HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO SEPPORAH!!!

Sepporah is 7 years old.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PHYLLIS!!!

Happy birthday Phyllis! Also, Sarah. Phyllis is 55 and Sarah is 25.

The Professor

This morning on the way to school, Claire asks me why it's raining in winter.

Me: Do you know about the difference between water and ice?

Claire: No. [Scrunches up her face in concentration.]

Me: Okay, well, both rain and snow are just water that's falling down from really high up, in the clouds.

Claire: [Scrunches up her face a little tighter.]

Me: You see, water and ice are both the same thing, water. Water freezes into ice if it gets cold enough. That's why a lake or a pond in the winter can turn into ice if it gets cold enough. Or if I put a glass of water in the freezer at home, it'll turn into ice because the freezer is very cold.

Claire: [Scrunches up her face so much it looks like it hurts.]

Me: So when rain is falling down from the clouds, if the air is cold enough that rain will freeze on the way down and turn into part ice, and that's what makes snow.

Claire: [Her face is now so contorted her eyes are slits and her teeth are fully bared, like she's making Scary Tiger face.]

Me: Does that make sense?

Claire: Yes.

Me: Then why are you making that face?

Claire: Because you farted.

Chris Johnson in all his Glory

Complete this sentence. 2009 will be remembered as the year that....

I punched in the face. [Ed. I didn't bother to contact Chris for clarification on this typo because I feel the combination of whatever crack he was trying to make here and the inability to write it in a complete sentence are oddly appropriate for what is about to follow.]

What one event or change defined your year?

Falling in love with my wife all over again.

Any run-ins with the law?

I am the law.

Could Daniel possibly get any funnier/more handsome?

Only if that plush uni-brow finally connects.

Culture. What was your favorite movie/book/TV show/music artist?

Watchmen, graphic design books, Sons of Anarchy, The Muse. In that order.

Did you pick up any new skills this year?

I have gotten better at web design but am far off from where I plan to be. I have also learned how to run a business and the best ways to deal with clients.

Why do some men have terrible gas all of the time? Seriously, I really need to know.

Have you smelled Jessicas? Man’s is feeble compared to that.

Name your best outing of the year (Sarah's wedding and Thanksgiving at Grandma and Grandpa's don't count).

My first family vacation to Tennessee with Jessica, Sepporah and my mom.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

I don’t get embarrassed. Embarrassment gets Chris Johnson.

Did you make any new year's resolutions?

I want to learn how to use my camera to take great pictures.

Did you know that Phyllis talks to her plants? Apparently they never talk back to her. What do you think about that?

They are her royal subjects. My mom is obsessed with the royal family so she pretends to be the queen and makes her flowers her royal subjects. It’s pretty weird.

Are there any plans for 2010 that you're really looking forward to?

Hopefully I will be working from my home. That Is my goal. By the summer I want to be fully employed by Tyrus Design and be able to finally sleep in….to 7am.

Did you hear about Thompson-a-thon? It's a four-day event at Stephen and Karen's this summer. There'll be bulldog races (complete with a bookie), a Johson-boys Wrestlemania (you can bet on this too), and full sets on Stage A by artists such as Cole, Claire and Sepporah. Also, Stephen has agreed to paint everybody's portrait, in life-size, for free, using pointilism. It's going to be a hoot and a half.

I already have a portrait of myself in pointillism by the famous Stephen Thompson. Boo ya! Sucka’s!!

Proud Dad

I picked Sepporah up this morning to take her the early service at my church. She had a $20 bill in her hand and Robin told me it was money for her birthday from her grandma Leoni. I asked Sepporah to leave it at home so she wouldn't lose it. Her respnse touched my heart and made me more proud of her (as if I could be more proud).

"Dad, I am giving it to this girl in another country that doesn't have food or anything. We are putting it in the offering."

What do you say to that? I just picked her up and gave her a daddy bear hug. Sepporah has a heart for God and I couldn't be more proud.
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

A Fireside Chat with Jessica

Complete this sentence. 2009 will be remembered as the year that...

I saw God work in so many ways: physically, in relationships, in my life. I was and still in awe of Him.

What one event or change defined your year?

Getting to know and loving my husband more and more.

Any run-ins with the law?

Not me personally but I’ve seen some action in the neighborhood.

Could Daniel possibly get any funnier/more handsome?

Anything is possible.

Culture. What was your favorite movie/book/TV show/music artist?

Book- I’ve been reading the Zion Chronicles for the past year. I’m a slow reader. Blindside. TV- Dexter, Parks and Rec, Friends, and Little House on the Prairie Music Artist-

Did you pick up any new skills this year?

I became a combine mechanic for a few hours and replaced the grate, teeth and chain on a John Deere Combine.

Why do some men have terrible gas all of the time? Seriously, I really need to know.

It might have something to do with how fast guys eat or maybe it’s a genetic Johnson trait.

Name your best outing of the year (Sarah's wedding and Thanksgiving at Grandma and Grandpa's don't count).

Getting the Family Johnson Christmas Tree was the event of the year.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

Having my insulin pump alarm go off in a very small church service.

Did you make any new year's resolutions?

Read and eat more.

Did you know that Phyllis talks to her plants? Apparently they never talk back to her. What do you think about that?

Chris did tell me that Mom talked to plants. It’s when they do start talking back to her we should begin to worry.

Are there any plans for 2010 that you're really looking forward to?

Moving into a bigger place and thepuffyvest.com really well known.

Did you hear about Thompson-a-thon? It's a four-day event at Stephen and Karen's this summer. There'll be bulldog races (complete with a bookie), a Johson-boys Wrestlemania (you can bet on this too), and full sets on Stage A by artists such as Cole, Claire and Sepporah. Also, Stephen has agreed to paint everybody's portrait, in life-size, for free, using pointilism. It's going to be a hoot and a half.

The important question is… Did Stephen and Karen hear about this? This sounds like a reunion you can’t miss.

Grandpa Uncensored!

Complete this sentence. 2009 will be remembered as the year that....
W A S.

What one event or change defined your year.
Losing my youngest brother.

Any run-ins with the law?
Passing police car on I-74 while racing a BIG CAR in my little aveo.

Could Daniel possibly get any funnier/more handsome?
Y E S. Where there is life, there’s H O P E !

Culture. What was your favorite movie/book/TV show/music artist?
Movie: “The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again,” with Tim Conway and Don Knox. Book: Chronological Bible I read through. TV show: Evening news, it’s so uplifting!!! Music artist: Eddie Arnold.

Did you pick up any new skills this year?
Yes, learning to pick both sides of my nose at the same time.

Why do some men have terrible gas all of the time? Seriously, I really need to know.
So they can have the couch all to themselves.

Name your best outing of the year (Sarah's wedding and Thanksgiving at Grandma and Grandpa's don't count).
Going to Wal Mart with Grandma and riding the motorized chair around the store while she shops. It makes Grandma feel so proud of me!

What was your most embarrassing moment?
I ain’t gonna embarrass myself again!

Did you make any new year's resolutions?
Yes, to make it a year that IS instead of that WAS.

Did you know that Phyllis talks to her plants? Apparently they never talk back to her. What do you think about that?
I think she thinks it makes her feel a little more like she does now than she did awhile ago.

Are there any plans for 2010 that you're really looking forward to?
Thompson Family Reunion in Pocahontas, Arkansas on Labor Day Weekend. Then Thanksgiving Reunion on Thanksgiving Day,

Did you hear about Thompson-a-thon? It's a four-day event at Stephen and Karen's this summer. There'll be bulldog races (complete with a bookie), a Johson-boys Wrestlemania (you can bet on this too), and full sets on Stage A by artists such as Cole, Claire and Sepporah. Also, Stephen has agreed to paint everybody's portrait, in life-size, for free, using pointilism. It's going to be a hoot and a half.
Sounds great. I hope John Douglas Washam can come and help Stephen do some of the acts they did in their very young days.

Profiles in Kirsten

Complete this sentence. 2009 will be remembered as the year that....
I probably bit off more than I could chew. I came really close to truly being able to do it all. Alas, I think I cannot.


What one event or change defined your year?
Moving again (A theme for the last couple of years). But this year, we moved into an amazing house. The most amazing yet. And are really making it a home.


Any run-ins with the law?
The law kind of ran into us -- with the theft of Dan's Jeep and some sub-par criminals breaking into aforementioned amazing house. And I got pulled over the other night on MSU's campus for having a headlight out. I had the new one in my hand and explained that I had just failed at replacing it on my own that day. He kept trying to hardball me and kept asking me if I had been drinking. I wasn't speeding, or drinking, and had the new headlight in my hand. After about 10 minutes, he finally let me go...


Could Daniel possibly get any funnier/more handsome?
Yes. There's always room for improvement.

Culture. What was your favorite movie/book/TV show/music artist?
No time for reading with all the knitting I did this year! (On the list for 2010). I read parts of many books and only one in its entirety -- The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. If you've never heard of it and don't know about it, look into it. It's an interesting collection of stories and lessons from a husband, professor and father diagnosed with terminal cancer. Probably one of those I should pull out every couple of years for a refresher.

Among the shows I really liked are In Treatment, Mad Men, Friday Night Lights, Community, and Modern Family. Among the movies I liked was Up, The Fantastic Mr. Fox, Up in the Air, Julie and Julia, Food Inc., (500) Days of Summer, and so many more. I'm kind of a sucker for obscure documentaries, but I won't bore you with the list (King Corn, I Like Killing Flies, the 7 Up Series...)

I loved seeing Daniel play live this year, as well as some of my best friends (who disbanded right after landing a decent record deal years ago) who reunited for a couple of shows in December. Excited to go see the hilarious Maria Bamford do stand-up on Saturday in Ann Arbor!

Did you pick up any new skills this year?
I learned a couple of new knitting tricks, I do believe. And I learned all kinds of skillz through taking care of the boys, and I learned how to cook many new things. I intend to do all of this x 10 in 2010.

Why do some men have terrible gas all of the time? Seriously, I really need to know.
I haven't figured out whether it's the universe's way of trying to warn women to stay away, or testing us to see if we really will be there for better or for worse.

Name your best outing of the year (Sarah's wedding and Thanksgiving at Grandma and Grandpa's don't count).
There weren't really any funds for outings this year, but we had a great time at weddings in Chicago, Pentwater and Downtown Detroit. When our camping trip to Antrim County got rained out, we had a "Staycation" and it was a blast. We went to all new restaurants, did things we kept talking about doing, but hadn't yet done (like going to see a former Johnson family home in Detroit), played massive amounts of Monopoly, had friends over for dinner, and slept in far too late for any responsible adult.

What was your most embarrassing moment?
Well, I had to go to a New Year's Eve party with Band-Aids across my face because a random pore decided to turn into a blood geyser (see photo). We tried every possible remedy for an hour and a half. Finally I gave up. Other than that... certainly I must have done something embarrassing... I left the throwing up in public places in 2008.

Did you make any new year's resolutions?
Be LESS involved (in fundraisers/charities, craft fairs, events) and MORE involved in enjoying my life and my family. I also want to cook more out of my cookbooks and cooking magazines and contribute more to my blogs, especially my cooking one (www.ieatveg.blogspot.com) and knitting/crafting one (www.monkitaknits.blogspot.com). I also intend to read! I have barely read since I moved from Chicago (no more train rides downtown to work and long lunches in the park along the river)

Did you know that Phyllis talks to her plants? Apparently they never talk back to her. What do you think about that?
Maybe she's onto something... our plants tend to struggle...

Are there any plans for 2010 that you're really looking forward to?
Daniel and I are heading to Nicaragua March 2! I can't wait to visit our friends' home, which includes hammocks, a pool and a dog named Justin. Where in the world is Leon, Nicaragua you may be asking? Here:

Other than that, I think 2010 will be a happier, healthier, year than last year. Fingers crossed!

Did you hear about Thompson-a-thon? It's a four-day event at Stephen and Karen's this summer. There'll be bulldog races (complete with a bookie), a Johson-boys Wrestlemania (you can bet on this too), and full sets on Stage A by artists such as Cole, Claire and Sepporah. Also, Stephen has agreed to paint everybody's portrait, in life-size, for free, using pointilism. It's going to be a hoot and a half.

I'll bring the board games and the party punch!

The Puffy Vest

As you all know, my wonderful wife Jessica suffers from a whole lotta stuff. Cystic Fibrosis, cirrhosis of the liver, scoliosis, diabetes, and me :) She is the strongest woman I know and I want her to be able to share her amazing story with everyone. Especially those that are like her. So we came up with the idea of her to start blogging about her life journey. We could have went the route of doing a free blog like blogspot, but I thought that with all she has been through, she deserves the best blogging has to offer. So I set out to design and build her a blog worthy of her journey. The site is done and you can see it at www.thepuffyvest.com

I could explain on here what the puffy vest is, but then what fun is that. Go to her site to find out and join her on her journey.

I love you Jessica.

Phyllis Gets Real

Complete this sentence. 2009 will be remembered as the year that....
my whole world changed. It felt like Cinderella..one day I was working for the county…the next Lancaster Community Church.

What one event or change defined your year?
I got the job of my dreams. I love my job.

Any run-ins with the law?
The library fined me for losing a DVD I was sure I returned and then I found it. They did refund my money but it left a wound.

Could Daniel possibly get any funnier/more handsome?
No and I love showing him off to friends.

Culture. What was your favorite movie/book/TV show/music artist?
Movie- Julia/Julia…it made me want to love cooking. Book… To Small to Ignore about how children need us. TV show…So You Think You Can Dance. Music…I have to admit it, I bought Susan Boyle’s CD. She sings “Wild Horses by Mick Jagger, I’m A Believer by the Monkees, How Great Thou Art and Silent Night on one CD….what’s her market and who in the world is her marketing agent?

Did you pick up any new skills this year?
I learned how to use a GPS system and an IPhone. This is the first time I have fallen in love with a piece of technology….I LOVE my IPhone.

Why do some men have terrible gas all of the time? Seriously, I really need to know. Man gas is the same as a man cold.

Name your best outing of the year (Sarah's wedding and Thanksgiving at Grandma and Grandpa's don't count).
Going to the Aha! Museum with Cole and Titus.

What was your most embarrassing moment?
I can’t even put it in writing it is so embarrassing.

Did you make any new year's resolutions?
To quit being afraid of the computer and embrace it! I was developing computer phobias.

Did you know that Phyllis talks to her plants? Apparently they never talk back to her. What do you think about that?
That is not what she told me.

Are there any plans for 2010 that you're really looking forward to?
I would love a Trish, Mom, Auntie, Judy, and Kathy reunion at a fun place but it isn’t planned. I am going to a conference in April in Georgia that I am looking forward to.

Did you hear about Thompson-a-thon? It's a four-day event at Stephen and Karen's this summer. There'll be bulldog races (complete with a bookie), a Johson-boys Wrestlemania (you can bet on this too), and full sets on Stage A by artists such as Cole, Claire and Sepporah. Also, Stephen has agreed to paint everybody's portrait, in life-size, for free, using pointilism. It's going to be a hoot and a half.
I would love to come! Steve and Karen will be surprised when we all show up.

The Real Nate Thompson

Complete this sentence. 2009 will be remembered as the year

without a santa clause?

What one event or change defined your year?

Senior design project.

Any run-ins with the law?

I saved a small rural town from a corrupt sheriff.

Could Daniel possibly get any funnier/more handsome?

Which one is Daniel?

Culture. What was your favorite movie/book/TV show/music artist?

Way of the Gun ,World War Z, Dexter, Kanye.

Did you pick up any new skills this year?

Got way too much experience with thermoelectrics, learned to sputter.

Why do some men have terrible gas all of the time? Seriously, I really need to know.

A man's thunder defines him.

Name your best outing of the year (Sarah's wedding and Thanksgiving at Grandma and Grandpa's don't count).

Vegas.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

Mixed two solutions I was told were identical, and watched them separate. Cost my employer's $200 and about a week of time waiting to replace them.

Did you make any new year's resolutions?

Get a job.

Did you know that Phyllis talks to her plants? Apparently they never talk back to her. What do you think about that?

I hear ferns never shut up.

Are there any plans for 2010 that you're really looking forward to?

Getting a paycheck.

Did you hear about Thompson-a-thon? It's a four-day event at Stephen and Karen's this summer. There'll be bulldog races (complete with a bookie), a Johson-boys Wrestlemania (you can bet on this too), and full sets on Stage A by artists such as Cole, Claire and Sepporah. Also, Stephen has agreed to paint everybody's portrait, in life-size, for free, using pointilism. It's going to be a hoot and a half.

Bet on lily.

Grandma Dishes

Complete this sentence. 2009 will be remembered as the year that....was.

What one event or change defined your year? I had a bone marrow test done. That makes one see stars.

Any run-ins with the law? No. They stay in their lane and I stay in mine. No run-ins that way.

Could Daniel possibly get any funnier/more handsome? Is this an ego stroking question? I like you the way you are.

Culture. What was your favorite movie/book/TV show/music artist? Movie-not a movie fan but I enjoyed UP. Book I re-read: The Life of Jesus Christ. TV show: Create, a cooking show. Music: Gaither vocal band.

Did you pick up any new skills this year? I learned how to make a pear picker.

Why do some men have terrible gas all of the time? Seriously, I really need to know. Because they are full of wind.

Name your best outing of the year (Sarah's wedding and Thanksgiving at Grandma and Grandpa's don't count). Went to Pocahontas for homecoming at our home church and got together with some friends who were a part of our youth group way back when.

What was your most embarrassing moment? A man came in the store where I work and I was so surprised to see him there. I spoke to him like he was a close acquaintance. He looked at me like, “Who are you?” I knew who he was but certainly not as a close acquaintance.

Did you make any new year's resolutions? Not a resolution but my New Year’s desire: Take life one day at a time, think of it as the day the Lord has made and choose to rejoice and be glad in it.

Did you know that Phyllis talks to her plants? Apparently they never talk back to her. What do you think about that? I didn’t know that, but I’ve heard talking to one’s plants is good for them.

Are there any plans for 2010 that you're really looking forward to? Yes! To go to Lancaster. To see Nathan graduate from college and Emily graduate from high school.

Did you hear about Thompson-a-thon? It's a four-day event at Stephen and Karen's this summer. There'll be bulldog races (complete with a bookie), a Johson-boys Wrestlemania (you can bet on this too), and full sets on Stage A by artists such as Cole, Claire and Sepporah. Also, Stephen has agreed to paint everybody's portrait, in life-size, for free, using pointilism. It's going to be a hoot and a half. Sounds like a fun time but I need to know what pointilism is before he paints a portrait of me.

What's New With Scott

Complete this sentence. 2009 will be remembered as the year that....

Not my best year. 2010 is already better.

What one event or change defined your year?

Out with the old, in with the new (jobs and Girlfriends that is). I still have my children thankfully.

Any run-ins with the law?

No! Not even a ticket.

Could Daniel possibly get any funnier/more handsome?

Yes he could.

Culture. What was your favorite movie/book/TV show/music artist?

I remain my biggest fan. Book: The Seven Story Mountain, by Thomas Merton.

Did you pick up any new skills this year?

Yes. I can write a good resume'. And I can travel light.

Why do some men have terrible gas all of the time? Seriously, I really need to know.

Beeno with every meal.

Name your best outing of the year (Sarah's wedding and Thanksgiving at Grandma and Grandpa's don't count).

England x2. Once in March. Then in December. Met some kind people.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

Not easily embarrassed.

Did you make any new year's resolutions?

Yes. Spend less. Save more. Eat healthy. Do chores. Be righteous. Be good. Be happy. As I should.

Did you know that Phyllis talks to her plants? Apparently they never talk back to her. What do you think about that?

It's the Co2 from breath.

Are there any plans for 2010 that you're really looking forward to?

Two kids in college. Sell the house. Be free to go wherever....

Update on Stephen

Complete this sentence. 2009 will be remembered as the year that....
I got my groove back.

What one event or change defined your year?
Celebrity spotting--I met Buddy Guy. Saw Heidi Klum do a shoot. Rode a train with Mr. T. Met Grandpa Elliot.

Any run-ins with the law?
None that I am allowed to discuss until the trials are over.

Could Daniel possibly get any funnier/more handsome?
Who's Daniel?

Culture. What was your favorite movie/book/TV show/music artist?
Under the Banner of Heaven, book. LOVE The Office, Community and Modern Family.

Did you pick up any new skills this year?
Yes, avoiding interviews.

Why do some men have terrible gas all of the time? Seriously, I really need to know.
It's cause we think it's funny to fart.

Name your best outing of the year (Sarah's wedding and Thanksgiving at Grandma and Grandpa's don't count).
New Orleans with Karen.

What was your most embarrassing moment?
I threw up just last night outside of LA's fanciest restaurant. Seriously and sadly...

Did you make any new year's resolutions?
Yes, to avoid interviews like this.

Did you know that Phyllis talks to her plants? Apparently they never talk back to her. What do you think about that?
I'm sure she thinks they talk back. And I am fine with that. My friends the trees told me it's okay.

Are there any plans for 2010 that you're really looking forward to?
Going to Kauai with Karen in March! Second, and only real, honeymoon.

Did you hear about Thompson-a-thon? It's a four-day event at Stephen and Karen's this summer. There'll be bulldog races (complete with a bookie), a Johson-boys Wrestlemania (you can bet on this too), and full sets on Stage A by artists such as Cole, Claire and Sepporah. Also, Stephen has agreed to paint everybody's portrait, in life-size, for free, using pointilism. It's going to be a hoot and a half.
Yeah right. Let me know when so I can give you the keys to my house since we'll be camping.

This image is real

In this image Matt is passing on to Cole his deep love of wearing robes.

Update on Emily

Complete this sentence. 2009 will be remembered as the year that....
means nothing compared to 2010, which is the year I graduate.

What one event or change defined your year?

Getting accepted into SIUC. It really gave me something to look forward to.

Any run-ins with the law?

Yes. I got pulled over twice. Once because my mentally insane dad put the wrong license plate on my car, and the other time because his actual LICENSE was expired. Wow dad.

Could Daniel possibly get any funnier/more handsome?

Ehh.. I think he's hit that point..

Culture. What was your favorite movie/book/TV show/music artist?

Zoolander. The Twilight Series. House. Rush and Oasis

Did you pick up any new skills this year?

I learned how to be freaky fast at Jimmy Johns.

Why do some men have terrible gas all of the time? Seriously, I really need to know.

Because they're clogged

Name your best outing of the year (Sarah's wedding and Thanksgiving at Grandma and Grandpa's don't count).

My JJ Christmas party or the New Years party I went to. So much fun

What was your most embarrassing moment?

Killing my dad's Lancia every 2 minutes when I drove it.

Did you make any new year's resolutions?

Yes. To succeed in school next year and no more mr. nice Emily! haha

Did you know that Phyllis talks to her plants? Apparently they never talk back to her. What do you think about that?

Maybe it makes her happy. Or she is just developing schizophrenia.

Are there any plans for 2010 that you're really looking forward to?

Yes!!! SIU!!! (with my best friend Erin)

Did you hear about Thompson-a-thon? It's a four-day event at Stephen and Karen's this summer. There'll be bulldog races (complete with a bookie), a Johson-boys Wrestlemania (you can bet on this too), and full sets on Stage A by artists such as Cole, Claire and Sepporah. Also, Stephen has agreed to paint everybody's portrait, in life-size, for free, using pointilism. It's going to be a hoot and a half.

Oh wow

Scanned

I snagged these two photos from my mom's house when we visited this Christmas.


My friend Megan says I look Guatamalen in this picture, and I don't think it's because of my freedom fighter clothes. I don't know why Chris looks like he's been starving in a concentration camp. Lord knows we were flush with snacks in those days. Maybe we were playing something wholesome like POW rescue or something.

My mom, showing the '80s how it's done.

Does anybody else think Lincoln resembles Chris as a baby?

Gabe and Emily as infants---priceless

Another nice nugget from Karen's video collection. (Trust me, this is just the beginning).

Grandma swimming

another blast from the past...

Blast from the Thompson past...

Turn up the volume (loud!) on both your PC and the video. Karen has been busy converting her old VHS's into digital files. She found this in the lost films archive--the 'boys' reenacting a movie collage. Fun! I especially like the part where Daniel is climbing the side of a building and the little ones are walking upright on it. : ) I still remember when we shot this...how time flies. Enjoy.