Prayer

The topic these last couple weeks between Scott and I has been on prayer.

Prayer is a very interesting topic and we have had a few loooong discussions on it. I want to share with you a few of my early thoughts, some information we found searching together, and what I ended up learning about it.

Let me first state that I know prayer is a wonderful gift that each of us have and are blessed with. I am going to pose a few questions in which I may sound negative toward prayer, but hear me out. And trust that I am only playing the devil's advocate on some questions to stimulate discussion on the importance of prayer!!
 
Why do we need to pray if we are willing to do whatever the Lord wants us to? For example, why should I pray if the Lord wants Scott and I to move to Utah. I will move to Utah because I know the Lord wants that for me. Or, why should I pray for Scott to get a job when I know the right job will come along for him and our family when the time is right. If someone has a grandparent that has a terminal disease, why pray for them to be healed if the Lord's will is that this person's time on earth is done? Why is it important to pray for the  president of the United States, if the prophets and scriptures say that we will know the second coming is coming soon when the constitution will hang on by a thread? Hmm, interesting.
 
Do you (kinda) see where I am coming from? I am willing to do whatever, go whereever, or say whatever the Lord wants me to, so why it it important to pray about it? I am the kind of person that always sees the cup half full. Everything happens for a reason, the Lord's reason.
 
Those were some of the questions I posed to Scott during our conversation. And here are some scriptures, quotes and other wonderful finds about prayer:

Is prayer a commandment of God? Not Moses' 10 commandments but what about here in D&C 10:5 "Pray always, that you may come off conquerer: yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work."

Praying is an opportunity to communicate and increase our relationship with our Father in Heaven. It is also important that we follow Jesus' example and "pray oft".

We also realized that most prayers are selfish. People are asking for this and that and they promise to do this, if their prayers are answered. Besides asking if I should go to the left or go to the right, I first need to decide for myself which is best and then take it to the Lord in prayer and ask if that is His will.

While praying we should talk this much --------- and listen this much ----------------------------------------------. (I know I am not that great at, but how important that really is!!)

Another great example we found was in Mormon 3:12. Mormon was praying for the Nephite people. Now, at this time they had all hardened their hearts and refused to repent. So why did Mormon pray for them? It does not go into detail of what words he used in his prayer, but he knows (through the scriptures) that everyone will turn away from God. So why does he pray for them??

By praying oft we have a closer relationship to our Father and feel His spirit more and then we will have a better understanding of His plan for us.

So, again I will pose those (silly) questions to you. Should I pray to know where we should live? No, I will pray for Thy will to be done. Should I pray for the president of the United States to lead our country in the right direction? No, I will pray for Thy will to be done. I will also ask that my heart will be soften so I can understand why things happen.

Prayer. Very interesting and deep topic. I encourage you to search out what prayer means to you. Talk about it with your spouse and children and see what you come up with.  And of course, feel free to comment here about any ideas that you might have, that might strengthen and edify us all together.

Jedi Training Party ideas

Hey everyone! I am needing your help to plan out Gavin's 4th birthday party. I LOVE planning parties! I shoulda been a party planner when I grew up!!

The theme this year is "Jedi Training Academy" party!! Have you been to Disneyland and attended the Jedi Training there? SOOOO much fun! I read on some blogs of some cute ideas, but I need to add and change it up a bit.

I have made a cute homemade invite, I plan on making (small) cloaks the children wear (and have), we plan on serving pizza and Yoda Juice (Sprite with a scoop of Lime Sherbet), do a mini training (with Scott's help) and then Darth Vader (Will) will come out and everyone gets their chance to "fit" him, a pinata (of course!!) and....What? I need some more game ideas!! What do you think??

NEW JOB!!!

I am thrilled to announce that I have a new job!! I am the newest member to join the Holladay Lions Fitness and Recreation Center as an aerobics instructor!!!!
I have been a certified aerobics instructor for almost 9 years and have loved it every moment!! (Even though I did slack off a bit while living in AZ) I am certified and enjoy teaching step, low-impact, water, spin, kick-boxing, pre-natal/post-pardon and a few other classes.
I will be subbing my first class this coming Saturday at 7:15am Spinning. Who wants to come?! :)
It's a great facility. There are a lot of wonderful people I have met and they pay pretty well. I am excited. Another thing to check of my "So Many Plans and Dreams to Accomplish in 2011..."!! Woot, Woot!!

Is Six Enough??

We are trying to decide if we're having more children or not. If you or anyone asks me, "Do you want more?" My answer is always YES!! Do I want more children, heck yeah! Will it actually happen? Hmmm, maybe. I keep going back and forth.

My baby is moving into a toddler and I feel like I have a life (now, don't get me wrong, I DO HAVE A LIFE!!! I LOVE MY LIFE!! but, I can workout whenever I want, run a errand, go on a trip...) I am usually nursing or pregnant. Pregnant or nursing for the past 12 years. So this feels good. But I also feel a little selfish. I want more children. I love being pregnant, I LOVE newborns. I am great with newborns! Do you see my dilemma?

If I couldn't have more, of course I'd be sad, but I do have SIX little blessings in my life. I am one lucky lady that's for sure.

I wasn't planning on sharing this, but all of a sudden I feel moved to do so. I was recently pregnant with my 7th child. What a wonderful feeling it was. I was 3 months and 2 days along and had a miscarriage. 4 days before Christmas. Sad. I am completely at peace with it now, but it has made this change in my life and goals for the new year. (wanting to workout, travel, explore and learn more) I still get those emails that say "Congrats you are 16 weeks pregnant...." I just delete them. I really need to open them up and update my profile.

Anyways, I am fine about it all. Really. I am focusing on the future and it looks GOOD! I just can't tell if there are more little Scott's (and maybe little Lori's) out there...Only time will tell!

Will is going to STATE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Early Monday evening I received a call from one of my friend's (who had the inside scoop!!) of the Reflections contest and the results of Will's submission...He passed (with flying colors) through Regionals (which in itself is a huge feet!) and is heading to STATE!! WOW! What a wonderful thing to happen to Will. He certainly deserves it! Here is the photo once again, if you don't remembering seeing it before.

He will be having his art on display for an entire week at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center from January 28th-February 2nd.  He will also be honored at two receptions and an award ceremony.  So more pictures to come!

Pizza Margherita

 I found this easy and delicious recipe on a new cooking shown on the OWN network. My mouth was watering when I watch her make this delicious and healthy pizza. I knew I wanted to try it immediately. But, I wasn't sure if the boys would like the pizza...and surprisingly they did! YEA!!

Crust:
1 package of (instant) yeast
1 1/2 C whole wheat flour
1 1/2 C flour
1 T agave syrup (I forgot to buy this so I used honey)
1 tsp. sea salt
1 T. olive oil
1 1/4 C. warm water

Sauce/Topping:
1 can San Marzano tomatoes
1 ball of buffalo mozzarella cheese (sliced thin)
Basil leaves (rough chop)
Pinch of red pepper flakes (I forgot to use this!!)
dash of salt and pepper

Put water, yeast and agave in a food processor ( I used a bowl and mixed with my hand) Add flour. Pulse. Don't over mix, makes dough tough.
Sprinkle flour on table or counter. Take dough out and gently mix, making into a smooth ball. Cover with Saran wrap and place in ref for 45 minutes. Will double in size
Cut into thirds. Add a dash of flour. Slightly roll out. Place on parchment paper.
Over is preheated to 500 degrees with the pizza stone indie the oven. After the over is at 500 place pizza on top. Bakes 2-3 minutes and then remove paper. (Normally you don't have to remove the paper, but because the over is so high, it's a good idea!) Cook 7-8 more minutes (total time is oven is 8-10 minutes)

That's it! Easy and yummy!

 I made 3 pizza's, next time I'll double the dough recipe and make 4 large pizza's. I made one Margherita pizza (recipe above) and then I made the other two a little different. One of them I used a handful of shredded cheese and not the buffalo mozzarella...for the boys. Brig's wanted me to show you the pizza in his mouth!

For the second one I added a large handful of fresh spinach to the top. It was 4-5 inches high! But then cooked down to look like a normal pizza. Delicious!

 Everyone gobbled it down...Even Nate!

FREE Purse Book from Walgreens!!!

I just ordered mine!! Go here for this great deal and hurry!!! Use code purse at the checkout!!

Thank you Coupons 4 Utah for sharing this!!

Jack in the Box and Chilis FREEBIES!!

Go to one of my new favorite sites Fabulessly Frugal for some HOT new coupons for some yummy FREE food at Jack in the Box and Chilis!!

Enjoy!

Best Cheeseburger...Ever!

This is what we ate last night for dinner. Yummy!

Whenever we make burgers for dinner I set up a buffet like style of topping and condiments for each person to choose from.
I toast the buns slightly (Which makes any burger a million % better!!)
They can choose from ketchup, mustard and mayo. Then the toppings they can choose from are jalapenos, pickles, avocados, lettuce, grilled onions, tomatoes and bacon.

We ate our burgers with mac-n-cheese and spinach with a splash of lemon juice on it last night. But, the last time we had burgers for dinner I made homemade french fried (baked not fried!) They were so good!!

This is making my mouth water! When is dinner?!

4-day weekend Update

What a fun weekend. I love 3 and 4 day weekend's. Especially when Scott doesn't have to work too much during the boys time off.

On Friday we drove to Ikea. We shopped around while the little ones were in their free daycare and then we ate a free lunch they were offering. You can't beat that! We then walked around a fun mall we never get a chance to visit because it's so far away.

We watched Bed Knobs and Broom sticks, for the first time. We also watched Mary Poppins. Both treasures. And surprisingly the boys enjoyed them too.

On Saturday we went to the boys first swim meet, which was so fun to watch. That night we had a very FUN date night at a yummy hamburger joint that had pool tables. Our group had 6 fun couples. We laughed, and laughed. Good times. Good friends!

There was a ton of football games on. Holy upsets! Some were good, some were alright. Thank goodness for Tivo!

On Sunday before church we had "Wrestle Mania" on our bed. We drew names of two members of the family that had to wrestle each other. The winner was the one who could get their opponent off the bed. We had all of our pillows all around the floor and we all stood there cheering the match on. We ended up all wrestling dad, and we won! We then took it to the floor and used an old sheet to have a tug-o-war. So fun! And BTW, our church doesn't start until 1pm so we had lots of time to play as a family.
Sunday night Tyler had a baptism meeting at the stake center with all the other children who will be baptized this year. It was very informative and Tyler said he especially enjoyed the treats after!

That brings me to today, Monday. What a fun and beautiful day it was! Scott had to work, which was really the only bummer of the entire day! We went to a 10:30am movie, Mega Mind. It was fun. The boys loved it. It was the first time I have taken all 6 boys to a movie without the help of Scott. It went pretty smoothly. I had drinks, candy, a passy, and I bought popcorn to help the time pass. I also took in Nathan's car seat and buckled him in. Brilliant!

It was almost 60 degrees outside when we arrived home, so I put the little ones to sleep and went on a nice long walk with Gavin and Tyler. It was so refreshing and beautiful out there! I am so blessed to live in such an amazing place!

Now we are needing to start the bedtime routine and get all these monkey's bathed and ready for bed.

Swim Meet

 Last Saturday was Jackson's and Tyler's FIRST swim meet....and they did great! Each child swam in 3 different heats. To keep it all clean and organized, they wrote on their arm what races they were suppose to compete in. Tyler chose to race in the 25 free, 50 free and 25 breast. Jackson chose the 25 free, 50 free and 25 fly. They raced in heats with other boys their age.

 Here is Tyler is his very first race! (with the colorful goggles) He did great! Both Jackson and Tyler said they felt like super stars when everyone was yelling their names and cheering them on!

 Below is Jackson racing in the 25 butterfly! That's the hardest stroke, and he too did really well.

One of the races Tyler came in third and I kept saying how great that was. Then he says, "mom there were only three of us racing!" We wrote down their times and will track it for them. Hopefully next meet they can improve their times! Great job boys!!

Tyler the Photographer

Last night Tyler asked if he could use my camera and take some shots around the house. Here are some of my favorite...

Max

On Wednesday Tyler asked if Max could come over to our house after school and play, and I said sure. When he walked home later that day without his friend Max I thought his parents had changed their minds and didn't think more about it.

On Thursday I saw Tyler at school and he asked if Max could come to our house. Again I said sure, but he could only stay until 4:30 since he has swim team. Thursday was a half day and at around 1pm Mrs. Miller (Tyler's teacher) called and said, "Tyler said it was okay for Max to come to your house, but I just wanted to make sure that was okay with you". Weird. I told her that would be fine. She then asked if I could come pick them up. I then explained to her I lived two streets away from school and they could easily walk home. Mrs. Miller then said the craziest thing, "It's too heavy for Tyler to carry home. What if I bring him by in an hour or so"!!!! WHAT?

I agreed, not really knowing or understanding what the heck I just

agreed to.

Tyler walked in the door a few moments later and was kinda of mad. I asked what was wrong and he said that he couldn't bring him friend, Max, home today. I asked, "Is Max a person?" "No, duh, mom!"

Come to find out Tyler's dear friend, Max is a Hamster. (I didn't even know that class had a pet hamster!!) This entire time I'm thinking a little friend of Tyler's in his class. Silly me!

For those of you that really know me, know that I do NOT like any kind of small animal. No rats, mice, snakes, lizards, spiders, hamsters, guinea pig.....Yuck. And know I am stuck with Max for Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday! (No school Friday or Monday! )Perfect weekend to have him! Lucky me!

The boys are having a ball with him. They put Max in this little ball thingy and he cruises all over the house. He's not that bad. Kinda cute...in his cage!

Scott came home a few hours later and looked on the kitchen table and there was Max and his glass cage. Scott thought I bought him for the boys! He was shocked and surprised by my generosity!

                

Snowman

 Every time it snows Gavin begs us to help build him a snowman. We left early this morning and were out for most of the day. When we finally returned Gavin headed to the side yard and started on his snowman. He came in about 20 minutes later for some buttons, a scarf and a carrot. He needed a little help from Scott and I but he made most of this himself!!

GREAT job Gavin!!

Old Navy

I love Old Navy. I love, love, love Old Navy. I really do! It has a little for everyone in the family.

Right now their Clarence is an additional 40% off!!! So, get out there and SHOP!!

Here is what I just purchased...
a jean pencil skirt
a grey and black ruffles skirt
4 pairs of toddler socks
red fleece toddler pants
camo toddler pants
a orange and camo tee with long sleeves
a camo backpack
black workout shorts
a sweatshirt with faux wool and hoodie
a sparkly diamond ring
black beaded bracelet
a black beaned necklace
and
a clean crystal necklace

for under $40. You can't beat that!

I love you Old Navy!!

FREE enterence to National Parks 2011!!!

Check out these dates when
all National Parks will be FREE!!

 This is a wonderful way to get out with the family and enjoy a national park, without digging into your pocket.



2011 Fee-Free Days Include:


■January 15-17


(Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday weekend)


■April 16-24


(National Park Week)


■June 21


(First day of summer)


■September 24


(Public Lands Day)


■November 11-13


(Veterans Day weekend)

THANKS saving cents with sense for this info!!

Ice Skating

 I found a free ice skating clinic and free skate on Saturday at a local rink here in SLC. The boys were all a little wobbly at first, but they quickly got the hang of it.

 Here is Tyler right in the middle skating away long after Gavin and I were done.

During the clinic they helped teach the different age groups how to ice skate better. They also did little drills like touching your toes as you skate. It was a fun event and my feet are still killing me. But, I'm glad we were able to go!

9 days

I can't believe it's only January the 9th! It seems like it should be the very end of the month! But, it's not. I am having a FANTASTIC year so far! It couldn't be any better.

I have already completed the disgusting, terrible, horrific Master Cleanse. Thank goodness that is OVER! I wanted to go on the cleanse so I would stop drinking soda. My name is Lori Thompson and I am SODA FREE for 9 whole days! (May not seem that big of a deal, but I have to start somewhere!!) And I feel ggggreat! (Say that like Tony the Tiger!)

I am already in the beginning of 2 Nephi! I am really trying not just to read the words but really soak up the messages it's offering me. I have been really enjoying this time for myself.

I have completed Brigham's baby book from birth to 1 year!! It was so wonderful putting it all together and remembering when he was born and such a small baby. Where has the time gone?

Scott and I have decided to take a topic for a week or two and study, ponder, and search it out on our own and then talk about it together. This week it has been on faith.  I am remembering a few stories from my youth and mission as well as some scriptures I have come across in my daily scripture study. What a wonderful blessing to have such a great husband that we can do this together.

I am on track physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally!

2011 ROCKS!!

Reflections Award

 Will and his AWESOME photo are moving on to the regional level!! They honored all the children with a fun evening at Olympus Jr. High.

 There were quit a few people in attendance. Will asked me not to yell his name or make any embarrassing sounds when they called his name up to the stage!

Will received this beautiful certificate and a gift card for the local movie theater. GREAT JOB Will!!  And good luck on the next round of judging! (Only 4 kids went on in the photography section!!

Scott's Son

Brig's get this from his father. Using a welding mask with a light saber and no pants dancing around the room.

Daddy's shoes fit, kinda

 Scott came home the other night and Nathan and I were in my room hanging out. Scott came in and Nathan was so excited to see him. Scott took off his shoes and his scrubs from work and Nathan went right over to the sneakers to play. It took him a few minutes to get his tiny feet inside the shoes. It was pretty funny to watch. He is such a ham!

Can you say, "Messy?"

Here is Mr. Nathan eating (or playing) with his dinner the other night. It was all over him and the floor! Silly boy!

Bath Time...with LOTS of bubbles!

      
My bathtub is wonderful. It's huge with jets. I just LOVE it! And so do my boys!!
         
                

What fun!

2011 Plans and Goals

"So many plans and dreams to

accomplish in 2011"

is my theme and motto for this year!! Isn't it a great one?

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately and I wanted to make 2011 the best year ever. Also, I want to make 2011 all about me. (May sound a little selfish at first, but hear me out!) I want to make more time for myself to do what I want to do. I want to "find" myself. (I use that term very loosely because I defiantly know who I am. I just want to do more physical/spiritual/emotional things for ME!!)

Each month I want to do something BIG! Either physically, spiritually of emotionally. (some months will have 2, 3 or even 4 BIG things) I also want to include plans and goals for the family to do all together.

So, here is the year's lay out, so far. (some things I'll add later or change, but this is the first draft!)

January:
5 day cleanse
Start workout schedule (make chart of weight and inches)
Start the Book of Mormon (complete in 6 months)
Register for a triathlon (or major bike race)
Complete Brigham's Baby Book (birth to 1 year)

and ps...I've completed everything in January already!!

February:
Attend TOFW
complete Nathan's Baby Book (birth to 1 year)
Plan a extra fun 4-day Birthday weekend
Gavin's 5 yr BD

March:
Plan all Summer camps for boys
Complete Family Book
Brigham's 3 yr BD

April:
Family vacation (Jackson Hole WY and Yellowstone)

May:
Woman's triathlon

June:
Summer family vacation (possibly Magic Mountain)
Shark Attack Triathlon

July:


Aug:
Attend Education Week at BYU (who wants to join me??)

September:
Alaska cruise with Scott (and his parents and Bill and my mom)
Will's 12th BD (Priesthood!!)
Jackson's 10th BD
Nathan's 2nd BD

October:
Tyler's BD (Baptism!!)

November:
New York City with Scott
Thanksgiving

December:
Christmas

I need to add a few more plans and goals here and there, but it's looking to be a great year!