Your are gonna do WHAT?

Well, October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This month has special significance when you have been touched by breast cancer. We walked in the Race for the Cure, which is SUCH an amazing thing. To see the SEA of people all walking for an amazing cause. And, I got my first mammogram! The new hospital in Rockwall was offering $75 mammograms for the month of October. Technically my insurance won't cover a mammogram until I am 40, but that is CRAZY. How many women are being diagnosed with cancer younger, and younger. So, I spent my own money to have some peace of mind.

Wow what an experience. I took Renee with me, cause I needed some support. I checked in and sat in the waiting room for my name to be called. Renee and I giggled and chatted, and totally took my mind off of what was coming. In fact, we were planning a camping trip, so we spent our time planning meals and deciding who would bring what. All of a sudden we were struck by the significance of what was to come. Imagining what Gena must have gone through as she was preparing for her first mammogram, the one that would ultimatlely diagnose her with the cancer that would take her life.

I get called back into a room, and I am all of a sudden sweaty beyond belief. I am VERY aware that someone is about to be grabbing under my arms, and thinking "calm down, she can't grab sweaty boobs!".

She was VERY professional, and VERY kind, and I am so grateful for the way that she gently cared for me, I had told her the reason why I was there getting a mammogram so early and she took great care in putting me at ease.

I got naked from the waist up, and wiped OFF my deoderant according to instruction. (she wasn't aware of my previous problem obviously) Who knew that deoderant could show up like possible tumors on an X Ray? I put my paper gown on to open in front, and waited for the torture to begin.

You know all those stories you hear about how painful a mammogram is? Well, they are ALL true?? But, no big deal in light of what they can prevent. My new best friend re-entered the room. (although none of my friends have seen my boobs, this girl saw 'em and grabbed 'em ALL OVER!) She tells me to take one arm out of the gown, and prop it up on a clear plastic sheet, and then, oh so slowly it will proceed to squish my boob like a pancake. (although it is clear, I HIGHLY recommend that you DON'T look down) Then we have to do it from the side. The side view includes not only your breast tissue, but all of that fat under your arms too. (for all you skinny women who don't have that fat, they will find some, TRUST ME!) They cram all that in there too, and once again, oh so slowly squish it again!

REPEAT for the other side!

The nurse was sweet and gave me her direct phone number to call back that afternoon to get the preliminary report so that I would not have to wait a week for the letter that would come. Thank you!

After all that, I got dressed and went back to the waiting room to grab Renee and head outta there! As soon as I saw her, I immediately started to break down a bit. Partly laughing about the ordeal that I had been through, and knowing that she would be doing it soon, but also because I could relate for a SECOND to the fear that Gena must have felt waiting on news. I was sad that I was not there for her that day, I missed her tremendously all over again. I was thankful that my best friend was there with me.

I called back that afternoon to find that everything was clear, and I was fine. Now, at least I have a base line mammogram should anything happen down the line.

Celebrating 11 Years

Matthew and Emily 1993



On our Wedding Day October 6, 1997



At the Cowboys game October, 2007


Eleven years ago today, Matthew and I made a decision to commit our lives together. The exact circumstances surrounding that decision were not perfect, or planned, but thank the Lord they happened. It was about 15 years ago when we first met, and first started dating, and here we are now, with 3 children, a home, and family and friends surrounding us. Now I know that Matthew and I will both admit that those years are far from perfect, but I also know that we agree that the hardest times are the ones that brought us closer to each other, and to the Lord. Thank you God, for the wonderful man that I call my husband. Thank you Lord for the talents and determination that you have blessed him with, without which we would not have the life we do now. Thank you Lord, for the stubbornness that you gave him, it is both a blessing and a curse. Thank you Lord that you have given us 11 years of marriage together, I don't know that anyone thought it would last, and there have been times that even I had my doubts. At the end of the day, I know that Matthew will go to bat for me every single time, right or wrong. I love you, Matthew! Happy Anniversary!

Visit with PawPaw

A few weeks ago my PawPaw was passing through town and I stopped at my Dads house for a few hours to visit with him. My PawPaw lives in Oklahoma, and unfortunately, I only see him but maybe once a year. I seem to be so caught up in my own life that I don't normally make time for special trips to see him, or any other family for that matter. MOST of my family lives within a 20 mile radius, so I have been spoiled to the fact that I don't have to go out of my way to visit with them. But, after I missed the last visit to see my Grandmother before she passed away I am acutely aware that each visit COULD be my last. And before Gena passed away I became more aware of having pictures made with her, and with everyone!!! I don't think that I had ANY pictures of me with my Grandparents, so I made a point to get one with PawPaw. It was great to spend a few hours talking to him, and not have to share it with cousins, aunts, uncles etc.. Me and Allison got to just sit and talk and visit. Just wanted to share a few of those pictures.

First Day of School

Okay, so school started last week and I am SOOOO late with getting pictures up. So here are just a few of the girls attending their first day of 5th Grade and 2nd Grade on a VERY rainy day! They had a great time and really like their new teachers! We are praying for a great year (and you can too!).

Indiana Mattie

Just wanted to share a new phase in Mattie's little life. He is a bit addicted to Indiana Jones right now. ALL the movies! It is so funny. I love it. He assigns us each a role, sometimes I am his father, Dr. Jones, and sometimes Matthew is. But we have to say "JUNIOR" in a Sean Connery-esque voice. His hat is almost always on his head these days, including church on Sunday. His teachers played into it a bit too going along with the whole Indiana Mattie thing. He is funny! I do love this part about little boys!

Things I LOVE about my kids...

I love how Mattie always says “excuse me” each and every time he toots. Even when he is on the toilet, and even when you can’t even hear it. You will just here him say “excuse me, excuse me” to no one. Makes me giggle.

I love it when Chloe smiles ALL THE TIME. She always has a smile on her face, even when she is in trouble, I think it is almost a reflex. It sure does make it easy when she is upset about something, I can just say “don’t smile Chloe” and she will.

I love it when my kids play together without fighting. I love to hear them actually enjoying each other instead of tearing each other apart.

I love it when they are all asleep in bed, and I can kiss them and watch their sleeping faces without them knowing.

I love it when Chloe sits down to breakfast only about 10 minutes before lunch and eats both meals. She sleeps late, but she cannot miss breakfast, it absolutely rocks her world.

I love it when Elyza reads Mattie a book before bed at night. She is so motherly and loving sometimes, and I love to hear her reading stories to him.

I love the heart that Elyza has for the Lord. I see a true evangelistic girl in her. She really does want to share the love of Jesus Christ with others around her, and I love to listen in when she does.

I love how all my kids sound EXACTLY alike on the phone, and they all think I should know who I am talking to. I got on the phone with Mattie and I thought it was Chloe, and Mattie said, “No Mommy, its ME!”

I love how each of my kids are so different and unique and I thank God for them!

Worship Service on Sunday

Well, Sunday started out like any other, I get up and then make the rounds throughout the house waking up every other family member and coaxing them all out of the bed one at a time. Once we all get rolling and in the car, we are usually about 10 minutes late already. Matthew and I have a system about getting in the door to church. I check the kids in and fight with Mattie to get him in the door to his class (EVERY SUNDAY), and Matthew does the most important job of all...GETS THE COFFEE!! We teach the Fourth Graders on Sundays so the coffee is our saving grace. Thank you to the dedicated Sozo Cafe staff by the way. Anyway, off to teach our awesome Fourth Graders, we are finishing up the year with them so we are gonna be sad to say goodbye! We had a VERY sparse crowd on Sunday due to Memorial Day, but we learned about the virtue of patience and heard the final chapter of Joshua and Jericho. After our replacements arrived Matthew and I went downstairs to attend the worship service. This was particularly awesome because I have either been out of town, or working the UpTown ministry for both services so I haven't been to "big" church in about a month. I was so excited, I hardly knew what to do!

Well, we started singing and boy have I missed singing like that! I was perfectly fine and doing well, and then it started... a song that I can't listen to without crying. Chris Tomlin's Amazing Grace My Chains are Gone. Now, some of you may not know why this song gets me so teary. I am getting a bit teary now just thinking of it. Just a few months ago I suffered the greatest loss of my life so far. On November 2, 2007 my best friend passed away after a 4 1/2 year battle with breast cancer. This song was played at her funeral and truly the words express the freedom in death that we, as followers of Jesus Christ, have. I know that Gena is free from the pain that cancer gave her every day. She is free from the sufferings that she dealt with in the final 2 months that she was on hospice care. The chains that this world bound her with are gone, and she is FREE. She is in heaven now, with our Father, and she was ransomed by the blood of Jesus Christ. Gena is finally in her heavenly body, the one she was intended to have, dancing with the One who created us all.

So my tears on Sunday came, and they came hard, and they still come. They come because I miss her terribly and I wish she was here with me, with her kids, with her family. They also come because I know that she is so happy and free, and not looking back to the world that we remain in. I am happy to have the peace that there is eternal life after our earthly death, and I am not mourning over the finality of it. I know that I WILL see her again, and yes, I miss her, I am sad for me, not for her.

I love that song, I love the words, I love that it reminds me of my best friend, I even love that it makes me cry. It is still very cleansing to cry for Gena, and that song gives me an excuse and I don't have to explain it. (except of course in this blog) I hope that they sing it again at church, just next time I hope that I have kleenex.

I love you Gena-Beana!

"Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)"

Amazing grace

How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost, but now I'm found

Was blind, but now I see'

Twas grace that taught my heart to fear

And grace my fears relieved

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed

My chains are gone

I've been set free

My God, my Savior has ransomed me

And like a flood His mercy rains

Unending love, Amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me

His word my hope secures

He will my shield and portion be

As long as life endures

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow

The sun forbid to shine

But God,

Who called me here below

Will be forever mine

Will be forever mine

You are forever mine

Me, Gena, and Renee'

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL AWARDS!!

Elyza and Mrs. Dekle
Chloe and Mrs. Davis

Sooooooo...I know that I have been not so good about updates lately, so I promise I will catch up! Since I last updated, Matthew and I went to Las Vegas for a weekend, the kids had Field Day at school and we are officially on Summer Break! Yeah!!! I just wanted to take this time to brag on my kids for a little bit, I figure that this is the platform for it...and if you don't like it, write your own blog!!! :)



As I said earlier the girls had their field day and awards assembly at school last week. It was their last day of school, and the kids get awards for things such as honor roll, perfect attendance, not getting their cards pulled...stuff like that. Our school also awards a child each year with the Spirit Award. The Spirit Award goes to a child in each class grades 1-5 who exudes qualities of a good Christian spirit. kind, gentle, caring towards their classmates and a Godly character. They also award the highest GPA in each class with the Academic achievement award. They average grades down to 0.25%. (there were several ties so this percentage really matters) Anyway, I was so proud to see that Elyza got the Academic Achievement award for the 4th grade. (she tied this year, as well as last year with Zachary Carnefix) I was even more proud to see that Chloe was awarded with the Academic Achievement award for the 1st grade! (she tied with Jonathan James) How incredible!! Both of my girls received the highest grades in their class for the year! One is a surprise, but two!!!!, you could have knocked me over with a feather! We were beaming with pride and are still not quite off of cloud nine yet! I am attaching a picture of each of the girls with their teacher and their trophy! They each have them proudly displayed on their dresser!

I am looking forward to Summer with the kids, NO SCHOOL, and possibly vacation, but I promise you that come August, I will be ready for school to start again! So, for now, goodbye, and I will try to be more regular!

Camping at Cleburne State Park

Elyza and Maya warming by the fire
Lexi, Elyza, Mattie and Chloe on our hike!
Matthew and I hiking
Everyone warming their buns by the fire
Elyza conquered the hill!!



So, I am really late posting about our camping trip LAST weekend. But, better late than never, right? Anyway, we went camping with family last weekend to Cleburne State Park. It was SOOO convenient to get to (only 1 1/2 hours) and beautiful! (and close to a hospital) We got there late friday afternoon and got set up in our shelter. It was a great weekend to go camping and the weather was great, until night time!!

I don't think that any of us were quite prepared for how cold it was gonna get at night. It got down to about 45 degrees outside, which doesn't sound bad until you sleep outside. We all had space heaters, but they didn't do much to keep the cold down. I have never shivered so hard and prayed for morning before.


Saturday morning we got up, ate breakfast and enjoyed the outside. We went for a hike and found a pretty cool little waterfall. It was alot of fun! I love to hike!! In the picture above, you will see that Elyza enjoyed her hike up a pretty steep little hill, while I took her picture from below!
Everyone decided to go fishing while Matthew and I stayed back at camp to prepare our meal on Saturday evening. Chloe and Mattie tagged along with everyone. I was surprised to see them come back about 5 minutes later. Well, leave it to the Thornton family to make the day more exciting. Apparently after a little scuffle, Mattie took a back flip out of the door of my brother's Yukon. He hit the back of his head on the gravel pavement. It looked pretty nasty and was bleeding pretty good, so we took him to the ER to check him out.......4 hours later we finally saw a Dr.. Everything checked out okay and he didn't need stitches so we headed back to the campsite. We got back at about 11pm, and tumbled into bed. Thankfully Josh and DeLisa took in Elyza to their tent, and Grammy and Grandaddy took Chloe with them, Matthew, Mattie and I made our bed in the back of our car for the night and were MUCH more warm than the previous night.
All in all, it was a great weekend and we were all safe, we crashed into our warm beds on Sunday after a nice warm shower! Guys, are ya'll ready to camp again?!!!

He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!

Getting ready to hunt eggs!
Sam and Kaylee
Elyza and Sam
Elyza, Chloe, and Mattie
Chloe, Sam, Elyza, Kaylee, Mattie, Maya and Isaac

Happy Easter to everyone! We had a wonderful day celebrating with our family! Josh and DeLisa came up from Round Rock and we got a chance to visit with them! It is always great to see them! Isaac, Maya and Sam were all there, and Sam is getting so BIG! Matthew's parents and Brother got to come as well! We got to enjoy a wonderful fried chicken lunch, with side dishes such as Mamo's bean salad, Katie/DeLisa's broccoli salad, Mom's Broccoli and Rice casserole and rolls! It was delicious! After enjoying lunch of course, we had an egg hunt! Elyza decided that she is now too old to hunt eggs, and so this year, she got to help hide them! Chloe also decided that she did not want to hunt eggs, but I told her that she still needed to hunt, mostly because we had SOOOO many eggs. In fact, Maya, Mattie and Isaac were done hunting and had full baskets, and half of the yard still hadn't been touched! We got some cute pictures of all of the kids hunting, this was the first easter to celebrate with Samuel and Kaylee, they were very cute! Samuel is VERY mobile now, and was crawling faster than you could chase him. What a sweetie he is.



After hunting eggs we played a game called "Puerto Rico". It was a game of strategy and poor Josh had to teach a table full of newbies who teased him over every forgotten rule. It was fun, but of course Josh won...I think he set us up! (wink, wink) All in all it was a great day and as always I love to spend it with my family!

Fort Worth Zoo...it was a ZOO!

The kids eating bananas in front of the monkeys! Matthew doing his monkey impression!
Our little Termites!

Well, on the last day of spring break, we took the kiddos as promised, to the Fort Worth Zoo! I think the entire DFW area had the same idea! Friday was Good Friday, and therefore, everyone was off of work and joined us at the zoo! What a ZOO! It took us about 2 hours to get there and inside of the gate. I heard later that there was over 17,000 people there that day, and I believe it! We did make up our minds that we were gonna go and have fun!

We started off in the primate area and watched the gorillas, and monkeys, and chimpanzees and everything! That was our favorite, we have a tradition now that every time we go and see the monkeys, we have to eat a banana in front of them. You will see in the first picture the kids eating their bananas in front of the Silver Back.
Elyza just LOVES elephants so we made sure to stop and visit them for a bit. Chloe's favorite animal was the "King Lion and his wife". Mattie's favorite were the monkeys. We got to see each one of their favorites for a bit.
After waiting in line for 1 hour to order our lunch, we ate a quick bite and headed off for more. The river otter was a VERY entertaining little critter, he was fun to watch swimming all over the place. Mattie was a bit freaked out by the bat exhibit, but it was fun!
We did make it around to almost every exhibit, and my was the weather B-E-A-UTIFUL! I would love to make it around to the zoo again before summer comes, hopefully with a much smaller crowd. We took a few family pics just before we made the mile long hike back to the car.

The Dallas Museum of Art

This is Spring Break Week, and since we didn't get to go anywhere, we decided to do an "in-town vacation". On Monday we went to a movie, and on Tuesday we went to the Dallas Museum of Art and the Sixth Floor Museum. The kids were NOT looking forward to a day at the museum, but they did end up having a great time! If you recall Tuesday was the day of the torrential flooding rain that covered the entire DFW area! It was spring break and we were not sitting home, dang-it! We braved the storm and hit the museum, that had underground parking. Matthew and I challenged the girls to find their favorite piece of art in the whole museum, so they got into it! Chloe selected this sculpture in the above picture that was made out of Styrofoam! Elyza selected Waterlilies by Claude Monet! When we went to the gift shop afterward, Matthew let them each pick out a poster print of their favorite piece. There was a hitch, they had to come home and write a paragraph about the artist. Chloe groaned a bit, but they both did it! They had fun researching their artist on the internet!

We also went to the Sixth Floor Museum. It was a very interesting experience. Elyza and Chloe learned alot! Mattie was NOT cooperative by that point and just needed a nap. We got back into the car and headed home in the rain! Part of our neighborhood had been flooded and we had to detour AROUND our neighborhood to get home! All in all we did not let the rain get to us and enjoyed our spring break museum date. We will hit the Fort Worth Zoo on Friday to end our week! It has been fun so far!

SNOW DAY!!!!....Almost

Wow! How beautiful this morning. All of the Thornton kiddos went to bed with dreams of waking up to a beautiful white blanket of snow this morning. More importantly, they dreamt of a snow day...yeah! God answered their little prayers and we woke up to a wonderful sight of fresh white snow all over the ground. We were all VERY disappointed to find that GISD was IN FACT having school today. (I was a little excited) After everyone got ready for school I let them get bundled up and go play for a few minutes in the snow. Note: in the picture, Chloe got Mattie ready, not me! Elyza, Chloe and Mattie got out in the front yard and threw a few snowballs and writing in the snow that had settled on the cars. What fun! Well, as you can see below, a mere 3 hours after the above pictures were taken, the kids went to school for good reason. There is hardly a trace of snow anywhere! TEXAS! I am glad that I was a good mom and let them play in the snow before school! (Pat, pat on my back :) ) Anyway, it was fun while it lasted! Just wanted you all to see our "Snow Miracle" ,according to Chloe! Enjoy the pictures!

Acts 11:19-26 Barnabas and Saul

Ohhhhhh, Chloe, I just love her! So very expressive, here is another example. This past month at church, we have been learning about the virtue of kindness! Let me tell you, as a mom, this has been a great virtue to get to reinforce throughout the week. I can remind them about what we learned at church and how we can use it in our life. This past Sunday we focused on the story of Barnabas and Saul. If you can remember, Saul was the bad guy in the bible and spent a lot of time persecuting the Christians and even watched over the stoning of one Christian. We learned that Saul was a pretty bad dude. BUT, then we learned that God came to Saul and eventually changed his heart, and he became a Christ follower. Barnabas was sent to help Saul and reach other people with the gospel. He gave Saul a "second chance".

Good story, right? Well, after going back to their class the kiddos were asked to illustrate how they would give a bully a second chance. I just love Chloe's illustration. Now, I know that Elyza is NOT a bully, but, at least Chloe will give her a second chance!

Valentine's Day Date Night

SOOOO......Last night was our date night, a group date night. We got to get together with our Life Groupies (our friends in our LifeGroup at church). I think we have the best group of friends to get to share life with. Although we were missing one couple, due to illness...yuck, we had a great time. We went to Ounce Prime Steakhouse in Addison, and ate yummy steaks, and veggies. Valentine's day is always a good excuse to have a wonderful dinner and splurge a little more than you would normally. Matthew and I had a good night with each other and with some good friends.

Let me tell you a little bit about our friends, so that you can finally put some faces to some names of the people we always talk about. In the group photo on the left is Sam and Melissa, they have been married for 10 years and have 2 children, Lily and Luke. Their son, "Lukie", is Mattie's best friend. Lily will be joining us at GCA next year in the first grade, (just adding to our GCA family, and working on a discount). Then of course it is Matthew and I. Then to the right is Mark and Shelley, they have been married for 2 years and have 5 children, yes, I said 5. I know, you would never guess, right. They have a blended family and have a VERY crowded house on Christmas morning. They are so much fun to hang out with. Then on the very end is Chad and Lisa, they have been married for 2 years and have a son. They are also expecting!!! It will be our little Life Group Baby! How fun to have a little one for us around to get our baby fever out with. Poor Lisa, though, has been battling evening sickness, but I think she is getting over it, ahhhhh, the joys of pregnancy. Amy and Stephen aren't in the picture because they weren't there. Amy got the stomach bug that has been going around and they had to miss, but I am sure that we will do this again sometime. Amy and Stephen have 2 kids, Mikayla and Zach. They are our newest addition to the group and we love getting to know them.

There you go, our date night, out with friends, Happy Valentine's Day!

Education Rocks...

I want to use this to brag on Mattie's school for a minute, this year I have been really impressed. He is just 3 years old, and he learned the Pledge of Alleigance this year from school. I am so proud. I know that Mamo is too. And since I can't normally get him to perform on cue, I got him on video so that you can see him here and know that I ain't lying! Hope you enjoy his little performance, I think it's pretty cute!

Chloe Got Her Ears Pierced

Before...

After...

Okay...I thought I would take the plunge and let this be my journal from year to year so that I can be a good mom and actually remember the funny things that my kiddos did. So here is the first entry...

Chloe finally decided that she wanted to get her ears pierced. Now, mind you, I have kinda been suggesting this over the last year or so seeing if she would bite. You see, Chloe is DEATHLY afraid of needles, or the thought of needles. In fact, at her last Doctor visit, she gave us all quite a show while getting her shots. Well, she came to me and said that she was ready!

I put her off for a few weeks just to make sure that she was ready and then on Thursday afternoon, I picked her up from school, and said "We are going to get your ears pierced today!" I kinda thought that she would back out, but she was excited. So, we head to Libby Lu, headquarters of all things pink, purple and glittery! We walk inside and announce that we were there to get our ears pierced! Chloe hops on up into the chair and selects her earring of choice. (I don't remember earrings being so expensive for piercing) As we sit there and wait for the experts to line up the dots on her ears and load the earring gun. Nerves begin to take Chloe over.

Chloe's excitement has turned to fear as she is now gripping my hands and is closing her eyes VERY tightly. I asked her if she was okay, and she said, "I'm okay!" I even offered her an out again which she turned down. Here we go, the girls line up the guns on either side so that we can do them both at the same time, "one, two, PIERCE, three!"

Chloe opened her eyes, and proudly exclaimed that she had done it and it wasn't that bad. After she checked out her accomplishment in the mirror with a HUGE grin on her face, she begins to turn pale. She looked at me and said, "Mom, I'm not feeling so well." I knew it, she was gonna get sick, you know what they say about old habits.... Well, we made a quick trip to the bathroom, uneventful, but she felt much better. Being the mom I am I had a few chuckles on her behalf. She is done, and VERY proud and is looking forward to getting to try new earrings 6 weeks from now.