A Change of Heart

A year and a half ago when Michael and I moved out of our home we felt less than fond of it. We were tired of the battle. To us it represented endless work and lack of hope. Now that we have returned we feel much differently. Time and circumstance have changed our perspective. We are happy to be back and actually quite excited to have our home as our project. We'll be spending family time working together to make our house a home. I'm grateful for the lessons I've been taught over the last couple of years. I know that I am blessed, and I am grateful for all that fills my full life! I've decided to list a few of the things that I LOVE about our home!

I love our beautiful wood floors, and our solid wood doors. I love THE VIEW, especially in the spring after rain. There is a bright rainbow that bends over our house and lands right in the middle of the blooming almond orchard in front of our house! I love the mud. (Well, the kids do!) I love the lush knee-high green grass that makes for beautiful pictures! I love the harvest moon that rises brightly every fall right outside my front door. I love the silly little bird faucet. I love our family walks and the neighborhood tire swing! I love our halloween hay ride tradition. I love the smell of the fresh air every morning, and I love the beautifully clear starry nights every evening!

Home Sweet Home

These are just a few of my favorite things about the ranch... things that all of us will always remember about this wonderful place. The beautiful allies made of trees that are wonderfully inviting no matter the season, Grandmother's birdhouse collection, our "vintage" bike collection that ALWAYS comes in handy, the adorable little heart "patch" on Grandmother and Grandpa's door, a Hickman sunset... few things bring me as much warmth as these images.

I took advantage of the good weather and the 3 day weekend by visiting the ranch with the kids. The kids rode bikes, picked fruit with Grandpa, and drove the John Deer with Papa. I always enjoy my trips to the ranch... there simply is no place like home.

Let It Snow!

We promised the kids a snow outting over Christmas vacation, so on New Years Day we loaded into the car and found our own little hillside. We did some sledding, made snowangels and snowmen, and had an on-going snowball fight. We ganged up on Brenden; but he was a good sport and fought back as best he could. We ended the day with some pizza and rootbeer. It was a great day and as you can tell, the kids had a good time!

"Cool" Runs in the Family!

Mike and I were sifting through some old photos in his missionary box and came across this awesome picture of Brooke! I HAD to post it because I had the exact same picture of Brenden! This is Brenden in October 2007 in Kindergarten, Brooke's picture was taken at Hickman Science Lab in 6th grade. (Sorry... don't know the year) Isn't our family fun? I just love us!

Christmas Day...

We gathered at our house for Christmas dinner and some simple fun. We played "Guitar Hero", exchanged gifts, and of course ate our fill of dessert! Christmas was wonderful this year. I'm grateful for a wonderful family!

Good Ol' Fashioned Thompson Family Christmas!

Uncle Brad and Aunt Elizabeth hosted Christmas this year, and in order to fit our clan, we gathered at the Hughson chapel. Dinner was great, and the activities to follow were even better! The kids acted out the nativity story and the adults exchanged "white elephant" gifts. We played a few games sang some carols, and were visited by Mr. and Mrs. Claus! It was a wonderful Christmas! I love our family! Thanks go to Uncle Brad's entire family for all of your work and planning! It was a wonderful time!

Family Pictures!

As a last minute resort, I was elected photographer for our scheduled family photo shoot. It was a rare picture opportunity because so many of us were gathered together under one roof! Unfortunately I do not have the proper equipment for exceptional indoor photos, but the truth is, it was fun to be together, and it's great to have some picutures as a family!

Here we are, not a bad looking bunch! We miss those of you that couldn't make it! Thanks to everyone that did make it, and that made it a pleasant event!

Feelin' the Love!

December 16, 2008... I had the MOST unbelievable birthday! It started with a couple of unexpected calls from various friends wishing me a happy birthday. Then later I found a bouquet and some lotion from my friend Lara at my door! When I picked up my kids at school I was greeted by my friend Tasha who gave me an apple dumpling! Then even later while at dance class I was surprised with a custom made cake and sang to! (Mari, the cake is AWESOME!) I didn't think it could have gotten any better, but it did! When dance was over I turned to leave class and was greeted by my friends Rickie, Kayla, and Krissy holding a bouquet of balloons! We finished the night with dinner at Applebees! You guys have all left me speechless! I am so grateful for your friendship! Rickie, thanks so much for organizing the final surprise! I never saw that one coming! I'm still smiling from it!

Just when I thought that it couldn't get better, I returned home and found my kitchen looking like THIS thanks to my husband and children! I don't know what I've done to deserve all of you in my life, but I am feeling pretty blessed!

Then and Now...

My dad recently returned my Senior pictures to me. I thought that since I just had a birthday that it might be fun to post a couple of them. I was 17 in these pictures. They were taken in the summer of 1995. (The same summer that Mike returned home from his mission!) I was definitely a victim of the 90's!

10 Years of Wedded Bliss!

On November 21, 2008 Michael and I celebrated our 1oth anniversary. A few months back my friend Rickie posted some vintage pictures of she and her husband for their anniversary. I loved the idea, so I am doing the same! The first is our engagement picture taken in June of 1998. Mike was 24 and I was 20! The next is Mike and I on our 1st anniversary in Disneyland. The bottom left was taken two weeks after Michael and I met. This was my first Thompson Thanksgiving. On this day, I met Mike's parents and sisters for the first time! The last picture speaks for itself! What you can't see are the HUGE white tennis shoes I am wearing under my wedding dress!

Meredith's Beautiful Little Family

Meredith asked me to take a few pictures of her with her "chillins." We went down to the river by my house and only spent about 10 minutes taking pictures. The kids were in a good mood and we were able to get some great shots! Meredith... I love you so much and am excited for you and this next chapter in your life!

A BIG Week for Paris!

All in the same week Paris was fitted with her official braces and learned to ride her bike without training wheels! As most of you know; Paris has had "hardware" in her mouth for close to two years now. However, all of that has been to manipulate the size and shape of her jaw, and now she is beginning the next phase of treatment where we will really begin to see a transformation! She's so happy to be a bike rider now! She rides up and down our street and likes to see how fast she can go! That long Thanksgiving bike ride did the trick!