New Year thoughts

I've been thinking about what I would like 2020 to be. Have you? I always have been a big resolution maker. This year will be no different.

Last year was a rough year for me. Going from a full time homeschool momma to a very part time school helper had left me wondering who I am and what I should be.

The thoughts that have been rolling thru my mind have been:

-becoming a better cook

-keeping my house cleaner 

-figuring out how to wear makeup

-paying to attend yoga classes

-taking a craft class (bobbin lace)

Hum......so many possibilities. What does the year hold for me?

Thomas Family Christmas Newsletter

As with many of you, 2019 has been a year filled with many ups, downs, and all arounds. It’s been a blessing to look back on all the things we’ve done and the ways we have grown.

Brandon – continues to work at Salt Lake Community College as the Director of Purchasing/Accounts Payable/Travel.  He enjoys the people he works with, and continues to work hard to ensure the campus follows state and federal laws in all their purchasing acquisitions.  This year, he also decided to run, and was then elected, as the Utah Chapter treasurer for NIGP (National Institute for Government Procurement).  He has enjoyed the challenges and opportunities this new position has given him. He and Peter spent six weekends this summer camping in the mountains near our home. 

Their favorite place ended up being a campground called Soapstone. The drive getting there wasn’t fun for Peter, but they enjoyed this new spot they’ve never been to. They also enjoy hiking together on these camping trips. Brandon also took Peter on a trip to Disneyland in January and he had a two-week work trip to San Diego in October.

Laurie Ann – at the beginning of the year I made the decision to enroll the boys in public school for the 2019/2020 school year.  It has been a significant change for me, yet I’ve found ways to manage the huge adjustment. In July, I was hired as an ESL teacher for the online company Qkids. I wake up in the early morning (and during the busy season I work nights) and teach English to children in China. This job still fulfills my need to be a teacher. 

The children are so loving and excited to learn. They often say: “Teacher, you are beautiful”, “Teacher, I love you”.  Waking up to this love and acceptance has been life changing. A few months later I also accepted a similar position with a another company - VIPkids. I juggle both companies in an attempt to keep myself busy when one company has a slow booking month. I also attend the temple weekly and volunteer as a parent helper in Luke’s school class twice a week. In October, I also found and joined my local group of DUP (Daughters of the Utah Pioneer). They are the highlight of my month because of the love that fills me up anytime I'm around them. Oh yes, lastly, , in May I cut my hair. I love it so much and I’ll never go back. 

Peter – is now 11 years old. He loves, Loves, LOVES school. He has the most amazing teacher who cares about his feelings and supports him in the things he loves. He works hard at school and academically is right on target. 

His friend Talmadge also made the transition from homeschool to public school this year and they are in the same class. It’s a delight to see them go off to school together every morning. Having Talmadge has made the adjustment so easy for Peter. Peter also finished up the Scouting program by receiving his Arrow of Light, Webelos, and Faith in God awards. Whew, that was a lot of work for both of us. His Webelos leaders have been amazing this year. Jenny Colvin and Laurie Ann Thomas have been fabulous. Wahoo!

Luke – is now 8 years old. He kinda likes school. It’s hard to get him there (most mornings), but once he is there, he loves it. He and I have a routine of walking to and from school. He thinks I’m torturing him.. Luke is lucky enough to have a teacher from England. 

Woot, woot! It’s his first-year teaching at Luke’s school and Luke really likes him. Luke also enjoys having Mom come in and help in the classroom twice a week. He also thinks it’s awesome when I bring my own lunch and we eat together. I try to eat school lunch with him every week. He doesn’t have any close friends at school yet. Hopefully that will happen soon. This year Luke decided he didn’t want to go camping with Dad and Peter. So, he and I have spent a lot of summer weekends together.  Video games are Luke’s favorite thing right now. I wish I could say I was improving with all the practice, but I’m not.

Rex - is now three years old. We love having him in our home. He gave me a panic attack earlier this year when he wouldn’t eat for a solid month. We also figured out that he does not enjoy eating crickets. He just watches them hop around his cage and then eventually goes back to snoozing. His favorite food is chicken breast and pumpkin puree. I also grew beets for him this year. He loves to munch the baby beet greens. Rex is still growing and sheds every other month. He is currently 24 inches long and weighs 39 ounces. He is an imposing specimen. All the neighbor kids love to see him when they come over.

We wish all our family and friends the happiest of holiday seasons and an amazing 2020. 

My special gift

Long ago I stumbled upon a blog (fatmumslim.com.au) written by this fabulous lady in Australia. She loves to snap pictures and has a photo a day list every month. 

However, every November she organizes a massive gift exchange between loving people all over the world. She has 4 different groups - USA only, Europe only, worldwide, and kids. 

This is the second year I've participated. She uses a 3rd party website (elfster.com) that keeps track of everyone's addresses. Plus she requires a $5 donation to a charity of her choosing to make sure you are fully invested in this exchange.

This year I sent my pacakge to a Mom of two athletic teenagers in Washington State. I received my package from a Mom of two boys in Arizona. I received it almost 3 weeks ago. 

I knew I would open it early. When I had a quiet moment yesterday I sat down and slowly opened and treasured all the gifts inside.

I loved the cactus and desert theme that my elf used. Once she didn't know is that we are coming to her area of Arizona soon. It was like a pretrip welcome to her beautiful state.

I was particularly amazed that she sent this ornament. She obviously knows what religion I belong to. The cool thing is that this ornament will remind me of Grandpa Burr. We are planning to go visit the cemetary where he is buried. I never met him.when he was alive (at least that I can remember).

The rest of the presseies were amazing too. The chap stick is desert fig and walnut. It smells so delicious and I just want to eat it! My elf also must have seen I love toffee and coconut because she sent me coconut toffee. Super good. I ate those so fast.

Temple Square

I have two amazing friends that homeschool their kids. Our families have shared so many happy memories together. Last night, the daughters of both families had a Christmas choir concert at the Assembly Hall at Temple Square. I jumped at the chance to go. 

It was amazing to go and hear them perform. Plus, Temple Square was astounding too with all the lights and mobs of families. It has been many, many years since I've been there at Christmas time.

We took the time to look at the lights, the reflecting pool, and the narrated nativity (at least as much as Luke could handle). It was a treasured night. Plus, I didn't have any worries about driving myself up there without Brandon. Hurray!

Veterans Day program

Peter's class has been working on a few special patriotic songs to sing on Veterans day. They have been working so hard on them. Today was the special day. I really loved watching Peter sing. Next time I will get the front row. I was there early enough to get a seat there, but I felt a little too awkward doing it. Next time, I'll just do it.

Sledding Fun

We are really getting tired of being indoors for days on end. Our Thanksgiving holiday is almost over and we decided to get out of the house and go sledding. We had a wonderful time even if there were a good amount of people there. Funny enough - there were three other families from our neighborhood there too. I'm really glad we were able to get out and enjoy the snow.

Peter is done with scouts!

This past Tuesday we had our very last pack meeting. It was an amazing meeting and Peter earned both his Arrow of Light and his Webelos. There were some last minute commitments and sickness that prevented both Blake and Kimball from being there. Those two plus Peter and Asher worked so very hard these past few months to finish all together.

I was especially proud to be their scout leader. It was so much fun to spend time with the boys working on projects and going on field trips. They are a hilarious bunch that really like to tease each other. Thankfully they are always up for an adventure because these past few months there have seen many.

Peter, Asher, Blake 

Peter & Asher writing their names to signify they completed webelos

Peter & Asher

Peter and Asher

After Bran and I were "pinned"

Here are most of the scout ladies. Jenny Colvin is my parter with the Webelo group. Next is Shareen Allred. She lives directly across the street to the East from me. She is our Cub Master. She has done a phenomenal job the past three years. I thought for sure she wouldn't make it to the end. This past year has been hard and crazy because we all knew it was almost over - but she made it!!!

Then comes Lori Glenn. She and I have been ministering companions for the entire time we've lived here. I love her so much. She is the Assistant cub master. She just got called to be in YW's. She has never served there so it will be a good/big change for her.

Then comes Jolene Benson. I can't remember her official scout title. She is in charge of both the boy scout stuff and cub scout stuff. She has been super involved and very helpful in all things cub scouts.

Then Lisa Hogelin. She is also a nearby neighbor whom I love so, so much. Lori Glenn and I are her ministering sisters. She is the Bear Leader. She has been doing this calling for a very long time too. In fact, she was the bear leader for all the boys that finished up. I know she has really enjoyed being in scouts even though she doesn't have any boys herself. Her partner - Glenda Goldman - was just asked to serve for these last two months. So, she didn't feel it was fair for her to be in the picture

We are missing the Bear leaders in this picture. They are Mike and Janae Carpenter. They would have been Luke's leaders if he had chosen to participate. They also don't have any sons so it's been fun to see them interacting with the youngest scouts. They were a little quick leaving that night so we weren't able to include them in this picture.

It has been a wonderful year and I'm sad to see it end. I told the Primary president I am happy to get a new calling in Primary. I guess only time will tell. We have one last scout den meeting. We are combining all the groups together and going caroling on Dec. 6th. It will be a blast. Hopefully not too much snow, but if there is we will just bundle up really well.

Actually, I just found a picture of Mike and Janae. It's not the most flattering picture. It is from our Veteran Day Cookie Activity. Our group was in charge of it so they are just there to offer moral support for the boys in their group that attended.

Primary Program

Yesterday was the annual Primary Program at church. It was such an amazing presentation. All of the kids did a marvelous job and the songs they sang were so amazing. In typical fashion, Luke talked about his friend Seth. I think he does that every year.

Peter was very, very nervous about presenting his part his year. It is his LAST PRIMARY PROGRAM. I was shedding tears just watching him, and all his friends, with that thought in mind. I hope he is prepared with whatever curveballs he will face as he becomes a pre-teen. He has really loved Primary yet he is thrilled to be going into Young Men's soon. We talk about this big new step almost every day.

Red Balloon Fun

At the beginning of the year we received a special email from our favorite local toy store. They decided to have a monthly STEM activities. I immediately signed the boys up for the first day it was available to do. 

We have been going back every month since. Some of the months we had to travel to other stores up in Salt Lake because Brandon and Peter would be camping. But, I'm so proud that we got all 10 stickers. The boys earned a $5 gift card after the first STEAM and then a $10 gift card when we went on Saturday for completing them all.

I must admit we've spent a lot more money in this store since we go every month. But, we've purchased some really fun games that the boys enjoy.

With Luke's money he decided he wanted to purchase this voice changer. Oh my, it's been horrible!!! It's the first thing we hear in the morning - and the last thing we hear at night. I am really regretting the purchase. But, he loves it.

Peter decided to get this fun game. Last night, we sat down and played it. I really liked it and Peter is excited to share it with John on Wednesday. Yep, every Wednesday is game night over here. It's always epic.

Happy Birthday Peter

This amazing dude is now 11 years old! My mind automatically returns to the night/morning of his birth. What a treasure he has been. This year he wanted us to create a scavenger hunt for his presents. It was hilarious seeing him run all over the house to find them.

Present hidden in the dryer

Present hidden in the grill

He got a little annoyed because Luke was decoding the hints faster than he was. Eventually, all of them were found though and he happily opened them.

Peter wanted to eat breakfast at Denny's, lunch at Pizza Pie Cafe, and then have his favorite homecooked meal here at home (creamy chicken alfredo). Plus chocolate cake and icecream.

Pancakes at Denny's

Pizza!

Chocolate cake at home

We were so full the entire day. After lunch we went up to Draper to Boondocks and played mini golf, lazertag (a first for all 4 of us - we loved it), and arcade games. Both boys had a blast. Naturally, I didn't make Peter go to school so we could do all these things.

The night ended with a visit from Gpa/Gma Thomas and John coming over for dinner and staying to.play games. Peter told me it was the perfect birthday....and that he already has his next birthday all planned out. LOL.

Joining DUP

The other week I was at the Provo Temple doing a session. Right in the middle of it I got this overwhelming feeling that I should look into joining DUP (Daughters of the Utah Pioneers). I always knew that I would join once the kids were out of the house and I had time. But, the kids are now out of the house......and I have time.


After the session was over I was walking down the first flight of stairs and was drawn to this picture. It was an instant confirmation to me that my idea was a good one. This picture reminds me of Jane Manning - who was the earliest black member of the church and a dear friend of Joseph and Emma Smith.

I went home and texted a friend who had moved from the area, but I knew she had attended meeting in our city. She gave me the name of a lady who ended up not being the captain anymore. So, she gave me the name of another lady who ended up being the right lady. I was finally able to get all the paperwork filled out correctly and submitted. When I went to turn it in the captain of the group was so sweet and adorable. Her name is Susan. She was so thrilled to meet me and before I left she asked if I would give a narration of my ancestor at their next meeting (2nd Thursdays at 1pm). So, I've joined and I've already been given an assignment. I'm thrilled.

Later on that day I was working in my garden and found this perfectly shaped heart. A sign from heaven - I think so.

I am also lucky enough to have one of my pioneer ancestors buried in the Provo cemetery. So, after my temple trip this past Wednesday I went and found her. It was super fun and I look forward to having my heart turn to my pioneer ancestors more. I know they will give me more strength and courage.

Going on's.....

I tried an experiment with my plum tree this year. I decided to only do a light pruning job on it so I could see if it would produce more plums. I typically get enough to keep me busy, but I wanted to see if I could get even more this year. Yes, yes, Yes - I got SO many plums this year. I've been eating them off the tree before they were even ripe. For the past week, I've been drying plums non-stop. Thank goodness for a food dehydrator that is a powerful machine. I only turn it off when I'm sleeping. 

I have now prepped all the plums and I've gotten 10 gallon size bags that will shrink down once they are dried. It was a fun experiment and I'm glad it worked like I was hoping. One evening Peter helped me pick some, and then the next night a friend came and got a big bag full too and helped me get the last few off the tree. This year's harvest reminded me of all the years I spent harvesting nectarines at my Grandma Burr's house. 

Last week Aunt Amy sent a text saying that she and her hubby heard about a steam train that was making a stop in Provo. She said it was a rare event and that she and Morgan had gone to it. She thought I would like to go with the boys too. The train was only supposed to be available for viewing until 4pm. So, I picked up the boys from school (we took Talmadge with us) and we zoomed to east Provo to see the big train. It was HUGE. I was completely dwarfed by the train. It was impressive and so inspiring. The boys, as is typical, just stood around chatting with each other. Someday they will appreciate awesome things like this. It was also so awesome to be with Aunt Amy. We don't see her very often. She came home with us and spent a couple of hours playing Legos with the boys. It was heaven.

Cold weather has hit Utah and I've pulled all the garden up except for a few carrots. Luke wanted to plant watermelon this year. I didn't think it would ripen, and the first one didn't. But, this one that I pulled off the vine last week did. It was SO yummy! Sadly, the boys wouldn't eat it (they all hate seeds) so I enjoyed the entire thing by myself. Luke was still very excited about it even if he didn't eat it. 

On Tuesday for scouts we did a service project for our "Building a better world" adventure. The boys decided to rake leaves. It was the best day ever. The temperature was in the 70's and the leaves have only just begun to fall. The boys had a marvelous time together. The last house had enough leaves to jump in. Which the boys loved. They we bagged them up and headed back for popcorn (made by Jenny) and brownies (made by Peter).  The entire hour went by so quickly and I found myself wishing time would have slowed down. We only have a few more times we meet and then scouts will be finished. I'm feeling a little sad about it. We've had so many grand/crazy adventures.