Thompson Family

Tianna and Drew going to Senior Ball 1/21/12

2012-01-21T18:57:00.000-08:00

Tianna was asked to the Senior ball by a Senior boy named Drew Purser. She has liked him for about a year and this was her first real dance with a real date, so she was pretty excited!

Tianna looks so pretty and she is wearing the dress my mom made me for my Senior Prom!

Leaving for dinner

Christmas at the Thompson house

2012-01-14T19:34:00.000-08:00

Christmas was really fun this year! We had a lot of late nights with our kids and the best part was when Justin and Teri and girls came after Christmas and stayed for New Year's. We played games and enjoyed time together. Justin took the kids snowboarding and him and Teri made a trip to Vegas. Jayson and I had to work most of the holiday and that stunk, but at least we got 2 extra days off.

At anti gravity having fun with the kids! I think the adults had more fun than the kids!

Christmas dinner - we had an extra- Teisha's boyfriend, Marshall

Christmas morning chilling

Teisha got all the essentials for college life-printer, tv, clothes, and gift card at Kneaders!

Jayson loves his new gun-I think this was his best Christmas ever!

Me with all my new workout gear-do you think that is a hint?

Jayden with his new hoop and stereo

Tianna with her new Ipod touch and clothes

Dust with his new tv, Tebow jersey, and clothes

Excitement opening presents!

Jayden's 11th Birthday

2011-12-04T19:05:00.000-08:00

I can't believe my baby is 11 already! His birthday was November 29th and my 40th was the 30th. Wow, I am feeling old all of a sudden! We took the party boys to anti gravity ( a place full of trampolines). We played dodge ball and jumped for about 2 1/2 hours and then came home and ate pizza and the delicious cake Teisha made! Jayden said it was the best party he has ever had and all the boys seemed to have a lot of fun. I know Jayson and I were worn out! I sure wish I had as much energy as I used too!

Tianna having fun

The boys and Jayson resting from a tough game of dodge ball

Teisha and Marshall

The party boys

Teisha made this amazing cake all from scratch and it even had chocolate mousse for the filling! It was so yummy!

Eating pizza

Eagles football

Jayden got a new Ipod

Sadies 2011

2011-11-24T16:25:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago was Sadies so Tianna and 5 of her friends asked some boys and planned a fun day. Four of the boys are from our ward, so they are all good friends. The started out at Brittany's house making homemade pizza and then out to Brittany's dads salvage yard. They played mattress wars, shot marshmallow guns at each other and Brittany's dad crushed a car and blew up an airbag for them. They had so much fun at the salvage yard running around and hiding in old vehicles. (Now some of the party ladies in our ward that took the pictures want to rent the salvage yard for game night with adults.) After the salvage yard they came to our house where Teisha and I had made chicken alfredo, salad, fruit salad, bread sticks and brownies with hot fugde and ice cream. After dinner they played Kinect and had so much fun laughing at each other. Then they headed to the dance to dance off their dinner. It was so fun having all 12 kids at our house for a few hours. It makes me sad to think that Tianna only has 1 more year of high school after this.

Tianna and Jaren

Halloween & Thompson Fun

2011-11-07T20:59:00.000-08:00

Tianna and Joelle went and bought jeans at D.I. and made scarecrows to ask their dates to Sadies. Of course they had to try the sexy jeans on before they made their scarecrows.

Finished scarecrows and Joelle modeling for the camera!

Teisha and Marshall carving pumpkins

While everyone carved pumpkins Jayson cooked us some of his famous dutch oven! Yummy

It was so beautiful outside! I love Southern Utah this time of year!

Teisha and Brittany make their own Halloween costumes every year! This year they were Nombes!

We started making carmels apples a few years ago as another October/November tradition!

We love to have fun and be silly at our house! We love Halloween!

Lots of travel and family time in October

2011-10-30T21:08:00.000-07:00

The Month of October has been a crazy month with lots of travel! It has been really nice to visit with and see both mine and Jayson's families. Jayson and I left for Lovell Friday, October 7th after work. We stayed the night about halfway there and got there Saturday around 1. We had a nice weekend of visiting lots of friends and some family. We were there for my brother Patricks prison sentencing. It was on Tuesday and was a really hard day for all of the Durtsche family. We were pleased with the outcome and are hoping this will be the beginning of the end of Patricks addiction and problems. He will be serving 4-6 years in Torrington. It was really wonderful to see him clean and sober and be able to hug him. I hope and pray he will stay strong and be able to be a different person when he gets out. Jayson and I returned home Wednesday. Saturday morning we all got up bright and early and drove to Salt Lake for Jayson's niece's wedding at the Salt Lake Temple. It was really cold there, but a beautiful wedding and reception. It was nice to see all Jayson's sisters and spend time with them and their families. We got home early Sunday morning and then all loaded up Wednesday afternoon and headed to Lovell again. It was the first time all our kids had been to Lovell with us in almost 3 years. We drove it straight and got to Lovell about 1:30 a.m. on Thursday. We were there to welcome my youngest brother Steven home from his mission and listen to him speak at church. We were able to drive over to Sheridan on Friday and watch my nephew Kirk play football and then all the guys went hunting on Saturday. We all headed home on Monday. I loved spending time with my brothers and their families and my nieces and nephews. We are definitely tired of traveling though and are planning on staying home for a long time!

School Has Started

2011-08-29T07:24:00.000-07:00

The first day of school was Monday, August 15th. We have been back to the old routine for 2 weeks and I can't believe how busy life is again. Evenings are spent doing homework and going to football practice. Jayden played his first football game Saturday and did great! This is Jayden's last year of Elementary and Tianna is a Junior. Teisha is busy with college and I miss seeing her, but she still comes around and we had her and 2 of her roommates over for Sunday dinner and games. That was a lot of fun and I look forward to many more Sundays like that!

Summer Is Almost Over :(

2011-08-07T20:54:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that in a week Tianna and Jayden go back to school and Dustin comes home from Texas. Teisha will be moving out and into her apartment and college will be starting for her and Dustin. It has been so weird lately to only have Jayson and I home most of the time. Tianna just got home from Guatemala tonight. She went with her best friend to work at some orphanges and to help take supplies and things to needy people. She loved it and I will post pictures later. Her are some pictures of random things from this summer. My mom and my niece Sienna (my mom raises her) and Megan McClure came to Lovell to visit us for a 10 days. We had so much fun shopping in Vegas and showing Megan around. I also ended up being able to be off for 2 weeks and I loved being home. I don't want to go back to work tomorrow. Jayden started football practice last week, so I guess this is the last week of freedom and it is back to reality! It makes me sad to think my kids are growing up and this year we will be down to only 2 in the house. I must say at first it was weird, but lately it has been fun to just be me and Jayson a lot!

Justin, Dustin, and his friend Mark Hyde

Teisha, Jayden, and Jayson in the Rhino

Jayson's Birthday

Courtney and Tianna ready for the dance

Rob Pulver is such a character - I love his sense of humor

Tianna, Megan McClure, and Teisha at Little Mermaid

Girls in Vegas

Shopping with my niece Sienna

I got Sienna accessorized!

New Outfits!

Me and the girls with my mom and Sienna

Teisha and Tianna's birthday!

2011-06-12T12:07:00.000-07:00

This week was a big week for Teisha and Tianna! They left Thursday morning at 5:30 for the TREK with our stake. They spent all of Thursday, Friday, and over half of Saturday (their birthday) walking 22 miles in pioneer dresses and pushing handcarts full of stuff. They loved trek except for the rattlesnake in a tent in Teisha's camp. She is deathly afraid of snakes and spent hours standing on her bucket crying. They finally coaxed her off. The girls got home late Saturday just in time to shower and clean all their stuff up and get ready to go out for dinner. We went to Pizza Factory last Saturday for Teisha and Olive Garden last night for Tianna. It is funny how we always pick the same places every year to eat. After dinner we came home for cake and they had a bunch of their friends over for cake. We had a couple of boys too, but they didn't make it into the pictures. This was a big birthday year for both girls. Teisha turned 18 and finally got a cell phone. No one could believe it was her first! Especially the people that work at Verizon. She loves her new phone and Tianna is 16! She is so excited to go on her 1st day Monday night and she is going to get her drivers license and hopefully has a car by the end of the summer! My girls are so grown up! It makes me sad and yet very proud that they are so beautiful inside and out! I couldn't ask for better girls!!!!

Teisha's Graduation

2011-05-26T21:52:00.001-07:00

I can't believe that Teisha graduated! We are so proud of her and the young woman that she is! Last week we attended her scholarship and awards night at the high school. She received a $2,000 a year scholarship to Dixie State College for 4 years. Sunday night was Seminary Graduation and Teisha was on the Seminary Council and gave the main talk at graduation. I was so amazed and sat there thinking what a wonderful girl and that's my girl. I thought if I was a young man sitting in the chapel I would want that girl! After the ceremony our Stake President said we should send a copy of her talk to the church offices to be published in the New Era. Tuesday night we had a BBQ at our house with my parents, some of our friends from Wyoming, and some of Teisha's friends. Wednesday Teisha graduated with honors. She has higher than a 3.8 grade point average. At 8 Wednesday night 6 charter buses left for California for their Senior trip. First stop was Barstow, CA for a pool party at their hotel. Today they went to Six Flags and tonight was a Dance and Dinner party on a yacht. Tomorrow is Disneyland and California Adventure and tomorrow night is Chinese Theater-The Hollywood Walk of Fame. Saturday is the beach and then they head home with a surprise along the way. What a fun trip! She will never forget this week. I am so greatful to my suportive parents for coming all the way here and to my 2 brothers who made every effort to get here, but weren't able to come. I am sure going to miss Teisha. She will be moving out in August to start the college life. At least she is staying here! Scholarship

Grandpa and Grandma Durtsche

Kim Jameson

Teisha's friends at the BBQ

The Pulver's

Graduation at the College

Teisha and her friend Brianna

Jayson turned 40

2011-05-09T05:22:00.001-07:00

Last weekend was Jayson's birthday and he turned the BIG 40! It is hard to believe that we are getting that old! My mom sent him a card and said it seems like just yesterday he was turning 17 and in a lot of ways that is so true! Jayson's favorite thing is to go out riding in the hills, so Friday night we went out behind our house so explore and found some new trails we hadn't been on and hit some sand whoopty doos! I love the sand! Saturday we went out in the hills between St. George and Mesquite and found all kinds of trails. We built a fire and had smores. It was a lot of fun, but not very warm for the the 1st of May in St. George. Jayson had a great time! On Sunday I cooked him his favorite Lobster Tail and King Crab. I must say, Jayson looks great for 40!

Getting excited to open presents!

Weekend in Vegas!

2011-04-10T17:30:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Dustin got tickets to General Conference in Salt Lake and that is where we were headed after work Friday. We were all going except Teisha because she had college classes on Saturday. When I got home from work no one seemed to thrilled to be making the 4 hr drive to Salt Lake, including me! Tianna had a last minute big school project due Monday, Jayson had been traveling for work the past 2 weeks and was tired of driving and that was Dustin's last weekend home and he wasn't real excited to be gone until late Sunday night. Jayson said cancel our room reservations and just you and me are going to Vegas. It didn't take much convincing and I was on the phone changing plans. Jayson had been wanting just the two of us to go to Vegas for months. It just happened to be 24 years on Sunday since our first kiss and so we decided to celebrate! Any excuse to celebrate and I always like Vegas! We got a suite at the Venetian and it was so nice. Jayson loved the big couch. We ate at my two favorite places, PF Changs and Cheesecake Factory. We walked the strip all day Saturday and shopped and Saturday night we went to Phantom of the Opera! It was really good! Jayson loved it! Sunday morning we just hung out and headed home Sunday afternoon. We don't go on many get aways just the 2 of us and it was so fun. We were ready to go back again this weekend! We left the kids home with Dustin in charge and it was nice not to have to worry. We are already talking about our next get away and decided we need to do that more oftern!

I love the palm trees and rock formations in front of the Mirage!

Wax museum with Michael!

Jayson's favorite guy~

He's Home!

2011-03-20T16:05:00.001-07:00

What a great week we have had! Dustin came home from serving 2 years in Philadelphia on Tuesday! My parents came Thursday night and we have spent the weekend having fun together. The Pulver's went out to dinner with all of us last night and then came over to watch the NCAA . Today we listened to Dustin give a wonderful homecoming talk at church and then we had lunch at our house with many friends and some family. Next week my brother Justin and his family are coming to spend some time with them and we are looking forward to that! Just off the plane!

Dad got the first hug

Some of Dust's buddies came to the airport to welcome him home!

Grandpa Durtsche with the kids!

One Flaw in Women

2011-03-10T16:12:00.001-08:00

This post is for all the women I love and admire! You all read this blog, so I thought I would share!

Women have strengths that amaze men.....

They bear hardships and they cary burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in....

They stand up to injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

The love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member.

Yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope, and love.

They have compassion and ideas.

They give moral support to their family and friends.

Women have vital things to say and everything to give....

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN A WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH!

Super Bowl 2011

2011-02-13T08:28:00.001-08:00

We had the Pulvers over to watch the super bowl with us! They came from Mesquite and went to church with us and then we got all the food out and ate and watched the game. We had so much food I made myself sick! We always have a good time with the Pulvers! We had fun cheering for the Packers while they were cheering on the Steelers! Teisha doing her homework while watching!

Grandma's Herbs Give Away

2011-02-04T12:57:00.000-08:00

I work at Grandma's Herbs, where we sell combination herbal supplements. We have some great products for great health. One of my favorite products is our Slim Smart. It is a meal replacement drink high in enzymes, vitamins, minerals and protein. It is low in carbs and even diabetics can drink it. It is sweetened with honey crystals and it has rice milk and whey. We have chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. I just mix mine with water and frozen fruit and it is great for breakfast. It is the best tasting protein powder I have ever tried! You actually want to drink it! I crave it in the morning! Post a comment below and register as a new user on line at
www.grandmas-herbs.com We will send you a catalog and some free samples and you could win a canister of Slim Smart!

My Running Days May Be Over

2011-01-18T17:53:00.000-08:00

Over the years I have found that running reallyhelps keep me in shape and it helps keep weight off. I have never been much of a runner and usually only ran about a mile. Last February I decided to lose some weight and get fit, so I started biking with Jayson one morning and running the next. I ran until the end of May and was just getting up to doing 3 miles with a few inclines when I went to Wyoming for my little sisters graduation and it rained the whole time I was there. So I only ran once and was attacked by a dog at every country home. By the time I got back to St. George it took another month to get going again. By September I was addicted and running 6 days a week with a walk on Sunday and I was up to my 3 mile mark and feeling really good. It was starting to get chilly in the mornings at 6 and I hate the cold, so my boss said to take some Cayenne Pepper about 30 minutes before I ran and it would warm me up. I was doing that and it was really working and then one morning at the end of September I took off running after only taking Cayenne 10 minutes before. About 3 blocks away I started getting really sick and having horrible pain in my chest. I decided to walk and about 3 blocks later ended up sitting on the sidewalk because I was about to throw up. I sat there for 30 minutes and tried to get up and walk, but almost passed out. Finally it was getting light outside and cars were passing and starting to look at me like I was crazy so I decided I better get home. I started to walk and about 2 blocks from my house I was feeling better so I started running. About then a pickup was coming and I didn't want to stop for it, so I jumped up on the concrete in the round about and it is uneven. Something told me not to run on it and the first step I took I twisted my ankle and fell down. I got up and realized that my ankle was hurting really bad and wasn't sure I was going to make it home. I hobbled home (luckily I was only 1 1/2 blocks and not a few miles away). Jayson was out of town and I realized I needed to get ready for work, so I just tried not to think of the pain and stayed on it. About an hour later when I finally sat down and was driving to work I realized I was going to pass out from the pain. I got to work and my ankle was swollen and throbbing like crazy. I could hardly walk at this point and I couldn't get my shoe on. My boss went and bought me a good wrap and an ice pack and he wrapped it for me. Needless to say I limped around on it for 3 weeks and finally it started feeling better. I decided to take a walk and a couple of blocks into it I thought I could run. I ran almost 2 miles when I realized I had made a mistake. By the time I got to work my ankle was the biggest it had ever been. I limped around for another 2 weeks and finally went to an ankle specialist. I had an x-ray and an MRI and they found nothing. Yet it hurt and was swollen everyday. They put me in one of those big black boots for 6 weeks and it helped with the pain, but it was still the same. I finally started physical therapy for the month of December and at that point I had lost 50% of my mobility in my foot and ankle. Two weeks ago I went back to my doctor and it seemed to be better. I was out of my boot and wearing slippers everywhere and I could walk without limping. He told me I could bike for 1 week and then start the eliptical this week and maybe next run. I started biking and it started hurting a little. Then last night I went to the gym and was on the eliptical for 16 minutes. When I got done it was swollen and I was in pain. It hurt all day today and I feel like I am almost back at the beginning. I have seen 2 different doctors and the only thing they can come up with is a torn liagement that didn't show up on the MRI. My doctor has mentioned scoping to see if they can find anything, but who wants to have surgery for no reason. I am really starting to get upset because the weather has been so beautiful. We had 67 yesterday and I wanted to run so badly. I also have 10 lbs to get off from Christmas. I asked a lady at work today if she had a saw, but she didn't think that was funny. Anyone have an extra ankle to spare?

Teisha's Senior Ball

2011-01-11T18:32:00.001-08:00

First, I have to brag about my mom a little bit. I must say that I have the most talented mother!!! She can sew, cook, can, knit, crochet, embroider, paint, draw, build, make wedding cakes, tackle any major school project, etc., etc., etc. I am very lucky. Growing up, my mom could make anything that I asked for. My Senior year (21 years ago) I wanted a red dress with layers of ruffles. I had seen this dress in purple on a girl for her Senior Prom when I was in 8th grade and decided I wanted it in red when I was a Senior. I told my mom and she contacted the girls mom and there was no real pattern, just drawings and ideas. Plus, I was much taller. We went to the fabric store and my mom spent hours and here is the result. This beautiful dress. I thought I looked stunning with my 2 hoops and my big dress, but I must say that Teisha looks absolutely beautiful and I am so happy that she was able to wear my dress to her prom.

Teisha and Alex

Overview of 2010

2011-01-06T17:54:00.000-08:00

Here is a little overview of the past year for our family. I found that it is really hard to remember things. I guess I better start writing things down to keep track.

January 2010: My busiest month of the year at work. Lots of overtime doing end of year taxes and inventory. Teisha went to Jr. prom and wore the dress that my mom made for my Jr. prom.

February 2010: Teisha took a boy from our old neighborhood to preference.

March 2010: Our friends from Pocatello, Idaho came to visit. Jayden and Jayson built a pinewood derby car and Jayden raced it.

April 2010: Teisha was called as the Laurels president. She also took a 5 day trip to Disneyland with the High School band. They performed a little each day and spent the rest of the time having fun. Dustin hit the 1 year mark for his mission. Jayson and I closed our business and he took a great job with Komatsu Equipment Company starting their used parts division.

May 2010: Tianna campained and became the Desert Hills Sophomore Vice President. Tianna also qualified to go to the BYU Invitational for track. Teisha was called to be on the Seminary council. Me, Jayson, and Jayden made a quick trip to Wyoming for my little Sister Samantha's High School graduation and then we brought her back with us to visit for a few days. Jayson turned 39. We also had a dance party for Tianna's birthday.

June 2010: Teisha and Tianna went to Youth Conference in Manti and had a wonderful time. Tianna got her Young Womenhood Award. Teisha turned 17 and Tianna turned 15 on the same day!

July 2010: The girls went to girls camp.

August 2010: School started. Jayden started his first year of tackle football and the girls started practicing for the High School Play. Tianna started her job at Little Caesars.

September 2010: My brother Justin and family came to spend Labor Day with us and Teri took Teisha's senior pictures for her. Teisha also went to homecoming with Dalton and Teisha was nominated as Senior Homecoming Royalty. Jayson and I got to escort her onto the football field at half time. Dustin turned 22 and my little brother Steven had been out on his mission for a year.

October 2010: We went to Wyoming for fall break so that Jayson could hunt with my dad and brother Shane and we could spend time with family and friends. We took the long way to Casper and then to Sheridan to watch my nephew Kirk quaterback for the Kelly Walsh Freshman from Casper.

November 2010: I celebrated my 39th birthday and Jayden celebrated his 10th birthday. We also had Grandpa and Grandma Durtsche, Aunt Samantha, Sienna, Brinlee, and Uncle Shane, his 4 boys and Kelly come for Thanksgiving and we had a great time! Tianna was inducted into the National Honor Society and Teisha and Tianna performed in the High School Musical, Hello Dolly.

December 2010: We got a phone call from our two missionaries for Christms. Dustin and my brother Steven. We stayed home this Christmas and just spent time relaxing and it was so nice.

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-06T05:45:00.000-08:00

We had a really fun Thanksgiving this year with lots of company! The roads were awful for the travelers and we were so thankful they made it ok. Dad and mom ran into blizzards coming and going and ended up in motels both times. We had a great dinner with lots of laughs. The ping pong table was being used at all times and me, mom, and the girls got up and did the 4 a.m. black Friday shopping. Jayden and I also celebrated our birthdays while everyone was here and we ended the weekend with several people throwing up and diahrea. It was an awful flu bug that lingered for days, but we all survived it.

The kids made a cat and spent a few hours out at night tricking people in their cars.

Jayden wanted to eat at Samari 21 for his birthday dinner

Halloween 2010

2010-11-02T18:37:00.001-07:00

We had a good Halloween. We did the annual carving pumpkins and Tianna designed her own costume again this year and talked her friend into dressing up too. Tianna ended up winning the best costume at her High School and won $50. I guess it pays to put the time and effort into a costume! Jayson's Pumpkin

My Witch

Teisha's Yoda

Tianna's Zebra

Jayden did the mom tattoo! He made my day!

Jayson loves power tools!

We had to take a little break!

We decided instead of buying a costume Jayden would wear his jersey.

Tianna was cotton candy!

Tianna and Britnee were blue and pink cotton candy.They were so cute!

Road Trip This Week

2010-10-10T13:47:00.000-07:00

We decided yesterday morning that we would make a trip to Wyoming this week. I honestly wasn't planning on going back until next September when my brother comes home from his mission, but the girls haven't been in a year and 4 months and Jayson was wanting to go hunting with my dad and brother Shane, so since the kids have Friday and Monday off of school, we decided to leave Wednesday night after work. We are excited to feel the coolness in the air and smell the sugar factory and see the beautiful fall colors. My favorite part of the drive is in Provo Canyon because the colors are amazing. I must say I will miss the 80 degree temps this weekend, but am looking forward to a break from work and to play aunt Michelle with the babies!

Halloween Decorations

2010-10-02T17:23:00.000-07:00

We put up our Halloween decorations and fall stuff last weekend and even though this will be our 6th Halloween in St. George, it still seems kind of weird to have Halloween decorations up when it was 102 degrees all week. I love living in St. George, but every once in a while I miss the change of seasons. I don't miss the cold, just the smell of the sugar factory and the coolness in the air at night! It is supposed to cool off a little this week, so maybe it will feel more like October. Halloween is my kids favorite holiday and I have become quite a fan myself. I love Holidays and Jayson says I am like a kid in a candy store when it comes to holidays. I can't wait to carve pumpkins and make carmel apples. I love all the family traditions that we have for each holiday. Jayson is a pretty good sport. He didn't really grow up with traditions, so over the years I have gotten him to do things that he wasn't real thrilled about, but I think he enjoys them now and the holidays wouldn't be the same without them. I am baking my first pumpkin pie cake tomorrow and made gingersnaps today. I love fall baking!

Teisha's Senior Pictures

2010-09-23T08:12:00.000-07:00

For those of you that don't look at facebook, here is the link for a sneak peak at Teisha's Senior pictures. http://hydesisters.blogspot.com My sister in-law Teri took them a few weeks ago and they turned out awesome! Enjoy

Randomness

2010-09-18T20:08:00.000-07:00

We have had a lot going on now that school has started. Over Labor Day Justin and Teri came down to visit and so that Teri could take Teisha's Senior pictures. We had a lot of fun with them. Here they are playing Wii Fit. Syd is into it!

Jayden started tackle football. It is hard to believe he is old enough for that! He was excited to be number 83 because his dad, Dustin, Uncle Shane, and Uncle Steven all wore this number.

The Thompson girls are not afraid to get their hands dirty! Here dad is teaching them to change oil.

In their coveralls!

Just having fun - they always make everything fun!

Teisha got the neatest new curling iron in Vegas called a Magic Stick. You only hold the curl for 3 seconds and you don't need any hairspray. Tianna curled my hair last Sunday and this was me Monday morning heading to work with no hairspray. I loved it because my hair was soft instead of stiff.

Teisha used her new magic stick! It only takes her 20 minutes with this new curling iron and usually it takes an hour and a half or more and then the curl doesn't last. She has a lot of hair.

Teisha Was Nominated For Homecoming Royalty

2010-09-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

Teisha had homecoming last weekend and she was nominated for Royalty. It was really fun to attend her pep assembly and watch videos of all the kids as babies and doing goofy things now. I looked around the auditorium and wondered if we were ever that excited at a pep assembly. The theme was Masquerade Ball. Jayson and I escorted her on the football field at half time of the game. She looked so beautiful and it hit me that this is the last year for Teisha doing this stuff. It kind of made me sad and yet proud of her and what a beautiful young lady she is. Jayson waiting for Teisha's date to show up! Too funny~

Jayson was the only one that could handle the pinning!

Teisha and Dalton Smith

Back to School

2010-08-15T16:17:00.000-07:00

The kids started school Wednesday, August 11th. I can't believe summer is over already! None of us are ready to get back into a routine! Teisha is a Senior this year at Desert Hills High School! She is trying out for the school musical this week!

Tianna is a sophomore at Desert Hills High and she is Vice President of her class.

Jayden is in 4th grade this year and started tackle football last week. Mom is a little nervous!

18 Years

2010-08-02T10:13:00.001-07:00

As of yesterday, I have been married for 18 years! Wow, I must be getting old!

Memories with my Girls

2010-07-23T06:32:00.001-07:00

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about the fact that my girls are growing up really fast and in just a few short years they will be off to college and starting their own lives. Teisha is will be a Senior this year and Tianna a Sophomore, so I am trying to make memories and spend as much time with them as possible. It is so fun to have girls to shop, go to movies, lunch, etc. with. We just love to talk and laugh too! When Eclipse came out on June 30th I decided to take the girls. We usually wait a couple of week and let the hipe calm down, but they were pretty excited to go this time. We weren't able to get tickets for the midnight showing, so we got them for the 2:30 a.m. show. Even though I had to work that morning it was worth spending the time with my girls. We went to bed at 11 and got up at 1 so we could go get in line at 1:20. Luckily the line wasn't like the midnight line and it was only 92 degrees outside instead of 100. We got home about 4:45 and went back to bed until 8 when we had to get up for work. These memories are worth it all! Standing in line

The girls faking - like they would really fall asleep for Eclipse!

Teisha and Tianna's Birthday

2010-06-13T14:37:00.000-07:00

Friday was both of the girls birthdays. Yes, they were born on the same day and no it was not planned. Ha Ha Everytime I fill out any paperwork and put their birthdays down I always get questioned or told that I put down the same day. I have to explain that they were born on the same day, two years apart. Teisha turned 17 and Tianna is 15. It was almost sad for me because I am realizing that the time is quickly passing and within a few short years my girls will be grown and out of the house. I love my girls so much and love to spend time with them and I can't imagine what it will be like when they are gone. I don't even want to imagine it.

Tianna told me that for her birthday she just wanted me to take the day off of work and spend it with her. Teisha was gone with another Stake to girls camp, so I left work at 11 and spent the day with Tianna and it was a blast. I felt like it was my birthday too! We started the day tanning. She had never been and wanted to try it. Then it was off to get gel toes and then to lunch for a salad at one of her favorite places Pancho and Lefty's. After that we went shopping at Christiensens for a new dress and then to 25th and Main for cupcakes. Then we headed to the movie Letters to Juliet. It is a great chick flick. Then we went shopping some more at the outlet mall and at Shoe Carnival and the grand finale was ice cream from Cold Stone. Our birthday tradition is to go out to eat at our favorite restaurant and the girls both love Olive Garden so we all went out Saturday night and then Tianna got her favorite ice cream cake from Cold Stone. Teisha didn't want a cake this year, so that was easy. They just shared a cake.

Samantha's Graduation

2010-05-29T21:43:00.000-07:00

Me, Jayson, and Jayden went to Lovell for my sister Samantha's Graduation. We had a good time with family and I got to hold babies and get my baby fix. Me and Brinlee

Me and Sam

Me and Cohen

My family

My dad took this picture and cut our heads off! Ha ha

Christopher, Jayden, Zac, and Kirk - Jayden's favorite cousins

Me and Marci

My dads new pickup

Dad's 1968 Chevy

Marci holding Brinlee and Kade

Jayson and Justin

Marci and her boys

Kyle, Pat, Kennedy, and my mom

Durtsche cousins and Preston Hoffmon Pat and Ju

Teri sittin with the kids

Me holding Kade

Best Mother's Day Ever!

2010-05-15T17:27:00.000-07:00

I had the best Mother's Day ever this year!!!! It started with my favorite meal, which is breakfast. The girls and Jayson made me homemade blueberry pancakes with blueberry syrup and whipped cream!!! YUM Of course, they came with bacon and eggs too. Then Teisha curled my hair for church and fixed me all up. For dinner Jayson cooked me what I wanted, which was bbq chicken, potatoe salad, and I made homemade ice cream for dessert. Jayson and Jayden got me 2 dozen roses and Jayson bought me a new shirt at my favorite store and 2 undershirts to go with. The best part of the day though was talking on the phone with Dustin for 2 1/2 hours. It was almost as good as a hug from my boy. I hadn't been off the phone long and my little brother Steven called from his mission and wished me a happy Mother's Day. It was so awesome to talk to them both. Steven reminded me that I am old enough to be his mother (thanks) and that I am like a mother to him. Especially since he has been out on his mission. I make sure he gets weekly letters from all of us and monthly packages. My brother Shane always wishes me a happy Mother's Day and I got text messages from a few people wishing me a great day. Here is what Tianna put on Facebook that made me cry:
Dear Momma Sonna
You are the best mom anyone could ever ask for and that is NOOO lie!!!! You do sooo much for our family! You go to work everyday and work sooo hard...and then come home tired and work harder to clearn, cook, do laundry, get us where we need to be, and make sure all of our needs are met! Plus...you always make the time to have fun and spend time with us!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING THAT YOU DO!!!!! I LOVE YOU SOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!! YOU ARE SO SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS (and more)!!!
Love Tan!

Tianna's Big Week

2010-05-09T00:06:00.001-07:00

This past week has been a big one for Tianna. She ran for Vice President of her Sophomore class for the 2010-11 school year. She made all these posters, two t-shirts, and had to have a 3-5 minute video to show the school. A lady in the ward put the video together for her after she did the footage. It turned out really good! She ended up winning! She is also Vice President of the Honor Society this year and ranked #1 out of her class of 312.

We had a dance party for her birthday that is actually next month, but we did it now before school gets out. It was a lot of fun and she dressed up crazy for fun.

1 Year

2010-04-21T20:13:00.001-07:00

One year ago April 22nd we dropped our oldest son off in Provo, Utah at the Missionary Training Center for him to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was called to serve in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania mission. He stayed at the MTC for 2 weeks and then flew to Philly and served in Northern Philly until mid July. From there he transfered to Scranton (home of the Office tv show) and served until the first part of January. He then transfered back to Philly to the Southern part and the last week or two has been helping out in the western part of Philly with some African people. He loves Philly and the city and is so happy to be back there. He said he was hoping to someday see the stadiums because he is a sports nut and one day walked up out of the subway and his dream had come true. They were all right there. I can't believe it has been a year already. The time has flown by and I think it is because I don't worry about him because I know where he is and what he is doing. I think this next year will go by even quicker.

Preference / Friends

2010-03-22T02:22:00.000-07:00

Saturday was Preference. That is girls ask the guys to a semi-formal dance. Teisha asked a boy from our old neighborhood that has had a crush on her since we moved here. He is a very nice boy, but has never been asked by a girl and otherwise wouldn't have had a date. They went on a picture scavenger hunt where they had to be in a picture with a certain thing, then on a picnic, and to the movie The Blind Side. Then them and another couple came to our house for dinner. I fixed homemade chicken alfredo, breadsticks, salad, and grape fruit salad. They went to the dance and all came back for brownies with ice cream and fudge.

On Sunday our friends from Pocatello, Idaho came to visit. They moved here about the same time we did and were our neighbors for 9 months and we have stayed good friends. They had dinner with us and played some games outside. The weather has been so beautiful and feels so good right now. We have to enjoy it before the heat sets in.

Shane and Teisha

Spongebob and Shane

Teisha and Edward

Watching a movie clip with the Harris Family.

Danielle, Berrett, and Bennett Harris

Tyson and Kennedy playing ping pong with Teisha and Jayden.

Saturday Fun

2010-03-06T20:38:00.001-08:00

Today was the last home game for Dixie State College, so the kids and I went and watched the Red Storm play some basketball. It was a lot of fun. They were really good and we beat Hawaii. It was a playoff game, so when it was over they cut the nets off the hoops. We got to witness some dunks and just some good basketball. I really enjoy watching basketball, especially good basketball. I would love to go watch the Jazz play! We also got to watch our Katie dance. She is the team caption of the college dance team. She dated Dustin before he left and we have adopted her. We love to have her come over for Sunday dinner. Cheerleaders

Katie is in the middle

Katie and the kids

22 Years and Counting

2010-02-05T19:33:00.000-08:00

Since Valentine's Day is in just a little over a week, I thought I would write a little bit about my Valentine. This will be 22 years of sharing Valentine's Day with Jayson. We have been through so much together. We have seen success, failure, felt love, trust, respect, disappointment, heart break, and the list could go on and on and on. I love you Jayson and am thankful to be spending another Valentine's with you as my sweetheart. Even though life isn't always easy, Jayson always makes me feel better no matter whether I am sick or sad. Thanks for loving me!

Teisha's Junior Prom

2010-01-31T16:24:00.001-08:00

Last night was Teisha's Junior Prom and she wore the dress that my mom made for me 21 years ago for my Junior Prom. She said she felt like a princess and she looked like one two. She had her hair done like Kiera Knightly on the movie Pride and Prejudice. She also wore the same earrings and necklace that I bought to wear with the dress. It was fun to see her in my dress and it saved a ton of money.

Teisha & Josh

He Is Back In Philly

2010-01-22T09:57:00.000-08:00

Dustin got transfered on Monday and is back in Philadelphia. He is so excited. He loves Philly. He started his mission there on the North side and was there about 2 1/2 months. He was sad to leave and has been hoping to go back. Now he is on the South side and excited to get started. He says there are little shops on every corner and he loves having Philly Cheesesteak and fries for $4. He loves the city life!

The Best Part of Christmas

2010-01-14T21:02:00.000-08:00

The best part of Christmas for our family was being able to talk to Dustin on the phone. Missionaries can only call home twice a year - on Christmas and Mother's Day. It was so good to hear his voice and hear how he is loving his mission. He definitely is not the boy we sent out 8 months ago. Now he is a man and a very changed one at that. He started his mission in the heart of Philidelphia and was there for about 2 1/2 months and the rest of the 6 months has been served in Scranton. He is being transfered next week and he thinks to Delaware on the edge of Pennsylvania because that is part of his mission also. Here are a few pictures of him in the past 8 months.

Dustin and his companion

He loves the Philly cheesesteaks!

Fun Filled Week

2010-01-03T19:57:00.001-08:00

We had such a wonderful vacation this year. I think it was one of the best I have ever had! We did a lot of relaxing, which was needed.Christmas day was spent relaxing and then heading to my bosses house for dinner and visiting. Jayson and I worked on Monday and then I took two days off. Tuesday we took back a few Christmas gifts and Jayson and I spent a few hours together having lunch and enjoying time together. Wednesday we traveled to Brian Head, which is a ski resort in the mountains about an hour and 25 minutes away to go tubing. It was a lot of fun. I really liked it because the tow rope pulled you back to the top of the hill on your tube, so there was none of that walking back up. Usually, I am good for 2 or 3 times and then by the time you walk all the way back up you are beat. You get to tube for 2 hours. It snowed hard and toward the end it was a total white out. You couldn't even see the bottom of the hill. We ended up pulling two vehicles from California out in the parking lot and on the way home we had to pull a group from Arizona to the top because they were stuck with their chains on. We stopped and had dinner in Cedar with the money the guy gave Jayson for pulling him to the top. He tried to turn it down, but they insisted. Thursday morning we both worked and then Thursday night Jayson and I went to my bosses house for Bunko and Catch Phrase and lots of goodies. It was a lot of fun. Teisha went on a date to first night and Tianna and Jayden stayed home with a friend and had their own party. Friday morning we all went out to breakfast at our favorite place Cracker Barrel and then went to the movies. The kids and I saw New Moon and Jayson saw 2012. We loved New Moon, but Jayson didn't like 2012. Friday night we used my birthday certificates that I got from my boss to eat at Olive Garden. Yesterday Tianna and I spent the day looking at furniture stores and dreaming. It was such a great time. It is going to be really hard to go back to reality tomorrow!

Sammy and Jared Stucki

My bosses

Our Christmas

2009-12-27T16:29:00.000-08:00

We had a really nice Christmas this year. This is our 5th Christmas in St. G and only the 2nd that we have stayed home and it was kind of nice to stay home. We ate dinner at my boss' house and spent some time visiting with their family and the rest of the weekend has been spent sleeping, sleeping, sleeping, eating, eating, eating, and playing the Wii. Mom my is such a talented lady and she made these stockings for us over the years. It was so fun to finally have a fireplace to hang them from this year!

I got a new cell phone, so here is a picture of me talking on it and I also got the coolest bike ever. It is a beach bike, but I will have to post pictures later.

Jayden got a bunch of clothes and a Wii. He has been playing it nonstop and we have been enjoying it too!

Tianna got a bunch of clothes and Chi products with her Chi straightener.

Teisha got a bunch of clothes and a sewing machine that grandma got her!

We have never gone all out for our dinner, so this year I got a little fancy and Tianna was excited to take a picture and eat at the table that was fancy.

My birthday and ready for Christmas

2009-12-06T16:47:00.001-08:00

This is a busy time of year and also one of my favorite. We have been busy going to Christmas concerts for the kids and this week we have our ward dinner and my work party tomorrow night at our favoite place Samari 21. We are all excited to eat there. We got all of our Christmas put up last weekend and it was also my birthday I love my Christmas tree and love to decorate it.

These snowmen are some of my favorite decorations. Jayson usually

buys me decorations for Christmas for my birthday cuz I love them.

Jayson bought me this awesome nativity last year.

I didn't want a cake this year I wanted fruit pizza, so

Tianna made me a delicious one. Isn't it beautiful.

Teisha bought me some comfy pj's

Tianna bought me a scarf

Jayden got me some fluffy socks.

And Jayson bought me the wall hanging for my

bedroom that I have been wanting from Kohl's.

He even stood in line on Black Friday for an hour

with his dad and Jayden to get this for me 1/2 price.

Weekend fun

2009-11-29T15:03:00.000-08:00

We had a fun weekend. Jayson's parents came for Thanksgiving and so did his niece Bree. We had a great day eating and spending time together. The girls and I got up early and went shopping on black Friday and Saturday we celebrated Jayden's 9th birthday since Grandpa and Grandma went home today. We went to WalMart and he picked out his own bike and then we always let the kids pick their favorite place for dinner and of course Jayden's is Chuck-a-Rama, so that is were we went to dinner. I don't know about anyone else, but I have eaten so much this weekend that I know I have gained a ton of weight, but it sure has been fun. Me and my man

Me and my beautiful girls.

The girls decorated Jayden's chair and the living room.

Jayden's new bike

Grandma and Grandpa Thompson

Jayden unwrapping his gifts.

Jayden's birthday party

2009-11-20T21:46:00.001-08:00

Jayden's birthday is the 29th and it always seem to fall the week of Thanksgiving. We usually have to have his party the week before so that the kids will be able to come. Tonight was the big night and we had a lot of fun with 4 boys and Jayden. We went to Jumpin Jacks again this year because that is what Jayden wanted to do. He loves it there. They played hard for two hours and were all hot and full of sweat when we left. We went to our house and ate pizza, German chocolate cake with twix candy bars on top (that is what Jayden wanted) and then we headed out to the garage to beat up the Spongebob pinata. I literally mean beat him up. Those boys didn't stop until he was in pieces.

Jayden, Cole, and Bobby Pulver

Jayden blowing out his candles

Jayson showing the kids the magic string trick

Tianna's Award

2009-11-15T21:37:00.000-08:00

Here is the letter Tianna got in the mail from the National Honor Society. She was accepted and is the Vice-President. There are a total of 57 students from her school. They have their first meeting this Tuesday and Tianna made all the reminders. It is a getting to know you meeting and to plan their induction into Honor Society. The parents get to attend that meeting. We are so proud of Tianna and her accomplishments. She works very hard to get good grades.

Another Halloween

2009-11-01T15:48:00.001-08:00

We had a fun filled week with all the Halloween activities. Last Sunday night we made our annual caramel apples and I didn't take any pictures this year. Monday night we went out to the Tuacahn and watched Thriller. That is our favorite show at the Tuacahn and our favorite thing to do for Halloween. Wednesday night we had our ward trunk or treat and soup and cornbread social and Thursday night was Jayden's school carnival. We didn't carve our pumpkins until Saturday because we had such a busy week and Teisha was up North at a volleyball tournament, so she missed out on carving this year. Halloween is one of our favorite holidays and it is Tianna's most favorite, so she is sad that another year is passed. She was already saying this morning that she has 365 days until her favorite holiday. She is so creative and made her own costume again this year. She looked so awesome. At Thriller

A zombie sat on Teisha's lap

Zombies at Thriller

Tianna was a frozen head in the freezer.

Carving pumpins

Jayson got all his power tools out to do his pumpkin!

Jayden's pumpkin

Tianna's pumpkin

Michelle's pumpkin

Jayson's pumpkin

Our pumpkins lighting up the path to our door. We also had

our spooky sounds playing and the fog machine by the door.

Our New Home

2009-10-27T19:26:00.001-07:00

We have been in our new home a little over two weeks. The things I like about the new home are: 1. Double Ovens (Holiday Cooking)
2. Fireplace
3. Double headed shower that is huge (Jayden plays in it like a locker room shower)
4. 3 Car Garage
5. Big patio
6. Fenced Backyard
7. Beautiful Yard
8. Quiet Neighborhood

Things that I dislike and miss from my old house:
1. I miss my 3rd bathroom
2. I miss my big pantry and storage closets and attic
3. I miss the colors of carpet, tile and walls
4. I miss having carpet in the living room and hallways
5. I miss my kitchen cupboards
6. I miss our spare bedroom and the size of the girls bedrooms.
7. I miss my palm trees!
8. I miss the size of my old house. Front of the house with the Halloween decorations

Back Patio

Kids Bathroom

Jayden's new fish tank. We couldn't bring the wall hanging one.

Entryway

Masterbath

Update

2009-10-19T16:19:00.000-07:00

We moved into a different house a little over a week ago, so life has been crazy. We are all settled in though and are finished now. It was the ruffest move we have ever had. Maybe it is like pregnancy and you just don't remember how bad it is until it happens again. Anyway, I am glad it is over. The girls and I are still trying to adjust. There are things I like better and things I dislike. The house is smaller with less storage, which is always a downside for me and the kitchen isn't storage friendly, so I am struggling with my cupboards. It is going to make cooking more difficult. The main areas of the house are all tile and light tile and I am not fond of that. Those of you that know me know I am a clean FREAK and tile is much harder to keep clean. Plus it is hard and cold. The pluses are a fireplace, 3 car garage, very quiet street, finished, fenced backyard that is very private, and a bigger patio. I am just thankful to have a nice place to live, but I do miss my old house.

Jayson got a phone call from Dustin's mission president last week and he said what a wonderful boy we have. He just loves Dustin and said out of the 100 boys he has been over so far as president Dustin is his favorite. He said everyone loves Dustin. He never changes, he is just Dust. He said he is a hard worker and does what he is asked to do. He complimented us on being good parents and raising a great boy. That always feels so good. We are so proud of Dustin!

Tianna has a 4.0 grade point average and out of 312 kids in her grade she is ranked #1. WAY TO GO TIANNA!

Teisha got the first award in volleyball for hardest worker, always coming to practice with a smile and not getting down, and getting along with everyone.

Jayden is doing great in his classes too and gets 100% almost every week on spelling and vocabulary.

It sure makes life a lot better when your kids are all doing so well.

Stevo's Farewell

2009-10-02T22:17:00.001-07:00

Last weekend we made a quick trip to Lovell for my little brother Steven's mission farewell. We had a great time with many cousins and family members. We are so proud of Stevo and his choice to serve a mission. We are also going to miss him for the next two years, but we know he is doing what he should. He is serving in the San Fernando Valley, in Southern California. He will be spanish speaking, so he is in Provo at the MTC for 8 weeks. My family without my brother Justin who is in Afghanistan.
Sammy, my mom, Steven, Shane, Patrick, me and my dad.

Some friends and my niece Justee and Sienna watching movies in grandma's room.

My aunt Darcee. I think she looks great in red!

My cousin Desiree and her daughter

Aunt Charlene, my cousin Mathew and his wife Stacy and their son Tristan.

My cousins husbands Charles and George

Steven and Patrick at the BBQ in my parents backyard

My dad and mom

Jayden jumping on the trampoline with his cousins Zac, Charlee, and Tristan

My uncles Joe and Gary visiting with my in-laws

My Sister in-law Teri and Becky Rael

Rael girls Hailey and Alyssa and their dad Greg holding Rocco

My cousins Hailey and Arial Mayes

Teisha's First Homecoming

2009-09-19T19:47:00.000-07:00

Tonight was Teisha's first Homecoming. She went with the boy across the street that she has a crush on. Teisha looked so beautiful and they look really cute together. I was so excited for her because I remember how exciting it was to go to those formal dances. The Flowers

Josh's Mom Helping

Back to School

2009-08-16T13:35:00.000-07:00

Well, it is back to the real world at the Thompson house. Thursday morning my mom, niece, and sister went back to Wyoming after two weeks of fun with us and the kids went back to school. I have mixed emotions about this. I like the routine and having the kids at school, so that I am not worried about them while I am at work, but I am sad to see the relaxed feeling of summer leave. Once school starts there are so many busy activities at night and after work I just like to come home and stay home. I am just wondering where summer went. Each year it seems to be shorter. Jayden is in 3rd grade this year and he isn't real excited to have to get up in the morning.

Tianna is in 9th grade this year and will be trying out for the Freshman volleyball team on Monday. Tianna loves school and is enjoying 9th grade.

Teisha is a Junior this year and says school is weird this year. I don't know what that means and she won't explain. Maybe it is just weird trying to get into the groove. Teisha made the varsity volleyball team. They already had their first sleep over for bonding on Friday night. They ate pizza and went bowling Saturday morning.

California

2009-08-09T19:57:00.000-07:00

We went to California Thursday after work and met my mom, my neice, my sister, and Jayden there. We had so much fun. I just love California. I would love to live there if it weren't for all the traffic and my husband would never live there. Here are some pictures of our fun. Isn't Sienna cute. We had so much fun with her!

My sexy little sister.

Jayden and Jayson digging a hole in the sand.

I was happy to be at the beach. I love the beach!

The water was a little cold, but the sun was great!

Newport beach

My two sexy boys!

All of us in front of It's A Small World

Inside It's A Small World
Waiting to get on a ride

Mr. Toad ride at Disneyland

Samantha, Jayden and Sienna getting off of Dumbo

On the merry go round

My mom, Samantha, and Jayson waiting in line

Disneyland
The happiest place on earth!

Summer Happenings

2009-08-06T05:58:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy summer for us. We have had company and gone to Wyoming. The kids start school next Thursday already. The girls are gone to girls camp this week and my mom, sister and neice took Jayden and went to California. Jayson and I have the house to ourselves for the first time ever! We had our 17th anniversary last Saturday and didn't do anything, so tonight after work we are going to California to meet my mom and the kids for Disneyland tomorrow. I am so excited! I love Disneyland and Jayden is the perfect age. Here are a few pictures of some of our summer. Teisha, me, my mom, my sister, Tianna, and Sienna

My sister samanatha and my neice Sienna - Sienna was mad

Me and Jayson at the Tuacahn to see footloose

Me and my friend Wendy Hoffman Files

Katie, Tianna, and Teisha in the Annie picture poster

Teisha and Tianna. We love to go to the Tuacahn. For those of you that don't know, St. George has a beautiful outdoor ampitheater that has plays and musicals all summer long with professionals. It is a must see every summer.

I Have A New Hair Do

2009-07-14T21:03:00.001-07:00

I haven't had short hair since 1985. I have been growing out my hair for 23 years and I finally decided I wanted it short. I wanted it short for a while, but never thought I would look good with it short. I cut a bunch off in May of 2008 and it has taken me another year to go this short. My husband isn't to happy about it, but I really like it and it feels so good. Especially in this 106 degree weather we have been having every day. I think it looks spunky and fun and at my age, you want to feel younger and look younger.

Samantha Parr's Wedding

2009-07-12T21:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my bosses daughter Samantha was married in the temple. Jayson and I went to the ceremony in the morning and it was so awesome. Then last night the whole family went to the reception. We had a really good time. I have only been to 3 receptions outside of the ones in Lovell and it was so neat to see what they do here in St. George. It was so elegant and nice. I liked the fact that everything was done and catered for them. Samantha looked so beautiful. The theme was Phantom of the Opera and so all the guests had their pictures taken with masks. They also had a light meal and a DJ for dancing. The kids loved the dance. Jared and Samantha Stucki

My boss Kevin and his daughter

Jared removing the garter

I loved this candelier in the center of the room

Teisha and Tianna dancing

More dancing and Jayden never left the dance floor

Samantha's grandpa Boyd Healey

Teisha and Tianna having fun with the masks

Jayden with his mask

Taylor Parr with his mask

We threw roses petals as they left the reception

Vacation/Jayson's 20th

2009-07-07T18:55:00.001-07:00

We had a fun filled week. We headed to American Fork, UT to spend a couple of days with my best friend Wendy (Hoffman) Files and her family. We went to Lagoon and got rained on all day, but it was still fun even though we had to wear rain panchos and we were soaked. We were supposed to be going to the Water Park (Seven Peaks), but the weather wasn't nice enough, so we went to the mall and to the movies instead. (I thought it was supposed to be summer vacation!) We headed to Lovell after a few fun days with the Files family. Jayson's sister Lisa and family were already there from Seattle, so we were able to spend a little time with them and enjoy many Lovell's Day festivities. We went to the follies and the strong man competition. Jayson was there to celebrate his 20th class reunion, so we had a dinner at the community center and a BBQ out at Horseshoe Bend. The kids went to the family fun night and of course we went to the Parade. Teisha played in a volleyball tournament on my brother Patrick's team and had a lot of fun. Jayson's other sister Janna came for her class reunion and we had a nice visit with her and Rick and enjoy the fireworks with them and my family. It was a nice relaxing week and even though I am excited to be home, it has been hard getting back to work and reality. My little sister Samantha and Tianna. Everyone thinks they are sisters.

Teisha and her best friend from Lovell (Charlyn Ferbrache)

Jayden, Teisha, my sister Samantha, Tianna, and the Durtsche cousins Christopher & Kirk.

My brother Patrick and his daughter Sienna riding on a float.

"Class of 1989"

Jayson standing up on his 20th class float. Some others are Raymond Luna, Greg Clark, Shane Mangus, Bonnie Long, Tammy Brown, Angelica Padilla, Cathy Palmer, Angel Montanez

Me and my sister in law Marci. I miss the good old days!

Tianna and her Aunt Teri Durtscha and cousin Sydnee ran together in the Lovell's Day 5K race. Her they are just after finishing.

Here they come!

My little sister talked me into running the 1 mile race. Here I am just finishing and of course she left me in the dust and finished long before I did. Maybe I will try to be in shape next time.

Teisha just finished the 5K.

Yeah Teisha! You did it!

Tianna and her cousin Samantha Leach at Hansel's and Gretel's in Powell.

Tianna and Sammy being crazy! Nice braces girls!

Tianna and Teisha in heaven in the shoe department at the mall!

Look at those long legs. They are already long without the shoes.

Having fun at the mall on the Merry Go Round!

Where was the sun at Lagoon?

Tianna and Wendy' son Kody Johnson having fun!

The girls in their styling rain panchos

Dustin's Address

2009-06-16T14:59:00.000-07:00

I have had a few people ask for Dustin's address, so I decided to post it on my blog, so anyone who wanted it could have it. He is just like any other missionary and LOVES to get mail and packages, so he would love to hear from any of you. If you send a package it needs to be to the package address because at his letter address it will probably get stolen. So notice there are two different addresses.

He is doing real well so far. He lives in a ruff part of Philly or the Ghetto as he would say. They can't have a car because there wouldn't be anything left of it and his companions bike is already torn up. They usually walk and or ride the subway. He says the people either love them or hate them. He said it is hard to get yelled at everyday, but he just smiles. He has a wonderful companion that has been a very good example for Dustin and they are both working on being less prideful. He has been able to see a lot of history already. He has seen the Liberty bell and has been taking some pictures, so when I get some I will post them.

Next week will be his two month mark already. Time sure flies.

For Letters - Send to-
Elder Dustin J. Thompson
5704 N 3rd Street 1st Floor
Philadelphia PA 19120-2320

For Packages - Send to-
Elder Dustin J. Thompson
1974 Sproul Road Suite 206
Broomall PA 19008

It's Official!

2009-06-12T18:52:00.000-07:00

Teisha and Tianna had their birthdays yesterday. (Yes, the same day two years apart)! Teisha is officially 16 and on the streets of St. George and Tianna is 14. It is family tradition to pick a place to eat dinner, so Teisha picked the Pizza Factory on Wednesday night and Tianna picked the Olive Garden last night. At the Pizza Factory eating bread twists with cinnamon dip and pizza.

Their friends Jamie and Leanna

They each got a camera for their birthdays.

Teisha's favorite cake is a German cake called Sting of the Bee

Tianna's oreo ice cream cake from Cold Stone. Ever since we have lived here that is what she wants every year. (It is easy for me)!

Jamie, Josh, Logan, and Tianna. (Josh is Teisha's crush at the moment and he lives across the street).

Tianna, Josh, and Jase (Josh's brother and Tianna's crush at the moment).

Most Memorable Gift Ever!

2009-06-09T20:55:00.000-07:00

My brother Justin has been in Afghanistan since November with the Guard. He is a Medevac pilot in a UH-60A Blackhawk Helicopter. Today we got a package from him and inside was a folded American flag with this certificate saying this flag was flown during 5 Medevac missions , 26th Feb. -6th March, 2009 in the skies of Eastern Afghanistan. This flag was flown by C company 5-159th GSAB Cheyenne, WY, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom IX. The crew of Dustoff 173 says thanks for all the support. I want to say thanks to all of you for all you do for me! It was signed by the crew. We were all so proud and thought this was the neatest gift we have ever gotten in the mail. We love Justin and are so proud of him and what he stands for. I can't wait to find a shadowbox or some neat case to put these in for show. Thanks Justin! We love you!

Weekend with the Files Family

2009-06-06T00:44:00.001-07:00

Last weekend I needed a stress reliever, so I loaded the kids up Friday night after work and we headed to American Fork, UT to see my Friend Forever Wendy Hoffman Files. I just love going to Wendy's. She can always make me laugh and we can sit up and talk until 3:30 a.m. We just hung out and went downtown Salt Lake to the Gateway to walk around and check things out and of course, eat. We helped Wendy finish her puzzle she had been working on and we played a few games. It was a short trip, but so worth it. Thanks Wendy, your the best!

Steven's Graduation

2009-05-20T21:30:00.000-07:00

My little brother Steven graduated from high school on Monday night and Jayson and I drove to Wyoming on Saturday to be there. We had a fun filled weekend and a very busy one too! We played some games and had a BBQ at my parents. We were able to be there for Stevens Seminary graduation and he was also ordained and Elder. The best part was being able to spend some quality time with Jayson. I also saw a lot of my old co-workers and friends. It was great to see everyone. Steven and his best buddies.

My little sister, Jayson and my brother Steven.

Shane and his boys.

My brother Justin's wife Teri and girls.

My dad

Road Trip

2009-05-15T13:12:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow morning bright and early Jayson and I are heading on a road trip to Wyoming to see my little Brother Steven graduate from Seminary and High School. I am not looking forward to a 12 hour drive for a two day stay, but I am excited to spend time with family again. We had such a good time 4 weeks ago when they all came down here. Our kids can't go because of finals next week. It is too hard when they are trying to finish up the last week of school. A lady from work is helping me out and going to come stay at our house with the kids. Jayson and I will get some rare time alone. I am looking forward to that and a few days of no stress.

The Phone Call

2009-05-12T20:34:00.000-07:00

This morning Jayson and I each got a phone call from Dustin before he borded his plane for Philly. It was so awesome to hear his voice and hear how much he has grown already. It has only been 3 weeks and he already has made some changes. He loved the MTC and is ready to start preaching the gospel first thing in the morning. He sounded excited and said he would take to me at Christmas. It is hard to believe that I can only talk to him twice a year. I am so glad he chose to serve a mission though. I know he will be a much better father and husband and person because of it.

I just have to mention how much fun we had last night boating at Sand Hollow lake with our neighbors. Eat your heart out people, it was 95 today and last night we were boating and tubbing! We have great neighbors!

Fun Weekend

2009-05-09T17:23:00.000-07:00

I don't have any pictures, but our weekend has been fun. We took the girls out to the Tuacahn last night to see Brian Regan live. For those of you that don't know him he is a comedian and it was really good and clean too. Afterwards we went for frozen yogurt.

Today the girls went boating with the neighbors, so I took Jayden to the community center. He swam and I got 2 1/2 hours of sun. I LOVE the sun!

He's 38!

2009-05-03T20:50:00.001-07:00

It was Jayson's birthday on Friday and we had a weekend of celebrating. Teisha was gone, so we celebrated for a few days. I took him out to dinner on Friday night and then we had his favorite cheesecake and he opened his presents tonight. He got some NEW clothes. Doesn't he look good for 38? I think he just gets better with age! Jayson loves to play guitar hero!

I love his arms, so I made him pose!

Opening birthday presents

A BIG Week For The Thompson's

2009-04-23T19:08:00.000-07:00

We had a busy and exciting week. One week ago today mybrother Shane and his 3 boys got her and then my parents and kids arrived at 2:15 a.m. Jayson's parents got her on Friday and his nephew Archie Ames and his wife Shantay and their daughter Zaylie. His nephew surprised us and it was really neat. We loved having them here. Then on Saturday Jayson's sister Jana and her husband Rick arrived. I took the day off Friday and we took the kids to Jumpin Jacks while the boys played basketball. Friday night all the boys went to Vegas and my parents went on a date to Mesquite. I stayed with the kids and enjoyed my nephews and my neice Sienna. Sienna has grown so much just since Christmas. Saturday us girls did some shopping and went to get a cupcake and 25th and Main (the best cupcakes ever). Then we all went to Chuck-a-rama for dinner. Sunday was Dustin's farewell and it was like Stake Conference. Afterwards we came home and had a delicious BBQ and everyone visited and played ping pong and bean bag toss. It was a lot of fun. I was able to take Friday off of work and it was hard to go back on Monday morning and say good-bye to everyone.

Yesterday, we drove to Provo to drop Dustin off at the MTC to start his two year service for the Lord. We stopped at Chuck-a-rama for lunch and they asked if we were dropping off a missionary at the MTC and then they told us he got a free lunch. It was a lot harder at the MTC than I thought. I miss my boy, but know am so thankful he has chosen to serve. I am still a little emotional, but I am so glad he is there. A group of mothers here that our boys are friends meet once a month to exchange a page of pictures and info about our missionaries. It is like a scrapbook page and you make 12 copies to give to each mother for her son scrapbook. It will be fun. Dustin stays in the MTC until May 12th and then flies to Philadelphia. Please keep him in your prayers. Elder Thompson

In front of the MTC

Just leaving for Provo for the MTC

Dinner at Chilies the night before Dustin left

Ames family

Bean bag toss in the back yard

Dustin and his Durtsche Uncle's (missing Uncle Justin)

Having fun at Jumpin Jacks

Sienna got a lot of attention from my girls and had a fun weekend.

My dad sporting Teisha's cowboy hat and relaxing in my massage chair.

What Was SANTA Thinking?

2009-04-12T13:59:00.000-07:00

I seriously don't know what Santa was thinking when he brought this wall hanging fish tank for Jayden for Christmas. It is the biggest pain to clean because it isn't very wide and you can't take it down. It takes all of us and a lot of time hooking up the shop vac to suck out all the water and it is hard to get the fish out too. Sometimes Santa doesn't use his head. Jayden's fish......

Just kidding, that was a picture on his wall. He loves fish and wants to be a marine biologist. This is the real fish tank with little tiny fish in it and man is it a REAL pain!

This is the system we have worked out to clean the tank. Thank goodness for Jayson because he ends up doing most of it. I am not patient enough and it is such a mess.
Notice Jayden on the floor supervising. I thought this was his fishtank.

Tragedy

2009-04-08T18:40:00.000-07:00

Last night one of Tianna's best friends dad died from Colon Cancer. He was diagnosed about two months ago and told there was really nothing they could do for him. It was amazing to watch our community come together to raise money for the family. Also, the young men and young women in his ward went around and took donations and took it to the family. It is hard to see a father of 4, married to his high school sweetheart, in his early 40's gone. Tianna was so upset last night and had a hard time at school today. She is so concerned about her friend. Just about the time I feel sorry for myself I see a family in this situation and realize I have it made. We have a man in our ward with 8 kids fighting for his life with colon cancer and a 9 year old girl with cancer in her leg that is spreading quickly. She is having her leg amputated next week. It has been a very humbling day to think of all these families and their major trials. I guess I will be thankful for my trials.

Dustin

2009-03-25T13:59:00.000-07:00

Last night Jayson and I went with Dustin through the temple to prepare for his mission. It was such a wonderful and exciting experience. We took the camera, but by the time we came out it was dark. Maybe next time.

Time is going by so quickly. Four weeks from today we drop Dustin off in Provo, Utah for his two year mission. All of a sudden it is hitting me that my son will be gone for two full years and I will only be able to talk on the phone with him 4 times. I am so proud of Dustin and the choice he has made. I know it will be the greatest experience of his life and also probably one of the most difficult at times. Dustin and I have always shared a special bond and I think it has something to do with the circumstances of his birth. All I know is that it is going to be really quite around our house. I am also getting excited for him to go and I am excited to see him grow. My emotions seem to be bouncing around all over the place.

Our Weekend

2009-03-23T20:09:00.000-07:00

We had quite an exciting weekend. It started Friday night when I got home from work at 6 and our old Neighbors from Idaho were at our house. We decided to go get a burger and then head to Jumping Jacks for some fun. The kids love the big slides and jumping around. They even got me up to bounce. When we got home the girls reminded me that it was the Twilight party at Walmart at midnight, so the girls and I (including Katie) loaded up and went to Walmart. We got home about 1:40 a.m. and had 20 minutes worth of groceries to put away and the girls thought I was going to watch Twilight. (Wrong!)

Saturday morning we headed out to shop for spring clothes for the girls and mission things for Dustin. Jayden and dad worked on his pinewood derby car all day and we got home with sore feet at around 7. We got to see my friend for many years Kristy Brown Sinks. She was down her with her family for her son's Tennis tournament. It was so great to see her, Natalie, and Greg. I miss her a lot. We had some great times in college.

On Sunday we had 3 sick kids, so we watched 3 movies. If you haven't seen August Rush & Taken I highly recommend them both. We also watched Twilight. I must say it was different. I haven't read the books though. It wasn't bad, just not what I expected. I sure was tired at work today. I wonder if it had something to do with my crazy busy weekend?

Bennett taking it all in.

Teisha catching some air.

I Love The Spring

2009-03-13T18:14:00.000-07:00

I love the spring. It doesn't seem to last long enough in St. George. It gets really hot to fast, so I am enjoying this wonderful weather while I can. I love it in March because all these trees are in bloom all over town and it only lasts a few weeks. Things are starting to green up and it is in the 60's and 70's. I am getting my sandals and capris out. Teisha had her first track meet tonight and she is doing really good. This is her first time to take track, but she is so athletic. She has a very muscular build and loves sports. She is the last runner on her relay team and is very fast for as short as her legs are. She also has a meet all day tomorrow. She made it to state for band playing the flute, so she will be going to Salt Lake in a couple weeks and she gets to go for two days also for training. She is in a social dance class and loving it. She has learned so many neat dances from ball room, tango, cha cha, etc. Here are a few pictures of spring in St. George and Teisha and her happenings.

Teisha ready for track.

Teisha in her 1920's outfit for dance class - A flapper girl

I Was Tagged By Lyna

2009-03-12T21:37:00.000-07:00

I've Been Tagged.....

Four Jobs I've Had:
1. Lovell Recreation Secretary
2. Bank of Lovell
3. Teachers Aide at Lovell Elementary
4. Currently at Grandma's Herbs as the Office Manager

Four Places I've Lived:
1. Grew up in Lovell
2. Salt Lake City and went to School in Provo
3. Currently in St. George, UT
4.

Four of My Favorite Foods:
1. Ribeye Steak
2. King Crab
3. Turkey and the works
4. Lasagna and Italian Foods

Four TV Shows I Love:
1. Lost
2. Young and the Restless
3. Rob Dyrdeks Fantasy Factory
4. Nitro Circus

Four Sites I Visit Daily:
1. E-mail
2. Bloggs
3. Overstock.com (for my job)
4. MSN.com

Four Places I Have Vacationed:
1. Seattle
2. Denver
3. San Diego/Anaheim
4. San Fransisco

Four Places I'd Rather Be Right Now:
1. On a tropical island
2. On a tropical island
3. In Bed
4. In Dearm Land

Four Bloggers I'm Tagging:
Teri, Nina, Kristy, & Stacy

More Parade of Homes

2009-03-07T09:11:00.000-08:00

This was the most amazing house. From the outside pool and cave to the inside theater room and basement with the gym. You wouldn't even need to leave the house to be entertained and you wouldn't need a gym membership either.

Inside of this home was a graffity weight room, a raquetball court, a rock wall to climb, a 5 or 6 hole golf green, and a huge basketball court.

Inside this home there is a basketball court with this huge tv screen. How do you play basketball and watch tv at the same time?

This is the dining room and the kitchen

Some more of inside the cave and this part goes out to the pool through a waterfall.

Inside of this is a cave with this hot tub.

This was a play town downstairs and it was really neat.

This kitchen was in the same roon as the rustic fireplace and I loved it too!

I loved this fireplace. It actually burned wood and was so rustic and cozy.

Look at this laundry room, it was huge!

This was outside of a theater room and I thought it was neat.

Do You Have An Idol?

2009-03-03T14:26:00.001-08:00

I work with a 69 year old lady named Mahala and she is my idol for that age. She works from 9 to 5 five days a week and is always full of spunk. She calls her kids that live away at least once a week, but it is usually every couple of days. She also calls her grandkids that are married usually weekly. Every weekend she is going shopping, to the movies, out to dinner, or playing games with her kids and grandkids and if they mention going to Vegas or Salt Lake, she is ready to go. She goes to her grandkids ball games, gymnastics events, etc. and if they are out of town she is on the road. She is a really good cook and at Christmas time she spends all day on Saturdays making homemade candies and goodies. She is about 4'10 and stands in front of a huge pot stirring candy for hours. She even attends her great grandkids baptisms and anything else she can. She even attends things that are states and hours away. A few years ago she took all her grandkids to Disneyland. She is the coolest 69 year old I have ever known and I hope that I can be just like her. She is leaving wonderful memories with her kids and grandkids. Mahala you are AWESOME!

WARNING: Don't Get a Traffic Citation in Nevada-It Will Cost You Dearly

2009-02-26T08:57:00.000-08:00

My son got a speeding ticket on his way home from Vegas in October. He had been spending some time with his Uncle and was on the outskirts of Vegas going with the flow of traffic, but sporting UTAH plates (He was pulled over with several others going to same speed). I am in no way trying to down play the fact that he was speeding and should have a ticket, but come on $2,177 later? He was going 67 in a 55 work zone, so it was double the fine($600). Then like a normal, scared kid he was in the fast lane so he pulled over off of the fast lane (come on people, I did that once as an inexperienced driver). That cost him $1,280. He was told to call and find out how much the total ticket would be, but that he couldn't call until December. That is two months after the fact. He put the ticket in his wallet and forgot. His court date was January 6th and he was in Wyoming for the Holidays and forgot all about it. He gets a letter in the mail from the state of Utah last week saying he will lose his license on March 4th if he doesn't take care of his warrant in Nevada. Court is over and there is nothing he can do, but pay the fine. I totally agree that he should have a fine, but this much? He sure is going to pay a high price for breaking the law. Sometimes consequences really stink. I know I won't be speeding in Vegas.

Dustin Got His Mission Call

2009-02-19T20:11:00.000-08:00

Dustin got his mission call today....... He is going to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He enters the MTC on April 22nd. We are so excited and proud of him. He wasn't so sure he wanted to go on a mission and then one day he just decided to. He will have waited 10 months to get his paperwork and get ready. He will be a little older, but I think it will help him to have waited. He wanted a Spanish speaking foreign mission, but he isn't the one that chooses. He will be in an English speaking mission. I think it will be a wonderful experience for him and a totally different way of life. He has never lived anywhere with that many people and he has never been on the East coast.

Philadelphia, the largest city in Pennsylvania, is located in the southeast part of the state at the junction of the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers. It is coextensive with Philadelphia County.
Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, was settled in 1681 by Capt. William Markham, who, with a small band of colonists, had been sent out by his cousin, William Penn. Penn arrived the following year with the intention of creating a refuge for the Quakers.
In the period before the American Revolution, the city outstripped all others in the colonies in education, arts, science, industry, and commerce. In 1774–1776, the First and Second Continental Congresses met in Philadelphia, and, from 1781–1783, the city was the capital of the United States under the Articles of Confederation. In 1790, it became the nation's capital under the Constitution and remained so until the seat of the federal government moved to Washington in 1800.
Within a half-century of the founding of the nation at Independence Hall, Philadelphia had emerged as a leader in America's Industrial Revolution. Today the steam locomotives and hat factories of the 19th century have been replaced by diverse manufacturing specialties such as chemicals (including pharmaceuticals), medical devices, transportation equipment, and printing and publishing. In the services sector, Philadelphia leads in subsectors such as health services, insurance carriers, legal services, and architecture and engineering services. Philadelphia is also home to branches of the U.S. Mint, the Federal Reserve System, and the Internal Revenue Service.
The city's harbor, one of the largest freshwater ports in the world, is the centerpiece of the AmeriPort facility in south Philadelphia, a major shipping center with rail links to the Midwest and Canada.
The city abounds in landmarks of early American history, including Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the Liberty Bell. Other significant tourist attractions are the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Franklin Institute Science Museum, and the Philadelphia Zoological Gardens.