Happy Easter

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday. Enjoy this beautiful message; it is excerpts of Elder's Holland talk from GC, Sunday morning session. Pictures to come of the girls in their easter dresses... Stay tuned for new posts and pictures as well.

How Do I Love Thee?

Watch this video of a talk given by Elder Holland. Beautiful message!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eM3mlgLAlMs

Bedtime Giggles

This is a short video clip of Anna getting ready for bed. Every night she loves to laugh while I get her ready for bed and Michael captured this the other night. I am playing peek-a-boo as I put my head down and up again. I love the sound of her giggles. Most nights she laughs longer and harder than this. She had been laughing for awhile before Michael grabbed the videocamera. Enjoy and hope this works; it is my first video attempt.

We are still alive....

Just a quick post to update everyone on our happenings. We are still alive however, our laptop (which held everything) crashed. I kept waiting to post until I had pictures then I finally took some to share and then the laptop crashed. Our desktop is basic and Ashley primarily uses it for her entertainment - learning games and so forth. So as we wait to retrieve our hard drive, I thought I'd just write our news then I'll post pictures later.

Thomas Family News ---

I know everyone is eager to hear (or maybe just our law friends). Yes, Michael passed the California bar. The hardest bar exam in the country; for those of you who don't know. He is now a California CPA and attorney; how awesome is that! He worked hard and was dedicated. You are awesome, Michael! I am SO proud of you! I was confident the whole time. I knew he could do it, I believed in him. He is sworn in on December 8th.

Ashley and Anna are well. What can I say Ashley is the cutest kid! She makes me laugh, brings joy into my life, and brightens my day. Even though I get frustrated and have hard days, it is hard not to absorb her happiness because it is contagious. Anna is 5 months, she is the same as Ashley; a joy to be around. I can't get enough of both of them. I love it!

Motherhood is wonderful. I love it! I can't believe 5 moths flew by, let alone a whole year, and my little one will be starting solids. I have a wonderful husband and amazing girls. I am excited for the holiday season. We had a great Thanksgiving with just our family here in Riverside and look forward to the same for Christmas. We are having fun creating family traditions!

Happy holidays! More to come...

News about Prop 8 passage...

For those of you who don't have family or friends in California or haven't heard about the aftermath after Prop. 8 passed; here is a summary of what has happened. Yes, we feel extremely victorious and joyful but the battle still rages on...

Three lawsuits have already been filed on the grounds that Prop 8 is unconstitutional and violates the state's equal protection act in the state's Constitution. Although, we are hopeful that the court will find that there are no merits to any of these lawsuits. However, it is the same court that reversed the first Proposition so who knows; anything goes apparently with them. The dissenting judges in that case said in their opinion that is wasn't up to the legislation nor the courts to decide this issue but rather the people. The people have spoken twice already and I hope we will be heard this time.

This afternoon I am watching on TV gay rights activists protest in front of the Los Angeles Temple. The temple ended all sessions and closed for the safety and protection of everyone. I see unkind signs and pictures towards the church, our temples, and our prophet. I heard a soundbite of a press conference in front of the temple talking badly about the prophet and us, as members. The protesters say they will be there all night. All these events make me wonder, where are the protests for the Catholic, Lutheran, and other churches that joined hand in hand with us in this battle? Are our California temples in jeopardy of being harmed, defaced, or destroyed out of anger? Will our priesthood leaders have to stand guard like those did in pioneer days (even though there are tons of police)? How far will Satan go?

We, as a church, were not the only ones to vote yes. I saw the map of the state broken into counties provided on the secretary of state website it was a sea of green (green= yes on 8 majority) even LA county was green! Speculation is that people were afraid to voice their true feelings when polled or surveyed.

I am proud to have participated in the fight to defend the divine institution of marriage. I am proud that our church led the fight. We are not afraid to defend and honor God, Jesus Christ, and their teachings/principles. One Lutheran lady called our church building and spoke to our Bishop. She could not get off the phone because she wanted to express so much gratitude to our church for leading the fight.
On this day, I am overcomed with joy for the blessing which is mine to know the true gospel and to belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am proud and honored to be a member. I will forever stand, defend, and fight. May the Lord protect us, our church buildings, and temples under this persecution.

On a happier note, check out these pictures:

November 2008 -- Anna 4 months.
November 2004 -- Ashley 3 months.

Both girls will always know the importance of voting.

Remember to VOTE

This evening I stood with Michael and the girls along side a countless number of fellow Prop 8 supporters on a busy street in Riverside during rush hour. We lined most of the long, long street and it was a profound and humbling experience.

I know that marriage is divinely created and is only between a man and a woman. Man does not have the right to change that which God has created and instituted. I believe in the Proclamation to the Family declared by a living prophet and apostles. I know the Proclamation to be true. I know that God lives and that He is the creator of all things. I am one who would wholeheartedly support individual rights and fight against discrimination. However such is not the case in this battle and I can't go against God and what he has set forth.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

I didn't have my camera and it was dark. However, Ashley was awesome and so excited as she held the sign and was jumping up and down wanting everyone to see her sign; if only she understood the magnitude of it all. Check out my friend 's blogs for their pictures:

Tammy

Brooke

VOTE YES ON PROP 8 (CA) and PROP 102 (for AZ, go Gales!) May the Lord bless us; is my prayer and hope. We will see what Wednesday brings...

Pictures

Ashley being silly. She has a funny sense of humor!! I love the things she comes up with. Jennifer, note the shirt, she loves it! Ashley wore this shirt when we went to see HSM 3 opening weekend. She liked the movie and the music.

The three girls of the house having fun! Ashley loves to get on the floor while I am playing with Anna. All three of us have a great time. The other night, we were showing/teaching Anna songs and their motions like Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes and I am a little Teapot. I have found creative ways to play with both of them at the same time which is a lifesaver!