New Years Eve!

Me an Rhubin went to a New Year's Eve party for about 2 hours, It was fun but we were tired and came home and were in bed by 10:30. I guess that it a sign that we are getting old, (or trying to recover from surgery).

Rhubin Shooting!!!

Rhubin had a great time. He went from gun to gun! I think he was trying to stay warm!

Noah shooting!

Noah shooting, like the gloves, he stole moms gloves because his hands were getting cold.

Payton shooting!

Payton had a good time! In fact he went back on Monday with his dad and a couple uncles shooting.

Pistol shooting!!!

I like shooting the pistol. I did shoot some other guns, but the pistol is my favorite!!!

New Years Eve!!!

We decided to go to the shooting range as a family. We loaded up the guns and ammo and headed up there. Rhubin is showing the boys how to put the shot gun together. We had tons of fun, however, when the wind started blowing, it got cold!!!

Christmas Phone call from Elder Thomas!!!

Yipee a phone call from Elder Thomas! What a awesome day. He shared with us about the people in his ward and area, they are amazing people and he loves serving in that area. He told us that he was driving and they got a flat tire and so they got it changed and then let the gentleman that is over the missionary cars what had happened. Willy then found out that he could not drive for the first 9 months of his mission, (because of his past ticket history) I guess you could say those tickets have come back to haunt him. He laughed about it and said it was ok, but is looking forward of when he can drive again! Live and Learn! He talked to us about the food and what it looked like in Canada. Willy got to talk to Grandma Morrison, Kayla, Steve, Jessie, Jo, Chanel and Lacie and all of us. It was a awesome visit and look forward to Mother's Day for the next call!!! Keep up the good work Son!!! We love you tons!

Boys certificates

The boys came home with each a certificate today, Payton for a 3.49 and Noah for a 4.0 GPA!!! They are such goof balls! I can never get them serious for pictures!

Payton's Winter Band Concert

He is so cute!!! He did a awesome job on the bells and drum at the concert. Got to love the smirk on his face!!!! That's Payton, always smiling!!

Gratitude, Service, Tis the season!!!

As I have been able to watch more TV than usual and see things that are going on all around I feel so blessed with what we have. I watched the CNN Heros the other night and was enlightened with many things that we take forgranted. Thank you to all those people who protect us and help those in need. There are so many people who donate time and put others first. As I have been sick and not been able to do much I have been a receipant of this time of service. I am always willing to help out wherever needed, but when the roles reverse it is hard to a receiver. It is the most busy time of year for the holidays and and I have had meals coming in to our home so that I do not have to cook. I am so grateful for those people that have helped "lessen" my load. This I am very greatful for. I hope that I can do something in return for someone this season as well. So with all this being said, please be grateful for the many things we have that other countries do not have, let others do service for you and in return you help someone else out along the way, and remember the real meaning of Christmas. Thank you for unconditional love!

Willy-update

As usual, I check my email several times through out the morning, knowing a email is coming. One of these times I will stop doing that......I just get anxious for those weekly letters. I get the emails the same time each week, but it does not matter, I still check like a mad women hoping it is there earlier. Enough of me, lets talk about Elder Thomas. He is doing well. Him and his companion are adjusting to the newness of each other, it must be hard to change companions frequently, especially when you are finally comfortable. Willy shared a experience with us this week, that they had a few minutes before they needed to be back home, they stopped and prayed in the road and then went and knocked on a door, there was no answer, and just as they were about to leave, the family came to the door, and was thrilled to see them. They talked or a few minutes and they hope to continue to go back and teach them. He said it is nice that Lord is with them and helps direct them and know what to do. He has been also teaching the less active. He enjoys that as well. He of course will be waiting for his call at 11 AM Sunday morning. WE are all anxious to talk to him and hear how things are going. That will be a fun note to write about it.

Mom chillin'

This is me 2 days after coming home from the hosptial. I am looking swell!!! Lovin the hair. My girlfriends came by to visit and brought me a Jamba Juice!!! It was so yummy!!! Best thing I had since I got home. I am moving around much better and feeling better. I know it takes time and to be patient.

Flowers to bring Cheer!

I love flowers! These are flowers I got while in my stay at the hosptial. I love the bright cheer they bring!!! They sure did make me feel lots better!!!

Long Sickness Haul-but has a end!

This is a long post, sorry! As you all may know I have been on and off sick for alittle over 4 weeks, many trips to the doctor, gall bladder ultrasound, stomach ultrasound, pelvic ultrasound, a night in the ER. All coming up with nothing wrong, and I was normal. Still having stomach aches and nausea....they referred me back to my OB doctor. I could not get in to him, so I insisted that I see someone. Glad that I did. I saw a Dr. Jacobs. He told me he knew where I was coming from, but it was not a OB issue, it was a stomach issue. Said he would see me to the end and help me get where I needed to be. He set me up for a a couple of CT scans for the following Tuesday. Told me some signs to watch for and if they got worse to call him. He had 3 ideas of what it was: Diverticulitus, Bowel Obstruction, Adhesion disease. That was on Thursday. Saturday morning got up and was about my business when something happened in my stomach area, I knew it was not normal, called my husband at work and headed to the ER. I was not there very long, when I had two CT scans, and IV in my arm, and a surgeon in talking to us. I had a abcess that had burst and was on the bowel wall. My diagnosis was a serious case of Diverticulitus. They contacted Dr. Jacobs and he would be in to see me. I was admitted to the hosptial on Saturday, had IV antibiotics and medications, Tuesday I was headed to Surgery. I want to say that Sunday and Monday is a fade for me, I do not remember much because I was so sick and out of it. Tuesday morning came and we were set for surgery. There was two things on my mind, One: it was Willys P-Day and how would he handle the news of me, Two: I did not want to have to have a "poop" bag! So I go into surgery. I am in the recovery room, and as I am coming to, I ask the dear old man nurse, "do I have a poop bag?", he said, NO Dear you do not not, your surgery went well. That is the last thing I remember until he gave me a Orange popscicle. He was my new best friend. When I was admitted to the hospital, ALL food stopped. I got ice chips....Now I am not a small gal! Ice Chips. Needless to say, I have survived. I was anxious to get to the room and see my family after knowing that the surgery went well. I got to the room and the first thing I asked Rhubin, Did Willy write and how is handling all this? Yes he wrote he is good, and said I would be well taken care of while he served his mission. I remember rambling on and being in and out of it. I had several IV's during my stay, they kept blowing so my poor arms have tons of bruises. They said next time I ever did something like this, a PICC line is what I would need. I got to come home on Thursday night. It is nice to be home, but I know I have a road ahead of me to recover. I am so blessed for the doctors and for Dr. Jacobs for listening and being on the right track! Today I am glad I am able to get up and walk around, and be home with family.

Willy-update

Willy is doing wonderful. He is in the same area for now. His companion did go home and he got a new companion. He seems to really like him. I was worried about him finding out my illness and surgery and how he would react. However I know that he has grown from his response. He said that he knows that nothing will happen to mom while he is serving. He knows that all will be taken care of. What an example of faith that is. Of course the day he wrote was the day I had surgery, when I got back to the room, I asked Rhubin, did we get a letter, and was he ok with everything. Funny how you can go under and that as a missionary mom you worry about that weekly letter. So blessed to have him serving and being a example to his parents, brothers, and family and friends. Love ya tons Son!

Willy-update

Willy is doing well. He is worried about getting a new companion. His companion goes home on the 14th so he will be getting a new one. he has learned alot from this one and will miss him. He is excited about his phone call on Christmas. He gets a 45 minute call and we call him. We just need to set up the time. We are all excited to hear him also. He has been really busy. He is excited to start his 12 days of Christmas that we sent for him. We are proud of him!

siblings

We are not together very often, but I happen to be able to get a picture with my siblings. Tanis, Kai, Darwin, Me and Mindy!!!

Morrison Family Christmas Party

Today was a awesome day. It is always nice to get together with family. We have some family traditions that are always fun. We had a awesome lunch and visited, then we had a gift game for the kids. Then we sang some Christmas songs while Grandma Morrison played the piano! Then the family favorite is to make candy bar trains. Since I was alittle girl, we always make trains every year at Christmas. It was fun to watch how the kids come up with their trains. They are so creative and use their imaginations. I did make a train for Willy seems how he was not there.
One of the family favorite desserts is Oreo dessert. It was yummy! I think mom and dad are ready for us all to leave when the time comes, the house does get busy and loud. So blessed for the holiday season and remembering what is important to us. I love Christmas and we are so blessed! Enjoy a great holiday season and always remember what is important.

Payton and his train

Payton and his train! Good family fun!

Noah and his train

Noah and his train. Had a great time at the Morrison family Christmas party today.

Family Fun-Traditions

The Morrison family has a tradition that when we have our family Christmas party that the kids make candy bar trains! Willy was missed, so I made him one!!! Mom loves ya Elder Thomas!!!

Willy-this week update

I was so excited to hear from Willy today. Why? Well we had a sister stop and get a suitcase of goods to take to Willy. I loved my letter today. He is doing well. He is going to be staying in the same area for another 6 weeks. He is going to be getting a new companion on the 14th. The companion he has now is going home. He has helped teach Willy alot and he will miss him when he goes. He said that the suitcase of stuff made him alittle homesick. He had to put his 12 days of Christmas stuff away, so he was not tempted to open them. He did say that he can hardly wait to hear my voice on Christmas. Awwwww! It made me alittle teary!!! He said that he loves the area that he is in. Thanks for the letters that he receives! Love ya son!

Payton-humorous

So it is always fun to tell the funny things that your kids do. So this is a time I get to tell about Payton. He was at church sitting on the stand and he fell asleep. He was in the choir seats and he was stretched out and his head leaned back and his mouth open and was having great snooze. Everyone on the right side of the chapel caught on to Payton and kept looking back and smiling letting us know that he was asleep. The poor speaker was not getting much attention, Payton had stole the show. Well we caught the attention of the organist and signaled for her to poke Payton to wake him up, she got him to look up and then he went right back to sleep. So we told her to do it again. This time she said, "look at your dad" so he looked up and just grinned at us and kept smiling! He did everything he could to stay awake. After it was over, he came down and said, "I am never going to live this down" He did get flipped alot of crap. We went up and thanked the organist for helping us.....WE have laughed and giggled about it!

Payton-potato peeling

Payton had the job to peel the potatoes for Thanksgiving dinner. I have never seen a potato peeler like this. He sure did not mind peeling them after seeing how easy this "kitchen gadget" worked.

Super Stars!

Noah and Payton found some awesome sunglasses at the Cabin and had to show off their new look!!! You look like STARS!!! We had a great time there!!!

Willy-amazing suprise!

Elder Thomas had let us know that there was a sister from his ward that would be coming to Utah to visit and then would be happy to stop on her way through town to pick up a package for him if we wanted to send something to him. Of course I was thrilled, so I put his birthday stuff together, and his Thanksgiving stuff together and I did a small tree (pre lit and with decorations), did a binder with a story a day until Christmas, then the 12 days of Christmas for him. Then added his winter items that he needed. Needless to say, we sent him a suitcase! Rhubin met the sister tonight and his suitcase of gifts were on their way.....(so glad I did not have to pay postage--so grateful for this sister) Then as we were headed to Salmon, I got a strange number on my cell phone, I answered and this sweet sister asked if I was Sister Thomas, my heart sunk and I said yes. She said I am from Elder Thomas ward and he has sent a box to the family, we are in Idaho Falls. I said crazy as it sounds, I am about 20 minutes from Idaho Falls. We met at the Albertsons in Idaho Falls and got a box from Willy. I was so full of emotion. He sent us each letters and a letter for his grandparents, he also sent some candy and bowl he had made for us. I asked if I could give them a hug. Of course they were ok with that. I am so grateful! They let me know what a good missionary he is and that he has a great knowledge of automotive. He has helped out with lots of things. This mom is still trying to adjust to "Elder Thomas" instead of Willy. Thanks for the sweet members in his ward that were so kind to help us with packages!!! Thanks son for making our day!!!

Day 22- Gratitude

Today I ama grateful for Hugh Suenaga. He is a great man! He has touched my kids lives in many ways. He is always giving encouragement and motivation to kids. He is a wrestler that wants to share his knowledge with the kids. He gives up lots of time to be with the youth. He always is putting others before him. He has many body issues, but never lets on that he is in pain. Willy still has a binder with all his thoughts, stories and words of wisdom with him. Noah remembers the first day he met him very well. Hugh means alot to many people. We love ya tons!!!!

Noah-Outstanding Student

Noah got Outstanding Student of the first Trimester. Here is Noah pointing at his name and picture in the display case!!! Nice job Noah! (8th grade)

Day 21-gratitude

Today I am thankful for the great friends that my sons have. I love that my kids have awesome friends. I love having them over and hang out with us just as part as the family. I also like it when they call me "mom" then I know they feel comfortable being at the house. I have lots of extra sons! (and daughters) Thanks for being awesome examples.

Willy is Awesome!

Willy is having a Awesome week!! He is so happy and doing well. He had two interviews with his Mission President and said that he is learning alot and growing each day. He sometimes gets down on him self because he does not know everything, but it will come in time. He is still doing service and helping ward members. He did give us alittle spirtial note this week, he said that we all need to remember our personal prayers morning and night, and family prayers especially at night. He said to never forget to pray for him and his companion. He did mention that he is sad that he is missing hunting, but he will survive. Keep up the good work Son!!!

Day 20-gratitude

Today I am thankful for the power of prayer. I have prayer as a comfort to get me through some hard times. I have seen amazing answers to prayers. We are so blessed to have the knowledge of knowing our prayers will be answered, even it is not when we are ready for the answers. Thanks for all the prayers that have been said on my behalf. We are truly blessed.

Noah-nomination

Noah was nominated by a teacher at Hawthorne Middle School to the People to People Ambassador Leadership Program. What a honor, he is going to be going to a conference in Washington DC in February. He is pretty excited about it.

His letter says: "People to People Ambassador Programs recognizes Noah Thomas on being nominated by Kathy Leishman of Hawthorne Middle School to become a Leadership Ambassador based on demonstration of outstanding scholastic merit, leadership potential, and exemplary citizenship. Invintation to this Leadership Ambassador Program has been bestowed up the the nomination by a respected educator or parent. "

Day 19-Gratitude

Today I am grateful for the Boy Scout program. It has helped my boys to grow and develop into great leaders. I love that they are excited about the program and love the merit badges they are working on. I am glad they have the scouting fever and want to be successful in what they start out doing! Great job boys....Love ya tons!

Day 18-gratitude

Today I am grateful for a half a day of work. I enjoy having some time to get things done. We are having the missionaries over for dinner tonight and I hate feeling rushed after work. It will be nice to have everything ready and not just rushing to throw it together.

Day 17-gratitude

Today I am grateful for trials. Call me crazy!!! But when we have trials, that is what helps us to become better people. I hope that from the lessons that I have learned in life I can always be a better and more improved person. ( I am thinking I must have alot to learn) :)

Day 16-gratitude

Today I am grateful for hugs! I think a hug says alot. I love that when I come home I have a couple of neighbor kids that always come and give me a hug. I am glad that my kids don't think they are to hold to hug their mom. I love that my neices and nephews run up to me and hug me as well. Nothing wrong with a quick hug from family and friends!!! Thanks for all my hugs!!

Day 15-gratitude

Today I am grateful for the Kerb, Kinney, Dodge family. They are great friends of ours, and we are lucky to have some of their kids live close to us, and we are "adopted grandparents" to Chanel. We are quite fond of that little girl! Thanks for letting us be a part of your lives!!! Hugs to Chanel!

Willy-update

Willy is doing well. He is still adjusting. He has been helping members in the ward he is in and got the opportunity to help load a bull. He said that was exciting but intimidating at the same time. He loves the area he is in and the people that he has come in contact with. I think he is still alittle homesick, considering it is hunting season here. He is thankful for the opportunity that he has to be on a mission and he knows that he is suppose to be there. He has been doing some teaching and still not all that comfortable with that, but he is learning and growing.

Day 14-gratitude

Today I am grateful for my siblings. I know that sometimes we have differences, but one thing we know we always have each others backs!! I am grateful for the closeness we all share. The joke in the family is "if it wasn't for you nothing would get done" so I am glad they let me be in charge.......Love ya tons, Kai, Darwin, Tanis and Mindy!

Day 13-gratitude

Today I am grateful for Kayla Hickman. There are many reasons why. She is such a special girl and when she is home she always finds time to come and hang out and visit just like when Willy was home. Willy is lucky to have such a awesome person to support him regardless of the distances between. Thanks for your great friendship and support for Willy. We love ya!!

Day 12-Gratitude

Today I am thankful for a house to live in. I am so thankful it is a place to call home! I love that it is warm and cozy and my family has a safe place to live. I love my house and so blessed to have a roof over our heads!!!!

Day 11-Gratitude

I am thankful for Payton. He teaches me lots of things. He has red hair in this picture for red ribbon week, I am glad he has the confidence to do things like this and he does not care what people think. I wish I could do that! He keeps me organized! Thanks for being a awesome son!!! Love ya tons!

Day 10-Gratitude

I am so grateful for Willy. You are never to old to have a kiss from mom!! I am so thankful for his example he is. I am thankful for him as a soldier, and also has a missionary. I love his sense of humor, (which is like his dads) and I am so blessed to be his MOM! Love ya son!

Day 9-Gratitude

I am grateful for Noah....He is truly an inspiration. Our neighbors son Tyson has cancer and there was a fundraising even going on in Logan, UT-people were shaving their heads....Noah wanted to do it but with his wrestling going on he could go, so we shaved his head in honor of Tyson!!!

Day 8-Gratitude

Today I am grateful for medication. I want to say it is more like a reality check. I have been sick the last few days, and Sunday I spent the day in bed, worked Monday and by the afternoon I was in pain and sick again. I kept thinking I was having a heart attack. After work I went to the doctor and had them check me out to see why I was having pain and sickness. After chest xrays, blood work, ect....It all came back normal. They told me I had a URI and that I needed to rest and drink fluids. They gave me a shot in the behind and told me that would help with pain. I got home said my prayers and went to bed. Through out the night, I was up several times. I have come to the conclucion that the Lord is telling me to SLOW down and that I can not do as much as I think I can. I have taken 2 days off from work (which I never do) and have decided that I need to take it easy. Thanks for my little warning that I can not take on everything!

Willy update

Willy is doing great. He is finally adjusting and feeling good about everything. Transfers were on the 2nd and he did not get transferred. He said he may not get transferred for 3 times. He is in a town away from town. He finally got the box that we sent the beginning of October. He was excited to have it. There is a member in his ward that he is in that is in Utah and will be going back home next week, she is going to stop get a package for him. I am sending Birthday, Thanksgiving and Christmas all together, save on postage and he will get it for the holidays. He is positive what he is doing. We are so proud of him and his desire to serve.

Day 7- Gratitude

Today I am grateful for my parents. They are truly strong examples of many things. I am thankful for the things they have taught me and how to be a good person. I love that no matter what my faults are ......they still LOVE me. I hope to be as great examples as they are. My parents ROCK!!!!

Day 6-gratitude

I am so thankful for my friends. I have so many friends and what examples they are to me. I know that if I ever needed them they would be here for me. I have friends all over and I know they still care about me even if they don't see me all the time. I am so lucky to have friends that keep me positive and upbeat when I am down. I love you all, thank for your gracious friendship!

Day 5- gratitude

I am so thankful for my neices and nephews. They bring me lots of happiness. I love it when they are around and give me hugs!!! I want to be the best aunt around.....so I do tend to spoil them all. I am so blessed to have them all close to me!!! Hugs to all my nieces and nephews!!!Aunt Jo loves ya all !

Day 4-gratitude

Today I am so thankful for my boys!!! I love my boys. They are my pride and joy. I am so glad that they are good kids and are always willing to help everyone. They have a great sense of humor and can always make me smile. I have the best sons around!!!

Day 3- gratitude

Today I am so thankful for my yellow socks! There is a story behind my yellow socks. For girls camp this year our color was yellow, and we each got a pair of yellow socks to remind us of camp. I took it a step farther to help with a motivational thought at work. I wore my yellow socks and had people tell me what they thought of when they saw the color yellow....sun, warmth, happiness, smiles, ect.....so I told them when they see yellow to think of the positive atmosphere that we have and that is can brighten us when we are done, it can bring us cheer. Still till this day, I wear my yellow socks every Tuesday to remind them of cheer and happiness, I have been teased that they are going to take me down and rip my socks off because I am always reminding them to be happy.....when it is a rough day, I tell them that I am going to let them touch my socks to make them SMILE!!! I love my yellow socks!!!!

Day 2-gratitude

Today I am so grateful for my husband. He is a great example of service and a great provider for our family. He has a great sense of humor and is an amazing father to our boys! Love ya tons Babe!

Halloween-Kidds Dental candy buy back

Blondes have more fun!!!! Well We had out candy buy back at work, I dressed up like a Hippy!!!! We had a huge success with our buy back program this year......We got 311 pounds of candy! Trust me that is alot of candy! It was fun being apart of the committee to make this event successful!!!!

Day 1-gratitude

As we go through the month of November, I have challenged myself and others to think of something every day until Thanksgiving of what they are thankful for. Today I am thankful for a job. With the economy and the way the world is right now, I am blessed to have a job and to have amazing doctors that care about me.

Morrison grandkids!

My mom and dads precious grandkids. We are missing a couple! We are so blessed to have a great family!!

Fun Family Picture (missing Willy)

The Morrison family got together and had a fun day of food, family and games. It was awesome to get together and hang out and visit. We took some fun pictures.....We all wore TV characters for our pictures.....it is fun to be goofy every once and a while!!!!

Hilarious hunting trip!

It is the last day of deer hunting season. Payton is determined that he is going to get a deer. Which by the way he did get!!!! Yahoo! He got a good sized doe. He was pretty excited. However in the hiking of the day and tracking of the deer, he needed to take a much needed bathroom break.....#2. Well, Rhubin and Payton left the TP at the truck, so Rhubin being the great father that he is.....sacrificed a SOCK for Payton!!!! WE have laughed!!! Great thinking!

Noah the great Fly Catcher!!

Noah was helping mom clean on Saturday and we had a couple of flies in the house, he was getting frustrated with them, so he decided to take matters into his own hands, he decided to capture the flies with the vacuum hose.....He was pretty proud of himself.

Rhubin and his new sleeping mask!

Rhubin has been having trouble sleeping and has gone through several tests over the last couple of months! He now has a CPAP! The kids made him try it on and show them how it worked. (you don't wear your glasses to bed) Amazingly enough, since he has had this, he has slept better and seems to have more energy!!! Yahoo for a good night sleep!

Payton Ordained a Deacon!

What a big day for Payton. He was so excited for Sunday to come. He now has the Priesthood and can hardly wait to pass the sacrament. Rhubin did a awesome job and blessed him will lots of things. He is sure is growing up fast!

Payton is 12!!!

Payton turned 12 today. This is a day that he has been waiting for, and it is for several reasons. First is that he is going to be in mutual, and he will be getting the priesthood. Second, he gets to get his hunting lisence and his deer and elk tags. He choose Golden Corral to eat at for his birthday dinner. One of the best gifts he got was a letter from his brother Willy!!!! Payton is the youngest child and he is the tallest!!!! Love ya PK!

Noah and Newspapers!

Noah at 3am getting ready to deliver papers. Noah and mom were subbing for a friend and doing papers. This was a Sunday morning papers......no room for Noah in the back end of the van......Fun Times......

Doing Service!

JoLynn's office and another group were able to go and help the Idaho Food Bank. We got to help pack backpacks for the school children. We were able to pack 800 packs in 2 hours. We had a great time serving and we are glad we could help out!!!

Our Pets

Cruise and Braveheart our dogs!!! They are quite the campers, they love to be outside!!!

camping October 2011

This past weekend we spent the weekend camping in Lava at Grandpa and Grandmas property. We had alot of fun. We had great weather, we were able to listen to conference. This is Noah and Payton playing the DS's while we were waiting for Rhubin. We are quite the campers.

Payton and his school spirit!

Payton has waited all week for this day, he was going all out for school spirit day. He did a great job, you can't really tell, but he used a bathroom towel for his "cape" and he has toothbrushes on his glasses (the ear pieces) and when you touch them they light up. He was chosed to be in the school picture for best school spirit. He was so excited....Him and his brother in the same picture in the year book.....Go HMS!!!

Noah and his school spirit

Friday was extreme school spirit day. Noah wore as much green and yellow as he could find around the house, love my warm fuzzy socks and the curlers in the hair. He had a good day and was asked to be in the school spirit picture at the end of the day!!! He was pretty happy!!! Go Hawthorne Hawks!!!

first email from Canada!!!

WE GOT OUR FIRST LETTER FROM CANADA. WILLY HAD A HARD TIME ADJUSTING THE FIRST FEW DAYS, BUT IS NOW ON TRACK. HE IS IN THE FARTHEST MISSION FROM THE MISSION HOME, SAID THAT IT TAKES ABOUT 3 WEEKS TO GET MAIL. HE HAS A COMPANION FROM ALASKA. HE THINKS IT IS BEAUTIFUL THERE. HE HAS BEEN WORKING WITH A MEMBER IN THE FARMING COMMUNITY. HE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE A SCENTSY FOR THE APARTMENT. HE IS LOVING IT AND LEARNING ALOT! HE OF COURSE LOVES US ALL!!!

Noah

Today was a big day for Noah. He was ordained a Teacher today at church. He is very excited about advahancing up. He has sure grown over the last couple of years. Willy set a great example for him about the priesthood and now he has set an example as well for Payton. The boys take it serious and honor it!!!! They are great kids!!! Rhubin ordained him and then Trent Campbell and Sean Mottishaw were there and Grandpa Morrison!

The Phone Call!!!

Monday night I went to bed knowing that we would be able to talk to Willy in the morning, before he got on the plane headed to Calgary. I was restless all night, I was anxious. Finally that call came at 630am. He was so happy and excited to go, he told us about his companion, Elder Nelson. They have been together since they got to the MTC. He said that he used his military skills and showed the Elders how to back their suitcases....he showed them how to roll their clothes and make it all fit nicely. He said they took pictures, they were impressed with his skills!!! Pretty funny. I can see him teaching them all how to fold their laundry. Our time was short but well worth it.....just hearing his voice and knowing that he is happy and doing well, gave me comfort. Can't wait for the first letter from Canada!!!

Lots of Firsts!!!

This has been a crazy couple of weeks. This was our first week with Willy in the MTC, we got our First letter. That was amazing to hear from him and how happy he is and what he is learning. Noah and Payton had their First day of school last Thursday, they are both enjoying their classes and doing well. We have survived the First week of September!!!

Eastern Idaho Fair is OVER!!!

This was me day 8! The last day had finally got to me. I was having a NAP!!! I did survive, but boy was it a rough one.

Noah first day of school

Noah first day of 8th grade!!!

Payton first day of school!

First day of 6th grade!!! Got to love that shirt!!!!

Our Missionary!!!

One of the last family pictures taken. It was taken on Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Changes to the Family

Hello everyone!!! I have been promising to get my blog on track and up and going. I am going to try and update it weekly or even more to keep everyone posted on the Crazy Thomas Clan! WE have had alot happening in the last couple of weeks. Willy has been preparing to go on a mission and he entered the MTC today. Willy had his farewell on Sunday and had a great turn out for that, it was nice to have family and friends to share with us and to come to the luncheon afterwards. Noah and Payton start school tomorrow, Sept. 1st. They are anxious and nervous at the same time to start. I will add pictures and updates as promised.

Elder Thomas

Elder Willy Thomas entered the MTC in Provo Utah on Wednesday August 31, 2011. He will be there for approx. 3 weeks then will head to Calgary Canada. He is very excited about his mission and is excited to be in Canada. He is going to be an outstanding missionary. He is lucky that he has such a great support system. Thanks to his amazing family and friends!!! Good Luck Willy, you will do a awesome job!!! You are in the Lords hands now!

Willy the hunter!!!

Willy loves to hunt, so while we were at Cabela's the boys played at the shooting range....Looks like a great hunter in the white shirt and tie! Hunting is going to be one of the things he misses the most, next to his family of course!

My Three Sons!!!

This is the last picture taken of all three boys together before we dropped Willy off at the MTC! This was taken at Cabela's. We love that place!!!! Brotherly love!

Last picture with all the boys together!!!

At Cabela's, thats our boys!!!!

So handsome.

4th of July

We went and stayed at McTucker ponds for the 4th of July. We had a great time camping and fishing. The boys loved the boat. The dogs liked to ride in the boat. It was nice to have our own little camp spot. Lots of memories!!!

Anniversary Weekend getaway

Rhubin and JoLynn went away for their anniversary. We went to Island Park and did lots of driving, we did some off road driving, went to many of the sites and did some hiking. We had a great time camping and enjoying the great outdoors. There are alot of camping spots we found to go to as a family!!! Lots of fun!!!