Happy birthday to my Preston. His birthday was on December 31, New Year's Eve! Preston is 12 this year. I can't believe that he has grown up so fast. He was sustained to be a Deacon on Sunday and gets to pass the sacrament next Sunday.
Preston was due January 9th, but I was started because my doctor was going on vacation and she wanted to be there for his delivery. Plus Preston was just getting too big. Preston was born at 8:41 pm weighing 8 lbs. 3 oz. and 19 inches long. That my not seem big but after Alex only being 7 lbs, but 1 more pound made quite a difference. Also, Preston had to make things difficult from the very beginning. He decided to come out face-up! I think I pushed for almost 2 hours, but it was worth it when I saw that little face. What a joy he has been his whole life. I love you Preston for all that you are and I am very lucky to have you as a son.
Preston was able to have a birthday party this year. Usually things are too crazy and Preston gets left behind with no party. We let Preston have 3 friends over for a New Year's Eve/Birthday party. They watched movies and played Wii, had pizza, snacks and lots of fun. His friends got him a basketball hoop for the back of the bedroom door and a $15 gift card to iTunes. I think that they had lots of fun.
Happy Birthday Preston. I know that you will have a great 2010!
Live Simply, Love Deeply, Speak Kindly
Monday, January 4, 2010
Friday, January 1, 2010
KISS'ed by Facebook
During 2009 the Chinese celebrated the Year of the Cow, while the rest of the world braced for the influenza virus born from pigs. Here at the Thompson home, we were not excited about any animals with the exception of the family dog. However, we did have some exciting and life altering experiences. Looking back at the big events for the Thompson family, one that certainly stands out is the introduction to the on-line social networking site called Facebook. Another big event was getting to meet and hang-out with the rock group KISS. But these are just a few examples. Keep reading to learn what each Thompson family member did this year.
Randy Thompson – Father (a.k.a. “The Other Child”)
My year started off like every other year. I was working as a Sr. Training Delivery Manager at Convergys Corp. while going to school at night for my Masters Degree in Education. In January I sold my beloved Mustang for a new ‘09 F-150 truck. February and March was filled with coaching basketball. Then in April, Tricia introduced me to this hot new thing called Facebook. Soon, she left me alone to search for people I had not seen nor heard from in years. I instantly became addicted. It was surreal getting caught up with friends and acquaintances from years past and experiencing all of the old thoughts and feelings that time had forgotten.
In May, while Facebook was causing a firestorm in my personal life, I was also in the process of making life altering decisions with my career. In need of a change, and with no other job prospects on the horizon, I resigned my position at Convergys in hopes of entering into a career as an educator. The fear of being jobless in a failing economy combined with other concerns in my life caused a roller coaster ride of emotions.
June and July came with increasing challenges, personally, professionally, and spiritually. I was asked to stay on longer with Convergys to work on a special project, which paid well, but the budget did not allow for the position to become permanent. Once again, I was faced with the possibility of being without a job. I escaped my problems and found refuge by spending several days in Yellowstone National Park as well as hiking to the top of Ben Lomond Peak and navigating the Virgin River Narrows of Zion Canyon. However, nothing helped more than the unconditional love and support of my wife. She helped me to rediscover that God has a plan for all of us and that he is there to listen and help us work through our problems, which is exactly what I did.
My last day with Convergys, scheduled for July 20th, came quickly and I was now in unchartered territory. As fate would have it, a former boss of mine brought to my attention an open position with the IT department. I didn’t have all of the skills required for the job, and it seemed a waste of time pursuing, but it was in a field that interested me, so I submitted my resume. With a lot of prayer and help from the man upstairrs, I was offered the job two weeks after my last day with the company. The Sr. Business Analyst position was the answer to my prayers and exactly what I needed in my life. In addition, my employer agreed to pay my tuition expenses if I changed my Masters program to a degree in Information Systems, which I agreed to do and will finish next year.
After surviving the summer months, the rest of the year was filled with a renewed sense of purpose. In addition to the excitement for my new job, I was delighted with a new studio album from my favorite music group KISS. But that was nothing compared to the surprise my wife gave me, which was a backstage pass and front row seats to their concert in Las Vegas. It was an experience I will never forget.
At the end of the day, the love for my family and my testimony of the gospel has never been stronger. I have also come to appreciate the phrase “what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.”
Tricia Thompson – Mother (a.k.a. “CEO of the Thompson Home”)
Like me, Tricia has been working very hard all year; both at home and at work. Some days I don’t know how she does it, but she is like the little energizer bunny that just keeps going and going. She continues to do well at her job with America First Credit Union and has received a couple of advancements in her levels within the organization. While Tricia could easily be a full-time mom, she enjoys getting out of the house and being with adults. The additional play money is nice too!
Somehow Tricia managed to escape the Facebook bug and has been immune to some of its addicting features. However, she enjoys doing Farmtown, Farmville, CafeWorld, Fishworld, What-Can-I-Play-Next World, etc. Did I mention that she was not addicted? Let me rephrase. She is addicted to the games. But she always finds time to do the things she loves to do, which is to Scrapbook, sing, scrapbook, do crafty stuff, and scrapbook. Oh, did I mention that she likes to scrapbook?
Like me, Tricia unfortunately has had her emotional ups and downs this year as well. In addition to dealing with my issues, Tricia lost her best friend, Tracie Gilbert, on September 2nd. To make things worse, she lost her Grandpa Dearden on September 17th. It was a painful time for her, but I am so glad that I was there to support and love her through those difficult weeks.
The rest of the year has been good for Tricia. She enjoyed watching me and my excitement for the KISS concert and just being the best mom she can for her kids. She truly appreciates me for who I am and is the best wife any man could ask for.
Alex Thompson – Son (a.k.a. “The Teenager”)
Alex has had an exciting year this year. He started off as a sixth-grader at Lomond View Elementary and is now a big seventh-grader at Orion Junior High. It has been a bit nostalgic for me watching him go to stomps and doing things with his friends like I used to do.
At school Alex has been getting excellent grades on top of playing soccer with AYSO and participating in Boy Scout activities. I continue to teach Alex how to play the guitar, which he enjoys very much. Alex has a lot of friends at school and is much more competitive than I ever was at that age. He is such a good example to the other young men at school and at church. My only fear is that he is almost as tall as I am and will soon surpass me in both height and weight. I just wish he would stop borrowing my clothes.
Preston Thompson – Son (a.k.a. “The Comedian)
Watch out world, Preston is going to knock you off your feet. Preston may be short, but what he lacks in height he makes up for in wit. Preston has the ability to find something humorous in anything that happens and we all find ourselves laughing around the dinner table at many of the things he says and does.
Preston started his last year at Lomond View Elementary and is ruling the school. Like Alex, Preston has a lot of friends in school and is doing well with his grades. Preston played recreation basketball earlier in the year and also enjoys playing baseball. Preston has also caught the Facebook bug and spends a lot of time talking with friends and playing games.
Connor Thompson – Son (a.k.a. “The Challenger”)
Every family has to have one; the challenger. The one that tests your abilities as a parent and makes you question why you got into parenthood in the first place. But they are also the one that makes you laugh and cry all at the same time. That is our Connor and we love him for all that he is.
Connor has had a good year this year as well. He has enjoyed being in third grade and playing with his friends. The big news for Connor is that he was baptized in February. He was so excited to have me baptize him and talked about it weeks before and after the event. Connor really enjoyed our camping trip to Yellowstone, although he was a bit scared hiking down Elephant Back Mountain in a blizzard.
Jonah Thompson – Son (a.k.a. “The Perfectionist”)
Some kids inherit their dad’s eyes or nose. Jonah inherited my need to have things perfect. If he doesn’t get his way, he will be sure to let you know. The big news for Jonah is that he started Kindergarten this year. It has been fun watching Jonah get excited about school and doing his homework. Jonah was also fun to watch this year for Christmas as he was probably the most excited and anxious out of the whole family.
Jonah is just a delight to have as a son. He loves to play with his sister Emma and big brother Connor. Jonah tries so hard to be a big boy and he just makes it fun to be a parent. Jonah is my little man who is growing up way too fast.
Emma Thompson – Daughter (a.k.a. “The Princess”)
Emma gives the phrase “spoiled rotten” a whole new meaning. My wife doesn’t know it yet, but Emma secretly rules the home. Her brothers and I find ourselves doing exactly what she tells us to do before we even realize it.
Our little princess has had a great year as well. Emma successfully made the transition from attending daycare at Creative Times in Riverdale to Casper’s in North Ogden, which has made it possible for me to avoid Riverdale Road completely unless absolutely necessary. Other than that, she has acquired more dresses than the Queen Mum and has more toys than the big man himself (Santa Clause…just in case you were wondering).
Happy New Year from the Thompson Family!
Randy Thompson – Father (a.k.a. “The Other Child”)
My year started off like every other year. I was working as a Sr. Training Delivery Manager at Convergys Corp. while going to school at night for my Masters Degree in Education. In January I sold my beloved Mustang for a new ‘09 F-150 truck. February and March was filled with coaching basketball. Then in April, Tricia introduced me to this hot new thing called Facebook. Soon, she left me alone to search for people I had not seen nor heard from in years. I instantly became addicted. It was surreal getting caught up with friends and acquaintances from years past and experiencing all of the old thoughts and feelings that time had forgotten.
In May, while Facebook was causing a firestorm in my personal life, I was also in the process of making life altering decisions with my career. In need of a change, and with no other job prospects on the horizon, I resigned my position at Convergys in hopes of entering into a career as an educator. The fear of being jobless in a failing economy combined with other concerns in my life caused a roller coaster ride of emotions.
June and July came with increasing challenges, personally, professionally, and spiritually. I was asked to stay on longer with Convergys to work on a special project, which paid well, but the budget did not allow for the position to become permanent. Once again, I was faced with the possibility of being without a job. I escaped my problems and found refuge by spending several days in Yellowstone National Park as well as hiking to the top of Ben Lomond Peak and navigating the Virgin River Narrows of Zion Canyon. However, nothing helped more than the unconditional love and support of my wife. She helped me to rediscover that God has a plan for all of us and that he is there to listen and help us work through our problems, which is exactly what I did.
My last day with Convergys, scheduled for July 20th, came quickly and I was now in unchartered territory. As fate would have it, a former boss of mine brought to my attention an open position with the IT department. I didn’t have all of the skills required for the job, and it seemed a waste of time pursuing, but it was in a field that interested me, so I submitted my resume. With a lot of prayer and help from the man upstairrs, I was offered the job two weeks after my last day with the company. The Sr. Business Analyst position was the answer to my prayers and exactly what I needed in my life. In addition, my employer agreed to pay my tuition expenses if I changed my Masters program to a degree in Information Systems, which I agreed to do and will finish next year.
After surviving the summer months, the rest of the year was filled with a renewed sense of purpose. In addition to the excitement for my new job, I was delighted with a new studio album from my favorite music group KISS. But that was nothing compared to the surprise my wife gave me, which was a backstage pass and front row seats to their concert in Las Vegas. It was an experience I will never forget.
At the end of the day, the love for my family and my testimony of the gospel has never been stronger. I have also come to appreciate the phrase “what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.”
Tricia Thompson – Mother (a.k.a. “CEO of the Thompson Home”)
Like me, Tricia has been working very hard all year; both at home and at work. Some days I don’t know how she does it, but she is like the little energizer bunny that just keeps going and going. She continues to do well at her job with America First Credit Union and has received a couple of advancements in her levels within the organization. While Tricia could easily be a full-time mom, she enjoys getting out of the house and being with adults. The additional play money is nice too!
Somehow Tricia managed to escape the Facebook bug and has been immune to some of its addicting features. However, she enjoys doing Farmtown, Farmville, CafeWorld, Fishworld, What-Can-I-Play-Next World, etc. Did I mention that she was not addicted? Let me rephrase. She is addicted to the games. But she always finds time to do the things she loves to do, which is to Scrapbook, sing, scrapbook, do crafty stuff, and scrapbook. Oh, did I mention that she likes to scrapbook?
Like me, Tricia unfortunately has had her emotional ups and downs this year as well. In addition to dealing with my issues, Tricia lost her best friend, Tracie Gilbert, on September 2nd. To make things worse, she lost her Grandpa Dearden on September 17th. It was a painful time for her, but I am so glad that I was there to support and love her through those difficult weeks.
The rest of the year has been good for Tricia. She enjoyed watching me and my excitement for the KISS concert and just being the best mom she can for her kids. She truly appreciates me for who I am and is the best wife any man could ask for.
Alex Thompson – Son (a.k.a. “The Teenager”)
Alex has had an exciting year this year. He started off as a sixth-grader at Lomond View Elementary and is now a big seventh-grader at Orion Junior High. It has been a bit nostalgic for me watching him go to stomps and doing things with his friends like I used to do.
At school Alex has been getting excellent grades on top of playing soccer with AYSO and participating in Boy Scout activities. I continue to teach Alex how to play the guitar, which he enjoys very much. Alex has a lot of friends at school and is much more competitive than I ever was at that age. He is such a good example to the other young men at school and at church. My only fear is that he is almost as tall as I am and will soon surpass me in both height and weight. I just wish he would stop borrowing my clothes.
Preston Thompson – Son (a.k.a. “The Comedian)
Watch out world, Preston is going to knock you off your feet. Preston may be short, but what he lacks in height he makes up for in wit. Preston has the ability to find something humorous in anything that happens and we all find ourselves laughing around the dinner table at many of the things he says and does.
Preston started his last year at Lomond View Elementary and is ruling the school. Like Alex, Preston has a lot of friends in school and is doing well with his grades. Preston played recreation basketball earlier in the year and also enjoys playing baseball. Preston has also caught the Facebook bug and spends a lot of time talking with friends and playing games.
Connor Thompson – Son (a.k.a. “The Challenger”)
Every family has to have one; the challenger. The one that tests your abilities as a parent and makes you question why you got into parenthood in the first place. But they are also the one that makes you laugh and cry all at the same time. That is our Connor and we love him for all that he is.
Connor has had a good year this year as well. He has enjoyed being in third grade and playing with his friends. The big news for Connor is that he was baptized in February. He was so excited to have me baptize him and talked about it weeks before and after the event. Connor really enjoyed our camping trip to Yellowstone, although he was a bit scared hiking down Elephant Back Mountain in a blizzard.
Jonah Thompson – Son (a.k.a. “The Perfectionist”)
Some kids inherit their dad’s eyes or nose. Jonah inherited my need to have things perfect. If he doesn’t get his way, he will be sure to let you know. The big news for Jonah is that he started Kindergarten this year. It has been fun watching Jonah get excited about school and doing his homework. Jonah was also fun to watch this year for Christmas as he was probably the most excited and anxious out of the whole family.
Jonah is just a delight to have as a son. He loves to play with his sister Emma and big brother Connor. Jonah tries so hard to be a big boy and he just makes it fun to be a parent. Jonah is my little man who is growing up way too fast.
Emma Thompson – Daughter (a.k.a. “The Princess”)
Emma gives the phrase “spoiled rotten” a whole new meaning. My wife doesn’t know it yet, but Emma secretly rules the home. Her brothers and I find ourselves doing exactly what she tells us to do before we even realize it.
Our little princess has had a great year as well. Emma successfully made the transition from attending daycare at Creative Times in Riverdale to Casper’s in North Ogden, which has made it possible for me to avoid Riverdale Road completely unless absolutely necessary. Other than that, she has acquired more dresses than the Queen Mum and has more toys than the big man himself (Santa Clause…just in case you were wondering).
Happy New Year from the Thompson Family!
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