Thomas Tidbits

TEAS test

2012-01-25T08:57:00.000-08:00

ASU and GCU require an entrance test to the nursing program, know as the TEAS test. It tests 4 areas: Reading, English, Science, and Math. The test took about 3 1/2 hours and my brain felt like mush when I was done. I did well on the test. This test is used some PA (physicians assistant) schools, some medical schools, and nursing schools. On the national level, including all of these groups, I scored in the 97th percentile. Nationally, only including the nursing programs, I scored in the 99th percentile.

I haven't applied to ASU yet, but I sent my scores to GCU and they all but told me that I will be accepted to their program. Actually, they did tell me, but said that they couldn't officially tell me. :)

What's Up With Blogging?

2011-11-06T21:39:00.000-08:00

There has been far too little news or updates on this family site lately!!! I don't know why I keep checking Eldon's blog to see if he has written anything. He took a year off and then posted a few times to get everyone excited for new posts, just to leave us again (and not a word about his new job)!

I guess I have been guilty as well. My life is boring right now. I get up, go to school, study, go to bed, and repeat. I'm going a little insane with all of the course work and I am excited for my final semester at MCC in the spring. I have decided to attend Grand Canyon University in the Fall of 2012 for their nursing program.

It is a private Christian school and I am required to take one Theology class as part of the curriculum, I think it will be fun. The nursing school is rated very high (way better than ASU) and the campus is much closer (10 minutes away).

In other news, #5 is alive and should make its appearance in June. :)

Good things happen in the heat

2011-07-28T14:38:00.000-07:00

Even good things happen in the heat of the summer!! My little cactus in the pot BLOOMED & it's beautiful!!!

Feeling the Heat in Frisco...

2011-07-24T17:00:00.000-07:00

On July 9th, Ben and Zach participated in the Dallas Texas Regional Track meet, which covers Dallas/Ft. Worth and many surrounding areas. Zachary ran the 800 meters and Ben ran the mile. Two weeks earlier they both ran PR's (personal records). Zach ran a 3:01 800 meters and Ben ran a 6:03 mile.

It was a hot day and tough competition. Zach got blocked out during the start and had a tough race. He still finished with a 3:11 - very good for a 12 yr old!

Ben had a great mile race - 5:53 - and was able to push his way to 6th place, qualifying him for the State meet on Saturday, July 30th.

Sorry for the loud yelling during the video, but hey - I am the coach :-)

Logan and his 4th broken bone.

2011-05-18T10:51:00.000-07:00

Logan got his cast on this morning. He broke his arm again while jumping off the trampoline onto the ground. He told me this morning that he wanted to get a green cast this time. I told him that it was not a good goal to try to go through all of the colors. He is almost there. The only two that he has not had yet are pink and yellow.

We told the doctors that Logan planned on going to scout camp with his cousins in Texas so they put on a water proof cast. He can actually swim and shower without a plastic bag if he wants to. I love medical advancements!!!

2011-05-05T21:56:00.000-07:00

I'm posting this mostly to show off my rad card making skills! I'm mailing out the invitations tomorrow for Haylee's baptism to those of you in Arizona. If you're outside Arizona, you're not invited. :)

Haylee is so excited. She had her bishop's interview this past Sunday. She said it was 'awesome'. She begged me to let her wear her baptism dress to the interview.

She's adorable and she's such a good girl! What an exciting time!

Hummers

2011-04-28T08:31:00.000-07:00

If you look close you can see the mama hummer sitting on her little nest.

The other 3 pictures are of the 2 baby hummers.

They are right on the front porch. We are fascinated by their progress - nature!!!!!!!

School is fun.

2011-04-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

Who knew that school could be so much fun?

Today I got to dissect a sheep brain, hold a human brain, and look at a human placenta.

Spring has Arrived in Melissa's backyard

2011-04-08T11:34:00.001-07:00

Spring! The pictures don't really do it justice.

How can anyone think that there is not a God-Look at nature.

The one single rose is called Peace & was given to me in remembrance of Grandpa Jack when he died by Teresa Yetter. When we moved, I brought it with me & planted it in Melissa's garden. When I see it's beautiful blooms, I think of Grandpa Jack.

I am blessed

2011-03-13T20:54:00.000-07:00

I went to Melissa's for a little b-day get together with the family & came home very overwhelmed!!

Samantha, my oldest & extremely talented granddaughter made a book for me. Wow!! She's so clever they way she put it all together.

For you out of towners I took some pictures. Thank you for all the kind words BUT it sure helps to have the best kids in the whole world who married the other best kids in the whole world & who have the cutest & handsomest (that's for you Rusty!) & smartest kids in the whole world!! I love you all!!

Another Surgery

2011-01-03T18:01:00.000-08:00

This one was not broadcast like the last one but I had surgery today to remove 4 lipomas. Three of these appeared about the same time that the cancer did. The fourth one was discovered last week (and turned out to be the biggest). I wanted them all removed with the cancer but the doctor said it would be best to take care of the cancer first. She told me that they all looked normal. They will be tested but she is pretty sure I have nothing to worry about.

Elk Hunt

2010-11-27T15:31:00.000-08:00

Well, it wasn't the prettiest elk, but I'm sure he will taste good.

I call him the unicorn.

Your Father

2010-09-10T11:52:00.000-07:00

Just in case you were wondering - your Dad is not average!

The day before he took the test to become a Licensed Insurance Agent, he opened the book & glanced through it.

He took the test this morning. Got an 82% on it.

They said the average person has to take the test at least TWICE.

I really hate that about him but I am glad that he PASSED the first time!!!

Dad says it's because he's good at math.

He says there's 3 kinds of people in this world: those who can count, & those who can't!

Nielson Ranch

2010-09-06T06:13:00.001-07:00

We spent part of the week at the Nielson's Ranch in Bluewater New Mexico. Lot's of fun & visiting. Yes, that is a rattle snake that Dad is holding!!! We were out riding the quads & stopped to look for Indian ruins. Dad got off, we heard the rattle. The grass was so tall it took a second to spot the snake. It was about 20 ft. from Dad. Russell came to the rescue - you know Dad can't kill anything! The snake put up a good fight but Russ won out in the end!!!!!

It was beautiful, fun & the weather was perfect! Thanks Russ & Mary!

Cancer Test Results

2010-08-04T07:38:00.000-07:00

I got some results from two different tests yesterday. The first one, ONCO DX, came back with a score of 15. My surgeon told me that the oncologist will usually recommend chemo if the score is at 17 or above. I am meeting with her next week to see what she recommends. That score translates to a 10% chance of reoccurrence. The other test results came from City of Hope. They did some genetic testing to see if I had certain markers in my DNA that would show I am genetically disposed to get cancer. There are two known markers and I came back negative on both. I was told that at this point they only know of two markers but there are literally millions of markers so there could be others that they just don't know about. The geneticist recommends that my sisters get their first screening (mammogram) at age 35 and to get regular checkups.

I personally think that this is not genetic but environmental. The cancer is estrogen positive meaning that it feeds off of estrogen to grow (its not funny Jeff). I am not a milk drinker but I do put it on cold cereal. Cows are pumped full of estrogen to get milk production up. I also like meat. Cattle are pumped full of hormones to make them fat as well as chickens. I am converting to a Grandpa Jack diet of fish and cabbage. Just kidding. I will pass on meat unless I know it is "organic" and we are now only drinking organic, non hormone milk. We are eating more fruits and veggies as well. We are looking into buying 1/2 a cow that has not been given hormone injections and is not raised on corn. I know you might think this is extreme (not you Heather) but so is getting breast cancer. Look closely at what you are eating. High Fructose Corn Syrup is in everything. Try to avoid it.

I'm done preaching. Live long and prosper. Nanoo Nanoo, Shazbatt.

Allie

2010-07-26T10:28:00.000-07:00

For those of you that live far, far away & are missing out, I thought you might like to see cute little Allie Harper-

So here she is in all her cuteness!!

The Best Poem In The World

2010-07-11T14:17:00.000-07:00

Thought you would all enjoy this-

Best Poem In the World

I was shocked, confused, bewildered

As I entered Heaven's door.

Not by the beauty of it all,

Nor the lights or it's decor.

But it was the folks in in Heaven

Who made me sputter & gasp-

The thieves, the liars, the sinners,

The alcoholics & the trash

There stood the kid from seventh grade

Who swiped my lunch money twice.

Next to him was my old neighbor

Who never said anything nice.

Bob who I always thought

Was rotting away in hell,

Was sitting pretty on cloud nine.

Looking incredibly well.

I nudged Jesus, What's the deal?

I would love to hear your take.

How'd these sinners get up here?

God must've made a mistake.

And why is everyone so quiet,

So somber - give me a clue.

"Hush, Child." He said.

"They're all in shock,

No one thought they'd be seeing you."

JUDGE NOT !!

Remember . . Just going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car.

Every saint has a PAST

Every sinner has a FUTURE!

Photos

2010-07-01T09:33:00.000-07:00

I'm posting these pictures not only to show you what a manly chest looks like, but so that you will see what to look for if it happens to you. I have posted a lot more photos on our family blog if you want to see them. I personally can't get enough of my chest.

This is my left chest. The one without cancer.

This is the right chest. The one with cancer. Notice that the nipple is pulled in slightly. The lump is between 9 and 11 o'clock under the nipple. The most common signs for male breast cancer are; discharge from the nipple and the nipple being pulled inward. This was taken the day before the surgery. I'm still pretty bruised from the biopsy.

I'm posting this one because if it were one of you instead of me, I'd want to see the pictures. I took this one yesterday. This is what a one nippled man looks like.

We met with a genetic counselor yesterday. They are going to do some blood tests to try to identify some genetic markers. This will help study breast cancer in men as well as enable us to see if my siblings and children have these markers which would increase the risk of cancer. The typical male only has a 6% chance of developing breast cancer. Now that I have had it, my chances for the other breast are 3%.

Cancer Free

2010-06-29T08:58:00.000-07:00

I just got the call this morning. I am 100% cancer free!!! There was no cancer in the lymph node and they had margins of over 1cm from the cancer in the tissue they removed. The tumor was a total of 1 1/2 cm diameter.

I would just like to point out that I am now more of a man than any of my brothers or in-laws. I only have one mammary gland.

2010-06-25T16:09:00.000-07:00

I know I'm stealing Brent's thunder BUT the cancer surgery was very successful!!!

The cancer hadn't spread. He is cancer free - no chemo, no radiation!

Thanks for all the prayers.

MRI Resutls

2010-06-23T09:18:00.000-07:00

I just got a call from my doctor. The MRI shows no cancer in the left breast (that is for you Jeff). It also does not show anything abnormal under my right arm. They look under the arm for abnormalities in the lymph nodes. It did show something abnormal, or a "hot spot" in one rib under my chest close to the cancer. I told her about my breaking some ribs in the same area and she thinks that the MRI is probably picking that up. They have ordered a bone scan to be thorough.

Group Fast

2010-06-19T08:16:00.000-07:00

We moved the surgery up to the end of this month. June 25th at 8:30 AM. There is no time to wait for a fast sunday to come around so we are going to fast this Sunday.

I have my final test on Thursday. A breast (or peck - just for you Jeff) MRI. This should give the doctors a better idea about my lymph nodes before surgery and see if there is cancer on the other side that can't be felt yet. If there is cancer, they will do both sides on Friday. We don't think that will happen.

I look forward to having a cancer free chest the will forever be winking. ; )

I'll let you know if anything else changes.

Surgery Scheduled

2010-06-18T12:23:00.000-07:00

More tests have come back. I am negative for HER2 and positive for estrogen and progesterone which means I will respond well to hormone treatment. The PET-CT scan came back showing no other cancers in my body and nothing under my arms in the lymph nodes. I will have a breast MRI next Thursday for more definitive look at the lymph nodes before surgery and a closer look at my other breast. 30% of people who have breast cancer have it in the other breast and it is not able to be felt. If that comes back showing cancer in the other breast, I will have a double mastectomy. That surgery will be on Friday the 25th of June at 8:30 AM at Banner Gateway Hospital.

We are consulting with a breast cancer specialist at St. Josephs hospital in Phoenix. He is providing a 2nd opinion.

Better pictures

2010-06-15T21:14:00.000-07:00

I got digital copies of the mammogram and ultrasounds today. These are better pictures and you can see the cancer better in relation to the nipple.

This one is the Mammogram

This one is the ultrasound.

These were both done on 5/24/10. The size of the tumor at that time was just under 1 centimeter. The stage they think I am in is Stage 1. The definition for that stage is: The tumor is small (less than 2 cm) and well-localized (has not spread to the lymph nodes).

At this point they do not think that it has spread to the lymph nodes. If it has then I would fall under Stage 2. There are a total of 5 stages.

This week I will have a few more tests:
Tomorrow (Wednesday): PET-CT scan
Thursday: Meet with Oncologist, have an EKG done and a Chest Scan.
Friday??: Meet with an Genetic Counselor. My doctor wants testing done because it is extremely rare that a male my age will get breast cancer. This can help for my kids in the future as well as studying genetic markers that will help identify cancer in others. From what I understand, they just want my blood.

I will also have a Chest MRI done. This will take a closer look at the lymph nodes and try to determine if there is cancer in them before surgery. I don't have that scheduled yet.

After all this is completed, we will then look for a second opinion. Assuming everything is as the doctors think it is and the 2nd team of doctors agree, we will have the surgery sometime in July.

I will post more information as the test come in. Here is a link for the type of cancer I have, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.

Man-O-Gram

2010-06-12T15:37:00.000-07:00

Here is what my cancer looks like. It didn't scan very well. The cancer is directly under my nipple.

I updated the picture to explain it a little better.

I went to the doctor today. I have an appointment with an Oncologist later this week. We will get his opinion and the opinion of another doctor before surgery. The surgery will probably happen the middle or end of July. Everything still looks good. I will post the results from future test if they change things. Before surgery I have to do an EKG, Chest Scan and some blood work to test for genetic markers.

Gila Valley Temple

2010-04-30T20:14:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day as we drove with Brent & family to the Gila Valley Open House. Because of all the rain, everything was so green - greener than it's been in a long time.
The weather was beautiful - actually April & I were cold! Just when the wind was blowing which was all the time.

I know it's hard to see them in the picture but I wanted the whole thing.

As we were walking up to the Temple, I heard someone calling my name. It was Carol & Anna!!! They were on their way into the Temple, we were on our into the church to begin the tour.

It is beautiful! I think the most memorable thing for everyone was the magnificent (and that is the only way to describe it) chandelier in the Celestial Room.

After the tour we headed over to Casa Mañana in Safford for some yummy Mexican food!! Carol stopped by & we visited & then headed over to Rhett & Alisha's home & visited some more. They live in Thatcher. Then we followed Carol on to Pima, passed the Temple to Stephanie's home & visited some more. The kids had fun playing with cousins.
Too soon it was time to head for home but not before we stopped at Tastee Freeze for some ice cream!!!
Thanks Brent & April for a wonderful day!!!

Oh, and just in case you are wondering, NO, Logan is NOT as tall as I am without my shoes on!!!
I still have at leased an inch on him!!!

Family Reunion - William John Thoma & Orinda Ann Karren

2010-04-11T06:28:00.000-07:00

They came from near & far for the Reunion & a good time was had by all.
Chuck was late & didn't make it in the picture & Helen wasn't able to come.
Pictures are better than words but since there aren't pictures this is who was there: Mary Thomas, Valarie & Sarah & families, Josh Winston & sons, Debbie, Diane, Peter, Alice, Liz & Marcus & families. Brent & family. Herrings - Mike, Stephanie, Rindy & Bridget & families. The Mannings: Aaron, Jonathan, Maria, Kristina, James & Families. The Moyers Plus Jeff & Daniel & their wives. Michelle favored us with a couple of songs - she is really talented!!
These are the Steels - dad's cousins. Cheryl, the one in the blue hosted the reunion at her home. Many of their families were there too - I just don't know all of them but Melanie - Megan Reed Adair was there with her cute baby.

Mason & Logan & Sabrina (no picture) got to ride the horses & I think they went a hay ride too.
It was decided to have the Second Reunion in 2 years. The weather was perfect.

Allie Anne Harper

2010-03-30T12:23:00.000-07:00

Allie is here - she's beautiful & so is her mother!!

2010-03-20T13:09:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU HEATHER!!!!!!!

You did such a great job. We'll have these memories for the rest of our lives!

2010-03-12T08:04:00.000-08:00

Well, I didn't add this to the poll,
but we've been contemplating Zoey.
What do you think?
Isn't this suppose to be fun?!?
:)

Poll

2010-02-20T08:40:00.001-08:00

I added a poll to my blog. Tell me what you think!

New Years

2010-01-10T13:58:00.000-08:00

Well, we figure if you have it.... use it. So that is what we did. We spent New Years up in Show Low playing in the snow. It was a good time and we realized how much we miss it.

Melissa's been busy!

2009-12-19T12:38:00.000-08:00

You all remember my friend Dolores? Well, Melissa decided to make a gingerbread house that looked just like her house.
She needed help, so she engaged Dad & his building skills. He drew it & constructed it out of paper all from a picture!!

Rusty helped!! NOT!

The finished product - the picture doesn't do
it justice at all! And yes, Dolores was speechless & that never happens to her!!

2009-11-18T12:01:00.001-08:00

I'm Having A Girl!

Sunset at the beach

2009-10-30T07:29:00.000-07:00

We visited with Eldon's family several weeks ago & had supper at the beach. The pictures speak for themselves. I understand better why they don't want to leave California.
We watched the sunset in "high definition", & listened to our grandkids chase the seagulls in surround sound!

Tell me again why our parents left California for the cactus of Arizona?

Haylee

2009-09-23T11:55:00.000-07:00

Haylee said the prayer the other day. It was too cute. She said, "Please help us to see our cousins again soon, just like we did at the Family Camp." We haven't really talked about it all lately, but apparently she still remembers and thinks about it. What awesome memories these kids will have of their Thomas Family. And did I already mention this? Mindy, you rock! That was a great family camp!

Competitors

2009-08-24T14:53:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO MELISSA!!!!!
SHE TOOK FIRST IN HER AGE GROUP IN THE TRIATHLON!!!!!!
GOOD LUCK TO ELDON WHO WILL COMPETE IN A TRIATHLON THIS WEEKEND!!!!!!
Can you stay up with your sister????

Pictures

2009-08-12T18:19:00.000-07:00

Mom let me know that some of you have asked about getting a DVD of all the pictures from family camp. I can send them out tomorrow, or I can wait until the end of the month and get about 10 more pictures from Mom (saying goodbye, packing up, etc). What do ya'll want?

2009-08-10T16:55:00.000-07:00

Maybe, just maybe if I do this often enough I will get the hang of how to put the words with the pictures!!!! Use your imagination!

Family Camp 2009

2009-08-10T16:22:00.000-07:00

Everyone had fun even the big boys!

Some, more than others!!

Some flew high!!

Some were

builders-

There's a story

behind this

picture!!

Awards were

given -

But as always, there are things

left -

Anyone want to claim anything??

Hello?!

2009-08-09T23:08:00.000-07:00

I've tried to be a little patient, but COME ON!!!! Where are the pictures!!! Where are the stories!!!!

Suspicions

2009-07-22T11:59:00.000-07:00

Well, I had my suspicions at the cabin but suspicions are confirmed.

Baby #4 is on the way!

I think I got the spacing right this time.
Three and a half years between Rusty and this one.
That seems so relaxing compared to 19 months, or even 22 months!

I think it's a girl.
Russ thinks it's a boy.
All bets are on!

Separated Shoulder

2009-07-15T22:30:00.001-07:00

Here is an x-ray that looks like my x-ray. Unfortunately I didn't get to keep mine. It would have been nice to keep track of all of my broken bones with pictures. The doctor called it a class 1 separation (class 3 is the worst). My x-ray looks most like this one but mine has a bigger gap (about 1").

I still want a Rhino!!!

I'm so excited!!!!!!

2009-06-09T16:40:00.000-07:00

Are you guys excited for family camp or what!!!

G. Thomas & Sons Campout 2009

2009-05-17T18:38:00.001-07:00

Since Glenn is out of town (to Vegas) I thought I'd give you a run-down of the Father's & Son's Campout in Texas!

A TOTAL BUST!

Glenn left with three of the four sons at around 2pm. They were going a bit early to set-up camp. (It's only 1 night, so I shoosh them out!) Nick had gym so I took him up later. I wished I would have taken a picture of what I saw at around 7pm when I drove Nick into the campgrounds! Boys, boys, boys... Nick could barely contain himself and he wanted to jump out!

There were at least over 70 families (Dads & sons) from our ward. Since it was a Stake activity and we have at least 8 wards... there were just a lot of people.

Emma and I took off for town - to Double Dip! We were set. We then went home and read books, watched 1/2 of The Little Mermaid. We were in bed by 10pm.

At about 2:30am the winds woke me up. I ran out to grab the flag, pull some tomato plants under the eave and get ready for the storm! And at about 3am, the rains came a tumblin' down! And the rains did come down and the floods came up. Oh, I forgot to tell you, the guys were camping next to Lake Lewisville. :)

In Glenn's words... I just lay on my cot listening. I decided to get up and close up the windows and as I got the last one untied... oh did the rains come down. The campsite next to them (Jensen's) had a trench dug around the tent... talk about prepared! But Glenn said he was confident and the tent stood fast and tall. The winds came, the rains poured and people were mad-dashing for their cars as fast as you can imagine. Dad's were throwing their sons into their cars, grabbing the tents and shoving them into the cars... it was a MAD RUSH to get out of there. Tents were ripped up from the grounds, falling over/in, kids screaming...

But not Glenn and a few die-hards... as the boys slept (they must have been tired), Glenn kindly helped others pack it up and then he too went back to bed (at around 5am). When the sun arose, so did some hungry boys. They ate their fill of Honey-Buns (nasty 15 grams of FAT cinnamon rolls) and drank a load of juice and were happy! (There was plenty of food to go around since nearly 90% of the campers LEFT!)

No pictures were taken... except this one as they pulled into the drive. Till next year!

Fathers & Sons outing 2009

2009-05-16T20:54:00.000-07:00

We had a good time at Fathers & Sons outing. Lots of games and lots of kids.

Here is Luke sitting on a stump.

Logan playing dodge ball.

Mason playing whiffle ball.

Me and the kid who kept me up all night by wiggling out of his bedroll.

Mason

Here is a video of Logan playing dodge ball.

2009-04-30T14:45:00.000-07:00

Can anyone tell me the name of this plant??????
It seems to like me because I got rid of, no, that's not exactly how it was but almost. I shoveled it out of my pot & took it over to Melissa's & planted it in her side yard. It's doing very well - has blossoms on it - likes where it got planted!!
It had taken over my pot that I had planted basil in.
After I thought I was rid of it or so I thought, I went to the nursery & bought some brand new basil & planted it in my newly cleaned pot.

As you can see my basil is doing so good, green & fragrant - love my basil.

But as you can see this other plant is also growing in my pot!!!!!!!

Did you guess what it was????? Well, it's a BLACKBERRY BUSH!!!!! And no it wasn't planted in the pot ever!! It just came up on it's own. Now I have another blackberry bush growing in the pot with my basil!!! Any one want a "Satan Bush"?? Come on Heather, you can take it home with you!!

Jeff & Melissa's Garage

2009-03-29T15:23:00.000-07:00

Jeff & Melissa made the extremely smart decision to have me put some shelves up in their garage. I forgot to take a before picture, but here are the after shots.

Puerto Lobos, Mexico

2009-03-09T19:40:00.000-07:00

I took that table down to Mexico to Puerto Lobos. I took Logan and Mason with me and we spent 4 days there. Here are a few photos.

Sunset from our back porch.

Here are the boys on the boat fishing.

Logan worked on this Yellow Tail Tuna for about 20 minutes. He finally got too tired and my friend Wells Davis finished him off.

Here is the big one that I caught.

We went for a drive down the beach and found this whale. He smelled great!!!

Here we are on the white sand beach looking for cool shells.

Here is a whale bone.

This is another whale bone. This one is the flipper.

Me and the boys.

Here is Logan working on the Yellow Tail.

Here is the fish that Logan started and Wells finished.

Table

2009-03-02T01:53:00.001-08:00

I just finished building this table with my friend Wells Davis. I thought it turned out nice.

It is bigger than it looks. 5' X 11'. Each bench is 4.5' long. It weighs over 600 lbs. We made it for his brother. He has a house in Mexico and wanted a big table for large groups.

Some Thanksgiving Pictures

2009-01-29T18:29:00.001-08:00

What a bunch of cuties!

Annual Ski Trip

2009-01-18T19:42:00.000-08:00

The past 4 years we have gone to Donner Ski Ranch in Tahoe to ski. Each year we go with our neighbors and stay together in one big condo. It's a ton-of-fun and believe it or not affordable if you can handle the long drive.

This year our neighbor made a video. You may have to guess who's who, but everyone, including Ryan, was out on the slopes.

Movie

The Arizona Home & Garden Show

2009-01-18T14:36:00.000-08:00

Brent had a booth at the Home & Garden Show at the State Fairgrounds, for his garage shelving. These pictures were taken on Friday-not too busy. Didn't bring the camera on Saturday-mega busy!! I'm sure he was able to drum up some business for himself.

2008-12-21T15:51:00.000-08:00

If you are tearing your hair & your kids are wailing about having to practice, hang in there!!
Melissa is the Choir Director in her ward.
Dad & I were invited to their Christmas Program.
WOW! It was incredible & I can tell you it was because of Melissa. You could tell the choir loved singing for her & she loved directing them.
The first song they sang was Joy to the World & truly you felt joy as they sang - it was uplifting!
Every song was beautifully done!!
I'm just saying that all those piano & voice lessons paid off!!! Well done Melissa!!

New Business.... New webpage

2008-12-04T18:05:00.000-08:00

I just finished my new webpage for Monkey Bars. Take a look and tell me what you think.

www.monkeybarsonline.com

Color Test

2008-12-03T21:37:00.000-08:00

Uncle Ted sent me this and I thought it was pretty funny. They say it takes an average of 5 tries to get all of the questions right. I did it in 3. Tell us how well you did.

http://www.humorsphere.com/fun/8787/colortest.swf

Random Pictures

2008-12-01T00:25:00.000-08:00

Rusty REFUSING to smile...

Garrett TRYING not to smile...

And Brent posing!

John Williams/Star Wars Tribute

2008-11-16T15:59:00.000-08:00

We found this on youtube recently and our kids love it. It must have taken forever to make it.

Funny Conversations

2008-11-12T10:15:00.000-08:00

In the car...

Thomas: Mom, there's a school bus!

Me: Yep

Thomas: Mom, it's a bus... like "Bus" Lightyear

While cooking dinner, clam chowder in bread bowls...

Thomas: What's that?

Me: Bread bowls

Thomas: Huh, it's bread bowls... like the Incredibles.

Me: What???

Thomas: Bread bowls, like the Incredi"bowls"

I can't decide if he's really smart to piece together things that sound the same or if he just watches too many movies.

First Snow

2008-11-09T20:16:00.001-08:00

We had our first snow tonight and could not resist throwing a few snowballs!!

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-03T14:12:00.000-08:00

This year was so easy. We gathered costumes from our dress-up clothes and from DI. Rusty was superman for $4! Lindsay was a witch for $2! And Haylee was a blonde Snow White with a crown for $3! Come on, that's sweet! We went to our wards Trunk-or-Treat in the church parking lot. It was chili night so I volunteered to bring soup. I'm not a big chili fan. I brought Melissa's Cheeseburger soup and it was the most delicious thing out there! Although our kids ate hot dogs and drank A&W's root beer with dry ice. A couple in our ward who started the trunk-or-treat flyer warning "please no cross dressing!" (Sunny and Cher) came as Germans in little liederhosen and were hysterical. Our 2nd counselor also got my vote for best costume with his sumo wrestler blow-up costume. We didn't dress up. I appreciate those who do, but....yeah. The kids made their rounds and got a minimum of candy which was almost gone that night. Haylee ran around with her friends all night while Rusty kept sneaking off into the church to run around in the basketball court. Lindsay just hung out and was cute as can be. Russ and I visited with other couples and then we all went home and watched a movie. With our lights off! (No trick-or-treaters!) Happy times!

Article

2008-10-24T15:18:00.000-07:00

Check out this article. Mom and Melanie - our cookies are famous. We should have made 300! Just kidding. I am still seeing them in my sleep.

http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/JaimeeRose/36871

2008-10-23T13:47:00.000-07:00

After coming with me a couple of times to the chiropractor Thomas decided to fix Mike's back. He made him lay down, he jumped on his back a few times, kept asking him how that felt, closely examined his neck and then got out his tools. He said his name was Doctor Thomas. He then proceeded to ask Mike if it was a 1 or a 2, a 2 or 3, 3 or J, J or purple. It took us a minute to realize he was now imitating my optometrist. I've decided I spend way too much time at doctor's offices.

Mindy's Other Girls Trip

2008-10-04T15:53:00.000-07:00

Mindy took off again this weekend.

Click here to see what crazy thing she did.

Smarty Pants

2008-09-10T11:36:00.000-07:00

We've been watching a lot of political news webcasts lately, can you tell?

Turkey Trot Challenge

2008-09-08T10:30:00.000-07:00

On November 27 I will be a 40 year old father of four.

But at least I will be running in the Turkey Trot.

What's your excuse???????

You have almost 3 months to get into race shape.

Mindy and I registered today. Paige and Kate are registered for the 2 mile fun run.

So.....

Go here to register: Mesa Turkey Trot registration

Or here for info: Turkey Trot Info

Below is a training schedule to get you to the race. Click on it to enlarge.

Of course we will excuse Dad, just like the past 20 years, but the rest of you have no excuse.

See you at the start!

Fang Update

2008-09-02T14:27:00.001-07:00

The two bottom teeth have come in but the top . . . "I vant to suck your blood!"

More Navoo Trip

2008-08-28T20:29:00.000-07:00

More pictures because this was a great trip that everyone needs to do with their kids at some point.

This was our favorite part, pulling the handcarts. It was hot and the trail was actually hard. We crossed a stream three times and had some hills.

Then we started hitting all the main sites like the brick making factory.

The printing press

And of course the Black Smith who still passes out prairie diamonds. (horse nail rings)
The next day we watched some pagents...

...and played outside the restaurant.

We found the names of relatives who died on the trail to Salt Lake City. (This was a Moffat relative)
Then we ditched the kids for a temple session. When we came out there was a great rainstorm.
On the way back to Chicago I stopped by to see the triplets. They were beautiful, looked big and healthy and seemed to be in good hands.

We spent a day at the Natural History and Science Museum which was pretty cool.

The next day we caught the trains into the city and took a boat tour. Here we are getting on the "L".

Then we walked about 8 blocks to the world famous Garrett's popcorn which was a huge hit.

The next day we drove to Wisconsin and hung out on a lake which the kids loved.

And I finally got my Chicago Pizza in Wisconsin.

I vividly remember when I went there as a kid. It's not the easiest or cheapest trip, but well worth it. We are planning on going again in a few years when the boys are older.

Great Movie Line...

2008-08-18T12:05:00.000-07:00

Out With The Old

2008-08-11T14:16:00.000-07:00

My old blog is gone for good and it's never coming back. ever. So I'm starting over, click HERE for the new one.

Manta Ray Dive

2008-08-10T21:38:00.000-07:00

Check out this link. There is some video of what it looked like when Jeff and I did the Manta Ray dive in Hawaii! The coolest thing I have ever done!

Click here!

Who are you?

2008-08-10T20:14:00.000-07:00

Take the Quiz here!

PS. I totally disagree, I thought for sure I'd be Maryanne Daschwood. Whatever

Vampire Baby

2008-08-08T13:58:00.000-07:00

Look close, can you see his fangs?

Dirt

2008-07-31T17:08:00.000-07:00

Today he found dirt.

2008-07-26T08:23:00.001-07:00

Emerson found a pen

Random Stuff

2008-07-20T19:57:00.001-07:00

This morning we were running late for church so Mike and I got the boys dressed and then quickly got ourselves dressed. In the middle of our frantic scurrying I saw Thomas and Emerson waiting patiently for us, playing together on the floor. CUTE!

We had a fun weekend, Friday we went to a baseball game with a bunch of Mike's co-workers. Thomas likes baseball.
Both boys did awesome and we lasted almost the entire game. Emerson wowed everyone with his ability to fall asleep amidst all the cheering.

At one point Thomas got a hold of my camera.

On Saturday Mike and I were one of the millions who saw the new Batman movie. Long and lots of violence but we both loved it!

Today, Sunday, we had the missionaries over for dinner and by the time they left we had both had it with Thomas, he was being a little terror and got sent to his room. Mike left for a meeting and I completely forgot about him up there until about a half hour later. I peeked in his room and this is what I found. Poor guy was exhausted.

Grandma Omerza

2008-07-15T16:44:00.000-07:00

I noticed that Melissa labels her posts for this blog so I went through my old posts and did the same. (Everyone else should too, BTW) I noticed it's been a while since anyone has blogged about memories so I expect everyone to do a follow-up post to this one. I think it'd be cool to hear what the older siblings remember. These are my memories of Grandma Omerza (a 4 year old perspective).

Grandma always had popcycles. Either homemade orange or the graham cracker kind. She could always perfectly break a graham cracker hot dog style thus turning it into a "popcycle"

I remember eating tuna fish sandwiches with her, and they were good.

Aunt Bertha moving in and having those bumps by her tear ducts and noticing grandma had them too. But aunt Bertha had buck teeth. Those two things made me like her.

Hiding behind grandma's wheelchair because Max was chasing me and Jessica.

Grandma could make a dinosaur out of her hand and I thought it was bad because her middle finger was out a little bit...

Grandma offered me jello at the hospital and I buried my head into mom because it looked gross and grandma looked different.

Jessica and I thought the funeral was cool because it was like Anne of Green Gables when Matthew died and the bench at the graveyard was bouncy.

Singing songs with Heather for Grandma.

The clothes line in the backyard.

The music box ("gosh oh golly, what do you think of that, a fat old lady sat upon my hat")

iphone 3G

2008-07-14T17:58:00.000-07:00

Mom is the proud owner of this new phone! Looks like she's the winner!

Cousin Fun!

2008-07-04T09:11:00.000-07:00

Am I prejudice or is the Thomas family producing some dang cute kids? We got sticky decorating cookies and making candy! Fun fun!

2008-06-30T13:08:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of my new salon!

Charles converted our shed and moved in last September. He lived there for almost a year, then moved out at the beginning of the summer. That' s when I decided it was time to take over before Russ did. I use to do hair out of the house but when Rusty came along I decided to quit for awhile. Now that's he's older and Russ has more time... (to watch the kids--Hee! Hee!) I've been wanting to get back into it. It's been great and I love it! Melanie has been a huge help. She came over with Clark and helped paint and clean and has even brought me quite a few color clients. She's been coming over to do haircuts so it's been nice to see her a lot more.

The curtains around the shampoo bowl were Melanie's idea. It helps block out the light and give it a spa kind of feel. Cute huh. Do you recognize the mirror and desk? They're from the collection that Melissa and I grew up with. I inherited the mirror and dresser and Melanie got the vanity. We put the two together and I think they are so stinking cute!

We still have a few finishing touches to work on like: hanging the mirror and installing the curtain hooks. I also want to put new baseboards in, the really tall ones. But it's still cute and I love it. I take my kids in there a lot to style their hair. Rusty wants his turn in the chair just like his sisters. We might have another Eldon on our hands here in a few years. (Smile!)

Thursday

2008-06-30T09:06:00.000-07:00

Here's a little photo journal of Thomas's stitches adventure on Thursday. Most of the pictures were taken by Thomas.

This is the stool he fell onto and split his lip while he was supposed to be taking a nap

This is the sticky alligator the nurse gave him at urgent care to make him feel better when she told us we had to go to the ER because they have to put him out to give him stitches on his lip

This is Thomas REALLY bored and hyper (remember, no nap) waiting for the doctor to see him at the ER

This is one of the nurses that Thomas took pictures of after he got bored with coloring and ripping apart his sticky alligator.

This is the doctor that took forever on the phone while Thomas, the "child drugging staff" and I waited not so patiently

This is the nurse that taught Thomas how to turn the camera around and take pictures of himself

This is one of about 30 pictures that Thomas took of himself

This is the doctor who is finally ready and trying to distract Thomas while they give him the nasty shot in his leg to put him to sleep

This was the last picture he took before he went to sleep (well, sort of went to sleep, it was totally creepy because he never closed his eyes, eek)

This is Thomas when he woke up and demanded the camera back. He was rewarded with a popsicle instead

This is a close up on the nasty thing (his lip, not the popsicle)

And this is the children's Motrin that Thomas took a picture of when he stole the camera back after we got home ... 5 hours after we left for Urgent Care!

The End

Luke turns 1

2008-06-22T18:44:00.000-07:00

Luke turned 1 on Saturday. We tried to put a candle in the cupcake but that didn't work out too well. He wasn't sure about the cupcake at first. He looked up at us as if to say, "are you sure", and then he dug in.

I think he likes birthdays.

Only 6 months to go before nursery!!!

Kate Thomas

2008-06-21T17:06:00.000-07:00

As some of you in AZ may have noticed Kate cut off her hair. She was inspired by her friend, below. They both donated their hair to Locks of Love. Kate just made it with a minimum of 8 inches of hair.

We also finally had Kate's Baptism, a month after her birthday. But it was great. The highlight was a big black spider at the bottom of the font. Kate wanted to check it out!

Of course after we had to have a big shindig at the house. We finished it off with enough pies to make you think it was Thanksgiving or something.

It was great to see Mom and Dad and Mindy's family. Only two more baptisms to go.

Mispronunciation Fun

2008-06-15T21:55:00.000-07:00

From time to time, we have been in Sunday School classes where the teacher repeatedly pronounces a word either wrong or with a thick Utah accent. One of our favorites from Heather's parents old ward was learning about the "plegs" of Egypt. This one happened over 4 years ago, but still comes up every once and awhile and gives us a good laugh.

Today's lesson in Gospel Doctrine was on Alma chapter 5. The instructor, posed the question: "What does it mean to have Christ's image in your continence?" Yes, that's right your continence not your countenance. Even some of the others in the class tried to help the instructor out by emphasizing the correct pronunciation of the word, but to no avail. Wondering why this kept making us chuckle? Click here for the definition of continence.

Forget the spiritual aspects of going to church, it's times like these that keep me coming back week after week.

my weekend

2008-06-11T10:18:00.000-07:00

Melanie posted a recipe for a yummy lamb sandwich on her blog last week. I was dying to try it but it looked like a lot of work.

So Mike and I doubled the recipe and invited some friends over for dinner on Sunday night to be our guinea pigs.

Mmm, doesn't it look soooo good!

At 5:30 everyone had arrived and we were just finishing last minute preparations, Mike was slicing the lamb and I was putting away a few clean dishes as we talked and joked with our guests.

I was especially witty, I was captivating my audience with a story while I pulled the blender out of the dishwasher and set it on the counter.

I had them laughing as I stacked a heavy ceramic bowl on the shelf and I turned around to look at them and enjoy their smiles. But they weren't smiling.

Apparently I was concentrating on my story more than on what I was doing and the ceramic bowl teetered and fell, smashing and shattering the blender on the counter. The blender, or what was left of it, then began to fall off the counter.

I looked back to see it falling and instinctively reached out to catch it.

I caught it.

I just had one real cut and it really wasn't as bad as it could have been,

but lots of glass and blood later we were all trying to decide whether or not I should get stitches.

Then one of our guests jokingly said she knew from parental experience that you can wait up to 12 hours to get stitches. That was enough for me!

We wrapped up my hand and ate our yummy sandwiches.

I did end up in the ER later that night and it's been gross and sore ever since. I'm so glad I enjoyed my food first. In case you were getting hungry here's my lovely hand today, 4 double stitches later. GROSS!

Garrrett's Birthday

2008-06-08T20:57:00.000-07:00

At long last Garrett is 5 years old. His constant asking about his party didn't help it come any faster, but it did just about drive Mom and Dad crazy.

At school he got a Birthday Crown which he wore all day long.

That evening we had a little party with our neighbors where Garrett got a new bike so he can go biking with Dad.

The next day was his party at Pump It Up, which according to Garrett is the best place ever to have a birthday. This would have been great with the Texas contingent.

We are looking forward to Kate's baptism next weekend, only 1 1/2 months after turning eight but we have a busy schedule around here. For example this coming weekend. School is out on Thursday, Paige has her birthday on Friday, Kate's baptism on Saturday, then the girls drive back with Mom and Dad for Cousin Camp with the Lee's.

Baby Conversation

2008-06-06T13:56:00.000-07:00

Me: Thomas, Mimi is going to come and visit in a couple weeks, she has a baby in her tummy just like I used to have.

Thomas: Oh, what's her baby's name?

Me: I don't know. (Changing the subject) Aunt Jill is coming to visit soon too.

Thomas: Yeah, and she has a baby in her tummy too.

Me: No, Jill doesn't have a baby in her tummy.

Thomas: Why doesn't she have a baby?

Me: Umm, because she isn't married yet.

Thomas: Oooo. (long pause) Mom, we're married because we have baby Emerson!!

Me: (longer pause) Yep.

Wedding Video Conversation

2008-06-05T20:07:00.000-07:00

Thomas: (looking at the cover of our wedding video) Mom, it's your movie!

Me: yep

Thomas: It's so beau'ful. Mom, you're a princess, and Dad has a flower.

Me: yep, that's when we got married in the temple

Thomas: Oooo

Me: Are you going to get married in the temple?

Thomas: No, I'm going to get married at Costco

I'm a GREAT AUNT

2008-06-03T17:42:00.000-07:00

I wish I had pictures but I don't & I know being a great Aunt is nothing to get excited about
BUT it's not everyone that is the GREAT AUNT OF TRIPLETS!!!!
Stefanie Omerza Garcia had her triplets today!! All are doing great.
The little girl, Isabell was 4 pounds something.
The twin boys, Joseph & Jarrett were both 3 pounds something.
None of them needed oxygen.
Just thought you would like to know!

Rusty Busty!

2008-06-03T12:25:00.000-07:00

I was thinking of Melissa while posting these pictures.
I know how much she loves injury photos,
so this one is especially for you Melissa!

This happened yesterday at my mother-in-laws house.
She has brick steps that lead
into the sunken family room
and they are vicious.
Nasty, huh?
The babysitter was watching the kids
and you should have seen her face
as she knocked on the door
and handed him to me.
I almost felt more sorry for her
than I did for Rusty.
She's 19 and the sweetest thing.
I had to explain to her that
this is how things roll at this age.

Haylee broke her collar bone
from falling off the toilet at 18 months.
Lindsay was not quite 2 years old
when she fractured her arm
from falling at the park.
So this is our first time going in for stitches
but it's not wholly unexpected.
Especially because he may
or may not have been pushed
by one of his sisters.
We will probably never know.
They're not talking.

Russ got a good picture of the opened, gaping wound
while he was driving us to urgent care
and when I figure out how
to upload pictures from phones,
I'll eagerly share those with you.
It sliced right through his eyebrow.
I was remarkably calm
and it wasn't until we got in to see the doctor that I felt
shaky and nauseous.
They bandaged him up and
then sent us to a pediatric plastic surgeon.

Once we got there
they had us set him down on the table
and leave the room.
I was okay but then
one of the nurses suggested that we wait outside
so we didn't have to listen to him scream.
Once the door closed behind me I started crying.
I'm such a baby
but it turns out
that they didn't even need to use
the straight jacket on him
because he started to fall asleep.
Can you believe that?
I'm talking about him falling asleep during stitches,
not them using a straight jacket.

So anyway, here's my beautiful baby boy
with three layers of stitches
and a black eye.

Still Handsome!

Choo choo

2008-06-03T08:33:00.000-07:00

Someone at our house got train tracks.

(Not an actual photo. Someone is being stubborn)

The Law

2008-05-29T00:27:00.000-07:00

I am reading an amazing article and I thought I would share:

You can read it HERE.

Tell me what you think.

Brent

More Thomas Tidbits... ha ha, get it

2008-05-28T13:51:00.001-07:00

Remember this on Melanie's blog forever ago???

Well, somehow it stuck and for months Thomas would randomly start singing parts of it. I finally got it him to do it on camera although he's acting a little shy, usually he really gets into the Harry Potter part. We are so entertained by it that I thought I'd share.

Funny Conversations

2008-05-27T14:31:00.000-07:00

This morning Thomas did something that is SO characteristic of him that I had to share it. While I was making breakfast he was being a little stinker and I anded up taking a toy away and put it in the basement, our usual method of discipline (or retribution). He was pretty dramatic in displaying his displeasure but soon breakfast was ready and he had calmed down. I asked him to say the prayer and he immediately says,

"Dear Heavenly Father, please bless Mommy not to get angry and take my toys away... and bless the food." The best part came after the prayer.

He says, "Mom, what did I pray?" Oh the bitterness of having your own manipulation tactics used against you.

I said, "You asked that I won't get angry and take toys away."

"Yes," he said "I blessed that you won't get angry."

"Ooh." I had to bite my lip so I wouldn't start laughing.

"I told Heavenly Father that," he said emphatically.

What a character.

Seriously.

2008-05-21T15:32:00.000-07:00

I don't mean to brag but seriously, I have stinkin cute little boys!

Oh yeah, Emerson is now in 12 month clothes... yeah, my 4 month old is wearing the same clothes Thomas wore when he was walking! We call him Giganta-Baby, he's so big and squishy!

Primary Songs Say It All

2008-05-11T07:25:00.000-07:00

Mother I Love You, Mother I do.

Father in heaven has sent me to you.

When I am near you, I love to hear you,

Whisper so softly that you love me too.

Mother I love you, I love you, I do.

Happy Mothers Day!!!

Thomas Family Mountain Retreat

2008-04-27T19:36:00.000-07:00

The Thomas Family Mountain Retreat is going up for sale. We will have it on the market no later than the 15th of May. We are planning on staying here in Show Low for the foreseeable future. We will rent a house and then buy another lot and build a smaller house (don't worry it will still have space for visitors). If you want to come up for a weekend and stay in this house, you had better hurry.

Here are some of our most recent photos.

I'm In.

2008-04-23T14:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have a blog but I'm worse than Eldon at keeping it current. :)
Here it is.

In case you didn't know

2008-04-17T21:25:00.000-07:00

The kids downloaded some video from Sammi's camera. Here's a particularly special one by Nathan. Do you know how to poo?

The Name Game

2008-04-15T14:37:00.000-07:00

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
9,269
people with my name
in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

A friend of mine had this on her website, that's how many people have Mike's name. There were almost 5 thousand people with Thomas' name and about 12 hundred with my name. Emerson? only 28 other people in the US have the name Emerson Clark. And you wondered why we named him Emerson :)