Our Family Pet

Well, this is one of our pets. We have a Red-Eared Slider Turtle named Jet. Yes, it is ironic and on purpose that we named a slow turtle "Jet". We have a "swamp" near our home. It's actually owned by the school and is used as a learning facility. Phil, Livie and I found him, or her, in the street near the swamp one day and decided to bring him home. Olivia has ALWAYS had a fascination with turtles so she was ecstatic when we said she could keep him. Jet lives in the boys room and it's probably the easiest pet we've had. We even got Jet to eat from our hands.

Shabby Souls

I'm in an online book club with some of my girlfriends and we had our first meeting this past Saturday. Our book club, the Shabby Souls, is on www.Shelfari.com. It's a great web site and resource if you're a reader at any level. We met at Cuppies and Joe in the Paseo district. It's a cute little cupcake and coffee house. I was actually pleasantly surprised at how busy it was. Some of us were meeting for the firt time so we took time to get to know each other. We brought books we were reading or favorite books we had read and shared those. It was a great time and I can't wait for our next meeting. Our members that couldn't make it were missed and I hope they're able to be there next month.

Made with Love From Papa

I know, this is my second post today. The ironic part of it is I hardly get 2 posts in 1 week. Papa Gary made the kids new shelves for their rooms. They were so excited. Parker got his last week and Easton and Olivia got theirs tonight. Gary and Nancy came over tonight to hang them. Phil went into Olivia's room later, after Olivia was asleep, and she had already decorated it. So I decided to show off their shelves and Papa's great workmanship. Thanks Papa and Grandma for the shelves!!!

Parker's Shelf


Easton's Shelf


Olivia's Shelf

40th Anniversary Celebration

I made a slide show of some of the pictures from my parent's 40th Anniversary celebration last weekend. I'm so thankful to everyone that came to help us celebrate. It truly meant a lot to my parent's...they're still talking about it!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Happy 40th Mom & Dad

My parents have been married 40 years today!! They were married January 24, 1969 in Ardmore Oklahoma. They have been blessed with two daughters, Erin & Kelly, and one son, Jace. The lights of their lives are their four grandchildren, Sawyer, Parker, Easton and Olivia.
I am so proud of them and the example they've been to our family. We held a reception in their honor and were so overwhelmed and excited by everyone that came.
Mom & Dad we love you so much and look forward to many more years of love and memories.
Erin did a great job on the slide show for the reception, check it out below.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

It's a Family Affair

Last night Phil and I presented our family with a goal: to save money for a family vacation. Here are the rules: you have the option to donate any money to it you want, once something gets put in you can't take it out, the lid does not come off except to turn in the money, and don't take anyone's money without asking. The kids were SO excited. They were looking all over the house for money to put in. Phil and I brought change from places that we had it for them to put in. Easton even put some of his own money in our fund. We told the kids that once we had some money saved they would also be able to help us decide where we would go. All kinds of places started being called out...deciding where to go may be the hardest part.
I think Phil and I are just as excited about this as the kids. We hope this will not only be something fun for the kids but will teach them about the value of saving money and to be cautious about how they spend money. Also, we want them to be proud of their efforts. Phil has already come up with a few ways they can earn money for the bank. One way is when we go out to eat if we can eat for under a certain amount Phil would add the difference to the bank. If you've got any other ideas for us we'd love to hear them.
As our bank fills we'll add pictures and let you know how things are going. We'll also let you know where we decide to go for vacation.

Buzz Consulting

Phil started his own business, Buzz Consulting, with Ellen Bebout. I am very proud of him and know they will be successful. I've always known he had the talent and smarts for this and with the addition of Ellen they are solid. They don't only provide computer consulting but day-to-day business consulting. Here is their web-site, www.buzzcc.com, they are constantly making changes so keep checking back. If you know anyone who could use their services or just might like to call them, please pass along the web site.

From a Charge to a Spark

This is the title of Parker's Science Fair project. We had to turn it in today for the district fair. We're so proud of Parker. This project was really a family effort so I guess we all have a stake in it. We'll let you know the outcome when we find out. Phil took this picture of Parker with his project today after they went to set it up. Good luck Park!!

Happy 14th Anniversary

I can hardly believe we've been married 14 years. I remember so well our courtship and the first few years of marriage and the giddiness I felt towards Phil. We've been through many things in our marriage but God has brought us through to the other side. Even though the giddiness may be gone it has been replaced with a deeper love and respect for Phil. He's always been an excellent provider for our family, wonderful father to our children, and a husband who has stayed devoted to me and our marriage. I am very thankful for the past 14 years but I also look forward to the blessings that await us. Phil, I love you yesterday, today, and tomorrow!! Love, Kelly

Our Little Gymnast

Olivia started gymnastics at a new gym Monday, Star Gymnastics. She was so excited, that's all she talked about all weekend. Her BFF Aubree is in the same class. I think it'll be good; they'll push each other. I took a couple of pics...I'll try to get more later. We'll need to record her progress for her Olympic debut...hehe!!

Olivia and Aubree in their matching leotards. The funny thing is they weren't together when we bought them and didn't know the other one had it. Too cute!!

The girls stretching!!

Olivia perfecting her back-bend!! You go girl!!

Cowboy Cookies by Laura Bush

I made these cookies for the Cowboys vs Ducks game last Tuesday night. The game didn't turn out like we wanted but the cookies were a hit. Several people asked for the recipe so I thought I would share with all. They are so yummy!! Enjoy!!

2008 Year in Review

Every year is always full of surprises and usually never goes like planned. We quit trying to plan and just see where God takes us; he has never let us down!

1. All the kids started all day public school. I really felt like this was a milestone in my life.
2. I (Kelly) had my Chesapeake career that lasted all of about 2 months. Wasn't for me.
3. I got a job at LSI/Shipley Assoc. with perfect hours for me and my family...9am-3:15pm.
4. Phil quit his job at the bank of almost 6 years and started Buzz Consulting Company...anyone need their computers fixed?
5. Parker started playing competitive soccer in MWC.
6. Easton broke his arm.
7. I coached Easton and Olivia's soccer team...The Lightning.
8. Parker won an award for his Science Fair Project and gets to advance to the district level.
9. Parker cut his long hair.
10. I changed my hair color to a dark reddish brown.

Okay, so some things are a bigger deal than others. We are just thankful for good health, family and friends. We look forward to what 2009 will bring.

2008 Christmas Album

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

2008 Thompson5 Christmas Card

Make a Smilebox greeting

Quit looking in the mailbox...we did not get Christmas cards sent out this year. I think every year it gets harder and harder for me to accomplish the things I plan to do. But we hope you enjoy this Christmas card!

Christmas Memories

My friend Nicole, who is an awesome blogger, reminded me of something so I'm going to take you down memory lane for a bit...
Dec 16th, 1989 was Phil and my first date. We went to see Christmas Vacation at the Almonte theater in SOKC. Phil has a whole other side to this story about the events that led to him asking me out but I doubt I can get him on here to tell about them. Anyway, Phil picked me up at my house and knew right away that my dad liked him because he put his hamburger down to shake his hand (Phil's words). I still find that so funny. I can still remember what I wore...a cream colored shirt with burgundy flowers that I borrowed from my best friend Beth, thanks Beth!! Ha!! After the movie, another friend of mine, Shonda, apparently was there watching it too. Okay, let me just preface this story with ~if you know Shonda you'll understand the hilarity of this~ as Phil and I were walking out of the movie I see Shonda and she runs up screaming laughing that she was once attacked by a squirrel and that part of the movie reminded her of that. This was Phil's first encounter of many with Shonda. I guess if that didn't scare him off my spell must have worked...ha!! But really that was probably the most accurate picture of how my friends and I were. We were pretty crazy. Later on we found out that Phil's best friend Jason and his girlfriend were sitting behind us during the movie, spying! I guess that's a friend who truly "has your back!" Okay, moving on...Phil decided to drive around to look at Christmas lights. While we were in the car it became extremely hot. Phil kept telling me that if I was hot I could turn the heat down. I was about to melt but I AM NOT going to mess with the controls in his car...HELLO!! it was our first date!! He thought I was cold because I held my coat in my lap. After the Christmas lights we went to Braums for a drink. The only thing I really remember about that was I was trying to talk to him and drink at the same time and I ended up sticking my straw up my nose. That was embarrassing but I'm not even sure he saw that!
Looking back on our first date really floods in a lot of good memories. I'm sure I'll share more with you later on down the road. I still give him a hard time for not taking me to dinner...hehe. This reminds me of who Phil is and how in a lot of ways he's still the same 'ole Phil. We've had some great times and some not so great times but I'm so blessed and thankful for Phil and our life together. I pray we grow old together and are that cute little couple who you always see holding hands.
I hope you all have a Very Merry Christmas and look back on the blessings of your life.

As Sure as the Dawn Review

Well, I have finally finished the last of three books in the Mark of the Lion series, As Sure as the Dawn. I loved all three of these books. I truly feel like my faith has increased through these books. The first two, A Voice in the Wind and An Echo in the Darkness were definitely my favorites...I gave them both 5 stars. As Sure as the Dawn I gave 4 stars. I think the only reason I didn't give this one as high of a rating was because of the element of the supernatural. Don't get me wrong, I believe anything can happen where God is concerned but the ending of this book did not fit with the beginning or the previous books in the series. This book has a more dark tone that was a little distracting for me. I would still recommend this book, especially if you've already read the first two.
To sum it up, it's about an ex-Roman Gladiator who wins his freedom, finds his child who is now in the care of a Christian woman he has never met, and decides to take his new "family" back to his home in Germania. A lot of the book is their travel. The last half is their life with his family with extremely different value system who have never heard of Jesus. It is very inspirational and will change your strength in your faith!

First Annual Oakcrest Christmas Program

This year our church had its first ever Christmas Program. Some of the adults and children sang a contemporary collection of Christmas music. It was really beautiful. They performed it Friday evening and during Sunday morning worship. We had several people representing our families...my mom, Easton, Olivia, and Sawyer. They all did a really good job. Easton had a verse to read~~He Rocked!! Olivia, well there's always a story that goes along with one of my kids and it's her this time. Apparently while they were warming up Olivia started having a fight with her panty hose. My mom was back with her not sure if she would go out and perform. Well, we got her out there and she was miserable. I have some video of it...you'll have to check it out. She finally came around the second half. Easton is the performer in the family. He is very into what he's doing!! Papa Jim bribed Livie for the Sunday program...$10 if she could stand still and sing. She came through but couldn't wait to get her hands on that money!! Ha!! Here are a few pics; I'll have to post the video tomorrow...Enjoy!!!

Liv & Aub--Beautiful Girls


Notice Olivia...


Easton giving his speaking part! He did so good!


Olivia and Easton


Easton's friend Alyssa came to watch him on Friday!


Representing the Family!!


This is the girls for the Sunday performance. Notice Liv's dress, Nancy made it...Beautiful!!

We've Been Elfed!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Happy Birthday Easton!!

SEVEN!!!! My little boy is seven years old today!! He is his own person and I love that about him. I think that's where he gets his charm from.
Easton decided to have his birthday party at The Warren Theatre in Moore; we saw Bolt in 3D. We had a good time and the movie was cute.

Yummy Dinner!

I made a REALLY yummy and easy dinner last night. I kind of made it up but I'm sure someone out there has made it before. Whatever...I'm going to share it anyway!! Hehe!!

Pesto Chicken
Chicken breast, pounded; how ever many you need to feed your family
3 oz cream cheese
1 cup Pesto, I used Sauces'n Love from Sams
Pound the chicken flat. Cut about 1/4" thick piece of cream cheese and lay on the chicken. Spread the prepared Pesto over the cream cheese and chicken. Roll the chicken up and secure with a tooth pick. Place in the bottom of a lightly greased baking dish. Cook at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. I added mozzerela cheese on top but if you do make sure you don't put it on until there is about 5 minutes left in baking.

Let me know if you try this...it is so yummy and the family really liked it as well!!