Brighton Kevin: 9 Years Old

 Dearest Brighton Kevin,

My son, my miracle baby~ today you are 9 years old. Many days I feel like you are still that little newborn that I prayed so hard for to be healthy and safe. Other days you’re like a little old man in all the mature ways. Most days, you’re somewhere in between. I truly soak up all the days with you. 

You’re in 3rd grade loving every minute of Mrs. Schulten. You are excelling in school and thriving on independence for homework & study skills. You also love being a leader in class. 

In your 6th year of summer swim team, you completely crushed it at City Meet. Finishing in 2nd place in the boys 8&u backstroke, you swam your little heart out! All three of your relays finished in 3rd place which isn’t bad for non year round swimmers. Mostly you continue to be a team player in all things that you do!

This summer saw a ton of growth and success in golf. You played hard on numerous courses and practiced daily. Laine Schulten and daddy were your star caddies. Both positive and cheering you on. 

You continue to lead and grow at Javanon with soccer. It’s been a process {often not fair} but you always take it with your head held high. Coach Taiye is teaching you so much on the field and you appreciate his rules & policies. 

                                                

You are participating in your first fantasy football league~ the draft was an interesting experience as you put players in places based off your knowledge of their names! You’re enjoying this new fun adventure with friends. 

 

You’re always a BRIGHT light Brighton. Keep shining and making the world better one day at a time. 

I love you!

Love,

Mommy

A Thompson Fall: Bake Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

 One of our fave fall treats is combining pumpkin & chocolate…because who doesn’t love chocolate?! We usually take to the kitchen to bake a batch of pumpkin chocolate chip bread sometime in October. But this fall, we had an open Saturday late around September so we decided to whip up a loaf. While our treat was baking, we watched Despicable Me IV and slowly put up Halloween decor here & there. The smell of yummy scents filled the air from the freshly baked bread. 

Opting for a dessert like breakfast, we enjoyed the scrumptious treat with a side of fresh fruit. I have a feeling we will be baking another batch this fall!

A Thompson Fall: Roast S'Mores

 On a warm Sunday night, we had a little patio dessert time. Our small firepit kits work wonders to make s'more quickly and efficiently. I found the cutest platter in the Target dollar section to whip up all the ingredients in a jiffy.

Nothing says fall like pajamas and s'mores!

A Thompson Fall: Sip Apple Cider

 On the first half day of school, we took the opportunity to enjoy the breezy temperatures with a little taste of fall. Heine Brothers whipped up a little Apple Cider treat for the kids and I. Its called Grandma's Apple Chai and it was delicious. I also grabbed their yummy banana chocolate chip muffins for a side snack. 

The kids loved the little fall surprise to kick off our bucket list. Nothing like sitting poolside, getting out of school early, and enjoying a special treat. Let the Fall of 2024 begin ;)

Adelaide Jane: 12 Years Old

 Dearest Adelaide Jane,

You are well past double digits today and three weeks into middle school. In some ways, 6th grade sounds so young. In other ways, you are now in your last year before being a teenager. I wish time would slow down, and I could go back to your days of roaming the aisles at Target with a cake pop to keep you content! The days before life seemed heavy and the smiles came easy. 

This year has been one of growing pains and growing attitudes. You are trying hard to figure this things called life out; some days it comes naturally while other days, I can see your struggles. But we are in this together my sweet girl.

                                                

You have retired from competitive gymnastics officially and are diving {literally} into swimming & diving full time. I am very proud of your decision to try something new but also walk away with your head held high. How similar we are in so many ways!

                                               

This summer you really took to both sports and worked hard to improve. You ended up 5th place at City Meet Diving. Then you rocked it in swimming with your relays and individual. You won 1st place in your individual backstroke as well as your freestyle relay. You placed 2nd in your medley relay and 7th in the 14&u medley relay. So proud of your growth and dedication to working hard!

                                                 

You are enjoying school~ educational travel groups, making new friends, having a Chromebook, and rotating with all three of the 6th grade teachers. You are even playing powder puff football with many of your classmates. You are a strong offensive and defensive player~ often playing the hiker position.

You have your first real crush that you truly are smitten with~ Wyatt Ruley. He is a very sweet boy and you get butterflies when you see him. You have gotten to have a few family "dates" over the summer where the two of you just enjoy each others' company. I hope that you are always as joyful in wherever life and relationships take you.

Adelaide, I hope that year 12 brings you happiness, blessings, and pure joy. You are a beautiful young lady inside and outside. Please do not let anyone dim your light. Always remain true to yourself~ it will be the greatest gift you can give yourself and give others!

I love you!

Love,

Mommy