Adelaide Jane: 14 Years Old

 Dearest Adelaide Jane,

Wow! How are we here and you're 14 years old and in eighth grade?! I look at you and see a beautiful woman… I hardly recognize you as a little girl anymore. But I do cherish those moments when I see the little girl spirit or the innocence in your eyes. Or I hear the little girl giggle laugh when you find something truly joyful.

We spent the day before your birthday making meals and serving them at Franciscan Kitchen. I actually cannot think of a better way to have spent my Saturday morning with you. You were so eager to make the meals, shuck the corn, peel the carrots, dice the carrots and serve desserts. But the beautiful heart of gold you have inside shown so brightly as you greeted every single person in need who came through the door. You said hello. You look them in the eyes and then you gave them the best pastry that they could have. 

I know some days you don’t feel beautiful on the outside, no matter how much I reassure you that you are… But the beauty that you resonate through who you are as a person is truly your greatest gift!

Over the last six months, you have put together an amazing fashion show to culminate summer camp at Gilda’s Club. From start to finish, you were out in the community asking for donated outfits, creating the run of show, styling the girls and boys, and MCing the entire event. Your level eight community project was a huge hit for all!

You wrapped up your first 14 & under short course and long course state....proving once again that you work hard and commit to achieving your goals. You also had the opportunity to represent Team Kentucky at zones for the second year in a row. I’m so proud of how hard you continue to work at swimming! You even received Most Improved Swimmer for Senior 2 at the Lakeside Summer Banquet!!

You have done such an amazing job of handling all that comes your way… and I know it’s not easy. However, you do it in a way that is authentically, beautifully you!

My wish for you is that you never let the world harden your heart you, you always continue to smile, and that you always find joy in the smallest of things!

I love you!

Love,

Mommy

A Thompson Fall: Sip Apple Cider

Over a HOT weekend, we found some fall vibes in sipping apple cider and enjoying cinnamon apple strudels. Being indoors was a treat in of itself with some crisp air conditioning, but the icing on the dessert was having family game night! This was the perfect way to kick off back to school routines as well as our fall bucket list!

 

A Thompson Fall {2026}: Our Fall Bucket List

 We are so ready for FALL! Summer was great...very busy and lots of on the Go, Go, Go!! Looking forward to spending some family time together and slowing down just a bit ;)

Aspen Michael: 12 Years Old

 Dearest Aspen Michael,

My oh my how is my sweet boy 12 years old! Your last year as a tween; not quite a teenager and not quite a little boy anymore. 

One of my favorite things about you is the pure joy you wake up with each day. A smile. A hug. A joke or a silly question. I hope this is always how you live your life. 

                  

You have enjoyed 5th grade at SHMS. Making sweet friends with Beau, Clayton, Grayson & Shintaro. You had your first real girlfriend and to watch you be giddy on the phone while listening to her {Allie} talk your head off was precious to see. 

You completed your PYP project with your group. An exciting global topic of the underwater world and how the effects of overfishing can alter many aspects of our world. I am so proud of your hard work and outside the box ideas. Mostly I am proud of your memories speech & presentation to the community.

                                             

You continue to find joy in sports~ tennis, basketball, football and more. You are top 50 in the country in doubles right now. You are close to 125 in singles. You have worked so hard to get here. And it has not gone unnoticed~ being invited to 2 USTA Player Development Camps in the South. What an honor to get to experience great coaching from across the country!

You enjoy random facts about athletes, statistics of sports, and endless trivia. It turns out that you are paying attention even when we think you’re not!

There is so much maturity and growth that you’ve made from 11 to 12. I am so proud of you for never giving up on yourself and for continuing to find the joy in life. Just a few weeks ago, one of my Sacred Heart girls had a rough match. On the walk out, you were sharing words of wisdom with her… even though she is five years older than you. Sometimes you can be a little kid at heart, but you have so much wisdom to share!

I love you!

Love,

Mommy

Salem Lucille: 8 1/2 Years Old

 Dearest Salem Lucille,

My sweet baby girl you just continue growing and growing and growing. You are such a sweet soul. Always enjoying doing for and giving to others. 

You are preparing for your first communion. It has been a joy to watch you walk through this journey. You have deepened your faith and learned so much about the Eucharist. This Lent was special, watching you truly begin to understand the meaning of the season. 

You have entered your fourth competitive dance season… Competing in a solo, a trio, and four group dances. It is always such a joy to see you shine on stage. 

You continue to be an amazing little sister. Always lifting your siblings up and cheering them on. You truly beam with pride being around them and spending time with them. You are always ready for a hug and an adventure with them!

There is so much joy in being your mom~ your smile is contagious and your sass is giggle worthy. I hope always see the good in the world and continue to smile!

I love you!

Love,

Mommy