A Few Funnies

Honestly, I really do not have time to be doing this right now (seeing as I still need to vacuum, run to  the library, make a quick trip to Costco, fold laundry and figure out what’s for dinner) but I feel a little guilty about not posting in a while, so here goes.   I’ll just do a quick recap of some things I have found really funny this week.

1.  Wayland, Kaleesha, Nate, Phil, Anna E., and Luke ALL doing (or attempting) push-ups on the living room floor Monday night.   (Philip made it to 100 – but Nate’s 25 were just as impressive considering the size difference)  : )

2.  The fact that after watching Anna play soccer on Saturday, I felt (developmentally at least)  there was no where to go but up.  Then watching her scrimmage last night and realizing how wrong I was.  I’m not sure if it was when she was crawling on the ground on all fours, or when she was curled up in a ball at the back of the goal hiding from the rest of her team and coaches.  She gave out more hugs and a few high fives, I found the funniest ones to be after she helped the other team score a goal.  She did make a great block on a goal, but I’m not sure it was on purpose as she ended up on the ground crying immediately after.

3.  Watching the big boys watch Anna play soccer.  Being the competitive boys they are it was really hard for them.  Here are some things I heard from the sideline…  Philip screaming:  “Anna, if you score a goal I’ll play horsey with you!!!”  Nathanael (after Anna started crying one of the times):  “It’s okay Anna.  Get up.  Come on, suck it up.  Rub some dirt in it.”

4.  Anna rubbing dirt in it.

5.  Seeing Nathanael’s face when his baseball coach asked him to pitch at practice last night.  (Classic deer in the headlights look)  He even asked, “Me?  Nate?  You want me to pitch, coach?”  I think Wayland mentioned Nate’s first love in baseball is being catcher.  Last year (Wayland was out of town and I had to be with Philip at a soccer game, so no one was there to witness this) Nate pitched in a game.  When I picked him up he was in tears.  I think he hit someone right off the bat, and from his description it didn’t get much better as the inning went on.  He said he would never pitch again.  He did it last night though – and he did a great job!

6.  Philip kicking the back of the seat and me getting on to him for it.  His reply: “I wasn’t kicking it, mom.  I was just hitting it with my foot!”  Oops -silly me!  : )

7.  Walking in on Luke attacking Anna this morning.  He had both arms tightly wrapped around her neck and he had tackled her to the ground.  Anna looked up at me and said in a very muffled voice, “Wow, he really loves me!”  I pulled Luke off and she said (wearing the biggest smile you can imagine)  “Well Luke, that really hurt, but I’m just glad you love me so much.”   

TEAMThompson Spring Sports Update

We had our first 70 degree day yesterday – Spring is in the air.  We are pumped that we are about to be spending our Saturdays in a constant state of sports readiness.  This is our first season to have 3 fully in the mix – and we could not be more happy.  Although it most likely means that mom and dad will be missing some of each kid’s games – we are determined to split our time and support.  Here is a recap of what is going on:

Anna:

This will be her first “season” in soccer.  She did participate in a beginners league a couple of years ago.  I have said many times that her athleticism could rival her brothers’.  However, when asked who she is rooting for when we are watching any game on television – her common reply is a tearful “I want both teams to win.”  We will have to work on the competitive drive part (just kidding Kaleesha).  I am sure we will have our share of butterfly chasing moments.

Update:  We just got back from Anna’s first game.  She scored a goal and provided much comic relief.  Among the hilarious moments were:  (1) Anna feeling the need to hug her teammates and opponents every chance she got.  (2) She also pouted a bit at all the running – but would then find some energy and take off sprinting (sometimes to the opposite side of the field that the action was on).  (3) She was quick to remind us that we were not cheering enough for her – including telling Kaleesha that she needed to hear some more “Whoo-Hoo’s.”   

Philip:

Philip tried out for and made the rec league plus baseball team this year.  That basically means more money and more games for mom and dad – but it also means that Philip will be competing against a higher level of competition.  We will see how he responds to this as Philip does not necessarily share his older brother’s competitive drive.  That being said, the Lord has blessed Philip with a lot of athletic ability – he just does a better job of having fun (vs. Nate who sometimes acts like he is already getting paid to play sports).  We are excited to see Philip pitch this year – he received top-notch instruction from Nate’s coach last year when he became the extra player around practice when his soccer season ended early.

Nathanael:

We were thrilled to find out that Nate was able to get on the same baseball team as last year.  Some of you will remember that this team won the city championship last year.  We are excited to have most players returning from that team – and I especially look forward to having Nate learn from one of the best coaches I have ever been around in youth sports.  Coach Ed is the grandfather of one of the kids on the team and played his college ball at Yale, then went on to play semi-pro ball.  He also flew bombers in the military and is one of the most interesting people you will ever meet.  He is my favorite kind of coach – extremely tough on the kids, but has a heart of gold and makes every young man feel like he is loved and an integral part of the team.  Nate looks forward to resuming his training as a catcher, and I am proud to say he is following in his dad’s footsteps with his love for this position.

Nate also has a very big event in May as he will be trying out for the travel football team – the Carmel Pups.  This team is made up of mostly 6th graders with a few 5th graders.  Nate made it to the final cut last year as a 5th grader – and used the fact that he did not make it as motivation to go on to have a dominant house league season last year.  The Pups went through some major changes this off-season, and now have a VERY accomplished coaching staff – including a head coach that played at Notre Dame and a few years in the NFL.  For those of you that know Nate, you know his passion for football.  We are eagerly awaiting the process. 

Wayland, Kaleesha and Luke:

I have been promised my spot as third base coach for Nate’s team again this year.  I hope to be able to help out with Phil’s team as well – we will see.  As for Anna’s soccer, I will leave that to the experts and will be a proud fan from the sideline.  Kaleesha, no doubt, will resume her duties as team mom and as usual will be “Super Fan #1″ on the sidelines.  Sometimes, watching Kaleesha root her kids on is as entertaining as watching the game. (Imagine Kaleesha high-stepping 40 yards down the sideline as Philip ran for a long TD a couple of years ago – with baby Luke in her arms.  True story.)   And finally, Luke will be splitting his time playing under the bleachers, in the dugout, and running away from mom – all the while cheering his brothers and sister on enthusiastically (nut-noun!). 

Stay tuned for updates – it should be an exciting season.   

Feelin’ the Love

I don’t know how many of you are familiar with the idea of love languages, but lately, my family is speaking mine.  Wayland’s last post totally made me cry.  I feel so blessed to have a husband who loves his family like he loves us.  Even though some days he can aggravate me to no end, he still makes my heart flutter.  Fortunately, for me, my kids are into sharing the love as well.  Nathanael recently experienced a lengthy grounding and in the midst of it, his pre-teen attitude has taken a turn.  After several great heart-to-hearts, Nathanael has really gone out of his way to lavish some love on his ol’ mom.  Yesterday, he outdid himself.  I turned on the computer and on the screen where his name should have been to sign into his account, were the words: “I love you momma.”  I’ve forever cherished a good love note, (Wayland has always been able to write a great one) but getting one from my eldest son melted my heart.  If that wasn’t enough, last night I got a terrific shoulder rub from Philip (along with some snuggling as we watched American Idol and Biggest Loser Finale together on the couch).  He still gets a hankerin’ to be babied from time to time and I was in hog heaven.  With Wayland out of town last night, Luke and I snuggled most of the night in my bed.  Waking up to his sweet baby breath on my face and his hand clutching my arm got my day off to a great start.  To top it all off, my sweet baby girl said these words to me today as I was taking her to preschool.  “Mom, I just want you to know that when you die, I’m going to bury you in my backyard.”  (Her voice starts to quiver)  “And I’m going to put my cross necklace on the ground where I bury you.  That way I’ll never forget you. ”  (Full blown sobbing now)  I’m torn between cracking up and crying myself.  I got an extra long hug and super slobbery kiss before she ran up the steps.  As I drove home, I couldn’t help thinking how blessed I was to feel love like this. 

“Love is patient and kind.  Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.  Love does not demand its own way.  Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged.  It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever truth wins out.  Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance.” 

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Life is good.

One of my favorite things in the world is taking family vacations.  Not the big, expensive types (although I’m sure those are fun too) - but the “hop in the car and go somewhere neat” kind.  Road-trips are a necessity for a family of our size – but even if we could afford to fly, I would rather drive.  It reminds me of our family trips to east Texas as a kid.  The Odessa contingent of our family would caravan to Queen City, Texas – a drive that usually took about 10-11 hours.  When we would stop along the way to eat (Dairy Queen) or use the restroom, we would invade these small towns with our loud and happy group.  I remember that my dad would drive most of the way with his headphones on, Walkman blaring to drown out our epic sibling battles in the backseat.  This was also back in the day when seat belts were not as “mandatory” and we would make pallets in the back to lay on.  I can also remember making the drive with cousin Connie one year – all six of us – in my family’s brand new Volkswagen Golf hatchback (think sardine can with wheels).   These are great memories. 

So now, it is like coming full circle when we go on our vacations as a family.  Having lived in 3 states now, we have been able to see a lot of really cool things.  This latest trip to Tennessee reminded me of a few things:

1. Long road-trips bring out the baby in your 2 year old.  Sometimes it is easy to think that the baby of the family is all grown up.  But as I glanced back in the rear view mirror at Luke, I was reminded of just how small he still is.  He handles these trips about as well as you could expect – but he still needs to be held more often that a 6 hour trip will allow.

 

2. The days of squeezing into one hotel room are quickly coming to an end.  It is a known fact that small armies travel with lots of supplies.  But the real challenge was figuring out the sleeping combinations for 6 people in 2 queen size beds.  Next time – it will be adjoining rooms or bust.

 

3. Daughters are super special.  Anna and I had a special moment on the scenic ski lift at Ober Gatlinburg (the local ski resort).  We were enjoying the view of the mountains coming down from the top when Anna, very sweetly, complained about the chill.  She pulled her knees up to her chest with ankles crossed, snuggled about as close as she could to me, and wrapped my arms around her.  I rode the rest of the way down with one thought in mind……. heaven on earth. 

4. I am so thankful for sons that share my passions.  The boys are such adventurers – they don’t need video games to be happy.  Just give them a couple of wooden swords and cut them loose in the parking lot of the hotel (they were quite the entertainment for weary travelers arriving at the hotel).  They also share their mom and dad’s love of the outdoors.

 

5. I am truly blessed to share my life with such a like-minded mate.  Kaleesha and I are truly in our element when surrounded by God’s natural beauty and the treasures that are our children.  She is my best friend.

6. My cup overflows….

   

 

We’re Back!!!

…from a short but very sweet little trip down to the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.  Not only was it wonderful to have some great family time with no email, phone calls, or laundry to interrupt – it was equally wonderful to be back down south, complete with thick accents, sweet tea, and temperatures over 50 degrees.  The focus of our trip was to spend our time in the Smoky Mountain National Park hiking, exploring, and taking in the awesome sights of God’s wondrous creation.  It did not disappoint.  Mountains, rivers, creeks, trees, wildlife – it was all amazing.  We didn’t get to tour the entire park as we started running low on gas (both in the car, and the kids’ stamina) but what we took in was worth our six hour drive.  My favorite part was touring an old 1800’s settlement located in a valley called Cade’s Cove.  It amazes me to see history up close and personal.  It’s even better when you get to do it with your kids – everything seems to be even more marvelous to them.  As we were driving through the mountains with the river as our constant companion, Wayland commented that he felt closest to God being in the midst of His majestic creation; we all concurred.   It was a little bizarre, however, to drive out of such scenic beauty back to our hotel, which was located smack dab in the middle of “Hillbilly Vegas.”  Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg has to be the mini-golf, go kart, and all around redneck amusement capitol of the south.  After checking into pricing for some of the local attractions, we told the kids to pick two amusements.  We settled on Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede,  a dinner-theater show, and Lost Treasure mini-golf.  Both were great – we shared lots of laughs and made some great memories.  We even squeezed in a trip to the outlet mall on the way out of town today (never hurts to pick up a few necessities for a good price, eh?)  Although we love taking trips, and enjoy seeing this great country of ours, Anna put it best when we walked in the door tonight…”it feels really good to be back home!” 

Had to share…..

We were e-mailed this video a couple of days ago (from our good friend Melissa in Albuquerque) and I was really blessed – so I thought I would share.  It starts slow – but watch the whole thing.  Its very powerful stuff.  Just click on the picture and it will re-route you.

Also, check out the links below.  I am getting to the point that I need my daily “Coffey” fix.  This guy radiates Christ’s love in a powerful way.  I hope these bless you as much as they have us.

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=2604098aeec136963a9a&page=1&viewtype=&category

http://www.godtube.com/coffey       This one has all his songs at the bottom.