Birthday Boy

Eleven years ago today, Wayland and I entered into an amazing journey…parenthood.  Looking back, it is something we thought we were totally prepared for and fully capable of handling without incident.  We didn’t have a clue.  As moms so often do, I was telling Nathanael exactly what was happening eleven years ago today.  I asked Wayland what he remembered most about the day.  He said he wasn’t nearly as nervous as he should have been.  I remember right after Nathanael was born, Wayland wiping his brow, breathing hard, and bending over with his hands on his knees trying to catch his breath…I guess he thought he did all the hard work.  I also remember having an intense craving for a BLT (quite unusual for me) and my sweet father-in-law driving all over town around midnight until he found me one.  But the one memory that stands out as the sweetest and most precious of all, was finally being able to hold that sweet bundle in my arms and knowing instantly I would never want to let him go.  Wayland and I were watching him last night at Philip’s baseball tournament, and we were both overwhelmed at how our baby was looking so “unbaby-like.”  He is truly growing into a funny, handsome, intelligent, and godly young man.  It does this momma’s heart good to see him get just as excited about his birthday as he did when he was five or six.  (Seems like that was only yesterday)  He’s already put in an order for egg burritos for breakfast and strawberry cake (his Sissy’s recipe) for dessert.  Unfortunately, he has to spend his entire day at Philip’s baseball tournament and then go to a family friend’s engagement party in the evening.  (Don’t worry, we promised to make it up to him).  

Happy Birthday, Nathanael.  You are such a joy and a blessing to your family and your friends.  Our prayer is that our faithful God would continue to use you to minister to the lives of those around you.  May He embolden you to live out your faith “the barbarian way.”  May His desires be your own, and may you know Him and the power of His might.  We love you more than you can imagine.  

Back to the Real World

Well, Granny went home on Tuesday afternoon – leaving us all frowning and forlorn.  This means no more “Granny hugs,” no more games of Wahoo, no more sewing frenzies, and most noticeably…a heavy jolt back to reality.  We decided on Tuesday, just before she left, that 13 days was not near long enough (although I’m sure Grandad and Uncle Landry may disagree) to fit in all the wonders of Indiana we want to share with her.  Although we included a trip to the beach, went to the movies, bowling, fishing, out to eat several times, saw a plethora of baseball games - all we could do on the way to the airport was list the things we must do on her next visit (which we all agreed should be much sooner than later)!  I feel very blessed to have such a terrific mother-in-law…she is a blessing to our family in so many ways.  It’s a beautiful sight to see her relish in her grandchildren – and savor her time with us as a family.   

I cleaned house yesterday  – we are all ready to welcome our next guest.  Any takers?  Having so much fun with Granny makes us all miss the rest of our family even more.  Please know, we would absolutely love for any of you to come and experience the chaos, the fun, and the love that fills our home.  Even though Granny was yawning on our way to the airport, she said she felt rejuvenated.  I told her to come back to our “fountain of youth” real soon.  I know she will…and we can’t wait!!!

Pictures from Granny’s Visit

** CLICK ON PICTURES TO SEE LARGER VIEW **

Our trip to Holland, Michigan  (yes – it was as cold as it looks)

 

Back home in Indiana

            

 

We’re Still Here…

For those of you wondering, we’re still kicking here in Indiana.  I know some of you have been concerned that we were affected by the recent flooding, and although we are thoroughly saturated, we are thankfully not under water.  We have, however, been in a whirlwind of fun with Granny visiting from Texas.  I’ll have lots of stories and pictures (Granny has taken over 500 since she’s been here) to post soon. 

P.S.  Happy Father’s Day, Wayland.  I love and treasure you dearly.  Our children couldn’t have asked for a better father.  Also, to my dad and to Wayland’s – I love you both so very much and am so thankful for your presence in our lives.  You mean so much to our family.  Hope you all enjoy your day and maybe get to watch a little of the U.S. Open in peace and quiet. 

TEAMThompson Sports Update

I am dissapointed in myself.  I had planned on blogging weekly about our kid’s exploits on the field.  However, it is probably a good thing that I am not – does the world (or at least our small world) need to know about every strikeout or goal?  So in the interest of not being “that parent”, I’ll just give a quick update of each child.  I want to carry forward a theme Kaleesha posted in the previous post.  Please know that our heart is to keep you updated in our kid’s lives.  We know that anything good that happens to us or through us is because of Christ Jesus in us.  We love that the kids are having  success in their lives – but we also hope that they will always give glory to their Savior.  He is the giver of life….. and what an abundant life it is.

NATE

Nathanael had a huge week.  If you read the previous post, you know that he won the coveted Falcon Award st school.  On Sunday, we found out that he also made the Pups Football Travel Team.  He will represent Carmel in the IEFA playing teams from all over central Indiana.  The tryouts were held last week – and were very different from last year.  The Pups team has a new general manager and coaching staff and is placing an emphasis on working with the high school staff.  So the Carmel High School coaches conducted both the workouts and the evaluations.  Then, the high school head coach and general manager hand selected each young man.  Nate was one of 28 selected from about 100 of Carmel’s best and brightest.  What I was really impressed with was the high school involvement of coaches and high school players – some of which are some of the most highly recruited players in the midwest (Carmel HS won the 5A state championship this past year).  Nate will now have the opportunity to be coached by a fantastic staff – which is led by John Covington who played at Notre Dame and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts.  Being a die hard football family – we are thrilled to root Nate (and teammates) on this fall – and see him continue to transform into a young man.

On the baseball side, Nate continues to put in solid performances on the diamond.  He is splitting most of his time between Catcher and 1st Base – and continues to be a team leader.  His team is struggling right now – but it is all part of a bigger plan to develop the kids and get them ready for the year end tournament.  Nate’s bat has really heated up of late – and somewhat suprisingly, is one of our best (i.e. – smartest) baserunners.

PHIL

Philip has continued to impress me.  After taking a year off from baseball last year to play soccer – he came into the season a year behind, and perhaps a little less confident in his playing abilities.  Add to that the fact that he is playing in the rec plus league, against some of the best players in town – and he got off to a slow start.  Wow – he is really coming into mid-season stride now.  His confidense is way up – and he is starting to be a consistent contributor on the field.  I came into the season excited about his pitching chances – and he has not dissapointed.  Philip is blessed with an athletisism that I know he got from my dad.  He has the natural ability to throw strike after strike after strike right across the plate.  I was blessed with a strong arm, but never got to pitch because I was not accurate.  It just amazes me that Philip can consistently put the ball right where he wants it.  While he is accurate, he needs to gain weight, beef up and throw a bit harder – but at this level, it is a huge plus to have a pitcher that very rarely walks a batter.  His coaches shared with me that he is very disciplined on the mound – meaning that he takes his time and his mechanics never change.  We will be playing in some Indianapolis area tournaments later this month, and Philip’s coach assures me that he will be getting plenty of innings in the rotation.  On the batting side – well, lets just say it is improving.  Philip has had to completely revamp his swing – and is getting great instruction in how to do so.  He did get a great hit this past weekend – and i was peasantly surprised to see his speed on the base-paths (Philip has the maddening habit of changing his running technique every week).

On the football front, I am very excited to have the opportunity to head coach in Philip’s league this year.  With Nate making the Pups, it worked out great.  While Nate has always thrived on being coached by dad, I have to be careful in my approach with Philip – it will be interesting to see that dynamic.

ANNA the “Soccer Princess”

Our beautiful Anna is coming into her own on the soccer fields.  She is consistently scoring goals every week and now has no fear of jumping right into the middle of the action.  She is still prone to bouts of self pity and numerous injury timeouts – but we are very proud of her effort.  She continues to display her blazing speed (a beautiful stride – I am thinking “track star”) and great sportsmanships (hugs for the goal scoring team and pats on the back for the scored upon team).  It gives my heart great joy to see her on Saturday mornings all dressed up in her soccer uniform.  I don’t think there is anything more cute than little girls in cleats and pigtails. 

Cheering Section

TEAMThompson just moves from field to field on Saturdays cheering on whichever kid is playing.  Nate loves to help coach his brother’s team and Philip loves to practice with Nate’s (Nate’s coach always says that if we are short a player, he is going to suit Philip up).  We are very blessed to have a family that is very supportive of each other.  I am amazed and humbled at the blessings that God continues to pour out on us.  I joke all the time that as far as Carmel goes, I am on the low end of the income scale – but make no mistake about it, I am RICH in the things that matter.  God has been so faithful, so consistently in our lives.

(I should have some good pictures to post on Sunday as Granny is here with her fancy camera.  Be sure to check back in.)