Lesson of the Day...

Here is the gratitude I gained last night as I was with Bowen, the little man of our home, at the store:

Bowen wanted a treat as we were checking out at the grocery store. I had already paid for the groceries when he notified me of his request. Therefore, the answer was a sharp, "no, we have plenty of sweets at home." He asked a little more loudly a second time, still "no." As we were following the bagger out to the car with the groceries (yes, some stores still help you out to your car with a cart of groceries), Bowen decided that he wanted a treat, regardless of his mother's negative response. So, he began to scream and demand and I think there was even a foot stomping involved. WOW, it had been along time since Bowen had thrown a real tantrum. Not since his two and three year old days had I seen such behavior. I was a little shocked, embarrassed, and anger came into play as well. At this point, a lady was entering the store and saw our loud exhibition as we were exiting. She decided to voice her feelings regarding our public display, "you should not spoil your children and you should learn to be a better mother to avoid this kind of behavior." Another, WOW! I am not sure who was displaying the worst behavior. With this voiced opinion, I thought quickly and then immediately turned toward the vending machines holding gumballs, fumbled through my purse for a quarter and Bowen was victorious as he threw the shiny, red gumball into his mouth. This reaction was only because I wanted to display some bad behavior too and spite the very opinionated, "mother of the year!" So, nonetheless, Bowen's tantrum was rewarded, I felt justice and the lady was still uptight.

From this loud exhibition, I gained a lesson in gratitude. I'm grateful my children get their pants dirty, pull out their hair bows after I spent hours to gain perfection, pick their noses, burp without saying "excuse me," pass gas on occasion, throw temper tantrums, and sometimes quarrel in public. This keeps me from being too arrogant, proper or judgmental of other people's children.

I'm grateful my children occasionally miss the bus at the precise moment I've stepped out of the shower, or text me to let me know that their near starving self forgot their lunch or that they left their research paper, that is due today, on the counter at the precise moment I am stepping into a business meeting. Experiences like jumping into the car wearing whatever was handy and racing to school or excusing myself from a meeting to take the forgotten items to a child, have a tendency to loosen rigid plans into something better known as spontaneity.

I'm also grateful my children sometimes call me names like "crazy" because sometimes I am a little "crazy," and it helps keep a person humble to be told they're "crazy" especially when they thought their behavior was semi-normal.

Lastly, I'm grateful for the gift of children in my life! What a lesson I learned from a brief moment in the grocery store!

Spring Fever...

LOOK WHAT I FOUND WHEN I CAME HOME YESTERDAY...The teenagers think it is spring in Utah! Apparently 50+ temperatures means the shedding of jackets and coats with the application of sandals, t-shirts, sunglasses and the TOP DOWN!



I think it is still a bit nippy to be riding topless, but I am old and without a teenaged brain! Enjoy the sunshine...for a few minutes!

Chaos As Usual!

This is the last week in review...Valentine's Day was a success! Bowen and Hannah both returned home from school with candy, hearts, and valentine cards in abundance. Bowen was not so excited to look through and read the cards sent from girls. Apparently, "girls are icky!" Oh, let's hope that lasts. Hannah was as beautiful as ever at her school Valentine's dance. She had a great time and was full of enthusiasm as she summarized the event for her sisters. I enjoyed chaperoning and watching her dance with really tall boys from a distance. She is such a shorty. Courtney had a great time at the sweetheart dance and all her friends were well behaved at our home after. I think Eric made more noise than any of the teenagers! The s'mores were a big hit! Caitlin was adorable performing the basketball half-time in her grandmother's old black swim suit. It was not so cute, that is why she picked it! I am glad to have this month almost over! Can't wait for March...maybe I will be able to relax a bit!

Wiping Away the Sweat, Blood and Tears. Bowen, the Basketball King!

Bowen...Pondering the Foul with His Coach!

Courtney and Her Friend Whitney...Before the Dates and the Sweetheart Dance! Soooooo Adorable!

Hannah, Absolutely the Cutest 6th Grade Girl at the Valentine's Dance!

Here is a quick video clip of Caitlin dancing with the drill team at the basketball game! Caitlin is in a black swim suit with a blue t-shirt, wearing pig tails and a big, big smile! Yes, that is her loud and obnoxious mother in the background cheering her on!

WHEW...February has arrived!

Wow, January has officially come and gone and February has arrived. There is nothing too exciting about February other than I have sugar cookies to bake and frost with pink and red sparkles. The sugar cookies are the best part about Valentine's Day. There are valentine cards to be created and/or signed by the kids, candy to be bought and valentine boxes to create (my least favorite part, mostly because I am craft illiterate and don't have the artistic ability necessary to create valentine doll boxes out of an empty clorox container). There is the Sweetheart dance in which Courtney still needs accessories to match her dress, Hannah's 6th grade Valentine's dance, in which the skirt has already been mended (yeah, me) to match the new jacket, beads and cami. I have cookies to purchase for the 6th grade dance and I get to chaperone. How great for me and how unfortunate for Hannah. Our home is also the scheduled venue for the "after the sweetheart dance hangout" on Saturday evening, so treats will have to be made for the seven couples who are expected to arrive. A mushy and really cheesy valentine gift idea for my hubby to discover and a heart shaped pizza to bake (our tradition). There is Caitlin's best friend's 16th birthday party to attend, in which Eric will be the designated bouncer and the time found to clean the house for the "after the sweetheart dance hangout." Other than that, February is proving to be pretty dull.

There is a slight hiccup however, with the valentine activities. Bowen won't sign any valentine cards that have hearts or the word "love" because he refuses to give them to any "dumb girl." I guess we will have to search for superhero themed valentines that are adorned with blood and guts. Although, he drew a big red heart and cut it out just for me, his true sweetheart!

Caitlin's big 15 year old plans for Valentine's Day include babysitting for the neighbor and NOT receiving roses from some secret admirer, although she keeps hoping (its not fun to be 15, you can't go to the sweetheart dance yet and you have no secret admirer in a far away place to send you roses).

Anyone with any romantic and cheesy valentine gift ideas is welcome to share them with me. I am running low in the idea department this year. Maybe because 2009 is rushing by so quickly.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! We send you our love and best "BE MINE" greetings!

Here Comes The Sun...

Look what I found outside my window yesterday! The sun! It made for a beautiful sunset.

What a Busy Month.....

What a busy month...there has been time, however, for fun in the snow! Many of the Thomas family decided to enjoy the icky cold temperatures and go sledding up American Fork Canyon. What a blast was had by all. Bowen has no fear and goes, goes, goes, no matter the speed. Hannah loves the outdoors and the snow, she had fun and helped her younger cousins also have a great time.

The Whole Thomas Gang....Fun Times Sledding!


Bowen Ready to Tackle the Mountain!


Snow, Snow, Snow...Makes for Great Speed on the Sleds!


Hannah Having a Great Time!


Bowen Has No Fear!


There has been time for competition...on Saturday Hannah had another cheer competition. Her team took home another first place trophy! Hannah was awesome as ever and had a great time with all the girls. Courtney came with me so I didn't have to hang out alone with all the other "cheer moms." She is great company and having her there helped to pass the time more quickly. Besides, I was updated on all the happenings at LHS and the upcoming "sweetheart dance" and on the boys and her college ambitions! It made for a great Saturday! Way to go Hannah

Go Hannah!


Feeling Joyful and Triumphant!


Last week was also the region competition for the drill team. It was tough but the Lady Pionettes showed very well! I think they were robbed of the opportunity to compete at state as they took fourth place and this region only sent the top three teams to state. They should have placed higher in both their dance routine and their kickline routine. Lone Peak was the first place region winner! I am so proud of all the girls and their accomplishments. They have all worked hard and really overcame alot of hardship this year. Maybe next year we can get more corporate sponsorship so we can have alot of bling and glitz and look better when we compete! Caitlin did so well, she danced her little heart out and took home the "Region All-Academic Award" for drill team. She is so beautiful with a mind to match! We love the PIONETTES!


Lehi Pionettes Ready for the Region Competition!


Caitlin with the Pionettes Drill Coaches Dianna & Lynnsey....So Adorable! We LOVE the coaches and appreciate their hard work!


Caitlin with her "Good Luck" Poster!

There has been NO time to rest...Eric was sick most of the weekend and so I was busy running all the kids around, cleaning, and grocery shopping. I think I will schedule some sleep time for next weekend!

Hannah - 1st Place Winner!

Good Catch Hannah....Great Stunting Technique!
Hannah has got the moves!
Soooooooo Cute!


On Saturday the 17th, Hannah had a competition for cheer. It was in Salt Lake City at Cottonwood High School. Her team and the gym, Mac's Cheer, showed up ready to take the floor! That is just what they did, all three teams that competed that morning took home first place trophies. Hannah's team, the "Mini Blue" team scored a total of 91%! That made her team eligible for both Nationals and World's competitions in California. The Mini Blues gave a flawless performance. Hannah was full of energy and enthusiasm and did so AWESOME! Way to go Hannah and the Mini Blue Team! We Love You!