Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Brotherly love...


Chase is really enjoying his younger brother. Last week we had a little photo shoot, which is not always easy with Chase anymore. But when he got to hold Zach, suddenly he was willing to sit still. I know the excitement and gentleness will eventually turn to irritation and rough-housing, but for now we're enjoying what we've got!

Monday, July 17, 2006

These Colors Don't Run!


A Star-Spangled Spengler! We had a great time at the 4th of July parade here in Chelmsford... Chase's first parade. He loved watching all the police cars, fire trucks, and floats... he didn't even flinch when the revolutionary war re-inactors fired their rifles (or at the police firing their shotguns)! We even brought along our Canadian friends (the girls in the background holding flags)!



In other news... Zachary is doing well. He's taking 5 hour stretches between meals at night, giving Karen up to 4 hours of consecutive sleep! Hard to believe she's excited about that. During the day Zach is still eating every 2-3 hours though. He's really doing very well. Chase continues to love giving "baby hugs", bringing him toys, and even helping "burp baby". Chase is doing great at being very gentle. It's great to see how much Chase really does enjoy Zach! Hopefully it'll continue!

Wednesday, July 12, 2006


Happy Birthday PopPop!









Friday, July 07, 2006

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHARI


Oh to be young again! Wish we could be there to help you celebrate. We pray you have a wonderful day! Love you and miss you lots.

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Brothers!


















Can you guess which one is which?

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Some Spring Highlights!

Sam has started riding horses again at a ranch in Kearney. He loves riding and in another week he will be able to ride independently. He is also learning how to groom and take care of the horses.





Toby ran a 5K race to benefit the Habitat for Humanity organization in Holdrege. He came in second in the 15 and under class. Sam would like to volunteer to help work on the house, however, he will leave the running up to Toby.




We had VBS several weeks ago. The kids were challenged to raise enough money for some new equipment at a local Bible Camp. When they raised enough, they got to throw a pie in Toms face. What a sport!






Then the challenge was increased and met, so Tom had to preach in his swimsuit, sandals, dress shirt and tie. We had quite a crowd there to see those pearly white legs!

Thursday, June 08, 2006

Introducing Zachary Scott Spengler!

Zachary Scott Spengler was born at 8:55pm on Wednesday, June 7th, 2006. Zachary was born 9 lbs, 8.7 oz, a full 2 lbs + heavier than his older brother, Chase! And he was 20" long, a 1/2" shorter than Chase was.

Karen's water broke around midnight, but she wasn't completely sure. Since we had a dr. appt in the morning, she waited till then to say anything. The dr. sent us directly to the hospital and they started contractions with pitossin (sp?) around 2:30. At 8:30 Karen was allowed to start pushing and by 8:55, Zachary was born. Less than half the time Chase took.


Everyone is doing well! Thanks for your prayers. Chase was able to meet Zach this morning and things went very well... I don't think he totally gets it yet, but didn't seem to mind sharing his momma just yet. Karen and Zach are expected to come home sometime Saturday morning (since she delivered after 8pm, she gets an extra night).

Saturday, June 03, 2006

MImi's Celebration


I took about 15 pictures and cannot load them all here. If you wish to have a copy of all of them, mostly her artwork, send me a email: let314@comcast.net. I will send them to you.

Thursday, June 01, 2006

Mimi

As I remember Mimi I think of the many mornings I woke up after sleeping over at their trailer in Pleasantville. Pop pop of course was very concerned that we eat healthy food. So we always had oatmeal. If we were lucky Mimi would make the Oatmeal. She always added honey, brown sugar, and fruit. However on some mornings we would wake to the sound of the grinder and realize that Pop pop was making the oatmeal. In the grinder he would mix everything he could find including nuts, wheat germ, bran and who knows what else. These were the mornings we tried to stay in bed. I always suspected that Mimi tried to be sure to get up first and start the oatmeal so we didn’t have to eat Pop pop’s concoction. Mimi also made the best Applesauce which she served warm. I remember one time I stayed at their place while I had the flu. After a few days of eating nothing I finally was able to eat the warm applesauce. It was delicious. I also liked her tapioca pudding. Staying at Mimi’s was always an adventure because she liked to take us shopping at Sears Town. Since she didn’t drive we had to walk. I always thought it was exciting to walk around the Sears Circle as the cars flew by us. I have so many great memories of Mimi & Pop pop. But the greatest memory I have is of their love for the Lord. At some point early in their marriage Mimi & Pop pop determined to follow the Lord in everything they did. As I think of them, the verse that comes to mind is always Joshua 24:14-15.

"Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshipped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

By God’s grace they raised their boys to know and serve Jesus Christ. Each one is serving the Lord whether in vocational ministry or as leaders in their local church. My Dad and His brothers continued the tradition by raising each of Mimi’s grandchildren to know and serve the Lord. What an incredible privilege it was to grow up in this godly heritage. We have not always lived up to the example Pop pop and Mimi set but by God’s grace we too are all serving the Lord today. Now we have the awesome responsibility to raise the fourth generation of Thompsons who will say; “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”.

While we have faced many difficulties, we have always had a strong foundation. What ever may come, Jesus is our Lord and Savior. We are far from perfect. We have all made mistakes. And we will continue to make mistakes but we are forgiven by the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Today Mimi & Pop pop, Aunt Eva jean, my mom, Darlene, and Bruce are all together with their Lord. As I think of heaven I often think of Pop pop. When asked how he was doing he always answered: “I’m Living!” The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:4 that one day “what is mortal may be swallowed up by life”. Today more than ever Mimi & Pop pop are living. Their encouragement to us and to you is to trust in Jesus Christ. To receive him as your personal Lord and Savior and to walk with him every day as long as he gives breath. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Will you?

Tom Thompson Jr.

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Tom Thompson Family Blog

Tom Thompson Family Blog

If anyone needs a place to stay this week, we have a big empty house. I will be off thurs & Friday, just call for reservations. Sorry no frequent stayer reward.

Sunday, May 28, 2006

Chase's 2nd birthday




It's hard to believe it's already been 2 years! What a blast it's been!

Chase turned 2 on Friday and Grandmom & Pop-pop came up to visit! We had a birthday party with friends & family, praying that it wouldn't rain... and our prayers were answered. The theme was Thomas the Train, Chase's favorite! He played with these trains for 2 hours straight!

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Springtime Signs of New Life



This is a wreath that hangs just outside our front door. This bird has made it her home, and has five eggs in it. I guess we'll have to use another door when they hatch so we don't bother them.





She flies away everytime anyone gets close to the door, so I had to hide inside the doorway until she came back. God is so good to give us this living example of his creation to watch so closely.

Monday, May 08, 2006

Time Passes So Quickly!



Wow, how time has flown! I can't believe they are 13! This was taken at Chip and Karens wedding in 1997. Though time together has been rare, they have such fun memories with each other.

Happy Birthday Toby May 5

Toby is 13. He invited 7 friends to spend the night. They ate Pizza, watched movies and played video games until 4:00 AM. They got up around 7:30 and played more video games. They all had a great time.




Thursday, May 04, 2006

Happy 13th Birthday Darlene!!


I can't believe you are already 13. It seems like just yesterday I was holding you in my arms and rocking you to sleep.

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Easter Sunrise


We wanted to share how we do the sunrise in NE. No beautiful beaches... instead we meet in a pasture, that had donkeys in it this year! We could hear them braying, but they didn't come over the hill. They did however leave us reminders of themselves, so we had to watch where we stepped!

Being on the western side of the central time zone, we didn't have to start until 6:45. What a beautiful time to worship our Risen Lord. The sun came over the hill as Tom was preaching.




We had about 55 people attend sunrise, then we went back to the church where the men served up pancakes and sausage. Breakfast was followed with our regular worship service at 9:00.











This year we did a treasure hunt using Bible references as clues. The kids had to look them up and figure out where the next clue was. We used verses with words like boats, ice, branches, flowers, eggs, etc. We made Resurrection Baskets with items that reminded us of the Easter Story.

Monday, March 20, 2006





Happy Spring! We have about 10 inches on the ground and are expecting several more tonight.







Yes this is the same trampoline the girls were jumping on last Friday.

Happy Birthday Drew!


Drew is 1 year old today, March 20! Can you believe it? Have you seen him walking? Check out the video...

We are going to celebrate with a party this coming Saturday. We will send more pics then.



1 year ago today!

Friday, March 17, 2006



Today is Mattie's Birthday! We call her our Mattie O' Pattie. She had some friends over and they played dress up and did Karaoke.
Thanks, Brianna for the great idea of making beaded bracelets! We tried it too!





We finally used our almost 17 year old wedding gift cake plate. I'm sure it won't take that long to use it again.








Mattie loves her jewelry box that Pop Pop made her! She has already started filling it up! XOXO to Grandmom and Pop Pop!








The girls went on a treasure hunt for a pot of gold, (chocolate gold coins and party bags) and finished up their time jumping in the tramp.






The boys weren't used to being outnumbered by girls, but they had a fun time too. They were the wild indian type attackers outside of the trampolene!

Saturday, March 04, 2006

Archery Practice




This was Jesse's first time shooting a bow.









Mattie is enjoying the nice March weather.









Remember this Bow, Rob?


This is Toby's first time shooting my old bow. He is shooting it at 26 pounds. He needs to be up to 40# before he can take his test. He is hoping to Bow hunt next fall.



















Sam is relearning to shoot. Although he is left handed we discovered that he is right eye dominant. So he is hoping to shoot right handed. This will afffect a gun as well. Up until now he has only shot left handed.

Monday, February 27, 2006



All the kids competed in a Tae kwon Do tournament. They competed in Sparing and Forms. This is mattie recieving her medal after her Forms Competition. They all enjoy this and are doing well. Mattie is a Yellow Belt, Sam & Jesse are green and Toby is Red.



December Trout Fishing.

We caught 5 or 6. Sam caught the first one






















Toby's first wrestling meet. Junior High PE consists of competition in 4 sports. Football, Basketball, Wrestling, and Track. Every student must practice and is stongly encouraged to take part in the games. After a year of worrying about wrestling, Toby learned that he really likes wrestling and may give up on
Basketball. He pinned this wrestler during the second period. A match is three 2 miniute periods. In his second match Toby lost a 3 - 2 decision. He found out that while he has been playing basketball for years other kids have been doing wrestling. Yet he almost won anyway.