The Thompson Family

Last night Maleri watched our kids so we could go on a much needed date night.  We went to El Jalience in Montpelier-so yummy!  And then we went grocery shopping-I know, pretty romantic date, right?  It was nice to have some alone time, but it sure is harder to carry on conversations when the kids aren't there to do some of the talking. Hopefully we can keep working on that...  When we stopped to get Brandt and Kylie on our way home, they begged for Allee, Jolie, and Bridger to come for a sleepover.  They made a huge bed with every blanket we own in the living room and then watched Frozen-a favorite for everyone right now.  This morning Jolie was extra patient with Bridger and Kylie and spent time playing with them and letting them fix her hair.  Allee and Brandt were happy to spend time outside with the animals, even though the wind was horrible.  They all got a surprise when Bryce got home and saddled Grizz and gave them each rides around the field.  Buddy has been waiting to get on and ride all winter so he was the first in line to get on.  Unfortunately, as soon as his dad lifted him up into the saddle, his anxiety took over and he had to get right back off-a big disappointment to us and him because that was a phobia he had worked on with Shaun last summer and had seemed to overcome. :( It breaks my heart to watch him feel badly about himself when it's difficult for him to do the things that the other kids are doing-especially when he realizes that even the "little kids" aren't scared to do it and especially in this case when he LOVES his horse so much and has been waiting for months to get back in the saddle.  I'm so thankful that we have been blessed with many ways of helping him cope and learn to overcome his anxiety, and I'm sure that this is something we will work on a little more again at counseling on Monday.  I have no doubt that weak things can become strong through the grace of our Savior, just as we are told in the scriptures, and that's a thought that runs through my mind often. Believing that is one of the things that strengthens me through my trials and helps me know that the hard things my family goes through are worth it. So for now, our family will continue to work on our weaknesses-from our lack of communication skills to our fears and everything in between. I trust that as we work hard to help each other, having faith and obeying the commandments we've been given, we will be blessed and strengthened in our efforts.