Scott Got a Job!!!!

Just thought you all should know you can stop feeling sorry for him.

Birthday fun

My nephew turned 4 last weekend and Claire had a great time at the party. I had Daniel's new awesome camera on hand and some of the pictures turned out really well, so I thought I would share.

Can you believe how long Claire is??? I think she'll tower over all of us soon...

ANOTHER new addition

No, not THAT kind of addition. Quick, someone pick Phyllis' jaw off the floor!

I have a new Web site -- I've had a food blog for about 2 years, but I started using a new, better looking blog service and bought the domain name: IEatVeg.net

You can check it out here.

I'm still tweaking a few things, but already it's a vast improvement over the old one. And, fortunately, I was able to transfer the old blog so I still have my backlog of recipes from the last two years.

You'll probably recognize my Sous Chef and Chief Taster. And if you go down to the second post, I got that enamel pot and the bread recipe from Phyllis for Christmas (as did Mary and Jessica). The bread was delicious!

A New Beginning

Two years ago I started Tyrus Design in hopes that one day it would turn into a job that I could make a living off of and work from home. Today that dream comes true as this is my final day at my current job. As scary as it is, God has really seen me the whole way through and I trust that He will continue to do so. Jessica and Sepporah have been a huge support for me knowing that all the crazy hours I worked doing both jobs would eventually pay off.

Its hard to look at situations that happen in life and not see that God has his hand in everything. I don't know how this is going to end up working out, but here is pretty much the story behind my working on my own and our pregnancy:

As you all know, Jessica has a few medical conditions. We were under the understanding that pretty much Jessica would not be able to have a baby and if she could get pregnant that it would be a difficult road. I told Jess that the only way we could try and have a baby, was if I was working from home and could help take care of the baby and Jess. We put it on the backburner and I started plugging away at building a buisness for us that would allow us to have a child. Fast forward a year and I built Matts church a website that led me to a couple that owned a web design company called The Lively Merchant. I did some work for them that they really liked and offered Tyrus Design to do full time work for them. So I went down there two weekends ago and went over all the details with them.

Jessica and I came back and went over the details and prayed that God would show us what He wanted us to do and if this was the right thing. Well, two day later Jessicas doctors wanted to start her on birth control in hopes to kick start her hormones. Jessica took a pregnancy test to make sure she wasn't pregnant, and low and behold she was pregnant. That was our answer. I have to stay home to help her out and was just offered work that would allow me to be home. So my conclusion was that it had to be God. Keep us in your prayers, because this being on our own buisness is going to be a big learning experience!

New Addition

At the rate the Johnson's and Neas's are going, Grandma and Grandpa are going to have to get a bigger house for Thanksgiving this year. That's right, add one more place setting at the kids table, Jessica is pregnant! We just found out this week. She was eating us out of house and home and I kept asking her if she was pregnant. She kept assuring me that she wasn't, and what do you know, she is 10 weeks pregnant. Here are some pics of the ultrasound we had today. We heard the heart beat and it is strong. We are both very happy!

Box Tops 4 Education

I recently unearthed a note sent home from Claire's school about Box Tops 4 Education and thought I would share my new quest to collect the little 10 cent pink squares from random everyday items I already buy...

Basically, the sheet Claire brought home was a tally sheet -- I'm not sure how often, but whatever class collects the most "box tops" gets a pizza party or some kind of reward -- but that's not why I'm doing it.

Further investigation into the program via the Box Tops Web site revealed that Claire's school (Oakland Elementary in Royal Oak) seems to have just started collecting the box tops this year for the first time. Although their first-year goal only was $500, they've only collected $654 this year. For a school with so many students, that doesn't seem like very much money!

The school actually gets 10 cents from every top collected. It doesn't seem like much, but it could really add up! So, I thought I would spread the word and perhaps get a few more handed in to her school all for the cost of a postage stamp to you. :)

I've found the small pink squares -- just like the logo above -- on all kinds of things. Today, I took them from a Gogurt box and the bottom of my package of toilet paper. In the past, I've found them on frozen foods, frosting, boxes of Ziploc, cereals, Pillsbury cans of rolls, etc., and oh, so much more.


You can print off coupons on their Web site for all kinds of stuff too -- which, in turn have the Box Tops on them. This gives you an idea of what things should have them on their too.

Though I've not had the opportunity yet, you can earn box tops (so to speak) for purchases through their Web site in various stores online too. I don't expect you to go that far, but if you happen to notice the Box Tops 4 Education logo, please cut it out and maybe pop some in the mail to me after you get a decent stack. In about a month I have about $4 the worth, but it's $4 more than the school had before and it didn't cost me a thing!

I imagine now that I'm aware of it, I'll notice it more often still and will end up with more and more. So, keep yours eyes open! And let me know if you need our address! Thanks!

Where all the Thompson humor comes from : )

So, this is my dad. And the man responsible for twisting my sense of humor. Why I laugh out loud at the 3 stooges, Barney Fife, The Office, and a lot of commercials Karen thinks are stupid. Why I think the dogs farting is the funniest thing on earth. And why I love pranking my kids.

For those who don't know, Dad was famous for running through the house early in the morning shouting, "The indians are coming!" Maybe why I paint indians? Or asking me if I feel any more like I do now than I did a little while ago. Always teasing me about marrying Big Bertha (and then I end up sitting next to her in graduation--he still laughs about that). He couldn't resist calling me at the church and telling me to hold the phone out so he could blow out the line--and then laughing so loud I had to bring the phone back to my ear and admit I was 'had'. He loved to take his teeth out and laugh at the reaction.

He's also the dad that got me drawing by sitting me on his lap and drawing me cartoons. The man who jumped a fence in a single bound when I dislocated my shoulder playing baseball. Took me to just about every state in the union. Taught me to love campers (but not home-made ones). Helped my buy my first car--that Chevy Chevette for $4,000.00. And taught me about the importance of integrity, and not saying words like 'varmint, farting, etc. : )

Sure, he's human and has a few quirks--like eating made up concoctions, reading 8 books a day, wanting to go home as soon as he got there, getting mad once in a while, and telling me the same jokes every time I see him...but hey, that's what makes him special. And me love him.

Thanks Dad. My kids have you to thank for the Thompson Zoo's dysfunctional humor.

I love you.

Jason BACK From the Brink

Complete this sentence. 2009 will be remembered as the year that....
So many things: got engaged, got married, broke my back, found out I was having a child. Its been a good year!

What one event or change defined your year? I don't know, the whole child thing is pretty life-changing

Any run-ins with the law? Yes, found out that the Springfield police department had a traffic ticket from 2007 that they heard nothing about until July of 2009. I want to be involved in law enforcement. I might want to start rethinking that.

Could Daniel possibly get any funnier/more handsome? No. The "pull the plug" thing was pretty funny.

Culture. What was your favorite movie/book/TV show/music artist? I finished the whole series of Band of Brothers. I'm a big fan of Nitro Circus

Did you pick up any new skills this year? I got really good with the Grab-it.

Why do some men have terrible gas all of the time? Seriously, I really need to know. How many times has your spouse, mother, or any other female for that matter told you, Are you really going to eat that. I think that may be why.

Name your best outing of the year (Sarah's wedding and Thanksgiving at Grandma and Grandpa's don't count).
Feb. 7, the day that I asked for Sarah's hand in marriage.

What was your most embarrassing moment?
I don't really get embarrassed. If it's an emabarrassing situation I am usually the one laughing the loudest.
Did you make any new year's resolutions? Yes. To follow through with things in life.

Did you know that Phyllis talks to her plants? Apparently they never talk back to her. What do you think about that?
No comment. I still love you Phyllis.

Are there any plans for 2010 that you're really looking forward to? I am going to be a daddy - very nervous but still looking forward to it.

"Stephen and Karen" by Kristen

I just wanted to take a moment on Valentine's Day to write a little something about the best marriage, and the two most amazing people in my life, Karen and Steve(phen), haha.

After my dad's illness, my mother showed what a strong, loving wife really is. She fought for my father, and was such a rock when all was crumbling down. That hard time really showed her true colors, and showed how much she loves and adores my dad. My mother would do anything for my dad, and loves him with all her heart, but has taught me the importance of never losing yourself in a relationship. My mom is strong willed, sometimes stubborn, but very intelligent. She is an amazing wife, mother and grandma to my dog! I love her very much, and aspire to be the same mother and wife that she has been someday when I get married and have children.

My father is very strong, intelligent, creative and a man of integrity. He loves my mother very much, and would do anything for her as well. I can always tell by his words and actions how much he loves my mother, and I can tell when they are together that he still loves her just as much now as he did on their wedding day. Oh, and I’ve seen the little love text messages he sends my mom too - they are so sweet. He is a great husband, loving father, and a very talented person. I really look up to my dad; he has good values and is very wise.

I love both of my parents very much, and even though they kind of make me want to gag when they hold hands and act all lovey dovey in public, I know that their love is as real as it gets, and that is rare to find. I have been lucky to grow up witnessing such a beautiful love story, and hope to create one like theirs someday. So mom and dad, here’s to another 20+ years of Valentines days together. I love you both!!!!!!!

Kristen

Phyllis is now blogging

Watch out everyone. My mom now has access to the blog!

Sugar Stick

Lola Thompson

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

The year that, like, my nemesis Lily got to, like, sleep upstairs with mom and Elmo...while I had to like stay downstairs on the couch. But I got the last laugh--2009, my family will remember as the year of "what's that smell?" when they come downstairs after a night in their luxurious bed.


What one event or change defined your year?

Kristen, like gave me this new doo. Like, drives the boxers and mastiffs crazy. I am the Dolly Parton of the dog world, for sure. I look better than that lady with blue hair on PTL network, or whatever...


Any run-ins with the law?

How did you know to ask that? Just, like, don't tell my dad as he will send me to my crate without a trial. He can be so mean...

Could Daniel possibly get any funnier/more handsome?

Nope. He reminds me of a real cute bloodhound I saw at the dog show. Ooh, what a hunk!

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

Well, like, I can't read. But I love to chew mom's books. And as for TV, the puppy bowl was, so, like, so hilarious this year. And I love Caesar Milan, the dog whisperer. He always has hot boys on there--bad boys--like, LOL!

Did you pick up any new skills this year?

I learned to let my stinkers on demand. I can clear a room faster than my dad. And that's, like, sayin somethin.

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

Men? Oh...hmmm...well, Otis can let some silent but deadly bombs too. And Lily...yeah, like Lily is the one stinkin our house up mom, not me. I'm just sayin...

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

When Grandma and Grandpa T were at my house I came this close to, like, nailing that Lily. If mom hadn't shut that door in my face I'd have, like, ripped her to shreds. I can't stand that little mutt! But that was a highlight. And again, like when I got my pigtails done by Kristen...yeah, like that was so hot.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

When mom dressed me up for Halloween. Again. Every year...so, like so humiliating.

Did you make any new year's resolutions?

Eat more. Sleep more. Walk on the treadmill less. Teach my dad some new tricks. Get that Lily. Teach Elmo to walk on wood floors and not freak. Eat the remote again so Otis gets blamed.

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

Really? Oh, like that's sooo cool! My mom talks to me but before I can answer she talks for me...like as if I talk like that. She'll carry on conversation forever as if I would say those things. I worry about her. And when she talks to Lily she acts like, well...like Lily this, Lily that...Lily you're so sweeeet, yuk! Oh, and you should hear what she says about dad when he's not here...he he... If only I could talk. LOL!!!!!

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

Camping. I love camping! Mom has always taken me and I love it. I get to bark nonstop at all the hot males and those, like cheap tramp females--there's this, like, Golden that thinks she owns the campground but I tell her what what. And I want to see my dad more so mom will blame him for all my stinkers.

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 no you didn't...bulldog races? What do you think...like, that we can run? Plus, no way fat O is going to run. He just jumps up and down like a bronco billy...fool. And Elmo only runs from his shadow so, like...uh uh...aint no races. Except maybe Lily running from me.

The Explosive, Uncensored Matthew Interview

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

The year that most of the Thompson family ignored my numerous request to play a game for the blog.


What one event or change defined your year?

The birth of my 3rd boy, Lincoln. Also, I had a new position at work as Executive Pastor.


Any run-ins with the law?

Nope.

Could Daniel possibly get any funnier/more handsome?

Nope. He maxed out in 8th Grade.

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

Movie - Star Trek
Book - The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley
TV Show - Community (I consistently laugh out loud)
Music Artist - Steve Fee

Did you pick up any new skills this year?

I learned how to a much better leader. God also helped me become a better person.

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

Probably just a Johnson thing. Genetics though Daniel is worst by far.

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

Hanging out with the family is the best outing everyday.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

Reading the things my brother Chris posts on Facebook to people in my church about OSU.

Did you make any new year's resolutions?

Here's what I want to do in the New Year: 1) Eat healthier 2) Exercise more 3) Drink less pop and more water 4) Read through the Bible once more 5) Be less sarcastic 6) Worship, Pray, and Study more. 7) Mentor at least 3 men 8) Be more loving, patient and humble in all my relationships Should be a challenging year!

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

After working with my mom for a year, I now realize that talking to her plants is the least of her unique characteristics. She blast music, doesn't use her rear view mirror or back window and thinks her turn signal gives her the right of way. But she's one amazing Children's Ministry Director!

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

It's going to be a huge year for our church. There are some conferences I'm looking forward to, I'm taking a team of 30 to Mexico for a mission's trip and I look for our church to do some amazing things in our community.

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 don't know Stephen...I only know Steve.

Kristen Thompson For Real

What one event or change defined your year?
Moving to Edwardsville.

Any run-ins with the law?
Yeah right, I'm an angel!

Could Daniel possibly get any funnier/more handsome?
I'm not sure, haven't seen him in a million years.

Culture. What was your favorite movie/book/TV show/music artist?
Movie would have to be District 9, book is She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb, and favorite music artist obviously Lady Gaga.
Did you pick up any new skills this year?
Learning a lot about Photography and Photoshop.. .Oh and how to stop being a slob :):)

Why do some men have terrible gas all of the time? Seriously, I really need to know.
Tell me about it... Something is seriously wrong with their digestive systems.

Name your best outing of the year (Sarah's wedding and Thanksgiving at Grandma and Grandpa's don't count).
White trash bash for my dad's birthday.

What was your most embarrassing moment?
I don't remember, I tend to embarrass myself often though, haha.

Did you make any new year's resolutions?
To go back to school, and add lots of new pictures to my photo blog www.thompsonsk.blogspot.com.

Did you know that Phyllis talks to her plants? Apparently they never talk back to her. What do you think about that?
It's cool, and perfectly normal because I talk to my dog and I talk back for him.
Are there any plans for 2010 that you're really looking forward to?
Looking forward to Spring and Summer and taking lots of pictures.
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 be there for sure. Don't forget about Charlie Buckets the pug, he'll be rockin' it out!!!!!!

More Pictures

More pictures of the family in the snow.

Matt

http://gallery.me.com/r.matthew.johnson#100031

IMG00032.jpg

Chris Johnson
Project Manager
The Lively Merchant

Pardon any spelling mistakes as this was sent from my blackberry.
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

2 years ago today...exactly now...

I learned I had a mass on my pancreas. I'd enjoyed some good bbq ribs Super Bowl night, the 3rd. Went to bed fine--woke up at 2 a.m. in writhing pain--my stomach was hard as a rock and I was cramping like crazy. Karen and I thought it was gas (yes, Thompson men gas). It finally calmed and I went back to bed. 2 hours later...same attack. Then another at 6. We went to an urgent care facility. They did x-rays and took blood, urine sample, etc. The doc told us it was likely a gallstone issue so we were told to wait in the room for further direction. That's when it got 'interesting'. Through the thin wall of the exam room we heard the doc on the phone with her superior. Something like this; "Well the X-ray shows a floating wobbly balloon like shape...and his urine is the color of coke...I have no idea...long pause...okay, I will send him to the hospital." From there we went to mercy Hospital and I had an ultrasound. After that they said I needed a CT. While waiting, I was called to a phone where the original doc told me I had a mass on my pancreas. Wow...I'll never forget those words. We went home and by nightfall I was back at the ER with sever pain. The attending became furious when she saw my blood results--said I should've been hospitalized immediately. So I finally was.

From there, well...the rest is history.

I think the hardest part (besides the pain) was in that in-between time at home when I looked up 'the pancreas'. Who knew. And then, pancreatic cancer. Woa...every search result led me to the same stats: 95% of PC victims die within 5 years. Talk about stunning and sobering. I went into a slow motion sort of mind-frame and kept hoping to wake up from a bad nightmare.

Eventually a doc told me I would be lucky to live another two years. Even luckier to make it 5. So I guess that means today, 2 years later, is my lucky day. : )

I wouldn't be here without all your support. Those days after the surgery were dark. And it's been a tough 2 years...but great ones nonetheless. I am blessed. Thanks. I love you all.

Videos

Pictures

Check out these pictures.

Matt

http://gallery.me.com/r.matthew.johnson#100006

PICTURES OF LINCOLN

This is an email I received.

Matt

HI MATTHEW JOHNSON,

 

THIS IS YOUR GRANDMA THOMPSON, WHO IS WANTING YOU TO POST SOME PICTURES OF LINCOLN ON THE BLOG, THE THOMPSON BLOG THAT IS.  ALSO SOME OF COLE AND TITUS.  I KNOW YOU ARE BUSY BUT SURELY YOUR GRANDMA DESERVES A FEW MINUTES OF YOUR TIME.  I WILL MAKE YOU AS MANY EGGS IN THE HOLE AS YOU WANT NEXT TIME IF YOU WILL POST SOME PICTURES. I KNOW YOUR CAMERA ISN'T BROKEN AND I KNOW YOUR FINGERS AREN'T BROKEN AND I KNOW YOU HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN HOW TO POST PICTURES ON THE BLOG, SO COME ON AND TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO MAKE YOUR GRANDMA HAPPY. I KNOW LINCOLN HAS CHANGED A LOT.  WE DO PLAN TO COME AND SEE YOU BUT  I DON'T WANT TO WAIT TIL THEN TO SEE PICTURES OF LINCOLN, COLE AND TITUS.  IF YOU GET TIRED OF READING THIS, MAYBE YOU WILL GO POST SOME PICTURES ON THE BLOG.

I LOVE YOU,

GRANDMA

An Exclusive Interview with Karen Thompson

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

What one event or change defined your year? moving, and trying to explain why we live in 2 different places.

Any run-ins with the law? I plead the fifth

Could Daniel possibly get any funnier/more handsome? Well, I don't know haven't seen him in a while

Culture. What was your favorite movie/book/TV show/music artist? The Blind Side, The Alchemist, Project runway, Ray LaMontagne, Toby Lightman & Kings of Leon

Did you pick up any new skills this year? How to keep newborn kittens alive without a mom

Why do some men have terrible gas all of the time? Seriously, I really need to know. they don't take enough probiotics

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

New Orleans and Las Vegas where we saw The Phantom of the Opera, and Cirques de soleil's O

What was your most embarrassing moment?

Taking Nate and Anna out for dinner and realizing when I got home I didn't wear makeup that day

Did you make any new year's resolutions? Find a job

Did you know that Phyllis talks to her plants? Apparently they never talk back to her. What do you think about that? Oh well, I talk to my dogs and cats

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

going to Hawaii with my sweetheart

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. YEE HAW! Bring it on.