Congratulations Graduate

I really struggle with writing this post.  I do not, in any way, want to come across as “braggadocios,” but with so much of our family miles away, I want to include you all in on our joy as we celebrate a huge honor our eldest son, Nathanael received today.  Today was 5th grade graduation and all the children were acknowledged for their hard work and  the various accomplishments they achieved.  Each teacher of a “specials” class (ie: Spanish, Music, PE, etc…) gave out awards to students who went above and beyond to make their learning experience above average.  I was overwhelmed as I heard Nathanael’s (or Nate’s) name called again and again.  He received the President’s Award for being in the top 10% of his class, as well as recognition for his volunteering for various needs around the school.  We were obviously very proud seeing our son awarded for his diligence and hard work.  The “biggie,” however, was the Falcon Award presented at the end of the ceremony.  One boy and one girl from the entire fifth grade class is chosen not only for their scholastic achievements, but also for outstanding character traits and leadership qualities.  The principal’s introduction for the boy recipient included comments like these…”he is cordial, good-natured, respectful, a true scholar.  Exemplifies the best qualities of a fifth grader.  Complimentary comments always follow from teachers when his name is mentioned.”  We did not know Nathanael would be receiving this award, but the buzz begin to grow as the students tried to figure out who the winner was.  When she said something about his being on the honor roll for every grading period since coming to Forest Dale Elementary in 2005 from Texas – it was pretty obvious she was speaking about Nathanael.  Yes, I cried.  In fact, I’m crying as I type this.  The best part is – although we think Nathanael is a great kid, the characteristics that he exhibits (the ones that evidently made him stand out in the crowd) are actually all from God.  As thankful as I am for terrific kids, God is truly the one who gets all the glory.  His light shines through Nathanael and because of that, His name is to be praised.  I saw many of Nate’s friends and acquaintances stop and congratulate him – one even stopped to congratulate me.  She said “I don’t know if Nate acts as good at home as he does at school, but he is really a good kid.  Even if someone is mean, he just keeps acting nice to them.  You should be proud.”  I assured her I was and thanked her for such gracious words.  In addition to receiving a plaque to keep and having his (and his female counterpart’s) name engraved on one that will remain at the school, Nathanael received a lot of love today.  Hugs, high-fives, knuckles, nods of respect, smiles – there was an abundance of them all, and I can’t help but believe our loving Heavenly Father was on the other side of each one.  Okay, let me wax poetic – I’m feeling a bit nostalgic.

I’m not sure how it happened

For it wasn’t long ago

I held you close and rocked you

‘Neath the moon’s soft glow.

In awe I watch you changing

From little boy to man

My heart grows warm each time you smile

And let me hold your hand. 

I trust your life and your success

Is held within God’s care 

I thank Him for each blessed day

 That’s yours and mine to share. 

                                                                                                                    

Nathanael, we are so very thankful for the amazing blessing you are in our lives.  Congratulations!!!

Indulge me a bit, and allow me to share the love with my other kiddos as well.  Philip’s 3rd grade teacher instructed the class to create an award for a fellow classmate to present at the end of the year.  They were told to put a lot of time and effort into presenting their peer with an award that reflected their best qualities or accomplishments.  The awards were handed out yesterday and Philip received a certificate for being an excellent athlete and a truly caring person.  His classmate also made and presented Philip with a cross to symbolize his Christian character.  You know, Philip says he wants to be a missionary when he grows up…I think he already is.

Anna E. finished up her preschool year today.  Anticipating the end of the year for a few days now, Anna has been feeling a bit melancholy.  (Who needs a new teacher and new classmates when you already have the best?)  When I picked her up the other day, her head was in her hands and she was wearing the gloomiest frown you have ever seen.  “My heart is heavy,” she said.  “I think it could break into teensy-weensy pieces.”  She asked me if I have ever felt like that.  Yes, baby – I have…and I couldn’t describe it any better than that.  With a great big goodbye hug and tears in their eyes this afternoon, Anna’s teacher said she had been ”a joy.”  I couldn’t describe that any better either.

Can’t forget The Luker.  No awards or certificates to report.  No big changes looming on his horizon causing feelings of uncertainty.  He did, however, try out a new phrase this week.  ”Guck, Guck, Boobs.  Guck, Guck, Boobs.”  We figured out he was playing “Duck, Duck, Goose.”  Hey – it’s a start!  Way to go, little bro!

This is Livin’

Hope all of you have had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.   After weekends like this, it just reminds me of how special our days as a family really are.  Friday, the kids had Track and Field Day at  school – unfortunately, it was rainy and cold (yes, our heater is still running in late May)  so the activities were very hit and miss.  Their teams placed 4th and 5th, and I think the comment I got about the day was “what a rip off.”   To end it on a better note, Friday night Wayland took the big boys to see the new Indiana Jones movie – they had a great time.  Anna, Luke and I stayed home and played cars and zoo, and then snuggled up on the couch and read books…we had a great time as well. 

Saturday morning we decided to get out the bikes, spruce them up a bit, and hit the Monon.  (For those of you who don’t live here – the Monon is an old railroad line that was turned into a walking/biking trail - it runs all the way from north of Carmel into downtown Indianapolis.)  It took Wayland a couple of hours to get them all in working order (we had to replace four tubes and adjust some gears).  Anyway, we finally loaded up all the bikes and hit the trail.  It was a blast!  Luke sat on the back of my bike and we tried our best to keep up with Nathanael and Philip.  Wayland and Anna E. followed behind us, and while Anna E. did a tremendous job at biking some pretty good distance -she literally made Wayland a nervous wreck.  Being the friendly girl she is, she couldn’t pass someone without waving – and we passed a lot of people.  Every time she took her hands off the handlebars to wave she would veer to the left or to the right (right into Wayland).  At one point, she saw some beautiful flowers down by a pond.  She promptly hopped off her bike and headed down toward the soggy ground to pick her bouquet.  Her bike followed right behind her and ended up in the mud.  Several times she decided she would try to ride without hands and with her eyes shut…all of which made Wayland’s blood pressure shoot sky high and kept him constantly apologizing to passers by.  We rode up to Bub’s (a local hamburger joint) and got some ice cream – the whole time I couldn’t help but think how much fun it was.  One couple commented on what a grand entourage we had.  It was quite a sight to see us all trying to cross the street at a small intersection.  I laughed when I saw we took up the entire road and then some.  I wish we all had matching helmets that said, “Team Thompson,”  wouldn’t that be cute? 

After our bike ride, Wayland took the four kids fishing in a pond close to the house.  Luke (with his new Lightning McQueen rod) fished for his first time and caught 5 fish!  Nathanael caught 8, Anna E. caught 9, and Philip took home the trophy with 15 blue gill!!!  I stayed home and took a long, hot shower and tried to soothe my aching bum.  (I know my tush did not hurt like that when I rode my bike as a kid)  I guess the Saturday night fishing trip just wet their appetite, because early Sunday morning Wayland, Nate and Phil got up and went down to the river to wade and fish.  They didn’t catch as many, but they came home more dirty, more stinky, and much more wet than on Saturday night, so I guess they had just as much fun. 

After they cleaned up, we headed up to Sheridan for a cookout with our Life Group from church.  We had such a wonderful time visiting, eating, and watching the kids play outside…our temperature finally got up into the mid to upper 70’s!!!  It was glorious weather and fellowship!!!  We are truly blessed here in Indiana with some really good friends.  When we got back home, we decided we would take another bike ride around the neighborhood.  Other than the time Anna E. swerved off the sidewalk into the street in front a passing car, it was really pleasant.  We ended the night with pizza and a movie.  You really can’t go wrong with Mouse Hunt - we all had our fair share of laughs.

Today we plan to plant some flowers and move some mulch.  We’re going to fire up the grill and feast on steak, taters and roasted corn on the cob.  Yummy!  It will be a great day to try and recover from a long, fun-filled weekend, and an opportune time to gear up for a very busy week ahead.  Tuesday, Nathanael heads down to southern Indiana for his 5th grade field trip to Marengo Caves.  He’ll have to leave early to be back in time for try-outs for the Pups travel football team.  These are super intense tryouts and will last three nights.  Please pray for Nathanael if you think of him – we just want God’s will in this situation.  Philip has a baseball game on Tuesday night, and then on Thursday we have fifth grade graduation (a really big deal here) and Anna E.’s last day of school and party at the park.  The boys round out their year on Friday morning, and Nathanael gets to celebrate his move to middle school with a big swim party on Friday afternoon.  It will be a week full of excitement, emotion and some big changes.  We’re all ready for summer and for more days like the ones we had this weekend. 

Pajama Days and Rude Mail Carriers

I have several haunting phobias in my life.  Some include piles of dirty laundry on the floor, filthy dishes sitting in toxic dishwater, and maybe the greatest of all…my kids seeing me stay in my pj’s too long.  Don’t get me wrong, with a jam-packed calendar, a day that I don’t have to get all dressed up and ready is a welcome one for sure.  Even after a long day, there is nothing better than coming home and “changing into something more comfortable.”  I do not, however, live in my pajamas – which is why our mailman has made it very difficult for me to “be angry and sin not.”  Please allow me to elaborate.

Wayland is constantly receiving packages from his employer that are too large for our mailbox.  This, of course, causes the mailman to ring our doorbell and deliver our mail by hand quite often.  (First of all, he knows we have a baby and he always rings the doorbell – that gives me another reason to be upset now that I think of it.)  Okay, back to my main beef.  Out of the 30-40 times he has come to our door, I would say I have answered in my pj’s maybe 2 or 3 times (not bad, in my estimation).  I know for sure that one of those times I was really sick, and definitely looked it.   A couple of weeks ago, after a super busy weekend, Anna asked if we could have a pajama day.  I thought it sounded good – I did still put on a little makeup, brush my hair, and change into some yoga pants and a t-shirt.  Anna and Luke, however, were running around in their pj’s with extreme bed heads.   The doorbell rang.  I answered with my two little ragamuffins close behind.  It was our mailman.  “What?  Do you all never leave the house?  Do you never get dressed?”  Long, awkward pause.  Oh no you didn’t.  Shocked, stunned and steaming, I told him as politely as possible that Anna wanted to have a pajama day after several days of going and going.  His reply… “Well, I don’t feel good unless I’m dressed in my uniform.  I practically live in it.”  All I can say is that he looks like it.  (I know, that was mean - I’m sorry…just not sorry enough to erase it!)  The worst part of this whole thing is that ever since this happened, I feel like I need to get all dressed up every day – for the mailman!!!  I have to remind myself of one of my favorite scriptures, (really I need to remind myself of several regarding this situation – like “Do not repay evil for evil,” but really, I was thinking of this one:)  “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or God?  Or am I trying to please men?  If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.”  Gal 1:10

Okay, I better go get dressed…it’s Monday morning and I’d hate to not be decent if the mailman stops by. 

I’m a proud papa….

What could make a parent more proud than their two year old falling asleep reading the Good Book?

What About Bob?

Looks like our little Luker’s vocabulary is really beginning to develop.  He is starting to mimic more and more new words and today he said “Gordon,” (you know – the fastest train on Sodor) “road,” and “shoe” to name a few.  The funniest thing he did today though, by far, was change his name.  The kids all had dentist appointments (yes, all four at one time – the office cleared a whole room for us and each child had their own attendant to cater to their every whim).  This was Luke’s first “regular” appointment – the last time he was there, it was under far more traumatic circumstances.  Anyway, they called us all back and really went out of their way to make Luke feel at-ease.  First off, the dental hygienist approached him and asked his name.  “Luke?”  His response, “Nope.”  He then pointed to his chest and said, “Bob.”  I couldn’t believe it.  I’m guessing it’s in honor of either Bob the Builder or Bob the Tomato, because they’re the only Bobs we know around here.  The bigger kids couldn’t get enough of it.  They asked him over and over, ”Hey Luke, what’s your name?”  The only deviation in his reply was “Bob O. Bob” once.  He had us all rolling. 

After the dentist we headed over to a soccer scrimmage for Anna.  She is really improving her game – she scored another goal, but I think she actually favors playing defense.  There are no goalies in this league, but you can often find her running ahead to guard the goal when her opponent is on a breakaway.  She only came out of the game crying once tonight, and it really may have been legit.  A bruiser of a boy accidentally kicked the snot out of her, and she needed about fifteen kisses to return to the field - still sniffling.  She did a good job of making me laugh today, as well.  She was helping me carry some dirty clothes downstairs and must not have noticed that she was carrying a pair of Nate’s boxers in her load until we reached the utility room.  She completely freaked.  Her exact words, full of exaggeration and primadonna attitude:  “Oh my gracious sake’s alive!!!  I just realized I had Nathanael’s dirty underwear!!!  I am not a girl who likes to touch underwear, mom!!!  Never do that to me again, okay?”  Drama queen, anyone?  

After soccer, Philip had baseball practice (yes, mom was a taxi driver tonight) and poor Nathanael just sniffled and snorted through it all, as he is suffering from some really aggrivating seasonal allergies.  Both boys have been on a reading frenzy lately – Philip has well over 500 minutes this past week and Nathanael has something like 1,600 pages read in six days!  And that’s in between practices, games, playing outside, and all the other extra-curricular things they are doing.  Way to go, guys!!! 

One more thing, before I forget.  I want to thank my sweet family for such a wonderful Mother’s Day.  My “blog card” was a tear-jerker and I am truly blessed to have each and every one of them in my life.  I love being a mom and I couldn’t have asked for more terrific kiddos.  And dad…well, he’s pretty swell as well.  : )

Happy Mother’s Day Momma

As we prepare to go to brunch in a little while, I thought we would just do a quick post on why we are so thankful that Kaleesha is the mother of my children and “momma” to them.

1. She nurtures them not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well.  Kaleesha is so in tune with our children that she can detect the slightest change in their feelings.  She usually keys in on things that are affecting them well before I do.  She can do this because her relationship is so intimate with them.  This sensitivity to their needs also comes from the fact that she is a prayer warrior for her children.  She is so dedicated to raising her children to be followers of Christ.  She always has an applicable scripture for any situation they might be facing.  Her love for her Savior is being passed on to her children through her example.

2. She is their FRIEND.  I love to see Kaleesha laugh with our kids.  Many a Friday night have been spent sitting on a sleeping bag in the living room, watching movies on “Thompson Family Nacho Night”.  This family function often ends up digressing into sessions of laughter and game playing.  Kaleesha is always right in the middle of the fun, and I love to hear her laughter – that special laughter that only comes when she is in the midst of her family.

I thought I would let the kids write a few lines about why their mom is so special to them as well.

Nathanael:  I love you more than you know momma. Every morning before school you put the life into me by telling me to have a good day and that you love me. Without you I would be lost. Because of you, I am the person I am today. You are a big part in being in SAC, Choir, and the 5th Grade Play because I was kind of borderline on those this year and you helped me over that line. Without those activities I wouldn’t have some of the friends that I have and more importantly, wouldn’t have had a fun time with them. You are always there when I need to talk to someone or need something like medicine or food. Like I said earlier, I love you momma.

Philip: I love you very much and love listening to you read. Your so good by fixing me lunch for school half of the mornings. No one can get a better mom than you. I couldn’t live without you. I can talk with you whenever I want. Momma you are really the best mom ever! 

Anna: Dear momma, I hope you have a great mothers day. You make me feel better when I’m sick and help me not get hurt. I love when you play games with me. You look like a queen and are prettier than a horse (FYI from dad – thats the highest compliment in Anna’s book).  You are fun because you are my favorite mom in the whole wide world.  I love you very much.

Luke:  When I asked him what he wanted to say to momma, he rolled his eyes and fell over crying because he is currently watching Thomas.  I’ll just add a few lines about the enormous love that comes from those big blue eyes when he looks at his momma, his joy when he first sees her in the morning, and his need for her to rock him, just for a few minutes, every night when he is going to bed.  He loves her special train/football story – and has to hear it every night.  On the few occasions dad has had to tell it to him – he just looks at my feeble attempts to get the story right and sighs.  He loves his momma dearly.   

We all love you so much. 

Update: picture from today on the way to lunch 

 

Week’s Recap and a Happy (Zoo-Free) Mother’s Day to You

I have been suffering from a severe case of “blogger’s block.”  It could be the fact that life is incredibly busy for us right now and my primary goal is keeping up with my calendar.  Luke is napping at the moment, I have a load of laundry in the dryer that isn’t quite ready to be folded, so for the next few moments please be patient as I sort through the confusion of my past week and try to put it into words. 

First off, last Friday I got a haircut.  (If you’ve read any past entries, you know this is major.)  I did not go back to the beauty school.  I did, however, use a coupon for a new spa/salon that was offering $20 off a cut&color for new clients.  (I’m really brave, aren’t I?)  I walked away with a few highlights, about seven inches off the length of my hair, and extreme elation that the whole process only took a little over an hour!!!  I’ll have to post a picture eventually – the kids aren’t crazy about it being shorter, but Wayland says he likes it.   Several ladies have stopped me to tell me they like it too, but Nathanael and Philip assure me that it’s only because they are moms and are trying to be nice.  : )

Wayland left Saturday to be with family back home and love on his Granny while he could.  He didn’t get back until Tuesday around midnight.  The kids and I had a great time running around and creating all sorts of commotion while he was gone.  We had five games and one birthday party on the calendar for the weekend which kept us pretty busy… and considering we didn’t make any trips to the ER -  I’d say it all went swimmingly.  In fact, Anna even scored two goals this weekend – for her own team!!!  

The kids have something on the calendar just about every day from now until the end of school.  Last night Nathanael had his Spring Concert for choir.  He pouted the entire performance.  He had to miss a baseball practice to fulfill his choir commitment and that didn’t seem “right” in his book.  Wayland chased the little ones while I sat and watched Nathanael sigh and sulk.  When we came home,  Wayland started to complain about having to run after the little ones.  Yes, you heard me right.  He really did.  I’m sure the look I gave him summed up what I was thinking.  Something like, “you’re gone quite often and who usually chases them all over baseball fields, soccer fields, football fields, basketball courts, grocery stores, the library, doctor’s offices, etc. etc. etc?… ” (if the look didn’t tell him, now he knows). 

This Saturday, we have four games scheduled (Philip has double headers on Saturdays – I’m trying to be excited about that) and then Sunday, I will try to avoid cooking since it is Mother’s Day.  Last year on Mother’s Day, Wayland was in Texas celebrating with his family (his dad’s b-day and with his mom and sis on Mother’s Day) so the kids and I went to the zoo.  Those of you who know me well, know how I feel about zoos.  I’m not sure there is any more sacrificial show of love I can give to my family than going to the zoo.  Wayland took me to the San Antonio zoo on our honeymoon-ugh!!!  He loves the zoo.  Any zoo, as many times as he can fit into an annual membership.  Me…going to the zoo may be my most despised outing of all time.  (Wow, I really got off course there, didn’t I?)  My point was – I am not going to the zoo on Mother’s Day this year.  (Actually, I’m going on Thursday instead – I volunteered to help chaperone the field trip with Anna’s preschool class?!?!?) 

Speaking of Mother’s Day…Happy Mother’s Day to all the sweet moms in my life!  My momma and my mom by marriage, all my grandmothers, my sisters, aunts, cousins, and friends…I pray that you would all be honored for the truly amazing position God has placed you in as “moms.”  I’m very thankful for the role each of you have played or are playing in my life.  I know God has used you to shape me into who I am today and I pray that He would continue to use you as He changes me more and more into a reflection of His love and grace.  I really do love you all and I hope your days are full of love, laughter and free of any and all zoos. 

A Legacy of Love

I feel so very blessed to have grown up in a loving home, surrounded by a family who cared for me in so many ways.  I feel “extra blessed” when I think of the family that I received when Wayland and I were married and how they have accepted me as one of their own.  I am so honored to not only have witnessed, but also experienced the love poured out among part of Wayland’s extended family.  Wayland’s precious 90 year old paternal grandmother – mother of six, grandmother of fifteen, and great-grandmother of many, is known affectionately as the matriarch of the Thompson clan.  She has suffered some health complications this past week and her physical body seems to be tiring.  This family is an amazing bunch, unlike any I have ever been around.  The closeness between Great-Gran and her children; the closeness between the siblings; the awe and respect of the grandchildren toward their grandmother; the wonder in the eyes of her great-grandchildren… it is all a beautiful sight to behold.  The family has gathered around her to speak their love or simply hold the hand of their hero.  They are listening as she recalls her lifetime of memories and shares her precious words of wisdom.  For sometime I have marveled at the legacy Iris Thompson (Granny/Great-Gran) is leaving her family.  Her very personal and intimate relationship with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has been the forefront of her life.  It is evident that He has been her constant companion through heartache, loss, and tragedy, and that through Him, she has emerged stronger.  She has lived out her love for her God and her family with consistency and unselfish devotion.  She has penned words and letters that belong in books to be cherished by many.  She has sown into the lives of her children and her extended family, and she is now reaping a harvest that, I’m sure, she can hardly contain. 

 

 A beauty, pure and timeless

Our flower, precious Iris.

The treasure that you leave us,

One of hope, and love, and trust.

Acts of kindness, loving prayers

Words we cherish, full of care.

Your life - the greatest blessing,

Your legacy is love. 

 

I prayed that the Lord would give me the words to express what was in my heart today as I was praying for this situation.  This is what we came up with.  I’ll end with the words to the song we sing as a family after the blessing of our meal.  (You can’t imagine the impact this had on me when I heard the Thompson clan sing this while Wayland and I were dating – I knew then I was in for something good.)

With Jesus in the home it’s a happy, happy home.  A happy, happy home.  A happy, happy home.  With Jesus in the home it’s a happy, happy home.  A happy, happy home.