Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Aspen Michael: 10 1/2 Years Old

 Dearest Aspen Michael,

You’re well into your 10th year and continuing to grow like a weed. Your hands continue to look like that of a man and your baby face is slowing changing too. Thanks heavens you still love a big hug and good snuggle any day. 








You had a big summer~ traveling to Spain for Rafa Nadal camp. We spent a few days in Barcelona sight seeing before you headed to Mallorca. You got to practice right next to Rafa…what an incredible experience!






To make things more exciting, you were able to see Roland Garros live for the Olympics in Paris. We watched Andy Murray’s last tournament and saw Monfils on his home soil. 




You’re flourishing in personality during 4th grade. Mrs. Rueff thinks you are too funny and so do your friends. You are enjoying switching classes and having more independence in class. 

Your personal tennis is coming along nicely~ you’re Top 5 in the State for 12&u. You’re also Top 65 in the South and Top 450 in US. Not too shabby for a 10 year old!







You continue to work hard on remaining calm and being joyful. Some days easier than others, but the work you’ve put in to have a large toolbox on how to handle your emotions is commendable. 

Keep working hard and being a happy little fella. You deserve all the joy life brings. 

I love you!

Love,

Mommy

Sunday, November 10, 2024

Whitney & Ryan: Anniversary #13

You might recall when we celebrated our first anniversary and the *paper* gift that kept on giving all year long. We had a great time on our monthly dates and continued to enjoy our passion for exploring. For year  two, I combined cotton & china into a beautiful Thanksgiving week getaway up in Mont Tremblant, Canada. In year three, a traditional leather gift came in the form of a TUMI travel wallet while the modern crystal gift included a Thanksgiving dinner at The Crystal Hotel in Portland, OR. Year four brought "tropical" fruits & flowers together with a trip to Bermuda followed by an upgraded {appliance} TV for our bedroom. 

Our fifth year was about "wood" and "silver" which included a bamboo sushi set for two, wine cork cuff links with the year 2011, and a trip to the Greenbrier. The sixth year of our marriage included iron & candy meaning bikes to burn off those personalized M&Ms and the trip to Schimpff's Confectionary in Indiana. In year seven, wool & copper were our gifts of choice which included a wool Fedora, a copper pocket watch and an incredible trip to Cuba for the ultimate throwback.

Year eight saw the traditional bronze and pottery via a money clip & homemade pottery while linen & lace came from a personalized pair of boxers & a night staycation at the Omni Louisville. Year nine involved "willow - wicker" coffee mugs for Ryan's daily cup of Joe as well as "leather" weekender bag with his initials that he used on our getaway to the Greenbrier. Year ten brought an aluminum framed sound wave of our first dance song and a getaway to a {subset} of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Chattanooga. Year eleven saw a steel mustache comb, a leather bracelet and a turquoise Lincourt button down with an ode to wear our nuptials took place; our visit to the Kentucky Castle was almost as magical as our beloved Solvang. Year twelve presented silk pajamas for our getaway to Dana Crossing as well as a handmade engraved pearl pocket knife.

This year I wanted to *again* stick with tradition and put a spin on the modern gift. Traditionally lace is the gift of choices for year #13. It is said that lace shows the elegance & beauty of the sanctity of marriage

For lace, I had a beautiful blue wine bottle holder handmade of lace. Sewn on the front are our initials along with our wedding anniversary date~ 11-11-11. Paired with a selected bottle of wine from a local winery, we plan to enjoy it during the holiday season.






In terms of *textiles*, which is the modern gift of choice, I ordered a hammock for two. Set up in our backyard for daytime naps or nighttime star gazing. On our honeymoon in Fiji, we had a small hammock outside our Bula that we would swing in each night & listen to the ocean sounds. Textiles are representative of the comfort & warmth that 13 years of marriage brings to each of us.






I truly love following the traditional and modern celebrations of each year. I hope when we look back on all of the years we can enjoy the way we celebrated as well as the special moments of each passing year!  

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

A Thompson Fall: Make a Thankful Tree

 Kicking off November, we spent a quiet evening writing down things we are all thankful for. Lots of tiny hands decorating colorful leaves to share with family. The tree rests on our kitchen counter~ the center piece of each day. At night, it lights up to shine bright. There is always so much to be grateful for...sometimes seeing it is an impactful reminder!









Friday, October 25, 2024

Salem Lucille: 7 Years Old

 Dearest Salem Lucille,

Sweet baby girl you are not such a baby anymore. You have emerged as a “little kid” but not yet a “big kid” as you told me a few days ago. I liked that perspective a lot better than you thinking you’re a big girl!





You are a big 1sr grader though~ taking spelling and reading tests, doing more difficult math, and even cheering for the Mustangs. You got to lead the Pep Rally as well as the Mustang Mile walk. You’ve led some fabulous cheers for the Rams football this season too. 






You continue to flourish at dance~ you’re dancing in a small group jazz, large hip hop, large jazz and a trio with Jojo & Vivie. You are a dancing machine! I can’t wait to see you compete this season. 

This will be your first year in competitive gymnastics. You’re competing Xcel Bronze~ all four events including bars, beam, floors & vault. You’ve been working so hard on your routines and extra tricks!




Your growth in life still continues to amaze me. You do love your independence and keeping up with your siblings. But you also love a good hug or snuggle with mommy. You still like to have sleepover and stuffed animals. You continue to find comfort in my hugs and reassurances. I hope that never changes. 








You’re a kind hearted, thoughtful, bright little lady. I am so proud to be your mommy and I pray that you continue to learn & love everything about life!

I love you!

Love,

Mommy

Thursday, October 17, 2024

A Thompson Fall: Take a Family Hike

 To wrap up fall break, we took a morning hike along the Goose Creek Trail in Tom Sawyer Park. It was a chilly one but we made the most of the fall foliage & pebbled trail. The kids used sticks as walking canes, found ant homes, and took in the fresh air. Sometimes it truly is the best medicine to get reset and ready to go back to school. We will definitely be back on a warmer fall day to explore more of the park and its adventurous family trails.