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.

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? 

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!

The Bionic Man

Praise God – Philip is connected.  We just completed our training today and Philip is officially receiving insulin via the pump. 

Holy Hardware, Batman

As you can see, the pump is actually external and the insulin is pumped into the insertion site through tubing.  A needle inserts a small tube that stays under the skin at a 45 degree angle.  Once the tube is inserted, the needle is removed.  The infusion set stays adhered to the body, while the tubing and pump can be disconnected for showering, swimming, football, etc.  We have to insert a new infusion set every 3 days, but that sure beats at least 4 shots per day.  The most anxious moment was the first time Philip had to insert the set.  The nurse helped guide the angle, but he provided all the power.  He said it hurt a little more than a shot – and actually hurt more than he expected, but no big deal overall.  Mom and dad were shocked when the nurse/trainer let Philip enter all the settings on the pump.  We were allowed to look on from behind, but Philip was the star of the show and caught on very quickly.  There is a ton to learn, but we will be checking in with our trainer every day for the next couple of weeks to make the adjustments necessary. 

 Benefits of the Pump

Many of you have been asking what the advantages to the pump are and how this will improve Philip’s life.  The main thing Philip will look forward to is not having to get at least 4 shots per day – and being able to eat foods with carbs any time he wants to.  In theory, he can eat whatever he wants, whenever he wants – and just get a dose of insulin to compensate for it.  Before, if he craved something with carbs, he had to decide if it was worth the trouble of counting the carbs and getting a shot for it (the pain in that was not the shot, but all the work that goes into it).   The main advantage to having the pump is that he will get his doses of insulin delivered to his body in much the same way his pancreas would have delivered it if it still worked right.  The challenge over the next couple of weeks is to figure out how best to adjust the doses and time of delivery to meet his body’s needs.  There are countless variables that come into play including type of food, activity levels, time of day, growth hormone, etc. 

Before the pump, Philip received insulin in two ways:  a slow release type of insulin called Lantus (released gradually over 24 hours), and then the fast acting insulin he received after each meal that peaked in about 2 hours.  The 4+ shots per day were the result of those 2 delivery types.  Now, he will still get a dose of insulin for any carbs that he eats – but without a shot, which means he will be more likely to eat and gain weight.  More importantly, he will now receive a steady dosage of insulin throughout the day to replace the long-acting insulin.  Before, the long-acting insulin was delivered with one shot every night.  It tends to pool up under the skin and release sporadically throughout the next 24 hours.  With the pump, that dosage is divided out over 24 hours to spread it more evenly and keep his blood sugar numbers much more level.  Eventually, we will adjust that dosage to give more or less at certain times of day to compensate for different needs.  For example, Philip tends to run high during the night when his body is naturally releasing growth hormone as he sleeps.  With the pump, we can program it to increase the dosage say between 1:00 and 6:00am to compensate for this. 

Overall, when the learning curve is complete, the pump will be acting more like the pancreas and we have the ability to deliver smaller increments making the treatment much more precise vs. the very general delivery method of shots a few times daily.  He still has to prick his finger multiple times a day to get an accurate blood sugar reading, but we are thankful that the pump will restore a little normalcy.  Of course, by the time we seem to get all of this figured out, puberty (we are told) will change everything and we will have to start over…  darn hormones.   Imagine having to go through each day thinking about all of this.  Oh, and add to that the fact that if we are managing this well – he WILL have low blood sugars which means that he will feel lousy and have to take time out of his day to treat and get his numbers up.  

Our Philip is so brave - he never complains and takes this on with the same focused determination that he approaches everything with.  As for Kaleesha and I, all it takes is a stroll through Riley Children’s Hospital to realize just how fortunate we are to have such healthy children.  Next time you see a commercial for a children’s hospital, stop as offer a prayer of thanks for your healthy kids. 

Thanks for all of your prayers – they are felt, and very appreciated.  

WT

I Am Not Intoxicated

Look what came in the mail today…

The device above the pump is a Sil-serter and is used to insert the infusion set into the body to deliver the insulin from the pump.  I got a kick out of the “Warning” section of the pamphlet that came with it.  It said “pain or minor injury may occur.”  Ya think?  The pump itself is just a bit larger than a pager.  The way kids are constantly attached to their technological devices these days, I think Philip will fit right in.  Of course, his “pager” cost over 6 grand (not so much with health insurance – thank goodness), so he better not drop it in a pool or anything! 

We received a 15 Chapter, 230 page “Quick Reference Guide”  that I’m sure will be my bedside reading for the next several weeks.  Also included in our box of goodies was this handy-dandy wallet card for Philip to carry. 

I know it’s not a laughing matter, but this totally cracked me up.  I think it was worth ordering the pump for this card alone!  (Wayland thinks we should laminate it and have him wear it on a lanyard around his neck…I’m sure he’d love that!) 

Giving it to God

A little over two weeks ago I scheduled Philip’s pump “installation” at Riley Children’s Hospital.  Ever since then, I have been operating on high levels of anxiety mixed with bouts of extreme worry and fear.  I know, I know, I am the perfect picture of a Christ-follower, huh?  Last night, after receiving an email explaining that one of the students at a youth retreat Nathanael went to over the weekend had just been diagnosed with H1N1, I almost lost it. 

I hate worry.  I hate stress, and fear, and anxiety.  Unfortunately, there is hardly a day that goes by that one of these things doesn’t try to raise it’s ugly head and sneak into my life.  I do believe God builds something into mothers that causes them to be concerned for their children.  That’s healthy.  What I end up doing is not. 

I have been walking around with a baseball in my throat and a cannonball in my stomach the past few weeks.  How are we going to adjust to Philip being on the insulin pump?  How are we going to afford it all?  What if one of my kids gets swine flu?  What if Philip gets it (much more severe in people with asthma and diabetes)?  What if we give them the vaccination and there are crazy side effects from it?

After taking all I could, I finally just gave up.  Or had a slight mental break – not sure which.  I put myself in my room, opened the Bible and read ’till I couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer.  When I woke up at 2:00 am to do the blood sugar check and I couldn’t fall back to sleep, I prayed.  I prayed and I praised.  This morning I woke up with a substantial amount of peace.  (Thank you, Jesus).

I took Luke to the doctor this morning (cough, runny nose – scared he had swine flu) and came away with him on another round of antibiotics, steroid, and breathing treatments…but no H1N1.  Yea!  We discussed how to approach flu season with Philip, and the doctor suggested an early flu vaccine and immediate treatment at any sign of fever over 100 degrees. 

Oh, by the way…because I know I really didn’t make it clear…the exciting news about Philip is the pump.  September 9th.  Six days and counting.  (Just a slight feeling of nausea when I typed it that time).  I know this will be good for him.  I think it will be good for all of us.  I am prepared for a few bumps in the road, and am praying that God would give us clarity of mind so that we can learn an entirely new way of caring for our son.  I’ll be sure and take the camera and get lots of pics of Philip and his new machinery. 

And now, for a quick sports update, let me just tell you that this momma could hardly contain herself at her oldest son’s first football game of the season.  Named one of the team captains for the year (voted for by fellow players and his coaches), Nathanael started at center on offense, and started on the d-line as defensive tackle or noseguard.  With a win of 32-14, it was quite a victory, but way too long of a day in my book.  I put my baby  son on the bus at a little after 7:00 this morning, and he didn’t walk in the door tonight until around 9:30.  Thank goodness all the homework was done, because all he could do was shovel some food in his mouth, crawl up to the shower, and then roll into bed.  He was done!  His arms look like someone has been pounding on him with a hammer, and he has several new cuts and scrapes that bled throughout the game, but I’ll tell you what - you’d never know it when he’s out there on the field.  He plays with such heart.  I love to watch him. 

Just like I love to watch Philip.  He plays with finesse.  And with a little bit of attitude.  I like it though. 

I also had the opportunity to see Anna E. at gymnastics today.  She did a one-handed cartwheel.  That about knocked my socks off.  Every once in a while, when I’m watching her do seven cartwheels in a row, followed by a handstand into a forward roll, followed by a backbend, I think I want to try it.  Then I raise my hands in the air, point my right foot out (no, not to do the hokey pokey) and muster up all the strength I have to try a cartwheel again.  I always chicken out though.  I’ve decided that this mother of four needs all her bones in the right places to keep this family moving.  I think I’ll save cartwheels for heaven.

Rhymes and Riddles

August has been a whirlwind month for us.  It started out with Granny visiting, school starting, and then – closing out the month – a five day visit from Wayland’s sister, her husband, and two precious baby girls.  (I’m glad 2 1/2 year old Reece can’t read, because she would be totally offended that I referred to her as a “baby.”  I mean it in the nicest way though, I promise).

And now for your reading pleasure (ahem!), here is a quick recap of our week together.  In rhyme.

TEAMThompson played host to the Riddles.  The honor and pleasure all ours.  Giggles and smiles were aplenty;  playing house, hide-n-seek, trains and cars.   

Exhausting but exhilarating.  Ten people in one modest house.  While daddies were insurance schooling,  the rest stayed as busy as mice a mouse (it’s gotta rhyme y’all, or my title is shot!).

Dining in, dining out – we did both.  Football practice and games (Philip’s team is now 4-0! Yea!) we saw too.  Went creek stomping and forgot the camera.  Cousins played and the fights – they were few. 

Seeing family is always a blessing.  Rachel, Scott, Reece and Rynn, oh so sweet.  All the memories made we will treasure.  The gift of your presence a treat!

Okay, that was kind of corny, but I liked my title so I was bound and determined to make it work!  We have been so blessed this summer to have seen so much family.  The kids have had the wonderful opportunity to play with all their cousins, see two aunts, two uncles and a grandma to boot!  We are truly grateful! 

Although he wasn't around much, those girls loved the time they had with cousin Nate

 

"Yuker?" (as Reece called Luke) "Are you my friend?"

 

"Of course I'm your friend!"

 

"Oh, good."

Jean Jacket Twinkies

The most smiley baby I've ever seen. I nicknamed her "Grinny Rynny."

I don’t know what’s up with all the red eyes.  This user doesn’t know how to fix it though – I’ve tried.  Just picture everyone with beautiful blue eyes, unless you’re picturing Reece.  Hers are brown.  Or if you were picturing Philip (who I didn’t get any pictures of ) you would picture hazel green – like his momma.  Speaking of Philip, we have exciting news on the horizon.  I’ll post more on that soon. 

Is it May, Yet?

Today marks the kiddos ninth day of the 2009-2010 school year.  This morning when the alarm went off all I could think was, “Is it May yet?”  Seriously, it feels like I’ve been doing this for months already.  This week has been filled with “Meet the Teacher” nights, Middle School Open Houses, and Athletic meetings.  I feel like I haven’t seen Nathanael at all this week.  He leaves for school so early, gets home so late after practice, and then I’ve been sticking him at babysitter while I run around from school to school and class to class equipping myself with loads of information on how to make my child’s educational experience excellent.  All that information is now in a large stack on my desk and will be sorted through at a much later date.  Much, much later.

Anna Elizabeth came home on Tuesday with her first spelling list.  When I told her we were going to sit down and study the words, a scene erupted that could have earned an Emmy nomination.  Even I thought it was an insurmountable task in getting her ready for today’s test.  Surprise of surprises, this morning when I quizzed her over a bowl of Frosted Mini-Wheats  (I knew we were going to need all eight layers for such an important day), she spelled all her words correctly.  She even threw in the comment that they were “easy” words.  Same girl that told me on Tuesday that “life with homework is just too hard.”  I’ll let you know how introducing addition and subtraction flashcards goes next week.  I’m gearing myself up right now. 

I completely crack up when I think of the difference between the boys as first graders, and their precocious little sister.  Nathanael read and did a book report on Jack London’s, Call of the Wild at six years old.  Philip was reading some challenging chapter books as well, and did a report on the Titanic.  Anna E. is going to be doing good if I can convince her to read more than three pages of her library book at a time, and  I’m thinking the only report she’ll be interested in giving is “How to Do a Cartwheel and  Handstand” or “How to Wear White Shorts and Decide to Play in the Dirt So Your Mother Gets Close To Losing Her Witness”  (not that she would know anything about that or anything).  Oh sweet variety.  I love it! 

Football is going well.  Philip is doing great, his team is 2-0 and they play again tomorrow morning bright and early.  Nathanael is getting stronger and stronger in practice and (as of today) looks like he will be starting on both the offensive and defensive line.  His first scrimmage is next week and we are counting down the days.

Handsome #12

This was taken at last week’s game during a blood sugar check.  (I take what I can get).   Aunt Rachel and Uncle Scott sent the boys both a set of eye black stickers for this football season.  Philip took the ones that said Phil 4:13.  Everyone thinks we had them personalized especially for him. 

Little Luker is a constant source of joy.  I have not taken him for a hair cut since Tales From the Clipped.  You understand.  Yesterday he told me he had “Nacho Libre hair.”  I knew I had crossed a line and had to face my fear.  Actually, I didn’t want to face it, so I let Wayland.  He and Luke went for haircuts and Luke came back with his Libre fro gone, and in it’s place a nice, handsome little boy’s haircut.  Oh thank you, Jesus.  Wayland came back with something different.  After looking at himself in the mirror for a while he said, “I bet you ten bucks someone asks me if I’m a marine.”  Nathanael cracked up.  Wayland said, “If I suck in my stomach, you’d totally think I was a marine.”

Much better than the fro

Hoo-rah!

 This weekend looks to be like another crazy one, followed by more family coming to visit on Monday!  YEAH!!!  I’m sure in between football, cookouts, church and life group, I’ll be frantically trying to clean the house.  One of my dear friends reminded me that sharing and showing love was more important than a spotless house.  I’m going to remember that!