merry christmas

the thomas family christmas

We had Christmas last Sunday with Dan’s family. Dan’s brother Cam lives in an apartment in City Creek with is downtown Salt Lake City. It ended up being a great middle meeting place for all of the family. It was a really nice dinner and celebration.

Brookie received a rocking chair that Bev’s dad made. It needs some new cushions, but B owned in anyway. Her favorite place as of this gift. She also received some gloves and little people toys.

Abi received some pj’s, a princess game, some warm gloves and some princess stuff. 

Dan received a watch and deep freezer for all his hunting meats and I received a cheese grater for my bosch and a slackline… I love both of them already. Our family also received some fun passes for the area. Thank you Thomas’!

just some thoughts from a sunday

Today has been a special day.

We are here in Colorado and attended my parents’ ward. They were having their Christmas program. During all the opening things and during the sacrament passing Abi was sitting next to my parents’ friends – Randy and Sophia. They have older kids who live away and no grandkids – so we have allowed them to love on our girls. They are not members of our church but they always have had a love for music so my mom (being awesome) asked them to come to sacrament today since it was their musical program. What a first and wonderful experience for them. The best part goes back to my Abi. She was sitting next to Randy and Sophia and she had a bunch of artwork cards on a ring. She sat there and talked with Sophia all about who and what we thought about the cards. I not only was so touched by Abi being a missionary and sharing the gospel without second thoughts, but that she KNEW all the stories. I LOVED listening to her talk about Joseph Smith and the plates and then proceeded to tell Sophia that it was his birthday today and we were going to celebrate with pie after church.

The second cool thing about today happened during class times. I attended my mom’s young women’s class. She was teaching today. I was so grateful that I attended. Most of my growing up she was in YW’s with me… but as a teen, I wasn’t quite open to hearing her. Today, my heart was open and I was just amazed at my mom and her testimony. She is such a strong woman. I am so blessed and will cherish her strength and words from today.

Another great thing was to do with my brother Erik. For three years all I have asked of him for Christmas is for him to get his patriarchal blessing. Today, I was blessed with the honor of him not only getting his blessing, but allowing me to be there. It was proof through this event that revelation is real, that it happens still, and that the Lord knows us. My brother is amazing! On the way home we (my mom, dad, and Dan) all shared some of our thoughts on those precious moments. That was special… he grew up ten feet in my eyes today and I just can’t wait until he receives his mission call next month. He is going to do so much good in the world! I am so grateful for him.

To add to all my joy from today, we received more photos from my older brother Josh and his growing family! They just welcomed their first boy yesterday into their family. Oh how I understand what eternal families are just by the photos and seeing Parker's sweet new face, just like he was meant to be in this family for a long time. I am just so proud to be Josh’s sister and to be blessed through his and his family's good choices.

During the past week, I have had friends and family who have been dealt tough blows with cancer and health problems, and I have had a friend and her family receive news that they would be welcoming a baby boy into their family next month through adoption. All trials and blessings point to Jesus Christ.

As Abi lays next to me curling her blond locks around her fingers and watches movies on LDS.org about Christ, I am just reminded how wonderful this plan of salvation is. My heart knows no greater joy than to have an eternal family and a Savior who allowed this plan to be complete and to bless my life yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Now that is the true meaning of Christmas.

date – flowrider

Dan and my next big adventure was the flowrider in Ogden. What an experience that was! It only took us two on the head slams each to get the hang of it.

This is Dan’s second biff-

But then he was on top of things and rocked his own socks off he was so good!

I started out boogie boarding, but then go the nerves to flowboard…

This isn’t a very good photo, but it is the only one Dan got of me flowboarding. He was too astounded by my awesome skills.

I cannot wait to do this again!

earlier in the month festivities

We took a night and headed out to the Ogden Christmas parade… it was crazy! A full blown parade? It was great but freezing. Sadly we didn’t make it until Santa turned on all the city lights, but we still enjoyed ourselves.

This is Abi and B playing together…

B turned around and Abi had been sticking playing cards down her diaper… wanna come over for some games?

Then we set up our own tree and decorations…

lunch with mima and banka

Earlier this month, Mima and Banka came to Utah for dentist appointments and some other errands. The girls and I drove down to Springville to have lunch with them and my aunt Cindy and Great Grandma and Grandpa Thun. It was sure a nice visit and good food.

I wish I got some photos with Banka and the Great Grandparents. Goals for next time.