Our Trials in Life

I normally don't write about church material, but this time I was compelled to write about our Trials in Life. As I sat and read this months Ensign, most of the articles within talk about our trials and what we have to deal with here upon this earth, in mortality. I'm not going to say that the past week has been the easiest, but being able to take it one day at a time has really helped me. I'm not one to talk about our problems, but I wanted to share some thoughts I had from this month's Ensign. I have found myself becoming closer to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, more than I ever have. I know I'm not the only one who feels like this....but when trials come our way, don't we pray harder, work harder, and turn our thoughts more to thee? If we could only do this on a daily basis. I know I'm striving each day to become a better person, and know what I have to do to improve myself. In this life we will experience grief, trials, misfortune, and heart-ache. It is up to each of us how we will deal with it. We must have the ultimate faith to endure to the end, and return to live with our Heavenly Father. I really liked this quote by, Apostle Orson F. Whitney: "No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God....." Whatever trials we are faced with in this life, we can exercise faith to make it through them. President Harold B. Lee stated, " Sometimes when we are going through the most severe tests, we will be nearer to God than we have any idea." This statement was so profound to me! When I think all is lost, and there is no light at the end of the tunnel, I turn to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ to pull me from the darkness to light. Our trials will try and test our faith, but if we remain faithful, and endure we will be blessed beyond measure! God is always there, he watches over us, he knows us better than we know ourselves. If we will let him in "always" he will guide our feet in paths of righteousness. Whatever trial each of us is going through, know that the Lord is there, he lives, and he loves you, and will give you the strength to endure to the end!

Blue & Gold 2010

Jarom received his citzenship beltloop

Jarom's Blue and Gold this year was on February 16, 2010. The theme this year was, 100 years in scouting. Every year they have all the boys make cakes, and bring them to the Blue and Gold dinner. Usually they have the dad's help make the cake, but can you see Jesse making a cake?? I didn't think so! lol. So, like always I take it upon myself to make the cake. This year I had the cutest idea. Not to say the least, it wasn't very easy to make. This was my first attempt with fondant. It looks so easy on the food network, but actually it is quite hard. The first time I rolled out the yellow fondant for the bottom cake, it looked great but, it was too short on one side. So, I had to peel it off and start again. I tried and tried to get this dang cake perfect. After a few words flew out of my mouth, Kaylee comes in and says, "Mom maybe you should call Cake Boss, he could help you make the cake!" Can I just say, I haven't laughed so hard in a long time! It was quite an adventure to finish this cake, but I was pretty impressed with the finished result. Jarom didn't win, which I was really bummed about, but next year, we'll make it even better! We had fun making it, and that's what counts!

Mom's 50th Birthday Party

I am way overdue for making this post! January the 15th was my mom's 50th birthday. I can't believe she is 50. She sure doesn't even look like it. I always tell her, mom you don't even look your age. Thank goodness for that, because now I know what I'll look at her age! lol ;-) We had a great time together as a family. We all went to P.F. Chang's and had some wonderful food. After dinner, we came back and had cake and ice cream at our home. She opened up one of the best presents you could ever receive. My grandma and grandpa are taking her to Hawaii in June. Needless to say, my and I were a little jealous. We said they could totally pack us in their suitcase, and not even know we were there! I hope they have a fabulous time in beautiful Hawaii. Happy Birthday Mom, we love you very much!

Love Day

My brother-in-law decided he wanted to be the "Love Doctor!"

Jarom wasn't quite awake.
He wished he could have slept in a little longer.

For our Love Day I fixed the kids pancakes, with all the Valentines trimmings that go with it. Azelynn was the only one downstairs, and wanted to help decorate. She kept eating all the sweethearts, and kept me pretty entertained while I cooked pancakes. It's never a dull moment when she's around! ;-) Later that night, we had my family over for dinner. I fixed BBQ Root Beer beef sandwiches, which was a big hit with everyone. It sure tasted yummy! All in all we had a good day.

Kids Say the Funniest Things....

So, first I have to say that my kids are totally obsessed with Beethoven the movie. Especially Azelynn. We have been trying to convince Jesse to get a dog, but he won't give in. The kids would like to have a Beethoven dog, as would I. So, today I loaded up all the kids and took Jarom to school. On the way home Kaylee asks me, mom I wonder if BUCK is a boy dog. Now, BUCK is my mom's black chow-lab. I proceeded to say yes, BUCK is a boy dog. She says, Ummm...well Beethoven is a boy dog too, and he got infected by a girl dog and that's why they had so many boy and girl dogs. I have never laughed so hard in all my life. I swear I laughed all the way home, and still laughing walking into the house. Kaylee saw me laughing in the car, and she started laughing too. Kids are funny and you can always count on a good laugh!

It's That Time of Season

Well......it's that time of season AGAIN!!! I can't believe that Christmas is this Friday. Where has the time gone?? I haven't blogged since July! I know....some of you have been pestering me to update...but with four kids, school, a house to run..blogging just has not been on top of my list. lol. Nothing too exciting has happened in the Thornton home. Jarom got straight A's on his report card, and we are so proud of him! He's an excellent reader and truly loves school and his teacher. Kaylee is loving pre-school. I swear that girl is 4 going on 13. It's scary because, she reminds me so much of myself, and that is a scary thing! lol. I know nobody will every be able to push her around when she gets older, she truly has a mind of her own. Azelynn is my sweet little girl. She is so loving. We finally got rid of the bottle, within one day! Thank goodness for that! I was getting tired of washing two sets of bottles. We are trying to potty train. She went once, but nothing since then. I'm hoping she'll get the hang of it real soon. Blair is truly the best baby ever. She is so happy and we just love her to pieces! I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May we remember what this CHRISTmas season is truly about.

Summer

Can I just say that having four kids is a little crazy!! I thought I was busy with three, but four sure does take the cake! Now that I have been home and am a stay-at-home mom, I have had quite a bit of adjusting to do. I wasn't too keen on the idea of staying home, but I'm getting adjusted to the idea. I remember one of my good friends saying, once you are home, you will think how did I ever work, go to school and have kids and still get ready for the day. I couldn't even imagine getting myself and four kids ready everyday, and getting me off to work. Don't get me wrong I am thankful I can stay home, but I do miss my paychecks and especially shopping!! For anyone that knows me, I do LOVE LOVE TO SHOP!! lol. I know it will get easier as the days go on, and especially when Azelynn and Blair get a little older. I am having fun watching the kids grow and change everyday.