The Thompson's

Sweet Mercy! We need a new BED!

2011-08-26T08:16:00.000-07:00

No Pain, No Gain!
The most highly PAINFUL bed in America-

We are THAT Family is having an awesome Tempur-Pedic giveaway and I entered!

To do that they requested that you share a picture of your old mattress and include a "tweet" of what your bed would say.

My bed would tweet..."My Motto: No Pain, No Gain!"

My first initial thought and entry was "The most highly PAINFUL bed in America" but while sitting on it for a little bit thought (from my bed's perspective) I re-entered with No Pain, No Gain.

I mean it MUST think that!

First of all (in my crazy mind) I think of her as a girl. Don't know why...just do. AND one would think she would show us great love and respect because we rescued her and give lots of TLC everyday.

So why does she allow us wake up with painful aches and pains? hmmmm

Here is some background history on the poor old thing...

Keith's Mom bought this WATER BED 25 years ago! She used it for many years and then it was put into barn storage for a few years before we got it. They had planned on burning it so when it was stored they weren't really worried about the little bit of water left in it so it stained the outside cover and created some mildew on the bladder.

When Keith couldn't stand the mattress from his youth anymore (which joined us in marriage) we salvaged the water bed from the barn and have used it the past 10 years!

I make her (almost everyday) keep clean sheets on and fill her with water when she starts to sag...so because of our care and concern for her...you would think she would want to give us the same in return!

So yes, her motto MUST be No pain, No gain. With all the aches and pains we feel every morning she must feel that is what is best for us! I'm thinking I need to go up and have a talk with her! HA!!

----------------------------------------------
Seriously...I am so embarrassed of the mattress we still use that I almost couldn't bring myself to post a picture of it online!

BUT! The reason I entered the giveaway is mostly for my husband.

Keith hurt his shoulder in Iraq due to the tremendous weight of the gear they had to carry. He deals with daily shoulder pain and lately it has been getting worse. He works so hard for our family and hardly ever says anything about the pain. I see him rubbing it and taking Tylenol daily. It simply is not in our finances to purchase a new mattress so if we were to win this Giveaway it would be SUCH A BLESSING from the Lord!!

...an added perk to having a new mattress would also not to almost be bounced off the the opposite side of Keith crawling in and maybe take care of my motion sickness issues. HA!

*Please put our mattress out if it's misery!

13 years today...

2010-10-04T08:13:00.003-07:00

When I think back over my life...I can't really remember a time without you. Today we celebrate 13 years of marriage. All my wonderful memories all include you.

...I am so thankful.

I look back at the journey, remember and still feel the love that carries us through.

You've loved me. Never left me...ever...no matter what.

I love you Keith William Thompson, my love grows stronger each day.

God knew when He placed us together what we needed. He knew I needed you.

Looking forward to the blessings yet to come and praising Him for those we've already had.

Loved and Blessed

Your wife~Tina

Note to self....

2010-09-17T09:33:00.001-07:00

Just a quick note for remembrance....

I love it when Kolton gets up and yells "MOMMY!" down the steps.

Yes, I still walk up and carry him and his silky down. Everyday.

I love you sweet Kolton!

Saturday Morning Sisters...

2010-09-17T09:07:00.000-07:00

Play-doh never gets old!

My sweet sweet girls!

They love playing together!

Busy making their spongebob characters!

Oh, but then....

after MUCH hard work....

Here he comes!

Oh, yes...gotta love the little brother!

Did I mention sweet girls?? They slid over and let him play too!

Saturday morning play-doh is much better than Saturday morning cartoons...I least I think! =)

Tristin's first soccer game of the season!

2010-09-17T08:36:00.000-07:00

Tristin's first soccer game was September 9th. He played Botkins @ Botkins.

Because he was one of the top five oldest in his class...he was able to get bumped up to the U14 team. Boy was he happy. As his momma, I wasn't quite sure I was as excited. AS you can clearly see, almost all of the boys have a bit of a height advantage.

But all is well! He is on a very nice team with wonderful boys and a great coach. Tristin has been enjoying his practices which typically are Mon. Tues and Thurs.

We on the sidelines cheer hard (when we are allowed) and play hard!

Crazy Mr. Kolton and Grandma Thompson with Lola....

Tickle time with Natalie and catching Grandpa Thompson in a picture....

I just love them!

I was trying to capture Kolton's hair...but my camera didn't. He had preschool the day before and we caked his hair with gel. The result (since we didn't take a bath that night) was a head full of flakes! Yes, your Mother noticed but publicly displayed you that way. -sorry, I do love you!

Kolton and Grandpa (oh and Keith and I were there too! HA!)

The team

GO RANGERS!

(sorry Tristin, the team lost 9 - 0...but you had fun and had an awesome/almost goal kick!)

Labor Day!

2010-09-08T05:36:00.000-07:00

The boys were off to a race at Eldora Speedway

and we had heard of a very special visitor {aka Gma Roop}

at Grandma Shopps, so the kids and I spent the afternoon

at the Farm.

I wish I would have taken more pictures.

The kids took turns climbing the windmill for the first time!

Your not going to leave Kolton behind...but he got a little fussy

when Momma told him he couldn't go any higher.

The kids even got a couple pictures of me.

I almost didn't put them on here...but figured they might

want to remember what I looked like too!

HA! =)

We had bunches of fun.

The corn crib is a favorite!

Jill and the girls came over and we had Market/Gas Station pizza for supper.

We had a 16" deluxe and a 16" pepperoni....I only add that for a personal note

to myself to order more next time! They were hungry!!

Blessed and Loved,

Tina

World's LARGEST Pickle!

2010-09-08T05:26:00.001-07:00

What you are looking at is two very spoiled pickle lovin' kids!

Grandpa and Grandma Thompson has kept us WELL in supply of fresh from the garden pickles and salsa. They are a FAVORITE and the pickles have become a regular on the table next to the ketchup. We all know what a place of honor that is in this household!

Well Grandpa hooked them up with the largest pickles of the year! Four pickles filled a quart jar. Mouths watered over them....they were savored...they were LOVED!

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa!!

Our two pickle lovers cherished every bite!

The butterflies are still here!

2010-09-08T05:22:00.001-07:00

The butterflies are still going strong...and we are loving them!

My Beautiful Flower!

2010-09-08T05:13:00.000-07:00

My Miss Lola~

I tell you daily that you are my beautiful flower....

You are confident in who you are and what you love.

Oh how you bring joy into my life!

I love you so....

Mommy

Kolton's 1st day of Preschool!

2010-09-01T06:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Kolton,

Monday was your first day of Preschool! You go to Care-A-Lot Learning Center, which is the same preschool that your big brother and sisters went! Miss Brandy is your teacher. You couldn't WAIT to go!! When I said it was time for school you went and got your shoes and backpack immediately! Mommy made a mental note to wait a little longer to tell you next time because we had at least a half hour yet before we had to leave. I think the most dramatic part of your morning was when I had to wet and comb your hair. We both know that I don't slick you down very often...sorry.

When it was time to go, you wanted to sit in Lola's car seat. I let you because you are such a big boy (and you DO weigh over 30 lbs). It was very special for you!

Here we are outside of Preschool.

"CHEESE!"

Hanging up your Toy Story backpack in your locker.

Finding your name tag (with Mommy's help)

...and humoring me taking your picture so much.

This one cracked me up! You wanted to look around SO BAD at all the toys but I kept telling you to smile at the camera. This was your attempt at doing both! =)

I came back a little early because I wanted to peek in and see how you were doing. Of course you were doing great! You were sitting at your table drinking an apple juice box. You also had a cheese stick which you pointed at and said YUCK! You listened when the teacher said to throw things away and even asked to be excused, though Miss Brandy didn't understand what you were asking! HA!

You stood and followed in line for the very first time today.

You rode the bikes outside on the playground that went around and around. I think this was your favorite because you spoke about it often and it was the first thing you told Daddy.

I think you had a very good first day! You were very tired and ready to go home, but today is your second day of school and your excited to go back again.

You are such a big boy!

I am very proud of you!!

Love,

Mommy

I will NOT give up! =)

2010-09-01T05:21:00.000-07:00

It has been a few days since I last posted. I will NOT give up! =)

This morning Lola woke early and went downstairs. I was still in bed but heard someone get up and go down. A few minutes later I got up and noticed someone on the couch but it was dark and I didn't know who it was. I went about my business. About five minutes later Lola comes out to the kitchen holding her Bible. She said, "I couldn't sleep, so I thought I would get up and have a little quiet Bible time." I smiled. "In the dark?" I answered. "YEP!, I thought it would be good since I couldn't sleep." I agreed with her. She and followed right on my heels. Talking...talking...talking... I was not in the talking mood! But I listened, smiled, rubbed the sleep out of my eyes and sipped coffee while she went on and on. She spoke a lot about my morning routine. Like she was curious about what I did before they got up and she helped with every bit of it. It was hard for me because I treasure those quiet morning moments before all ciaos breaks loose. But the Holy Spirit gently reminded me to treasure these moments and filled my heart with joy.

That is the purpose of this blog. I want to remember all the sweet blessings. Too much time has past from the moment Tristin was born and too many memories and little details forgotten.

So someday, Lola as you read this post, remember how much I love you and treasured our early morning together! And thank you for putting away the silverware.... =)

****************************************

Lately we've been blessed with an abundance of butterflies...or maybe moths...but we call them butterflies.

There have been over a hundred at a time on the stone crop that runs along our driveway. It's always been a butterfly favorite, but never like this.

The kids noticed them first and would run along the plants with their arm stretched over top. It looked like something in a movie, they way they all flew up. Pretty awesome!

(See the praying mantis? They LOVE the butterflies too!)

We had the tent up because Tristin wanted to make a fort out of it in the yard. I was busy on the porch finishing dolls and I hear them laughing and going back in forth from the front flower bed to the back yard.

I went to check it out...

They were catching butterflies and putting them in the tent!

It was an afternoon of great fun!!

They had loads of fun! Kolton enjoyed it as well and would scream every time a butterfly landed on his finger (he was taking a nap when these pictures where taken). He would catch them by the wings and let them go. Once he was trying to catch a butterfly and they kept flying off. He turned his back to me while chasing after them and two butterfly's were on the back of his shirt! I guess they felt like that was a safe hiding spot!

It was a great Sunday afternoon!

Loved and Blessed

Tina

My Love....

2010-08-28T07:26:00.000-07:00

Sometimes there are moments that my Love does things that just makes me smile....

Yesterday had one of those moments when Keith picked up his bow before he left for work and had a little practice in shirt and tie. =) It was so cute. He makes fun of me when I pick up my camera, but I'm glad he allows me to capture his cuteness!

Then, Father like son...Kolton put on his cuteness when he went in and grabbed his camera as well!

CHEESE!!

Loved and Blessed!

Tina

Play-doh fun!

2010-08-27T05:17:00.000-07:00

So what has Mr. Kolton been up to since the kids started school?

Keeping me busy that's what!! HA!

With no one to play with but Momma...we are looking for new things to spend our time on.

We've had Play-doh out before...but really this is the first time this summer. He loved it! I think he really loved playing with it however he wanted. He really relaxed and enjoyed it! I think maybe because he wasn't always in "defend" or "that's mine" mode. Being the fourth in line...sometimes I think he feels like it is survival of the fittest!

Kolton you are almost 3 1/2 yrs old and a bundle of joy!

Your always making me smile!

Your very energetic and as Grandma Shopp would say...have no sit in your butt!

He was on cloud nine with his squishy doh!

He loved making "worms"!

And orange really seems to be his color of preference.

It was nice to just sit, him and I!

I love that special time with each one of our children.

They are growing up so fast and that is one of the reasons I have decided to start documenting here on the blog again. After being so blessed by the few past posts that I did type...I want to use this blog as our family journal. To make sweet notes about our Journey, our Love and our Blessings!

Loved and Blessed!
Tina

The Thompson's -Our journey, our love...our Blessings!

2010-08-26T06:18:00.000-07:00

We left off a year ago...and we are back! It was so awesome to peek on here this morning and see last years school pictures. Oh how they've all grown!

They were all ready to get back to school. A little sorry that they now have to stick to a bed time routine...but looking forward to another year of school adventure!

I keep looking at their picture as I type this...they are so cute! I think I will keep them! HA!

Noticing that Tristin wore his old jeans even though he has four new pair in his dresser...oh well. Then our Miss Lola is going out in true Lola style!

I DID notice this and even tried to talk her into a different pair of shoes with no success. She had her mind set. I don't argue. She is my beautiful flower and I pray she never changes!

They had a wonderful day and I just love being home to hear all of the after school chatter! Homework has been light the past few days, which I am cherishing!

We will see what today brings!

Loved and Blessed,

Tina

1st day of School!

2009-08-30T17:02:00.001-07:00

Last Tuesday was the first day of School!

My house is too quiet without my crew during the day!

Poor Pup!

2009-07-31T15:58:00.000-07:00

It all starts with a sinful look...

...then thought...

Oh, the TEMPTATION!!

Poor Pup!!

...and just to let you know, I did end up giving him the cookies!

A Visitor!

2009-07-29T05:38:00.001-07:00

Look who we found visiting our backyard pond!!

More vacation photo's

2009-07-24T05:58:00.000-07:00

Thompson Vacation 2009 Days 3-5 on PhotoPeach

Finally...Vacation Pictures!

2009-07-23T06:20:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

More tomorrow!!

On Our Way!!

2009-07-07T05:19:00.000-07:00

2009 Vacation....here we come!!

Getting ready to go...will it all fit?

This doesn't even include Keith's bags!

On our way!

Kolton...traveling in comfort with his beloved silkie!

{smile}

Miss Natalie and Master Tristin in the back!

And our Miss Lola! =)

I'm a few days behind, but will post more pictures of day one and two soon!!

My Babies...

2009-06-23T06:16:00.000-07:00

My new favorite picture...

Or would it be this one??

Jammie Fun!

2009-06-19T06:43:00.001-07:00

Our girls...Natalie & Miss Lola

peek....Tristin

And little Kolton....

(he was basically like, Mom...I can't see the TV -move!)

Happy 50th Birthday Mom!

2009-06-17T11:52:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

On Sunday we had a surprise birthday party for my Mom!

Enjoy the pictures!!

Resurrection

2009-05-29T05:09:00.000-07:00

I could listen to this song twenty times a day...make us whole Lord!

A Weekend at Grandpa and Grandma's

2009-05-23T18:30:00.000-07:00

These pictures are from our visit last month at Grandma and Grandpa Roops house.

Tristin flying his kite.
Natalie enjoying breakfast on the porch with Brutus

Our morning view...

Mommy taking three of the monkey's on a ride.

The waterfall on Grandpa and Grandma's property

Down the hill on a dirt road we found a bridge. Their neighbor's actually walk across this bridge to get to their house because it is on the other side of the creek.

I couldn't believe it! The kids thought it was pretty cool!!

We had a fantastic weekend...as always! =)

Who is that BIG NOSED boy?

2009-03-05T04:57:00.000-08:00

In going through some pictures earlier in the week...I cracked up when I found this photo of Kolton! He was three months old and the kids received these disguise glasses from the summer reading program at the Library. I showed the older three and this was included in our conversation!

Mommy: "Wow...that's one big nose!"

Natalie: "Yeah, that would be a lot of boogers!"

Lola: "YEAH...AND A LOT OF NOSE HAIRS!!"

Tristin: "It had a lot of nose hair, but I pulled them off!"

Mommy: "Tristin...that wasn't nose hair, that was a mustache!"

=)

Photo Fun!

2009-02-19T04:39:00.001-08:00

We have been busy here at the Thompson house...but not too busy for some photo fun!!

Fashion Friday!

2009-02-06T15:06:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Fashion Friday!

We are dedicating this day to my Lola!

I speak of her sense of style quite often and I want to bless all of you as much as we are blessed! This was her Thursday attire. Yes, we let her go to school like this. I suggest matching tights and those cute black shoes from Easter, but nope! Lola puts much thought into what she wears and feels beautiful because she is beautiful!

Check back next Friday to see some more fun fashion and sparkle straight from the girl herself!

BIG thank you to Laura who keeps Lola well stocked in sparkle shoes!

******************

UPDATE: Okay...I must say that Carly is taking notes and she just LOVES all of Lola's ideas!

Check it out!

More Snow Fun!

2009-02-05T14:12:00.001-08:00

Enjoy looking at some Thompson Snow Fun!

Stop back tomorrow for our new Fashion Friday feature....

*smile*

Who is Jesus?

2009-01-26T04:44:00.000-08:00

Growing up I always believed there was a God. I prayed the sinner's prayer many times and knew of this Jesus that was the "only way". But yet my mind did not understand this Jesus and His role. I guess today though I pray that He would continue to reveal Himself to me, I still don't fully understand and will probably not be able to wrap my earthly bound mind around the complete truth of it until I'm standing there right next to Him. All my life I was a crisis prayer. I only depended on God when I was in a rough patch and wanted Him to bail me out. The crisis would pass and then I would go about my usual business. But the void was always there...the void that only this Jesus person could fill.

I'm reading the book, "The Jesus Style" by Gayle D. Erwin. It is an awesome book that helps bring our mind to understand Jesus and who He really was...not just what our mind has brought Him to be. So who is Jesus....

"Since Jesus is everything that God is but expressed bodily form ad since all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in him, we can each say:

If I am to know God, I will know him through Jesus.

If I am to gain knowledge, it is deposited in Jesus.

If I am to have wisdom, i will find it in Jesus.

If God dwells in me, it is because Jesus dwells in me.

If I wish to study God, I must study Jesus.

If the Holy Spirit is active in my life, I will hear him speak of Jesus.

His personality, his life and his words are to be grasped and assimilated with all our energy. In everything he must have supremacy."

I just loved that! The only way to know God is to know Jesus. They only way to eternal life...is to know Jesus! Jesus is the bridge over our sin to our Father. He washes us clean! I've attached a link to He Chose the Nails by Max Lucado! It is awesome!!

My prayer is that if you don't know or understand this Jesus...that you will. That we may take one step closer everyday in our understanding Him and His will for this life He has given us.

http://hechosethenails.net/hctn.html

Enjoy!

~Tina

And the stockings were hung by the chimney with care...

2009-01-21T03:46:00.001-08:00

While scrolling through the pictures this morning...

I thought I'd catch you up on a little of Christmas morning!

Here is Kolton and Daddy

Miss Lola

Natalie with her boot stocking

Tristin....

Then, here is Daddy with his stocking

And me (Mommy)

=) I did not want a stocking, so Keith took it upon himself to hang one of his old Army socks up there and stuffed it full...can you guess what I got?!

Never a dull moment!

And looking back at the pictures...it is pretty funny!

Profile Pictures ~YUCK!

2009-01-20T05:10:00.000-08:00

So I was thinking that my twitter and blog posts need a profile picture right? Well here is my awful attempt at putting my mug on here. As you can see...not very clear first of all, then what's going on behind me? Shoes and drying dishes? Obviously not much thought there... and I guess I could have dressed up a little more, even though I do sport my "i heart keith" shirt throughout the week... Then the angle is kind of funny. But I guess we all find things that are wrong with our own picture right?! And thinking realistically as I type this out, it is a pretty good picture of the real me. Sometimes not really clear with a few clean dishes and a couple dirty shoes! The only thing that is missing is a bunch of kids and doll parts! =)

Any good profile picture advice out there?? Give me your thoughts!

SNOW Much Fun!

2009-01-18T12:35:00.001-08:00

It's a bit warmer today...we are up to like 20 degrees!! I never thought that I would say that 20 degrees feels pretty darn good! We've had SNOW Much Fun today out in the backyard! The snow just isn't packing so we have one lump snowmen! =) Natalie's snowman had a cold little head, so we thought we would add some BbB charm and add a scripture crown.

Here is the start of Lola's snowman...

And the finished product!

Tristin's Ranger snowman...complete with clothes pin eyes =)

And here is Tristin with his "snow plow" making paths to his snow fort.

And of course we ALWAYS have to finish off SNOW Much Fun with hot chocolate and marshmallows.

That's our Lola...

In yesterdays news.....

Kolton is hanging out with his PaPa at Tristin's Pinewood Derby

Tristin did so great!! I first have to share (because I think it is so funny) that when Keith and Tristin first cut out his car it looked like a paddle. Keith joked and said they should call it "The Enforcer" in which Tristin responded..." Yeah, because we are going to whoop everybody's butt!" Well they didn't whoop everybody's butt, but he did SO GOOD and came home with two trophies and one ribbon. He was tickled!! GO TRISTIN!!

Baby...it's COLD outside!!

2009-01-16T11:59:00.001-08:00

Whew! We woke up to -13 degree's people! When the snot in your nose freezes when you breath...that's COLD! =) Okay, more than you wanted to know I'm sure. But it has been cold the past few days. Bitter cold! I looked out the front window a couple of days ago and there was poor Coda sleeping in one of the old wash tubs I use to plant my flowers. He was all cuddled in and covered in snow. I felt so bad for him and had to go out to make sure he was okay...from the house I could see he was breathing but I couldn't believe he let the snow cover him like that. Actually the dirt underneath him was warm so he was okay, well other than the fact that I interrupted his nap.

We did not have school today and yesterday a two hour delay due to the cold and snow. The Thompson house is mad with crazy children! ~Please Pray!! =)

Memories

2009-01-14T05:54:00.000-08:00

The girls and I were drawing/coloring last night. They love it when they start a picture and then I will take it and secretly add to it, then they finish it! It really is fun and a great way to use the blank sides of old school papers. Natalie really loved how this one turned out and I thought I would frame it for her room. I found an old frame and dug it out.

Guess what picture was inside....

This is my Natalie....

Oh how sweet are memories!

Then I think how quickly time passes us by.

Give those babies of yours a big smoosh today!

~Tina

Weekend Fun...

2009-01-13T08:32:00.001-08:00

On Saturday evening, we celebrated cousin Julia's 5th birthday! Greg (Keith's big brother) and Jill have two girls. I unfortunately forgot my camera, so wasn't able to capture any pictures of the Birthday girl, but Jill sent these pictures over yesterday.

Kelly (pictured) and Kolton have really have gotten closer over the holiday's. She is about six months older than Kolton and refers to him as "Boy". I know she can say Kolton, but she lovingly says, "Hi Boy!". Kelly is so sweet always playing Mother-hen and taking very good care of all of Kolton's needs. Even those needs that he doesn't realize he has, like when he needs a drink out of his sippy cup. =) So here they are...partner's in crime sitting so sweet together. The second picture is Kelly trying to put Kolton's boots back on after he kicks them off.

I know they are cute guys...but we are going to have to keep an eye on these two!!

Happy 2009!

2009-01-08T06:11:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year everyone!! This is my first "Thompson" post from last year. I threw everything together at the BbB blog, and felt that it was best to put all the BbB news there and all of our "Thompson Blessings" here!!

This post will be a short one due to our bi-weekly preschool run. It is almost time to start getting on socks, boots, coats, hats, and gloves. Oh, and throw in a potty break before that. We have a load of five children to load up so it takes a while. Carson, one of my daycare children is in his last year of preschool.

Pictured is my sweet Natalie and I when she was Jr Homecoming attendant about a month ago. I have many more pictures that I will be sharing soon.

Talk to you all later!!

Much love and blessings~Tina

Yay FREE Friday Winner!!!!

2008-04-14T06:00:00.001-07:00

The winner can be found at Baby be Blessed blog, which is listed in the post below this one. Please bookmark my new blog site for great giveaways and all the household news on the Thompson's. THANKS!!

Baby Be Blessed!

2008-04-12T05:34:00.001-07:00

Please visit my new blog at:

http://www.babybeblessed.blogspot.com

Yay Free Friday!

2008-04-11T07:56:00.000-07:00

Another week has gone by and it's time again for

Yay...Free Friday!!

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

~She measures 17" tall

~Body is made from yellow dot minky

~Red yarn which is stitched right into the seam

and pulled back into pony tails with yellow ribbons.

~Safety eyes and handstitched mouth and lashes.

~Cotton dress with elastic top and trimmed with yellow ribbon

~Stuffed with cluster stuff stuffing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To enter simply leave me your contact info in the comments.
I will be drawing the winner on Monday!
GOOD LUCK!!

~Tina

My girl Natalie Rachel...

2008-04-10T06:33:00.000-07:00

I love all my children equally! They are all so perfect and have different gifts and personalities. My Natalie was the second born, first daughter, and is 7 yrs old. Out of all four of our children, she is the most like me. Which is not all good, because there are traits that she has of mine that I wish she didn't. :) We are the only two that do not have brown eyes in the house (even our dog has brown eyes). She looks like me, is stubborn like me, gets her feelings hurt easily like me, and has a passion for art and animals... like me. She is the one in the van who notices how the trees and the sky are so beautiful. When I scold her and she is heart broken, my heart breaks along with hers. I know exactly how she is feeling. I want to cry with her and tell her it is okay, but as a Mommy who is disciplining I can't always do that. My heart aches...

Well last year when we decided for her to give up dance and take riding lessons, we both were very excited. Though I don't take the lessons (I wish I could) I love spending time together just her and I. The half hour drive just with her. Talking with just her. Watching her receive instruction like such a young lady and embracing her passion makes me so happy. I love having those moments with each of them and I pray that it is as fulfilling for them as it is for us! Last night was riding lessons and I made sure to take my camera. I know I posted last year after she started riding, but my old camera took terrible pictures, so I wanted to share again some special pictures of Natalie and Daxie.

Daxie is a 19 yr old Quarter Horse, and we both just LOVE her to pieces! She is very relaxed and is perfect for all of the "little natalie's" out there. There are a lot of horses in the barn so I get some lovey time with them as Natalie is taking her lessons. They all have different personalities, likes and dislikes.

Riding lessons just aren't riding around the arena....

But Tack...

And Grooming..

Hoof picking...

Treat Giving...

Putting Daxie back in the stall...

Sweeping...

and SCOOPING!

Natalie LOVES every single bit. Her trainers name is Shelly at Shady Lane Stables and she does a wonderful job teaching Natalie not only the fun part, but ALL parts of riding and taking care of a horse. I will leave you today with my favorite photo. Have a wonderful Thursday!!

~Tina

Are you excited??

2008-04-07T05:06:00.000-07:00

Are you excited and anxious to know who won

Yay Free Friday Giveaway????

So am I!!!!!

DRUM

ROLL

PLEASE...

YAY AMY!!

Congratulations!

I will be mailing out your little bundle soon!

Have a great Monday everyone!

~Tina

Yay Free Friday!

2008-04-04T07:11:00.000-07:00

It's Friday....which means I have my Yay Free Friday Giveaway!!

~Made from Minky Giraffe Print

~Measures a sweet 10" tall

~Safety eyes and handstitched nose

~Cream ribbon bow around neck

To enter simply leave me your contact info in the comments.

I will be drawing the winner on Monday!

GOOD LUCK!!

Better Time Management!

2008-04-01T10:53:00.000-07:00

Who has any advice or tips out there for me?? It is funny because as I'm talking about better time management, I'm sitting in front of this computer....ugh.

Some days I feel I have too much on my plate. Heck, some days I DO have too much on my plate!! =0) But my poor brain just can't take it any longer. So to get my life re-adjusted with GODLY time management, I have started making a daily list. I've been a short streak list maker. It helps and I do good for a few days and then I fall back into my old habits. Not Anymore!! Most of the time it is just sitting down and writing the silly stuff down. I just try to remember, but now things are falling through the cracks and I don't like that.

So give me your tips and advice!! My tipful advice is to start making lists!! We will work on this together!!

Have a great day everyone!!
~Tina

And the Winner is.....

2008-03-31T07:26:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to.....(drum roll please)...samualnst@yahoo.comm!!

I will have another giveaway on Friday, so please check back for more!

So in other Monday news..........

We had a nice weekend! Tristin had his Pinewood derby this Saturday and got third place in his pack. He was so excited! Keith and Tristin are already making mental notes and planning for next years big event!! Here are some pictures of the big day!!

Have a great Monday everyone!!

FREE Friday!!!! YAY!!

2008-03-28T03:19:00.000-07:00

Yay....Free Friday!! I'm going to start posting a giveaway every Friday. I didn't decide that however until just now, so since I didn't have a change to make something I'm going to offer my sweet dear snow baby which has been for sale at Etsy forever and marked down forever with no takers. I think I saw a tear on her cheek feeling that nobody loves her....=0)

She measures 16" tall, has white chenille head/arms/legs, and a blue print flannel body trimmed with lace. Her face is handstitched along with the heart on her chest. I gave her soft pink fleece hair. I broke out the old crochet needles and whipped her up a little light pink scarf to finish off her perfect outfit. She is stuffed with the best stuffing and made for the little ones to drag around.

This is how it will work. On Friday I will post my free giveaway, then I need you all to post your email in the comment section under this listing. I will contact and announce the winner on Monday!! GOOD LUCK!!

Easter 2008

2008-03-27T04:51:00.000-07:00

So here was our crew on Easter. It was so funny because early in the morning the girls were up and ran downstairs. They then flew up to our room announcing that it was Easter!! Keith asked how come on Christmas we had to wake them up and Easter morning they were up before the sun! It was cute! We enjoyed a day of Fellowship at Church and then the annual Easter egg hunt at Grandma and Grandpa's who live right across the street from us. It was a great family day celebrating the Resurrection of our Savior!

Bath Time Bootie

2008-03-20T07:46:00.000-07:00

How come chubby thighs and a curded butt looks so darn cute on him but so bad on me?! =0)
There is nothing as cute as a babys bare butt....well, a clean bare butt!

Happy Birthday Kolton!

2008-03-17T11:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday last week to by oldest Baby and now this week to my youngest Baby....It's enough to make a Mommy cry! Kolton turned one yesterday! The year just flew right by! He did not enjoy his birthday very much at all! He cried over everything and didn't even want any cake or ice cream. I think he is teething again as you can tell by his wet shirt. I just kept telling him that it was okay and it was his party and he could cry if he wanted to! =0) So first is a picture of all of us thanks to Aunt Michelle. It's not very often we get a family picture. Second is my little party crew...all four of my little Thompson's! Talk to you all soon!!

Tina

Happy Birthday Tristin!

2008-03-12T04:23:00.000-07:00

Happy 9th Birthday Tristin!!

How could nine years have passed already?? Tristin smarter beyond his years....such a thinker! He decided to have an ice cream pie instead of a cake this year. I must agree that it was a yummy choice!!

Spring is coming...

2008-02-20T12:14:00.000-08:00

If it is going to be cold..it might as well have the beautiful snow coming down!! But I looked out my dining room window and LOOK!!!! Spring is coming....... I wish I could have gotten a better picture of him. He was so beautiful and looking right at the camera~SMILE!!!

My Blank Canvas!

2008-02-18T04:57:00.000-08:00

As an artist looks at a blank canvas...so I look at this pile of fabric. Oh the possiblities and excitement to see what comes from this pile of scrap! I love getting up early and getting things done. As you can see in the background of this photo the sky just starting to light up and of course my mug of coffee getting the day started right! The house is so quite, which around here doesn't happen unless it is before 7am or after 9pm (which I am not a late night person so I'm ready for bed by this time). I love the busyness of our home. I love all the kids voices and tramping around, coming in and going out! I will miss that someday! Don't get me wrong sometimes I get CRAZY...but during the day if the house is quite something is missing, it's too eeary quite. But oh those early mornings...I cherish them! Just quite time...quite time just for me. Time to pray, time to get things gathered up for the day, time to work, time to ponder. This morning as I was cutting away, I was thinking about creation. My dolls for example are made from one basic pattern, but yet each one comes out looking different and having their own little "personality". I related that to us and how the Lord created each one of us. Using the same pattern he made each one of us. We are all the same, but yet so different. We each look different, have different gifts, different personalities. As excited as I get with my "blank canvas" with creating my dolls...I just can't comprehend how excited and full of love the Lord was when He knew what we would be before the earth was even formed.... WOW... Just a little tidbit of my early morning quite house ponderings..........................................

So in other Thompson news, we have a derby car in the making! Keith and Tristin have been hard at work making the fastest derby car in town! It's such a blessing to watch them! Here are a few pictures.

So what's up for the rest of the day???? Laundry and sewing....maybe some dusting since I see gray shadows...and the fish tank needs a good cleaning! Wish me luck with all that! A Ruebee friend, Robin had a good blog post about managing your time. I need to work on that. Sometimes it is hard to manage time when you fly by the seat of your pants with kids and daycare and my doll ministry and Church ministry and housework and school and preschool and dance and cubscouts and brownies and horseback riding lessons and Uppercase living and Reflexology and hmmmmmm let me look at my calendar to see what I missed this week. =) Excuses! Excuses!! It's because of all that, that I need to manage my time better!!!! I love it all and feel blessed with everything the Lord gives me each day! The rest of it waits for tomorrow........lol

Have a wonderful week everyone!!

~Tina

Thank you Amy!

2008-02-12T06:43:00.000-08:00

It is a special treat for me to receive photo's of my dolls after they arrive at their new home, so it was a blessing when Amy surprised me with a sweet thank you after she received her doll. She said this little chair has been sitting empty and doesn't little grace just fit perfectly?? So, THANK YOU SO MUCH AMY for taking the time to send me this picture. I printed it off and I'm on my way to hang it by my sewing machine! ~Tina

We've got a winner!!

2008-02-10T13:40:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Jill Perryman...YOU are the winner!!!!!!!!!!!

A BIG BIG thank you to everyone who gave design ideas and who entered to win. I'm sure I will be doing this again soon. SOOOO much fun!!!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!!
~Tina

My Covenant with you...

2008-02-08T06:07:00.000-08:00

"A rainbow doll with the scripture13 I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth Gen: 9:13" Joann Wheeler

Joann...your design was picked!!

Thank you all for your ideas...and don't be sad, you just might see your design used in the future!!

"I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth." Genesis 9:13

She measures 17" tall is made from various colors of minky and chenille, safety eyes with handstitched lashes and mouth. Her cotton yarn hair has been stitched directly into the seam and pulled back into pony tails. She is wearing a special rainbow scripture patch on her belly as a reminder of God's promise that He will never destroy the earth with a flood again. She is stuffed with cluster stuff and is so soft to snuggle and squeeze!! Sure to be a perfect friend for any child or adult!!!

Now...who wants to win her???????????????????

Please leave a comment with your email address. I will pick the winner on SUNDAY and get her shipped out to her new home first thing Monday morning!

Thanks!!

This was fun!

~Tina

And the Designer Winner is....

2008-02-07T13:24:00.000-08:00

I picked a design from the pot and guess who won????

You'll have to come back tomomorrow to find out!!!!!!!!

HA HA!!

Thanks to everyone who participated!

Good Morning!

2008-02-07T07:49:00.000-08:00

No that's not smoke from the fireplace coming from my chimmney...it's from my sewing machine working on this pile which will be 13 dolls when I'm done! I shouldn't joke about that because my Grandmother's old Singer sewing machine DID fill the room with smoke years ago....figured I shouldn't use it anymore after that!

Anyway...I'm plugging away on some dolls for all of you. Some custom orders which I so appreciate and YES- I still need to cut out and sew my giveaway doll!! I am thrilled with all your suggestions so I think I'll wait until Noon (Ohio time) and then throw all your ideas in a pot and pick one. So you still have a chance to give me an idea so let me know! Oh and don't be shy...if you have a couple ideas...let's hear them!

Thanks!! I'll be talking to you soon!!

~Tina

Giveaway!!

2008-02-04T04:25:00.000-08:00

I've donated to blog giveaway's but never have had my own...so I thought I would try one! Tomorrow I will list a doll to give away! How fun! So please check things out tomorrow for the doll that could possibly be yours! Any ideas on a doll design?? Feel free to comment and help me with the design!!

******UPDATE******

Lets make this more fun! Give me your idea's through Thursday and then I will have the Giveaway doll up for a drawing on Saturday morning. That means you will have to come back and leave me a comment Friday for your chance of winning. I can't wait!!

A Day of Rest

2008-01-20T12:45:00.000-08:00

Wanting to sleep in this morning...I woke at 5:30 to my sweet boy yelling "Ma Ma...Ma Ma" in his crib. So I roll out of bed and stumble down the hall. You can't help at smile at that cute face...even if it IS 5:30 a.m.! So as I get Kolton settled in with his morning bottle and cartoons, I put on the ole' pot of coffee and start the day. It's hard for me to actually get up that early (Kolton always gives me a little help) but I love early mornings. It was 1degree...that's cold. The cat's thought it was cold to, as I went outside to feed them. Coda ,the only male, didn't even get out of the little kitty condo Keith made them. I peeked in at him and he looked at me as if to say..."yeah right, I'm not getting out-not even for breakfast!" As I was outside facing the cold, the trees cracked when the wind blew like there were ice on them. No ice-just freezing cold! But we had the most beautiful sun rise. The picture only captured some of the beauty. We had a wonderful morning at Church and even though it is so darn cold, the sun is shining bright! This afternoon we are just lounging around. I'm going to have the kids pick out a movie and just relax under my big old quilt with my babies around me. Keith is busy out in the workshop...which for him is a day of rest and enjoyment. He is still working hard on the trim. Our amaryllis bloomed today! We will have four blooms on it this year. I hope you had a wonderful weekend!

Would you give me a boost??

2008-01-19T04:57:00.000-08:00

I love the simpleness of my life!! I'm blessed to see and notice the simple joys of the day (at least I hope I see all of them). Walking into the kitchen, we have Barbies little bug parked..packed full which you can't see from this view, and then as you can see, one little one boosting up another peeking into the window to have a conversation. I LOVE IT! What these guys come up with! I just stop and look and crack up!! So I grab the camera to share with all of you and of course my husband Keith, who just smiles and humors me. I love him for that! Well, yesterday was a good but not too productive day. I did get my laundry almost done, floor half swept, and the fish tank cleaned out. My to do list is always longer and never caught up with the done list. For some reason it always rolls over into today, so I can continue on... Today we have groceries to buy and errands to run. I wish we could just stay home due to the frigid temperatures, but Kolton is down to his last two diapers-not good! I'm working on some new doll patterns and hope to get some made over the weekend! Pictured is a oatmeal colored chenille doll, which is one of my favorites since I love every single shade of brown. I enjoy, really love working on my dolls throughout the day. Sometimes it's the only thing to tuck myself away with to keep sane... maybe that's why I don't get my to do list done...=0) I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! STAY WARM! ~Tina

Good Morning!

2008-01-18T06:51:00.000-08:00

It's a cold but beautiful morning! You never can tell what the weather is going to be like in Ohio and sometimes it changes within the hour...but as long as the sun is shining...it makes for a happy day. Our house has a lot of windows so weather or not the sun is shining makes a big difference inside!

Anyway...

I listed a couple of dolls this morning and wanted to share. This little gal is offered at a discounted price because her arms didn't quite line up straight...but she is still pretty darn cute!

Every one is doing well here at the Thompson house. Natalie was a little ill last night, but is better today and enjoying spending the day at home. When the kids don't feel well it is a special treat to hang out in Mom and Dads room watching TV and being waited on hand and foot. Makes you feel a little better. But everyone else is doing fine...Keith is hard at work on refinishing the woodwork still. We currently have a sheet hanging for our bathroom door because our door and bathroom trim is out in the work shop. I love it! The trim looks so nice! I will have to take some before and after pictures.

Well enjoy your day and I will try to post again really soon!!

~Tina

Luecee and Yellow Baby!

2008-01-15T07:34:00.001-08:00

This is baby Luecee! I made her this little yellow baby before she was even born and her Mommy has been sweet enough to email me pictures and has given me permission to share with all of you! The bottom picture is Luecee at 1 month and the top picture she is two months old. How quickly they grow! Luecee is so darn cute... I wish I could just pick her up and squish her!!! Enjoy!!

Luecee and Yellow Baby!

2008-01-15T07:34:00.000-08:00

It's been a month!

2008-01-15T07:14:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that it has been a month since I last posted!

To give you an update as to what is going on here at the Thompson family...well...things are finally settling down from the holidays! Everyone is doing very well and getting back into the daily grind.

I finally switched my Etsy store from 4peasinapod to just under my name. I am listing new items all the time and have really been focusing on my scripture babies as shown above. The kids are working on some artwork, that I will be listing as cards soon. We've had computer issues that slowed things down a bit, but no worries!

I hope everyone has a wonderful day!! I will post again soon...I promise!!

~Tina

Snow FUN!

2007-12-15T13:43:00.000-08:00

Tristin and Natalie enjoying the snow!

That's My Girl!!

2007-12-15T13:37:00.000-08:00

This is my girl feeding Grandpa and Grandma Thompson's neighbor's horse an apple...so sweet!

Only Two Weeks Until Christmas!

2007-12-15T03:27:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we had a great time at the Roops! Click on our Flicker link to see all the great photos. The kids had so much fun and it was so nice to get away and enjoy John and Karen. We don't see them nearly enough since they've had their moving transition, but that will change now since they are all settled in their beautiful home. We did get some nice family pictures. I really wanted to get a new one since Kolton is almost nine months old and he wasn't included in any of the family pictures on the walls. I look at this photo and just smile. We are so blessed...I am so blessed beyond words to describe it!

We had a battle with the flu last week...yuck, but everyone is back on track and keeping busy. I hope to finish up my shopping today (if I beat the snow storm coming in), and need to get that cookie dough rolled out and baked TODAY!! It has been waiting on me since Tues. I think. I'll let you know how that all works out! Most of the time I just roll with the day because any plans I try to make...well...you know how it goes. I'll take what the Lord gives me and be happy with that. Everything waits on me until I get back around to it.

There's only two weeks until Christmas!! Every year it sneaks up on you, well at least me. It is kind of nice that we have all our gatherings pretty spread out over the month so I can organize and plan as I go and don't have it all hitting me at once. But I do need to get the kids finished up if not today because of the weather, next week for sure. I have also vowed that I will not be wrapping the presents on Christmas Eve this year after the kids have gone to bed. I hate that!!! But it's no ones fault but my own! So this year is going to be different! =0) I'm at least going to make the effort!

Well...hopefully I will remember to get a picture of the house after this snowfall. I was bummed that I didn't do that after the last time it snowed. It looks nice at night all lit up. I hope you all have a wonderful day, or week, or month...until the next time I'm back to give you all an update. Merry Christmas just in case!! =0)

~Tina

The Thompson Tree is Up

2007-11-25T04:01:00.000-08:00

We told the kids on Friday that since Keith had Saturday off work we would put the tree up. Well you can imagine, that was the first thing they mentioned when they got up and the only thing they talked about all morning. I had a hair appointment at 11:00, so after a great husband prepared breakfast, I left to do the girl thing leaving instructions that they could put the tree up but had to wait for me to decorate. When I got home....I walked into the kitchen and there was a tree in the middle of it. As I walked in the Dinning room...a tree, and as I entered the living room....two trees! Well I got what I asked for! Keith was in the mood to decorate since we really didn't do much the previous year so he got out all the trees he could find. Actually he found one more after I got home so we have a total of five trees up. Some of you know how big our house is, so as I heard people say they were getting rid of their old tree and getting a new one I asked if I could have the old one. We have plenty of room for one more tree. I guess I didn't realize it has now totaled up to five...anyway, Keith decided to put a tree in each room that goes up the tower. Boy does it look nice! I will get a picture of the house when we are all done. The girls were SO EXCITED to get a tree in their room. Lola wanted to go up and rest her eyes in her bed to enjoy the tree...cute! We still have a mess but did get some stuff done. Guess what I'm doing today?? Getting everything out can be such a mess, but fun. The kids had fun. They enjoyed helping me get the village up (which hasn't been out for a couple years). We put that up above the tree on the ladder that Keith helped me put in the tower. He placed some barn boards over the ladder and I put my village up there. It worked since our tree looks a little shorter since we gained the extra ceiling space. It was Kolton's turn to put on the star. That was so funny! After he was done trying to eat the tree and as I was waiting for my camera to get into gear he just looked at me like "Why am I up here?". I also got some cute pictures of the kids so click on the flicker link to check those out. I love our tree! It is so bottom heavy with the ornaments! How I will miss that some day! Well...I'm off to get the day started. I think I heard Kolton upstairs. Hope to touch base soon!!

~Tina

The FIRST Snow!

2007-11-23T15:50:00.000-08:00

We had our first snow last night. The kids were so excited to make snow angels, snowmen, and have a snowball fight in our less than an inch snowfall! They couldn't wait to get outside and left strict orders to have the hot chocolate ready when they come in. My nephews Chase and Skylar were in on the action and everyone managed to cover themselves in the fluffy white stuff. It was pretty to see the big flakes coming down. We all had a wonderful and relaxing Thanksgiving yesterday and enjoyed a quiet day here at home today. I hope you all enjoy your weekend!

My Latest Cakes!

2007-11-16T10:03:00.000-08:00

Here are my latest cakes. They are getting a little easier to decorate. The more you do it the easier it is and the better they look. Superman cake was for my nephew Skylar's fifth birthday, and OSU cake is for Keaton, who is part of our extended babysitting family. He is celebrating his seventh birthday! His only request was that there were homemade buckeye's on it!

Natalie's First Riding Lesson!

2007-11-15T03:55:00.000-08:00

Natalie would like you to meet Daxie! She is a 17 year old Quarter horse and very sweet! We started riding lessons last night at Shady Lane Stables in Shawnee. Natalie's instructor, Shelly did a great job teaching Natalie the basics of tacking, grooming, mounting/dismounting, leading, cleaning up, and general facts about horses. A month or so ago we looked into riding lessons and asked Natalie if she would like to give up dance to learn how to ride. Let's just say, we didn't have to ask her twice and things were set into motion from there. I figured we might as well spend money on something that she is passionate about. Last night went very well learning how to stop and start Daxie and even getting her to trot a little bit. I must say my camera did not do a very good job at taking pictures. I will hopefully get better ones next time!

We are still here!

2007-10-20T04:10:00.000-07:00

So...never believe me when I say I'll be right back to give you all an update! Honestly it all depends on what is going on and if I have a quite minute to sit down quick to say hello to all of you! Things have been so terribly busy! Too busy for my liking honestly! Don't miss understand though...everything has been good, we are all healthy and happy, it's just those darn days just slip by so quick! This weekend though I'm focusing on just sticking around home and enjoying the family. It's funny how that sounds good to Keith and I, but the kids are always asking where can we go and who can we visit! The forecast sounds like beautiful fall weather and we are just going to work around the house. Hopefully I can get some of my flower beds cleaned out for winter. Working outside in the flowers/weeds is very relaxing to me. I know sounds crazy to some of you, but it's true. But...we take what the day gives us, so we will see how it all works out.

Some exciting news since the last time I posted! Natalie turned 7 years old. We just had a small birthday party for her. The plan is for us to go to her favorite horse farm and go riding at some point. Just haven't set the date yet for that. Also, Kolton has two teeth now and is almost sitting up by himself! He is getting so big! He eats half cheerios and is enjoying his cereal now. Tristin is done with soccer (thank goodness) and we are busy with Popcorn sales for cubscouts. He learned how to shoot his new little bow that we picked up on a garage sale this summer. Looks just like his Dad standing out there! Keith does a great job teaching him how to correctly do it. Even I took a little lesson...it was fun! I'm not as bad as Keith says I am =0) !! Lets see...Lola...she has been busy with Preschool and "helping Mommy". She totes around after me and helps me with whatever I'm doing. She's sweet and growing up to be quite the young lady! Keith is still busy at work and likes to spend time in the work shop on his days off. He is almost finished up with the trim work for Kolton's room. It looks so nice! As for myself, I'm busy with this and that. The kids keep me busy during the day and in between activities and chores I'm still sewing. I have a new little doll I'm working on that says "I'm a REAL princess, my father is the king of kings" on her belly. I'm going to give her a little crown. She will be cute! I also started selling for Uppercase Living. I'm having an Open House next Sat., which family and friends reading this should have received an invite yesterday. For those of you that didn't let me know...your always Welcome! You can check out the online catalog at www.uppercaseliving.com and enter the ID: 599343 and token: Thompson, to view it! It is really an awesome product and I know everyone is going to love it! GREAT company to work for and GREAT extra money for the holidays. Any questions, just let me know.

Well, I guess that is about it for now. The kids are still sleeping upstairs and Kieth is off to work, so I think I'm going to take advantage of this quite time to get some work done...wish me luck! Have a GREAT weekend and I hope to talk to you all soon!

ps~ You can post comments by hitting the button. Let me know what's going on in YOUR day!

New Dolls!

2007-09-27T12:22:00.000-07:00

Another GREAT week!! I'll be back to tell you more all about what's going on around here, but just wanted to let ya know that I've been listing dolls, so check out my Etsy! Talk to you all soon!!

Best Friends Forever!

2007-09-24T09:17:00.000-07:00

Such a cute picture of Natalie and Shayna! Despite the age difference of Natalie-6 and Shayna-8 they just get along together so well! Could be their shared love and passion for horses that plays into it, but they do spend a lot of time together and I think they will always be good close friends!!

America's Top Model!

2007-09-21T16:41:00.000-07:00

Well...at least the Thompson Family's top model...for today anyhow!! Lola loved posing for my doll photos. This little doll is a little purse so Lola was thrilled and jumped to the occasion for Mommy to take her picture with this baby. Gotta love the smile!!

Happy Birthday To You!!!

2007-09-21T11:23:00.000-07:00

What a week!!!! We are still recovering from Lola's party (well at least I am), and had a busy week with the daily grind of school, soccer, dance, cubscouts and everything else we've had. I told Keith this morning that we haven't eaten supper together all week!! But, it's Friday already and we did have a good week overall!! I wanted to post the latest cakes that I have made. They turned out good and the birthday girls were very happy. Hope everyone has a wonderful and RELAXING weekend!!

Mommy's Babies

2007-09-17T14:29:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures taken of all my babies this weekend! They each have their own special personality. I love them all so much!! Hard to believe that they are growing up so quickly. Keith and I are so blessed!!

The party was a BIG HIT!!

2007-09-17T05:41:00.000-07:00

Lola's 5th Birthday was the social event of the month here in New Knoxville. Well...at least for children 8 and under!!!! We had such a great time!! All the children were so good and played great together! Lola had a blast!! She was so excited and blessed to have so many family and friends come to castle Thompson celebrate her special day! I think we had around 40 people here! What an amazing fun time!

YUMMY!

2007-09-06T07:39:00.000-07:00

This watermelon was so good!! I took these pictures a couple weeks ago, but came across them today. Nothing like some good ripe fall melons!!

Two of My Boys!

2007-09-03T06:23:00.000-07:00

I was missing two of my boys on here!! Keith bought this hat for Kolton before he was born. It fits him so good! Don't they look so cute! Kolton is five months old already!! He is rolling over both directions and grabbing for everything that comes his way. Such a good little boy!! Never gets much love or attention around this house! =0) ha ha ha!!

New Knoxville Parade!

2007-09-03T06:14:00.000-07:00

We had two big kids in the parade this year!!! These pictures are terrible! We sat on the wrong side of the road and the sun was bright in our eyes, but you can get the idea. Tristin is in the first picture with the cub scouts. They were Grand Marshall this year!! Very Hot Stuff!! This is his second year in cub scouts and he is currently working on his Bear badge. Natalie is in the second picture. If you look close you can see her seated in the middle of the truck. She has her hair up in bun pony tails (which she hated, because cowgirls don't wear bun pony tails!!). Her head is by the white part of the flag. This is her second year with the girl scout program. Last year she was a Daisy and this year she is a Brownie. LOOK OUT!!! Won't be long and we will be hitting you up for popcorn and cookies sales!!!!!!

She Looks Too Big!!

2007-08-29T07:26:00.000-07:00

It was time! As much as I hated cutting off that long pretty hair, it was long over due. Lola still had that baby fine hair and it was starting to look straggly so off it came today. Don't look too close as it was my own chop job and my scissors weren't very sharp but she was so excited and feels so beautiful as you can tell in her pictures. And as the title states she looks to much older!

Lola's 1st Day of Preschool!!

2007-08-28T07:24:00.000-07:00

The first day of the last year of preschool! I can't believe it!! For Lola, it was no big deal this morning. This is her third year of preschool, so it was not as exciting as previous couple of years. I told her that she was going to school today and she asked if she was riding the bus. She is so ready to get on the big yellow bus. Mommy on the other hand can not believe that she will be turning 5 in a few weeks. Yikes...where does the time go???? Someone please call and check in on me the day Kolton goes to Kindergarten...I will be crying my eyes out all day having all my babies in school.

So Lola gets ready for school and picks out her outfit which is cute. We bought her that brown shirt a couple weeks ago. She gets left out quite a bit when it comes to new clothes because of hand-be-downs, so I try to pick up a new shirt or something here and there to add to her wardrobe. Well we got ready for school and as I was loading everyone in the van I asked her to brush and get shoes on. Such a big girl brushing her teeth and getting shoes on without me helping and doing it the first time I asked. So then we get to school and I'm getting them out of the van and I notice the pink boots. And then I notice the big blob of toothpaste on her shirt. I chuckle...pink boots, that's so Lola...and well she at least brushed her teeth like I asked. But it goes to show at the detail I look at the further the kids go down the line. With Tristin I was so particular...then Natalie, it's good enough...and Lola, whatever let's go...poor Kolton. =) I've joked about that many times. So the picture of her teacher putting Lola's name badge on is her laughing because she asked Lola where she wanted her to put the tag on her shirt, and I said how about right over top of that blob of toothpaste. She laughed and said, "Well at least she brushed!" During school, they sang songs, and made glow in the dark lightning bugs & reacquainted and played with friends from last year. When she got home she said, "Mommy, I'm in the BIG kid class". She had a great day!

ICE COLD LEMONADE!

2007-08-28T06:41:00.000-07:00

Okay...so we have had a road crew going past our house because they are repaving our road. Tristin (well actually Keith first) got the idea to set up a lemonade stand to make a little money. Well talk about making some money and Tristin is all over it! So he worked on making his signs. He also had the great idea of making some posters to advertise and when it was break time to ride his bike down there and pass them out to all the workers. Mom and Dad said no, but it was a good idea. So we get everything set up and everyone joined in out by the driveway yelling "Lemonade! Lemonade! Lemonade! to everyone passing by. And when I say everyone I mean EVERYONE! It was so funny. Keith said if we ever needed to sell a car all we would have to do is pull it out by the road and set the kids out there by it. It would be sold the first day. I really thought that after a few hours they would fizzle out...but they were out there all afternoon! It was great fun and a team effort. Well the first day he did pretty good, I think he made like $12. We had neighbors, friends, a man on a bicycle, and a few people stop in their cars. Tristin was pleased. So wouldn't you know it...first thing the next morning...he's ready to set up shop. I got him to wait until after lunch and business was rolling in once again. Towards the end of the second day, the road crew finally made it down to our house. It was funny to see that most of the trucks were lined up on our side of the road leaving the traffic down to one lane and the road crew standing in our driveway sipping their ice cold lemonade! It was a great time and a fun memory! Oh and Tristin ended up making a total of $36.00!!

This picture turned out so cute...

2007-08-24T16:41:00.001-07:00

Nope not talking about one of my real babies...buy one of my pretend babies. She had her little photo shoot today because she has been hanging around here since May 2006, and frankly she is sick of us so I'm trying to find her a good loving home. But this picture just turned out so cute I had to share. She looks real enough that you just want to get that belly!! I know, I know...I'm going crazy and need to get out more! Well, if you want to check her out just click on my Etsy link on the right side of the page. Thanks for lookin!

Tuesday was the first day of school!

2007-08-24T11:16:00.000-07:00

The summer has gone by already. Not quite as fast as when I was young, but School is here once again. Tristin is starting the third grade already and he really does well and enjoy's school! He has Mrs. Eshelman and actually she is our block neighbor living right over in the next woods from us. Very sweet lady...their big 13 yr old dog comes over to visit from time to time. Natalie started 1st grade. I almost cried packing two lunches Tuesday morning. She is excited and has Miss Heil, the same teacher Tristin had. She does a great job in school as well! Natalie told me her favorite thing the first day of school was eating lunch in the cafeteria...boy that will change. Here is picture of Tristin and Natalie before school.