Conversations

This just happened two minutes ago:

Me: Go outside and play before quiet times
Kylie: Okay, let's take a plane
Caleb and Macey: Yeah!
Kylie: Keep your hands and feet inside all the time. In case of emergency - SCREAM!!!!

I am still laughing!

A Season of Change

Wow - this last week and a half has been a whirlwind. For those of you who have not heard - we are moving to South Carolina! Ahhhh...! It's been kind of a long process leading up to the decision, but once things got put into motion - they went REALLY fast! It's amazing how an entire way of life and thinking can be changed in such a short amount of time. Jason was offered an amazing in a great location - close to some very good friends of ours.
So, I guess now the process begins - trying to sell our house, figure out what we are taking with us, deciding what mode of transportation to take on the way down, finding schools, finding a house, church, etc. I feel like I should be totally overwhelmed, but overall I feel peaceful and excited. For those of you who know me, this is highly abnormal....maybe it's God!!!! Jason's start date is no later than the 21st of July - but we are looking at trying to be there the week before. Not a lot of time, but probalby doable.
I will try to post and keep everyone updated as things progress! To those of you who have spoken encouraging words and blessed this next portion of our journey - thank you, thank you, thank you!

Till Later -

D

A Crazy Little Thing Called...Motherhood

There are times that, in my mind, I know I am ridiculously blessed, but I do not show it or really feel it. Many times I find myself feeling overwhelmed and frustrated and, honestly, sorry for myself. Even just writing that statement, I am ashamed that such an attitude could enter into my spirit. I have been trying and praying and trusting and winning and failing and trying again to have an eternally minded perspective concerning this place that I am in. This place of laundry and laughter, dishes and uncertainty, diapers and delight, triumphs and fears. Many times I am on "Mommy" Cloud 9 - others I wonder how we are going to survive the next 18 years (give or take a few). Should I go ahead and make appointments at Elijah House now for when they are adults? It is a crazy ride.

But, in the midst of this crazy ride, God has been so faithful to point out many blessings...little things that make it all worth while. Here are a few of the little "kisses" God has brought me from My kids recently, things that I love!


* I love that on my windowsill sits a vase with A LOT of dandelions in it...gifts from a very special little boy!

* I think it is amazing that my four and five year olds know how to play chess...and quite well!

* My climbing rose bush in the back yard is completely bare of petals...up to Kylie's height!

* I love that my girls come out and spin around for their daddy and say "Am I beautiful?"

* I love that Caleb is SOOOO happy that Micah and finally play cars with him.

* I love that I rarely am in need of entertainment...my four munchkins are hilarious!

* I walked in the other day and Kylie and Caleb were singing opera to each other...precious!

* I love that dreams and visions are a common discussion topic in the morning - my kids are such dreamers and seers.

* Kylie is quite the "air guitar" player!

* Caleb was totally dancing in church yesterday - the man has moves!

* I love that they are somewhat addicted to "Fire Tunnels!"

I know this list is short and very uncomprehensive, - I could probably (and might) write a book about the way God showers us with his love in the form of kids...they are an amazing gift, a blessing beyond compare. Even in the midst of personal struggles and triumphs, in the midst of overwhelming odds - He is on our side! If God is for us (for my family), really, who could ever stand against us?!?!?

Happy Birthday Micah Sam!

Today is Micah's 1st Birthday. I really cannot believe how fast the year has gone. It seems with each kid that we have, the first couple years fly by more and more quickly! It has been a wild ride...wow! Jason and I were talking the other day about the kids and what a blessing they are - trying to imagine life w/out anyone of them is beyond imagination. They have enriched and challenged and blessed our lives so much.
It seems weird to think that just last week we celebrated our 8th anniversary and had to plan it around 4 kids...who would have thought! God is sooo good and seen fit to fill our quiver with amazing kids with amazing destinies and such incredible giftings - quite a humbling thought!

So - below is a little journey through Micah's first year! I think I got a picture from every month! Enjoy...

































































































































And a short little update on Micah's arm...We have seen the geneticist and had some subsequent testing done. So far there is nothing to suggest a disorder, besides the physical factors (no heart abnormalities or anything like that). We still have one more test to schedule, hopefully in the next month or so. If everything comes back good with that, then we are possibly looking at surgery in the October time frame. We are so thrilled that there is no obvious genetic disorder and are still praying and believing that God will heal the popping, and restore his arm to perfect functionality!

Seriously...could Micah be any cuter?

These pictures of Micah are from the last couple days - just had to share them!



The other pictures are from last Sunday when we all climbed Badger Mountain -
what a blast! The kids were amazing -
it was so fun to see them explore and discover new things.
I loved being able to see the newness and the bigness through
their eyes - everything was new and fun - from beetles to
flowers to rocks...you name it, they loved it!
Kind of makes you take a step back and
appreciate the beauty around us so much more.

Brothers...

God and Aliens

So here was the conversation in the car earlier today:

Me: I think we might go outside a play a little today

Kylie: It's way too windy

Caleb: yeah

Kylie: Jesus prayed and the wind stopped, maybe we can do the same

Me: That would be a great idea

Kylie/Caleb: (indistinct praying) Amen.

Caleb: it's still really windy - maybe God is up too high to hear you

Me: No, God can hear and see you wherever you are and he can hear everyone at the same time - isn't that cool?

Caleb: How can he do that?

Kylie: Maybe he is like an alien and has a thousand eyes and a million ears...

I feel like I am in a season of intense change and with that seems to come a generous helping of personal revelation. I could probably write quite a few very long blogs about all that God has been doing, showing, changing, revealing. But, in the interest of time and sanity, I think I will just write a short list (and maybe one, way-to-cute, story.)





First - the story! We were getting ready to head up to Seattle for Micah's orthopaedic appointment. We had just dropped the girls off and were heading to prosser to drop Caleb with some good friends. About 10 minutes into our drive, the potty buy struck. He had to go and go bad. We passed Benton City and he thought maybe he could wait. Then the dancing and facial contortions and wiggles started. So, we pulled off on the side of the road, where there happened to be a train passing. Jason and the Caleb hopped out and were standing facing the train and J was giving the little guy tips on going on the side of the road. Caleb was listening intently, watching the train and just standing. Then he looks at J and says "I think I want to go to Hunter's and Pari's about now." He didn't quite get that they detour was to HELP him, he thought Jason was just taking time out for some manly pointers! Cute. It got me thinking how many times we only see the final destination and are so caught up in where we are headed that we miss the learning, growing detours that God plans along the way!





Here are some other things that I've learned recently:

Lice are bad, but God is good!

6 People make for a TON of laundry!



God will only take things from you only when you offer them...

Patient Husbands are worth their weight in gold!!!

Change is not always bad...
Learning does not have to be painful

It's okay to admit you need help

Little babies make really big messes (especially with bananas)!




My Kids are truly a blessing, a gift, and a joy!!!

Grandpa and Kylie

This was the conversation tonight on their way home from a "date"

Kylie: Oops! I tooted.
Grandpa: (smirks) Oh?!
Kylie: I wonder what toots look like?
Grandpa: Well, I don't think you can see toots - they're kind of like the wind.
Kylie: Well, I think they look brown because they kind of make your undies brown.

....'nuff said!

Tagged - 123 Meme

My good friend Madison over at Write on the Edge tagged me. The kids are all (relatively) quiet so I thought I'd give it a go. Here's how it works:

1. Pick up the nearest book of 123 pages or more. No cheating!
2. Find page 123.
3. Find the first 5 sentences.
4. Post the next 3 sentences.
5. Tag 5 people.

So, with no cheating allowed - this is what I found. Mind you, this is Jason's book, not mine!

The New Complete Joy of Home Brewing by Charlie Papazian Make the kind of beer you like with htis easy-to-follow guide to everything from lagers to stouts, ales, bitters, pilsners...AND MORE.

How does one safely use household bleach? Not only is chlorine bleach an effective disinfectant but is also an effective cleaner. It is able to remove some of the moset stubborn and inaccessible stains and residues from the inside of your glass fermenters and bottles. Two fluid ounces of bleach in 5 gallons of cold water and an overnight soak will remove the most hardened fermentation from the inside of your glass fermenter. This strong solution should be thoroughly rinsed with warm or hot water.
For homebrewers, an effective sanitizing solution can be prepared by mixing 1/3 - 1 1/2 teaspoons of household bleach in 5 gallons of cold water.


So - there you go. Just in case you wondering...

I am tagging Nikki, Jill, Patty & Steve, Cindy, and Beth

A Glimpse of Destiny

Kylie has been taking ballet for the last three months or so. She has loved it and is quite good. The first semester ended in January and as I was preparing to register her for the next semester I wondered if maybe she would like some other activity more. We discussed different things from Karate to Gymnastics and decided to try a month of gymnastics.

Right away there was something different about her as we walked into the first class. She seemed more excited and just...different. As the class started and she engaged in the activities I had a strange reaction. I was amazingly proud of her and, honestly (or embarrassingly) got kind of choked up and teary eyed. I know this may be over dramatic, but it was like this is what she was meant to be doing.

As I was explaining this reaction of mine to a friend I started wondering why I felt this way. Was this some sort of destiny moment for Kylie? Is she meant to be the next great gymnast? I don't quite think that is it. I think God was giving me a glimpse of what it is to walk in purpose, to step into a bit of destiny.

I loved seeing Kylie in ballet, loved watching her dance around and be all calm and controlled. But, for those of you who know Kylie even a little - calm is not a word that describes her. When she was flipping on the bars or somersaulting into the foam pit - it was beyond words! Is this a bit of how God feels? Does he enjoy seeing me do good things, things that I enjoy and find fulfillment in? Yes! But is He all the more elated and ecstatic when I realize and jump into what I was made for? Yes and even more Yes!

Happy Birthday Amy!

22 Years ago today, one of my best friends was born! I remember being at one of my parents friend's house at waking up to go to the bathroom (I was 5) and she told me I had a little sister. How exciting!
I'll admit I wasn't the nicest sister growing up (sorry Amy!), but I cannot deny my love for this little brown eyed girl!
I have enjoyed watching her grow from a spunky little kid (aka "mad dog") to an elegant, beautiful, virtuous, amazing woman. I am blessed to call her my friend, privileged to have my kids call her Aunt, and honored to call her my friend!

So - Happy Birthday Amy!!!! I love you more than words can say!

Question: What do you do with a stir crazy two year old who doesn't want to go outside on a snowy day?

Answer: You dye her hair pink!!!

Updates, Bumpo's and Investments

I'm glad they don't ban you from blogging for lack of use...
It's been very busy, and while my mind has been going a million mile a minute, and I know there are topics I want to blog about, nothing has really come to fruition. But I think I might try tonight. But first - a few antics from the fam.

Some of you may have heard of the bumpo baby seat. It really is a cool thing to have around. We have one. But being a family on the "Extreme edge of normal" (more on that later), my amazing hubby and son have found a new use for it. Check out these pics:



Yes, they really ARE throwing it at each other. Not TO eachother, mind you, but at eachother. What can I say...gotta love boys!

Now, from the girls...tonight while praying for dinner.

Kylie: Dear God, thank you for everything. Thank you for making us and we love you very much, and we hope that you like us too. Amen.

Macey: (this is the first time she has said anything besides thanks for the food) Dear God, thank you for the spaghetti and for making me pretty and so beautiful and so smart and for beauty. Amen.


Man, I love those kids!

And since Micah doesn't really say anything besides "Ga," here is a cute pic of him and his rice bowl:



Just a quick update on Micah's arm "condition," for lack of a better word. His right arm is still popping with a bit of regularity and we have noticed some increased popping in his other arm. One of the possibilities the Dr. mentioned last time is that all of his symptoms may just mean he is on the "Extreme edge of normal." Sounds good to me - I'll take it!

Anyway, we were supposed to go to Seattle today and have an appointment with the Orthopedics and Genetics departments tomorrow. But, due to a snow storm that left our street looking like this:


we have had to reschedule. We were blessed to be able to schedule the Genetics appointment at an office in Yakima. Children's Hospital does a clinic there a couple times a month, and was able to squeeze us in. We have our first consult and testing on the 6th of February and then a follow up on the 20th of March. We will head up to Seattle, God willing, on the 29th of February for the Orthopedic appointment. So, we wait a little longer and trust a little more. Thank you for your prayers!

God has been so faithful to teach me so many things through parenting these amazing little ones. Something that has come up lately has to do with investments. Not the financial kind, but the eternal kind.

Caleb is starting to REALLY come out of his shell. In the process of discovering who he is, he has begun to ask people for attention, to seek after what he wants instead of waiting for it to come to him. I don't think there is anything wrong with that, per say, but it is so neat to see him develop in this way. Recently he went up to an amazing young woman at church at said "will you take me out on a date?" Wow - who can resist. Of course she said "yes" and has since taken Kylie and soon Macey out too.

On the surface, this is amazing enough - an 18 year old college student taking time out of her VERY busy schedule to hang out with a 4, 5 and 2 year old. But God has had me look deeper. My kids are young. They are learning who they are and who they are called to be. It is a blessing to be surrounded with youth and young adults that I am happy to have influence my kids. As I was thinking about this and what a huge blessing it is I began to wonder if this is a little of how God looks at our relationships.

Do I go out of my way to hang out with those younger and more vulnerable in their spiritual journey. Do I actively sacrifice and invest of my time and energies into someone else? I believe this is something God desires and delights in. How precious to see people investing in your kids!

So thanks Jess...you are amazing!!!

treehouses, tattoos and pancakes

The Whole Fam - before the wrapping paper carnage...

My Christmas Present from my mom


Santa and Rudolph Pancakes

Jason's Christmas Present to the Kids - a treehouse - without a tree


Merry Christmas~ The Thompsons

Monday is Jason's Birthday - the BIG 30!!!!

I remember 8 years ago (when we were dating) that 30 seemed sooooo far away - and yet here it is! I cannot imagine being married to a better 30 year old than him. He is far and away more than I expected and hoped for in a husband/father/friend. The way he shows his love to me and the kids on a daily basis blows me away!
Here is a little video we made for him....We love you!

Baby Josiah

A few months ago I posted about a baby whose blog I ran across shortly after he was born. Baby Josiah was born prematurely and with quite a few health problems. I have followed his story, as narrated by his daddy, and cried and rejoiced as he has encountered and overcome quite a few obstacles. I checked for an update this morning and saw that things are really not good. You can click on "Drew's View" on my side bar and read his update.

Though I have never met him or his parents, I feel compelled to ask for all you who read this to pray for a miracle on his behalf....and for Andrew and Marie that God will give them faith, wisdom, and strength for the road ahead - whatever it may bring.

Conversations

Caleb: I have a stuffy nose
Kylie: Oh
Caleb: Why do we have noses?
Kylie: So we can smell.
Caleb: Why do we have tummies?
Kylie: So we can eat
Caleb: Why do we have legs?
Kylie: So we can walk
Caleb: Why do we have hearts?
Kylie: ...so we can listen to God.


Later...

K: I'm sorry your nose is stuffy.
C: It's okay
K: You can pray and ask God to heal it tonight
C: I don't know about that. I'm kind of shy to Him.
K: That's okay - I'll ask Him for you...

And just for fun - we got a new camera this week! Does anybody see "baby Kate?"