Our Crazy Week

Our Mansfield Thiots

Our Harper is going to be in her intermediate schools production of Mary Poppins this coming weekend.  Can you think of anything funner than going to see Mary Poppins?  I can hardly wait.  We are trying to figure out how to purchase the tickets on line which is proving to be above my pay grade.  Ricky said he can assist me.  Harper is playing one of the Nanny's.  She'll be fabulous I'm sure. 

Our Medford Granges

Family Night refreshments for the Granges were the Delicious Shamrock Shakes.  Several places are making them this time of year.  I think McDonalds was where they got theres.  

Penny and Gracie and I were having a girls talk on Saturday and I told them I was kind of wanting to try those shakes.  When I worked at McDonalds in High School was the first year they made them.  Ok, that may or may not have been 50 years ago.  I know, I'm old.  

I did warn the girls to watch out  as sometimes drinking Shamrock Shakes could make your poop turn green.  I can't believe I just typed that in the Thiot Times.  (Please forgive the potty  talk)

Our Folsom Thiots

Sunday was an awesome day in Carmichael.  There were two brothers who Charlie used to be their Home Teacher, now called Ministering brother to.  One brother was returning from his Mission and the other brother was having his farewell.  Now the amazing part is that there were both called to serve in England.  Different Missions but the same country.  I loved that.  While at the sacrament meeting, they ran into these other three amigos who Callum went to primary with.  Let me tell you who they are.  The boy in the yellow shirt's name is John.  He was born the day after Callum  He seemed to have gotten the tall genes.  The girl next to John is Hannah and she is one month younger than Callum.  She also got the tall genes.  On the other side of Callum is Charlie.  These four 13 year olds, all were in Nursery, Sunbeams, CTR's and Valiants together.  Only one of them still lives in the ward.  Charlie and Callum both loved being there and seeing these fun friends.  

Our Orem Thiots

This is my baby brother Jeffrey Michael Birks.  Jeffery turned 60 this week.  I loved this photo of him and Pierce together.  Everybody LOVES Jeffrey.  Tatia made him a shirt that says FUNCLE on it.  It truly fits him.  He is a favorite for sure.  When I was searching for photos to share on his birthday, this treasured Homework assignment popped up.  Pierce was in 2nd Grade just like his Jackson is now.  Such a great writer PJ!

I had made Jeff's dog Skooter a quilt for his puppies.  I found this awesome Dalmatian fabric and couldn't resist.  I loved that the handwriting on the photos was my mom's handwriting.  This made me smile.  

Our Upstairs Thiots

Wednesday of this week on Daddy Day, when Elie and Sky talked about what they wanted to do, Elie had a great idea.  She has been wanting to go for a hike.  Skyler googled hiking trails near her school and found an awesome place.  it was a bit muddy, but they were able to avoid the mud, mostly. 

I can't remember if I've told you about this blue dress that Elie designed one day at school.  She was so excited and on a face time call explained it all to Skyler.  She told him that she thought Grammy could make it for her for her birthday.  Guess what?  We didn't get quite the results she was expecting. She told me that was ok.  We still need to add the ribbons to for the sleeves and I can't wait to do that with her.  

Elinor is such an inventive and creative girl.  I loved looking at the drawing.  When Brooklyn was much younger, she too thought I could make her drawings come to life.  We spent many an hour at my sewing machine creating her drawings.  I love creative and cleverness too!  

I loved that she brought her camera along and was able to photograph signs of spring.  There was a sprig of green grass and she loved getting a photo of it.  

We Plano Thiots

Have you ever heard of a PORT shirt?  I hadn't either.  My friend Karen is starting chemotherapy this week.  She had heard about these shirts with zippers that you simple unzip to attach your port, you don't have to wear those charming hospital gowns but can wear your own shirt. She asked me if I could make her one.  I told her I could try.  She gave me a you tube video which she said made it look simple.  Guess what?  It was not simple.  I tried and I sewed and unpicked and sewed again and unpicked again.  I was praying all the time and when I was sitting in tears, I had the inspiration to call my friend Ana who was in our Growing your  business Self Reliance class a few years ago. She has an alteration business.  I love her and she has helped me before.  This time, she was the miracle worker.  

When I went to drop it off to Karen, I took her a sugar free lemonade and a book to read to her. 

It's another of my favorite Patricia Polacco books, The Lemonade Club.  We sat and read together and cried together.  It's a very sweet story.  

I snapped Karen's photo with her shirt just laid on top of her shirt.  Karen has the most beautiful smile.  I loved turning it into a thank you note to send to Ana.  Such good friends Heavenly Father has blessed me with. 

My dear friend Letitia came and spent Wednesday and Thursday with me.  She had lots of laundry to catch up on.  Who do you know that loves laundry as much as I do?  Nobody right?   We went to the Tornado Laundry matt and used multiple machines and in one hour had it all washed.  We brought it home to dry and fold.  We then got to go to the temple together.  I was substituting for my friend Linda had hurt her knee.  While I served, Letitia got to do ordinance work in the temple.  She hadn't been for a while and Loved being there. Skyler was the super hero and drove her home on Thursday.  I had an appointment and he is NOT afraid to drive where she lives.  I AM afraid and he said he was Happy to Help.  I loved his words.  Thanks Sky! 

Charley Graves is getting married next month to the Darling Lyndsey.  I was invited to attend her lovely bridal shower.  What fun it was to see many family and friends.  She got a four hole RED toaster that I have to admit, I LOVED.  I don't need a four holer, but I did love the color.  It was a fun afternoon.  

Lyndsey is in the white dress and her friend on the right.  Charley came at the end to carry their gifts to the car and had a dozen pink roses for her.  How sweet is that?  

Last week one of my favorite things was visiting Sister Cindy Briscoe who Dick and I are blessed to minister too.  She passed away on Monday, February 19th.  Oh  how I love her.  I will surely miss her.  Dick and I were able to attend her viewing on Friday night as he was helping with the Stake Relief Society 

Dick serves as the Stake clerk in the Plano Stake.  This has been a very busy season as he also oversees technology things with broadcasts and conferences.  He is one busy guy but seems to make time for all the important stuff.  I love you Dick Thiot! 

A Very Fun Week of Valentines!

 Our Mansfield Thiots

Ricky and Becky's friends had a "Not so Newly Wed Game Night" They got to dress up as their favorite TV show couple.  They  make a cute Ross and Rachel couple. They had a great time.  What a fun Valentines Day Party idea!

Our Medford Granges

Tatia discovered the funest place to get valentines this year.  The kids each picked there own and they ordered and they came in time to get the addressed.  Gracie loved the kitty ones.

This is the face of a very happy preschooler on Valentines day.  I love the photo bomber in the back.  What fun kids. 

Oscars class was the only one of the kids who got to make a valentine box or space ship at home this year.  Much less stress for mom's of mulitiple children.  He did an awesome job creating the USS OSCAR.  I love his picture of him upside down while in orbit.  Mister O! You are one of a kind!

I believe everyone had a most excellent Valentines Day! 

Our Folsom Thiots

Wrestling season is wrapping up for Keelie.  They had team pictures taken and she looks tough.  I'm glad I just get to hug her and don't have to wrestle her.  

Callum had a couple of more matches.  He's fierce!

Once again, glad Grammy's can hug and not wrestle! 

Our Orem Thiots

When the Orem sking Thiots got their race schedule, Graypa made plans to be there to cheer them on.  Pierce picked him up at the airport and the first stop was Taco Time for some crispy bean burritos.  A favorite of ours. 

They headed up to Park City early Saturday morning for a wonderful day on the slopes.  Actually, they were watching and cheering, Graypa didn't get to ski, but he loved watching Adelaide and Jackson who both finished there races in the  top 10 and were awarded metals!  Congratulations! 

Aunt Lani invited them over for Sunday lunch before dropping Graypa back off at the airport.  He loved getting to spend time with them.  Thanks Lani for being such a fun hostess! 

Our Upstairs Thiots

When Valentines came on Wednesday, that was Daddy Day for Elinor and Skyler.  I love that Sky put hearts on the windows to pick her up from school.  She was one happy girl.  

They had fun playing at the playground until the wind picked up and then they headed to the trampoline park where it was warmer.  What a happy valentines day! 

Thursday night we got to welcome Shannon to town.  What fun it's been to have her here  with us.  She and Miss Elie got to meet face to face and they have  become fast friends.  I love that! 

We Plano Thiots

I got to visit  my friend Cindy who has gone to a rehab hosptial close by me on Valentines Day.  We had a fun visit. 

They passed out red roses and a word puzzle.  It was tricky to solve. 

I had to go back on Thursday to pick up the puzzle solutions so we could figure some of them out. 

Valentines was t he day I got the stitches out of my nose.  No more bandage.  I don't look nearly as spookie without the bandage. Dr. Wells said he did a really good job.  I agree. 

We went to El Fenix with Cathy and Jacob Taylor on Valentines night.  They like it too.

We stopped by Tawana's for a fun visit and we shared  my favorite valentine story. One Zillion Valentines.  I think I read it to several different friends that day.  

I'm  enjoying my red tulips.  Thanks Dick! 

I went to a  sprouting class and lessons on growing micro greens that Gemie Martin taught on Saturday.  She is amazing.  What fun to watch them grown inside your house. 

Emily, Ella and Evie invited me over to decorated valentine cookies.  Such yummy fun!  It's been a great week of valentines.  I'm glad Dick returned home on Sunday night and we get to keep Shannon for one more day.  She flies home tonight.  It's been so nice to have her here with us.  

We Plano Thiots

Happy Birthdays and Valentines!

 Our Mansfield Thiots

I LOVE this framing Ricky and Becky did behind their fireplace.  It looks like it's always been there.  Well done you fun DIYers!  

Our Medford Granges

Thursday was Jakes official birthday and it turns out that it was a very blessed thing that Jake had the week off of work.  Not for the usual things you may be thinking, like going on hikes or fun lunch dates, although Tatia and the twins did let him pick his favorite pizza place for lunch, but for being the Rescue Ranger.  You see, there was an unexpected flood in their bathroom which necessitated a lot of extra time and energy.  Carpets pulled up, furniture moved, kids relocated, you get the idea?  Not what you would enjoy on your week off work, Tatia was so grateful for his help. 

The Granges are blessed with wonderful neighbors on  Thrasher Lane.  Let me introduce you to Elaine.  She lives right next door and is the nicest lady.  She loves being the neighborhood Grandmother and spoiling our kids on holidays and just because I love you days.  Well a few months ago, Elaine's dear husband passed away.  It's been a very hard time for her.  She has been visiting her children but is back home now. 

Tatia's family for Family Night cut out a LOT of hearts and decorated them for her. 

Then these three amigos snuck over and with their mama's help stuck all the hearts to her door so she would know how loved she is.  Oh my goodness, they really made her day.  Tatia said they are still on her door.  I love that!  Thanks Granges for Loving Your Neighbors just like Jesus taught us to do. 

One night last week after dinner, and after everyone was tired of hearing the loud fans blowing to dry out their home, everyone bundled up and they headed to one of their favorite parks.  Oh what fun they had. 

I love these six kids who had such a great time together!  Together is a very good place to be! 

The babies don't have preschool on Monday and after laundry was done, it was time for a Costco run to get some of their fabulous strawberries.  They also got a favorite lunch treat a HOT DOG and Simon said he really wanted to go to the temple to for a picnic.  The temple is closed on Friday and they were getting a delivery of spring flowers.  It's going to be gorgeous when they get them planted. 

February 12th is a special day in our family.  Skyler's daughter Elie was born on  my Mom's birthday.  They both share the middle name of Rae.  It's Elinor Rae and Glenys Rae Day.  Our family has a  tradition of doing something that our mom loved on her birthday.   This year Tatia made Jam for her friends for Valentines Day.  My Mom loved making Jam and Tatia makes it just as good as she does.  What a fun way to spend some time on my mom's day! Thanks T!

Our Folsom Thiots

When Jen got to work on her birthday this week, her desk was covered in Birthday goodness.  They spoiled her very well.  Can you see those shot needles filled with yumminess?  You can add those to a donut.  Folsom knows how to do donuts

I love how loved our Jen is at work and at Home! 

I love the birthday banner too!  Happy Birthday Jen Thiot! We are so  lucky to have you in our family!

Lilly and Jen and Keelie went to the Concert SIX.  I've never heard of SIX but I bet is is better than FIVE and not quite as good as SEVEN.  I love seeing these three having such a good time together.  Girl time is great! Lilly's had a good friend visiting from Arkansas.  Lots of giggling and fun this week! 

These week was the final week of wrestling for both Callum and Keelie.  They have both enjoyed it and have both learned a Lot.  I'm so proud of them for  trying something new and excelling at it!  

I LOVE this photo of Ewan and the dogs chilling on the couch.  

Seeing Lilly and her Romeo together always makes me smile too!  Such good buddies these  two are. 

Our Orem Thiots

I had the nicest face time call from Pierce and his kids on Friday to check up on me.  They were off of school as the teachers had a Teacher Work Day.  I loved showing them all my grandkids names on hearts on the play house.   We decided I needed to add one more heart for  Mister Squirrell  Pierce was telling me that he gets to volunteer in Jackson's school class several days each week.  They have 29 students in the class and Pierce's extra set of hands come in very handy.  Sometimes he gets to help in Adelaides class too.  He loves it.  When I used to volunteer in Pierce's kindergarten class, the students called me Mrs. Pierce.  I lOVED it! I asked Pierce what they call him and he said "Jackson's Dad"  I love that too.  

Okay, you are going to have to be patient while we wait for photos, I saw this story on Instagram of Pierce and Stacy's family.  I don't know how to capture photos from it, so take my word and try to imagine.  They have a  favorite Pizza place that was not open at the time they were in the mood for Pizza.  They called  the owners who told  them they could come but they would have to be the workers.  I loved seeing how fast Stacy can fold Pizza boxes,  she is like a box folding machine.  The kids were busy wiping down the counter tops and the table tops.  I bet the pizza tasted even better when you have to work so hard for it.  You Orem Thiots make me smile! 

Our Upstairs Thiots

Miss Elie invited Skyler to come and eat lunch with her on her birthday.  She requested CiCi's pizza and brownies.  Two of her favorite things.  Sky was thrilled to get to go.  

Elinor's school is very careful with allergies and so when it's your birthday, you can NOT bring anything to EAT.  Elie and Sky made a plan to make a page that told things about our birthday girl.  They put it in a cellophane bag with a package of four crayons and a tiny pin ball machine and a balloon.  The kids couldn't open it until they got home from school.  I bet they loved all the fun games on the sheet.  Graypa and I got to do one too.  We loved it. Fun Idea Sky! If you want one of your own, I bet Sky would send you a PDF.  

This is the bag full of the birthday  kits for her classroom.  I love the birthday crown her teacher let her color.  She was so proud of it she wore it to dinner that evening. 

My friend Tawana loves our Elinor.  Everyone who meets her loves her.  Tawana got her a birthday present that she wanted to wait and open on her birthday.  We took it with us to dinner and it was a camera.  A real camera that takes digital photos.  I don't know if I've ever seen anyone have so much fun with a camera.

She took pictures of our chief at Benihanas and everything she could think of to photograph.  She knew how to use all the features and it had a video game on it too.  It's pink with a unicorn.  Two of Elinor's favorites. 

Chicken fried rice is another favorite and she nearly finished that mountain of fried rice.  What a fun time we had being there together.  Thanks for inviting us Elinor and Sky! 

We Plano Thiots

I love all the the grandchildren hearts on my play house. Love those 17! plus Mister Squirrel 

Last week when we visited Sister Smith in Tyler, she and her companion helped make some hearts for Tawana's front door.  She loved them. 

I love this little valentine Kamila! What a fun nearly two year old she is.  

Cousin Pammy helped to  make Elinor's Valentine  Mailbox extra special and cute. 

I love that she can check her mail every time she comes over! 

I've loved our Valentine Decorations this year.  I love how the sunshine was shining right on Jesus's face. 

Love my Raggetty Ann in her valentine dress.  She LOVE's it. 

Our front door is looking festive and my red tulips and blooming their heads off.  I love red tulips for Valentines.  Thank  you Dick.  He woke really early one morning and helped me plant these topiary pots.  They make me happy! 

On Wednesday, the 7th of February, I got to  go to Plano Dermatology to have some Skin Cancer removed from my nose.  I think the worst part was when they had to numb the nose.  My friend Tawana reminded me that Jesus would be with me.  She says the kindest things.  I had many praying for me including my sisters and brothers and family. I requested a heart applique on my nose but it doesn't look like a heart   It's been a fun week wearing this crazy bandage but tomorrow I get to go have the stitches removed and i'll be on the road to healing. I loved this sign Sky made when I walked in the door. Thanks sky! 

Dick stopped at Jack in the box for a couple of yummy tacos and a strawberry shake with a cherry on top.  Yum! 

They have the fanciest hot chocolate machine at the surgery center.  Dick made me a cup of HOT HOT HOT chocolate.  I was afraid I was going to need a skin graft on my tongue it was so hot.  

Good Bye Plano Dermatology Center.  See  you tomorrow to have the stitches removed.  

I loved thinking about our February 12th Birthday Twins  yesterday.  My mom is so dear to me and she has been in heaven for nearly 10 years.  She has had quite a nice view from heaven of all that has happened while she has been gone.  I  miss her every day but know she is busy doing good! 

I hope you've had a good week.  Sure love you, Robynn