Babysitting the cousins

Earlier this month we had the chance to go down to Monroe and babysit the nephews and nieces for a few days. It was so much fun! Sadly the kiddos had school all day while we were there, but we had lots of fun when they got home. Luke and Peter loved playing with the girls every afternoon, I loved doing the girls hair for school each morning, and it was fun to see what teenage boys are like :'-)

For dinner one night we made pancakes, and the other night we made mini pizza. We had a blast and I hope we can do it again next year.

Random moments

Sometimes happiness is playing on a motorcycle and train at the mall. Other times it's playing with PVC pipes in the front room. Life is never dull with two boys in the house.

Easter Egg Hunt

We had such a great time at the annual Thomas family easter party. The boys are thrilled anytime candy is involved. They also loved playing with their cousins whom we wish we saw more often.

Payson Temple Trip

We were lucky enough to get to go tour the Payson Temple twice in the past month. The first time we went with my sister and her hubby. We were also able to go and visit my brothers grave while we were down there. It was so nice to have Aunt Amy help Peter as he was walking through. Luke ended up being a terror and it took both Brandon and I to control that rascal.

A few weeks later I went back with the boys first thing on a Monday morning. They were better behaved and we got some cute pictures. I hope they will come to love and appreciate the temple as much as I have. This temple holds a special place in my heart since my parents live only a few blocks away. My brother Alex also was so excited for this temple to be built right near his home. I feel him so close every time I see this temple. I am so thankful for the eternal connection temples provide.

Frame project

Quite a while ago I picked up this huge frame at a yardsale for just $5. I and the boys finally got around to painting it white. This was my first project working with chalk paint and I love how it turned out. The boys enjoyed doing a craft with Mom too. It was a win-win day all around.

Blessings come through rain drops

I am currently in the process of writing a talk to present in front of our LDS church congregation in two weeks. While searching the internet for supporting material, I stumbled upon this song by Laura Story and was deeply touched. I have come to know for myself that blessings do come through rain drops. I just wish I wouldn't be such a complainer and realize the blessings these rain drops are for me.

"Blessings"

  We pray for blessings, we pray for peace

Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
And all the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love
As if every promise from Your word is not enough
And all the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not,
This is not our home
It's not our home

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near

What if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy
What if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise

Mini Milestone

Tonight I reached a mini milestone - I finished the Book of Mormon for the first time in 6 years. I am in disbelief that I actually finished it! My goal was to just read one chapter each morning before Bran finished showering/getting ready for the day. It took me over 13 months to complete it. My next goal is to read it in 6 months. I want to be finished before Thanksgiving.

Sometimes it takes an almost unbearable trial to finally bring us to our knees and admit that without God's help we could not take one more step forward. It was this kind of trial that turned me to starting a serious study of this book again. It is remarkable the comfort, peace, hope, and determination this one book can give to someone who is struggling. Tonight as I read these words I couldn't help but feel thankful for the mercies the Lord continues to give me - just one of his spiritual daughters

Moroni 10:3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.

A huge painting project

A good chunk of the month of March was spent painting this large bookcase. Brandon's father built it and generously gave it to us when he no longer could use it. I knew it needed to be lightened up to fit with the decor of our house. Each side got 2 coats of primer and 2 coats of paint....so it took me hours and hours to do. I am very pleased with the end result and I know this will be a treasured piece of furniture for the rest of our lives.

Dinner at IHOP

While Papa was in DC I took the boys to IHOP for dinner. They enjoyed themselves even though they didn't eat much food and kept making trips to the bathroom.