Yes. I’m Still Here.

I feel I have neglected the poor blog long enough.  When so much time elapses, I really don’t know where to start.  Too much has happened.  I have new gray hairs and wrinkles to prove it. 

Granny left last week.  I think I laid on the couch almost all day Tuesday.  I felt like a lazy bum.  A lazy, comfy, content and warm bum.  (Typing bum that many times makes me feel a bit judgemental and politically incorrect – please don’t take it that way though).  It’s really all my mother-in-law’s fault.  If she hadn’t made all the kids “snuggies” while she was here, I wouldn’t have felt the need to play Goldilocks and try them all out.  That pretty much summed up my Tuesday.  Reading in Nate’s snuggie.  Snack break.  Reading in Philip’s snuggie.  Lunch break.  Reading in Anna’s snuggie.  Another snack break.  Using Luke’s snuggie as a blanket until he caught me and took it away.  He really doesn’t like to wear it around his neck that much, but after some coaxing, he does finally think his is “awesomer” than Anna E.’s because his has a pocket underneath for his feet.  Here are the kids modeling Granny’s latest gifts:

Nathanael wears his all the time. I mean all the time. We call him "monk boy" when he walks through the house in it with nothing on underneath except his boxers.

 Granny set up her sewing machine (it’s actually one she gave me but she still uses it more than me…even though she lives hundreds of miles away) while she was here she worked non-stop on snuggies, a nightgown, a baby gift, Halloween costumes, and all the mending we had stockpiled for her since her last visit.  This is how the kids ended up looking on the 31st:

Anna E. as Lucy from Chronicles of Narnia

She's really getting into character here

Sir Luke from the House of Thompson

Watch out - he's deadly with that thing

Purple-icious

When the wig got "itchy" he went for the Middle Eastern look

Philip teased his Granny by sending her an email asking for a princess dress.  He didn’t think she’d take him seriously.  When she came with dress in tow, we made sure Philip followed through with it.  The worst part of the night was, despite the sun shining brightly for a while, it was pretty cold.  I told Philip before we left to go put on a pair of leggings under his dress.  Yes. Leggings.  Unfortunately, when we met up with some friends and Philip wanted to take off his dress to throw the football, he was wearing his sister’s pink lace leggings under that dress instead of basketball shorts or wind pants.  I don’t know what I was thinking…I guess I was in the “girl” mindset and doing what I would if Anna E. was wearing a dress.  Oops!  You’ll notice Nathanael is missing from the above pics.  He went all “middle-schooler” on us and opted to attend a bonfire with some friends instead of hanging out with his family.  That’s okay, I ended up getting some great one-on-one time with him later in the week.

This past Thursday, Nathanael and I went downtown to the Convention Center to attend the National Middle School Conference.  Nate’s school was chosen to represent a 21st Century Model Classroom and Nathanael was one of about thirty students chosen to demonstrate how technology can be used to make learning more efficient in the classroom.  On his permission slip there was a line for parent chaperones and after much begging and pleading, Wayland made a way to rearrange his schedule so I could attend as well.  All I can say is that what I saw was amazing and awe-inspiring.  I watched Nathanael use electronic microscopes to take pictures and record video of hair and cheek cells, download them on a laptop notebook and then proceed to explain the whole thing to teachers from Florida who were looking in on the process.  His group also linked up with NASA to use what they were learning in math to land airplanes on a flight simulator.  Nathanael was the first one to get it right.  A heart surgeon did a distance learning lab with the kids where they compared and contrasted real hearts from healthy people and those who had suffered heart attacks.  It was just like he was in the classroom.  The technology there blew me away and what’s even better was that our middle school actually received some of the equipment that was being demonstrated at the conference.  What an honor.

Nathanael and I got some more mother/son time on Saturday night participating in a living drama at Conner Prairie.  For my birthday…yes – I’m another year older, and no, Wayland didn’t do a blog card this year.  He did write me a pretty nice letter on notebook paper though…just like in the old days.  Anyway – for my birthday I asked Wayland if Nathanael and I could do this program that gives people a glimpse of what it would have been like to be part of the Underground Railroad.  I’ve wanted to do this from the first year we moved here, but participants have to be at least 12 years old.  Now I know why.  Nathanael and I, along with 13 others, were taken out into a dark wooded area of the settlement and told that we would be playing the role of slaves who would try to escape from their master and reach freedom on the infamous Underground Railroad.  I was scared and extremely emotional during a good portion of it.  Although the “slave traders” were only actors, and more than likely really nice people in real life, they did an amazing job of verbally and mentally abusing us into believing we were nothing more than animals.  When Nathanael and I were separated into a “bucks” and “breeders” line, I begin to cry.  I couldn’t lift my eyes to look for him and see if he was okay without the actors yelling and berating me.  They gave all participants strips of white fabric that they could tie around their head if the experience got too intense.  Evidently, Nathanael was fine and only worried about me – neither of us ended up using our white strips.  I wouldn’t call the experience “fun,” but I will say it was very poignant and thought-provoking.  A perfect birthday present for me. 

I know there are about forty-two more things I promised myself I would blog about, but I’ve run out juice.  Lucky you.

Catch-up Post

Well, Football season officially ended in the Thompson household tonight.  Philip’s All Star team lost the North Side championship to our dreaded rivals Hamilton Southeastern 7-0.  The difference in the game was a reverse with 45 seconds left in the first half.  I am so proud of our boys – Carmel, win or lose, always does so with pride.  It is hard to explain the delight other cities have in beating Carmel – we always get everyone’s best.  It is a blessing to have our sons coming up through a system that teaches excellence in everything they do. 

Philip had another fantastic game tonight.  He threw a really nice pass on 4th and long to his tight end on a flag route.  I was so proud that he stood his ground and took a big hit to be able to get the ball off.  With just under a minute, he rolled out towards the sideline and fired a pin-point accurate pass to his receiver on the sideline.  All of us coaches were jumping up and down as the receiver almost broke it for a TD.  Nate was working the chains on the opposing  team’s sideline and said that coaches and parents were coming up asking who the QB was for Carmel.  I know that sounds like bragging, but I only share that story to say that Nate proudly answered, “he’s my brother.”   What a life I have been blessed with. 

Philip continues to get better and I cannot wait to see how he does next year.  He works so hard and carries his leadership capabilities into everything he does.  I am also proud to report that he scored all A’s on his report card except for 1  B+ in Advanced Math.  Keep in mind that in the Carmel School District, to get an A you must score at least 93%.  A  B+ is over 90% and would be an A in most school districts.  Kaleesha and I are so proud that Philip strives for excellence in everything he does. 

Speaking of excellence, Nate shared his report card with us tonight as well.  I was blown away (and reminded of how much he is like his mother), when he reported a perfect 4.0 GPA.  Nate takes everything he does seriously – and is humble about his success (even as his dad shamelessly brags on him in this blog).   He was also honored to be selected by his teachers to participate in the 21st Century Classroom “technology utopia” taking place at the Indianapolis Convention Center.  His middle school was selected by the National Middle School Association as a 21st Century School in the area of technology (Nate is taking a class this semester where he is taught how to make digital video productions – his first will be a documentary showing the processes Philip has to go through with his diabetes).  At this conference, Nate will participate in a learning experience that will be on display for students across the globe.  We were also proud of Nate for trying out for the Clay Middle School 7th grade basketball team despite the fact that he has not played basketball since 1st grade.  He was ripped off not making the team – apparently they are looking for players that can dribble, pass and shoot

As for Anna, she continues to flourish in gymnastics.  She also earned a certificate in Spanish for hard work, is falling in love with reading, and has declared her best talent is walking on her heels in boots.  I am blown away by her beauty - and she is super-duper sweet.  Our little Luke is hopelessly enamoured with anything Star Wars (including princess Leia).  He is also getting more  ornery by the day.  This kid is deadly with a light-saber.  Friendly sword fights typically turn into all-out death matches as his big brothers and I have to run away from his sweeping blows.  He shows no mercy, until he thinks he has actually hurt you and offers to kiss your “boo-boo.”   As I sit here writing this, he is informing me that I need to “tell momma how to spell Master Yoda and Luke Skywalker” (he heard me ask her how to spell Leia).  

Kaleesha continues to be her “children’s mother” and I am proud to report that she was not kicked off of any football fields this year – even though she did turn the head’s of a few of our coaches this year with her spirited cheering.  We are having a blast with my mom this week.  I have included a picture taken at the Halloween party at Carmel’s Library last night.  Take a look at the costumes my mom made for them.  She is so talented – she made Anna’s cape in just a couple of hours after Anna said she needed one to complete her outfit.  Luke was the Unhappy Knight (he was not feeling good) and Anna was a Narnia Princess.  How fitting that she is a princess with a sword – that fits her perfectly.  We are looking forward to this weekend’s open schedule – it will probably be filled with picking up leaves and the Headless Horseman night at Conner Prairie.  Check back in – we will be taking pictures.   

WT

Undefeated!

7th Grade Champions!

Monday night, Nathanael and his teammates ended their football season with a 34-30 win to become the 8-0 undefeated 7th grade football champions of the district.  Our oldest son has had a heck of a football season this year.  After an extended sabbatical from sports (due to two broken bones), Nathanael was a bit behind in the conditioning department when the season began.  Fortunately, he rebounded quickly and was once again playing with that “Freight Train” mentality he is known for.  So far, I think the transition into school sponsored team sports has been a great one (both for the player and the parents).  Nathanael has only had one day to recover and he is already missing it.  He’s decided to fill his time by trying out for the basketball team next week.  Wayland has told him if he makes the team it may be the single greatest sporting accomplishment of his life and has promised to take him for a steak at St. Elmo’s.  (The last time Nathanael played organized basketball was as a 1st grader with the Upwards program).  I think that was all the motivation he needed.  Food does that to him.  He could probably summit Everest if he knew a good steak and our neighbor’s homemade apple pie were waiting for him at the top.  If basketball falls through, his back-up plan is wrestling.  Coming from a city where competitive wrestling was non-existent, I was happy to know that Nathanael would not have to change his name to “Bone Crusher” and wear gothic make-up to join the team.  (Although that little singlet will make a pretty amazing photo opp all by itself!)    We’ll let you know what happens with winter sports in Nate’s life.  Either way, it’s going to be interesting.  (By the way, if you’re trying to find Nathanael in the picture, you’re only going to get a profile.  He is behind #20 and to the left.  Isn’t my son a cutie?  Getting more and more handsome every day!)  And if you were wondering…Nathanael’s wrist was not broken.  Just a sprain.  Thank you, Lord!

In other football news, Philip had his first All Star game on Sunday afternoon.  They walked away with a 28-0 win over the Noblesville Millers.  Despite a couple of messy handoffs, and a fumble on a QB keeper, Philip (thank goodness) also had a nice TD pass and a good run where he somehow broke several tackles after almost being sacked in the backfield.  Their team plays again tonight (against a great rival) and Philip is looking forward to it.  We were afraid yesterday that he was getting sick again, but he seems to feel better today.  I found an H1N1 clinic that is open to the public tomorrow morning.  I think I’ll be there bright and early with Philip (and maybe Luke) in tow.  We’ll have to fit that in before we pick up Granny from the airport.  She’s coming back for another visit, and we can’t wait.  It will be so much fun having her here to see Philip play some football and deliver the costumes she made for the kids in person.  I see lots of picture-taking in our future.

Ending on a Better Note

I spent most of the day wanting a do-over.  “Please God, let’s just rewind and start again.  With new circumstances.  Including life without diabetes.  And alarm clocks.  This isn’t fun.” 

It started early this morning (2 am) with Philip’s numbers spiking.  We didn’t know if he needed a new injection site, or if he was starting to get sick.  Despite doses of insulin at 2 and 4, he was still high this morning, so we decided to change everything out.  Every once in a while Philip doesn’t do well with the change.  Like the first time we had to do it by ourselves….this past Tuesday…and this morning.  It took forever.  Both of us in tears.  A faulty needle.  Start over.  Shaking.  Missed the bus.  Finally got it in.  Still wiping tears.  Not a great way to start the day.  I went up to the school at 9 and he was still high.  I thought he must be getting sick.  We checked his temp – it was 99.  I started to panic.  H1N1 has hit our area really hard and the cases have been much more severe than expected.  And that’s just in “normal” kids.  Philip assured the school nurse (and me) that he felt fine and was just hot because the heater was running.  Thankfully, his numbers (both temp and blood sugar) dropped as the day went on.  Regardless, the whole ordeal spurred me on to spend all afternoon searching high and low for someone, somewhere to give my son the H1N1 vaccine.  Our county received their shipment of the vaccine this week and sent out all its supply to “Pediatric and Obgyn clinics in the area.”  Funny thing is, our pediatrician didn’t get any.  I even called our prior pediatrician to see if they got any.  No such luck.  I called the county and state health departments to see how they decided to pass out the supply.  The way I understand what the CDC has been saying is those who are “high risk” get the vaccine first.  Philip qualifies.  Times two.  I finally got the name of two clinics that received the vaccine in our county and when I called and explained the situation Philip was in, they basically told me “too bad.”  Only their patients could receive the shot.  Regardless of risk.  I began to call surrounding counties looking for the vaccine (by this time I felt so desperate you would have thought I was some kind of junkie looking for a fix).  The health departments agreed that my son definitely needed the shot  like yesterday, but were unwilling to oblige us as we did not reside in the correct county.  My frustration level hit an all time high, and I finally had to walk away and cry myself into a little ball on the couch.  Wayland told me not to put more hope and trust in the vaccine than I was putting in Jesus.  I needed to hear that. 

Today just topped off a week that was already crazy.  Nate had a game on Tuesday night - a GREAT game if I do say so myself.  (They are now one game away from an undefeated season – really cool).  He was tackling like a madman, his snaps looked just right…I mean, what else could we ask for?  Not another broken bone, that’s what.  When he wouldn’t make eye contact with me after the game, I knew something was wrong.  When the trainer started looking for me, I thought I was going to toss my cookies.  Remember the last broken bone?  Yep.  Same exact place.  Swollen.  Bruised.  Needed x-rays.  (Of course when Wayland was in Michigan, and the clinic was full of flu infested people so I had to keep my three little ones in the car for two hours as I scuttled between Nate in the waiting room and them bundled up in the suburban watching Ice Age 2: The Meltdown) (I’m aware that was a really bad run on sentence.  Sorry).  The PA that read the x-rays told me she was pretty certain there was not a break, but she would send them to the radiologist to read and we would receive the report the next day.  As of today, still no report.  It is starting to look better, and I couldn’t keep him away from practice this afternoon.  He’s determined to play in that last game on Monday regardless. 

All that being said, tonight really ended on a good note.  We were blessed twice in one day with unexpected drop-offs of good will.  Anna Elizabeth received two big bags of beautiful clothes on the doorstep from a very generous family, and Luke was showered with a plethora of cool costumes from some great friends.  Despite the fact that he acted completely UNinterested when they dropped them off (he was playing Star Wars on the computer, what do you expect?), once I pried him away from the keyboard, he found a treasure of fun.  He went from “Mr. Incredible” to “NASA astronaut” to “Peyton Manning” so fast my head was spinning.  When the boys pulled out his  Cowboys  football gear to remind him it was better than the Colts gear our friends had brought over, he picked up the blue and white horseshoe helmet and told them, “This one is awesomer!”  Visible shudders were present, and I think someone may have shed a tear.  I told them he can’t help it…he was born a Hoosier, you know. 

While Wayland and Nathanael headed off to North Beach, the rest of us loaded up to run some errands.  Luke decided to put on the “Luke Skywalker suit” (which is really a bright orange NASA Astronaut costume), then he grabbed his lightsaber and informed me he was ready to go.  There’s no way I would have allowed Nathanael or Philip to run errands like that when they were little, but by now I just make sure feet and bottoms are covered, and we’re good to go.  Several people stopped and stared.  You could almost read their minds – “Is it already Halloween?  Did I miss it?  Where’s the candy???”  A couple of them bent down and asked, “Are you an astronaut?”  Luke would just stare at them like they were speaking Russian, then he’d pull out his lightsaber.  He even did the sound effects to make it more menacing.  They’d slowly back away, chuckling nervously.  A couple of people looked to me for an explanation.  I knew better.  After a day week like mine, they’d probably get more than they bargained for.

Ready to Shop!!!

He's about to use the force...watch out!

Wow.  That red eye is super freaky.  Picturing me backing away slowly…and chuckling nervously.

Truly Scrumptious (You’re going to be singing it all day long…)

Last week a friend took me to brunch and I had the best breakfast I’ve ever had in a restaurant.  A perfectly cooked omelet, complete with monterey jack cheese, ham, onions, and red and green peppers.  Simply scrumptious!  It was paired with a delicious cup of fresh fruit and the best cinnamon toast I’ve put into my mouth since I left my home and my mama’s good cooking.  I’m usually a little paranoid about eating in front of other women (I can eat, y’all), but the tantalizing taste outweighed my vanity, and I ’bout scraped my plate clean.  I had eaten my cinnamon toast all around the edges and left the buttery, sweet, cinnamony middle to savor with my refill of hot, near perfect coffee.  Being distracted for a moment by little Luker, our waitress pounced on the opportunity to snatch my plate away.  I did something that is really embarrassing.  I instinctively grabbed for it!  I know, it’s bad…I couldn’t help it.  She asked if I was done, and I chuckled nonchalantly telling her, “yes I’m all done” with my lips, but banging my fists on the table crying “outrage!!!” on the inside.   I admitted what I had done to my friend and she told me, “Girl, you should’ve taken it back…you’re going crave that for days and look for all sorts of things to fill it.”  She was right.  I finally broke down and tried to make my own cinnamon toast this weekend.  It smelled like the home of my childhood and I had high hopes that I was about to taste a masterpiece.  In the end I burned it!  Dad gum it! 

I think it’s a perfect example of what I tend to do in my relationship with God.  If I don’t allow the all-consuming holy spirit of God to fill me daily, I try and try to fill that craving with something else.  I look for approval and fulfillment in other relationships; I try to busy myself with daily tasks to deafen the sweet, simple whispers of His spirit.  Or, when I have true fulfillment within my grasp, I sometimes allow it to be whisked away by fear, worry or doubt. 

The same friend that took me to lunch recently shared one of her heart’s desires, and I’ve taken it as one of mine as well.  She said she doesn’t want to be the same person three years from now, or one year from now, or even tomorrow for that matter.  God, change us.  Mold us.  Make us more and more into a reflection of the image of Your perfect Son.  Help us to feast on Your satisfying word and drink of Your living water, so we never thirst again.

I survived Camp Flat Rock…

Well, I am happy to report that after 3 days of camping with the entire 5th grade class at Forest Dale Elementary – I am still sane, still alive, and even brought Philip back intact.  This trip is just one more example of why we love the school district here in Carmel.  Most 5th graders in the district get to spend anywhere from one to three days at this YMCA  camp about an hour and 15 minutes southeast of Indianapolis.  That’s some kind of field trip if you ask me.  When Nate went 2 years ago, I was unwilling to leave our football team behind to be a chaperone.  This year – even if we had not been knocked out of the playoffs, I knew I would be going to take care of Philip.  The alternative was to have the school district hire a personal nurse to follow Philip around to count carbs and help with insulin dosages.  They would have been required to do so – but imagine being the only kid with a personal nurse following him around.  Although there were plenty of parents there, I felt like it was important to keep a little distance since I was not only there to herd 5th graders, but also to make sure his blood sugar levels were good and he was not having to miss too much of the fun checking his blood sugars and messing with his pump.  It was my primary goal to let him be as normal as possible.  I think he got a little tired of me constantly asking him if I was giving him enough space - he finally said, “Dad, its OK, you are cool.”   That just about made the trip for me!

On the diabetes front, his numbers could not have been better.  The heavy activity kept them on the lower side of his target range – but he only had a couple of readings below range.  The only real scare came when he forgot to give himself his insulin after dinner on Thursday night.  It was partially my fault for not double-checking, but we were very afraid that we would have a hard time catching up to the carbs and that he was going to run high all night.  Instead of getting approximately 6-7 units of insulin, he only got 1.5 units 2 hours later before we caught our mistake.  Running high has a couple of negative consequences – including lots of urinating (not good when the closest bathrooms are 40 yards down the path from your cabin), feeling lousy, and worst case scenario – ketoacidosis (don’t ask!).  After a few nervous calls to Kaleesha and the endocrinologist on call, we came up with a plan.  First, we had him drink a ton of water – seventeen glasses to be exact.  This would help him rid his body of the excess sugars better.  We also decided to check his blood sugar every 2 hours through the night.  I checked before bed and at 1, 3, and 5am.  Not only were all of his numbers near perfect all through the night, but he did not wake up once.  There are only 2 reasonable explanations for these great numbers considering he got less that 1/4 of the insulin he needed - and God gets the glory either way.  Either God just miraculously intervened, or because of all the extra physical activity during the day, Philip could have experienced delayed hypoglycemia which could have been very dangerous had he gotten all 6-7 units.  Praise God that even when Philip and dad mess up, he is there to watch over us.  The other great take-away from the trip was that I got a lot of practice being the sole parent responsible for his care.  It will make me better – and gave Kaleesha a nice break from the daily toil. 

Some highlights from the trip included some awesome “in the field” education on river, fen (look it up), and forest ecologies.  The students hunted for bugs, animals, mushrooms, and geologic features – all the while learning how to tell trees apart, determine if a river is healthy, and understand the impact man has had on this area.  The counselors were fantastic (if not a wee bit eccentric – see pictures) and challenged the student’s mentally and spiritually just as much as they did physically.  Philip was also able to do archery and climb the 60 foot “Alpine Tower” in addition to taking part in the Team Challenge.  Team Challenge was probably the best session because our group of 16 students were put into several situations where they had to think their way out.  The coach in me wanted to scream out instruction, but the camp counselor held me back.  Each time they would get close to completing a challenge, one of the goof-off students would ruin it for them.  True to the counselor’s word, the leaders started to step up and instruct the group and corral the ”trouble-makers”.  It was a huge blessing to see Philip’s leadership skills come front and center as he was not only vocal – but was really thinking through the situation.  I know God has blessed him with this character trait – he is a true leader, and not a follower. 

Now, imagine all of this being done in constant rain.  Wednesday and Thursday morning were chilly, but dry.  By Thursday afternoon, we were all slogging around in mud and making the best of it.  I came away from this weekend completely impressed with these young people and what they have to contribute to society in the future.  The most hilarious/scary part of the trip was the square dance on Thursday night.  The students all knew it was coming – the majority of the girls filled with notions of grandeur and the boys filled with angst.  Philip was convinced by buddies that if he did not ask a girl to be his partner, he would probably be assigned an unknown girl.  The girl he ended up asking (through a friend of course) is a girl that he has been linked to for quite some time.  There seems to be some mutual interest – even though Philip is not allowed (and for the most part not interested) in having a girlfriend.  I told several parents that if the same interest is there in 5-6 years I would be perfectly happy as this young lady is super smart, athletic and cute as a button.  I could not believe my eyes when I got to the lodge for dinner that night.  Many of the girls had makeup on and were all dolled up after being mud and rain-soaked just an hour before.  There was a nervous buzz all through dinner and then in the interim before the dance started.  You can imagine the broken hearts and silent prayers of thanks that went up once the counselor announced that boys would dance with boys and girls with girls.  I saw more than a few tears from the girls – and there was a mass exodus from the boy’s bathroom of boys who were determined to ride out the dance in a stall. 

We had a great time – one of those experiences that strengthens those bonds.  On the home front, Kaleesha’s fears of Swine Flu at the middle school and her precious Philip away at camp were met with a Peace that passes all understanding.  Here are some pictures to enjoy. 

WT

Cabin Life (otherwise known as “Yurts”)

Philip with his teacher Mr. S

We Are Family

When we moved to Indiana almost five years ago, I had no idea what God had in store for us.  He was, as He tends to be, full of surprises.  A few months in, we found ourselves dealing with faulty plumbing, extended family crises, and the exciting yet terrifying news of another little bambino on the way.  God so graciously placed us in a church that is big on “connecting people with God” and “connecting people with people.”  The people He has connected us with have been more than Christian brothers and sisters, more than friends…they have been family.  From planning surprise baby showers to being on stand by when I went into labor – we were lavished with love and support from our first small group right from the get go.  God has now extended this circle and again knit our hearts with others who continue to be the epitome of spiritual family.  I am overwhelmed by their willingness to allow God to use them to share His love, His wisdom, and His faithfulness with our family.  We are truly, truly blessed. 

I had to say all of that so you would understand the tiny little praise I am going to share with you now.  Yesterday, I allowed a fear to become a stronghold in my mind, and for a while there, wondered if I might go certifiably loony!  This seemingly little worry, took me tight in its grip and threatened to wreak havoc in my heart and physical body.  I wish I could tell you I went straight to the word of God and begin to dig for His truths that could set me free, but that would be a lie.  I did, however, go straight to the computer and reply to an email from our small group asking for prayer requests.  (I sent out an extra one to a friend in Texas who should  be in our small group.  The distance just keeps her from making the meetings regularly ).   I could just say a good nights sleep did the trick; allowing me to awake this morning with a fresh outlook and lightened heart, but that would be selling God way short (and would also be a lie since I did not get a good nights sleep).  Even so, I met the dawn with an amazing sense of peace and reassurance.  I read over words of encouragement and wisdom from my friends, listened to songs to build my faith and turn my heart toward worship, and smiled when I was reminded that I had been prayed for.  All of this from one silly little fear.  A fear God is so much bigger than; so much more capable of handling than me.  God is working on me about surrendering.  Surrendering control.  Trusting Him.  In all things.  It’s not always easy, but I know in the end it’s going to be good.

You Were Wrong

For all of you saying, “She never blogs anymore” - you were wrong.  Look at me go.

I really don’t know where to start.  Things have been like things tend to be in our big, busy family.  Run, run, run.  Go, go, go.  Someone gets sick.  It spreads.  On and on.  Philip is adjusting well to the pump.  Wayland and I are coming along.  Two weeks ago I was worried that we might not have done the right thing.  Not now.  I feel sure that this is all in Philip’s best interest.  Big congratulations are in order for Philip, by the way.  He tried out and made the All Star team, and it looks like he will be playing QB a bit longer this Fall.  His house league team ended the regular season 5-2.  The playoffs start Saturday and Wayland has been pouring over his playbook the past few days.  Our goal is to get to the Rose Bowl.  We’ll keep you updated. 

Nathanael, who is pretty much solely known as Nate  now, is also having a great season.  His team is 4-0 and he continues to melt my heart each time I watch him as team captain on the 50 yard line with helmet in hand.  He is such a cutie! (He is also playing GREAT – I just decided to focus on the one time he is on the field and not encountering opportunities to walk away black and blue).   Last night at his game, there were a few girls sitting near us who kept giggling as different players ran on and off the field.  I kept hearing, “There’s Nate!” followed by a squeal and a laugh.  I never  acted like that I’m sure, but if I did – I’m sorry to any mom who had to endure it.  It seems to make Wayland’s chest puff up and mine deflate. 

Anna E. stole the show last night at the football game.  Sporting her precious hot pink fleece ruffle car coat with matching hat (thanks Granny and Granddad), she made sure every spectator got at least one good look at her.  She has made that big transition into putting much more thought into the fashion end of her wardrobe.  Some dear friends of ours in Albuquerque generously save and send Anna things they outgrow, and when we switched over her closet the other day, Anna actually wanted to try on every single piece of clothing.  Over and over she kept saying, “I just look so cute in this.”  Poor girl; doesn’t have a bit of confidence. 

For our friends and family down south reading this blog, you did read that previous paragraph correctly.  Anna E. was wearing a coat.  And hat.  It’s cold here, y’all.  Plum cold.  (I think just typing the words “down south” made my vernacular change…Yee-haw!)  It was perfect football weather, and made me love Fall in Indiana even more.  Luke came home and put on his fleece snowman pj’s and immediately told me he needed some new slippers because his toes were “vewy, vewy, cold!!!”  I worried a bit about having him out in the cold after him being sick last week, but it didn’t seem to faze him a bit.  He ran around playing Star Wars and pretend lightsaber fighting onlooking fans.  He thinks he is Luke Skywalker and I know he has a crush on Princess Leia.  I don’t have the heart to tell him she’s old enough to be his grandma.  Every day at 2:40 Luke runs to the window to see if the bus is here.  As much as he loves going to the library, Bible study, and Costco with me, I just don’t play “car family” as well as Anna Elizabeth.  Really, “car family” is an enigma to me.  He is probably the only three year old boy who separates the boy cars from the girls.  Today I had to be the grandma car.  Quite the ego booster. 

Well, between all the interruptions and a lunch break, it has taken me far too long to type this post.  (I’m better at 1:00am when the house is quiet).  We’re off to gymnastics.  Guess what Anna E. is wearing? 

Lucky 13

Happy Anniversary to my beautiful wife.  Sometimes you have anniversaries in the midst of sheer bliss and sometimes they happen when you feel like you have been beaten with a 2X4.  This year has been one of the latter.  Our family has been tested in a number of ways - and our marriage has been a casualty to all of these external pressures from time to time (kind of like two sparrows in a hurricane – eh?).  At times it has felt like we are barely keeping our heads above water individually, much less collectively.  But…  I am a big believer in the old wise saying that “what does not kill us makes us stronger”.  And I know that I could not have made it through the past year without you.  I need you more than I ever have – and look forward to all of  the adventures we have yet to experience together.  Thanks for always having a life preserver at the ready.  And thanks for giving me a quick dunk when I need it.   Be patient with me – I am a work in progress.  I love you.

Major events from 1996:

Susan Sarandon is awarded the Oscar for Best Actress in Dead Man Walking

Dolly, the first cloned sheep, is born

militant leaders of a little known group called the Taliban take over Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan 

Wayland Thompson marries Kaleesha Eddings in quite possibly the longest wedding ceremony the world has ever seen

Bob Dole sweeps the Republican primaries

Dallas beats Pittsburg for their 3rd Super Bowl win in 3 years

Wayland plans exciting year of travel for he and his new bride

George Burns, celebrated actor, dies at age 100

Wayland’s plans of exotic travel are dashed when Kaleesha gets pregnant 3 weeks after they get married

The USA hosts the summer Olympics in Atlanta

Wayland and Kaleesha turn 20 in November, and busily prepare for the arrival of Nathanael Jamison Thompson

President Bill Clinton wins re-election in part due to a booming economy that will later be referred to as the dot.com era

Football Update and Deep Dark Secrets Revealed

I know many of you are wondering how Philip is doing.  In many ways, things have gone smoother than I thought they would.  In some ways, however, it has been much more difficult than I could have imagined.  I’m actually blogging today to find some release from the stress and hurt of it all, so I’m not going to say much.  For those of you praying for Philip (and us), please keep it up.  I know each day is going to get easier.

First off, Wayland and Philip were invited to watch the season opener of the Indianapolis Colts as they take on their opponents, the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium.  I know they are going to have a blast, and although it really should be me going to this game (since I truly am a Colts fan), I am not harboring ill will toward my two guys, and will be looking for them on TV in a few short hours.  I gave them strict orders to not root against the Colts (which Wayland sometimes does) for fear that they will burn all our bridges with Colts season ticket holders and I will never see them play in person.  I also forbade Philip from wearing Dallas Cowboys gear to the game.  I just didn’t think it seemed particularly gracious to his hosts. 

Speaking of football, Nathanael played on Thursday night and his team came away with another win.  They played their cross-town middle school rivals (which really means some of his best buds) – a team Nathanael’s middle school has not beaten in seven years.  It was a great game, full of hard tackles followed by sincere back slaps or “knuckles” between the guys on the field.   The parents were playfully jesting with one another about the opposing teams, but cheered for each boy’s individual achievement – regardless of the colors they were wearing.  It was a blast!   He plays again on Tuesday and we are looking forward to it!

Philip’s team played yesterday morning at 8am.  (That means we had to be at the field at 7:15, which means we had to get up at a pretty indecent hour for a Saturday morning.  We might as well have been playing hockey, for Pete’s sake!)  If you remember, the Fighting Irish were 4-0, having given up only 12 points to their opponents during the season.  Yesterday, that changed.  We lost 20-14.  Philip scored one TD (a QB sneak) and had some great passes, but our defense (which also included Philip) really fell short.  Wayland feels like it might not be such a bad thing to go into playoffs in a few weeks with a loss under our belts.  With the game over so early, we still had our entire Saturday ahead of us, which was a nice consolation considering the circumstances.

 Little Miss invited a friend over for a play-date yesterday afternoon.  It was a little girl who was in her class last year, and goes to a different school this year.  They had fun catching up over tea-parties, house, horses, and playing outside in the backyard.  Last night, Anna came to me visibly upset – her face, a pale green hue.  She proceeded to tell me that she and her friend “had a secret and that I could never know or I would be really upset and she would get in lots of trouble.”  Immediately, my imagination went wild and my anxiety level shot up.  I tried to remain calm and reassure Anna that there wasn’t anything she could do that would make me stop loving her, or a situation where she wouldn’t receive forgiveness from her parents, or more importantly from God.  She cried and toiled for quite a while until she worked up the nerve to tell me her deepest, darkest secret. 

“Mama, _______ and I found something in the creek.  We picked it up, well really, she picked it up.  And it was a dead mouse.  And it had a hole in it’s tummy and we could see it’s bones.  And I think it’s toe was bleeding.  And it made me so sad, because I love animals.  And don’t worry, there weren’t flies on it or anything.  So _______ and I decided to bury it.  So we dug it a grave and we put rocks and a leaf on it.  And an “L.”  For love.  And I said those words that preachers say when people die.  And Mama, I’m so sorry.  Please don’t be mad at me.” 

To say I was a bit dumbfounded would be an understatement.  I don’t know if she thought I was going to be mad at her because just a week ago (the morning after the boys had their sleepover and left the door open to the kitchen from the garage) we saw a mouse run across the floor.  After squealing and hoisting myself atop of the kitchen counter, Wayland proceeded to be my knight in shining armour and rescue me from my arch nemesis.  He chased that little rodent across the kitchen, hitting it with a broom (and evidently injuring it).  It took refuge behind our washing machine, so Wayland brought out the big guns (literally) and finished it off with one of the boy’s BB guns.  Our guests (the boy’s three friends who had spent the night) got quite a show that morning.  Poor them.  It’s a wonder they are allowed to associate with us.  Anyway, I made Wayland set up traps and put out D-con all over and around the house. Every day since then I’ve been asking, “Did we catch any mice?  Oh, I hate mice!  Hate ‘em!”   I guess Anna Elizabeth thought I was going to be mad at her for giving my hated enemy a decent burial.  Regardless of how many questions I had racing through my mind like, “DID YOU TOUCH IT WITH YOUR BARE HANDS???”  (which I found out she did not) I simply told her I thought she was very sweet and thoughtful to be so caring to one of God’s creatures.

"L" is for Love

They also gathered walnuts for the squirrels and chipmunks. "They shouldn't have to work too hard, because winter is coming soon!"

And look who just lost another tooth! She's making that tooth fairy work pretty hard!

As for Luke, he does his best to keep up with all the craziness going on.  Sometimes, it’s just too much though. 

Sleeping Luker

Poor Baby!