Grandpa and Grandma Thompson

Cade Newell Sargent #10 for us.

2009-09-22T13:51:00.000-07:00

Little Cade was born 9-11-09. 7 lbs and 14 oz. He is named after his great grandpa Newell Sargent. He is so cute and grandpa and grandma are getting their kisses and loves in. Tiff is doing great, they are the cutest parents. so excited for them.

Devils Tower

2009-08-04T15:08:00.001-07:00

Devl's Tower as we were coming in.

They had a Tower Trail that went around the base of the mountain and we took it. It was great.

Jeff said that this reminded him of Walker Texas Ranger! Hee hee. It actually is sacred ground to the indians and they come here each June to gather and put their prayer sacks in the trees.

Tower Trail. This is the side that is so quiet and peaceful. Love the mountains.

Little Big Horn/Devil's Tower

2009-08-04T15:00:00.001-07:00

This is at Devil's Tower. They let the kids (hee hee) climb the boulders, but you had to have a permit to climb past that.

Jeff is looking at the wooden ladder that was used by the first climbers up Devil's Tower.

Little Big Horn Battlefield. So interesting to bring history alive. With my granddaughter Jessica.

This is last stand hill (Custard's last stand) Jeff with Jessica and Natalie.

This is something that Jeff has always wanted to do. He loves history, and he was in heaven.

Mt Rushmore

2009-08-04T14:54:00.001-07:00

Justin, Jeff and Tyler (Jeff and Justin Jr.).

A flag for each state and when they entered the union.

Sturgis was the following week that we were there, but they were rolling in while we were there. Certainly a different lifestyle.

We had a great time at Mt Rushmore, it's amazing how they did that in their day and made them look so like them. Very impressive.

3-D and Me

2009-07-31T15:59:00.001-07:00

I got to tend Nathan and Spencer while Ranay was in Canada and one afternoon we went to Ice Age 3 in 3-D. That is the first 3-D movie I have ever been to and it was so cool! Loved it, and loved the movie it was great.

Thompson Family Reunion

2009-07-31T15:49:00.000-07:00

Jeff and his mom. She is sporting a cane these days. She was having fun poking everyone in the rear as they went through the line. Clarke and Krisit were in charge of the reunion this year and we had so much fun. Of course we ate, and then we did the amazing race and that about did me in. I haven't run that hard in years!!! Whew!! But we had fun. While the adults were off doing the amazing race, the kids were making hats and getting their faces painted. (below) Amy (pete's wife) is so talented painting, she did a great job on the kids. Then it was off to the splash park. and then the kids wanted their faces painted again. What a great sport Amy was.

Tiffany and Jen, aren't they so beautiful?

Derick and Nathan. Derick was batchin it this weekend. Ranay was in Canada with her mom and sister to a family wedding. (My pictures with Justin and Marisa were too dark being in the shade. . . .besides the fact that I have to run to get a picture of Marisa anytime!!!)

These are our 2 oldest granddaughters. Aren't they beautiful???

Fun Family Times!!!

Face painting, grandkids! How cute are they!

2009-07-31T15:45:00.000-07:00

Cowboy up!! Baby Shower

2009-07-31T15:39:00.001-07:00

We are so excited for Tiff and her baby boy coming! He will definitly be the baby who wears just his cowboy boots and his diaper!!! Lots of family came to the shower. It was fun. This picture shows Grandma Thompson, her sister Aunt Renee, Aunt Kristi, Aunt Paula and her daughter Meagan.

The darling bouquet that Aunt Kathie made. (tiff)

Jen with her great friend Lindsey and little baby Zola.

Looking so cute!!!

Bone and Back!

2009-07-04T22:24:00.001-07:00

Every year Jen's love's to run in the Bone and Back race. She's an animal. It's always fun to watch her, it inspires me. Wish I could run, but my broken down body says no. Oh to be young!!!

The woman, the myth, the legend!

You're smiling now!!! lol!

Hannah in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Coat

2009-07-04T22:19:00.000-07:00

Hannah and Paige performing in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor coat.

It has been fun for grandpa and grandma to watch our little grandkids participate and perform in their many activities this summer; soccer, softball, t-ball and Hannah's production and Abbey's ballet. Tanner's gymnastics, Natalie's ballet, jessica's gymnastics and both of them in their school music concert. They are so darling and we love them all. Proud of all of them and their many talents.

Brianna's Blessing

2009-07-04T22:11:00.000-07:00

The Auntie's, Tiff, Marisa, and Jen.

Three Generations; Derick, Grandpa Lowder, Grandpa Thompson, and Jeff.

The proud parents, and beautiful Brianna.

Grandpa and grandma, love her to pieces.

FINALLY!!!!!!!! A WEDDING!!!!!!

2009-04-15T14:54:00.002-07:00

Lucky guy!

This is serous stuff!

Brennan with the Auntie's!

Brennan and brothers! Wow what handsome dudes!

The lucky couple! Hurray!!!!!

My Nephew Brennan got married this last weekend. He found a wonderful companion who compliments him in every way. It's a match made in heaven. They really are cute together. I am so happy for them and wish them well in their new life together.

FINALLY!!!! A WQ

2009-04-15T14:54:00.001-07:00

Little Brianna growing!

2009-04-15T14:49:00.001-07:00

Our sweet little granddaughter almost 5 lb.s now. Love the bow. She has her own little look. Hugs and kisses.

New grandbaby!!

2009-03-24T08:02:00.000-07:00

Little Brianna Ranay Thompson. Born Mar 12, weighing in at 3 lb 8oz. Isn't she a little dollface. She came home from the hospital last night. She has been in the NICU all this time, but doing wonderful. A piece of heaven.

Aloha Oe!

2009-03-03T08:41:00.000-08:00

Jeff and I went to Kona, Hawaii for our 35th wedding anniversary. We had such a great time.

This was my Valentines gift from my sweet husband. I had gone to take a yoga class and came back and found this note with the two necklaces over the ice bucket. I had fallen in love with POG (Passionfruit, Orange, Guave juice) and he knew that I love it over ice, so he went and found some big glasses and got some ice and had found some POG in 1/2 gallon size at the little store down the road and had it sitting there for me when I returned. He is always so sweet and loving. I love him!!

We played some tennis, he kicked my can!!! But it was fun.

We had no idea that there was a temple in Kona, and just happened upon it. It is really beautiful.

A waterfall that we hiked straight DOWN and back UP out of.

So pretty!

Our funnest adventure was four wheeling. We had such a grat time. It was raining and blowing that morning (thus the poncho, more like a balloon hee hee) but eventually turned out really nice. Yes this is me with our guide! We went from sea level (the previous picture) to 4000 ft (the waterfall). I LOVED it!

Bishop Thompson!

This was OUR chair. It was out on the terrace and we would go out and watch the sunsets, or have an afternoon nap with the sound of the ocean and birds chirping and soft Hawaiian music in the background. It was heaven.

We would try to walk every morning, and there was a cool path along the beach and this swing was there.

The view from our room.

Blanket Update

2009-03-03T08:38:00.001-08:00

Tiffany was doing a clients hair one day and she was saying how she had her baby early and it had to go into the NICU and how someone had made these blankets that her baby was sent home in. Tiff asked what the blanket looked like and sure enough it was one that our family had given. the lady was so appreciative that through this difficult time, the blanket was a loving gift.

Giving back to those we appreciate.

2008-12-06T17:25:00.001-08:00

Our family (Lowder's) wanted to do a family service project this year. Since we had a few babies who had been treated in the NICU's, Judy thought it would be a great idea to make some blankets and give back to them for their wonderful service to us. I called the hospital to see if it would be okay, and the lady was so appreciative and said that there were 17 babies in the NICU right now, and that there was such a need for them.

The cute nurse who took the blankets for the hospital. Nathan, Abbey and Hannah looking on. What a great experience for them. Hannah wanted to make her own blanket for them for next year. I think it may become a yearly service for the Thompson family.

It was alot of fun, and we all felt so good as we left the hospital.

Our 2 NICU babies who now are big and grown. Nathan who was 3 lb and something and fighting for his life. Abbey who was 13 lbs and having a hard time breathing. What would our lives be without them. They are so darling and fill our lives with love. I was just thinking, they aren't that far apart in age either, I think 6 months? anyways, a great time today. Thanks Aunt Judy.

Thriller, thriller night!!! Yeah baby!

2008-11-07T20:39:00.001-08:00

Yes this is me. I have scared dogs, and my own grandkids! But so much fun. Jen and I do Thriller from Michael Jackson every year in our hip hop class and dress up. It is a fun night!
Ah ha ha ha ha!

Long Awaited Vacation Time!!! Jacksonville, Florida

2008-11-07T20:28:00.000-08:00

Jeff had meetings in Jacksonville, and so I had lots of fun shopping, reading by the pool, and I found a gym and went to some classes which was fun. It was just so nice to step back away from everything and relax for a week.

We went to St. Augustine to the old jail. Found all the good eating places like PF Changs, Cheesecake Factory, Ruth Chris's.

We were right on the St. John's River and about a mile from the Jacksonville Jacguers Football Stadium. Along the river there was a nice walkway that we went walking on each day. so nice! It was warm and wonderful.

It was nice to be with my sweetheart and enjoy a week together.

Girls Day Out and Happy Birthday Jen!

2008-10-04T17:42:00.001-07:00

We decided to surprise Jen for her birthday and drove to Pocatello and took her to lunch at Chili's. We had so much fun, laughing, and talking and just being together.

Went bowling after we ate. Had a great time! Happy Birthday Jen.

This picture is hilarious, because we asked the bus boy to take this picture, and he TOTALLY left Marisa right out of the picture. Not even a shoulder or anaything is in the picture. We laughed!!!

Sisters forever BFF!

Golf is the name of the game!

2008-10-04T17:39:00.000-07:00

Jeff and I decided to learn how to golf together this summer. Took lessons, bought clubs and carts and really had alot of fun learning together.

Jeff is dang good!!! It was fun being together, learning something new together, and being outside. We had a great time.

Bishop Thompson

2008-10-04T17:35:00.001-07:00

Jeff was made a Bishop of the BYUI 35th ward, sustained Sept 7, 2008. what a wonderdul Bishop he will make. He is so compassionate, loving and kind, they are very lucky to be the recipients of his love and compassion. We LOVE serving at the college and being with the students there. We learn so much from them and grow from their testimonies and faith. We have awesome and great kids in our ward.

This next month, our Stake Presidency will be released, President Brad Foster. It is sad for us, we have loved his leadership and learned much at his feet. What a great leader.

We are thankful for the opportunity to serve in this capactiy.

Tennis Trip

2008-10-04T17:32:00.000-07:00

Holy Cow! We had a great time. Tiff and I went to Boise for a tennis tournament that she was playing in. We had a great time, saw some great tennis, ate at some wonderful places, just enjoyed being together.

LUAU and Family Reunion!

2008-10-04T17:27:00.001-07:00

We had a welcome home party for Justin and his little family and had a Luau. We hoola hooped, and limbo--ed, and ate roast pork, etc. It was alot of fun. Thanks to Tiff and everyone. thanks to Marisa who held it at her house.

If these aren't the cutest grandkids in the world!>?!?!?!?!? Love them all so much! Love my family. And it is so nice to have them all here together again.

The Thompson reunion was held the next day. Here is Jeff with his brother and sister. (can you tell??) We had a great time at the Riot Zone.

Justin's Graduation from Medical Residency Toledo Ohio!

2008-10-04T17:19:00.000-07:00

WOW!!! What a slacker I have been! Like anyone looks at my blog anyways! but thought I would catch up.

We went back to Justin's graduation. So proud of Him and Aimee Jo! It has been a long hard road, and they are finally going to be able to settle down now. Justin got a job here in Idaho at EIRMC and we are really enjoying having them here close.

It is funny to have father and son as doctors in the same city though. Jeff will send Justin patients all the time to the ER and they talk on the phone to consult! It's pretty awesome.

Busting our buttons!

2008-06-05T17:29:00.001-07:00

Camille Blackburn with her newly constructed Creative Arts Auditorium decided to have an alumni concert on Memorial Day weekend. She invited anyone who had ever sung with her in choir to come to practice all day that Saturday and then perform a concert that night. What a great idea!!!

It was so awesome. So much fun to see all my daughters and daughter in law up there singing. The choir was awesome, and sang a song from President Hinckley's funeral "Homeward Bound". It was amazing.

Marisa sang a solo from the Magic Flute Opera, and about blew us all away. She has an amazing voice and stood up there so confident and boomed it out. We got it all on video folks!!! My dad is such a fan of that opera and with tears in his eyes came up to her after and said sincerely, that that was the most beautiful he had ever heard it sung. I had to agree. It was amazing.

Then all the girls, Tiff, Jen, Marisa, and Ranay sang "Sincerely" in a quartet. Jeff had to work that night, and so Tiffany called the center and found the boss and asked if there was any way that they could find someone to cover so that we could come and kidnap him so that they could take him up on stage and sing to him. They actually ended up closing the center so that he could go. They twirled his hair and kissed him, and loved on him and he was in heaven.

There is a part in the song that says something "do you know why I love you", and Jeff put his fingers up and rubbed them (like give me the money). It brought the house down, it was pretty funny.

A wonderful night, made me so very proud, and brought back so many memories that I miss so much. What a great contribution Camille has made in so many lives.

there is nothing like the gift of music! Thanks.

Memorial Day weekend

2008-06-05T17:27:00.000-07:00

Jeff really got into the war movies, and it was fun to have our family at the house to barbecue hamburgers and play games together. The cousins love being together, playing with Uncle Bryan and Dane Jen and Tiff. Lots of fun.

A Memorable Weekend!

2008-06-05T17:19:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day weekend Jeff had to work Fri/Sat/ and Mon. So Sunday night we had a barbecue at the house. Jen and Dane came up from Poky, and took Jeff on a bike ride! there actually was sun. Hasn't been since, but that day, you can actually see blue sky!

Jeff and I found this golf game and it was really alot of fun to play. But as usual, Jeff came out the victor!

Look at that form! Didn't help! Ha!

Shingles!!! Ouch!

2008-05-20T12:35:00.000-07:00

I have had shingles! Not fun! They are so painful. I hope no one reading this ever gets them. You think you are feeling better and then BAM!!! pain!

I have to say that I will be very sympathetic to anyone who gets them in the future. I remember Derick got them when he was about 12 or 14 and had no idea how painful they probably were for him.

Feels good to feel better.

Being Grandma!

2008-05-20T12:31:00.000-07:00

Went to Nathan's soccer game the other night. Ranay was saying, the week before they cancelled because of snow, and this week it was 83 degrees. Go figure. That's Idaho weather for ya.

Nathan was so cute in his little uniform. Brought back lots of memories, fond ones. I truly miss those days, I enjoyed them so much. They are too fast gone. But it is so much fun to watch my little grandkids, Hannah playing basketball and singing, and now little Nathan with soccer. He scored a goal, and was so excited! His dad told him if he scored a goal they would go get ice cream!. As soon as he scored the goal, it was off to the sidelines to hug his mom! Ha! How cute is that.

Can't wait to watch Jess, Natalie and Ty when they get here too.

BYU-I

2008-04-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

I just got called to serve in the Stake Relief society Presidency at BYU-I. I will be the enrichment counselor. I am very excited to be able to serve up there another 3-4 years. It's hard however, because we don't know anyone in our new neighborhood or ward except our next door neighbors.

But I LOVE working with the kids up there. There are so many different and wonderful kids from all over the world with such different circumstances. Some who are the only members in their famlies, who have never experienced FHE, or family prayer, etc. It is so inspiring to hear their testimonies and all that they have gone through to have the gospel in their lives. I learn much more from them than they do from me I'm sure.

It will also be good to be able to continue to peek in on mom and dad, and Jeff's parents each Sunday. That has been a big blessing for all of us. They are really aging and lonely.

They do it BIG in Texas!

2008-04-23T06:50:00.000-07:00

I just got back from Dallas Texas, where I attended the wedding of my first Relief Society President up at BYU-I. We served together for 3 semesters, and became very close. We had alot in common, and really enjoyed each other. It was fun to go to Texas and see her family, and where she grew up , etc.

This is the Dallas temple, which was alot like the Boise temple. Very beautiful. It was 82 degrees that day, after leaving snow at home, it was so nice!!!

I went with Gary and Trish Archibald, he was the Bishop up there that we served under and also a releative ( his grandma and my grandma Lowder were sisters). Great people. Short and fast trip, but fun to be there.

Thompson Biggest Loser Challenge

2008-04-23T06:40:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite shows to watch on TV is The Biggest Loser! So our family decided to do the biggest loser challenge. We began in January and ended the end of March. It was really alot of fun, and taught me ALOT about myself, why I eat when I do, helped me try to find healthy alternatives, etc. It was really fun to do it as a family! What a great family I have! I love them all so much!!!!

We ended by playing basketball. The little kids had little basketball standards and played, and we had little races for them to. Did ladders, played a little "pig", lightning, and just plain basketball. It was really fun. It's fun to have such an athletic family who enjoys doing all these things!!! Love them to death!!!

2008-03-01T18:16:00.000-08:00

Today and last night I went to Time Out For Women. It was so amazing. I loved every minute. Last night I took my good friend Janie Brower, and today I took Kristi Stosich.

They had Sheri Dew, Kenneth Cope, Jenny Oaks Baker, Sharon Larsen, Emily Watts who was hilarious, and the author of the Christmas Jars and Wednesday Letters. It was so amazing and wished that all of my family could have been there with me. I learned alot.

Questions, questions, questions

2008-02-28T22:29:00.000-08:00

I liked Ranay's tag, and so I wanted to answer and tag Marisa and Jen and Aimee Jo.

4 jobs I have had:

lifeguard
clerk
potato pit
city recreation teacher

4 places I have lived:
Rexburg
Provo
Salt Lake
Ogden

5 places I have been:
Hawaii
Europe
Texas
Florida
Boston

4 People I would like to get to know better:
My new neighbors
(that's six)

4 reasons why I love being me:
I have an awesome husband and family
I have had wonderful opportunities in my life
I feel very blessed
I enjoy dancing and being able to do that

4 classes I wish were offered to me that I could take right now:

knitting
ballroom dance
computer
organ

Tag your it!

Tagged!

2008-02-11T00:05:00.001-08:00

Okay, I've been tagged, but now I don't have anyone to tag because everyone who looks at my blog has tagged me hee!

10 years ago? Just running kids, Justin and Marisa married, Derick getting ready to go on his mission. I miss those days running kids. I loved watching them in all their activities and being a part of that,. Goes by to quickly,.

Things on my to do list today? Teach yoga at 6am, get Valentines out, rest because I'm sick, work, meeting with my yoga staff, etc.

Suddenly a billionaire? Wow wouldn't that be nice. Sometimes I really wonder. It's nice to have money to do what you want, but other times I think it would be a detriment. I would want to take my whole family on a wonderful vacation somewhere tropical. Pay off all my kids' debts and buy them all a beautiful home. Take care of our parents and grandchildren.

3 bad habits, Tiff and Jen will be the first to point out that I stare at people. I call it observing, but they say I stare. I chew my fingernails (dang it). I don't make my bed everyday, and I leave my shoes everywhere in the house that I take them off.

5 jobs that I have had, worked on a potato combine, lifeguard, clerk at JC Penny, dance teacher, worked in the lab in research with my dad one summer.;

5 things that you might not know about me, I cannot and I mean cannot resist frosted sugar cookies (they are my absolute favorite) I love going to San Diego and Tuscon, I don't like mean people, not being organized drives me crazy, I really like doing handicrafts like crocheting, knitting, needlepoint, counted cross stitch it's very relaxing to me.

Tah Dah!

34 years!!

2008-02-08T17:30:00.000-08:00

Today we have been married 34 years! It's hard to believe. I was thinking today about our wedding day, and until now ALL that has happened during our married years. It's amazing. I can't think of anyone I would rather go through life with. He is my best friend and knows me better than anyone, and I love him alot.

I went to take him some "steak" (his favorite) for supper (he had to work), and I walked in and on the table were these beautiful flowers. 34 of them, one for each year we have been married. He has always been a romantic, always showering me with gifts and flowers and love. He is a wonderful husband. I hope we can have another 34 together, like President Hinckley and his wife I think what a great example of love they are. I told Jeff the other day, I couldn't function without him here! I love him.

Snow Snow Snow Bah humbug!

2008-02-07T14:17:00.001-08:00

We have had more snow. We just barely got our roof cleared off (Bryan came and did it for us! Thanks Bryan) and it needs it again.

Today I shoveled snow off our deck that came up higher than my waist. The wind is blowing it all over the place today.

This winter reminds me of the good ol days growing up. The winters were always like this growing up, we use to have alot of snow days from school There was one winter when we couldn't even get in my front door because of the drifts.
Jeff doing damage control so we don't get any more water in our basement. Notice he has snowblowed the snow away from the house that is on our lawn.

Go Giants!!!

2008-02-03T21:54:00.000-08:00

No pictures but GO GIANTS!!!!! We had lots of fun for Super Bowl Sunday with everyone here to cheer on the Giants (except Dane and Gerrard). Lots of food and fun. Like I always say, it doesn't get any better than "Football, Family and food" That's pretty great.

Jeff and I enjoyed a trip to Salt Lake a couple weekends ago to celebrate our anniversay of 34 years. We went to a BYU-Utah basketball game which was alot of fun, and even though we have been doing the biggest loser challenge, we caved and went to Sunday Brunch at Little America which is always great. I sure do love Jeff and the good husband he has been to me all of these years.

Dad with his girls!

2008-01-05T15:57:00.000-08:00

He never had it so good!

Hannah's baptism Day!

2008-01-05T15:51:00.001-08:00

What a fun day for Hannah. So many people who loved her there. She was pretty nervous, and didn't get her head under the first time, so they repeated. I was so proud of Mike, he did a wonderful job and gave her a beautiful blessing.

The bishop asked Marisa and Mike to make comments and it was very touching.

Hannah with her little friends that came.
Grandpa and grandma with Hannah.
There with mom and dad.
Lucky to have Great Granbpa and grandma come. It's hard for mom to still get around, but she's a trooper.

Fun day.

Rexburg Temple Open House

2008-01-05T15:42:00.001-08:00

So excited to be part of the Rexburg Temple Open House. The session I was suppose to usher in got cancelled. I was so disappointed. But we did get tickets on line to go to the Open House and we went Friday. It is so beautiful. There are deer and elk in the creation room which was painted by Leon Parsons a local artist. All the wood was imported from Africa, and there is wheat etched in the windows and carpet with significance to the wheat farmers in the area. the chandeliers were so beautiful. They were taking some VIP's through and there's a place to put your shoes, and one guy said, "those aren't tall enough for cowboy boots", and so they took them out andput some in that were tall enough for the cowboy boots for the people from this area.

As we sat listening to the video presentation at the beginning, they showed pictures of the Spori building all alone on campus and how it has grown, and how Wilford Woodruff prophecied that this area of sagebrush would be fertile and productive and that this city would someday have a temple. I sat and cried. It really touched me, because I grew up here, and we always had to travel to Idaho Falls to the temple and to be here when history is being made was very touching to me. To be serving at BYU-I at this historic time is also such a blessing.
As we were in the sealing room, I felt such a sweet and deep love for my wonderful husband and family. The peace of the gospel is such a great feeling. I love it. I knew that our family could be together forever. what a blessing.

Tiffy's birthday

2008-01-05T15:29:00.000-08:00

Tiff and Bryan got a Wii for Christmas and so they brought it on this Sunday night Tiffy's birthday, and we played and had so much fun!
Jeff's great form play the Wii bowling!
The kids always have a fun time when we get together on Sunday night, and get into Grandma's dress up box! Hmmmmm.

We also decided to do the Thompson Biggest Loser Challenge and weighed in this night! We took some pictures for before, but was sworn to secrecy not to show them. But we had some crazy pictures and alot of fun. Should be fun!!

Christmas Eve A Blustery Night!

2007-12-25T08:19:00.001-08:00

Today we woke up to blizzard conditions. I don't remember the last time we had so much snow in one day!! It was awesome. Of course it didn't let up, and we were worried about everyone getting here safe for Christmas Eve. Dane and Jeff working on the driveway. It was actually a whiteout!
Dane dawning Jeff's ear flap hat!!! hee!!

Jeff got a King size remote for the TV!!! That was pretty funny. I asked him if he thought he could hold that one over his head like he does? hee!

I LOVE Christmas Eve and having our famlily here and enjoying food and fun together. It's always fun to see what Grandpa Thompson comes up with, he plans for it the whole year and saves up. They are such wonderful people, they would give their shirt off of their back for their family. I have learned so much of love and kindness from them. This tradition of Christmas Eve will go on until probably they aren't with us any more. I have such a wonderful family, I love you all so very much and can't wait for Justin and Aimee JO and the kids to be here with us next year, and many after that.

The Program

2007-12-25T08:10:00.000-08:00

We were worried about space in our new townhome, but actually the layout was better than out other house. So it worked out great.
Grandpa brought deal or no deal game, and as always lots of fun and $2 bills. But this year he went all out and the final prize was $6/person that was in the case. Grandma and Renee pontificating.
One of the the things we had to do, Clarke had to lead us all in Silent Night. Someone else had to lead us in the pledge of allegiance. Hee!
Sorry this is blurry, but this was probably one of the highlight of the night. Chris hasn't come for years and thinking that this was going to be the lst Christmas Eve at the Thompson house (which it's not) he came and he wrote a song (which I will send to you Justin) about all the memories of Christmas Eve at the Thompson's as a tribute and token of appreciation. It was really special. He is so talented! He can really play the guitar.

We ended with a few musical numbers from Jordan, Hannah, Tiff and Jen, Derick, and then the girls sang O Holy Night by my request! I love hearing them sing that.

The reason for the season

2007-12-25T08:06:00.001-08:00

The annual live nativity. We had a runnaway Joseph, a shepherd who didn't want to be a shepherd, and angel that was skeptical hee hee, it was pretty funny this year.
Hannah is the angel, Jordan and Tanner are the wiseman, Spencer a wandering shepherd, Abbey was Mary and Nathan a handsome Joseph.

Grandpa reading the Christmas Story.

Dance Dance Revolution Baby!

2007-12-25T08:01:00.001-08:00

After the evenings events, it was Dance Dance Revolution challenge and dueling. Derick has got the moves!!!
Hannah could keep up with the best of them!!
It was alot of fun. Can't wait to see Justin and Derick go at it next year!

Party On!!!

2007-12-25T07:49:00.001-08:00

After opening gifts from each other, Spencer decided to wrap himself up as a gift!!!
T-shirt quilts for Jen and Tiff from all their shirts from bobbie-sox to Knightline and Tennis tournaments. Thanks for the memories!
After the nights events it was Maddon '08 challenge and Dance Dance revolution.

Hannah's 8th Birthday

2007-12-22T17:06:00.001-08:00

Today Hannah turned 8. Tiffy did her hair for her last basketball game. She also got her ears pierced (ouch!)
Mikey coached her team this year, and he was so cute with the kids. It is fun to watch them. They had a little guy about Nathan's size on the team, and he was just as big as the rest of them. He was cute to watch. Can't wait to watch Jess, Natalie and Ty in all of their activities.
Jen and Dane had made a sign for Hannah "Go Hannah, it's your birthday!" and Abbey was the "round" girl (like in boxing) and took the sign out during time outs. Hannah got Dance Dance Revolution and we all had a ball with that. It was a fun day.

Christmas school programs

2007-12-20T19:13:00.000-08:00

Grandma enjoyed listening to Hannah sing today in her school program. They were so cute. It brought back so many memories of when you kids used to do this. I told Marisa, I can't believe that she is at this point!!! I wish I could hear Jess and Natlie sing in theirs!! Can't wait to hear them next year. Fun!

abbey at the dentist

2007-12-20T19:11:00.000-08:00

Abbey went to the dentist and had several fillings and a tooth in the front fixed. She came by the house with such a fat cheek!!! Poor thing. But she said it didn't hurt and she was brave. the very next morning Jeff had a dentist appointment, and he was grumbling as he went out the door that he hated it, I said, "Be brave like Abbey!" Hee hee! and he was.

grandpa enjoying a day off

2007-12-16T08:32:00.001-08:00

Grandpa building trains with Tanner and Nathan. I was at the dentist the other day (joy!) and his office if a train station. It has a train that runs through the whole office and the playing place is a built in train thing. It is cool. I thought of Tyler and how much he would love that.
They built a pretty good track going under the piano, etc.

The Tassel is worth the Hassle!!!

2007-12-16T08:19:00.001-08:00

Bryan graduated from BYUI in Construction Management. He has done so well! He is on a competition team that is going to Reno (?) Nev. for a competition in February. He was chosen out of all the construction management students. He is quite the guy!!! It was like pulling teeth to get these pictures, he hates it!!! But look how aweseom he is. Tiff was such a cute wife and had him going on a scavenger hunt throughout the day for gifts, lunch and etc.

GO BRYAN!!!! You rock! Congrats!

Thanksgiving

2007-12-16T08:06:00.000-08:00

Here is everyone going through the adds for Black Friday's shopping! What crazy kids!! I cannot get up that early! But they all had fun. We ended up not going to the cabin, our usual weekend in the snow. We were on our way and found out Clarke (Jeff's brother) was on his way down to Idaho Falls by ambulance with chest pain. We spent most of the weekend in the hospital with him. He is ok now. They found he had a faulty valve and are going to treat it medically.

I have been so delinquent in doing my blog that I'm embarrassed!! It's been busy. We had a great Thanksgiving with everyone. Wishing Justin and his family could be here. But GOOD NEWS!!! They were just offered a job here in Idaho Falls at EIRMC in the ER. We are so excited that we can hardly stand it. They will be moving here in July. It's been a LONG time since they have been close and it will be so wonderful to have them here. Can't wait

59 tidbits about Me!

2007-10-31T18:40:00.000-07:00

This is a pictureless blog (boring). I enjoyed Aimee Jo's and Ranay's 100 and 50 tidbits about themselves that I sat down and did some for me. I came up with 59 so far. I'm still working on it.

1. Love the rain, thunder and lightning showers.

2. I love to curl up by the fire on a snowy day and read a good book.

3. Fall is my favorite time of year, mostly because it's football season!

4. I have never broken a bone.

5. I love to observe people especially agt airports.

6. I have taken hula lessons in Hawaii.

7. I really like to clean.

8. Love doing puzzles.

9. I don't like eggs or fish.

10. Dessert is my favorite meal course.

11. The temple is a place of peace and refuge for me.

12. Music is a passion.

13. I was a lifeguard for $1.50/hour.

14. I love to kiss and nuzzle my grandkids in the crook of their necks.

15. I can't sit still when music is playing, have to dance.

16. I am the mother of 5 wonderful children and 8 perfect grandkids.

17. I like to listen and learn from my husband each night he comes home from work.

18. I'm a sprawler when I sleep.

19. I don't like getting my nails done.

20. I love to burn candles.

21. After cleaning my house, I love to sit down and take it all in with a tall glass of pop.

22. Crushed ice and a fountain drink YUM!

23. I think I'm half Mexican because I LOVE mexican food.

24. Once had to go to driving school because I flunked the drivers written exam.

25. Was on probation for a year (after appearing in court) for leaving my baby in the car unattended.

26. I have shaken David O. McKay and Spencer W. Kimball's hands.

27. I love when my grandkids come running to grandma because they are so excited to see me.

28. There is nothing sweeter to me than a childs face.

29. I LOVE babies!!!!

30. I am very proud of my husband and his accomplishments in his life. I'm also proud of how he has handled the disappointments in his life.

31. I wish I had my husband's patience and compassion.

32. I regret not finishing my college degree.

33. I enjoy learning new things about yoga and exercise and doing them.

34. I love any kind of exercise!!!!

35. I had a major role in the musical Brigadoon in High School. Had to kiss my partner.

36. I love the smell of dirt at spud harvest.

37. I use to cook by smelling and lost hat sense when Jen was born.

38. I was Madison County's Jr. Miss.

39.Love the smell of freshly cut grass.

40. I would love to go through every temple built. I have been through 8.

41. I play the organ and love pulling out all the stops and busting out a Bach fugue.

42. I have been to 10 other countries besides the US.

43. A perfect vacation for me would be sitting on and beach or by a pool reading a good book and sipping on a non alcoholic margarita!!

44. I like a challenge.

45. I love change.

46. I can't stand conflict, it makes me stressed!

47. I have felt the power of prayer in my life.

48. I am thankful for my strong, great heritage. I think of them often.

49. I hae violence.

50. Was a college cheerleader.

51. Married my high school sweetheart 10 days after returning home from his mission.

52. Went through the Teton Dam Flood.

53. I am a firm believer in Food Storage and being prepared.

54. Have gone through quadruple bypass surgery and a heart attack with my honey.

55. Lost over 20 pounds on Weight Watchers.

56. Lost a sister in a car accident.

57. Almost lost a daughter, Tiffany.

58. Teach hip hop and yoga.

59. Did my student teaching in Salt Lake in Dance/Health Education.

Whew, I will have to work on the rest.

Halloween is for kids!!!

2007-10-31T18:37:00.000-07:00

Spencer said, "Gotta go to church, bye" :)

Happy Halloween!

2007-10-31T18:28:00.000-07:00

The Storer's Hannah, Abbey and Tanner, carved their pumpkins last night. Ready to go trick or treating.
Hannah wasn't sure about the black lipstick! Tanner was excited to scare everyone, and Abbey was afriad of all the scarey people!

Nathan, what a handsome cowboy!!! ready to rustle up some candy!
Who is that cute Thomas the train???? Spencie!!! It was fun to go with Derick and Marisa's family to the trunk or treat at the church. It was really fun! Marisa then had us over for homemade doughtnuts that were scrumptious!!! I have passed the torch!!!

Hospital Four Walls

2007-10-12T21:43:00.000-07:00

Mom had surgery Oct 1st and was just released today Oct 12. It has been a long couple of weeks. She had back surgery, pretty extensive. They put 8 screws in her back L4, L-5 and found a cyst on her L-5 SI area (benign). She has to wear a shell brace whenever she is up for 3 months.
She has to wear this magnetic bone growth enhancer for 4 hours a day for 3 months. she really has the hardware!

She is doing well however, walking with her walker and climbing stairs. They are going to have Home Health come in and help for a few weeks. It will be probably 6 months before she is back to snuff. Was so happy today to get the staples out of her back (about 20 of them). And more happy to be home.

The Cabin overhaul!

2007-10-12T21:33:00.001-07:00

That's pretty far up there. Whoa!
Flies everywhere.
Mike couldn't stand the door hanging crooked, so he had to use his power tools to fix it!!!

The cabin needed some work done on it and so we set the date after the wedding to go up and fix the fence, stain the deck, clean the flies out of the windows and shampoo the carpets. We woke up that morning to blizzard conditions. Trees had broken branches all over town, in fact the clean up continues as we speak. But we braved the weather and went up to get things fixed. Didn't get the deck done but Jeff and his dad and Clarke went up this weekend to fish and finished that. But we had fun cleaning.

The Wedding

2007-10-12T21:05:00.000-07:00

Jen and Dane's cake was beautiful! The flowers on top are sugar!! If you can believe that. Sorry I haven't figured out how to rotate the pictures yet. You'll just have to turn your head! hee hee.

Nathan was the ring bearer and did such a good job! Such handsome boys! So cute!

Jen asked the family to sing "I Melt" by Rascal Flats for the bride and groom dance. Brought tears to this mom's eyes! They did so good. One of Jeff's friends walked in the door while they were singing and thought it was the CD playing!! How about that!! It was awesome.

Grandpa doing a bit of dancing with little Abbey!

Jen and Dane

2007-10-12T20:42:00.000-07:00

The Flower girls! Hannah and Abbey. They were so cute!
It actually snowed the day of the wedding.
Happily ever after!

What a great day!

2007-10-12T20:16:00.000-07:00

The love of a father giving his baby girl away. They had a great time dancing as father and daughter.

Who are those beautiful girls!!! Ranay (Derick's wife) Marisa, the bride, Tiffany and Dane's sister doing the Vogue look!

It was so much fun having Justin here from Ohio! We had a fun time. Notice the nails. It is only the second time in my live that I have had them done, and I couldn't do anything! But they looked pretty!

My boys!!!!! Love em!

Derick's boys

2007-09-11T12:33:00.000-07:00

These are Derick and Ranay's boys (aren't they so darling!) in our new townhome. This summer has been very crazy. We sold our home and moved into our townhome downtown. We absolutely love it!!! It's so nice to be in closer to town, it made me really see how many hours we really did spend driving, which now can be used doing something else. It's wonderful! It's still plenty of room, hardly any yard. Jeff went into mowing withdrawal, and so now mows everyone's lawn in the complex. Hee hee!

2007-09-11T12:26:00.000-07:00

It was fun to have Justin and his little family come to visit from Ohio. Fun to have the whole family together. If there is one thing this grandma loves, its her grandkids and family. We were able to have family pictures taken by the river since the last one was two years ago and very outdated. The family continues to grow and grow. We have some very imaginative kids!

Engagement Yeah!!!!

2007-09-11T12:23:00.000-07:00

On July 31, 2007, Jen and Dane became engaged. It was a fairy tale night as we went to the Mystic Theatre where Beauty and the Beast was playing. During the show, they called Jen and Dane up on stage and there he got on his knee and asked her to marry him. He had brought her there in a horse drawn carriage! She said yes!!! of course!!! The wedding is Sept 20th in Pocatello.

San Diego

2007-09-11T12:15:00.000-07:00

Jen and I always have fun going to the Fitness Conventions each year. This year was in San Diego. Love San Diego!!! The USS Midway was there, it was HUGE!

Happy Fathers Day

2007-06-19T11:57:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Father's Day together. Tried to barbecue, but the wind was gale force as usual in Idaho. Tiff and Jen's entertained us with their dancing, as well as Dane and Jen doing their contemporary dance which was a HOOT.

The girls had a great idea of making every father's favorite dessert, it was yummy and alot of fun. I am thankful for the great dad of OUR family, the great life he has given us, and the love that he shows every day.

We also celebrated Ranay's birthday. Ummmmm, notice the candle. It's huge. The only one I had. Hee hee. Abbey is helping her.

Yes, we are getting old. Have to have the glasses to see anything any more. We have sold our home, contingent on the buyer selling his (keep your fingers crossed). We are a bit nervous about having close neighbors again, and not having the space, but excited to not have the work as well and put a bit of money in the bank towads retirement.

Jessica's baptism

2007-06-05T17:10:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that our oldest granddaughter is 8 already and being baptized. Doesn't she look beautiful in her white dress. She was a little doll. We are so proud of her and how grown up she is. We enjoyed eating lunch with her at her school while we were there, it was fun to see her with her friends and in her environment there. She is quite the social bug. Love you Jess.

To Ohio and Beyond

2007-06-05T16:56:00.002-07:00

We had a wonderful trip back to Ohio to see Justin and his little family. This is Tyler (3) trying out Jessica's baseball mitt and helmet.

We enjoyed some miniature golf, went to the zoo, to Chuck Cheese (as Tyler would say), and got to watch Jess at ball practice, and more.

Natalie (5) just learned to ride her bike without training wheels. Isn't she so cute?

Tyler is really into Thomas the train, he gets so excited and could play with them for hours. Is he a miniature Jeff or what? He had his 3rd birthday while we were there.

Our little princess Natalie.

2007-06-05T16:56:00.001-07:00

2007-05-28T11:54:00.000-07:00

Jen's graduation from ISU.

Jennifer graduated in May 11,2007 with her physical therapy assistant degree from ISU. She is now ready to conquer the world!!!! She has a job with the school district in Pocatello working with pediatric patients, which she is excited about. She will take her license exam in July, so until then she will be working at a new Chili's in Pocatello that is just opening up.

Way to go Jen!!!