Santa visits Mom

This is a fun memory too. Santa Claus and the Mrs. stopped in to visit mom on Christmas Eve. This is the year Dad passed away and everyone was having a rough time. Why is it that Santa knows how to make everyone happy at Christmas time. Mom is smiling from ear to ear. I don't know about you, but I miss getting together on Christmas Eve at Mom's. That is something I thought we would be doing forever.

Look how cute Hatch was, this is the year he learned what Santa said. HoooHooooHoooo. It was so cute the way he said it. Merry Christmas everyone.

I have way too many memories of Christmas, but one of my favorites

I remember the year Shannon and I both got the cute PJ barbie doll. She was so cute in her bright pink and orange mini dress and her long blonde hair, but the best thing about her was that she was a talking barbie. Ok, so that was when we were young enough that we knew Santa Clause had brought us these barbies. And I was so excited about her I just had to show Dad. I imagine we had probably woken up around 5 a.m. or so and saw all of our toys and we were so excited about everything that we just knew Dad would be just as excited about it. So, I took my talking PJ barbie into snoring Dad and put her right by Dad's ear and pulled the string and had PJ talking to him until he woke up. Now. . . I look back on this and just think what a good sport he was. Just waking up and acting as surprised and happy as I was about my barbie doll. I'm sure he had only had a couple hours of sleep so I'm sure he wasn't too happy about being woke up like that. But he sure didn't act like it bothered him and went right along with it.

Another Christmas Memory

This is a funny one, I know you will all remember it when I start talking about it. Me and Jan both had gotten bean bag chairs from Santa one year, yup they were popular way back then too. I can even tell you the color, they were dark brown. Oh were they comfy to sit in, I don't think we moved out of them all morning and afternoon. Well that evening Tamara's boyfriend Richard stopped by to wish us all a Mery Christmas and see the Christmas loot. The basement held all the Christmas treasures, we were both sitting in our chairs when all of a sudden Richard hit my bean bag chair with his fist and it popped open and those stryrafoam pellets went flying everywhere. What a big mess. Those things stuck to everything, including Richard's arm, when he pulled it out of the deflated chair it looked like it was all covered in snow. I know I started bawling because he had broken my chair. I bet to this day if Jan would look real close she probably would find some of those pellets floating around in the basement! This is one of the Christmas' I'll never forget.



Now I want to hear something from some of you. Shannon

My memory of Christmas

Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season so far, now it seems a little more like Christmas to me with the snow on the ground. I'm sure we will have a another great "White Christmas"this year if you know what I mean. I have so many fond memories of Christmas growing up, I don't think there was ever a time I didn't get what I had asked Santa for. The Christmas' I remember most are spending Christmas eve at Grandma Thomas' house and her cute little stockings she would hang for us on her mantle. It was filled with some kind of fun little trinkets. Then we would go home and talk about getting up around 4:00 a.m. to see what Santa brought. What the heck were we thinking, Mom and Dad would let us too. We would sneek downstairs all quiet and take a peek at all the goods and play for a bit. When we got to cold down there we would go back upstairs and wake Mom & Dad to open the other presents under the tree. While we waited I remember sitting in front of the heat vent at the end of the hall right there going into the kitchen, it was always really warm right there. We waited there until Mom & Dad got up and Dad got his hair combed so we could proceed with the days activities. I have so many memories floating in my head right now I don't think I have the time to post them all, maybe I'll have to share something again tomorrow. I can't wait to read the others when they get posted. What a fun idea this was. Have fun finishing up your weekend projects whether it's, shopping, baking, wrapping and if your all done with all of those. I'm jealous! Love, Shannon

P.S.

I'm still learning. I have learned that you can't push "enter" instead of "tab" after the title or I publishes it. I wanted that picture at the bottom, but couldn't figure out how to. And how in the heck do you fix errors (I had a lot of them) after you preview it.

I fixed it Tamara-way to go!

A Favorite Memory

I would like to share with you a favorite memory---but I think I've lost it (my memory, that is). Just to let you know how bad things are getting, let me share two of my experiences from yesterday. I went to the drive thru at Wendy's for lunch. I placed my order, drove to the first window and paid and then---I drove right on past the pick-up window. It didn't hit me that I didn't have my food until I was about to drive into the street. I considered just driving away and stopping somewhere else, but heck that chili cost a whole $1.38. So I pick my car in park (a good thing to remember) and ran back and got it. Every time I get chili at Wendy's I think of Dad. He knew all the places in St. George to get a cheap eat. And he delighted in telling you about it.

Then, after work I stopped by Macy's to pick up some hamburger buns. I don't very often run in the store for just one item. (That's what I use Richard for) I try to get every thing I need on Saturday and always pay with my debit card. I decided to use cash for this single purchase so I pulled out a twenty and attempted to slide it through the credit card machine. The check got a good laugh.

But one thing I defiantly wanted to do was share this darling picture. I sure you can tell just by looking who this is. He looks to much like Hayley did when she was a baby. Isn't Forrest Kingston cute?

Merry Christmas!

All right Thomas Chicks! We need to get this blog rolling!

This weeks assignment:

each one of you share a favorite Christmas memory,

a tradition, or a favorite toy you received for a gift from you childhood

If you need help posting, call Jan she has it down pat!

I have the pictures!

Sorry I'm so slow getting these loaded. I knew I had a few I

just had to find them in my files.

Christmas 2002, Dad always wanted to know where his new pj's were.

Dad's favorite place to be. St. George and his recliner.

Mom and Dad at the stockshow, they were so good to support the grandkids in all their different endeavors. I wonder if Mom knew what was going on.

Another picture of Christmas 2002, they were looking at the stuff we gave them that we had borrowed from the house in St. George. They must of thought we were nuts. Look at the expressions on their faces, this picture makes me smile. It makes me feel a little better knowing they are so happy together again. Wow I don't know where 5 years has gone. Love you both.

I SURE DO MISS DAD!

I can't believe I don't have one picture I can post of dad today, but we all know we are thinking of him today. I can't believe he has been gone this long. I do have something that the rest of you siblings don't have though. And that is little reminders all around this house that I live in. There is not a day that has gone by since we have lived here, that I haven't run on to something to remind me of Dad. And sometimes I just have to laugh and smile when I see what they are. Channing has really noticed it even more than me. Every time he needs a tool or something to use around the house like that, we KNOW exactly where to look for it because we know where Dad would have put it. Sometimes I just laugh when Channing comes and shows me a knot that is tied so perfectly he can't undo it or an extension cord that is wrapped perfectly around the item it goes with. There are just too many things like that we see every day. And I love it.
And the thing I miss the very most about Dad is his silly sense of humor. He was just so funny and he was such a devoted husband and father. I am always so proud to be able to tell people that my dad made his family his number one priority in life. And we all had such wonderful lives because of that.
We miss you Dad. But we know you and Mom are having a great time together now.

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

I'm so excited for Christmas to get here now. I loved decorating yesterday and I got most of it done. I do need to find a topper for this tree and I am going to look for some kind of a small tree to decorate for the nice living room too. I want to find something to do in blue and brown to match in there. Doesn't that sound fun?

After I got all done, I really wanted to call Mom and have her come see it. I know how much she loved decorating for Christmas and she always liked to see what the rest of us had. I have Mom to thank for some of my most favorite and treasured Christmas decorations. I love getting them out and remembering that it was Mom and Dad that gave them to me.

Thanksgiving Day 08

Teenagers


The four Matrons of the family



The baby



Here are a couple of pictures I took from our Thanksgiving dinner at Channing's sister Andrea's house in Pleasant Grove. She is so good to have it at her house every year since her mother has passed away. She has kind of taken on the role of mother in that family, and I love her dearly. She is always looking out for the rest of us. Does it scare anybody else besides me that I am the oldest person at this dinner. All of us have lost our parents (except Channing's Dad, but him and his wife go to Wendover every year for Thanksgiving) Can you believe that?Besides the adults, there were 3 teenagers and 1 baby, Derrick, who is Parker's one year old son.
We also stopped by the White House for pie later on. Thanks Shannon for the pie and the dressing!
I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving Day. Now. . . .let's get busy getting ready for Christmas. Yaaaayyy

New Look!

How do you like the festive new look of the blog? I had Kaitlyn jazz it up a bit for the holidays. You know me, I love to decorate. We gave Kaitlyn the old computer from the station and boy is she having fun with it. Thanks, Kaitlyn for doing such a great job. If there's something you want changed she can do that. Are the text colors ok? Leave a comment if you want changes made.

Has everyone got their baking done for the big day tomorrow? I'm just starting on the dressing and when I do that it brings back memories of Mom making one extra casserole dish just for Jan to take home to bake. Was she spoiled or what? It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without this yummy dressing recipe, I find myself doing this for Kira now. It's one her favorites.

My heart is feeling full right now with all the wonderful blessings we have been blessed with as a family this year, you as my brothers and sisters are one of them. What would we do without family. I added two new grandbabies this year, Jacob graduated from USU and found a good job in Idaho and we had the honor of escorting Kaitlyn and Mike to the temple. There is so much more to be thankful for too. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you, and be safe in your travels to and from. Love, Shannon

P.S. What happend to our shopping trip?

NO MORE MUZZ STORIES

Take a good look at the picture I have posted of me at work because you will never see me in that spot again. I'm not kidding either. After 20 years of working at the Utah County Attorney's Office, I voluntarily terminated my employment. Ok, so you are probably thinking how stupid am I for leaving 10 years before my retirement. But, in case you haven't heard they are seriously talking about layoffs with the County and our Department is one being cut a little. I have the most seniority of any secretary there and almost more than any attorneys there too also so I was not in jeapardy of losing my job. But. . .the county did offer an incentive to get us old timers out of there, and I just couldn't resist. You all know I have loved my job and enjoyed so many people I worked with. But, it really is such a stressful nonstop job that never ends. And some of the things I deal with on a daily basis can start getting depressing. After 20 years of that, I was beginning to not enjoy my job as much (I mean, the whole reason we go to work is to have fun, right?) lol.

This is something I have been considering for awhile now and wanting to look for a part-time job. But, I just figured I would stick it out another 10 years. But when this opportunity came, I decided it was an answer to my prayers. I had until December 26 to choose this, but it only took me a couple days to decide and I knew it was just what I've been waiting for. And I knew if I did it right away I could have the entire Holiday season off. How cool is that?

My severence pay will be enough to get us by, but not enough to go to the mall every day or travel the world, and I would go crazy if I were home all the time. So after the Holidays I will look for something part time.

I am feeling so blessed and fortunate that the only reason I can even take advantage of this offer is because I own my home. I have been a little sad and happy about this decision and went back and forth on what to do. Then it just hit me. I'm in this great position only because of my wonderful loving parents and all they have done for me my whole life. Not just that I own my home, but the way they rasied me to learn and be responsible and work. And I knew quitting this job would make me a much happier person and that is what they would want for me.

So, I'm going to have to find something to keep me busy till Christmas other than shopping. It might be tearing down wallpaper and painting. Starting with the bedroom and bathroom. Channing was just THRILLED knowing I would be coming up with all kinds of projects for him.

MY BABY

My baby and her baby

I just had to wish my baby a happy birthday. My baby, Alayna, turns 28 tomorrow, the 30th of October. Can you imagine how old that makes me feel? I feel so blessed to have her as one of our four fabulous children. I have to admit, she was the dream child. She was a big baby, so she was always content and soon slept through the night. When she was a little girl, she could play in her bedroom for hours by herself. Since she was the baby of the family, she pretty much went wherever Randy and I went, and she could have easily been spoiled. But to the contrary, she never asked for anything. (We just gave her everything without being asked.) She met Tim, the love of her life, in the 7th grade, and I don't think she ever really looked at another boy. She waited for him to complete his mission, followed him to Ogden where he works, and continues to support him in his advanced educational endeavors. We're sure glad, because we think the world of Tim.

I think Alayna was a super teacher, but all she ever wanted to be was a mom. She has spent every day with Dawson since he was born three years ago. She is teaching him so much, without him realizing he is learning the abc's and 123's, and so many other amazing things. She is always willing to get on the floor and play trains with him, or to watch a Thomas video for the hundredth time. She waited for what seemed to her to be a very long time to add little Maddie to their family four weeks ago. She cherishes holding and loving her, dressing her in pretty pink things, and putting bows in her hair.

We love you, Alayna. We are so proud of the wife and mother you are, and for the example you are to all of us. Hope you have an over-the-top birthday. I know Tim and Dawson will make sure you do.

Remembering Mom

All of you are probably thinking about the same thing today as I am--our special Mom. I feel so blessed to have had such a wonderful loving Mother. Not a day has gone by in the last two years that I haven't thought about and missed her. She was such a great example and I wish I could have been the kind of mother that she was. I regret not spending more time with her especially after Dad died, when she was so lonely. I really thought she would be around alot longer than she was. I know I have mentioned this before but I remember as a girl in grade school being so excited that she was my room mother (I know she did this alot for years for each of us--probably because the teachers knew they could rely on her to bring yummy treats for the holidays) and looking forward to the days she would visit our room. I thought she was so beautiful and I was so proud for all the kids to see her.

The other day I was thinking about how much I love fall and one of my favorite memories of the season was coming home from school on a Friday afternoon to the wonderful smell of her delicious chili. I think it was so special that on one of our last trips to St. George with her she made us a delicious pot of chili.

Anyway, thanks Mom for all you did and sacrificed for us. Thanks for giving me five brothers and sisters to support me in my trials. I love each and every one of you (and your spouses and families). Tamara

Some Sad News

Just thought you might be interested in knowing that our cousin Gregory Thomas passed away on Saturday evening. The only information I have is that it is believed he might have had a heart attack or a brain anursym. This is so sad for Uncle Blair and Aunt Jean.

Lunch Date!

We missed you, Collette and Deb. We went to lunch without you last Wednesday for my birthday. We went to the Trolley in Springville which is one of my favorites for a salad. They are so goooood there. Then to top it off they bring you a piece of one of their yummy cakes for your birthday so I chose the carrot. It was such a big piece I had some that night after dinner and the rest I took to work with me. We sure miss you two when we get together like this. We need to schedule our December Salt Lake trip and a girl's outing to St. George. Let's get it done!

Have a great Monday and my the rest of your week go great too. See ya chicks, Love, Shannon

Collette's Brag Blog

I am so anxious for you to see Madelyn Jane Marriott. Alayna and Tim welcomed her (via c-section) Thurs., Oct. 2nd at 8:15 a.m. She weight 7 lb. 11 oz., and measured 20 inches. She has thick black hair and is absolutely beautiful. She had a little trouble breathing at first so she has been in the NICU, but as of today, she is off oxygen and iv's and will probably leave the nicu tonight or tomorrow. Alayna is doing fine, and they will probably go home on Monday. We are in Ogden, splitting our time between the hospital and their home taking care of Dawson. We'll go home on Wednesday. These new babies are such a blessing, and we cherish each one.

#20

We were at the hospital last night, for the second time yesterday. We just couldn't stay away from this cute little thing! Mike's parents were there and we were discussing which number place McKinley fit into on both sides. I had to come home and figure this one out after Kaye told us that she was the 80th Great grandchild on her mother's side, can you believe that, we thought that to be pretty amazing.

McKinley is Mom and Dad's 20th Great Grandchild if I did the math right, little Madelyn will follow, and then another new one in February with Amber's new little boy. I bet they are so proud of them as they send them down for us to enjoy. You know how proud they were of all of their family, they loved to brag. She would be the 13th Great for Stuart's Dad, he would be so proud of this little angel too.

I found this cute little verse in a magazine that says it all,

I may not be rich and famous,

but I do have

Priceless

Grandchildren!

Isn't that the truth.

Enjoy the rest of your week, Shannon

Happy 60th Mom & Dad

I was going to do the same thing earlier but Collette beat me to it, I thought I better post the pictures anyway. Collette you really did a beautiful job paying tribute to these two wonderful parents that we were given, who could ask for better? Here are a few pictures of their 55th Wedding Anniversary, Dad wasn't feeling well that night and he's got a pretty sad look on his face, but I'm sure glad that I got a few snapshots that night.

Who would of thought this would be the last major milestone anniversary they would be celebrating here on earth. I'm sure they are celebrating tonight though.

Love ya chicks,
Shannon

A Wonderful Legacy

I'm sure you've all thought about them today, but Mom and Dad have been on my mind all day. We should have been having a big 60 year anniversary party today. The party on their 50th anniversary was so much fun, and they enjoyed it so much; I wish we could have done it again. The past 10 years have gone by so fast, and it seems like yesterday, but yet it seems like forever since we saw our folks.
Our parents really did leave a wonderful legacy. I love each of my sisters and brothers, their spouses, each and every one of my nieces and nephews, and their spouses and children. I'm not going to give names or numbers for fear of leaving someone out, but Mom and Dad truly have a great posterity. There wasn't one single person they didn't love and adore. They were truly proud of each of us. I'm sure they must just smile each day as they see babies joining our families, children growing up, and each of us growing older by the day.
Randy and I spent last night and today in St. George. (Thanks Blake for letting us use your days at the house.) I was brought to tears more than once as I'd look at their pictures and think of the opportunity of being in the home they loved so much. I know it makes them happy to see us all there. They have given us so much, not only physical things, but sound principles, values, and love. I'm thankful everyday for them.
I'm sorry, I didn't mean for this to be a testimony, but I do love each of you. I know that we can see our beloved mother and father again. I'm going to do all I can to be there with them when the time comes, and I hope you will too. It just wouldn't be heaven if any one of my dear family was missing. Love to you all, Collette

What a Great Day!

Look how happy they are, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Mitchell and baby McKinley!

What an awsome day we had yesterday. These two were so happy and nervous at the same time. They had great things happen yesterday they will always remember. Their sealing was just beautiful. The sealer who was sealing them had made the suggestion that they go forward and multiply and replenish this earth with children and everyone just started to chuckle when he said, "Oh, I see you have already started to do that!" it was really cute. She got along fine through the whole thing, notice she's carrying her shoes, her feet and toes were so swollen from sitting all that time that she couldn't get them back on when it was time to go outside for pictures. Here are a few pictures from the day. We missed all of you, wish you could of joined in on their special day too.

The Whitehouse clan, minus Jacob. Wish he could of joined us. But just think how neat of a day that will be when he gets married, we will all be there.

Uncle Bert and Daneen, Me & Stuart, Kaitlyn & Mike, John & Kira, Rachelle Carling, Pam & Doc Mendenhall in front of the temple, they all came back to the luncheon as well. (Side note: Kaitlyn had told Aunt Afton that when it was time to go to the temple she would send her an invitation, she hadn't forgotten that, so when it was time to send out the invites she said, "I can't forget Uncle Bert".) I thought that was so nice of them to come and support Kaitlyn on such a special day, they told her that Aunt Afton was there with her, as were her other Grandma's and Grandpa's which was so very true.

I love spending time with these two, they both looked just beautiful yesterday all dressed in their white clothing, just like little angels.

This is Kaitlyn and Mikes wedding cake top, it's been in my freezer for a year now, we had a cake topper made for it and we took it to luncheon for a surprise. They were going to cut it that night, it probably had freezer burn! It's the thought that counts, right!
What a great ending to a perfect day.
Love you chicks, Shannon

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHANNON!

I won't say how many years it is because I am right behind her. But.. I just want to wish this sister a very happy birthday today. Shannon, you have always been such a good big sister to me. It was nice that we were so close in age growing up that I always had a friend to play with and I still do (now it mainly involves shopping and eating). We were such good friends when we were little that I hardly remember fighting with you like most siblings might. In fact, in happened so little, that I do remember one doozy of a fight. We were staying with Collette in Cedar City in her apartment and we must have been homesick which must have caused us to argue. But Collette made everything better by taking us to buy coloring books and crayons. (Shopping always makes everything better) And I still have the blue mark in my leg from the pencil. lol

I am so blessed to have you for a big sister and all my other big sisters. I love you Shannon!

Good Things Utah

Last week I attended the League of Cities conference in Salt Lake with Richard from Wednesday through Saturday. We had such a fun time. We were supposed to stay at Little America, but they messed up on our reservations so they had to move us to the Grand America Hotel (darn!)

It was incredibly nice. While the guys were in their meetings, they had fun things for the partners to do each day. On Wednesday morning we were in the audience of Good Things Utah. What a blast! I told the GTU girls I needed a picture with them to put on our sister blogspot because some of you are such fans. They said I needed to bring you all to the show during the holidays, so let's plan to spend a day in SLC in December and go see the show, shop and eat.

I can't thank Jan enough for staying with Karissa. Sisters are wonderful!

cute puppy

No, we don't have a puppy (you know me better than that). This bloodhound was donated to the Utah County Sheriff's Office by Child Protection Education of America. These dogs are used to track people, whether lost kids or criminals (hopefully, she will only have to find the bad quys).

The guy on the right is the handler and trainer, detective Shawn Radmall. A couple of weeks ago we got a call from one of the sheriffs we know and he said they wanted to come by our house to show us something...the cute little (for now) puppy pictured above. They had a contest for the kids of the Sheriff's Office employees to name her. Several people had suggested she be named after Kiplyn, so they wanted to know if this would be OK with us. Together we decided on the name "Kippy". We felt honored that others are still remembering "our angel".

Great idea!

Kudos to whomever thought of this great idea to have a bolg for the Thomas Chicks! I love you all and miss each of you. What a great way to keep in touch and share our lives with one another!

Blake and I are very busy as always with family, jobs, and every day life. Blake broke his right wrist on August 20th and has been in a splint and then a cast ever since. Good news? The cast comes off earlier than expected (Oct 3rd) and he won't need surgery! Yea!!!!!!! I have had carpel tunnel and tendonitis for the past 6 weeks which requires a hand/wrist brace along with an elbow brace to prohibt a lot of movement while things heal. Next week they may put me in a full arm cast if things aren't any better. Yuck! Blake and I really get some crazy looks and downright stares when we are together. When someone inquires as to what happened, he tells them "she beats me." Then I raise my right arm and say "he started it."

The first week of September just the 2 of us went to Disneyland. It truly is the happiest place on earth. We had so much fun! Being with my best friend everyday was so wonderful! Moving luggage around was a bit of a task given the events of the last paragraph, but we seemed to manage just fine. Thomas Team Work in action!

It is finally fall, a most beautiful time of year. Football is in full swing (Go Cougars!) which we always look forward to. Tomatoes are ripening in the garden, so it must be Salsa Time! We have only made 15 quarts so far this year, much less work than 2 years ago when we made over 200 quarts of salsa and tomatoes! Blake has finally taught me that we don't need to feed the entire ward with our garden.

Blake started a new job at CallTower in June that he really loves. He works on about 10600 South just off the freeway. I am still working for First Utah Bank on 12600 South just off the Bangerter Highway. It is great to have my carpool buddy back again!

Courtney is living and working in Salt Lake. Blake talks to her from time to time, she is really growing up. Their relationship is much better now that she is living away from home. I really enjoy the time we spend with her. We haven't seen or heard much from Chelsea, I guess being a Junior in High School keeps her pretty busy. She works at Macey's Food Store after school and on the weekends. She spent a week in New York with her drama class in June, loving every minute of it. Nic is growing like a weed and becoming quite the young man. He really looks up to Blake and learns more from him that we realize. When we are all in the car together, Blake always gets out first and comes around to open my car door. Always has and most likely always will. When Nic is with us, he opens my door for me. He is really a great kid! He and his dad are really into football this year. (Go Cougars!) They are going to breakfast at the One Man Band in Lehi this Saturday and then to the game afterwards. Guy time for them is awesome! On Oct 3rd they have tickets to the BYU / Utah State game. They are hoping to make a weekend of it and spend the night too.

My oldest daughter, Jaime, has received a promotion to work directly with a judge in the Juvenille Probation System in Salt Lake. She is very excited! She should finish her Masters in May. We are so excited for her. Our grandson Nicholas started Jr. High this fall and is nearly 5'4". Jordan is in the 5th grade like Nic. Both are doing very well. Jeremy and Cari and their 3 little ones are going great. Jeremy just received his Cisco certification that he has been working on for over a year. There are only 2000 or so of these certifications in the world, so he is pretty pumped! Cari just had surgery and is doing very well. Can't wait until my salsa buddy is ready to start up again. CJay started 2nd grade and loves his new school which is really close to the new home they bought last summer. The twins, Audrey and Alexis, started kindergarten this year! Grandpa Blake says they can't cause he isn't ready for that yet. They just laugh at him. Megan and Jeff are doing well. Jeff works for Geneva Rock and is happy he isn't working those 12 hour days anymore. Megan just finished school at CCI and reached her CMAS to receive her certificate for a billing specialist. They are currently living in Ogden and her job is in Pleasant Grove. She is hoping to find something a little bit closer to home.

Our deck is almost finished! Blake has learned to drill, saw, and carry lumber all with his left hand. He definately gave his all for the deck.

Hope everyone is doing well. I am so excited to visit this blog often to stay close to all of you and to share our lives together. It seems since Carol passed on that we don't seem to stay in contact quite as much. I really miss her........she is a marvelous lady! Thank you to whomever set up this blog, you were truly inspired!

Take Care - Love, me and Blake

Silly Sunday Again!

I don't have that many pictures of dad in my computer, but I did run across this one, isn't this so like him? He loved to do anything silly with the grandkids didn't he? This picture was taken on the 24th of July, 2003. I'm sure he wasn't feeling well then, but he still made sure the kids had fun! I miss the giggles he could get out of them. This brings to me to some memories me and Stuart were talking about the other night, we had been talking about the State Fair. Dad would take us to the fair almost every year close to my birthday and on several occasions on my birthday. He would let us rome around the fair grounds and browse at all the junkety junk the vendors would sell, dad was such a sport or were we just spoiled? I remember him buying us all sorts of fun things to play with like, the metal steelies on the frame that would hit back and forth against each other, wow! And how about those fun things I think they called them Clackers, they were those transparent colored balls on the long strings that clacked back and forth. How annoying to him I'm sure, but he let us have all the fun things. We would only let the grandkids get away with this today!! Right. Enjoy the memories. See ya chicks, Shannon

Feels like fall

Listen! the wind is rising, and

the air is wild with leaves,

We have had our summer evenings,

now for Autumn eves!

---Humbert Wolfe

I don't know about you guys but I just love waking up in the mornings and having the crisp fall air blowing through the open windows. I love when fall comes around, I can get the fall decorations out, and make all my favorite fall recipes, yum it's soup weather again. This week I made the easiest Pumpkin Choc. Chip Cookies. I'm sure you all have this recipe but I'll share it with you anyway. Here's something you can do over the weekend.

1-2-3 Pumpkin Cookies

1 (16 oz.) can solid pack pumpkin

1 spice cake mix

1 (6 oz.) bag choc. chips

Mix together all ingredients until well blended. It will be about the consistancy of biscuits. Drop by spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Bake in 350 oven for 12-15 minutes. I usually double the recipe to make a larger batch.

Hope you all have had a good week, see ya chicks. Shannon

Silly Sunday's

I'm going to try something new, remember these? Looking at these gets me excited for our Girl's get-away in October, it is just around the corner. We had so much fun on this Park City trip. I love the way Jan can always get us laughing at all her funny stories from her work, Mom would laugh so hard she had tears coming down her cheeks. Take a minute and think about all the silly moments we share. My goal is to try and post something silly on Sundays, will you try too? Got food!

What did Annette find?

What will Richard think?

Jan, it's so becoming, I'm sure they'll love it at work!

My baby is 8 months old!

Now I have learned how to do this blog posting thing. . . . I realized. . . I really have nothing to post. So here's a picture of my only child with his father.

Apron's Anyone??

Look how cute these turned out. They are for two special friends of mine for thier birhday's, the apple and pear one is for Sharon and the floral number is for Kaye. I don't know what it is about aprons but I'm in love with them lately. There are so many styles and so many cute fabrics to make them out of and oh yeah don't forget the ric-rac! These would make fun gifts for just about anyone for a birthday, Christmas gift, or any special occasion. Can I help anyone with this? See ya chicks, Love, Shannon

Here are the shower food recipes, if you want them

Cafe' Rio Pork

Pork Loin or Pork Poast - cook in crock pot on low for 7-9 hours or until it pulls apart with a fork. l 1/2 cans Coca-cola classic (Do not use diet or a generic brand of coke)
1 cup sugar
1 7oz. can Chipotle Chilies in ADOBO sauce
(since you use the sauce, not the chilies, it is important that you get the chilies in adobo sauce)
1 tsp. dry ground mustard
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. minced garlic

1. Remove the chilies from the can of adobo sauce.
2. Add all ingrdients (except pork) in a blender. Rinse can of adobo sauce with coca-cola to get all the sauce out. Blend until well mixed.
3. Place pork in crock pot and pour sauce over it.

Dressing
1 envelope Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
1 cup milk
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 bunch cilantro
2 tomattillos
2 serano peppers with seeds removed
Blend all together in blender. Let sit to thicken.

Lime Rice
1 cup rice
2 cup water
3 cubes chicken boullion
1/2 tsp. dried onion
1/4 bunch cilantro
1 TB oil
Cook rice in above moisture and then add juice of 1/2 lime and mix well.

Cafe' Rio Chicken
1 small bottle Kraft Zezty Italian Dressing
1 TB chili powder
1TB cumin
3 cloves minced garlic
3 lbs. chicken breast
Cook all together in a crock pot for 4 hours, shred meat and cook 1 additional hour.

I hope you enjoy these, any questions call me. See ya chicks, Shannon

MY MAD MAD MONDAY

I think things are settling down from Monday. Kaitlyn is getting bored just laying around on the couch, her left side gets hurting so she lays on her right side for a few minutes. We did take a walk outside the afternoon. We worked on the bumper pads today and finished binding the little quilt for the crib. She goes back to the Dr. on Thurs. for a reevaluation and more testing. Jacob is still in alot pain from his little accident on Sunday evening, he will be in his walking boot for about 3-4 weeks. I am home for the weekend, maybe I can get some house work done and a little R&R before I head back to Levan on Tuesday. Hope everything is well with all of you. As Dad would say, See ya chick, but in our case it's chicks!! Love you all. P.S. it was great to see all of you at the shower, you brought such darling gifts they were all nice. I have great sisters. Shannon

Party and the big blog release!

We had so much fun at the baby shower today. It was great seeing everyone. Here is a pic of 4 out of 6 chicks! We definatly don't get to see eachother enough!

Grandpa would be proud!

Grandpa Thomas tried to figure out this "INTERNET" thing. Let's see if the 6 Thomas Chicks can. Use this site to post your daily triumphs, trials or probably just a lot of pictures of your darling grandchildren! So, lets get the ball rolling, leave a comment to this post about a favorite or funny memory you have about all of you together. To leave a comment you must have a Google account, if you don't have one - its free and it will show you how on the comment page.