Hope

I worry TOO much about things, especially things that I cannot change or things that cannot be fixed. I need to relax more and worry less, but sometimes I cannot help but worry. I worry alot regarding the happiness and welfare of my children. I worry about my hard working husband and my very supportive family. I think it is just my nature to be preoccupied with worry. I wonder if there is medicine to cure this worry, at least medicine that doesn't require a trip to a doctor or psychiatrist. That might get me into more trouble or maybe force me to relax if I am committed to a mental institution far away in the mountains. I need to worry less and hope more.

This day, week or month is not a fun loving chapter in the life of Jennifer Thomas. It also seems to be a very long chapter as well. You know the kind, the chapters of a book that have so many pages and so many words that you struggle getting through them because they are LONG and dreary. So, I am trying to focus on the good things and how much I have been blessed with. Trials are supposed to make us stronger, refine us and teach us patience. Here's to patience and HOPE. Hope is what carries us through the long chapters of life.

"The principle of hope extends into the eternities, but it also can sustain us through the everyday challenges of life. 'Happy is he,' said the Psalmist, 'that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God' (Psalm 146:5). With hope, we can find joy in life. We can 'have patience, and bear with . . . afflictions, with a firm hope that ye shall one day rest from all your afflictions' (Alma 34:41). We can 'press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life' (2 Nephi 31:20)."

Patience, refinement, strength and hope. May tomorrow be a shorter, more fun loving chapter in the life of Jennifer Thomas.

Have a great day!

Isn't She Lovely?

Tis' the season...senior pictures! Here is a sample of what's to come for Caitlin. I can't believe that she is going to be a senior in high school.....ALREADY! Where did the time go?

Summer Warmth

Good time!

Love!

Just cute!

Fun!

Fireworks!

Friends!

Talking, talking!

AM kiss!

My boys!

Aaah...family!

Bowen, obviously thrilled to be awake at 6 AM!

Beautiful Caitlin!

Beautiful balloons!


Summer brings the brightness of sunshine and it's warmth. It brings free time to just visit, relax or play. It also brings with it traditional barbecues, ice cream, and holiday festivities. We were fortunate to celebrate July 4th with sunshine, plenty of tasty food, sparklers, fireworks, FRIENDS and FAMILY. We also spent three days enjoying the celebration...hurrah for summer!

Saturday the 3rd we were able to enjoy the hot air balloon festival with our picnic breakfast, all at the very early hour of 6 AM! Hannah, however, did not get to participate as she had 6 AM dance practice for the Stadium of Fire. We spent the evening at the Stadium of Fire as was recorded previously. Sunday, the 4th, was spent "churching" and then we barbecued with our friends. The food was absolutely amazing, thanks Ed, and the kids loved lighting sparklers and fireworks. It was a great day. We continued celebrating into the Monday with family and a potluck dinner. The kids enjoyed shooting off bottle rockets and playing in the water.

A great weekend of family time and reflecting on how blessed we are to live in the USA! Summer brings bright opportunities along with the sun. I hope your 4th of July was amazing and may God bless America!

Stadium of Fire 2010

The Stadium of Fire turned out to be one great night! Hannah was beautiful as a Stadium of Fire dancer and she did outstanding. The sunset was picturesque and the concert with Carrie Underwood really rocked! The fireworks were breathtaking and it made for great family time. This might have to be a new family tradition!