Pioneer Day

Even though we are no longer in Utah, it is always Pioneer Day on July 24th no matter where we live. Being a member of the church makes you appreciate this day even more. Last year we had a family reunion for the Thompson side and it was so much fun. We stayed in Jannie's grandparents place in Southern Utah. It was so great to have everyone there, kids, aunts and uncles, grandparents and in-laws that are taylor fit for our family. Good memories and good times were had by all. Ashlee got a metal swing in the face, but like a trooper was back playing not long after. Speaking of the "princess," she turned SIX on Thursday. All she wanted was the Princess Tiana dress-up dress from the movie, "The Princess and the Frog." Every sibling got her a present (there are advantages to being the youngest). She got to see Grandpa and Grandma Thompson on skype, but was anxious to let them get back to there mission so she could hurry and open her presents :) She has been a joy to have in our home. She is very energetic and when her Primary teachers took her out for ice cream they told me she never stops talking.....that I knew. She sings ALL the time and is happy most of the time. She talks like a teenager (part of having older brothers and sister) and at Target the other day Kaley was looking at purses and Ashlee picked one up and said, "This purse is so last year." Kaley and I died laughing as it was the right thing to say, but not from a six year old. She will ever keep us guessing but we are glad she is part of our family. Hopefully she will keep us young, but may age us even more :) Well, I am off to bed. A long day of work, so Sunday will be a nice break. Happy Pioneer Day to everyone.

Sunday in July

It has been a long month for us and yet is going very quickly. The kids are enjoying swimming in the pool and hanging out at home. I am gone a lot with work but love when I am here. I have a lot coming up, Ashlee's birthday, EFY for Nate, school starting, summer ending before you know it and then it will be that wonderful time of the year (Christmas). We are probably driving to Utah for a vacation and to see friends and family. We miss the mountains and being around all of the people we love and miss. Hopefully we will go sooner than later. Hope your enjoying your Sunday, we are. We love the time to be together as a family and relax without having to be somewhere or do something. Have a great July, its nearly over :)

Happy Birthday Kaley---13 years old

Today is Kaley's 13th birthday. It was just thirteen short years ago that I found out I was FINALLY going to have a girl and I couldn't wait. She was a week early and weighed in at 9lbs. 2oz. and was 22 inches long. She was long and thin and very pink, which was a change from my boys being blue when they each arrived, late of course. I am so lucky to have such a kind, soft-spoken young lady. She is already 5' 2" and a quarter tall and still growing. She has grown over two inches in the last six months. She will be entering the 8th grade and I can't believe how fast it has gone. She loves to cook and is very artistic. She has such a kind heart and always thinks of others. I know the boys rely on her when I am not here and she is definately a second mom to our little Miss Ashlee. She is amazing at all sports, but especially soccer, basketball and track. I think she would be good at whatever she set her mind too. She is a great mix of doing whatever the boys can do and also loves being girly as well. She reads her scriptures on her own every day and its fun to see her testimony growing everyday as well. I am so grateful she came to our home and I can't imagine what it would be like without her here. I will try to post a picture of her so you can see what a beautiful young woman she is turning into. What a lucky mom I am to have such wonderful children. I understand the scripture now more than ever that talks about having "joy in your posterity." I am so proud of all my kids but today am so proud and grateful for you Kaley for the wonderful person you are and are turning into. I love you very much!!!

Day Off----Happy Birthday to Ewan

We finally have a day off as a family. It is just nice to hang out with everyone and not have to be anywhere. We are enjoying each others company and eating good food. I wish every day this summer would be the same way, but not possible. Nate is at work for some of the day so not quite the same. How grateful I am for the men and women who serve this country in the armed forces so we can enjoy our freedoms, I realize they don't come for free and at a huge personal sacrifice to a lot of families---Thank you so much. Well the peace and quiet didn't last long around my house, lots of little fighting going on over things that don't matter (of course). Oh well, Happy holiday and a very Happy Birthday to Ewan!!

Brand New

I am brand new at this and am not sure if this will go well. I love to read other blogs and think it is a wonderful way to remember things that otherwise would be forgotten. I can hardly believe it is already JULY. The summer is already going by very quickly. For the fourth we of course will be in church, but will be remembering how lucky we are to live in a country where we are able to worship how, when or what we may. I am grateful to be an American and all that it stands for. Michael is enjoying his mission in Idaho right now, we miss him at every holiday but are so grateful for his example to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Well, hopefully I will get the hang of this and post more than less. Hope its enjoyable to any and all who read it.