Noah-Utah rugby camp

Noah had the opportunity to go to a Utah Rugby camp at Utah State.  What a great event!  The kids that went learned so much and had a great experience.  Noah gained more knowledge and learned some great new tricks to help with scrums and also rucking!  Thanks Utah Camps!!!

Rhubin the Rock Star

JoLynn's Christmas party was a Hawaiian Luau. We dressed up for Hawaii, however it was the worst snow storm that day.  The place we were at had  stage, Rhubin thought he would try out the drums.  He looks like a real rock star!!!!!  Looking great babe!!!  Love ya-JOLYNN

Payton in Band Ceremony!

Payton had the opportunity to perform with the School District.  All middle school and high school bands, cheer leaders and color guard.  It was a great performance.  Payton is on the 51 yard line with the Drum.  He told us he would be the biggest kid out on the field in the "pickle suit".  Funny kid!!!  He did a great job!

Our Boys

Our boys are growing up.  Willy, 21, Noah, 16, Payton, 14.  We love the outdoors, this is a great place to go and take nature pictures, go motorcycle riding and go on hikes.  You boys look awesome!!!

Hats!

Family pictures are always fun!!!  The boys love to wear hats, so we had a hat picture so that everyone could be happy!!!!!  Gotta love making everyone happy!!!

Bikes

Quite the bike club we have going on, Noah on his scooter, Willy on the Harley and Rhubin on the Honda Gold Wing.  They sure enjoy the rides they take together. 

Willy buys a Harley

Willy had two things he wanted, a gun and a bike.  After he got his job he got both.  He is so excited about his bike.  He got home from his mission, had to take the Stars motorcycle course, take the test and finally purchase a bike.  Luckily he has a great friend that thinks the world of him and worked hard looking for something for him.  Thanks Mike!!!!!  Willy loves his bike and has become quite the driver!!! 

Noah is now 16!

First paycheck. Noah is now 16 and he works as side work for his dad, he got his first paycheck.  What a happy day that was!!!

Elder Thomas and His Dad

Elder Thomas  and his dad Brother Thomas were companions for 3 days until we got back home to have Willy released.  It was fun to watch them love each other and talk about things.  Willy was released as a missionary 7 pm. 

Little and Big Brother

Willy was shocked at how tall Payton had got while he was gone.  Payton is the youngest and the tallest at this point. 

Brothers reunited

Noah was so excited to have his Big Brother back home.  Love having all three boys together again.

Reunited Family

Happy Day!!!  Little bit of a stressful morning.  We had an appointment to pick Elder Thomas up anytime after 8.  JoLynn thought 8:01am would be a good time.  Much to her dismay, there is a difference between Mission office and Mission Home.  We were to pick up Willy at the Mission home, but the last email we had received did not give us that info and not knowing the difference, we sat at the office for a long time, no Willy.  After many tears, pacing the parking lot we finally got hold of some missionaries that got us in contact with the Mission President.  We finally made a connection and Willy was soon going to be close to his mom....When saw each other, Payton jumped in front of mom and hugged his brother first, mom just cried and was so happy to see her son again.  Dad and Noah patiently waited for their hugs.  Willy's first words were, boy my brothers grew!  So happy to see Elder Thomas!!!  Now the journey begins to head home to Idaho.

Willy-update

Willy is doing great.  He is a senior companion.  His companion went home so he is with 2 other missionaries for the remainder of his mission.  He is doing great, loving life and happy!!!  He has grown so much and has been so blessed.  He is grateful for all the many letters, love and support he has received.  He got to go and help again with some flood relief.  He says there is a lot of work to be done. Keep up the good work.  We are proud of you.

Willy-update

Willy is doing great.  He is with a companion that will be going home in two weeks.  He is helping a lot with flood relief in Calgary.  He loves doing service and is so blessed to have the opportunity to serve. He said it is sad to see all the damage, but he loves to get dirty and help out. 

Willy-installed lights

Received a text with this picture; Your son got transferred and as sooooo awesome and installed my new lights.  Don't worry we will send him home with lots of love. 
Love to get random messages about how well he is doing. 

JoLynn-surgery

After the last emergency room visit, JoLynn ended up going to a Ear Nose and Throat doctor.  Today she has her tonsils and adenoids out.  Lucky her.  She seems to be doing great.  The next week will be the toughest, but she should pull out of it fine.  Hopefully she will feel better and stop having so many sore throats.  Keep on eating popsicles and sprite!!!

Willy-last 30 days of mission

Willy sent this pictures home this week in his email.  He is such a character.  He is doing great.  Hard to believe that he will be home in a month.  He is doing great and loves the area he is in.  He said that he is most likely going to be helping with the clean up in the areas that have flooded in Canada.  He loves service work.   He has had many reflections on his mission, and is so grateful for the opportunity.  He loves Canada and is going to have a hard time saying good bye to many families.  Great job Elder Thomas, Keep up the good Work.  Love ya!

Payton-Rise Up Campout

Payton had the opportunity to attend the Rise Up campout.  This is a once and a life time event.  It was to honor 100 years that Boys Scouts have been in the LDS church.  There were over 10,5000
scouts that attended this event.  It was for 3 days.  Payton had a great time, and learned a lot of things.  They had many activities for the boys to do.  He earned the Thomas S. Monson award, that he was thrilled about.  He especially liked the coin that he received.  Great job Payton!!!!

Willy- transfer week

Willy is getting a new companion and area today. He was not sure where it was for sure.  He loves change and getting to know more people.  He is a good people person and makes friends quickly. He loves his mission and has had many great opportunities to work with non members and new converts.  He is so glad he made the decision to go.  Great job Elder!

Elder Thomas update

Willy is doing great!  He is having "the time of his life" according to him.  He is so happy about the way his mission has gone and the things he has learned.  He feels like it has be the best thing ever.  Not much to say this week other than he is so happy and blessed with this experience.  Keep it up Elder!

Yikes, mom is sick!

JoLynn went to bed friday night and about 130am woke up in pain and could  not swallow, made a run to the E.R. It looked as if she had a abcess tonsil, they started i.v's and blood work, pain medication and a steroid.  Started some i.v. antibiotics.  Rough event.  Was sent home with the i.v. and told to come back Saturday.  Went back Saturday and had a treatment, then told to come back Sunday for another treatment.  Got the i.v. out on Sunday, has to start oral antibiotics tomorrow for 2 weeks.  What a rough go round.  She is feeling better now, but still sluggish.  What a freak little thing that turned out to be severe tonsilitis. 

Willy-transfer day!

Willy got transferred,  he will be closer to Calgary now.  He is doing super.  He was sad to leave the companion, they have done well together.  He is so happy about the things that he has done.  He loves his mission and so thankful he could go. 
Keep up the good work son!!!

Rugby season over!

The Rugby season has come to an end.  What a great season it has been.  We had a banquet tonight and the captains were named for next year.  Noah will be a co-captain for the forwards.  He is very excited about it.  He got an award for the "most dedicated player"!  It was a great event and he has grown so much for the sport of Rugby.  He has made good friends.  We are proud of him and excited for next season.  Go Portneuf Valley Honey  Badgers. 

Willy--quick transfer

Willy has had a rough week.  He got transferred today to a new area with a new companion.  He is excited about the change even though it was sooner than his transfer should have been.  The last area and companion had issues.  Not a good situation, and Willy wanted out of the situation before it got worse.  Willy wants things to go the way they are suppose to and when it does not go the way they are taught and the rules to follow there are problems.  Willy has had great success and it was sad to him that this last companion and area was not a right fit.  Keep up the good work and stay positive in all you do.  Hang Tough Idaho Boy!!!

Spider Bite

Rhubin got bit by something helping someone put up a tin shed.  It turned into cellulitis and we had to have it lanced....YUCK!!!!  After a shot in the behind, put on oral antibiotics and some steroids, he is feeling better.  No fun for him!!!

Willy--update

Willy is feeling alittle under the weather, they are watching him, he is really weak, not much energy and very tired.  He said that he keeps pushing along and will be fine.  He said in his email he can't wait to go camping with us,  I did let him know that this is the first memorial day weekend we were not camping.....Willy says to pray for him to get better.  But he is doing good otherwise.  Keep up the good work son!!! We love you!!

Noah-Brigham City Rugby Mixer

#5-Noah Thomas, going in for the tackle.....Great day of Rugby.  Lots of fun for all the teams involved.  Sad the season is over!!!  Great Job Noah!!!

Willy-update

Willy had lots to say this week.  He was most excited about going to help brand cattle, he talked about what they were going to do.  He was excited about it all.  He loves the great outdoors and animals, he is most comfortable when he is helping others.  This is right up his alley, service!!!  He said that they have been doing great things and very happy!!!!  Glad to hear, keep up the good work!!!!We Love ya Wilster!!!!

Noah and Rugby

Consulation game, Portneuf Valley Honey Badgers took 4th in State!

Great Job!!!

Thanks Dls Photography for the picture!!!

Payton loves Band

Payton did a great job in band this year.....He was chosen the most band spirit.  He got a certificate for being so enthusiastic.  He was really suprised!!! Great Job Payton!!!!

Payton-Band Concert

Payton playing for the family concert at Hawthorne Middle School.   They did an opening number with the percussion group, they played it on the bottom of buckets!!!  It was amazing!!!!  Great Job Payton, we are proud of you!!!

Mother's Day phone call!!---

Love mothers day!!!  We got to skype with Willy for one hour!!!  It was amazing and awesome.  He looks so good and has his same quirkly sense of humor.  He told us many stories and how greatful he is for his mission.  It is great to see your child when you have not seen him.  We talked about the plan when we go to pick him up from the mission home.  It is always a bitter sweet to say good bye when time is up.  This is the last phone call home before his mission is complete.  We are so proud of him.  Love you son and the example you are.  See you August 3, 2013 in Calgary Canada. 

Willy-update

Willy is doing great.  He loves everything about where is his now.  They are doing great things and pressing forward like they should.  He says it is hard to believe that his mission is almost over, what a blessing it has been for him.  He has learned and grown alot.  He loves the people in his mission and thinks they are wonderful.  Short and sweet letter this week.....Keep up the good work Elder Thomas!!!!  We love you!

Willy-Transfer week

Willy is doing great!!!  He is looking at staying in the same area, they are moving in with a member, which is thrilled because they have a treadmill.....he is excited about the change.  He is staying busy, there has been so slow times and that he does not like, he likes to stay busy....like his dad.  He is doing a great job and happy to be on a mission.  Keep up the good work son!

Noah's #1 Fans

Rugby Mom and Dad!!!  We love you Noah!! 

Keep up the great work!!!

Willy-update

Willy says things have slowed down alot and he does not like the slow times, he likes having something to do all the time.  He says that transfers are coming up, his companion is close to going home, so he may be staying there.  He said that he has been having some chest pains, he ded not have to go to the doctor, they have since gone away.  He is staying positive and upbeat and loves his mission. 

Noah and more Rugby

Pre game pep talk.  Noah and his cousin, Anthony, play on the same team, Anthony is #6, and Noah is #4.  Love the brotherhood that Rugby offers.  Great game Honey Badgers!!!  Way to hold strong!!!

We love to Hot tub!!!

 

We love the hot tub,  what a way to end the night!!!!  Helps us to relax!!!  The Thomas family is spoiled with a free hot tub, only minor repairs need to get it up and going.....Great family bonding!!!! 

Willy-update

Elder Thomas has been serving for 19 months.  Mom came across this picture... Crazy to think he has been in Canada that long.  Willy is doing a great job as a missionary.  He loves the service that he gets to do while on his mission.  He is so blessed to be on a mission, he said he has grown so much and is grateful for the opportunity. 

Noah and Rugby

 

Noah is carrying the ball.  Great job Noah!!!  Noah loves Rugby. It is his new found love! 

He keeps improving all the time!!!  Way to Go Honey Badgers!!!

Payton-allergic reaction

Payton was playing with some marshmallow guns.  Apparently his lips do not like the pvc pipe that it was made out of.  He played for a few minutes and his lips swelled up like crazy....Lucky for some Benadryl and he was ok.....Crazy!!!

Easter 2013

HAPPY EASTER.  WE HAVE HAD AN EVENTFUL DAY.  RHUBIN HAD A HORRIBLE NIGHTS SLEEP, HE HAS NOT BEEN FEELING WELL.  HE THOUGHT HIS HEAD WAS GOING TO EXPLODE IN THE NIGHT.  FIRST THING THIS MORNING WE WERE OFF TO THE DOCTOR.  HE HAS A SEVERE SINUS INFECTION, THE DOCTOR GAVE HIM SOME ANTIBIOTICS AND SENT HIM TO BED, HE HAS SLEPT MOST OF THE DAY.  WE HAD A GREAT DAY AT CHURCH AND REMEMBERING WHAT EASTER IS REALLY ABOUT.  THE BOYS ALL HAD A GREAT EASTER.  WE PUT SOME CASH IN WILLY'S ACCOUNT AND NOAH GOT A RUGBY BALL AND SHIRT, AND PAYTON GOT NEW BIKE TIRES AND TUBES.  THEY ALL SEEMED PLEASED.  WE LOVE THE SPRING WEATHER!!!!

Willy---update

Willy is doing great!!!  Funny how when you are a parent, you worry about your kids.  I have been praying for Willy for the last couple of weeks, and in his letter this week, he said, Mom no need to worry about me, I am doing well and the Lord is taking good care of me.  I loved the way he put it in his letter, makes me know that he is doing well.  He is adjusting to his new area.  It has been more of a challenge for him.  Keep up the good work son!!!

Noah-first Rugby game

Let's go Portneuf Valley Honey Badgers!!!  They played an awesome game!!!  They played well as a team.  Noah loved playing and being a part of the team! 

Noah-helping out Twin Falls Team

The Twin Falls Rugby team did not have enough players to play against Blackfoot, so they asked for help.  We stopped by on our way to Idaho Falls and the team helped out.  It was good play time for the guys.  Noah had a great time playing with the Twin Falls team.  It was cold but they had fun!!!

Willy-update

What a day it has been for him.  He got some news today that he took hard.  He is going to press forward and do the Lords work.  He is now in a new area and it is a little tougher than some of the other areas he has been in.  He said to pray for him.  He is looking forward to General Conference and hearing the prophet.  He did not have tons to say this week.  Love and hugs son!!!

Payton-church basketball

Payton playing church basketball, he got to move up and help the older kids because they did not have enough players, he had a fun time.  He learned alot with them. 

Willy--Transfer week

Willy got a new transfer, he is a bit worried about it.  It is in a French speaking area.  He has a new companion from Tahiti and he speaks French.  Willy is excited about the change and like with all changes you are taught patience.  He is doing well and is enjoying the Lord's work.  He is loves his mission!!!  He can not believe how fast it has gone.  We are proud of you son!!!

Willy-updates

Willy is doing good.  He think that he may be transferred the next time.  He loves the area he is in and enjoys his companion.  They are doing good things!  He said to let everyone know he loves mail....he also told me he would like some swedish fish, oreos and some beef jerky.....looks like we had better get a box together.  He loves his mission and wants more letters!!!! Funny kid!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RHUBIN!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RHUBIN!!!  WHAT A GREAT DAY.  WE CELEBRATED RHUBIN'S BIRTHDAY BY GOING TO  SIZZLER FOR DINNER, IT WAS DELICIOUS.  WE MADE A CAKE AND HAD IT AT HOME.  HE HAD A GOOD DAY AT WORK, AND THEY HAD CHOCOLATE PIE FOR HIM.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BEST HUSBAND AND DAD EVER!!!  WE LOVE YOU!!!!

Payton-Student of the Month

Payton was the student of the trimester.  He was excited to be chosen.  He is doing well in school.  He is looking forward to Spring Break and then SUMMER!!!  Great job Payton, we are proud of you.  We love you!!!

Willy-update

Willy is doing amazing!!!  He is having a great week and enjoying life!!!  He said that he has been a bit under the weather, but is bouncing back to himself.  They are staying busy and doing great things.  We wish you a speedy recovery and you are feeling better soon.  Keep up the good work!!!

Willy-dinner

I got a text from a member, they were feeding the missionaries.  They wanted to share this picture with us.
Willy of course was entertaining them with his humor.  I loved getting the text....Love seeing our son and how happy he is.  Thanks for sharing!!!!  Love you Elder Thomas

Noah loves Rugby!

Noah is getting all pumped for Rugby to start.  He attended a ISU rugby camp and is more excited now to get started and play in a real game.  He has been practicing for a few weeks and the season starts in about 3 weeks.  He is anxious to apply the things he learned. 

Payton-Rugby????

Payton has never been interested in sports.  Noah convinced him to go and attend a Rugby camp with him and that he would really like it.  Payton does not want to admit to Noah that it was fun, however he said he might have enjoyed it better if he was in better shape.  The players on the team were suprised that he was only 13 and 7th grader.  They had fun with him and his smile.  He pushed hard and did well considering he had no idea what he was getting himself into.  He is sore and wiped out, but he did have fun!

ISU Rugby Camp!!!

Noah and Payton attended the ISU Rugby camp.  They had a great time and learned alot of things.  They came home hungry and sore.  It was fun that they were able to attend it together.  Noah is more than ready for his season to start.  Awesome job boys. 

Valentines day!!!

Valentine basket give to Rhubin for Valentines day, I got a Massage!!!!  Awesome day!!!!  Sure was fun making it!!!
I love you Rhubin!!!

Willy - update!

Willy has had a tougher week this week.  He is trying to cope with some news he got and is struggling alittle bit.  He is staying strong and focusing on what he needs to do.  He is working on helping activate some people in this new area.  He says prayer would help him greatly!!!!  Include him  in your prayers. Keep up the good work!  We are proud of you. 

Willy-update

Willy is doing great.  He did not get transferred and he still has the same companion.  He said that they were both excited about them staying together.  He said that there is not alot happening, they are working on it.  He is doing great and keeping a positive attitude.  We love you son!!

New York City!!!

We had a long lay over in Newar, New Jersey.....our good friends Cindi and Mike came and got us and we went touring in New York City.  Rhubin had the time of his life seeing all the tall buildings, Statue of Liberty, Time Square, Rockerfeller Center, NBC studios, Radio City and the Empire  State Building.  This is a picture of the four of us.  Great time!!!!

Willy-update

Willy is doing super.  He has been staying busy.  Some days are busier than others.  Next week is transfer week, so we will see if he will be transferred or not.  He is hoping that he gets to stay where is at right now.  He really enjoys this area and his companion.  Keep up the good work, we will see what happens next week. 

Grand Turk!!!

Loved the beach in Grand Turk!  Writing in the sand was fun!!!  We are going snorkeling!!!

cool flags next to each other!!

When we were in San Juan Puerto Rico, this was inside the dock building.  I loved the fact that the Canada flag was next to the American Flag.  Thoughts of Willy came to mind!!!  Miss our boy!!!

4 wheeling in Puerto Rico

We went 4 wheeling in San Juan Puerto Rico.  It has rained and so it was good and Rhubin had a blast here.  He went through so many puddles, he only got stuck once, he did have to be pulled out.  He really got muddy!!!  Everyone on the tour with us thought that it was funny that he would go through them like that.  Good times!!!

lots of MUD!!!

This is what the front half of Rhubin looked like after muddin!Good times!!! 

St. Thomas Virgin Islands

If you love to shop, this is the island to be at......there was lots of stores!  We enjoyed walking around and checking out the town. 

St. Thomas Virgin Islands!

This was a fun island.  We enjoyed the castle, this pirate had the best sense of humor.  Fun times!!!

St. Thomas Virgin Islands!

We did a walking tour of Black Beard Castle, This was at the top of look out tower.  We enjoyed the tour and things that we saw.

Willy- update

Willy is doing amazing. He has dealt with some rough things but has tackled things with faith and knowing that God has his hand in all things and it will work out the way it is suppose.  He is happy with where is at and knows that he is in the right place at the right time. 

A day at Sea!!

We spent a day at sea traveling to the next island.  It was very windy.  We loved sitting on the deck and watching people and enjoying the peaceful sea.  It was nice to sleep in.  We enjoyed wandering and learning where things were on the ship.  We enjoyed going and listening to the comedians. 

Way to much sun!!!

Rhubin got lots of sun at Half Moon Cay!!!

Half Moon Cay, The Bahammas

We loved this island.  It was beautiful.  It was interesting that there were chickens and chicks, and birds just walking and wandering all over.  We loved sitting on the beach with the loud music for the beach party.  The water was gorgeous.  We got alot of sun.  We had to ride on a tender to get to the island.  Awesome weather. 

We are off and Sailing!!!!

Good bye Miami!!!!! We are off and enjoying the cruise!!!!  Let the memories begin!!!