Eileen & Larry Carlston for making it all possible!

Looking at Ella in this first picture reminds me so much of Laura at this age!

I love this picture of Ella at my piano. Her posture is good, her concentration is focused. How adorable!

Fun at the Zoo
Ella, Janie, Laura, Mike and Grandma went to the zoo together to play on the one day when it was HOT-- in the 80's!... enjoying the animals, bird show, lunch, and carousel together.

DISCOVERY MUSEUM

Build a Bear/Kitty time!
Laura, Mike and Ella had never been to Build-a-Bear. And with Mike being such a stuffed animal ANIMATOR, I knew it was a must visit. After the Discovery Museum at Gateway, we wandered over to that store. What a fun time they had looking, choosing, stuffing, and naming the kitty Ella chose. She looked so HAPPY!

Naming her kitty - "Samantha"

Happy Ella - on way home from an Ella-Day! What a Holiday!

Out to Rumbi's - purple Ella by purple tree!

At Julie's home - game night!

Ella at piano again - At Great Grandma Thomas's home.

Grandpa with his baby girls

HAPPY TOGETHER COUSINS

Jumpin' Janie

2010-05-25T13:20:00.000-07:00

Fun night on our deck... Janie keeps trying to jump or hop and keeps us laughing!

Wheels on the Bus

2010-05-25T13:12:00.000-07:00

Laura & Mike came for a few days making it a holiday for all of us. This song I was able to video one night as we sat out on the deck with the whole family. Ella really knows the actions to this song, and Janie had fun watching!

Front yard makeover May 2010

2010-05-15T13:04:00.001-07:00

We decided on a front yard project--to take out the side walk along the front of the house, and soften it with plants and a front porch and walkway. We're about half done with the project. Here is how it looks so far...

This is a view of our front yard last year.

Crew tearing out sod and sidewalk.

Cute Janie with view of beginnings of new front deck.

Sandstone dry-stack wall in process.

Hope it all works and comes together like we hope!

MAY 2010 Janelle's Masters Degree!

2010-05-15T10:24:00.001-07:00

May 1st, Saturday, Janelle received her Master's degree. The day before Laura, Jon, Janelle & I drove down after Women's Conference in Provo to Cedar City to watch this blessed event! I'm so glad we did. It brought tears to our eyes to see and feel such a grand event. You can tell just how thrilled we are!

Jon and Happy Laura! She had flown here for Women's Conference and got to be in on the graduation.

Janelle with her teacher friend, Karalee.

It's funny to think how this was basically the first and last time Janelle was at SUU for a school event. It shows how times have changed since Jon and I went to school. All her classes were online or by a traveling professor. Janelle had been to this campus before as an EFY counselor, but not as a student. Now she graduates from here with her Masters!

APRIL 2010

2010-05-09T20:22:00.000-07:00

APRIL started with big events accompanied by gorgeous flowers downtown.
I LOVE spring flowers!

During the first weekend of April we had a great weekend with a girls night at Julie's home while the guys had a special night together at the Priesthood Session.

Don't these men look handsome? I can't believe I now have two grandsons old enough to go to the priesthood sesson!

With Easter being on the same Sunday as General Conference, we enjoyed many egg activities between sessions with an egg hunt, egg fights and an plastic egg-opening activity where we told the story of Easter. I can't believe we hunted for eggs & candy in the SNOW! Burr!

The next set of pictures are of a quick extended family vacation to San Diego for Melanie Shoell's wedding in the San Diego Temple. We drove down with Grandma Thomas, Sara & Josh, and Jon & I. Janelle, Patty and Jack flew down and met us. This first picture is of the harbor cruise we went on together. Beautiful Day! California weather is SOOOOOOO nice!

Beautiful view of the ocean from our 3rd floor condo room. Wow, what a view!

Fun down at the beach... but very cold.

Temple ceremony day at San Diego Temple

We had fun down at Old Town San Diego at the Mormon Battalion (newly opened) visitor's center.

Josh, was the volunteer to put on all the Mormon Battalion gear.

Out to Dinner - fun photo of Sara & Josh!

The day after returning from San Diego, we went to my Aunt June Baird's funeral up in Brigham City. She was the last one of that greatest generation to go to the other side. I'm sure she had a great reception of parents, family and friends.
This first picture is of all my sweet Baird cousins gathered together at the mortuary. I love all these special cousins. The next one is taken at the Brigham City cemetery.

At the end of April I enjoyed another little vacation....BYU Women's Conference! This is such a great tradition for my girls and me. We loved hanging out together, doing service together and becoming edified and strengthened in the process. Such a great two days!

Some time during the month on one of the days I babysat, I was able to get darling pictures of Janie and her Daddy in our backyard. Janie literally LOVES being outdoors, and cries when we come in the house. I love these pictures of her and her daddy.

These months are so full of family and fun. I feel so blessed!

MARCH 2010

2010-05-09T19:18:00.000-07:00

Wow, I have so much to catch up on.... we'll start back in March....

March was filled with many fun events, as well as the same ever-surprising routine like tending Janie. March's Highlights include: getting together with my dear friend Debbie Spencer, Savannah's baptism (which I didn't get pictures of!), helping Jon with the political caucus, teaching missionary lessons in our home to a couple from our ward, having a HUGE month at the Relief Society Building--ERT meeting, workshops involving me to be there everyday, doctor & dental appts, plus many extended family events with nephews and nieces going to the temple for endowments for missions and marriages.

Janelle was off track for a few weeks and we had so much fun playing with Janie while Mark and Sariah got away on a fun cruise.
I don't have pictures for all the events, but I have a few fun photos...

One day, Janelle tried putting Janie's hair in a ponytail... not an easy task with a 17 month old. We had to take pictures of this cute face and catch some photos to show her Mom.

It didn't last long... she pulls things out of her hair, so we gave up and did two ponytails which seemed to stay in better. She loves to smile for the camera!

We went to lunch together one day and she loved posing during dessert!

Why are babies so precious looking when they are asleep? She's holding on to her two favorite monkeys while she sleeps in her car seat.

Pictures of some of the family with Melanie and fiance Ryan at Timpanogas Temple after Melanie went through for her first time.

Jon and I were there as were three of our children: Julie, Janelle & Brian.

Next set of pictures of family at Melanie's shower--first one of Julie, Sara & Emily in this beautiful club house down in Lehi.

I love this one of sweet Janelle...

This is a past student of mine, Tara Rowley, and her mom, Gayla who was the room mother. I love these sweet people.

Loved this symphony at the Tabernacle, hearing Igor Gruppman playing the violin -- "Meditation" so beautifully it made me cry.

Here is a couple Jon and I worked to teach the missionary discussions to each Sunday in our home. Don and Karleen Hatch - now they are working to go to the temple!

This was taken at Cafe Rio with my dear friend Debbie Spencer! Such a dear, dear friend!

Such a memorable month of March!

Family Fun

2010-02-15T08:50:00.000-08:00

Courtney's sister, Danielle, had her son baptized by Brian. We went and watched this special baptism take place up in Heber.

Jeff Lazerus, Nicholas and Danielle.

A beautiful winter sunset from our front porch!

On the Friday before Valentine's Day, Jon and I went to celebrate by going to use our gift card to the Roof Restaurant. What a gorgeous night! We watched the sunset and then loved seeing the lights turn on gradually on the Salt Lake Temple. Breathtaking!

Christopher's last day of the basketball season... I was able to catch the last game and see him get his trophy. He's a great defensive player and ran up and down the court without seeming out of breath. Good Job Chris!

While Julie's kids were off track, we've had fun with Janie. Chris & Kylie had a great time with Janie's toys and trying to get her to laugh. Wasn't hard to do.

Janelle loves reading books to kids, but not as much as Janie loves listening to them!

Janelle having fun dancing with Janie.

Janie & Kylie having fun moving to music.

Until next time......Love to all!

February Fun with grandkids

2010-02-05T11:34:00.001-08:00

Not much needs to be said here.... just enjoying three of my beautiful grandkids! Chris & Kylie are off track and we're having fun with Janie together. Chris has been working on his reading merit badge - reading Hatchet by Gary Paulsen together and Kylie's been learning her Articles of Faith. So much FUN being a grandma!

Few more memories

2010-02-01T12:33:00.000-08:00

We had a great Christmas and obviously I'm still enjoying the memories. I loved this of Grandma Thomas wanting to get in a picture with Santa. We kept encouraging her to sit on his lap but she insisted she didn't want to hurt him. I took a bunch of pictures and some have already been posted, but wanted to add these two of Grandma and Kylie. Thanks Santa!

Kylie here had just sung at Macey's grocery store. Laura, Janelle & babies got the chance to go hear her sing. She was great! Love those big brown eyes!

The next set of fun photos were taken clear back on Thanksgiving Day.... after the big meal. We divided into teams to make gingerbread creations. The guys made a train and the girls a house.

Gotta love the tongue BJ needed to put his candies on!

Now these next two pictures may be deceiving....This is NOT the final product of what they made, but the creations of Aunt Patty. She made a glorious creation out of cookies and graham crackers for the Festival of Trees! I was lucky enough to be there to purchase it! So beautiful! This can be our model for future projects.

Kylie and Savannah finally enjoying eating all their creations after a fun grandkid treasure hunt. Yummy!

I love all those fun family memories!

Joys of Janie

2010-01-24T12:24:00.001-08:00

It's such a joy to be a grandma! I've had the honor of tending my youngest grand-daughter for the past year (a couple days each week) watching her personality emerge and watching her grow and develop. Of course, I have a gazillion pictures of her, but will only post some. I'm sure Mark and Sariah will enjoy this particular post the most... and it's for them that I post it. (And yes Sariah, you can steal any of them you want!) I tried uploading some of my amateur video but didn't have any luck... sorry guys.

Anyway, she gives me so much joy... her smiles and giggles make me laugh. We have such a good time together. I'm loving the stage she is at now. She's beginning to communicate what she wants with nods and shakes of her head, thus it's easier to figure out her needs. Below are a just a few of the fun-fotos this over-exuberant grandma has taken. When I put her up to the piano one day, she went nuts... like it was a photo shoot! I got so many fun happy smiles that day. Thus you'll see many with the "cutie" shirt on... which totally describes her.

Fun Hair day... I was able to get all her hair into two ponytails! So grown up looking!

Here's daddy Mark (my son) who totally adores his daughter.

Having fun eating.... yummy!

Learning to walk while her Aunt Laura was here. I love this photo how it captures the excitement of the moment! She was even carrying her favorite monkey with her.

Happy crawler....

So funny---Janelle and I helped her put these big red gloves on her and she had so much fun shaking them back and forth.

Posing for Grandma with her monkey as she is walking with the pushcart.

Surprise look! We get it often and I love how she opens her mouth in surprise!

Such a cute face... her teeth are finally coming in.

I find it interesting that she isn't scared... more like she's wondering... Who is this guy?

Gorgeous eyes....

One of my favorite Janie moments... she was walking around the cupboards as she was learning to walk. Then she came face to face with a little girl in the stove. She stood there for several minutes carrying on a darling baby conversation with this little girl. I was able to grab my camera and capture just in time the sweet little kiss she gave this girl in the stove.

Her Loving Parents.... so good and sweet to her... they are so lucky to have such a precious girl in their home.

Her cute daddy.

Another cute Liberace photo. (Do any of you know who Liberace is?)

Janie loved my nativity... pointing to it and babbling something cute.

Eating orange...

So many fun expressions of Janie... ENJOY!

This last photo is one of my favorites... It looks to me like she's saying, "I love you Grandma!" Then she leans in and kisses me. So precious!

I've had withdrawals from my little Ella who is now back in Indiana but it's fun to hear her voice on the phone occasionally. Yes, I'm definitely blessed to have 8 beautiful grandchildren. They bring so much joy to my life! That's why so much of my blog is of them.

Christmas 09 memories

2010-01-17T12:05:00.001-08:00

Mike, Laura and Ella were able to come from Indiana and stay with us through the holidays! What a special time for these grandparents to get to know their granddaughter Ella that they don't see enough! We learned so much about Ella! As you can see in these fun photos, we found many parts of her personality. Here then, are the many faces of Ella! (Janie's page will come at a later blog)

Somewhat pouty face with Grandpa.

Expressive and adorable!

Fun Hair - in two tiny pigtails on top. Laura had fun dressing up her little doll!

A not-so-happy Ella... hopefully she'll come to love Santa!

Bright & happy Ella!

Ella - all upset soon after she arrived from Indiana off the plane. She found her mother's shoes but couldn't find her momma. She was so relieved when she found her.

Cute Ella in the car... on one of our many trips all over.

Being coy and cute...

Silly Ella - loved that blue barrel.

Curious Ella.... I can just see her thinking..."What cha doing Grandma?"

So cute... she's looking at herself in the mirror. I love the expression on her face --she's discovering who she is!

Our darling mischievous Ella!

What a pretty face and such beautiful eyes!

All Pretty for Church!

Tender time - her mom singing to her before bed or nap time.

This next section contains many fun parts of our Christmas holidays! So many fun memories!

Janelle sang with a women's group this year "We Also Sing" directed by Merilee Webb. After attending her concert at the S.L. Tabernacle, we had fun walking around the temple and seeing the Christmas lights.

Janelle adores her little nieces. She's loving reading them a story with them together on her lap! So cute!

Janelle enjoying cuddle time with her niece Janie.

Settlers! Mike and Laura, Mark & Sariah love this game!

Laura & Janelle loving their Julie-made gift!

Opening presents and enjoying the moments. BJ loving his new animal Julie made.

All my daughters playing games and enjoying their time together!

Brian & Courtney at Alayne's home party - day after Christmas.

Eating together!

Shopping together! (to watch Kylie sing @ Macey's)

Realizing the size differences, and getting to know one another.

Loving those grandbabies!

Past Decade

2010-01-10T12:49:00.000-08:00

With the beginning of a new decade, it's interesting to ponder on all that has transpired over the last one. We've had many challenges, but many blessings as well. In the past 10 years...
*Both my parents passed away, my Dad in 2001 to a heart attack and my Mom to cancer in 2008.
*I won a teacher award and a couple years later I retired from the profession.
*Two of my children found their eternal companions and married in the temples of their choice!
*5 of our 8 grandchildren were born in the past 10 years: Kylie 2000, Savannah 2002, B.J. 2006, Ella and Janie in 2008.
*Served as a Church Service Missionary for 6 years... beginning at the Church Office Building becoming an assistant supervisor over hosting there and then to the Relief Society Building as supervisor - experiencing many spiritual and inspirational moments.
*Found genealogy records and facts my mother and grandmother had been searching for over 50 years. Took names to the temple and sealed as a family.
*Remodeled our home, finishing the basement, redoing the kitchen and bathroom, and just have master bath to finish for home to be complete.
*Jon & I have traveled to the United Kingdom (when he went for work), visited Israel with Janelle, been on a cruise to Alaska & the Bahamas. I went with Alayne & my mom on a cruise down the Baja - Mexican Riviera cruise.
*Started up painting again and have taken oil painting classes, enjoying the creative process and beauties of nature.
There are probably a lot more things I'll think of after I publish this, but these are the main ones.

I wonder what the upcoming decade will bring? I hope my husband can retire from work, that we can serve a mission together or work in the temple. I imagine there will be several more beautiful grand babies born, and maybe even two missionaries (oldest grandsons) will have served, and maybe even married...whew, hard to envision. I hope to accomplish more family history work, writing and compiling a book about my mom's history, and maybe even my own. Hopefully our health will continue so we can enjoy doing all those things.

By 2020 I suppose I will have painted more pictures, read more books--especially be more familiar with the scriptures, love a lot more grandchildren, hopefully see Janelle become happily married, and enjoy life with my husband in serving others and traveling to Denmark, Norway and places of our origins, and visiting the lands of the Book of Mormon with the huge Mayan pyramids, and visiting Laura wherever she and Mike end up living.

I don't want to focus too much on the future. I really want to enjoy the present! I want to love each day and every moment I have with my family when they are around. Today, I just feel very blessed!

It's about time!

2009-11-17T20:14:00.001-08:00

It's about time I posted a blog. It's been a couple months since my last blog. But I won't make this too long.
The first part is at the Discovery Museum on a day I had Chris & Kylie and Janie. The next photos are of our Halloween party and the kids costumes, then it ends with Time-out for women.
At the museum Janie had a BALL! Literally! She loved the balls. I took so many pictures, but my digital camera wasn't fast enough to catch how quickly she was moving. She was thoroughly involved. Fun, fun, fun... just to watch her.

All the balls on the floor are the ones she threw there! She kept pulling them out and throwing them! I gave up trying to clean up after her and decided to get a photo instead. What a funny girl!

These grandkids had so much fun at the magformer table. We actually started here (that's why Janie is still in the stroller.... that was the last time she was because she loved everything and had so much fun at the Discovery Museum!) After this she played at the puzzle table which was just her height and scattered pieces everywhere. I'm glad they pay the help to pick up after kids.

Kylie's cool house creation. I love those big brown eyes.

Christopher's awesome huge ball made of pentagons and hexagons. Pretty tricky to make. And he made it over and over again. This kid's got a gift!

HALLOWEEN PARTY AT GRANDMA & GRANDPA'S
First we see tall scary Zac!

Then cute little cheetah Savannah!

Scary BJ spiderman!

Here's where the whole family was coming through the door....Oooh!

Then our cute monkey, Kylie and Star Wars Christopher! What a fun night and fun family!

Cute Janie pumpkin!

Beautiful Hawaiian Janelle with niece Janie posing for Grandma.

This past weekend, some of the extended Thomas family went to Time Out for Women at the Salt Palace. We had an inspirational weekend. Below are a few photos of the beautiful women in my life who attended. First is Patty Steadman and Melanie Shoell.

Next is sweet Grandma Thomas with her daughter and my sister-in-law, Sara Johnson.

We had such a wonderful uplifting time, heard many great messages, and the company we were with couldn't be beat. Here is Marianne another awesome sister-in-law, and her two daughters: Melanie and Melissa. Doesn't everyone just radiate?!

2009-09-12T16:10:00.000-07:00

Birthday party at Dave & Julie's home for Dave's birthday. Fun photo of Janelle, Kylie, and Sariah eating on the stairs.

I love these blue, blue eyes... loving eating ICE CREAM!

ZOO DAY with Grandma!. I took Brian's kids to the zoo the day before they started school. We had a great time together, while Brian and Courtney were off to Denver to watch her favorite football team play there (her birthday gift.) Here we're 'all aboard' for a train ride.

Getting excited for the bird show to start. I have the cutest grandkids!

Mark, Sariah & Janie kicking back on the grass on Labor Day. We all went up for a picnic lunch and met Brian's family at Jordanelle.

Beautiful Day... in the 70's, although it was quite windy in the afternoon.

Kids trying to have fun on the orange boat during a windy day at Jordanelle. We realized it would be much more fun with a motor on the boat.

Janie with her Grandpa!

Picnic site at Jordanelle, having fun just hanging out.

Laura & I talking together with babies on Skype... it was Ella's birthday!

CHERRY HILL REUNION

2009-08-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

Our family had a great reunion at Cherry Hill last Saturday, despite the cool temperatures. Seeing those babies smile, watching grandchildren play in the water, my children run up the hill and down the slides, was great fun for this mom and grandma. I loved having a day together - just having fun. It's wonderful watching how they interact together, support one another with their children, play together and just have fun talking with one another. Aren't families great? I'm so grateful for mine.

Beautiful Cherry Hill view with Jon in foreground. The "lazy river" goes around this area. Our family is having so much fun here.

Sariah and Janie having fun, despite the chilly day.

Dave giving this crazy-picture-taking-grandma a great smile!

Lazy river fun....babies loved it!

BJ, 3 years old, ready to go play - life jacket ready!

Brian and BJ entering Pirates Cove

Big day... tired Daddy Mike, but Ella still awake and wants to play.

Kylie opening her birthday presents (now 9 years old). We gave her a Build-a-Bear Monkey. She named her Ally.

I love this picture of Savannah and Janelle. I'm so glad Savannah is healing so fast! She looks a 100% better in less than 10 days. Children heal so quickly!

Highs & lows in July

2009-08-04T18:35:00.000-07:00

In the month of July, we tried to finish up details in our construction project. Here we are taking time to relax in our new room with the Carlston family (Laura's other family - inlaws).

Laura & Mike at Japanese Teriyaki restaurant for my birthday.

Grandson's day at Boondocks with Christopher, Zac and Kyle. The boys loved the go-karts, bumper boats, miniature golf and lazer tag. This grandma had fun watching.

The day after our fun day at Boondocks with my grandson's, Savannah had a terrible bike accident. Luckily she was wearing a helmet! She had to undergo oral surgery to put her teeth in her lower jaw back together. She also broke her right wrist. Poor girl. It's so hard to see grandchildren in pain!

Janie & Ella in July

2009-08-03T09:23:00.001-07:00

It's been an awesome month having Laura's sweet family here. It's been fun watching these 10 month old babies become acquainted and react with each other. Their personalities and development are so different. It's so fun to watch their reactions to one another. Ella seems more socially aggressive and Janie likes her space. They are both such beautiful grand-daughters. I truly feel blessed.

I love their eyes! Both so expressive and accepting.

Here Janie and her dad Mark, enjoying silliness together... Janie's quite a bit like her daddy.

It's been so delightful to watch these babies scoot, roll, walk with help, etc.

Whoa... what a look!

Ella enjoying an evening on the swing with her daddy, Mike.

Sorry picture sideways... love those eyes.

Ella loves help walking... we have all had fun with her grabbing our fingers and taking off wherever she wants to go.

Fun "Girls Day" at the Zoo. Here's Kylie and Janie posing.

At the Bird show - Savannah, Kylie and their favorite aunt.... Janelle!

Courtney holding Janie.... I call this her "popeye look"!

Laura and Ella after the Carosel

Lunch at Wendy's after the zoo -- Savannah and Kylie.

Pool-side with Janie and Ella-- they love the water.

Fun shot at the zoo in their strollers

What a bathing beauty!

Grandpa with Janie at Old Meeting house for my niece Andrea's wedding.

Mark's cute family - wife Sariah and baby Janie up on a hike to the Day's family cabin.

Laura, Mike and Ella at the Doermann wedding.

I love being a grandma! These grandchildren bring me so much joy! Each one is unique, bright and beautiful! I'm so very blessed.

Alaskan Get-away

2009-08-02T20:31:00.000-07:00

In mid June, we took a break from construction projects and drove to Seattle to begin a cruise to Alaska embarking on Norweigan Pearl. I'm so excited!

Jon, Janelle & I are enjoying the change of pace and this fun get-away.

Our "group" on the cruise -- with friend of Janelle's, Keri Corfield and her parents and family.

Beautiful Glacier Bay National Park.

Gorgeous Alaskan sunset... one of many.

Jon and I on our anniversary, taken from Janelle's balcony off her room with beautiful Alaska and twin ship in rear.

Jon and Janelle on the top deck of the Norweigen Pearl.

Janelle inside beautiful rose gardens in the gorgeous Butchart gardens.

Jon, Janelle and I in Butchart Gardens.

We had a wonderful vacation and break. I didn't want to go home, but we enjoyed the road trip down part of the Oregon coast, then to Portland and Multinomah Falls. We arrived home to find Laura & Mike and sweet darling Ella.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

2009-06-07T15:45:00.000-07:00

It's coming together finally. I spent a whole day oiling down cupboards, moping tile floors, washing windows, basically getting things ready to finish up. Here's a view of the state we're in now... still more painting to be done, but counter-top & sink are in. We had our first meal here last night on our new counter-top.

Back view of counter - orange dots are for where the handles will go. Still much to do in just a few days.

Laundry room mess, but with new washer and dryer in boxes ready to be installed.

New shelves for laundry room.

Remodel - End of week 4

2009-06-05T22:33:00.000-07:00

This week it seemed like we went backwards for a while... covering everything with plastic or paper that had been done so far, so the painting could be done. The painters were here everyday this week and will still be back this Monday. To deal with the dust and smell, Jon & I spent time in the yard weeding, planting flowers, enjoying our yard and view, and having a picnic or two on the deck.

This is Jon trying to survive construction with a carton of ice cream, a spoon, and a recliner to relax.

Chris & Bryce Thomas covering all flooring with paper and tape, plus all the cabinets, windows, furniture, etc.

Garage - a beehive of activity!

Three Thomas Painting and Decorating VANS

Scott & Chris working hard.

Dust Mess - place looks haunted!

Norm staining the new railing.

Clint from Bangerter trying to finish up cabinet details, while working around painters and countertop people.

Norman, Bryce with Clint working in this big room.

Countertop- Procast men, working in front to buff and ready countertop. Appliances already delivered earlier in the day, sitting in garage.

Here it is: the biggest piece of the blue pearl Granite countertop, before gluing it down.

Putting in the stainless steel sink.

Done! Do we like it?

Plumber, Craig, installing dishwasher, disposal, and even put in a new bathroom toilet downstairs! Yeah! I finally have running water in my kitchen!

Backsplash getting started, closet painted, notice new dishwasher.

Backsplash completed (before grout)

This week has been hard for several reasons... we expected to be done today... we are not. We have been living with the taste of sheet rock dust in our mouths and it's EVERYWHERE. But it's been great because we're finally seeing it come together. It's a bit scary for me, hoping all the colors work well together.... it's really the first time I've seen all my decisions put together.

Tomorrow is a big day - cleaning the kitchen, oiling it down, preparing the cupboard for dishes, etc.

Next week... finish painting, carpeting on Tuesday, appliances in, and all electrical finished. Tile to be sealed, knobs and handles put on, etc, etc, etc.

But we can see the end in sight!

End of Week 3 - Remodel

2009-05-30T12:27:00.001-07:00

Week Three was a big week! It brought about lots of changes and final decisions. Many samples were returned to stores all over the valley with samples of granite & backsplash and tile ideas. We decided on the blue pearl countertop, thanks to the comments made by all my children. After much shopping for appliances, studying and analyzing, decisions were made on those as well. Backsplash tile was ordered. Even paint color was finalized. Whew!

The floor tile job took way too long this week to complete (in my opinion) but they were able to get it done after two late nighters. Cabinets were installed last Tuesday. They look awesome... just a few minor details like knobs which be finished later.

Here the furnace vent was turned (Charlie did this) so we could have a little wider entry that flowed to the opening for the kitchen.

Here's a view of the tile - view of plumbing coming through the floor. Notice that it's DARK outside. Wednesday night the tile guy, Frank, was here until about 1:00 AM. Even though he had worked a 12 hour day, it's was hard to tell that he'd done very much.

View of the entry way.

What a mess on our patio! Stuff all over, yet can't find a thing.

Joe, the sheetrock guy, fixing the hole made in the bathroom by the plumbers. He had to come for a few minutes for three days in a row to complete that.

Cabinets are finally being installed after sitting in the garage almost a week.

Here's a view of fridge cabinets.

View of kitchen island and most of kitchen.

The built-in dining closet. The doors will have antique glass put in them.

Tile view with cabinets on top. Tile still isn't grouted yet which concerns me. They put the island right over ungrouted tile. But Charlie said he will seal it along the edges for me so no problems of moisture getting underneath it.

Long story... but we finally got the grout in place late Thursday night by the boss and his boss. The tile layer didn't show up all day, frustrating both Charlie and me. Charlie couldn't put down baseboards and we're concerned because the painters are coming on Friday.

Stairs are finally in and grouted! Paper being put down to cover tile as Norman and his boys get ready to paint.

Another important decision to make! Choosing paint color... and that is always hard for me. But with Norm and his expert experience, it's much easier. I trust him and his choice. We're going with "Desert Fawn" with the white accent for woodwork being "Hayseed". Julie helped me also decide colors. We're going to go with a pretty blue in the bathroom.

Busy place with a couple tile guys in and out every day, Charlie, the superintendent or foreman for the job, as well as the guys who came to measure for counter-tops, the cabinet installers... hoppin' place.

These are the built-in bookcases that Charlie built for us behind the kitchen... so we don't have any wasted space. This was Julie's great idea! Charlie also fixed my laundry room with shelves (won't have cupboards anymore).

Charlie working while communicating with all the people who are part of this job.

We had an incident on Thursday night in our front yard. It's a very long story, but I give you the short version. Frank, the tile guy assigned to help us, didn't show up all day on Thursday until almost 6 pm. We had been depending on him to finish the tile and grout it all so baseboards could be put down ready for the painter the next day. He showed up madder than a hornet. I guess he'd been chewed out on the phone by his boss. As he blew off at Charlie, I ignored for a bit, but finally had to say something. That just made him more mad. Later as he & his boss were talking in our front yard (we were in the house) Frank tried choking his boss on our front lawn probably because his boss fired him for not showing up and for talking back to me. Basically a sad & unfortunate situation. Milo, the boss, finished the tile grout with Frank's brother, Teddy, working until after 10 pm on Thursday night.

All in all, it was a very productive week. Jon & I finally moved back upstairs a couple days ago into our own bed. We're still eating in the basement. Meals have been interesting. Today as I type this, Chris, Bryce, & Scott from Thomas Painting and Decorating are papering, taping and putting plastic to cover everything as they get ready to paint. They've put putty on the woodwork, been sanding and prepping.

Remodeling is a challenge, but Charlie has made it a positive experience. He jokes and teases and works very hard. Most of the people on this project have been amazing and wonderful to work with. Jon has been very patient with all my decision questions, also working fiendishly here at home whenever he's not at L-3. It's very hard to endure the mess of closets emptied all over the house, of dust and grit everywhere. I just have to envision the finished product while I breathe and eat dust. But I feel like a Queen, the way everyone looks to me for decisions and my opinions. So I'm enjoying the journey.

End of week 2 - Kitchen Remodel

2009-05-22T13:12:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 16th, continuing kitchen demo. Julie was really into it! Jon had worked hard the day before to remove the disposal, disconnect the water line, etc. What an awesome, hardworking family!

The cabinets are gone!

Dave having too much fun being MACHO!

I love this shot of Janie during the demo.... I imagine her saying "Yuk!"

Jon disconnecting the radio, Christopher removing staples, Dave pulling out carpet from the closets. What a team!

Kylie hauling out the carpet pad! She's buff! Everyone working hard, pulling out staples, or nails, clearing debris, or ripping out carpet. I have the best family in the world!

Kylie on the swing outside with Janie during all the turmoil inside... and she rocked her to sleep! Both such sweeties!

Funny family... they're all trying to get Janie to wave.... she started to and they got excited and really got animated... so I switched the camera to them! Surprise!

Bathroom demo - what a nasty job! We're getting ready for tile and cabinets.

The big room is now all cleared out... ready for tile.

Here is a view of living room where we will have new "to-be-built" bookcases.

On Monday, the plumbing was done... But man, what a stressful day. It took two hours just to decide how to do it and IF they could do it. I was pretty tense because I thought they had decided that already. This whole remodel rested on that decision, and I thought it was already decided it would work. I wondered if all the work we had done so far was for nothing. But they figured it out... had to cut a whole in the basement bathroom and I won't have any laundry cabinets now. (I also had Janie that day and with all the noise, we both did pretty well.)

Here's a view of the new pipe plumbed for the upstairs kitchen sink that will be moved.

Charlie sawing in garage as he works on various projects--pantry, railing, etc. He's such a cool guy.

Many people come and go on this project. Here are helpers putting screws in all over the floors to quiet the squeaks!

Charlie built shelves built into the new pantry. They'll look awesome after they're painted.

New tile going in... so difficult because of uneven floor. Milo, the tile layer, has had to start over since it's so uneven, and feather it down to the carpet at the back of the room.

Charlie is installing the new railing.... I love it!

New banister on the other side of the stairwell. Nice!

Our cabinets were delivered three days ago, but the tile needs to be down first. So we are behind schedule. Tuesday is the new planned day for getting cabinets installed. Hopefully the tile will be done.

Laying big tile, view through the new railing.

DECISIONS! So hard to decide which granite counter-top to get! My week has been running from place to place, trying to decide. I've narrowed hundreds of options down to these two... Kodiak or Blue Pearl (or possibly Arctic Cream). If you have an opinion, it would be fun to hear it.

First is a Kodiak close-up, then from a distance.

Here is a close-up of blue pearl and then the next photo from a distance.

Any favorites! I like them both!

It was a big week, but things will be quiet for a couple days... no more demo. We have the Memorial holiday weekend ahead. Milo will be here on the Monday holiday to finish tiling the kitchen, but there is a lot more tile to do... in the hallway, bathroom & entry way. We're still living in the basement. What an adventure! I told Jon it's like camping everyday.

End of First Week-Kitchen remodel

2009-05-17T15:18:00.000-07:00

Pretty Can lights in the ceiling. The warped and bulging ceiling is fixed! Yeah! Notice the big plastic sheet across. We've dealt with three days of sheetrock sanding and dust.... it's EVERYWHERE! Ugh!

Sheet rock done in the following two photos. It's looking good! Still lots of demo to do.... take out kitchen sink, carpeting, vanity in bathroom, etc.

Part Two Demo

2009-05-17T14:59:00.000-07:00

Julie 'having a go!" at smashing, bashing, and opening up the walls.

Electrical light crew, taking down fluorescent lights, installing new lights, switches, etc.

Blair Bangerter with Jon discussing plans and problems. Note the new COOL Pantry! Wahoo!

Jon with the crazy sawzall... almost cut a live wire!

This was the messiest day.... insulation EVERYWHERE while they were trying to fix the warped ceiling. We were all gagging and coughing.

Kitchen Demo

2009-05-17T14:27:00.001-07:00

Jon is beginning the demo on the kitchen after removing our fridge.

Peek-a-boo - you're on candid camera....

Good job honey... it's looking good!

The Demo Zone

Julie, Dave, Christopher and Kylie all wanted to help... they were such good helpers!

Wonderful Week!

2009-05-05T08:55:00.000-07:00

BYU Women's Conference was another wonderful uplifting time! My 3 daughters made me laugh over at over again, (sometimes at my expense) but what fun!

In line to eat at the new Cannon Center....

At the Marriott Center...

Sweet person took this photo of all of us. Oh what joy in feeling the spirit!

My cute husband...Jon and his NEW recliner.... aaahhhh!

Being a Grandma is the BEST! Lucky us... Laura & Ella came to visit us for a week. Ella LOVES books, especially the way her Mom reads them to her.

We had a fun day at the Zoo! Ella on her first carousel ride!

All Aboard! With Christopher and Kylie off track, I had a glorious day with 4 grandkids and a daughter at the Zoo!

Ella is ready to eat in Grandma's old high chair.

Janie and Ella "hanging out" on the floor.

Draper Temple Open House

2009-01-26T17:29:00.001-08:00

Most of our family was able to go and enjoy the Draper Temple on Martin Luther King Day (a week ago). We missed Dave, (who had to work) and Mike & Laura's family in Indiana. The temple was extremely beautiful, with gorgeous wood, glass, paintings and a very awesome spirit there. Janie really enjoyed the open house in her snugli, so did her parents--Mark and Sariah.

Savannah, Kylie, and Kyle are seen outside after Draper Temple Open House.

January

2009-01-26T17:16:00.000-08:00

Jon as Lemuel in Cumorah's Hill play. You can see half of the scenery we made in background. We sang in the choir and the powerful music still plays in our mind a week later. This was a real stretch for both of us but a great learning experience. We felt the guidance of the Lord in even the little things.

Learning to Blog

2009-01-01T21:53:00.000-08:00

With Laura here from Indiana, she's helping me learn how to change and update my blog. Thank you Laura!!!

Circle of Life

2008-09-28T19:16:00.000-07:00

I've really been thinking about the song in the Lion King movie titled the Circle of Life. I have really felt that cycle this year with the passing of my mother 4 months ago, and two new grand-daughters born this month. This year has been challenging as I coordinated Mom's hospice and home care and then watched her leave this world. She was a remarkable woman, a loving example of how to be kind, charitable, forgiving, a non-complainer, showing unconditional love for everyone. The following months were also difficult as we cleaned out her home, then sold or gave away all her earthly possessions. As co-trustee, there have been boxes and boxes of papers to wade through and organize, trust documents to figure out, annuities, insurances, taxes, etc, etc, etc. It has been a huge learning experience for me.

On the other hand, this month has brought so much joy to my life as I have been at the hospital to welcome the new little spirits that have come to join our family. I was in Indiana to greet little Ella Jean Carlston, then back to Utah to welcome Janie Amelia Thomas. They are grandchildren numbers 7 and 8. There is nothing sweeter in this world than kissing, holding and snuggling with a new little baby. I'm so grateful for this blessing in my life. I'm grateful for my wonderful faithful children and their spouses who have been willing to bring all my grandchildren into this world and raise them in good righteous homes. I know they will be wonderful parents who will raise them to love the Lord and choose the right in a world that is continually worsening. New little ones bring so much hope for the future, so much joy to their families, and promise of a better life to come.

Being a grandmother is the BEST!