tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47321837521917921262024-03-05T00:37:53.850-06:00the road goes ever on and on...Katie Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488667162826373702noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732183752191792126.post-51031934876106138702009-11-30T10:39:00.001-06:002009-11-30T10:40:25.681-06:00You know you cried a lot yesterday when your eyes are still swollen and burning today.Katie Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488667162826373702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732183752191792126.post-67309946255630560522009-11-25T21:29:00.004-06:002009-11-25T21:47:59.698-06:00waitingthe road goes ever on and on<br />and on<br />i don't even know where i'm going<br />i have no run, no walk, no crawl<br />only breath<br />and it hurts to breathe<br />my chest contracts<br />and there is pain<br />it never seems to stop<br />i am always waiting<br />for it to stop<br />waiting and waiting<br />there are no days, no hours, no minutes,<br />only moments upon moments<br />i am forgetting what it is like<br />to live without the pain<br />i feel ridiculous<br />living with an invisible illness<br />speaking of aches when my organs work inside of me<br />but there is no cure for this disease<br />it is a cancer of the soul<br />and too many times it is eating me alive<br />burning the flesh of my heart<br />why oh why won't it stop<br />i treat it, i medicate it, i talk about it<br />i pretend it is not there<br />but it is not tolerable<br />it is not enough to know that the worst will pass<br />eventually<br />it is not enough because i know it will return<br />and i am afraid<br />to believe<br />to breathe<br />to live<br />to hope<br />to dream<br />to love<br />to do more than be<br /><br />but i believe...in God<br />and i breathe...one breath at a time<br />and i live...for my family<br />and i hope...for heaven<br />and i dream...about a good day<br />and i love...the One who loves me<br />and i do...<br />wait<br /><br /><br /><br />Psalm 130:12 Even the darkness is not dark to You, And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You.Katie Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488667162826373702noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732183752191792126.post-84642992673289824422009-11-20T20:43:00.001-06:002009-11-20T20:44:28.812-06:00i wish i could tell you how sorry i am<br />for what i took from you<br />it never was mine to take<br />never.Katie Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488667162826373702noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732183752191792126.post-66291117203560908672009-10-13T10:48:00.001-05:002009-10-13T10:49:09.315-05:00fyiI've given almost no thought to continuing my education since my last post...<br /><br />Dreams come and go, don't they? I know that one will definitely return, though :)Katie Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488667162826373702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732183752191792126.post-28594088425085324822009-08-24T15:24:00.002-05:002009-08-24T15:29:39.189-05:00continuing education?I'm thinking of taking some classes online next year. Do you know I only have four semesters of college? I didn't know what I was doing the first time around. I mean, for goodness' sake I was only seventeen when I started school. Who knows how much of those semesters is worth anything now.<br /><br />Anyway, I've been thinking of how old I would want the kids to be before I start back, but someone reminded me today that online classes are available. Wouldn't that be funny if the kids and I were all doing our schoolwork at the same time?<br /><br />I wonder what I would study? English, literature, psychology, biblical studies, history...I really don't know. Some of you know me pretty well...what's your opinion?Katie Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488667162826373702noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732183752191792126.post-81522022041152267122009-08-21T11:43:00.003-05:002009-08-21T11:54:17.110-05:00anonymity (spellcheck)Who new anyone would still be reading? Thanks, friends.<br /><br />Last night I saw Taming of the Shrew at Shakespeare in the Park, by myself. I've found in the past three years that this is something I really enjoy seeing on my own. Not many people love Shakespeare, and I've always done a pretty decent job at interpreting his quirky language. I like to go early with a book and some dinner and enjoy the anonymity of sitting in a crowd where no one (usually) knows me. Sometimes I wonder what they think when they see me. Do they see someone who is enjoying her time alone? Or do they think, "poor girl, no one to talk to". Do you ever wonder what impressions strangers have of you? It's just a curiosity. Do they look at your clothes? your stuff? your expressions? When my kids aren't there to define me, my husband, my friends, my church, my hobbies...how do you judge a book WITHOUT a cover?Katie Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488667162826373702noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732183752191792126.post-53634412072997432002009-08-19T16:32:00.003-05:002009-08-19T16:47:37.604-05:00so long, so longWow, more than four months since I've posted anything (or checked anyone else's blog...sorry!)<br /><br />Still, here I am, mostly out of boredom. The quick update is that my health is finally, truly stable. The summer was full of VBS planning. Now we're back in the school thing. My world the past couple of weeks has consisted of mathematics, a daydreaming eight year old, an extremely talkative ten year old, laundry, dishes, a couple of books, and other various daily chores. Facebook has become my link to the outer world.<br /><br />Can you tell I'm a little bored? I feel kind of bad about that. I mean, I'm a homeschooling mom, for Pete's sake. I chose to be in this house for more hours than most of my friends are in theirs. I try to remind myself that our out-of-the-house school routine hasn't started yet (PE, tutorial, girl and cub scouts, c'group), so things will probably get better in a couple of weeks. I'll probably be ready to kill for some quiet time at home by then!<br /><br />Anyway, I guess I'm here because I've missed writing. I didn't even know until just now. I like the way it feels to tap away at my laptop, writing a continuous train of thought. <br /><br />I find it hard to be fully mom and fully me at the same time. Writing is part of me, not the mom. So when I'm tired of being the mom (you know what I mean), then I crave more me time. So I've shopped, been to the movies, dressed like a teenager, and now I'm writing. For some reason it feels dark and secretive to write. I like that part of myself, even though I know it's utter nonsense to think that the fact that I like to write has to be kept a secret. Where did I ever pick up that idea? My counselor has some theories...<br /><br />Maybe I ought to be giving updates on my kids, or my husband, or church life, or my many crafty projects. But instead, I just feel like being the "other" me, just for a few minutes.<br /><br />See, now I'm done. I can get Jane's clothes out of the dryer, put clean sheets on the bed, clear the table for the new family puzzle we'll start tonight, and go to Shoney's with my folks for dinner. I can be...<br /><br />you know what I really am? A social introvert. Not a term Myers-Briggs has, but I made up up for myself. So I'm off to be social and interact with the real world.<br /><br />If you read this far, you must be a true friend.Katie Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488667162826373702noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732183752191792126.post-8906002804449605872009-04-07T09:58:00.002-05:002009-04-07T09:59:54.543-05:00Today I am remembering all over again the feelings that only motherhood has brought to my life: excruciating joy.<br /><br />Happy Birthday, Jane Louise Thompson.<br /><br />My light, my joy...Katie Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488667162826373702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732183752191792126.post-84439171717675614372009-02-20T16:43:00.002-06:002009-02-20T16:45:23.488-06:00M.I.A.Well, clearly I have not disappeared. But I must confess to you, Blogspot, that I've been seeing someone else...Facebook. <br /><br />If you have a blog, please forgive me. I have not looked at blogs in at least a month. I'll catch up soon.Katie Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488667162826373702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732183752191792126.post-27236778364397690502009-02-01T21:40:00.001-06:002009-02-01T21:40:26.174-06:00God Will Win.Katie Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488667162826373702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732183752191792126.post-74524863849193669532009-01-30T17:56:00.001-06:002009-01-30T17:56:21.786-06:00play time<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">It's Friday. The power is out in the neighborhood for some reason. I'm tapping away at a solitaire game on the laptop while the kids have toys spread out in the living room. I start hearing bits and pieces of their playing and realize nothing could be more impossible to follow. When I start taking notes, there's something going on with Indiana Jones, Anakin Skywalker, and the Secret Service.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J:He disguises himself as a gold miner</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S:Be ready for any of his tricks</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J:But they don't know</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S:Jane, I can play anyway I want, right mom? See?</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J:I'm using this as a metal detector and also as a ghost shooter</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S:Oh yeah, I have a ghost buster extreme. It can make ghosts, too. Ah, Ah, Ah.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J:What?</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S:My guy has secret ammo, and he's covering it up. Look he's covering it up.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J:You said that twice you know.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S:Hey, we'll be on your team if you do one thing. Attack them</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J:No, Stephen, they don't know</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S:Find out where they live</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J:My guys have a very odd house. No one goes up here but my guys because it was said to be haunted</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S:They agreed.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J:Hi there</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S:What do you want? Hey it's the kid with the freckles!</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J:It's my guys</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S:He attacked our place. He intruded!</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J:No that's a different guy. There's another kid with freckles, he's my evil twin.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S:Get him, we'll load him in the...&*$#^@&*!!!! Get outta here you!</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J:We were just going to ask you something!</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S:Jane, I think your thumb is bleeding</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J:No it's from my fingernail polish. We were just going to ask for passage through your lands to search for the bad guys</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S:no they've joined us</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J: well, can I still have passage? Stephen look...okay, pause game</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">silence</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S:wow the game really was paused</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J:okay play</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S:Yaaah! Get back here!!</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J:no</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S:We must have more cover</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Jane pretends to toss pillow onto his toys</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S: Nooooooo!!!!</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J: I was just joking</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S: choking?</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J: j-j-j-joking</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S:get the police</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J:we are the police</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S:yeah the space police</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J:well they are also the regular police</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S:no!</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J:I can play however I want</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S:police, police someone intruded in our land! And he nearly destroyed our fort</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J: (singing)do-do-do-do-do</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S:do you hear me? *&^%$ aaaah, puh, kush!</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J:beep beep.... no it's just a dime again</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S:yo! no intruding in their land</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J:according to the law you cannot arrest children</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S:then I'll arrest you mom and dad</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J:don't have nay</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S: then I'll arrest your alien</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J: he's a kid too</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S: President! Can you change the law that kids can't be arrested? New law! You can arrest kids</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J: That's not fair. I'm only 10</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S: How old is your brother?</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J:12</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S:I wont' allow you todothat</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J: I'm police</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S: one shot of this gun can destroy your motorcycle</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J: the guns are on fire!</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S: Not fair!</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J: yes it is</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S: (shooting noises)</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J:then my guys are going to the hidden mountains, and nobody else can come there</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S:they'll never escape, they'll never get away with that </span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J: Stephen only my guys know it's not haunted</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">a few moments of silence</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S: pretend she was stealing dinosaurs from a museum</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J: tick tock...jinx! Stephen</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">S:Thanks. mom I have a country style clock. Guess what it says tickatockatickatocka Jinx! Jane</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">J: It's the government acquisition that puts me in a bad position</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">What else can I say?</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>Katie Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488667162826373702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732183752191792126.post-85608331940178604592009-01-27T20:45:00.000-06:002009-01-27T20:46:18.512-06:00What do you do...when you are really angry with someone?Katie Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488667162826373702noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732183752191792126.post-30207481920521334852009-01-21T16:47:00.002-06:002009-01-21T16:56:26.824-06:00I'm avoiding stuff...Like taking a shower, baking brownies for community group snack, helping the kids clean their rooms, moving the laundry, cooking dinner, and I'm sure I'm missing something. ALL of this is supposed to be done in the next 70 minutes. A lot of times I work well under pressure, but that's usually for stuff outside the home: weddings, church projects, helping a friend. But when there's a deadline at home, I sometimes just fade into nothing. Just hanging out waiting for a burst of energy that only occasionally shows up. So if I'm going to waste time, I might as well blog, which I so rarely do anymore. <br /><br />Sometimes writing is energizing. Sometimes it's depressing. But confession is always good for the soul. I confess that I am being lazy and selfish, and that I'm looking for a way to get out of going to community group. I really want to go...there's no way we won't have a fantastic discussion tonight. But don't you think that sometimes it's just easier to stay in your bubble and not answer that "how are you?" question? Strangely enough, I'm actually fine. I just usually elaborate more than I think I should. People say they like that, but the two or three people in my world who look at me like I'm crazy when I go on and on are the ones I think of when the devil tells me I'm a social idiot.<br /><br />Anyway, I'm elaborating again. But since Nanette is probably the only one reading this, I don't feel so bad. But my seven minutes of avoiding life are over since I know Chris will be here soon and may not put up with another evening of taking the kids to c'group by himself.<br /><br />Here I go...Katie Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488667162826373702noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732183752191792126.post-89060441891740843712009-01-19T11:14:00.003-06:002009-01-19T11:19:27.058-06:00MLK<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6G_Wq-O_vXn2I7_fWu5SWp6_zjddW0N4SQoKoMDHihhIXqTUHyDIaGURg__beUoFFUnDqydySqweSoG6aNwlofn3kyb_5UlqWPfFoBf7OGvAeUxVYyTt6scOpSUD2DS8fStpMeLMAMw/s1600-h/mlk2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 91px; height: 118px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6G_Wq-O_vXn2I7_fWu5SWp6_zjddW0N4SQoKoMDHihhIXqTUHyDIaGURg__beUoFFUnDqydySqweSoG6aNwlofn3kyb_5UlqWPfFoBf7OGvAeUxVYyTt6scOpSUD2DS8fStpMeLMAMw/s320/mlk2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293055606777786786" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSin_MBdCGADIUKSkxihVaoKWsO1yJ5kvfC66Ln7ln87LwoQNH2k-jVgEUPgyHkZXfP_TPn8ujGf0_83-7mCHyIlZ9_freOd0eCLaEBnvNTrKpPdkbJii7v4BwMLsYPc7OhiE7CXw7TDk/s1600-h/mlk1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSin_MBdCGADIUKSkxihVaoKWsO1yJ5kvfC66Ln7ln87LwoQNH2k-jVgEUPgyHkZXfP_TPn8ujGf0_83-7mCHyIlZ9_freOd0eCLaEBnvNTrKpPdkbJii7v4BwMLsYPc7OhiE7CXw7TDk/s320/mlk1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293055606541754962" border="0" /></a><br />The kids and I just finished watching the famous "I Have a Dream" speech together.<br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbUtL_0vAJk<br /><br />Here's what we dream of:<br /><br />Stephen: That there was a machine that would pick up all the bad guys and put them in jail.<br /><br />Jane: Of a clean, happy, fight-free world.<br /><br />Katie: The eyes of every heart to be opened to the One True God.Katie Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488667162826373702noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732183752191792126.post-39002670857814198672009-01-05T10:31:00.002-06:002009-01-05T11:02:00.457-06:00Pressing OnBut whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">loss</span> for the sake of Christ. More that that, I count all things to be loss in <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">view</span> of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">so that I may gain Christ</span>, and may <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">be found in Him</span>, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, th righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and in the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">press on</span> so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">forgetting what lies behind</span> and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">press on</span> toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.<br /><br />Has this ever happened to you? You hear a passage that you've heard, even clung to, many times before. But suddenly something new reaches out and touches you in a whole new way. Words that you passed over before are now the emphasis of the whole thing!<br /><br />Two "new" things were given to my by the Holy Spirit in this passage yesterday. I'll give them to you in reverse order.<br /><br />"...<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">forgetting what lies behind</span></span>" God has been preparing me to hear these words for about three weeks, giving me hope for each day, making me ready to leave the loss and grief of the recent past behind me. And now I hear Him saying - <span style="font-weight: bold;">forget it</span>. There is nothing left to process, to learn, to grieve, to regret, to be afraid of. I think He's telling me to walk away. And just like He always is, He's showing me how to do it. I'm terrified. It's like learning how to walk again. But He is holding my hands, even when I'm oblivious to His presence. <br /><br />"<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">that I may be</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>...<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">found in Him</span></span>" I've been lost for a long while, months or years now, not knowing where I'm going or what I'm doing. Wandering, but not really seeking. There's some sense of direction coming back now, but it only points me one way...to Him. Just as a toddler will always be found wrapped around his mother's leg, I want to be found with Him. "Where's Katie?" "She's over there, with God." I don't want to wander any more. I want to be where He is, always in close proximity to my Father. It's been months since that desire really moved me.<br /><br />So...it's time for me to leave behind the massive load that I can't find enough words to describe (and now I don't have to). It's time for me to press on, knowing that He is providing the muscle to do it, and start to run. Lord, give me faith, a firm belief that you can do anything.Katie Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488667162826373702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732183752191792126.post-75567845120386935912008-12-29T15:49:00.003-06:002008-12-29T16:02:38.117-06:00Many Days of ChristmasHope everyone had a great Christmas! We've celebrated five times with family and great friends, plus some really sweet gifts. Lots of new memories made...<br /><br />One of my favorites was celebrating with my immediate family: mom and dad, my brothers and their families, and Aunt Ann. We pulled some cards from a new game we received called "Imagine If..." which is perfect for family gatherings. Then we made up our own version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas". Thought I'd share this Tenpenny family rendition with you.<br /><br />On the ___ day of Christmas my true love gave to me...<br />16 Christmas treats (my nephew Judah, age 3)<br />15 more days here (my nephew Nathan, age 14, he lives in Illinois)<br />14 minutes of labor (my sister-in-law Michelle, due to have her first baby next summer)<br />13 months of health (my brother Kevin)<br />12 pain free labors (my sister-in-law Debbie, who is also due next summer with her fifth child, she doesn't really want 12 labors, just the "pain free" part<br />11 Christmas trees (my dad)<br />10 electric guitars (my nephew Mason, age 8)<br />9 landscape sets (my nephew Keegan, age 8, not sure what this is)<br />8 army tanks (my nephew Evan, age 9, violence is part of having so many boys in the family)<br />7 games of football (Chris)<br />6 American Girl dolls (Jane)<br />5 Borders gift cards (me)<br />4 laptops (Stephen)<br />3 pots of gold (Ann, my "big sister")<br />2 days of rest (my mom)<br />and a warm cup of coffee (my brother Keith)<br /><br />Next year my niece Lily may be able to add her own verse, and there will be two new babies in the room. More memories to be made...Katie Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488667162826373702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732183752191792126.post-847122476784544202008-12-19T16:43:00.001-06:002008-12-19T16:43:19.048-06:00MONEY, MONEY, MONEY!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.eyecatcher.net/images/woman_stretching_money.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 146px;" src="http://www.eyecatcher.net/images/woman_stretching_money.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Here's an opportunity for us to help each other out. Chris and I are looking for some new ways to live on a budget and be more frugal. I'm hoping that you will look through the topics below and add your comments. Thanks!!Katie Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488667162826373702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732183752191792126.post-80734188754448626162008-12-19T16:42:00.007-06:002008-12-23T16:20:51.310-06:00Saving $ ...FOODI am presently trying out The Grocery Game (website by the same name). So far, I'm not convinced it will help US, but that is because of where we live. There is no full scale grocery store within 15 miles, so I will have to go out of my way to take advantage of the deals it finds. So far, I haven't managed to get to a Kroger (my supermarket choice) in the 3 weeks I've been a member. They have a 99 cent first month deal I think. If I can't make it worthwhile within the next week, I'll cancel. Probably would work great if I lived closer to a real grocery store. But living out in the country has other perks that make it worthwhile.<br /><br />Something I learned before we moved here was that most stores have a predictable day they mark down meats (for us, it was Tuesday mornings). If I made that my shopping morning, I could typically pick up lots of discounted meats to put in the freezer until I could use them.<br /><br />I try to use coupons but often find that the store brand still beats the price, especially at Walmart since they don't double coupons. The other problem I find with them is that they are usually for unhealthy items or things we wouldn't normally buy, so not a bargain after all.<br /><br />When I get a chance, I'll try to think of some useful items to add to other categories.<br /><br />Good for you for doing this!<br /><br />from Suzanne:<br />i use the Coupon Mom...same idea as the grocery game...but her website is free! www.couponmom.com<br /><br />also enjoy Money Saving Mom www.moneysavingmom.com she posts lots of freebies and good coupons. for example a month or so ago she posted a link for a $2 Goody's hair products coupon (for hair brush, ponytail holders, etc.). i used it tonight at Target. I got 75 of my FAVORITE ponytail holders for $0.19. :)<br /><br />from Lori:<br />Ditto what Suzanne said. Plus there are several other blogs I have started frequenting. Maybe one of them will give you guys some ideas.<br />beingfrugal.net<br />frugaldad.com<br />leavingexcess.com<br />A lot of times these bloggers will reference other blogs. I'm discovering that there are tons of other frugal blogs out there. I just wish I had time to read them all.<br />Another suggestion would be Aldi's. Even if there isn't one near you it might be worth it to take a trip to Aldi's once a month to stock up. I cook as much as I can from scratch (at least I did until I had this lttle peanut). I normally don't buy too many convenience foods.<br />If I think of other ideas I'll do another post.<br /><br />Katie says:<br />Convenience food IS a big issue for us, not just fast food, but the stuff from the "middle" of the grocery store.<br /><br /><br /> <span dir="ltr"><a href="profile/03152490250146817524" onclick="" rel="nofollow">Katie Krebs</a></span> said...<p>Honestly, I'd rather spend more than take the time to clip coupons. To me, even something like the Grocery Game, which simplifies the whole coupon thing alot, is too time consuming.<br /><br />When Josh goes shopping with me, he adds up the prices as we go so he always knows exactly how much it's costing us. We always spend less when he does that. If I'm shopping by myself I won't take the time though--it's too much for me to keep track of.</p>Katie Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488667162826373702noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732183752191792126.post-60214032633989149292008-12-19T16:41:00.003-06:002008-12-23T16:21:28.422-06:00Saving $ ...KIDS AND SCHOOL<span dir="ltr"><a href="profile/03152490250146817524" onclick="" rel="nofollow">Katie Krebs</a></span> said...<p>hmm...well, I don't have any ideas for you here, but remember: homeschooling is cheaper than private school!</p>Katie Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488667162826373702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732183752191792126.post-71620537336078623582008-12-19T16:40:00.009-06:002008-12-23T16:23:19.620-06:00Saving $ ...ENTERTAINMENTfrom Steve:<br />Redbox<br /><br />from Suzanne:<br />Nashville Citipass! :)<br /><br />currently "buy one, get one" free on their website. i split it w/a friend, and we each paid $15. i've already used 2 coupons...and saved $10. :) GREAT deal!<br /><br />LOTS of restaurant and "entertainment" coupons<br /><br /><br /> <span dir="ltr"><a href="profile/03152490250146817524" onclick="" rel="nofollow">Katie Krebs</a></span> said...<p>If you rent alot of movies, you can save money buy getting a netflix account. It pays for itself pretty quickly. It only saves you money if you're a frequent customer at Blockbuster. If you rent two new releases from Blockbuster every month then you've already spent almost twice as much as you would have spent on your monthly netflix bill.</p>Katie Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488667162826373702noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732183752191792126.post-86607528306108185352008-12-19T16:40:00.008-06:002008-12-20T10:41:20.642-06:00Saving $ ...HOUSEHOLD<span dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/12768439145520137267" onclick="" rel="nofollow">Kristi</a></span> said...<p>Make your own fabric care products:<br />just so you know!<br />dryer bags:<br />http://tipnut.com/homemade-herbal-lavender-dryer-bags/<br /><br />lavendar softener:<br />http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080130094130AAMp7MU<br />http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf105050.tip.html<br /><br />homemade soap:<br />http://www.welcometomybrain.net/2008/07/christines-homemade-laundry-detergent.html<br />http://chetroy.com/healthyvegan/?p=135<br /><br />and you can throw in a wad of aluminum foil to reduce static in the dryer.<br /><br />someday I will try the bags and soap! and someday I will learn how to post a link in a comment.</p>Katie says:<br />Can you really put aluminum foil in the dryer?!?!<br /><br /><br />from Steve:<br />Invest in some *good* insulated socks for all four of you. When you crank the thermostat down to 65 or so it makes the winters more bearable.<br /><br />from Lorie:<br />Many homemade household cleaners use vinegar. Check out http://www.versatilevinegar.org/. If you do an internet search I'm sure you can find other "recipes" for household cleaners. I think Money Saving Mom did a post on this but I haven't found it, yet.Katie Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488667162826373702noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732183752191792126.post-21511313936984274752008-12-19T16:33:00.003-06:002008-12-20T10:35:37.342-06:00Saving $ ...OTHER<span dir="ltr"><a href="profile/15669474798968058726" onclick="" rel="nofollow">S</a></span> said...<p>i like to sign up for the email newsletters for my favorite stores...because they usually email coupons! however, my inbox was getting too many emails...and my personal emails were getting lost in the shuffle. those were most important to me! so, i created a separate email address. i use it to sign up for email newsletters from all of our favorite stores/restaurants, etc. it's helped me have all of those in one place, and it keeps my "personal" email address neat and tidy. :)</p>Katie Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488667162826373702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732183752191792126.post-72631435225187644652008-12-02T17:18:00.004-06:002008-12-02T17:24:36.625-06:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XCvYax7ISpTj_iCnEMAER_VDSSwBaDiRLxBMUGrRAeZpyx_koG78BVgAh5StGe2QIr4ABZ3_9bQr2FMV_7mbzgGZn5-E-4EARyKYr1623d4cd9m3mnFyIA5VPq66FfbsTpJufL4Aw8Q/s1600-h/Gyo4(2).jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 354px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XCvYax7ISpTj_iCnEMAER_VDSSwBaDiRLxBMUGrRAeZpyx_koG78BVgAh5StGe2QIr4ABZ3_9bQr2FMV_7mbzgGZn5-E-4EARyKYr1623d4cd9m3mnFyIA5VPq66FfbsTpJufL4Aw8Q/s400/Gyo4(2).jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275337227791532210" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;">This picture is from one of my favorite illustrators<br />when I was a kid.<br />When I discovered this the other day,<br />I definitely felt warm fuzzies.<br />What's your favorite thing to do on a chilly night?<br /></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><br /></span></span>Katie Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488667162826373702noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732183752191792126.post-71258249068498456692008-11-27T10:57:00.003-06:002008-11-27T11:22:57.603-06:00Happy Thanksgiving!!I decided to scan the past few months of my blog to put together this list of what I'm thankful for this year. It's definitely not comprehensive, but it's more than enough.<br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-style: italic;">rainy days...to do lists...Michelle...large capacity washer/dryer...scouts...Clifford...pb & j...my funny friend...deep breaths...The Ski Ninja...thin mints...Crash...campfire...happy cups...ugly flowers...Sundays...karaoke...PBS...hamsters...creeks...clean bedrooms...Lily Grace...second summer...fudge pie and DDP...water slides...meds...Shelli...Jane Austen...chore lists...dream homes...red hair...dad...Scrabble...Star Wars...my crown club card...Sunshine Laundromat...homeschooling...my precious, kind, strong, smart, patient husband</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-style: italic;">...and words</span>Katie Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488667162826373702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732183752191792126.post-86494928743687750122008-11-25T23:14:00.003-06:002008-11-25T23:35:05.256-06:00Could I get a yawn, please?A very bizarre thing is happening in my world. I'm not tired. Yes, you heard me right, I am wide awake. It's been like this for the past four nights. When I would normally be holding my eyes open with toothpicks by 8:30, I have been perfectly alert during all the late night talk shows that would usually put me to sleep.<br /><br />This is not a good thing. It would be a great thing if I was just back to my old self, the one who only needed 6 or 7 hours of sleep. But the new and improved medicated me needs about 9 solid hours a night. So if you do the math, you know I'm saying good morning around 9 or 10am. This is not a good thing.<br /><br />I used to love being a night owl, but this is just irritating. Any suggestions? (please note that "getting up earlier" is something I'm trying to do, but my body is not cooperating) (oh, and I don't drink any caffeine either)Katie Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488667162826373702noreply@blogger.com0