2010 ~ The Year of Extreme Blessings

2010 ~The Year of Extreme Blessings

Here we are again at the end of another year. Christmas is upon us and we are feeling joy and appreciation for so many blessings. This year was been a year of extreme blessings! That is, we’ve experienced blessings in every aspect of our lives, involving every member of our family.

In late January, Dan’s health began failing very fast. We thought the Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s was taking a mighty toll on him as he quickly lost most of his ability to eat, talk, walk, etc. He slipped into unconsciousness and we rushed him to the VA hospital in Salt Lake only to find out that he was on the blink of death. There was very little hope that he would revive as he remained in a coma for almost two weeks. However, one morning as I entered his room and said his name, he opened his eyes and looked over at me. (I still cry just thinking about it.) He was with us again! He spent a month in a rehabilitation home in SL before returning to Idaho and he has made significant progress ever since. In fact, just last Friday at a VA follow up, it was determined that he doesn’t have, nor did he ever have Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. The medication he was taking was presenting as such. Obviously, they’ve changed his meds and he is making great gains. (You can read more about Dan’s experience at www.thedandiariesbysandy.blogspot.com)

Tessha is also showing signs of improvement with her health. She is currently exploring the east coast, visiting family and friends and all the sites. She will return home just in time for Christmas. We can’t wait. We’ve missed her.

Luke and Jenn have recently accepted a position with Trans Air Airlines (recently bought out by Southwest Airlines). They have waited a long time for such a position to become available and now they are on their way to big times in the skies.

Will and Jenni presented us with another wonderful baby boy this year. Taylor will get to spend his first Christmas with us in Idaho and we are so excited!!!

Haini and Kristi are working hard in Orem and Haini has just completed all his tests and exercises to be accepted to the Police Academy. YEAH for Haini!! YEAH for Kristi!!

Daniel and Dalynn had another beautiful baby girl last summer and we were able to go east and spend some time with them. It was wonderful to be together with their family.

Laura and Mark accepted a position in Colorado Springs where Mark is working with the Army Corp of Engineers on a construction project. And little Anabelle has now joined their family. She is so sweet!!

Elizabeth and James are going to school and managing apts. in Tacoma. James is getting ready to begin his internships in the field of Physical Therapy. They organized the most wonderful family reunion for us this summer at Discovery Bay, WA. We spent an entire week all together on the peninsula and made memories that will last forever!!!

Seth continues working at the Bike Shop and going to school in Pocatello and the blessing there is that he’s close enough to come home and help us with projects we need help with. We so appreciate the many times he “stops in to see what we need done”. That is a blessing that can’t be replaced!

Gracie is serving as a Sister Missionary in the Florida, Tampa Mission. You just have to read her letters to see what a great missionary she is. She LOVES it!!! Her service there has been a special blessing to us this year. (You can read her letters by accessing her blog site from the family sites at www.thetallandtheshortofitall.blogspot.com)

Alisha graduated from High School and has moved out and on with her life. She lives with James, Elizabeth and especially little Gwenevere in Tacoma. She loves life and all the opportunities of life outside the nest.

I’m sure you’ll agree that this has been an exciting and fulfilling year for the Thomas Family. But, our blessings don’t just end there. We continue to be grateful for all the wonderful family and friends that support us and love us every day. Mostly, we are thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ; for our testimonies that He was born as a sweet babe in Bethlehem; that He lived and taught eternal truths and that He loves us and blesses us as we try to keep His command-
ments. We know that He lives and we celebrate His birth with gratitude and love for all.

Merry Christmas!

Love, the Dan & Sandy Thomas Family