For All You Brave Vloggers Out There!

I appreciate all of you who have participated in the inaugural post of Vlogemotions. I know it took allot of courage for many of you to step out of your comfort zone to do this. Hopefully you have seen what fun it really is and will continue to participate. I know as the word gets out this amazingly fun carnival will spread like wildfire. So get the word out and post your vlog so you can be entered into the video camera giveaway!

For all of those who have participated I want to give you an award for your courage in doing so. Please feel free to grab the code for this award from the left sidebar and display it proudly on your site as you deserve it!

The Mr. Linky will be up all week until next Thursday when we will explore a entirely new set of Vlogemotions. So get in on the inaugural week while you can so you can be entered to win the camera!

Big time thanks go out to Lee @ Perpetual Burn for the design of this great award. Make sure you go by and see her Vlogemotion and tell her thanks for designing your AWESOME award! She also does blog design.

Happy Vlogging!


Love and Prayers,

Friday Frustrations

I'm joining in with Maria @ Conversations with Moms this week for her Friday Frustrations carnival. This is a brand new carnival were you are to express one or many frustrations that you might have. It gives you a great opportunity to vent, and we all know we need that from time to time.

If you would like to join in, click on one of the links and grab the button for your post and then add your blog to Mr. Linky. Maria is a great gal and you can see her in Vlogemotions.

My frustration this week was with my daughter. She just lost one of her front top teeth and the other is about to fall out. Call me soft or whatever you will, but these moments when my little girl is loosing her baby smile really frustrates me.

I know that it is somewhat of a momentous occasion, but I cant help but be sad thus my frustration. I just want her to stay little forever. I was working with her on pulling that tooth tonight and lets just say that I didn't get it done. Nor did I want to. As soon as she looses that second top front tooth her baby smile will be gone forever. I was tearing up just thinking about what I was doing. She was the one that should have been tearing up right? But all I can see as I hold her in my arms is not a little girl that is a bit scared of the possible pain of loosing this tooth, but the grown lady I hold in my arms as I dance with her that last time at her wedding.

So going off to school for the first time, loosing teeth, learning how to swim, scoring her first soccer goal, while I am extremely proud of the young lady she is becoming I am still a bit sad.

This to me is a bit frustrating as I can do NOTHING to stop it.


Love and Prayers,

Vlogemotions Dont Miss It!!

The Rules:

1. Post a video at least 1 minute in length but no longer than 3.

2. Speak about the strongest emotion you felt that week and why.

This can be joy, happiness, fear, sadness, embarrassment, humility, anger, etc. Whichever emotion you felt the strongest talk about this. Do so with passion and hold nothing back. This will give your readers the opportunity to get to know you better. It will also make your blog more appealing because people will want to come back and see your videos.

3. Put your blog into the Mr. Linky here at The Fort so that all others can view your vlog posts.

4. Come back every week with a new vlog post and a different emotion.


That's it! Pretty simple eh? Now I know that many of you are thinking "there is NO way I'm getting in front of a camera". Look at it as an opportunity to test your courage. You'll be glad you did and so will your readers.

I will also hopefully have a button that you will be able to post with your vlog entry when it starts on Thursday.

If you like this new carnival type and would like to share it with others by blogging about it, please feel free. Let me know when you do so as I will have a drawing for those who do. The prize will be determined later.

The first post along with Mr. Linky will go up on Thursday, so get your cameras and popcorn ready. Vlogemotions starts Thursday.

Leave a comment below to let us all know you will be participating.

Happy Vlogging!



Love and Prayers,

Wordful Wednesday

This is a pic taken of the kids this weekend at The Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine Texas. We went there on the great advise of a good blogging friend Nikki B. from Life as We Know It.

It has a HUGE indoor water park and many other things for the kids to do. I will post more on this trip later, so stay tuned.

Oh and my apologies for the red eye, but I didn't have time to edit this pic and I was using a cheap point and shoot. No way was I taking my expensive Canon Mark II 5D to this place. However, once I got there I was wishing I had it. Funny how that works.

Now for more Wordful Wednesday, head on over to Angie's at Seven Clown Circus so you can participate.

Love and Prayers,

Prayer Request

Hey ya'll!

I know that there is allot going on out there right now especially in our world of blog, so many still need our prayers.

I received a request that I wanted to post today from my great friend April at Deltakids. Her friend Emily fell from a ladder and fractured her skull. She is in very critical condition and is in desperate need of all our prayers. Please click the link above to Aprils site and let her know that you are praying for her friend Emily to open her eyes today, and let her know you are a prayer soldier from The Fort. She will really appreciate that and it will mean allot to us here at The Fort too.

While April has come to me to share this request to you, I want to also ask you to pray for her and Mike. They just lost a very good friend named Phil to cancer, so please pray for them during this time of loss.

I wanted to remind you that if you have a prayer request that you would like to share with the prayer soldiers here at Fort Thompson please email it to me. I also write for a social blog (Sited and Blogged) so it may also appear there.

Thank you all so much for praying.

Love and Prayers,

Here's Your Sign!

I had a giveaway not so long ago that was sponsored by April at Say it on a Sign. She is one of the sweetest people you will ever meet. She did signs for both of our mothers for Mother's Day, and then we had this little beauty done for our home.



We just love the look of it and can't wait to find a wall for it to call home. It has such great character in the distressing.



So thanks April for the signs. They are so awesome and we are so happy to have them!

Then there is Alicia. She is the definition of random acts of kindness. Not because I asked, and not because someone told her it would be a good idea, but just out of the goodness of her heart she handmade and sent us this great sign.



Make sure that if you havent alreay been to her site or read about her daughter Caroline you do so soon. They are in need of all of our prayers.



So from all here at the Fort, thanks to April and Alicia for the great signs they are truly beautiful. True reflections of the people they are made by.

Love and Prayers,

And The Winner IS!!

Big time congrats goes out to our winner. Fort Thompson chose this name out of over 650+ names after a very difficult decision. Others that were in the race to the end were Widget, Buddy, Fort, and Tiger.

I want to thank each and everyone of you for the help in naming our new family member. Some of you gave us sooo many great suggestions that I wish I could buy more cameras for you just for your effort. It has given us so much to chose from and we are forever grateful.

We liked this name because I am an avid golfer first and foremost. It also very much sounds like a name that a dog might have. Added to that you have the military who uses the word to describe an enemy aircraft and well there you go.

He was also almost Fort Thompson, which was Mommies pick, but in the end we couldn't bring ourselves to calling our new friend Fort.

Stay tuned for more exciting giveaways and fun contests with GREAT prizes!

Love and Prayers,

Prayer Request

Meet sweet, beautiful, and smart beyond her years Caroline. She is the beautiful daughter of my dear friend Alicia at Murry Mayhem. Alicia is one of the sweetest people I have ever met and I couldn't be more honored that God brought us together through the world of blog.



Caroline was diagnosed with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura:

The exact cause of ITP isn't known. For that reason it's referred to as idiopathic — meaning "of unknown cause." It is known, however, that in people with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, the immune system malfunctions and begins attacking platelets as if they were foreign substances.

Antibodies produced by your immune system attach themselves to the platelets, marking the platelets for destruction. The spleen, which helps your body fight infection, recognizes the antibodies and removes the platelets from your system. The result of this case of mistaken identity is a lower number of platelets than normal.

A common cause of petechiae is a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia). Platelets are blood cells that play an important role in blood clotting. Causes of a low platelet count include:

§ Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
§ Viral infections, such as mononucleosis and measles (rubella)
§ Side effect of certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs
§ Bone marrow disorders, such as leukemia
§ Infection of your bloodstream (septicemia, or "blood poisoning")

Caroline can have NO activity. NONE. She is not allowed to play outside. Period. She can't swing, ride a scooter or bike, she is only allowed to stay inside and color. She isn't allowed to just be a kid like the rest of her friends.

The petechiea is worse, a lot worse. And she has bruises all over her little body. If this keeps up, or she has any more nosebleeds that are hard to stop, then they will test for more serious diseases. And make no mistake she has a severe blood disease, that may or may not go away. If all goes well, she will get the all clear in about 8 months. But every time she gets any viral infection, she will be back to square 1.



So I am asking all of the Prayer Soldiers to keep this precious little girl and her family in your prayers. This is a very serious disease, however I have seen God heal things that were worse with the right amount of prayer. I will be praying non stop for my dear friend Alicia and her beautiful daughter Caroline.

Will you please pray with me?

Love and Prayers,

Taylor Talk

Ok here is the scene:

I am helping Taylor with homework. We are in the process of reading. That is her doing the reading and me assisting when needed. Then of course me doing some reading as well while she follows along with the words.

So she is reading and comes to the word beach. The following ensues:

Taylor - Bee-otch They played on the bee-otch.

Me - Laughing hysterically.

Taylor - (raising her voice) BEE-OTCH!! Daddy BEE-OTCH

Me - (laughing harder) its not bee-otch Taylor.

Taylor - Even more upset at my laughing screams at the top of her lungs for all the world to hear....... BEE-OTCH!!!!

We were at the table in the backyard by the way.

Me - No Taylor the word is NOT Bee-otch.

Taylor - Oh...... OK I KNOW WHAT IT IS!!!!!

Me - Then what is it?

Taylor - (beaming with pride) Its BEE-ATCH!!!!! (smile on her face)

Me - More continuous laughter as I thank God once again for my children.

Me - The word is beach Taylor.

Taylor - OHHHHHHH they played on the beeeeach! So why were you laughing at me then.

Me - Because you are soooooooo beautiful sometimes I just laugh out loud with happiness that your my daughter.

Have a great weekend!




Love and Prayers,





P.S. We plan on having a name for the puppy by Monday, so get your entries in now while there is still time. We have many good ones to choose from but havent had anything just knock us over yet where we just knew that was it. The more suggestions the more it helps. Unique names seem to be doing well as of late. Especially those that have some kind of meaning behind them.

Your Gonna Flip Contest!

Ok. Here it is. The moment you have all been waiting for. The contest to name our new little boy puppy has been going so well I'm raising the bar. I had mentioned that the winner would get some kind of surprise. Well now I'm gonna let you in on what it is. Drum roll please....................................................................................................................................................................................................



It's a Pure Digital Technology Video Flip Camera!!! I have one and love it. It shoots great quality video and has a flip out USB connection so that it plugs right into your computer. The files are also automatically compressed so that they upload fast into websites like blogger! Nothing is better than fast uploading video for your blog.



All you have to do is suggest names for our new puppy. You can enter as many names as you like. You have 50 ideas and want to enter 50 times? Leave 50 comments each with a different name. That just raises the odds for you, and of course gives us more to choose from. So get to thinking because you might just be the next blogger to add video easily to your blog.



So make sure you enter as much as you like so that you increase your chances of winning this great prize! The winner will be determined by 1. We choose your name for our dog, or 2. We choose something that wasn't recommended at which time all of Fort Thompson will vote on our favorite of your choices.

I will give you one little hint. We are looking for something short, no more than two syllables. Also we would like it to have some meaning or likeness to things we like or know. You have already given us many great suggestions. If your idea is going to be in the final vote, I will send you an email stating that your entry just got moved to the top of the class. This doesn't mean it will win, but it for sure will increase your chances as your name will have made the initial cut.

Leave your comments or entries here on this post.

Good Luck to all. Now let's see a record number of entries for this camera! It will really help us in finding a name for our new pooch!

Love and Prayers,

Puppy Time

So many of you have asked many questions about our puppy. Most of you just want to know what he is. So this post will hopefully give you some clarification. He is an F1 hybrid known as a maltipoo. Cross between a full pedigree Maltese and a full pedigree Toy Poodle. This is a very popular breed not only due to their cuteness, but also for their lack of health problems that are always present in non hybrid breeds.



He is 3 lbs. now as a 9 week old puppy but wont gain more than 3 to 4 more pounds. His father was 8 lb Maltese and mother a 6 lb. Toy Poodle. He will not change at all in looks as he gets older, and will never shed. Because he doesn't shed he will need regular groomings.



Here is the info on each of the breeds:

Toy Poodle Characteristics:

The Toy Poodle is an elegant, lively, small dog with a profuse, but well-groomed and clipped curly coat. The ears are long, flat and wide, laying close to the head. They like to go for a walk, and will keep in better humor and be fitter if given regular opportunities to run free in a safe area. Toy Poodles are not demanding as far as exercise goes. These dogs are good for city life as well as country living. They are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. The Toy Poodle is sensitive and remarkably intelligent. Highly responsive, they are said to be one of the most trainable breeds. Pleasant, happy, perky and lively, they like to be with people.


Maltese Characteristics:

The Maltese breed is known for their gentle manner and affectionate personality. They are playful not only as puppies but also as adults. They are playful and friendly to all they meet. Since the Maltese are non-shedding as well as hypoallergenic they are very clean. They are a lapdog that loves to please and does well with basic obedience. The affectionate Maltese, with its devoted manner, could fit into any home where a dog with a bubbly, happy personality is desired. This sweet, playful dog will weave its way straight into your heart.



These pics aren't of our little puppy, but they look just like him. I haven't taken any pics yet nor have we chosen a name. The reason for this is because there is a small chance that my son may be allergic to him, so we are trying not to get too attached. That is so hard with a cute little puppy by the way.

This is a hypoallergenic breed so there shouldn't be much of an allergy problem, but I ma sure that it still sometimes exists just because allergies come from the dander of the skin not because of fur shedding. He doesn't have fur, he has hair so he wont shed but Will might still be allergic. Please pray that he is not because it will be very hard on the kids if we have to take him back or find him another home. I'm not all that sure we could even get our money back, so hopefully this works out. We are hopeful that it is just the shampoo they used or the perfume when we bought him.

No pictures will be posted until we know its safe to keep him. At that time we will announce his name as well as the winner of the contest. You all have given us so much to choose from, and it is so helpful because choosing the right name for a family member is always difficult. So keep the ideas coming in. You can post them in the comments here.

Love and Prayers,

Puppy Introduction and Name Contest

So today we took a big leap and decided to go ahead and get the kids a dog. Here is their reaction.




More excitement over our newest family member!





Gotta admit, this is one cute doggy!






Now on to the fun stuff! Many of you have given us suggestions for our newest family member. He is a boy doggy so use that in making suggestions for you entry into the name that doggy contest. That's right a contest! All you have to do is give us name suggestions. One name per comment and you can leave as many names as you like. Each will count as one entry.

Once we decide on a name the winner will receive a very special surprise gift. If you have ever entered a giveaway or contest here then you know it will be something good. So get to commenting and leaving your suggestions for a name.

If we do not use any of the names that are entered when we name him, then we will pick our favorite and that persons name will be the contest winner.

So go on! Name our doggy!


Love and Prayers,

Easter 2009

Easter weekend came and went so fast here at Fort Thompson. However, it couldnt have gone by fast enough for us to forget why we celebrate new life during this holiday.

You will notice in the pictures that Taylor just lost her first tooth from the top. She had lost two bottom teeth before so this was her third, however it is much more noticeable than the bottom ones were. It is a bit sad to see her baby smile going away. We are so proud of how mature she has become, however all these milestones seem to come with some sadness.

I hope that you enjoy the pics. Please make sure to read of our most current dilema at the bottom of this post and give your opinion in the comments. They are much appreciated.

The Easter Bunny Came!

Hunting for Eggs!

Ok, so here is the latest saga at The Fort. Taylor has been asking for a dog for wuite some time. We are in the process of REALLY considering getting one, however we also understand all the committment that is involved. I am asking you to give us your pros, cons, and just opinions on having a dog. Do you think we should? Do you think we shouldnt? I will tell you that the dog we are considering is a Maltipoo. It is a very popular hybrid breed that is a cross between a maltese and a toy poodle. They only get to be about 10 pounds max so they are little house dogs that are very good for kids.

Please share with us all your thoughts.

Also here is a contest:

If we get a dog, and we probably will, you get the chance to name him. Leave as many suggestions for names for a boy dog as you would like. One name per comment please. When we and if we get the dog, if your name is used you will win a great prize to be named later. If we dont use any of the names then we will pick the entry that we liked the best. Sound good? Comment your opinion on the dog first, and then enter away with your doggy names!

There will also be more Easter pics of Taylor and Will on their pages very soon.


Love and Prayers,

Mr. Thompson your results show you have......

A hemorrhoid.

And the crowd goes wild!!!!!! Praise God for answered prayers for tonight we celebrate.

Yes, NO colon cancer. The cause for concern was only a hemorrhoid as the rest of my colon was free and clear of cancer as well as polyps for that matter.

I am home now and couldn't be feeling any better.

I want to thank each and everyone of you for your thoughts and prayers during this little scare of ours. I don't even have the words to express my gratitude to all of you (many who I don't even know but will learn of you) who have left your kind uplifting comments for me and my family. I can also never say enough to all of the Prayer Soldiers out there who have prayed for me during this time.

If you too would like to be a Prayer Soldier just grab the button from the left sidebar and post it to your blog. Then watch The Fort for prayer request as well as updates to existing prayer requests. You can also email us your own request and they will be posted here as well. Many of these request can also be found on Sited and Blogged which is the social networking site I write and edit for. Those requests are posted there on Mondays.

Again, thanks to all of you who kept us in your thoughts and prayers.

Love and Prayers,

Im Gonna Puke!

Well I thought I would update you on what has transpired. Not much really to be honest as I don't know anything more than I did before. I had the cat scan this morning, and I thought the Barium (contrast) I had to drink for it was gonna kill me. That stuff was SOOO freakin nasty it was worse than drinking glue.

Now today is a entirely different beast. Not only am I still not able to eat, but I am having to drink some of the most foulest things I have ever put in my mouth. The latest being this lavage solution that taste like straight salt water and just makes be wanna puke even looking at it. It is soo nauseating. I might sound like a big wimp here, but trust me in telling you that this is no fun. Its bad enough having the nausea of drinking it, but I must do so while running off butt clinched to the bathroom every ten minutes to..... well you know.

All of these things as part of the process to prepare my digestive system for the colonoscopy I am to have tomorrow at 11:30am. I will not know anything on the cat scan for another 2 to 3 days, but think I should know something right away after the scope. I just don't think I will be able to remember it for a while. So as soon as I understand what has happened, and can post about the results, you will know.

Thank you so much to all of the Prayer Soldiers and others who have left comments sharing that you are praying for me. They are all very much appreciated.

Love and Prayers,

I Heart Faces - My Friend and I

Here is my entry for this weeks photo contest at I Heart Faces. The theme for this week is my friend and I. I know it may not be what some may consider friends, but for a two year old mommy is the only friend they've got. It didn't say who their friend had to be. It said "your child and their friend. So this is my child and his friend. To me this shot captures the true love between a mother and son, who will always be best of friends. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Make sure you get on over to I heart faces and enter this contest, and if anything just look at all the entries. You will not be disappointed.



By the way, you think kissing with our eyes closed is just programmed in us? How does one know to do that? Have you ever tried not too? I have and its hard to impossible. Leave your comments on this image and what you think about the eyes in kissing thing. I wanna know.

Love and Prayers,