Pictures Galore

Okay, prepare yourself for a lot of pictures. I haven't done this in a while, and since we've been in SLC I've been a bit lazy about updating this blog. So I won't go into the details behind every tender moment that of course accompanies these photos, but maybe it will catch you up a bit on our life in Utah. We'll always be the Colorado Thornburghs. We've just moved to Utah, that's all.

Abbigail was feeling a bit mischievous on this day and wanted to take pictures with my phone. Every picture of her is adorable.

Not long after I started at KSL they turned to me and asked me if I wanted to go in the helicopter for a story on the other side of the state. Immediately I responded, "Yes!" Then in my mind I quickly remembered that I have three little girls. What if the chopper crashes. Eh, I'll take my chances. The pictures are posted so I made it back alive.

Jared and I live in a great neighborhood. We don't get to see a lot of each other because or opposite work schedule, but this night we were enjoying a beautiful Utah summer night with the neighbors. Not the most flattering picture... but I love this guy!

Since we've moved to Utah Claire has gotten teeth. A lot of teeth. I think we are working on number six right now. But despite the pain, this kid is always smiling. Just staring at this photo I can feel the strings of my heart wrapping around her.

Bedtime is sometimes a nightmare at our house, but there are a few nights it runs smoothly. Usually that requires copious amounts of reading. Hey, that is fine by me. I'd rather they go to sleep with their imaginations in full swing than images from some TV show.

Lately the big thing in the neighborhood is camping, sleeping outside or building forts outside. So I was not surprised when one night I came home to find most of the blankets and pillows in the house on the front lawn. Who can complain when they are having fun.

There are the rare occasions that we all get to be together as a family, sit-back, watch a movie, play some Wii. Jared tried to capture the image of one family night. You can see Claire is not willing to pose. She is ready to play.

I can hear my mother groaning now. Yes, Ella got a red streak of color in her hair. She loves it. She was so excited to go to school and show all her friends. Our neighbor is a hair stylist and did all the kids in the neighborhood. Don't worry mom, it will grow out.

Claire is so ready to be a big kid. When the older kids race down the street her little legs carry her as fast as they can to catch up. Or, in moments like this, she works desperately to figure out the scooter works. Usually it requires mom pushing her around. As long as she is smiling...

This is typical Abbigail. Hotwheels trike, tennis shoes, and a princess dress. She is full of personality. I hope it never fades.

Grandma and Grandpa were in town for Labor Day weekend and discovered that Claire loves ketchup. (Doesn't every kid at this age?) She would dip the french fry in and just suck off the ketchup. Every few dips she would actually take a bite. Yummy and messy treat.

Abbigail is officially a pre-schooler, and can't you tell how proud she is? All that morning before we left for school she was wearing her backpack, jumping up and down and screaming, "I'm so excited for school." When we got to school I explained I had to stay for the first half hour. She replied, "You will leave, won't you?" Miss independent.

And she is so lucky to be going to school with her best friend Ashley who happens to be the daughter of my best friend (and life-saver) Melissa. When you get these two together dangerous things can happen.

Ella turned 6 this summer, too. And since then she has lost two teeth and another is making it's way free. The first few days of 1st grade were a little tough, but she has adjusted beautifully!

Dirt. Claire loves it. We'll wake up, get her dressed and cute and the first thing she wants to do is go outside and dig in the dirt. It gets everywhere. All over her clothes, in her hair, in her diaper, under her nails, but the kid is having fun. Why stop it?

Ella wanted a picture this day because she said she was feeling, "Extra pretty." She is always pretty, but she does look great in this photo. And she loves this dress.

I always thought it would be Ella and Abbigail that would spend the most time together playing, but Abby has found quite the friend in Claire. I think it partially has to do with the fact she can boss Claire around. But the two spend hours together every day playing, getting dirty, fighting and giggling. I love sisters.

And if Abbigail isn't playing with Claire, visiting our neighbor Kay who has taken a special liking to my little girl, then she is running up and down the street with her friend Korina. I won't mention the part where they cut each others hair.

That's not all we've been up to. There is plenty more. Most of all we miss all our friends and family in Colorado and Texas. It has been hard starting over in a new city, with new friends, new house, new ward, new jobs... but it's amazing what can happen when we stick together as a family.

So Lucky...

So, I know everyone says they have the best parents in the world, but before you make your argument listen to mine.

Frank & Kuu. Aren't they a cute couple? Too this day, nearly 45 years of marriage, they still behave like newly weds. "Yuck," you are probably saying. But for me it is inspiration. I still hear my dad whisper to my mom in a sweet voice, "I love you." "You look pretty." "Give me a kiss." Mom still makes dad those yucky bologna sandwiches that he loves. She goes for rides in his bumpy truck. Their love is spoken and unspoken. I aspire to it with my own marriage. Sure, I'm only eight years in, but I know we'll make it because I have the best of examples.

But that's not the only thing that makes them so great. I don't want to brag or anything, but look at their kids! College educations (and more), temple marriages, careers, and seven terrific grand-kids with one more on the way! Sure, I would like to take credit for all that I've accomplished, but really it is mostly in part because of who showed me the way.

To top it all off, because there is so much I could tell you about them, one thing I know for sure: I can always count on them. The unspoken but understood love I feel from my father. The quiet and supporting advice from my mom when I least expect it. Digging me out of a "cave" so deep I thought I would never feel happiness again. Sticking by my side when I'm stupid. Loving me without the slightest bit or notion of judgement. Never playing favorites. Ask David, Gunda or Erica... they all know. We got lucky. Not sure if they picked us or we picked them in the pre-existence but I know that the four of us kids came out on top.

I love you mom and dad and can't say thank-you enough for all you have given me and done for me.

Once Upon a Time...

Once... I didn't mind putting on a swim suit.

Once... I didn't mind getting my clothes & hair wet.

Once... Lemonade in the sun tasted sooo yummy.

Once... I was a little girl, and I miss that little girl. I miss being carefree and uninhibited. I miss lounging around on a beach towel and not scrutinizing if I'm thin enough, tan enough, pretty enough.

These girls remind me of what it is like and I hope they hold on to it for a long, long time.

We had a hot morning here. No, not "Texas Hot" as all my Texas friends are probably bemoaning at this point, but hot enough for us to break out the sprinkler and spend a while jumping through the cool spray. And when I say "us" I mean the kids... cuz I am inhibited now as an "old mom" and cringe at the thought of getting soggy wet in my clothes. Claire is my excuse. So I live vicariously, and say to myself, "Someday I'll join in." Perhaps someday I will. I'm working on that.

The sprinklers were Abbigail's idea on this day. It beats staying inside when mom is busy packing.

Ella loves the water... however she gets it. She would swim for hours if we let her, but the sprinklers never disappoint, either.

The girls have a friend across the street, Sarah, who they spend their mornings and afternoons running around the neighborhood with.

A Little More of Us

The summer has started for the Thornburghs, and it is starting out big.

First off... Ella graduated from kindergarten, and in just a few days she will be 6. Not sure how that happened or when... but she is growing up.

Things she looooves right now: making videos, dancing, singing, Angry Birds, and anything Disney.


For the humor in our family we turn to Abbigail. The kid mooned me the other day shopping. She mooned me! She doesn't even know what that word means, but she knows how to do it. We had the chance to spend some time at my aunt's home... and immediately Abbigail went for the dress-up clothes and then to the drums. Love her!

We spent about two weeks in Utah and loved being able to spend time with Ladd, Erica & Cooper. The girls love their cousin and fought every minute.

We spent many-a-nights snuggled up in the comfy beds of Marriott along the way. (Thanks Meme!) Somehow I always get kicked to the couch and the girls get all cuddly in the bed. Still... you can't help but be crazy about them. (Notice how Abby is pushing her tiny behind right into Claire's face!)

And now that school is wrapped up and a summer trip is out of the way it is time to get down to business. Business includes: finding a new home in SLC, moving from Texas to Utah, celebrating a 6th birthday, starting a new job at KSL, celebrating a 1st birthday, and celebrating a 29th birthday for the sixth time.

Wish this summer luck!

What We've Been Up To... Sort Of

I'm not one of those moms who carries around a camera wherever we go. In fact... I am horrible at taking pictures. I bit ironic for a journalist. I'm no good with any type of camera. But since it has been so long since I have put anything up here I will add what few photos I have on my iPhone.

On a beautiful Saturday morning the girls toured the grounds of the Denver Temple while mommy had the chance to spend some time inside. It was a wonderful respite. Afterwards the ward met for a picnic at a nearby park. So, when talking with their dad he asked what they came away with from their temple trip (besides a sunburn). Abbigial promptly replied, "Daddy they have a waterfall. But you can't put money in it." Well, I tried.

Yet more proof that I am raising my grandmother's great-granddaughters: they love shoes! They could get that from my Grandma Gunda, but more likely they get it from me. Today's choice of shoes (with pajamas, of course): tap shoes and white church shoes. Can Abby tap? No. Does she try? As loudly as possible.

Now this picture has nothing to do with what we have been up to, but I wanted to add it because I think I actually did a good job taking it... check out the lighting! Of course it was a happy accident. Also... isn't this a great cat. A happy, fat, great cat. He weighs more than Claire!

What else have we been up to? The zoo, It'z, Chuck E Cheese, the park, playdates, birthday parties (Abby turned 3!) and so much more that we do have photos of that I will post someday. Until then... these will have to do. Besides... they still show just how darn cute these kids are.

And how much fun we have together as a family...

And at times, no matter how crazy or upside down life can be... we are a family close together or far apart. And these sweet faces, with all of their tantrums, quarrels, and hijinks.... these faces make it all worth while.

The Oldest Sister

I'm not old enough. She can't be old enough! My baby has finished kindergarten. Today was Ella's last day of kindergarten. She had a wonderful teacher... Mrs. Huebner. The class called her Mrs. H. Ella loves her, and I am amazed at how much Ella has learned from her. She is doing math, counting money, and writing stories. Every day she leaves me a little to read. Such a sweet heart...

She loves to learn... when she isn't at school she is finding new ways to keep learning. The best way she has found is making up songs and then writing down the lyrics. And if they aren't her original songs she is writing down the words to songs she hears on the radio. So smart...

And we are so proud... she is such a well behaved little girl at school. Her grades are strong, teachers love her and are always using her as the best example.

The entire kindergarten class put together a program called, "Going On a Picnic." The girls dressed as ladybugs, and the boys dressed as army ants. Ella knew every word of every song, and her choreography was right on cue. This kid is going to grow up to be a performer. She was the only girl who made her own costume for the program!

Probably what we love most about Ella is how protective she is of her little sisters. Of course she and Abbigail fight. Sisters do, but she is always the first to defend, protect and comfort Abbigail when something goes wrong. Just look at how the two cuddle up together like a couple of kittens in bed!

And her love for her baby sister, Claire, is adorable. She is always wanting to hug and kiss her youngest sister. Ella even has nightmares about Claire falling out of bed or down the stairs.

There isn't enough to say about this sweet girl. She is smart, beautiful, funny, kind, sweet, forgiving, compassionate and a true friend. My best friend. She loves to sing, dance, pretend. She is shy but loving. Sneaky but sincere. And always persistent. She is always so beautiful... we can't wait to see how much more beauty she brings to our lives.

The Art of Abbigail

What else is there to say about Abbigail... this kid has more personality in her pinkie then most people have in their entire body. Her smile says it all. A bit mischievous, a bit of sweetness, and more than a bit of knock you down, roll on the floor sense of humor.

This kid is definitely the comedian in the family. Sometimes I think I am raising a boy... the fart humor, her super-human strength (she can take Ella down without trying), and of course... her beautiful artwork. This face surrounding her belly-button was done with a permanent marker. Explain that to the doctor.

And unlike Ella, she is very independent. She wants to do everything on her own. I tried to help her at Chuck E Cheese... but she just wouldn't have it. She gets dressed on her own. She pours her own drinks. She washes her own hair. She even likes to do the dishes. Of course... that independence comes with quite few mishaps, but the kid is learning - and FAST!

But as much as she may be tough as nails, a little "gross" at times... she is definitely a girl. The singing, the dancing... and of course the princess costumes, the high-heels, and the makeup she must put on every day proves just how much of a girl she is.

When she first started putting on makeup it was a bit sloppy. I went through several tubes of mascara. But Grandma Kuu was a big help.

Eventually my beautiful princess learned the art of blue eye-shadow and now knows how to expertly apply just the right amount. :)

Of course... there are still days she finds the mascara and goes a little crazy and it takes more than soap and water to clean up those messes.

Every day is an adventure with this crazy kid, and I will gladly clean up whatever "mess" she brings our way.