Sunday, October 26, 2008
Claire in Disney
I posted the closeups of some of the pictures, because I think Claire's expressions are hilarious.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Two Truths and a Lie - Grandpa
For those of you that had a hard time with Grandma lying, get ready to be further pained...here's Grandpa's lie.
Grandpa
1. Once while riding a Double-Decker bus in the middle of London in the middle of the night with two women, I realized we were lost and I didn't know where to get off to get to our hotel. Then a bus stopped in front of us and I thought I recognized some of the people who got off. So we asked our driver to stop and we got off our bus and followed behind them to our 'sight-for-sore-eyes' hotel.
2. Later, in our two weeks tour to Israel and other places before there, we were staying in a hotel near the Sea of Galilee. We were being served St. Peter's fish by a server when some objected to the fish with heads still on and eyes glaring. The server stated our complaint back to us: "You want head off fish?" We thought he would take it back to the kitchen but before our eyes he be-headed the eyes glaring fish.
3. After our retirement in 2002, Grandma and I were on a tour of the New England States. I was the Navigator and Grandma was the driver. We were on our way to Gettysburg and I saw on the map that we could leave the Freeway and take a short-cut that would save us many miles. We made the exit and Grandma said to me, "I think we need to get gas at this station." I looked at the gauge and told her I thought we were safe. Grandma, being the obedient wife that she is, took the short-cut and we found the crooked road under construction which required more gas than I thought. Well, you can guess what happened.
Grandpa
1. Once while riding a Double-Decker bus in the middle of London in the middle of the night with two women, I realized we were lost and I didn't know where to get off to get to our hotel. Then a bus stopped in front of us and I thought I recognized some of the people who got off. So we asked our driver to stop and we got off our bus and followed behind them to our 'sight-for-sore-eyes' hotel.
2. Later, in our two weeks tour to Israel and other places before there, we were staying in a hotel near the Sea of Galilee. We were being served St. Peter's fish by a server when some objected to the fish with heads still on and eyes glaring. The server stated our complaint back to us: "You want head off fish?" We thought he would take it back to the kitchen but before our eyes he be-headed the eyes glaring fish.
3. After our retirement in 2002, Grandma and I were on a tour of the New England States. I was the Navigator and Grandma was the driver. We were on our way to Gettysburg and I saw on the map that we could leave the Freeway and take a short-cut that would save us many miles. We made the exit and Grandma said to me, "I think we need to get gas at this station." I looked at the gauge and told her I thought we were safe. Grandma, being the obedient wife that she is, took the short-cut and we found the crooked road under construction which required more gas than I thought. Well, you can guess what happened.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Two Truths and a Lie - Grandma
Grandma
1. When we were on the Holy Land trip in the late 70's, I went with a few others in our group to the old city of Jerusalem. Trish wanted me to bring her a purse and time was running out on getting it. I got lost from my group and I panicked. To my utter surprise, a friend from high school days saw me. She was with a different group I had not seen her for years but she recognized me and when I told her my dilemma, she helped me find my group. Big relief, to say the least. Oh, and yes, I did get a purse for Patricia.
2. I used to roller skate with friends on the streets near our house at Pocahontas when I was a teenager. We would hold hands and when one fell, it was bad news for the others. I fell many times and hurt my knees. That probably accounts for my bad knee today.
3. I started to school when I was four years old. I think I was about 7 or 8, when my teacher lost a $10.00 bill on the school yard. I found it and he bought me a pair of overalls (or bibs) as a reward. A bit of an odd reward, but I liked them.
1. When we were on the Holy Land trip in the late 70's, I went with a few others in our group to the old city of Jerusalem. Trish wanted me to bring her a purse and time was running out on getting it. I got lost from my group and I panicked. To my utter surprise, a friend from high school days saw me. She was with a different group I had not seen her for years but she recognized me and when I told her my dilemma, she helped me find my group. Big relief, to say the least. Oh, and yes, I did get a purse for Patricia.
2. I used to roller skate with friends on the streets near our house at Pocahontas when I was a teenager. We would hold hands and when one fell, it was bad news for the others. I fell many times and hurt my knees. That probably accounts for my bad knee today.
3. I started to school when I was four years old. I think I was about 7 or 8, when my teacher lost a $10.00 bill on the school yard. I found it and he bought me a pair of overalls (or bibs) as a reward. A bit of an odd reward, but I liked them.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Cross-posting: The Return of the Scarflette
This is from my blog:
Last year I posted a hard-hitting, in-depth piece of blog journalism on a new knitting item, called a Scarflette. The basic idea is that a Scarflette, also known as a Neckwarmer, offers the warmth and coverage a traditional wrapped scarf gives, but without the unnecessary bulk - when indoors it can be folded up and placed in your pocket. It's ingenious, sensible, fashionable and futuristic.
Kirsten didn't start making them for her newly begun knitting emporium, La Femme Monkita, until after the Christmas shopping rush last year, when many people had finished spending money on layers and already dug in to wait out the cold.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that not only is she making them again, but that she's turned the corner with a new angular design. Observe.
Bling
Blang
Blung
Last year I posted a hard-hitting, in-depth piece of blog journalism on a new knitting item, called a Scarflette. The basic idea is that a Scarflette, also known as a Neckwarmer, offers the warmth and coverage a traditional wrapped scarf gives, but without the unnecessary bulk - when indoors it can be folded up and placed in your pocket. It's ingenious, sensible, fashionable and futuristic.
Kirsten didn't start making them for her newly begun knitting emporium, La Femme Monkita, until after the Christmas shopping rush last year, when many people had finished spending money on layers and already dug in to wait out the cold.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that not only is she making them again, but that she's turned the corner with a new angular design. Observe.
Bling
Blang
Blung
Two Lies and a Truth - Chris Johnson
Chris Johnson
1. Let off a noise making bomb during President Spences commencment address over the new academic building at Evangel and caused him to stop.
2. Bought a $1.00 pack of baseball cards and found an autograph Vladmr Gurrero card in it and sold the card for $85.
3. Got to take batting practice at Comerica Park (Tiger's new stadium).
1. Let off a noise making bomb during President Spences commencment address over the new academic building at Evangel and caused him to stop.
2. Bought a $1.00 pack of baseball cards and found an autograph Vladmr Gurrero card in it and sold the card for $85.
3. Got to take batting practice at Comerica Park (Tiger's new stadium).
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Rockford Wedding
Kirsten and I attended a wedding this past weekend in Rockford. Scott put us up. Because of everything that was going on we didn't get to spend much time with him, Emily and Gabe. But it was great to see them and we can't wait for Thanksgiving.
Two Lies and a Truth - Jessica Johnson
Jessica Johnson
1) I was in a movie theater watching a movie. Meanwhile, in the lobby two people got shoot and the place got robbed.
2) Once I did a radio commercial for a Cystic Fibrosis benefit.
3) Before I had my license I drove a farming tractor from my house to the grocery store in "town".
1) I was in a movie theater watching a movie. Meanwhile, in the lobby two people got shoot and the place got robbed.
2) Once I did a radio commercial for a Cystic Fibrosis benefit.
3) Before I had my license I drove a farming tractor from my house to the grocery store in "town".
Monday, October 20, 2008
Two Truths and a Lie - Daniel Johnson
You all need to vote and submit your entries to me. I'm running out.
On a funny note, I urged parents to nag their kids in a previous post. I was thinking of the aunts and uncles nagging their kids but Grandma took it to heart and nagged her kids. I love Grandma...she's a team player!
Daniel Johnson
1) I am voting for Project Runway's Tim Gunn as a write-in candidate on this year's presidential election ballot.
2) When I was at CBC I asked for permission to play music in bars.... and got it.
3) I have a tattoo of a feather on my upper arm (and have for three years) which none of my immediate family has seen.
On a funny note, I urged parents to nag their kids in a previous post. I was thinking of the aunts and uncles nagging their kids but Grandma took it to heart and nagged her kids. I love Grandma...she's a team player!
Daniel Johnson
1) I am voting for Project Runway's Tim Gunn as a write-in candidate on this year's presidential election ballot.
2) When I was at CBC I asked for permission to play music in bars.... and got it.
3) I have a tattoo of a feather on my upper arm (and have for three years) which none of my immediate family has seen.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Two Truths and a Lie - Stephen Thompson
Everyone needs to remind their family to get on the blog and vote. Parents should nag their kids and spouses should nag each other.
Stephen Thompson
I went to a Mariah Carey meet-and-greet in downtown Chicago. I did not get in line to have my picture taken with her though. There were too many geek fans crying and sweating in line so I just sat there and watched the mayhem. She is much shorter in person.
I saw Jeff Beck, Willie Nelson, Cheryl Crow, John Mayer, Los Lobos, Vince Gill, Robert Cray, Eric Clapton, Allison Krauss, Johnny Winter, BB King, Buddy Guy, Robert Randolph, and Bill Murray all in one day in Chicago.
I have been married 29 years. I have two kids. I've owned 5 homes, 8 dogs, countless cats, 10 cars, and 3 trailers. I've worked at 7 agencies in 5 different states. I've been laid off twice. Along the way I've met Micky Mantle, Joe Montana, and Bill Monroe.
Stephen Thompson
I went to a Mariah Carey meet-and-greet in downtown Chicago. I did not get in line to have my picture taken with her though. There were too many geek fans crying and sweating in line so I just sat there and watched the mayhem. She is much shorter in person.
I saw Jeff Beck, Willie Nelson, Cheryl Crow, John Mayer, Los Lobos, Vince Gill, Robert Cray, Eric Clapton, Allison Krauss, Johnny Winter, BB King, Buddy Guy, Robert Randolph, and Bill Murray all in one day in Chicago.
I have been married 29 years. I have two kids. I've owned 5 homes, 8 dogs, countless cats, 10 cars, and 3 trailers. I've worked at 7 agencies in 5 different states. I've been laid off twice. Along the way I've met Micky Mantle, Joe Montana, and Bill Monroe.
Voice Song
A couple of you responded to my post about my music page by asking to hear some of my stuff. And then this song, which I demoed a few years ago, came up on my ipod, and I thought it would make a nice, friendly song to share with my family members.
The Voice Song
The Voice Song
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Two Truths and a Lie - Kirsten Buys
Don’t forget to put your answer for my mom’s post below. I will post the answer in a couple of days.
Kirsten Buys
1 - I was on The Price Is Right
2 - I danced in the half-time show of the Cotton Bowl
3 - I've had tea with the Lord Mayor of Belfast
Kirsten Buys
1 - I was on The Price Is Right
2 - I danced in the half-time show of the Cotton Bowl
3 - I've had tea with the Lord Mayor of Belfast
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Two Truths and a Lie - Phyllis Johnson
Rules: I will post the two truths and one lie that each of you submit to me. You will need to post in the comments section which one you think is a lie. If you know for certain, please don't say anything that will give it away for everyone else. I will be tracking the points and giving awards at the first annual Thompson Thanksgiving Award Night.
I will post the answer after a few days to give everyone time to vote.
Before I post my mom's entry, I have to tell you the funny story about this. My mom sent me an email with the subject title "Two Truths." In the email she doesn't give any background, she just has the below entry. I never made the connection that she was submitting her entry for the game. So I just read the email like my mom wanted me to know some things about her life when she was younger.
That night, I got home and said to Mary, "My mom sent me the most random email today. It was crazy. I don't even know how to respond." I read it to Mary who then realized what it was for. We laughed pretty hard.
When you are reading it, try to picture me reading it not knowing what it was about. I really thought my mom had lost it...
PHYLLIS JOHNSON
1- In a chance meeting, I confronted Chief Peter MacDonald of the Navajo Nation, about the practice of giving the Navajo people their annual allotment of money from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, in one lump sum every January.
I felt it contributed to the abundance of alcoholism and subsequent neglect of children on the reservation. The encounter made the front page of the Window Rock newspaper and I still have the clipping.
2 - I drove a mentally ill Native American woman from Window Rock, Arizona to her family in El Paso, Texas. Another 16 year old girl accompanied me on the trip. While in El Paso, we decided to cross the border into Juarez, Mexico where I purchased a lovely velvet painting of Jesus praying in the Garden. We spoke no Spanish, could read no road signs, only had American money, but had a ball.
3 - I heard that the father of the children who lived across from us had fallen off the wagon after a year of sobriety. I found out what bar he was at, got in the compound's van and drove to the bar. I walked in and ordered him to get in the van, where he laid on the back seat drunk. I drove him straight to the church which was having a service. I ordered him to go sit on the front row___and he wobbled down. That was his last jump off the wagon. He went on to become a nationally recognized creator and designer of Navajo jewelry.
I will post the answer after a few days to give everyone time to vote.
Before I post my mom's entry, I have to tell you the funny story about this. My mom sent me an email with the subject title "Two Truths." In the email she doesn't give any background, she just has the below entry. I never made the connection that she was submitting her entry for the game. So I just read the email like my mom wanted me to know some things about her life when she was younger.
That night, I got home and said to Mary, "My mom sent me the most random email today. It was crazy. I don't even know how to respond." I read it to Mary who then realized what it was for. We laughed pretty hard.
When you are reading it, try to picture me reading it not knowing what it was about. I really thought my mom had lost it...
PHYLLIS JOHNSON
1- In a chance meeting, I confronted Chief Peter MacDonald of the Navajo Nation, about the practice of giving the Navajo people their annual allotment of money from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, in one lump sum every January.
I felt it contributed to the abundance of alcoholism and subsequent neglect of children on the reservation. The encounter made the front page of the Window Rock newspaper and I still have the clipping.
2 - I drove a mentally ill Native American woman from Window Rock, Arizona to her family in El Paso, Texas. Another 16 year old girl accompanied me on the trip. While in El Paso, we decided to cross the border into Juarez, Mexico where I purchased a lovely velvet painting of Jesus praying in the Garden. We spoke no Spanish, could read no road signs, only had American money, but had a ball.
3 - I heard that the father of the children who lived across from us had fallen off the wagon after a year of sobriety. I found out what bar he was at, got in the compound's van and drove to the bar. I walked in and ordered him to get in the van, where he laid on the back seat drunk. I drove him straight to the church which was having a service. I ordered him to go sit on the front row___and he wobbled down. That was his last jump off the wagon. He went on to become a nationally recognized creator and designer of Navajo jewelry.
Help
I am ready to start the games, but I still need some contact information for some of you. If you have someone's stuff, can you email it to me?
I need email addresses for:
Aunt Karen
Nathan
Sarah
Grandpa
Emily
Jessica
Please send ASAP. I don't want anyone to miss on the fun.
MJ
I need email addresses for:
Aunt Karen
Nathan
Sarah
Grandpa
Emily
Jessica
Please send ASAP. I don't want anyone to miss on the fun.
MJ
Monday, October 13, 2008
Daniel Musica
As some of you might know, one of the things I've been trying to do freelance is compose music for commercials and film. And the best way to get work is to have examples of your previous work, which is referred to in the business as a "reel." And these days, the best format to have your reel on is a web-based one, so people don't have to mess with CDs or Tapes - they can just click a link.
I've been accumulating content for my reel the past year with a few things I've had placed as well as a few things I've composed on spec. ("Spec" is short for speculation, which just means that it's a demo of what I could do given some visuals and a client directive.)
If anybody would like to take a look at my reel, you can here:
www.danielmusica.com
The Vid Reel has the best stuff. The audio reel is still being added to and only has instrumental versions of songs from my forthcoming solo record.
I also created the website myself, from scratch, using no web-creation tools and just good old fashioned code. This makes me one of three people left on the planet still creating web sites this way. I'm like the Amish version of a web designer, except that I use electricity...
I've been accumulating content for my reel the past year with a few things I've had placed as well as a few things I've composed on spec. ("Spec" is short for speculation, which just means that it's a demo of what I could do given some visuals and a client directive.)
If anybody would like to take a look at my reel, you can here:
www.danielmusica.com
The Vid Reel has the best stuff. The audio reel is still being added to and only has instrumental versions of songs from my forthcoming solo record.
I also created the website myself, from scratch, using no web-creation tools and just good old fashioned code. This makes me one of three people left on the planet still creating web sites this way. I'm like the Amish version of a web designer, except that I use electricity...
Bedside Assembly
One of the things that comes along with Jessicas illness, is that when her lungs get bad and she starts to get worn down, she has to spend a few weeks in the hospital to get antibiotics to help her get healthy again....its sorta like a human oil change. Once we got married, Jessica switched hospitals and doctors, and the doctors she has now allows her to do her antibiotics at home so she can still have a normal life. This has been a great blessing for us because I dont think i could go more than a few days without her.
Having said all that, Jessica is currently on her medicine, and that requires her to take IV's every 6 hours on a schedule. Because of that, we could not attend church this past Sunday. What we did instead, was lie in bed and listen to one of my brother Matts sermons he did back in May. I wanted to write this blog to say how proud I am of him and how Matt has turned out to be an amazing man of God, and someone who I look up to. Its strange to say that I look up to my younger brother, but I do. I just sat there with Jessica and smiled, and at the end of the sermon, I just looked at her and said "Matt is amazing." It stinks that I cant see his sermons in person, but the internet has allowed me to listen to them and not miss them. I love you Matt.
Chris
P.S here is the link to the site so you can download them if you want to. Just scroll through and find his name.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Sunday Edition: Phyllis's Photos
Front of my house. Notice porch swing...comfy rockers... Porches are the best!
Mostly perennials with a few annuals for a splash of color.
Back of house. Notice rocker where I have my devotions.Little tree planted by corner given to me by a close friend.
This is another perennial garden in the back corner of my yard. When I was recovering from my knee surgery, two wonderful friends, Faith and Mindy, came and dug up the sod in this corner for me. Another friend, Phil, gave me the rocks that outline it (river rocks) for mother's day, and then Faith, Mindy, Pat, and Leslie gave me perennials from their gardens. Another friend Steve, went to a river and got me the flat sandstones to lay in it. A neighbor gave me the pink rock. So actually my corner garden is one huge gift of love from friends.
Zinnia garden for cutting flowers. Faith gave me seeds from her zinnia's last fall. I planted them and had wonderful flowers to cut and put in vases all summer.
This is my rock garden in front of my house. A man who excavates gave me all the rocks free and a lot of the flowers were given to me by friends who garden or I used seed.
This is me AFTER Sepporah did my make up and she took this picture. This is how she wanted me to smile after the "make-over".
Can you open this picture? This is me with my close friend Faith. Friday, October 10, 2008
Kristen Update
Kristen gives a short update:
The pics: One of them is me working at a fashion show I did hair for at club redno5 in chicago, that was pretty exciting! And I'm really proud of it :) And the other is a picture of Charlie my new pug!! (He's the tan one, the other one is the infamous oliver, haha.)
Nothing too exciting is going on in my life really. Just working at the salon and trying to find a new job out in St. Louis, as I will be moving there soon hopefully! And that's really it - my life's pretty boring at the moment, haha.
The pics: One of them is me working at a fashion show I did hair for at club redno5 in chicago, that was pretty exciting! And I'm really proud of it :) And the other is a picture of Charlie my new pug!! (He's the tan one, the other one is the infamous oliver, haha.)
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Who Let The Dogs Out!
Stephen writes:
The Thompson Zoo is on the move again.
Well, sort of. Karen and I bought a second home in Edwardsville, Illinois, near Karen's sister. The purchase is part of a master plan to downsize, economize, and crystallize plans to move towards full-time starving artist. We always thought we'd do this out west but the illness sort of prompted us to adopt a step-by-step transition strategy. So we are moving Kristen down to live in the house while we ready ours here for sale. In the meantime, however long that is, we will continue enjoying the home as a quaint getaway. I love going to Edwardsville and spending time downtown in the old coffee shops and restaurants. And Karen is having a blast decorating the 90 year old home.
Once the home here is sold I will move into an apartment near Chicago and work between the office and Edwardsville. I am fortunate in that much of my work and travel can be done from anywhere so it's a nice in-between solution. Eventually, after Nathan is finished with school, and I am done paying for it, I will approach the company about a lesser and remote position. If they say no I will just start my artist days sooner than expected.
Now--the obvious question is, and has been, "Are you doing this as part of a worst case scenario?" And the obvious answer is, "Yes! But also for best case scenario..." I've always gone by the rule of 'hope for the best and plan for the worst' so it's as pragmatic as it is aspirational. Believe me, I plan on being around a long while and becoming a successful fine artist, but if the cancer returns I certainly see it as a smart move in making sure Karen is taken care of, near her family, etc.
Beyond that, small town living is something we've always wanted and now is the time to get on with living our dream. We love old homes, family communities, and a slower pace of life. We might as well stop talking about it and start living it.
So we'll soon be living in what Karen calls a barn house and owning about half of what we have now. (It's been quite liberating to part with junk we've collected over the years and it feels good to be taking action on 'next'.) We'll be living a much simpler life. And if I can sell a few paintings it will be that much better.
Pic of the house attached. It's a cute cottage style house with original horse hair plaster, Auntie-style old basement, creaky stairs, and a claw foot tub. It just feels like home. Our home.
So, who's moving down next near Trish?
Stephen
The Thompson Zoo is on the move again.
Well, sort of. Karen and I bought a second home in Edwardsville, Illinois, near Karen's sister. The purchase is part of a master plan to downsize, economize, and crystallize plans to move towards full-time starving artist. We always thought we'd do this out west but the illness sort of prompted us to adopt a step-by-step transition strategy. So we are moving Kristen down to live in the house while we ready ours here for sale. In the meantime, however long that is, we will continue enjoying the home as a quaint getaway. I love going to Edwardsville and spending time downtown in the old coffee shops and restaurants. And Karen is having a blast decorating the 90 year old home.
Once the home here is sold I will move into an apartment near Chicago and work between the office and Edwardsville. I am fortunate in that much of my work and travel can be done from anywhere so it's a nice in-between solution. Eventually, after Nathan is finished with school, and I am done paying for it, I will approach the company about a lesser and remote position. If they say no I will just start my artist days sooner than expected.
Now--the obvious question is, and has been, "Are you doing this as part of a worst case scenario?" And the obvious answer is, "Yes! But also for best case scenario..." I've always gone by the rule of 'hope for the best and plan for the worst' so it's as pragmatic as it is aspirational. Believe me, I plan on being around a long while and becoming a successful fine artist, but if the cancer returns I certainly see it as a smart move in making sure Karen is taken care of, near her family, etc.
Beyond that, small town living is something we've always wanted and now is the time to get on with living our dream. We love old homes, family communities, and a slower pace of life. We might as well stop talking about it and start living it.
So we'll soon be living in what Karen calls a barn house and owning about half of what we have now. (It's been quite liberating to part with junk we've collected over the years and it feels good to be taking action on 'next'.) We'll be living a much simpler life. And if I can sell a few paintings it will be that much better.
Pic of the house attached. It's a cute cottage style house with original horse hair plaster, Auntie-style old basement, creaky stairs, and a claw foot tub. It just feels like home. Our home.
So, who's moving down next near Trish?
Stephen
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Stephen's Article in Advertising Age
Stephen has an article online for the magazine Advertising Age titled "Is Your Snazzy New Site Cloaked in Invisibility." I looked up "snazzy" in a dictionary of 19th century vernacular and apparently it means "stylish and attractive."
You can read the article here.
Nathan Introduces Anna
Nathan writes:
I promised to throw in a few recent photos of me, and since I dont own a camera, I guess I get to introduce my new girlfriend Anna. Shes a pre-pharmacy major and she is awesome.
I promised to throw in a few recent photos of me, and since I dont own a camera, I guess I get to introduce my new girlfriend Anna. Shes a pre-pharmacy major and she is awesome.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Happy Birthday GG!
Great Grandma Betty Fern has a birthday today and she is 77 (at least I think she is...)
My mom thought it would be fun if all the grandkids wrote a little something about what Grandma meant to them and this is what everybody sent in.
Kristen:
"The things I love the most about Grandma is how she was so great and helpful when my dad was in the hospital. I have great memories of watching Touched by an angel with her when I was younger..."
Nathan:
So its Grandma's birthday today (which for the sake of continuity I'll assume means she's turning 40-something) and I'm going to take a break from my materials lab write-up (read: procrastinate) to say a few things. First off, I'll state the obvious and say she's a wonderful grandmother whom we all love very dearly. I've enjoyed these past few years here living close to grandma and grandpa, and meeting for the occasional lunch. I know for most of my life I haven't had this opportunity due to the places in which I've lived, so its a pleasure to finally be able to see them on a semi-regular basis.
The fondest memories of Grandma that I have took place in the same home they live in now. I remember spending the night there on occasion as a kid, and waking up to a wonderful home-cooked breakfast. Grandma always used to make me this cocoa oatmeal (whose name I cant seem to remember for the life of me), and that was probably my favorite food as a kid. I loved staying over there and had a blast learning how to twiddle my thumbs with Grandpa. Visiting for Thanksgiving always brings back those memories.
Now as I said before, living here at U of I gives me the unique opportunity of meeting her for lunch when my schedule permits. I get to find out firsthand what she's been up to as a retiree and also get that special Grandma support and praise as I fill her in on life as an engineering student.
Happy Birthday Grandma Thompson! Thanks for all these wonderful years of love and support!
Richard and Sarah interpreted my mom's request as a free-association thing and chose to list the words that came to mind when they thought of Grandma. Apparently she's been good to everybody's stomachs over the years...
Matt:
What I Love Most About Grandma:
I love that Grandma was involved in all the truly important parts of our lives: weaning off of nursing, potty training, and riding bikes. Some of my fondest memories include times I spent at Grandma's house. I can still remember her spending so much time making us berets so we could be like army guys.
I love that Grandma always made it a priority to be at the events of our lives. She came to graduations, weddings, and for me, my ordination.
Grandma still cooks me my favorite breakfast...and even cuts it still for me. I don't think I would even know how to cut egg-n-the-hole right now if I had to.
Grandma is so loving. I just love going to any place that she is because I know she is so excited to be with us and it just makes that moment special. Though it's sad, it actually means something to me that she cries every time we leave because it shows how much she loves us.
I could go on and on about all the things I love about her from learning to swim later in life, to getting ordained, to writing books, to her competitiveness with Daniel, to so much more but the thing I love best is her love for God. I have been so blessed to have the examples that both her and Grandpa have been.
I love you Grandma!
Mary
What I love most about Grandma is how she loves.
She has a genuine love for God:
She is always sharing what she and Grandpa are doing in the area of ministry and how God is using them. They are willing to do whatever God calls them to do.
She has a genuine love for her family:
It's so special to see the look on her face during Thanksgiving because she is THRILLED that the family is together and having a good time.
She has a genuine love for life in general :
I think we all saw the pictures on the blog of Grandma playing basketball with the neighbor girl! You can't tell me Grandma doesn't' love life! She is willing to try new things and doesn't let life pass her by.
Grandma, you are wonderful Grandma and I love you!
Chris:
Happy Birthday Grandma! I hope you have a great birthday, and I cant wait for Thanksgiving and for you to meet Jessica. She is very excited to meet you. It gives you one more person to make egg in the hole or coco wheats for. I love you and we all cant wait to see you.
Me (Daniel): The things that I love the most about my mom - her energy, creativity, and innovative spirit - are also the traits that make her most like Grandma. Everybody remembers that when Grandma finally had an empty nest, the first thing she did was buy an electric bass and amp and start rocking. The second thing she did was learn to swim. I kid Grandma a lot about not getting the internet, or computers, but the fact is I remember Grandma becoming the ebay queen long before I even had a personal email account. I love the fact that she's always making things: songs, books, crafts. My mom used to tell us how when she was in school Grandma kept her in the latest fashions by checking out fashion magazines and then hand-making whatever she saw. I remember a table in the old house with rocks frozen in glue (does that table still exist? I want it!), that Grandma had made. Those are the kinds of things I admire about Grandma, but mostly what makes her such a great grandmother is the classic stuff. That she dotes on you and makes you feel like the center of the world (this is particularly true in my case, since I am the favorite grandchild). Everybody luuuuvs Grandma's cooking and desserts, and with good reason. That stuff is GOOD. I love Grandma for taking my jokes in stride and for loving her whole family with such devotion. Happy Birthday Grandma.
My mom thought it would be fun if all the grandkids wrote a little something about what Grandma meant to them and this is what everybody sent in.
Kristen:
"The things I love the most about Grandma is how she was so great and helpful when my dad was in the hospital. I have great memories of watching Touched by an angel with her when I was younger..."
Nathan:
So its Grandma's birthday today (which for the sake of continuity I'll assume means she's turning 40-something) and I'm going to take a break from my materials lab write-up (read: procrastinate) to say a few things. First off, I'll state the obvious and say she's a wonderful grandmother whom we all love very dearly. I've enjoyed these past few years here living close to grandma and grandpa, and meeting for the occasional lunch. I know for most of my life I haven't had this opportunity due to the places in which I've lived, so its a pleasure to finally be able to see them on a semi-regular basis.
The fondest memories of Grandma that I have took place in the same home they live in now. I remember spending the night there on occasion as a kid, and waking up to a wonderful home-cooked breakfast. Grandma always used to make me this cocoa oatmeal (whose name I cant seem to remember for the life of me), and that was probably my favorite food as a kid. I loved staying over there and had a blast learning how to twiddle my thumbs with Grandpa. Visiting for Thanksgiving always brings back those memories.
Now as I said before, living here at U of I gives me the unique opportunity of meeting her for lunch when my schedule permits. I get to find out firsthand what she's been up to as a retiree and also get that special Grandma support and praise as I fill her in on life as an engineering student.
Happy Birthday Grandma Thompson! Thanks for all these wonderful years of love and support!
Richard and Sarah interpreted my mom's request as a free-association thing and chose to list the words that came to mind when they thought of Grandma. Apparently she's been good to everybody's stomachs over the years...
Richard Scott said that when he thinks of Grandma, he thinks of:
Baggy jeans
Diet caffeine free soda
Cocoa wheats
“Oh My”
Riding in the back of the old truck
Riding Go Carts
Dolly World with Grandma and Grandpa and Aunie Aunie and Uncle John
When Sarah thinks of Grandma, she thinks of:
Thanksgiving
Fried Chicken
Cocoa Wheats
Crafts
Dress Up
Dyed permed hair
Fruit roll ups
Pringles
Antiques
Crafts
Going over to the church and playing
Matt:
What I Love Most About Grandma:
I love that Grandma was involved in all the truly important parts of our lives: weaning off of nursing, potty training, and riding bikes. Some of my fondest memories include times I spent at Grandma's house. I can still remember her spending so much time making us berets so we could be like army guys.
I love that Grandma always made it a priority to be at the events of our lives. She came to graduations, weddings, and for me, my ordination.
Grandma still cooks me my favorite breakfast...and even cuts it still for me. I don't think I would even know how to cut egg-n-the-hole right now if I had to.
Grandma is so loving. I just love going to any place that she is because I know she is so excited to be with us and it just makes that moment special. Though it's sad, it actually means something to me that she cries every time we leave because it shows how much she loves us.
I could go on and on about all the things I love about her from learning to swim later in life, to getting ordained, to writing books, to her competitiveness with Daniel, to so much more but the thing I love best is her love for God. I have been so blessed to have the examples that both her and Grandpa have been.
I love you Grandma!
Mary
What I love most about Grandma is how she loves.
She has a genuine love for God:
She is always sharing what she and Grandpa are doing in the area of ministry and how God is using them. They are willing to do whatever God calls them to do.
She has a genuine love for her family:
It's so special to see the look on her face during Thanksgiving because she is THRILLED that the family is together and having a good time.
She has a genuine love for life in general :
I think we all saw the pictures on the blog of Grandma playing basketball with the neighbor girl! You can't tell me Grandma doesn't' love life! She is willing to try new things and doesn't let life pass her by.
Grandma, you are wonderful Grandma and I love you!
Chris:
Happy Birthday Grandma! I hope you have a great birthday, and I cant wait for Thanksgiving and for you to meet Jessica. She is very excited to meet you. It gives you one more person to make egg in the hole or coco wheats for. I love you and we all cant wait to see you.
Me (Daniel): The things that I love the most about my mom - her energy, creativity, and innovative spirit - are also the traits that make her most like Grandma. Everybody remembers that when Grandma finally had an empty nest, the first thing she did was buy an electric bass and amp and start rocking. The second thing she did was learn to swim. I kid Grandma a lot about not getting the internet, or computers, but the fact is I remember Grandma becoming the ebay queen long before I even had a personal email account. I love the fact that she's always making things: songs, books, crafts. My mom used to tell us how when she was in school Grandma kept her in the latest fashions by checking out fashion magazines and then hand-making whatever she saw. I remember a table in the old house with rocks frozen in glue (does that table still exist? I want it!), that Grandma had made. Those are the kinds of things I admire about Grandma, but mostly what makes her such a great grandmother is the classic stuff. That she dotes on you and makes you feel like the center of the world (this is particularly true in my case, since I am the favorite grandchild). Everybody luuuuvs Grandma's cooking and desserts, and with good reason. That stuff is GOOD. I love Grandma for taking my jokes in stride and for loving her whole family with such devotion. Happy Birthday Grandma.
It all makes sense now
Some people might not know (except for her boys) that my mom loves to listen to gospel music and ear piercing decibles. When my mom first got her VW Bug, we could hear her coming from a mile away cause the music in her car was so loud. Sometimes, if I had to move her car, we would turn it on only to hear "I fly away oh Glory" and such a high volume, that it threw my equilibrium off and it would take me a few minutes to regain my composure. I would just start hitting every button I could see to make the insanity stop. There is something about hearing the Bill Gather Trio at airplane type volumes that can really effect someone.
Well, Its good to see that some things just never change.
This weekend I went down to Ohio to play in a baseball tournement in Columbus. I stayed at my moms house and had to get up at 6 to get ready to play and drive to Columbus. My mom and Matt were going to go she had to get up at 7 to get ready. I woke up at six and went down to her basement to print off the directions. All of a sudden, I heard gospel music...I figured my mom had gotten into the shower and was listening to music. I couldnt have been more wrong. I went up stairs and saw that my mom was laying in bed, with the stereo pointed right at her face (like a foot away) blasting gospel music as high as the volume would allow her too. This would have killed any normal person. I now understand why my mom is the way she is. :)
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Cole Endorses his Grandmother's Singing
The backstory to this is that when Matthew was a kid, he was not a fan of his mother's singing, and would often ask her to stop, in a very serious manner. I think that life is being kind to her now, because Matthew's son has decided that, hey, her singing's not so bad after all.
Grandma Phyllis writes:
I was babysitting and we finally got Titus to sleep and Cole wanted me to read books to him. As you know three year olds like the same books read over and over.
Grandma Phyllis writes:
I was babysitting and we finally got Titus to sleep and Cole wanted me to read books to him. As you know three year olds like the same books read over and over.
He got some new books from the library and I was excited.
We read a few and then he handed me the one from the library. For whatever reason I thought it would be funny to sing the book to him. So I open it and start singing the words. Almost at once I could feel him sitting by me staring intently...I could see him in my perifial vision. It was all I could do to not laugh. I stole a glance at him and he was staring with his mouth hanging open. I was able to finish the book which I might add was not easy. Getting words to fit tunes on the spot is not my gift. But I made it.
He is still staring at me. I finish, I close the book and look at him and without so much as cracking a twinkle, he deadpan says, "Do it again."
So I did it again. He stared at me through the whole book. WHen I laid the book down at the end he just continued to stare at me. He said, "Do it again."
I pretended I just had to read the other new book __just to get his mind off it.
I think in my mind ___I think I am doing something funny for him.
I think in his mind he is thinking "SHE is nuts and I wonder how many times I can get her to do this."....
But an added funny was that when Matt and Mary got home, he got the book out and started to sing it. Then he wanted Mary to sing it to him.
He is just so funny.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Oh My Aching Back...
A sober email from Matt today:
Friends and Family,
Just to keep you in the loop because a lot of you have asked…
I had x-rays done again this week and I did fracture a vertebrae in my back (tailbone). There’s nothing they can really do. They told me it will just hurt for 6-8 weeks while it heals.
Thanks for your prayers,
MJ
Friends and Family,
Just to keep you in the loop because a lot of you have asked…
I had x-rays done again this week and I did fracture a vertebrae in my back (tailbone). There’s nothing they can really do. They told me it will just hurt for 6-8 weeks while it heals.
Thanks for your prayers,
MJ
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
A Month of First
This has been a month of first at our house. The pictures below will detail some of the "first" and other things that have been going on with our family. Enjoy!
This isn't a first. It's just a cute picture because Cole is going through this phase that he never wants to wear a shirt. Also, can you see Titus' eyes at the bottom of the picture?
I have wanted to buzz Cole's hair all summer because it's so thick but Mary has wanted to wait because she needed to get his three year pictures and Titus' one year pictures that included some with Cole. Once those were done, I had permission to do it. Though I had permission, I didn't set out to buzz his hair. I was going to just try and cut it short using scissors. It was going amazing until I got cocky and made one cut that took a chunk right out of the top right side of his hair. It was too obvious to cover-up so I went to me back up plan...the buzz.
When I got done doing it, I wasn't sure how he would react. I lifted him up so he could see in the mirror, and he just blanky stared...then he let out a big laugh and said, "It's just like Elijah's hair!" (That's one of his friends that has a buzz) So, it is all good. I love it though it makes him look older.
This isn't a first. It's just a cute picture because Cole is going through this phase that he never wants to wear a shirt. Also, can you see Titus' eyes at the bottom of the picture?
This is typical Titus. He is so determined. Though I don't have a picture yet, he is walking now. Before he was walking, we found him on the kitchen table sitting, on the train table sitting, on top of the couch reaching for the cord for the blinds, and many other places he shouldn't have been. He looks innocent, but he is into everything.
This is Titus' first choke...well actually I doubt it is. Another pasttime for us is making sure the boys don't hurt each other or drive each other nuts. Titus gets into all of Cole's toys and Cole in response carries on the Johnson boy tradition of corporal punishment.
Titus' first chair and so Cole got his new one.
You notice, my boys don't sit...they lounge.
You notice, my boys don't sit...they lounge.
First Oreo.
And my favorite...first buzz cut.
I have wanted to buzz Cole's hair all summer because it's so thick but Mary has wanted to wait because she needed to get his three year pictures and Titus' one year pictures that included some with Cole. Once those were done, I had permission to do it. Though I had permission, I didn't set out to buzz his hair. I was going to just try and cut it short using scissors. It was going amazing until I got cocky and made one cut that took a chunk right out of the top right side of his hair. It was too obvious to cover-up so I went to me back up plan...the buzz.When I got done doing it, I wasn't sure how he would react. I lifted him up so he could see in the mirror, and he just blanky stared...then he let out a big laugh and said, "It's just like Elijah's hair!" (That's one of his friends that has a buzz) So, it is all good. I love it though it makes him look older.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
In lue of Uncle Scotts Date video
I made this one for Sepporah.
http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/owner/F06yQumqu9m5fH9l#/view/F06yQumqu9m5fH9l
Friday, September 26, 2008
Jessicas Birthday
Everyone that knows me knows that this is my favoriate time of year, and going to Grandmas for Thanksgiving is the highlight of my year. Well, this years Thanksgiving will have even more meaning to me and bring an even bigger smile to my face. One year ago this coming Thanksgiving is when I met Jessica. Our first date was the day I came home from Grandmas house. I picked her up from her house on the way home and we have been together ever since.
Today is Jessicas Birthday. She turns 30. But today is even a bigger they than just a birthday. Every one knows that Jessica has cystic fybrosis and when she was born, doctors said she would not live past the age 18.....well 12 years after that, here she is. Words cannot express the joy and happiness that Jessica has brought me and Sepporah. For four years (because of my divorce) it was just me and Sepporah. But adding Jessica into my crazy world, has brought much stability to me and Sepporah and has made my house feel like a home. I could not have asked for a better person in my life to help me raise Sepporah. She loves Jessica to death and Jessica treats her like her own.
One of the best memories I have of Jessica, and it may not seem like much to the average person, but Jessica, Sepporah, and I went out to Buffalo Wild Wings one Sunday after church to eat. Sepporah had to go to the bathroom, and for all those years I had to always take her. She always wanted to go to the ladies room, but I couldnt take her in there cause I'm a dude so we always had to go into the mens room. Well when Sepporah had to go to the bathroom, Jessica jumped up and took her. All the girls I had dated up to that point, had nevered offered to take Sepporah and always treated Sepporah as if she was mine and didnt want anything to do with her. So when Jessica jumped up and took her, Sepporah was happy and I knew that Jessica was the one I had been waiting for.
I love you very much Jessica. You mean the world to both me and Sepporah and I thank God everyday that He brought us together. Have a great birthday!! We both love you :)
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
My Birthday Cake
Jessica is going to be mad at me for posting this, but I have to. Its my birthday cake she made for me...the way birthday is put on there is what is so funny. The cake itself was a mexican wedding cake which I ate all of it in about a day. I love you Jess.
3rd Annual Softball Tourney
Every year I go down to Ohio to play in a big christian softball tournement with Matt. I have a lot of fun going down for this tournement cause it allows me to spend the day with Matt and play softball together again. Matt and I used to play all the time for our church when Matt was still here. Once Matt moved I really missed playing with him and playing in this all day tourney allows us to play together again. We always do well, but havent won yet. Hopefully next year. We lost in the semifinals this year. On a side note.....one of best things about plahying with Matt again, is the amount of sarcasm used throughout the day at the expense of the players we play against (dont worry....they cant hear us). Im sorry grandma....but its true.....take the amount of sarcasm me and Matt use on this blog and multiply it by 1000.... its only once a year though so I dont feel bad, cause it is so worth it :)
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Gaddfly on a Wall
This is Steve Gadd, who is producing and drumming on the sessions I'm working on. My job involves sitting about 6 feet from him and the rest of the band while they play all day.
Monday, September 22, 2008
It's Time to Lie
It's Matt here and I want to try something new with my part of the blog. I would like to have some friendly competition while getting to know each other. I am going to have different games between now and Thanksgiving and then at Grandpa and Grandma's house we will give out prizes for the winners.
In each of the games I will need all of your help. First, I will be sending you emails to get the necessary information for the games (so I need you to respond). Second, I will need each of you to actually play the games!
I need a few emails:
Uncle Mark
Aunt Karen
Emily
Nathan
Sarah
If you have any of these, please send them to me.
The first game that I will be emailing you all about is called, "Two Truths and a Lie." The object of the game is to come up with two truths about yourself that either people don't commonly know or are extreme. Then you come up with one lie. Once I have everyone's entries, I will post them and we will all try to guess what the lie is. It's a great way to get to know stuff about people. Start thinking now about what truths you will reveal and what your lie will be (yes Uncle Steve I realize that this is "Pastor Matt" getting people to lie) I hope you're all game to play!
In each of the games I will need all of your help. First, I will be sending you emails to get the necessary information for the games (so I need you to respond). Second, I will need each of you to actually play the games!
I need a few emails:
Uncle Mark
Aunt Karen
Emily
Nathan
Sarah
If you have any of these, please send them to me.
The first game that I will be emailing you all about is called, "Two Truths and a Lie." The object of the game is to come up with two truths about yourself that either people don't commonly know or are extreme. Then you come up with one lie. Once I have everyone's entries, I will post them and we will all try to guess what the lie is. It's a great way to get to know stuff about people. Start thinking now about what truths you will reveal and what your lie will be (yes Uncle Steve I realize that this is "Pastor Matt" getting people to lie) I hope you're all game to play!
Phyllis Johnson Comes Clean
Describe your hairstyle in two words or less.
Geriatric VictoriaBeckem
What is your favorite song?
“His Eye is On the Sparrow”
What is the last thing that totally blew your mind.
How much I loved my boys. I never knew love could be that deep.
How's your love life?
Very, very full! I love lots of wonderful family and friends.
If there's one dessert you could eat until it hurts, what would it be?
Mary Johnson’s cream puffs….and I have eaten them till it hurts! As Daniel so wisely pointed out one day, “Mom your fat cells are always waiting to plumped back up.”
When is your bedtime?
This one is easy. Everyone in my life knows if they call past 9:00__ it better involve an ambulance.
Einstein said: "A table, a chair, a bowl of fruit and a violin. What else does a man need to be happy?" Customize this quote to fit yourself.
“A table with my boys and their loves around it, a chair where I can hold a grandchild, a bowl of hair-bleach, and money from the sale of a great Violin on E-Bay…what else would a this lady need?”
What is your most under appreciated attribute?
My calmness in crisis, my ability to diagnose people, and my wealth of useless information are equally unappreciated.
If you could have any pet, what would it be?
Long haired female Chihuahua named Maude.
How much can you bench press?
I birthed Daniel Johnson.
Quick, how old are Betty and Leroy Thompson?
In light of the fact they were designed for eternity___ pretty young!!
And what are they really doing with all that free time?
Dad is turning up the thermostat. Mom is either clicking on the blog or tormenting truckers (where there is construction on the highway and it is down to one lane), by going exactly the speed limit in front of them.
Will you announce your candidacy this year?
If only I had realized, in time, that the United States needs__ an “Original Maverick”!
My little grease monkey
This weekend I(chris) had to fix the breaks on both mine and Kirstens cars, and change the oil in both of my cars. I was just planning on doing this alone, but once Sepporah saw what I was doing, she immediatley had to be involved. So she came out at first just to sit and watch. But if you know my daughter, sitting and watching is not what she does. You see, Sepporah is like Yoda from the star wars movies. She has to get into everything. So just fixing the breaks and changing the oil became fixing the breaks, changing the oil, and making sure Sepporah didnt destroy anything and lose any of my tools.
At one point during the whole process, Sepporah said to me:
"Dad, look at me"
I turned to see my daughter with my mechanics gloves on, waving her hands in front of her saying in her deepest voice "Im Chris Johnson, I work on cars."
This has been a new thing with her. She did it the other day when I was giving a pitching lesson too. She put my hat and sunglasses on and started saying " Im Chris Johnson. I give pitching lessons."
I laugh pretty hard when she does it, and it makes me so proud that she got my sarcastic sense of humor. Anyways, I wished I had my camera yesterday, cause when it came time to change the oil, Sepporah got underneath the car with me and helped me out by handing me tools and playing with the oil. Dont worry mom and grandma, i made sure the car was on jacks and still had the floor jack underneath it in case anything happend. So you can both start breathing again now.
After it was all done, sepporah was dirty from head to toe, but so happy. She had helped her daddy change the oil and redo the breaks. Its moments like that, that I will cherish forever. Sepporah loves to help me and takes an interest in everything I do.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
New York Update
Yes, Grandma, I am really in New York. I'm in a studio that is in the heart of Time Square. It's bizarre. Lots of walking. I'm bone tired from the long hours and walking, but I'm having a good time and watching some of the best musicians on the planet (Steve Gadd, Andy Fairweather-Lowe, and Pino Paladino) make music. Exciting.
Daniel
Daniel
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
A-Rock-a O-rama
Thought I would post this story. It's the full conversation Claire and I had about politics a few weeks ago:
Today I picked up Claire from her third day of Kindergarten and tried to make small talk. It's like pulling teeth to get any details out of that girl. "How was your day?" "Good?" "Yeah? What did you guys learn?" "About butterflies." "Butterflies? Cool. What about them?" "Just butterflies."
After this went on for a few minutes and dead-ended in silence I turned the radio on for more Obamathon. I don't know why but I still assume that things like news radio are not being picked up on Claire's little anttena. But a few minutes in she announced: "My mama is voting for a-rock-a-o-bama."
"Oh, that's cool. It's actually pronounced BA-rack Obama."
"A-rock-a-o-bama."
"No, BA-rack Obama."
"A-rock-a-o-bama."
"Nevermind. So who are you voting for?"
"I'm not voting for anybody. I'm not old enough. But if I could, I would vote for a-rock-a-o-bama."
"Why? Because your mom is?"
"Yep."
"Is your mom right about everything?"
"Yep."
"More right than me?"
[enthusiastically] "Yep!"
"Fair enough."
[silence]
Claire: "That old guy only cares about rich people."
"That old guy's name is John McCain."
"I know that."
"Why do you call him 'that old guy?'"
"Because he's old."
"True. Well, would you vote for him if he was Santa Claus?"
"But he's not."
"He could be Santa. Nobody knows who Santa really is."
"He's not Santa Claus. He has short hair and no beard."
"Yeah, well, what if he is. I mean, Santa only has to do that job for about a week a year. He could grow his beard around Christmas and cut it the rest of the year. And besides, he's magic."
[she thinks]
Me: "Would you vote for McCain if he was Santa Claus?"
"No."
"Santa Claus! You wouldn't vote for Santa Claus?! After eveything he's done for you?!"
"Nope."
Today I picked up Claire from her third day of Kindergarten and tried to make small talk. It's like pulling teeth to get any details out of that girl. "How was your day?" "Good?" "Yeah? What did you guys learn?" "About butterflies." "Butterflies? Cool. What about them?" "Just butterflies."
After this went on for a few minutes and dead-ended in silence I turned the radio on for more Obamathon. I don't know why but I still assume that things like news radio are not being picked up on Claire's little anttena. But a few minutes in she announced: "My mama is voting for a-rock-a-o-bama."
"Oh, that's cool. It's actually pronounced BA-rack Obama."
"A-rock-a-o-bama."
"No, BA-rack Obama."
"A-rock-a-o-bama."
"Nevermind. So who are you voting for?"
"I'm not voting for anybody. I'm not old enough. But if I could, I would vote for a-rock-a-o-bama."
"Why? Because your mom is?"
"Yep."
"Is your mom right about everything?"
"Yep."
"More right than me?"
[enthusiastically] "Yep!"
"Fair enough."
[silence]
Claire: "That old guy only cares about rich people."
"That old guy's name is John McCain."
"I know that."
"Why do you call him 'that old guy?'"
"Because he's old."
"True. Well, would you vote for him if he was Santa Claus?"
"But he's not."
"He could be Santa. Nobody knows who Santa really is."
"He's not Santa Claus. He has short hair and no beard."
"Yeah, well, what if he is. I mean, Santa only has to do that job for about a week a year. He could grow his beard around Christmas and cut it the rest of the year. And besides, he's magic."
[she thinks]
Me: "Would you vote for McCain if he was Santa Claus?"
"No."
"Santa Claus! You wouldn't vote for Santa Claus?! After eveything he's done for you?!"
"Nope."
Monday, September 15, 2008
NYC
Just so everybody knows, I'm leaving tonight for New York for a few weeks. I'll be assisting an engineer friend of mine recording a record. I should be able to do updates to the blog, but it'll make it a whole lot easier if you guys can give me stuff to post.
That is, of course, if you all enjoy reading this thing...
... and I know you do.
That is, of course, if you all enjoy reading this thing...
... and I know you do.
In case anybody missed this, Stephen posted this in the comments section over the weekend in response to something Phyllis wrote:
When will Steve resume art shows?
Hopefully next year. I am painting again.
Did Kristen move back home
Moving in today--pray for us all. She and Karen are really good friends when not living together.
and how are all the dogs adjusting?
Noisily! The Zoo is overflowing. And the girls are not getting along. The tension is driving us boys nuts. Now add Kristen into the house...
Did Nathan ease back into school?
Ease in? He charged back in. We rarely hear from him--he is in his element at school. He loves it.
What exciting thing is Karen up to with her many interests?
She is consumed with our house right now. I moved furniture yesterday. Not sure why but I just know to do it or I will never get to watch football. Luckily I can get out of real heavy lifting--another benefit of surgery.
When will Steve resume art shows?
Hopefully next year. I am painting again.
Did Kristen move back home
Moving in today--pray for us all. She and Karen are really good friends when not living together.
and how are all the dogs adjusting?
Noisily! The Zoo is overflowing. And the girls are not getting along. The tension is driving us boys nuts. Now add Kristen into the house...
Did Nathan ease back into school?
Ease in? He charged back in. We rarely hear from him--he is in his element at school. He loves it.
What exciting thing is Karen up to with her many interests?
She is consumed with our house right now. I moved furniture yesterday. Not sure why but I just know to do it or I will never get to watch football. Luckily I can get out of real heavy lifting--another benefit of surgery.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Phyllis's Procedure
In keeping with our cancer theme this month on Thompson Madness, I thought everybody should know that my mom had a procedure done today. She just called me after it and seemed fine, although I could tell she was flying high on painkillers (the distinction between my mom high and my mom normal is a thin one, but her sons can tell...).
She said that it will be a few weeks before the biopsy results are in. Here is what she told me earlier in the week:
She said that it will be a few weeks before the biopsy results are in. Here is what she told me earlier in the week:
I went to the dentist a couple of weeks ago, and he saw something in my mouth he wanted me to go see an oral surgeon about. I went today and the surgeon said that I have a lesion on my hard palate that could be either cancer or an autoimmune disease. He told me to make an appointment as soon as possible to have it taken out and biopsied. I am having it done this Friday afternoon [Today].
He said a disease I have never heard of [Necrotizing Sialometaplasia] and I was sort of in shock and didn't ask to many questions. When I got home and googled .hard palate white lesions , I really couldn't find anything about autoimmune disease. So...I won't really know anything until the biopsy comes back, but just didn't want you guys to hear it through the grapevine.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Thompson Madness: The Next Level
Some of you may have noticed that recent posts have been labeled: Posted By Chris Johnson at the bottom. That's because I authorized Chris to post to the blog - and by authorized, I mean I entered his email address in a little box that says he has permission.
This is kind of how I intended the blog to be when I started it. I've never heard of anybody doing a family blog before, but I imagined that once I got everybody used to what kind of content could be on it, and got everybody reading, that I would turn the reins over to everybody to post their own stuff. Until now I've been posting it just to make things simpler.
So... anybody who wants to do their own posting, please let me know and I'll get you set up. It is really, really simple to do. However, I understand that what is simple to me may seem tricky to others (I'm thinking of the effort it took to teach some of you how to sign your names to your comments), and I'm more than happy to keep doing the posting for anybody who wants to just email me files. But long-term, this thing would be a lot cooler if more people got involved posting themselves.
Daniel
This is kind of how I intended the blog to be when I started it. I've never heard of anybody doing a family blog before, but I imagined that once I got everybody used to what kind of content could be on it, and got everybody reading, that I would turn the reins over to everybody to post their own stuff. Until now I've been posting it just to make things simpler.
So... anybody who wants to do their own posting, please let me know and I'll get you set up. It is really, really simple to do. However, I understand that what is simple to me may seem tricky to others (I'm thinking of the effort it took to teach some of you how to sign your names to your comments), and I'm more than happy to keep doing the posting for anybody who wants to just email me files. But long-term, this thing would be a lot cooler if more people got involved posting themselves.
Daniel
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