Thornton Mom

Our first day in Disney started in Hollywood Studios.  We began on Rocking Roller coaster and then immediately went to Tower of Terror.  Maddie and Michael waited patiently for all of us to ride those rides and were quite delighted by the reward of Disney Jr. Live!  Everyone did great on Rocking Roller coaster but Samantha did not like the Tower of Terror and when I went on with Elizabeth I was terrified.  I kept grabbing her leg as we would go up and down.  I was really wondering why I even got on this ride.  I was grateful when it was over.  Elizabeth loved it, it was by far her favorite ride. Because my feet are not yet back to normal I ended up being in a wheel chair for the trip.  It defiantly had it's advantages.  One was that we got to sit right up front for many of the shows.  Here Maddie and Samantha wait for Beauty and the Beast to begin.  That was stunningly beautiful and fun. Michael wanted nothing more than t...

Depression is still rearing his ugly head.  It has been almost a week.  I feel overwhelmed and frustrated.  I have such a sweet husband who is so patient and understanding and who would love to cure me of this trial.  Today I resolved to focus on two things, exercise and scripture reading.  I am hoping this will help me overcome the black dog of depression. I took a lovely walk today and wished I had brought my good camera.  The Lord really made everything so beautiful and the sun was just right to make all the frost glitter and shimmer in its light.  Here are a few pictures I took with my camera. Book of Mormon, Alma 10:14-15 "14  Now it was those men who sought to destroy them, who were lawyers, who were hired or appointed by the people to administer the law at their times of trials, or at the trials of the crimes of the people before the judges. 15  Now these lawyers were learned in all the arts ...

Hungry Hungry Hippos Will it ever pop? We played Hungry Hungry Hippos as a family with balloons.  We would try to put the balloons in a basket, sometimes only using our feet, sometimes dancing like a ballerina.  Michael thought this was the best game ever and loved the reaction of his brother's and sister's when he would take the balloons out of the basket before the game was over. We then we had the kids pop their favorite color and waiting inside was a chore for them to do.  The only rule was that they couldn't use a pin.  I love John Derek's face!! I have been feeling a need lately to study patience.  As I have been listening to the Mormon Channel , different episodes have again and again reminded me of the word patient.  It comes up in our finances, it comes up with our children, it comes up with understanding gospel principals, growth, heartache, and the ever present trials.  If patience is a characteristic that is needed in so...

We had the family council that I mentioned the other day.  We decided to focus on better breakfasts.  Not so many breakfasts with syrup (waffles, panckes, german pancakes etc.)  And to also only have one bowl of cereal (before they were allowed 2.)  I do know that I need to have more fruits and vegetables around.  I am afraid this means going to the store more often.  But I know with the help of the Lord we can do it. The Infinite Atonement (Illustrated Edition) by Tad R. Callistar Pg. 221--"The powers of the Atonement do not lie dormant until one sins and then suddenly spring forth to satisfy the needs of the repentant person.  Rather, like the forces of gravity, they are everywhere present, exerting their unseen but powerful influence" What an encouragement!!  To know that just as Satan's forces are fighting so hard there is a more powerful force exerting its power over us.  That all those "coincidences" are not coincidences, th...

Maddie is having her 5th birthday party this afternoon.  Samantha made cake pops and did a very good job.  Elizabeth was in charge of the streamers and could reach the high places that I could not.  I can't believe my daughter is taller than me.  And Maddison laid out her outfit that she will wear today.  What darling helpful girls I have.  I feel so much better since I went to the Temple and talked to my mom.  I feel lighter, less stressed, I see the good, I am more positive, I am more patient with my children.  I do really need to go once a week.  Derek is there right now.  I am excited for him to feel the way I do. 2 Nephi 6:3 "Nevertheless, I speak unto you again; for I am desirous for the welfare of your souls. Yea, mine anxiety is great for you; and ye yourselves know that it ever has been. For" Some...