Merry Christmas

This is our official Christmas 2007 picture. If you didn't get a copy, and you want one, let me know and I'll get one to you. Merry Christmas to all.

It Is Beginning to Feel Alot Like Christmas

It looks as if we may get our first freeze of the year tonight. It will be a light one. I remember being young in Tennessee and having to bundle up to go outside in the snow. My son complained, this morning, because I made him wear two shirts! We plan to enjoy the cooler weather while it is here. It should be back in the 80's by the end of the week. It just doesn't feel right to sit around the Christmas tree wearing shorts. Our poor A/C needs to rest.

No Tickets

Hannah Montana is a no go. Very disappointed. The concert was sold out within 6 minutes. It was absolutely crazy.

Best of Both Worlds

The incredibly cute, outgoing, talented and dedicated Christian, Tim Tebow has become the first sophomore ever to win the Heisman trophy. It was wonderful to watch. A proud moment for the Gator Nation. On to other news. Do you know who Hannah Montana/ Miley Cyrus is? If you have children between the ages of 6 and 15, chances are you know very well who she is. Her concerts are by all accounts the hottest ticket of the year. Tickets have been selling out all over the country within minutes of going on sale. Due to her overwhelming popularity, a few new stops have been added. One of them being in Jacksonville. Tickets will no longer be sold on-line, but instead you will need to stand in line for a wrist band. At that point, you will be put into a lottery for the opportunity to buy up to 4 tickets. My sister called tonight to ask if I would be interested in trying to get tickets for my 2 kids and her 10 year old. Initially, I said no. Too expensive, to close to Christmas, I don't want to stand out there like a fool, etc... Then it happened, she called back to say that if we could get the tickets, my mom would be willing to pay for them as a Christmas gift for the kids. Now that changes things. I will be so disappointed if we stand in line all day Saturday and are not able to get the tickets. I haven't told the kids about it, but Cameron heard about the Jax concert on the news and then overheard my half of the conversation with my sister. She went to bed with a big grin on her face. The things we do for our kids...

Busy Season?? Slow down

I have had a cold since last Monday. It started off as a sore throat and now is hanging around just to be annoying. The weekend was rough because I just want to be let alone but, the kids just wanted to be with me. It occurred to me just how selfish I have been being with my time. I have two bright and beautiful kids who are growing up way to fast. So I have made an effort to stay focused on them this week. No television for me, no telephone for me, no computer for me, no time hiding in my closet (just kidding). I'm always with Cam at school so this week I have spent equal time with Matt at school. What a difference it has made. I don't want parenting to only be what I do, it needs to be what I am. We have been so busy going and going that it is nice to be able to slow down and enjoy the little things. I am so excited about Christmas. Normally we get kinda bogged down with activities. I think there is something on the calender every night the week leading up to Christmas. Guess what? I'm not doing it all! Especially the stuff on nights that Jeff will be at work. I can't imagine that God is pleased when we use Christmas as an excuse to stand around and talk and eat while the kids are stuck off in a corner somewhere. If they're not shoved off somewhere they are running around mostly unsupervised. How is that being a family? Not this year. We are having a FAMILY Christmas. Some of the decisions are going to be difficult to make. I will probably hurt someones feelings. That is not my intention, I just have to do what I know is right for my kids.

So Proud

Tonight was a wonderful night. Matt and I have truly bonded this football season. He has an incredible understanding of the game, for a five year old. How many kindergartners do you know that get excited when their team is running the option, or tries desperately to warn the quarterback that he is about to get blitzed? We are both horse from yelling at the tv during the first half. Matt told me during halftime, "Mommy, I LOVE being a Gator." I am so proud!!! I'm glad that our family has things that we can bond over. While the years may pass and the memories may fade, the kids will remember that daddy and mommy stopped what we were doing, turned away from the cares of the world, and we enjoyed being together.

Tebow da Man

Today was my first day of subbing. I had a really good time. I had forgotten how slimy four year olds could be. Used lots and lots of hand sanitizer. I am currently fighting off a cold. My throat is killing me and my voice keeps coming and going. It wouldn't be Thanksgiving if someone in our family wasn't sick. (Last year it was all of us.) We are planning on spending Wednesday with my family and Thursday with Jeff's family. We should get to spend Friday doing "not much of anything." And then on Saturday is the UF vs FSU game. The game is really the part I'm looking forward to. TIM TEBOW FOR HEISMAN!!!! If your are not a true football fan you just aren't going to understand. Jeff and I actually planned our wedding around Gator football. We were both listening to the game in separate rooms of the church. Florida was behind to Vandy. If they had lost, I honestly don't know if we would have went ahead with the ceremony. We probably would have sent everyone home, had the pastor sign the marriage license and have gone back to our new home to mourn. Like I said, if you aren't a true football fan, you just aren't going to understand.

Laundry Day

I don't believe I've done laundry in a week. It has really piled up, so I'm spending today washing, drying and folding. I may or may not get around to putting it away. It is still kinda cool outside. The kids are willing to play out a bit more now. I've been very busy with the kids schooling. I will begin substituting at Matt's school on Monday. I am really looking forward to it. I love his school and the staff is awesome. Plus, it will give me an insiders view to what Matt is really up to during the day. Not much else is going on. I've been busy just going and not accomplishing much. Isn't that what the holiday season is about???

Anniversary

Tomorrow is my 11th wedding anniversary. We have nothing special planned. I'm taking the kids over to the co-op (home school group) in the morning. I'm dropping them off so that Jeff and I can spend the morning together. Jeff is off all weekend, so at least we will have some time together. Lately we have been having trouble finding any time to just be. We are both so busy that when we do stop to rest, we fall to sleep. Eleven years.... sometimes it feels like no time at all, at other times it feels like it has been a very long eternity. I am happy to say that after everything, he is still my best friend and I love him very much. I love the way he will look at me and I know that he loves me and that I am safe to be vulnerable with him. I love the way he loves our kids. They will never doubt their daddy's love for them for he tells them several times a day. Our relationship has grown and matured so much that when I look back at our wedding pictures, I almost don't recognize the people staring back. (Maybe it is because Jeff has lost so much hair and that it use to be dark brown????)

Feelin' Better

I am almost feeling human again. It is good to be back. I called the doctors office this morning and spoke with the nurse. She said that the lab results were in but, the doctor would have to call me back with them. So now I'm waiting for him to call. I'm really not stressing over it. What will be, will be. Fretting over it isn't going to help change it. Baseball and swim wrap up next week. I am looking forward to being able to slow down a little. Cameron has been invited to continue training over the winter. Only 15 were selected and it is by invitation only. It is kinda a big deal but, I'm not sure if I'm willing to commit to it. There is just so much going to be happening between now and Christmas. With all the school and church stuff our calender is filling up fast. I guess ultimately it will be Cam's decision. I'm just the chauffeur. The kids get report cards this week. Matt is so stressed out. They actually get letter grades in kindergarten. He is such a perfectionist that he's going to have ulcers by the time he is seven. I need to come up with some type of a reward night for them. I know that Chucky Cheese gives free tokens for A's. The problem with that is Cameron hates Chucky Cheese. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

Take it easy!??! GRRRR!!

Well, here I am. I'm suppose to be taking it easy. Someone oughta tell my kids that. I ventured into town with them yesterday. I almost had a breakdown in the middle of Blockbuster. I am defiantly not 100% yet. I am still waiting on pathology results. I should have got them on Friday. When I called the doctor I was told that the samples had needed to be sent to a second lab and that they would call me on Monday. All this and I am suppose to be taking it easy????

Under the Knife

I'm home. The surgery went very well, and now I'm waiting ... I'm waiting for the meds to wear off and for me to start really hurting. Kinda dreading that part. The surgeon said that every thing looks good. He couldn't even find a mass, just some inflamed tissue. He took a small sample for testing and removed the milk duct. Once I have completely healed I will no longer be bleeding. I have been tired and sickly for quite some time now due to the loss of blood that was occuring. I can't wait to have energy again. God has answered many prayers. I will be much more vigiliant for potential problems for now on. I'm tired and the oxycotin is really kicking in now. I need to go to bed before I start saying things that will only serve to embarass me. Thanks to everyone for the prayers.

4 wheelin' fun

Matt and Uncle James

Cameron and Aunt Holly

My brother and his family spent the day with us. They brought their 4 wheelers and we all rode on them until the lack of light forced us indoors. We had a blast. The kids are asking for 4 wheelers for Christmas. It is a pretty safe bet that that isn't going to happen.

I Have Nothing to Say

Life has been very boring as of late. Yet so much has been going on that if I start I may just babble on forever. I feel like I have been sucker punched and my flesh cries out to God, "WHY?" Somewhere in the far reaches of my mind I know better. I know that I have no right to question or be angry. I know that He has a plan. It is times like that that I realize how weak my faith truly is. A dear brother in Christ has, this week, been diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer. I know that this news must have been devastating to his family. It has been devastating to his church family too. He has become such an important mentor to both my husband and myself. His love for Christ and others is so evident in his smile. This news came as I myself have been dealing with some medical issues. I went yesterday for a mammogram. Last week I had an issue that caused me to call my doctor. My doctor found a small lump in my left breast. I am currently awaiting a referral to a surgeon... according to the doctor I saw yesterday, because of the symptoms that caused me to seek help in the first place, she is fairly confident that she knows what it is. There is a 90% chance that it is benign, but the milk duct will have to be removed anyway. The bright side to all of this is that due to my ignorance of family medical history on my fathers side, I have been in contact with several cousins that I have not seen or heard from in over 20 years. We are all planning to get together sometime this fall. I has been so much fun catching up. It has been like we've been together all this time, just picked up where we had left off. Well, I've got to go get the kids ready for school. I may ramble more later.... if I feel like it.

Summer Storms???

....in the fall. We lost our T.V. last week and our phones are doing strange things, all due to some pretty strange thunderstorms we have been having. I got into a small argument with another parent last week. When I took Cameron to swim, the storms were just beginning to roll in. The coaches were trying to decide if they were going to have practice or not. As we were all standing around waiting for a decision, thunder began to make itself known. The rule in swimming is that if you ca hear the thunder, get out of the water!!! Florida is not known as the lightning capital for nothing. Anyway, this mom was mad at everybody because no one else was willing to let their kids swim. I kinda hope that that family doesn't come back. The kids are as big of pains as the parents. Very rude with no discipline.

A Great Start

It has been a great start to the new school year. Possibly our best ever. Matt loves school. I wasn't too worried about him. He tends to be the teachers pet wherever he goes. I was worried about Cameron. When I first received her Scope and Sequence for the year, I thought we were in trouble. I spent more time on planning at the beginning of this year and things get tweaked everyday. So far the hard work has paid off. Things are clicking for her. I am already ready for Christmas break. I am working just as hard as she is to keep up with everything. I've got a small pile of things that need to be graded, so I will go and get that done. If I get behind then that gives Cameron an excuse to get behind.

Cruisin'

I leave for Nassau on Thursday. I'm going on a three day cruise with a couple of friends. We are very excited. No husbands and no kids (like there is a difference). Just kidding, I love my husband and kids dearly. Sometimes it is nice to get away with just the girls. If you've never been on a cruise, you are missing out. We always have such a great time. Our motto: What happens on the ship, stays on the ship.

Praise the Lord

It's Been a Few Days

I know it has been a few days since I've posted. We have been very busy. Kinda hit the road running once school started. The big news is that both Cameron and Matt are going to be baptized on Sunday. We (Jeff and I) are very excited, as are they(Cam and Matt). It will be a wonderful day. Baseball and swim practice are both in full swing and homework seems to be taking up large portions of every evening. I have no other real news to share. We are just busy with life right now. We are enjoying the ride.

New Glasses

Today was Matt's first day with glasses. Isn't he adorable? Kindergarten must be tougher than I remember. Matt came home today and took a three hour nap. He was in a much better mood when he woke up. All that learnin' is wearin' 'im out.

First Day of School

School....Yahoooooo!!!!!

School starts Wednesday. I am soooo ready. We have been busy with the last minute details. I get to meet Matt's teacher tomorrow night. We have been praying for her all summer. Speaking of praying... during the HSM2 party Friday night, Matt prayed for salvation. It was one of the most sincere and sweet prayers I've ever heard. You expect to see a change when an adult gets saved, but how much change could there possibly be in a five year old? A LOT!!!! He is so excited. He has been raised on Bible stories so that part is kinda second nature to him except, now he wants to make everything connect. He's not interested in the cute little stories anymore. Now he wants the real meat of the story. Yesterday, he tried to convince me that he shouldn't go to children's church anymore, "Howw am I suppose to wearn if I don't heaw what pweacha is saying?" --(he'll be starting speech this year)

Final Meet of the Season

Here are some photos from today's meet. This was the last one of the summer season. The fall swim season begins Sept. 1. Cam finished with a second, two thirds and a fourth. All of her times improved and she participated in the 100 IM (4th place) for the first time. We are very proud of her. She has worked very very hard.

TGIF

Today has been fun. We went back to school shopping. Neither of them really needed anything but, with all the sales and no tax... we saved a bundle. The last swim meet of the season is tomorrow. I'll post pictures when I get them. I'll type more later...

Confused, depressed, angry, happy, excited, anxious and icky

My emotions have been on a roller coaster all week. School starts in two weeks. I am not ready to send my baby boy off to kindergarten. Yes, he did go to pre-k. But, that was only four hours a day and attendance wasn't mandatory. This, this is a whole new ball game.

It is like he went from a baby to a five year old overnight. Who gave him permission? I'd like to have a word with that person. Cameron is a whole other story. As you may know, for several reasons, we have chosen to home school her. This is not a decision that was made lightly or in haste. There was much prayer and thought put into it. However, I'm tired. I'd like nothing more than to send her to school next year. Jeff has pretty much said, "no" to it. I feel as if I have very little support and being solely responsible for your child's education is a huge responsibility. Our school system, while well meaning, is totally inept and ignorant. They look at her diagnoses and assume she is ESE. Her IQ is above 160 and she is well above grade level. Yet, because she needs needs OT (along with some other therapies), their solution is to treat her as mentally retarded. They refuse to take into account her accomplishments and abilities. I would love to send her to the same private school that Matt goes to. But, Jeff seems to think she is better off at home. So, I suppose I'll respect that decision even if I don't like it. I know that I don't like it for purely selfish reasons. But, like I said before... I'm tired.

What next???

You know it has been a rough day when I am blogging at four in the morning. I have all kinds of thoughts and emotions floating around in my head. I figure if I write it out I'll be able to make sense of it. Cameron went for a new evaluation yesterday. Now, I had scheduled it because I was seeing some things I didn't like. I was seeing some regression in areas that she had already overcame. To make a long story short, she was up to three years behind in some areas. Particularly with her fine motor skills and visual integration. Her brain doesn't always correctly translate what her eyes are seeing. There is a whole detailed list, but I'm not going to bore you with the details. The therapist didn't really say anything we hadn't already heard. She just put it in a way that made it feel more intense. There are so many hurdles we thought we had already cleared. Now we find ourselves back at the beginning, a little older, a bit beat up, and not so confident that we will be able to jump quite as high. Anyway, now I find myself second guessing myself. If she was in school would they be able to do a better job? I don't think so, yet the question does bother me. I've surrounded myself with the homeschooling community. I forget how hostile the environment outside that community can be. Even those friends and family who are supportive of the choice, are often supportive because they love us, not because they understand. We will be starting a new series of testing at Shands in the upcoming months. Please be in prayer for Cameron and the rest of our family. There will be some big decisions to be made as we begin to get more input from the doctors and therapist and as a new school year gets ready to begin.

Separated at birth???

Cameron reminded me of this today. Back in March, Matt decided to cut his own hair. He did such a wonderful job that we had no choice but to shave it all off. We teased him and told him that it was like having our very own house elf. While he was bald, we traveled down to Jupiter. We went to see the Cardinals play a Spring Training game. This is an annual trek for the Thompson family. At Spring Training games you can get up close to the players and talk to them and get autographs. Matt got a game ball because one of the security guys thought he was sick!!! It was quite embarrassing. We explained to those around us that he wasn't sick but, instead had cut his own hair. We had a good laugh and Matt got a treasured game ball. It did make me think, we are blessed to have two healthy kids.

All Done

I finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I loved it. I can't wait for the movie. No spoilers here. I laughed, I cried, I'm going to miss them. Cameron started reading it today. She's already 150 pages into it. At eight, I never would have even attempted a 759 page book. Anyway, now I have to get my house straighten up. I kinda let it go while I was trying to finish the book. Later...

Harry Potter

Okay, I admit it. I am a Harry Potter fan. When the final book is released at midnight tomorrow night, I will be in line at our local bookstore. I am actually nervous about how the series will end. I am anxious, sad and excited. I can't imagine how J.K. Rowlings must feel. I love Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville and the rest of the characters. When I cried at the end of Order of the Phoenix, my husband laughed at me at pointed out that I was reading a "children's book." I quickly pointed out to him that Luke Skywalker isn't real, that ended that conversation. Now I know all the arguments against HP. (Especially within the church) However, I find it humorous that the same people who are against HP will allow their children to watch Star Wars. George Lucas himself admits that he sat out to provide a social commentary on the oppressiveness of organized religion. Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of Star Wars. But, why accept the magic in one series as o.k. but, in the other it is evil? It is all make believe. Just for fun. In SW we are suppose to believe that Annikan's conception was virginal. (Hum, where have I heard that story before) He was the one pre-destined to save the empire. (Again, sound familiar?) J.K. Rowlings does similar things with HP. He was saved from a gruesome death by his mothers unconditional and sacrificial love. It is Harry's ability to love and the sacrifices that are made in behalf of others that make the HP series so endearing. It is because Harry was once loved that he is able to show love. It is love that will defeat "he who must not be named." It is my guess that the defeat will also come at a great sacrifice. Hogwarts and Diagon Alley are fictional, as are Narnia, Tarabitha and far far away. Look for the teachable moments. I would never sit my kids down with a book, movie or TV show without first knowing what they were reading or watching. When we come across something that just doesn't seem right, we get down the Bible and have a family study time. Jeff and I pray that by tackling some of these issues in the safety of our home, we will empower our children with the ability to defend their beliefs when confronted with the same scenarios outside the safety of our home.

Worship

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.--James 4:8

This mornings service was one of the few true worship services I've had the pleasure of attending. Sure, we generally fit what we call "worship" in somewhere during the service, but today was different. The Holy Spirit was at work in the hearts and lives of our members. Most of our sermon are what I call "teaching" sermons. We learn about the word of God and may even find ways assimilate it into our own lives. Today was on a whole different level. It wasn't about us, it wasn't about how we feel or what we want. It was about God and His glory, it was about drawing nigh to God. I pray, and ask you to pray with me, for a revival in our church and community. I want to see God glorified and magnified. I pray that the revival will start in me.

Where does the time go?

It seems like it was just yesterday that we carried her home from the hospital. My baby girl turns eight on Friday. I don't know how it happened so quickly. We have stuff planned all week long to celebrate the occasion. Tuesday night, she and her daddy have a "date." I love that my husband takes time with her, just the two of them, to show her how special she is. Every little girl needs that from their daddy. Thursday we are taking her and a couple of friends to the movies. Friday she is going to a lock-in with the swim team. On Saturday, my sister-in-law is driving up from Miami and we are all going to spend the day on the beach. It has been fun watching her grow from that crying bundle of red baby, to a young girl who loves Hannah Montana and thinks that Jesse MacCartney and Zac Efron are cute. I'm enjoying the adventure.

Welcome to Summer

Hot. Hot. Hot. Hot. It is very hot. Our poor air conditioner has not shut off today. When the temperature hits 85 before 9:00am, you know you are in for a hot one. The pool water is luke warm and not very refreshing. Ah, the perils of living in Florida. Matt's asthma is acting up, so he is content to sit and watch tv. He says, "It's to hard to play outside." The doctor changed his medicine last week and it doesn't seem to be doing the job. I wasn't to sure about giving him the new medicine anyway because the packaging says it may slow growth. He is already, by far, the smallest kid in his class. He doesn't need any help.
I have pulled out the board games and art supplies. We are going to have a day of inside fun. I am so thankful for air conditioning. While it is easy to whine and complain about being uncomfortable, we really have nothing to complain about. God has been so good to us.

Swim Meet

What a beautiful day. With highs in the 90's and not a cloud in the sky it was the perfect day for a swim meet. That is, as long as you were a swimmer. For the spectator, it was unbearably hot. Today was the second meet of the season. Cameron did well. She won a second, a third and two honorable mentions in her division (7&8 year old). The team did very well also. Our team only started swimming in March and we competed against teams that are able to swim year round. We had someone place in every race and even took first, second, third, and HM in several of the heats. I'm very proud of all their hard work. They were awesome. GO SHARKS!!!

4th of July

I love the 4th of July. I cherish the freedom that comes with living in the greatest country in the world. I am thankful for the religious freedoms our founding fathers fought so hard to preserve. I spent a few days in DC last summer and was amazed how our Lord and Savior is mentioned in almost every document and monument that represents what has become the United States. Our founding fathers had an incredible amount of reverence for God and His Son. They understood that without Him, the new born democracy was doomed. It is not only the historical aspects of the holiday I like. I love that my family will take a day off tomorrow, right in the middle of the week. We will swim, picnic, play baseball, and top the night off with fireworks. I look forward to sharing the day and its meaning with my children. I have very few good memories of my own father (another blog, another time) but, one that I do have is of the bicentennial (1976). I remember our family camping at Norris Dam in Tennessee. It was a happy time for me. My cousins and I played with sparklers and firecrackers. I pray that tomorrow is a wonderful time for all of you. Have fun creating memories your children will cherish forever. -- until later, Jena

Who thought this was a good idea?

Several years ago we made the decision to home school our daughter. Most of the time I love it. Other times, like today, not so much. We don't get the summer off in the traditional sense. She had three weeks off at the beginning of the summer and will get one week off at the end. In the mean time she does "school" for two hours a day for four days a week. Today, she going on the fourth hour of her two hour day. We both cried over multiplication this morning. Truly a bonding experience. --until later, Jena

Lazy Sundays

Today has turned into a very long and lazy kinda day. My husband has the flu, we have had to just step around him. He did manage to move from the bedroom to the couch. That is as far as he has gotten today. I would almost rather the kids be sick. At least I can give them medicine and send them to bed. He just whines, he is sicker than anybody has ever or will ever be. I just figured something out... blogging is much cheaper than therapy, and probably works just as well.
I have the most wonderful mother-in-law in the world. I am closer to her, in many ways, than I am my own mom. When I told her about the blogs, she just shook her head. She just doesn't get it. She is being forced into the 21st century kicking and screaming. I am only mentioning this because I know that she will be reading this when she gets to work on Monday. See it didn't even hurt. I love you, Mom..... until next time-Jena

No dogs were harmed in the making of this blog.

The dog is safe for the time being. The fingernail polish was used to make signs for the treehouse. My kids have all the crayons, markers and paints you can imagine at their disposal, yet they choose fingernail polish.(?????) Alas, the treehouse is now clearly marked as for "Members Only."

Are we there yet?

My kids are conspiring against me. If they can push me just a little bit further, they will be able to take over. My son just came in and asked for nail polish. He then took it and ran back outside. (I have a feeling that the dog is in trouble.) Every thing in me tells me I should go and put a stop to whatever is happening. But, I think I want to see where this is headed. Plus both the kids are being quiet. That is a luxury I don't get very often.

The summer is proving to be challenging. My daughter has a mild form of autism. Therefore, it is difficult to introduce her to new surroundings. Any place that is crowded, noisy or just different from what she is use to could be reason for alarm. I can't just decide to take her to the mall or the movies. We have to talk about it first. We discuss what it was like the last time we were there, what we might see this time and how those thing should be reacted to. She is very much the homebody. That is just where she is comfortable. My son, on the other hand, is one of the most social creatures I've ever met. He likes to go and be in the middle of things. To him the idea of staying home all day is almost unbearable. Keeping them both happy and busy at the same time is exhausting.

Well, I suppose I should go check on the dog. ---Jena