Fort Thompson

Taylor's Dance Commercial

2011-07-16T02:45:00.000-05:00

On Friday Taylor danced for the filming of a commercial for Bonis studio. This video is also a commercial for So You Think You Can Dance's Dizzy Feet Foundations National Dance Day.

It was leaned by these kids in just 30 minutes or so. Once the actual commercial comes out we will try to get a copy of it for your viewing pleasure. It isn't really any big deal, but we wanted to post it for future reference.

Hope you enjoyed it!

Love and Prayers,

Dance Videos from Regionals!

2011-06-04T19:24:00.009-05:00

Our apologies for just now getting this to you. We had to wait quite some time to get the videos we ordered in the mail. They don't let you take pics or video at these competitions so you have to buy their stuff. Quite a racket I tell ya. LOL

Anyway, this is the Regional Qualifier for Nationals. All of Taylor's dances qualified for Nationals, and we couldn't be prouder.

So we are going to get this things started right with Peanut Butter and Jelly Time. This is a large group Hip Hop number choreographed by our Miss Toni! Its always the dance that gets the crowd into the competition. I'm not just saying that because I'm partial either. You will understand once you have watched it. So get your popcorn ready and hang on because its gonna be a fun ride! Take it away Taylor!

By the way she starts in the back. She is in the group on the right, and she is the one on the left of that group with the long blond hair. She start right underneath the O in StageOne on the backdrop.

The next dance is Taylor's small group ballet. It also took 1st Place in Category as well as 1st Place in the overall and qualified for Nationals in Branson Missouri. It is choreographed by our sweet Miss Jen. Taylor is the tall one, hard to miss in this.

Last but certainly not least is Taylor's small group tap number. If you cant tell they are The Muppets and Taylor is Miss Piggy, so you shouldn't have any difficulty figuring out where she is in this one either. Choreography on this one is by Taylors favorite tap teacher and Director of her team Miss Amy!

So leave Taylor some comment love and tell her what you thought.

Love and Prayers,

Good Bye 2nd Bring on the 3rd!

2011-06-02T17:47:00.002-05:00

Today our Taylor graduated 2nd grade with flying colors. NOT ONE B all year! Thats right for the third year in a row now Taylor has gotten straight A's all while taking a full load of dance classes. We couldnt be more proud.

For those that dont know the E's are considered A's in Conduct.

SHe just finished her dance recital last weekend, so when I get some time I will post some pics and maybe video of that soon as well.

Love and Prayers,

I Love Dance Competition Results

2011-05-11T23:36:00.000-05:00

This past weekend Taylors dance team competed at a competition called I Love Dance. For the two dances she does (The Muppets and 4 Swans) that are in the same age group, both won 1st Place in their category. Because the two dances were in the same age group they had to compete against each other in the overall. Overall is where they put all categories in that age group into one big group and give 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places for the overall. There were about 30 dances and 4 Swans got 1st Place in the overall while The Muppets took 2nd. Cant complain about that.

Then her third dance which is Peanut Butter and Jelly Time (you can see the video of all three dances below) which is a Hip Hop number also got 1st place in its category. It also got 1st Place overall amongst 36 dances, and also won Best in Show at the end of the day which is the most prestigous award they give out for the competitions best dance.

We are extremely proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to our Nationals competition.

Way to go Taylor, we are SOOOOO proud of you!

Love and Prayers,

Masquerade 2011 Video and Stage One Results

2011-03-06T20:45:00.005-06:00

Today Taylor finished her second dance competition (Stage One)which was a regional qualifier for the national competition in Branson. They did a great job and qualified with all three dances.

The Muppets dance recieved a High Gold ranking.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Time received a High Gold ranking and 3rd place overall among over 35 competitors.

4 Swans received a Platinum ranking and won 1st place overall among over 30 competitors.

While we wont have the video from it for a few weeks we did get the video from the last competition in the mail when we got home. So we will share the last competition with you on video now which was Masquerade.

They did the same dances today, however they did much better on them today than what you will see in the video here from the competition a few weeks back.

We hope you enjoy!

Love and Prayers,

Masquerade Dance Competition 2011

2011-02-12T22:28:00.007-06:00

Taylor just finished her first dance competition. She was in 3 dances, a few of which you may have already seen here and some you may not have.

The dances are judged first individually which is the judges critique. The scores are silver, high silver, gold, high gold, and platinum with silver being awarded usually never as it is the lowest you can receive. Platinum is the highest and it is about as rare as silver. Gold and High Gold are given out the most with Platinum very rare as it is the top score you can receive.

After the individual scores there are rankings (1st, 2nd, 3rd) that are given out for each category.

Taylors dances earned Gold, High Gold, and PLATINUM!! Extremely high scores especially since it was many of our kids first competition ever.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Time earned the Platinum score and also won 1st place in category as well as a special judges award. It was the hit of the night.

The Muppets dance earned a Gold ranking, and the 4 Swans dance got a High Gold. The 4 Swans also won 1st place in category as well.

We only have a few pics to share now of The Muppets and The 4 Swans. The video should be here in about two weeks and we will post all of the dances from competition then. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did.

We are so proud of you Taylor and all you have accomplished thru dance.

Love and Prayers,

Sleepover Update

2011-01-08T20:01:00.002-06:00

Taylor has some dance friends over for a slumber party. They decided to do one of their dances just for you so that you could see what a fun time they are having.

So now I turn this post over to the girls.

Mackenzie:

Hey everybody, this is Peanut Butter and Jelly Time. I hope you like it bye!

Taylor:

I hope you love our dance. Bye!

Jules:

If you like our dance, put a heart by it!

Maddi:

What up hot sauce? I hope you like our dance!

Love,

The Peanut Butter and Jelly Girls

Will's Christmas Songs!!

2010-12-14T22:04:00.002-06:00

Will is soon to be in his first Christmas program. These are a few of the songs he will sing for the program, we hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Stay tuned to see some video of our Christmas Lights that are choreographed to music!

Love and Prayers,

Nutcracker 2010

2010-12-04T02:48:00.002-06:00

Taylor is soon to dance in her first Nutcracker. She got the part she wanted the first time she was able (at her age) to audition. We are very proud of this and all of her accomplishments in dance.

It will be a wonderful moment during what is a very special time of year. Just another way for her to celebrate Him during the month of His birth while using the very gifts that He has blessed her with.

Her is a video of one of the dress rehearsals. She is a mouse and about the only way you can pick her out is to look for the one with the red bow with the white poka dots. It looks like the bow on Minnie Mouse.

She starts on your left then goes to the right side of the stage and back. She is in the back on your left as you view the video in the part where they are all on stage at once. She is also one of the two that carry off the dead mouse. She picks up the other little girls arms.

The video isnt great, but hopefully you will be able to see some of it.

Taylor,

We are so proud of all you have accomplished through dance. God truly gave you some amazing gifts through song and dance. It is more than a smile and often a tear that is the result of what we feel in our hearts while watching you.

Your mother, brother and I are so proud of you and cant wait to see you dance both now and into the future. We know that this is only the beggining, and we cant wait to see more!

We Love You,

Mommy, Daddy, Will, and Bogey

Love and Prayers,

You wanna put holes where?

2010-11-08T21:15:00.012-06:00

This weekend Taylor and BFF Mackenzie (also known as Mack, Taylor is known as Tay-Tay) decided that they would get their ears pierced. We had told her she could do it after a certain age once she was ready but that it would be totally up to her.

Saturday she made that decision....with a little encouragement from her BFF.

We arrived at Sweet and Sassy and Mack and her family were already there.

Once it came time to do the deed, Mack didnt seem as interested as she was at first. Taylor decided to go first in hopes that it would make her friend feel better.

She sat there like a trooper and never even flinched. This pic was taken just moments before the needles went in...

This one was taken right after I heard the click of the guns. Notice that there isnt much change in her expression. If you look close enough you can just see a sliver of concern, but no pain reaction or anything.

Here is the video.

After she was done Mack felt some additional pressure and got a little upset at first but nothing was gonna keep this cuty from achieving this level of ear beauty.

She got in the chair just like Taylor and with a little encouragement from Taylor as well as a hand to hold she was on her way. At least the baby looked happy about it.

Then came the love and support only a mom can give. This pic really captures a tender moment. Feel free to click on any of the images to get a better view.

Here is her video...

So with Taylors hand in one hand and moms in the other she was ready to get it over with. Mack sat there so bravely and made us oh so proud. She beamed with joy when it was over and especially once she saw the results.

Just look at the smile on that face! Again you can click the image to see a better view.

We were so proud of both of them. It seems like it was a bit of a right of passage from little girls to young ladies. Even so, these two who will remember this day forever will always be our little girls.

Love and Prayers,

Happy Birthday Miss Boni!

2010-10-12T16:42:00.011-05:00

We were so blessed a little over a year ago. We decided to put Taylor in dance because she had always enjoyed it so much and we thought she was pretty good. What parent doesn't?

Enter Miss Boni! We were so fortunate to find a really great place for Taylor to take dance. We started Taylor right away in the summer of last year just after we attended their recital. It was more than impressive to say the least.

It was a place called Boni's Dance and Performing Arts Studio. We didn't meet Miss Boni right away, but knew that it was a very special place just based on what we had seen with the teachers both in the studio as well as the character they showed outside of it.

First there was Miss Marsha who was Taylor's first teacher. I don't think we could have dreamed of finding someone as good with little one's as she is. She makes them all feel so comfortable even the shy one's. She is very special.

Then came Miss Terry. She is the pulse of the studio. The one that makes things happen, and in our case the one who set things in motion. She was Taylor's teacher last Fall, and after only two classes, saw Taylor's potential and chose to move her into more advanced classes so that she could be challenged. This was a HUGE turning point for Taylor and we owe Miss Terry a ton. She loves the kids and always has a smile on her face.

Since starting dance just over a year ago, and getting moved up by Miss Terry, Taylor has auditioned and made The Woodlands Dance Company and Bonis En Toure Competitive Dance Team. Her future in dance is bright and we owe much of that to Miss Terry.

So out of Miss Terry's class and into ballet with Miss Christina and tap with Miss Amy. I have no words to express how lucky Taylor was to get them.

Miss Christina is the ballet director at Boni's, and Taylor has taken many a private lesson from her as well. She is an unbelievable talent when it comes to dance and equally as good as a teacher. We almost lost her this year when she thought of moving back to Phoenix, and we are so glad she didn't. It would have been an immeasurable loss for Taylor. This is how highly we think of her.

Miss Amy is the BET Too director. For those who don't know BET is Boni's En Toure and it is the competition troupe at Boni's. The best of the best who go and compete at various competitions each year. Nationals is in Branson and we cant wait! I digress.

Anyway, Taylor has grown attached to Miss Amy's hip as she is her BET teacher. There is always the part where I tell you that Taylor likes tap the most that enters into the equation as well. Truth be told though, Miss Amy is an exceptional tap instructor and we were so blessed to have Taylor take from her last. Taylor is turning into a really great tapper and it is solely Miss Amy's doing.

Taylor also took Hip Hop this summer from Miss Toni. If you are reading this and know of Bonis then you know I don't need say much about her. She is totally business with these kids and we LOVE that! She always gets the most out of them every time they step into the studio with her. Miss Toni also does the Hip Hop number for BET that you have seen videos of. Go Peanut Butter and Jelly Time!

So you can see that this studio is a very very special place. I'm hear to tell you that it is thanks to this lady........

Boni.

That's right. Miss Boni.

She is the heart of the studio. Like an angel she glides up and down the hall never missing a single handshake, smile, or hug from a student. She is all that is Boni's and the reason little girls squeal when they see her.

She started the studio out of her garage in 1983. Very soon after she had moved into her first studio which began an amazing journey. She opened the 15,000 plus sq ft studio she is in now back in 2001, and has since opened a second campus in Magnolia.

Since 1983 she has danced her way into the hearts of many. She has won many awards and recognitions throughout the years which are too numerous to list here. However it is not the awards that define her success, but her success that defines the awards.

Today it is her birthday. So on this very special occasion we wanted to take the opportunity to share with you how we feel about this very special lady.

Boni,

It is with great pleasure that we send you well wishes on your special day. Thank you for everything you have been to Taylor. She started at your studio as a little girl, and thanks to you she has been molded into a beautiful young lady.

We love that in addition to a wonderful dance curriculum, she also learns etiquette, responsibility, trust and teamwork. The character development she is getting is priceless. We will never be able to express in words how appreciative we are to have met you. We do however take solice in knowing that we have at least 10 more years to figure it out.

So on this day we wish you the best. Thank you for all you and your wonderful teachers have meant to our beautiful princess. She has grown leaps and bounds since starting dance at your studio, and we cant wait to see what happens next.

We are honored to call you teacher, mentor, motivator and friend. God bless you on this day and the many many more that are to come! We hope to be there every step of the way.

The Thompson's

Love and Prayers,

New Hip Hop Video

2010-10-10T13:44:00.001-05:00

Taylor is wearing a purple top.

Love and Prayers,

Crazy Hair Day!

2010-09-28T23:52:00.004-05:00

Today at Will's school they had Crazy Hair Day. He is doing so good in school and just loves all of the activities they do like this one.

He will start T-Ball practice this week also, and as soon as we have some pics from it they will be posted. He is very excited about T-Ball especially since his best friend (he calls him his brother, or as he says it bruda) is also on the same team.

Enjoy the crazy hair pics!

Love and Prayers,

Wills 1st Day of School and a Letter from Daddy

2010-09-14T10:58:00.007-05:00

Will started private school (preschool) last week and we couldn't be more excited and proud of him. He just loves his class and his teacher and cant wait to go back to "the big school" as he calls it because it has stairs. Its in a church which we really like so he gets to attend chapel once a day to learn more about Jesus.

The following letter is to him. Feel free to read on if you like.

Will,

You’re only four years old, and at this point in your life you can’t read, much less understand what I’m going to try to tell you in this letter. But I've been thinking a lot about the life that you have ahead of you, about my life so far as I reflect on what I’ve learned, and about my role as a dad in trying to prepare you for the trials that you will face in the coming years. I hope you will find some wisdom and value in what I share with you.

You are young, and life has yet to take its toll on you, to throw disappointments and heartaches and loneliness and struggles and pain into your path. You have not been worn down yet by long hours of thankless work, by the slings and arrows of everyday life.

For this, be thankful. You are at a wonderful stage of life. You have many wonderful stages of life still to come, but they are not without their costs and perils.

There will be people in your life who won’t be very nice. They’ll tease you because you’re different, or for no good reason. They might try to bully you or hurt you.

Always be kind to these people. Pray for them, for their suffering is greater than yours. Learn to choose friends who are kind to you, who actually care about you, who make you feel good about yourself. When you find friends like this, hold on to them, treasure them, spend time with them, be kind to them, love them.

You will also face heartbreak and abandonment by those you love. I hope you don’t have to face this too much, but it happens. Continue to give them the unconditional agape love that God has promised us. Nothing will feel better to you than the gift of giving, and there is no greater gift than that of love.

You will fall many times in life just as you do now as a child. Don't get discouraged when you do but pick yourself up and keep on trying. Failure is a stepping stone to success, and you will never succeed if you quit trying. You will also never learn if you don't fail.

Find your passion, and pursue it endlessly. Don’t settle for a job that pays the bills. Life is too short to waste on a job you hate. Find something you love and success is almost guaranteed.

If there’s a single word you should live your life by, it should be this: Love.

Some would live by the rule of success. Their lives will be stressful, unhappy and shallow.

Others would live by the rule of selfishness — putting their needs above those of others. They will live lonely lives, and will also be unhappy.

Still others will live by the rule of righteousness — trying to show the right path, and admonishing anyone who doesn’t live by that path. They are concerned with others, but in a negative way, and in the end will only have their own righteousness to live with, and that’s a horrible companion.

Live your life by the rule of love. Love your spouse, your children, your parents, your friends, with all of your heart. Give to them what they need, and show them not cruelty nor disapproval nor coldness nor disappointment, but only love. Open your soul to them.

Love not only your loved ones, but your neighbors … your coworkers … strangers … your brothers and sisters in humanity. Offer anyone you meet a smile, a kind word, a kind gesture, a helping hand.

Love not only neighbors and strangers … but your enemy. The person who is cruelest to you, who has been unkind to you … love him. He is a tortured soul, and most in need of your love.

And most of all, love yourself. While others may criticize you, learn not to be so hard on yourself, to think that you’re unworthy of love … but to think instead that you are a wonderful human being, worthy of happiness and love … and learn to love yourself for who you are.

Finally, always walk by His side. Your faith is the most important possession you own. It is your sword, your shield, and the only way you can get through the hard times. For you can do all things through Him who strengthens you. God will ALWAYS be there for you even when others aren't. Never leave His side, for this is the greatest of all advise I can impart to you.

Know that your mother and I love you very much and always will. You are starting out on an incredibly wonderful journey, and we will be there for you anytime you need us. Godspeed my son.

Sealed with tears.

Love,

Daddy

Sleepover Dance

2010-09-10T23:51:00.002-05:00

Tonight Taylor has her BFF Mackenzie over for the night. She couldn't be any more excited as you will see. They have their BET class for Hip Hop in the morning and wanted to show off what they know so far.

Enjoy!

Love and Prayers,

Will Turns 4!!!!!

2010-08-25T20:50:00.012-05:00

Will turned 4 on Sunday and we had a party for him on Saturday at the newest indoor inflatable jump place to our area. The kids just love to go there and it is very close to where we live.

He is growing up so much faster than we had hoped, then again I guess it is always that way when it comes to your own kids. He will start private school the day after labor day, and is super excited because his good friend Carter will be in his class. As I type this that decision isn't officially final, but it might as well be since we are about 95% positive that it is what we are going to do with him.

We hope you enjoy the pics.

Will,

We have been so honored and blessed to call you our son over these last 4 years. You are the light of our world, and what always makes us smile. The love you give to all is so infectious. The sweetness in your voice is music to our ears. The kissies and huggies you give us daily (just because) still to this day melt our hearts.

We know that many of these things will surely fade away, however the love in our hearts for you will always remain the same.

We are so proud of the little man you are becoming, and we love you so much.

All Our Love,

Mommy and Daddy

Little girls......

and their mommy's.

Jump Jump!

Birthday Boy!

Big breath, big breath!!!

Yep, I nailed it. From long distance at that.

Notice my goofy aunt in the back.

Girls, girls, girls.... some pretty cute ones wouldn't ya say?

Carter and Will taking a break from the jumping.

Coool, a DINOSAUR!!!!

MORE dinosaur stuff!

A DS Daddy, I got a DS!!!!!

Carter, Me and Maddox. They are my two best friends. Thanks for coming to my party and making my day special!

Love and Prayers,

Happy Birthday Mackenzie!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-08-16T21:32:00.005-05:00

Today Taylor went to Mackenzie's birthday party. Mackenzie is one of the 4 ballerinas in the 4 swan dance that Taylor is doing. She is also in several other dances that Taylor is in. They will for sure be spending allot of time and travel together over this next year and probably many to come.

We hope you enjoy the pics as much as we enjoyed the party!

Taylor and Mackenzie..... just a couple of girlfriends hanging out at the pool.

You can do it!!!!!!!!!

These are all 4 of our beautiful ballerinas. How cute are they?

From left to right.. Mackenzie, Maddi, Taylor, and Jules.

Will with his buddy Carter. Carter is Mackenzies little brother. She and Taylor and Will and Carter are the same age.

Maddi and Jules play under the water.

Four Swans a Swimming

Happy Birthday Mackenzie!!!!

Love and Prayers,

Taylor's Hip Hop Dance

2010-08-16T00:35:00.004-05:00

Taylor just finished her first choreography week for BET (Boni's En Toure). In case you didnt know its the competition troupe at the studio she dances at.

This is a video I shot of her doing the choreography for part of it. They have allot of time to improve it as competitions don't start until February. You will see by the choreography that once they get it, no one is going to touch them. Its going to be that good. Its allot faster than it looks in the video.

This was also a very bad day for her because she had tried to stay up the night before to sneak a peak at the tooth fairy. Needless to say she didnt give her best effort as she was doing her best to not fall asleep. I promise I will do my best to video her next time when she is awake. :)

She is the blonde in the black shorts and shirt with the red bow in her hair.

Love and Prayers,

Big/Little Sister Party

2010-08-11T00:24:00.012-05:00

Today Taylor had her Big/Little Sister party. This was a party at her dance studio to celebrate the hard work they have done so far during choreography week and mainly find out who their big or little sister will be for the year.

Taylor is of course a little since she is one of the youngest kids in this competition troupe. The big sister she got is Emma, and she is perfect for Taylor.

The following pictures show some of the festivities. We hope you enjoy!

This is Jules, Taylor, and Maddi. All three of them dance in three different numbers together. One tap, a ballet, and a hip hop. All of these are for competion.

Another pic of Taylor and Maddi. They have danced together for a year now and it seems like they will be together for years to come.

Working on the tap number with Miss Amy!

Taylor, Mackenzie, and Maddi just waiting for their next class.

Girls just being girly.

Maddi gets her big sister, and a gift in the process!

Taylor signs her first autograph.

Taylor meets her big sister Emma! She just loves her and they have much in common.

Filling out a questionairre to learn more about her big.

Emma and Taylor getting some snacks from the food line.

Hope you enjoyed the pics. It will get alot more exciting when I have pics and videos of the actual dances when they are in costume and all. Hopefully even some pics of them posing with trophies!

Make sure you leave some comment love for Taylor and wish her well with BET (Bonis En Toure)!

Love and Prayers,

BET Mixer at the lake

2010-08-07T14:39:00.014-05:00

For those of you who dont know, Taylor auditioned for the competition dance troupe at Bonis Dance and Performing Arts Studio a few months back and made it. We couldn't be more proud. She has only been in dance for a little less than a year and has already passed auditions into The Woodlands Dance Company (they do The Nutcracker) and BET (Boni's En Toure).

We had our first event of this season at Boni's Lake House. It was a ton of fun and both of the kids had a great time. Here are a few pics from that weekend.

This is Taylor and her friend Maddi. They have danced together for almost a year and are two of just a few girls that are on the troupe at such an early age. They are in three competition dances together and who knows yet how many classes. They will be spending much time together and we look forward to getting to know this sweet little girl and her family better.

Going out on the boat!

This is Grace on the left. She has often had her private lesson right before Taylors, so Taylor has had the chance to watch her solos, duets, etc. She is two years older than Taylor and Taylor just thinks the world of her.

Everyone thinks the world of this cute one. I just cant remember his name? Geez he is cute though!

Taylor and Miss Megan. She is the blonde and a dancer that also was an assistant teacher in two of Taylor's classes last year. Of course Taylor loves her to death.

Miss Boni and that cute little boy.

Taylor and Miss Terry. She is the one responsible for seeing Taylor's ability for dance and getting her the right instruction. We owe much to her.

The famous Miss Boni! She taught Taylor's ballet class this summer and of course Taylor loved having her.

All of the team posing for a group shot. Taylor and Maddi were still out on the boat in case you couldn't find them. Not trying to trick ya or anything.

I hope you enjoyed these shots from our lake party. We are no longer using Facebook, so we will be posting things here much more often. So check back often!

Love and Prayers,

Special Guest Post Please Read

2010-04-01T18:23:00.009-05:00

Today I was given the honor to guest post at Caring for Carleigh.

The author is Holly Haas and she is a very special friend of our family. Please read the story and find out just how she has touched our family. I have no doubt that her story will touch you too.

I could write many blog posts about how truly special she is, and the moving story that she has to tell. However I will let her words do the talking to your hearts just as they have ours.

Please click one of the links to Caring for Carliegh. Read our story (my guest post) then learn for yourself more about this wonderful family. Their story touches all who read it.

You can also read more about the Haas family at Haas Family Blessings.

This post and my guest post are dedicated to Carleigh and all the Haas family. Our love to you always.

Please visit their blogs and leave them some comment love.

Love and Prayers,

Run Carey Run!

2010-03-30T13:16:00.008-05:00

This past weekend Carey traveled to Austin Texas and ran in a Half Marathon with her sister Lindsay. This was her first marathon to run in and I had to post about it especially as to how well she did. You know the proud hubby post.

I think she picked this race to run in because it featured "a fabulous post race-party with mini spa treatments, catered brunch, and shopping." Notice the spa treatments and shopping part? Nothing better than an after race massage eh??

Out of over 1000 contestants she placed 45th overall, 38th among females, and 6th among her age group. Oops I almost put her age group! Yikes, that would have been a no no for sure. :) Her time was 1:50:49 with a split of 58:57.

Most importantly is that she did VERY well for her first race in a strange place on a VERY difficult course with tons of steep hills.

In her own words:

The hills on this course were like no other. I physically felt ill when I got to the top of the worst one. I ran a mile or two with a stray dog and a cow in a pasture ran along side of me for a little bit. Lindsay and I got to high five each other about 7 to 8 miles into the race as we passed going opposite ways. The soles of my feet felt like they were going to burn a hole in the bottom of my shoes. We got complimentary massages, water, Gatorade, fruit, protein bars and more after the race. Lindsay and I walked funny all day on Saturday and Sunday because our legs and feet hurt.

I enjoyed it very much and will continue to train for the next one. I am hooked!

So there you have it! Yaaaaaay Mommy, you did so well and we are so proud of you!

Please leave Carey some comment love giving her support. Maybe it will get her to post here more often. :) It is always greatly appreciated!

Love and Prayers,

The Worst Thing!

2010-03-26T21:47:00.006-05:00

Ok here it is. The moment you have all been waiting for. I know the anticipation is killing you right?

This is your chance to break free! Release your burdens and come clean. Tell us what the worst thing you think you ever did was. Or was it something that happened to you? Or was it a lie you told to someone? Maybe you bribed your kids? Ya nice try but we all do that.

Anything that you feel would be fun to share. In most cases Im betting that many of these will be funny.

Just go to the link here and tell us what you did.

In case you are wondering, this is The Forts Blog Frog Community. We would like more than anything for you to participate in the discussions and join our community. Its a ton of fun and a great way to learn about others who have the same or similar interests.

Our Blog Frog Widgets are in our right sidebar just a little further down. Feel free to visit the blogs shown listed there. They are all super blogs who are also happy users of their own Frogs. When you join every time you come here your blog will be listed here at Fort Thompson. Now theres some exposure eh?

So click THIS link and join in the discussion by leaving your worst moment ever. Dont forget to come back and check as there is sure to be others there who will comment on what you have to say. It will surely draw some traffic to your blog too!

For more info on The Blog Frog and all the ways it can improve your blog just feel free to ask.

Now come on, what is it? Did you lose your pants in church? Or could it have been some unexpected gas in a really bad place? Please share! I cant wait to laugh along with you.

I will be sharing mine soon don't worry.

Love and Prayers,

Suggestions?

2010-03-25T14:00:00.002-05:00

Now that Taylor's hair is shorter it is allot harder to get into a bun for dance. It was really easy when it was long. The only problem was the weight made it difficult to stay up. Now that it's short I am yet to figure out how to get it up.

So I come to you asking for help. Anyone who is willing please leave your suggestions in the comments section of this post and help a hair doing dad figure this one out. All suggestions are welcome.

She also has a recital coming up and I will need something special for that too.

So what are you waiting for? Help a good ole dad out won't ya?

Also don't forget to visit our Blog Frog Community and join up. Its a great place to find other great blogs while chatting with some really great folks! If you want to know how to get your own Blog Frog Community just ask and I will be happy to help. You can find the link in the right side bar a little further down.

Love and Prayers,

The Charity of a Child

2010-03-11T23:05:00.008-06:00

Tonight she did it.

Her heart beamed with pride and joy as she gave so selflessly. This from only a child whom knows not of the magnitude of the act, but more of the result of it's action.

Yes we are very proud on this day. Our Taylor took a huge step forward in life as she embraced the gift of giving and in the process learned that it is the giving in which lies the gift.

She watched with anxious eyes as each lock was chopped away. This was her day to learn, her day to love, her day to give.

Tonight was her night, and she did it!

Love and Prayers,

Locks of Love

2010-03-11T00:32:00.005-06:00

As you already know we are VERY proud of both of our kids and all that they do. They are both filled with so much love and are just a joy to all whom come in contact with them.

Today Taylor has decided (on her own) to donate over ten inches of her hair to Locks of Love. This is a non profit organization who delivers hair pieces to those who don't have the money and are facing life threatening illnesses like cancer. There is a girl at her school who has lost her hair and Taylor has made it a point to become good friends with her. While others may make fun, Taylor has reached out to her and become a close and trusted friend.

We did not even know of this until recently when she asked if she could give some of her hair to this girl. She said she though it would make her feel better about herself and maybe not get teased.

While there is no guaranty that Taylor's hair will go to this girl (and probably wont) there is no doubt that it will benefit some child somewhere who is dealing with some kind of life threatening illness.

Giving this much hair to many seems like a pretty big deal, however to Taylor she would give it all if she could. There is no price that can be placed on charity and what it means to give.

We are so proud of her for wanting to do this and it will take place today. We will be sure to take many pictures and post them soon.

Make sure you leave a comment to Taylor and let her know that you too are so proud of what she is doing. It is a pretty grown up decision for just a 7 year old.

If you would like to learn more about Locks of Love and the wonderful work they do, please visit their site by clicking on the link in the top of our right sidebar.

Love and Prayers,

Monthly Miracles - Philip Briggs

2010-01-10T08:49:00.005-06:00

I posted about my story of what happened when I died and how God performed a miracle in my life so that I could live. The post was titled Angels and Miracles in case you want to check it out.

So this brought up the idea of showcasing different peoples experiences with miracles or angel sightings in their lives. Thus Fort Thompson Monthly Miracles was born. It is my hope that this can go from monthly to weekly, but in order to do that I need your help getting the word out to others to send in their stories. They can be emailed to me.

This months story I have wanted to share for some time now. I think so highly of this mom and the strength and courage she shows on a daily basis. She is a pillar of faith and strength like no other as you will soon read. God truly blessed her family by giving them her as a mom. While she might not always feel that way because of what she has been through, I know that Gods blessings dont come any grander than Amy Briggs.

This is Philips story(Amy's son)as told by her....

Philip is a blessing to our family in so many ways. Years ago I did not think I would be able to even be a mom. I had 3 Miscarriages and the Dr told us that we may never be able to have children. When I got pregnant with Philip I held my breathe for months. I can remember every minute of the day we saw his heartbeat on the scan. The first time he moved, and the day we found out we were having a little boy. Life was perfect.

April 19th 1990 Philip James Briggs was born and I knew what it felt like to be a mommy..it was the most wonderful feeling in the world. And it still is. Philip was born three weeks early and weighed 7 pounds 12 ounces. He was perfect.

When Philip was about a week old he started to projectile throw up. I took him to the DR and we were told he had a virus. After a few days I took him back to the Dr and we were told he had reflux and to raise the head of the bed to help with this. I can remember driving to walmart at 2 am in tears to buy Mylocon drops thinking I am a awful mom. The following day I had Philip out shopping with me and he started throwing up non stop. I took him home and got him cleaned up. As I laid him on my bed his tummy started to heave as he was about to throw up and I bent down to pick up a burp cloth he vomited so hard it hit the wall. That minute I just said enough. I called the Dr and told him..I am bringing him to the ER . I remember his words so clear. Okay bring him but he has a virus and it will run it's course and be better in a few days. I said well you can tell me that when you see him.

You know it is odd..as I write this story I feel burring tears...As I write the next stage of this amazing story I realize this is where our lives forever changed. And it hurts. It hurts in a way that I can not explain. I think that is why it has taken me so long to finally sit down and write this. Maybe it is easier to think of it in bits and pieces...operation and recovery..vs the whole hard reality...19 brain operations. shunts Brain mass in brain stem .a stroke...28 orthopedic operations and pain pumps and stimulator's. Yes reality is hard some days.

I took Philip to the ER and they took one look at him and rushed him to a room. They told me that he was very dehydrated and would need a IV. I can remember thinking how in the world can I let them stick needles in him. It took 6 pokes and three IV techs to finally get his IV done. I was a wreck. The Er told me he thought he knew what was wrong with Philip . He wanted to do test to confirm his diagnosis of Pyloric Stenosis. They were calling in the surgeon and I was falling apart. I remember thinking..I can NOT do this. I can NOT have my new baby have an operation. After a few battery of test that included an Ultrasound, blood work, and xrays they could not confirm the Pyloric Stenosis. They admitted him in the hospital to run more test.

As the days went on Philip would still throw up, and sleep alot. I mentioned to the nurses that He was hard to wake up. One evening I was nursing Philip and the Dr came in and asked to speak to Jim. He told Jim that they could not find anything wrong with Philip and wondered if I might be having a hard time with being a new mom. He also told Jim that maybe I needed to be reminded that babies do spit up and they do sleep a lot. He suggested Jim have me see my Dr to see if I had post partemn depression. He said they would release us the next morning after all the test results were back. About an hour later they decided to move Philip to a room in ICU to better monitor him and we were told we were being transfered to a out of town children's hospital. Things sure had taken a sudden turn and needless to say I was both confused and concerned.

Philip was airlifted to a out of town children's hospital and taken to the Peds ICU. I had no idea how much our lives would change from that day forward. Being a teaching hospital there were tons of people who came in to care for Philip. But all these years later I remember the one resident that took extra care and time with Philip. Dr. Perez. I wonder if he has any idea what a impact he made on our lives. I have a feeling he is a wonderful Dr.

We were told that Philip had been transfered there due to a abnormal test. It was a ammonia level test that could mean he had a metabolism problem. Yet when they specialist came in he said he had re ran the test and it was in normal range. He also explained that if you smoke and touch the tip of the tube it can give a abnormal reading. So while that was wonderful news...here we were back where we started.

For a week Philip had every test done and re done. He was still in Peds ICU and no one could figure out what was wrong. It was finally decided that he had a rare virus and he could go home and be watched by our pediatrician. The same one who swore it was all in my head and yet the same night sent him to ICU.

My uncle who happen to be a DR in Ga called me to check on Philip. I told him what they had said and he listened and said okay. I had no idea how concerned he was. He called Dr. Perez and asked him exactly what type of virus and I am sure they discussed a few other things. Next thing I know...Jim has gone to get Philip's car seat ( he had been life flighted ) and I am listening to Dr. Perez tell me he is going to run one more test to cover his butt with my Uncle. To be honest I was not worried about the outcome because every single test came out negative.

As I packed our hospital room I had no idea how much our lives really were about to change. Dr. Perez came in and said they had found something. My heart broke and our life changed forever. He said it was in his brain stem and he would need a MRI immediately. I called Jim who came rushing back. He called his parents who were away on vacation and they drove through the night to get back. My mom came and we all gathered and waited.

That afternoon they took Philip by ambulance to a special hospital with a MRI and he had his scan. The first time I saw the big black area I said okay that is his brain. The tech explained to us that was the mass. I could not believe that was in my son's brain.

I remember a night that describes how I still feel today. It was about 2 am and I was sitting in a rocking chair. The nurse came in and said..are you okay? I can hear myself say the words...I am just trying to figure out how all this could of happen to my sweet baby boy. I still am trying to figure that out today. I know one day God will explain it all to me and I will know all the answers. Until then all I can do is pray and trust in my faith.

It was decided by the neurosurgeon that Philip needed emergency brain surgery. The Dr spent a lot of time answering all of our questions. He also explained that it would be best to go in and try to drain off the area vs placing a shunt. he said once a shunt always a shunt. And we spent a long time discussing the scary issues that can go along with having a shunt.

At 6 weeks old Philip had his first brain operation and spent a month in peds ICU on and off life support and was finally able to go home after spending 2 months in a out of town hospital. Life was good . We were a family and ready to put this behind us.

Things went well with Philip's follow up Dr appts and MRI. Then one day the nurse said the neurosurgeon wanted to speak to me about Philip's scan. He explained that his MRI showed 10% of the mass was back and we needed to watch it. He also explained that his brain still had a lot of growing to do and that size mass would not be a problem. For months the scan stayed the same 10%. During this time period I noticed Philip was throwing up some and sleeping a lot. I did take him back to the DR. And yes we did have a new DR. He told me he understood my fears but he really did think it was okay . He also said we would keep getting the scans every 6 weeks.

A few weeks later I went in to get Philip up and noticed he would cry out but not really wake up. I also noticed he was not eating good and seemed OFF. We did a emergency scan and found out the mass was back bigger then before. My heart sank.

As we were racing to the hospital I told Jim..atleast we know what to expect. Those were words that will haunt me forever. We had no idea what to expect. In fact I think that we were not prepared for anything. It was decided that he would need a shunt. The operation would be dramatic. They would need to go to the deepest part of the brain and separate it and move the main artery and get to the mass. It was to be a 5 hr operation. As I handed off my baby I had no idea that I should of held on a little tighter. I had no idea the changes he would go through. And I had no idea he would never be the same. I simply had no idea.

After 8 hrs we were called and told things got tricky. Then at 10 hrs we were told they called in a second Dr. Then at 13 hrs we were told that things were critical. Philip had two cardiac arrest on the table and was un stable. Finally after 17 hrs we saw our DR walk down the dark long hallway. He sat down and told us that he could not get to the mass and went past it. he had to go back and find his path. he said it was like cutting through a jungle and he was not sure what he had cut through. he said he did not expect Philip to wake up and if he did we would need to make some hard decissions...They called in the Chaplin and also we had his baptized.

The first time I walked in Philip's room after his operation I walked out. I did not know it was him. He had tubes in every part of his body. he was swollen because his kidneys had shut down and he was on full life support. I can not get that picture out of my mind. It haunts me. He was so little and so frail. My baby boy. How did this happen. How did I not know this would happen. I prayed to God non stop. Please just let him live and I will take him however we can have him. I have never prayed so hard in my whole life. For days he clung to life. I started to notice he only moved his one side. I mentioned it to the DR and they had noticed this also. Then one day when he had his eyes opened. I went to brush something away and he did not blink. I also noticed he never tracked. I sat down with Dr. Perez and told him my concerns. I was told that they felt that he had a
suffered a stroke and also was blind. they feared that his optic nerve had been cut . Isn't it odd that I can still remember the smell of the hallway and the sound of the shoes clicking on the floor as I just slid down the wall and cried. I cried like I have never cried before. I turned to god and asked him to please not keep Philip blind. I told God I knew I had said I would take him however he was but I so wanted him to see the world. I begged .

We were blessed in so many ways. Philip did get his site back after 17 day. It was decided he has swelling on his optical nerve . Philip did wake up and he lived. He had to learn to suck and swallow again. After 6 months in the peds ICU he finally went home with nursing care. After months of daily health care, physical and occipital therapy we started to work on finding our "normal".

Philip is our miracle. He has fought harder then I have ever seen anyone anyone fight to live. He has shown faith and courage on days I have felt like I could fall apart.

Philip has had over 19 brain operations, and 28 orthopedic operations. He has endured pain operations to try to help with his right leg bone growth and right arm growth. He has spent almost every holiday in the hospital and or healing from pain operations. He has cluster seizures and severe headaches. He has worked hard to find a way to try to make it through school and grown into a mature young man.He has since had to discontinue school. He is unable to go.

Last year Philip had a brain operation to replace a part of his shunt. A month later he becomes sick and we were finally sent to the Hospital. It was found that his shunt had a infection that had started in his stomach in his shunt tube and spread to his brain. He spent 4 weeks in ICU with drains in his brain and stomach. He also had to have two major brain operations. We were once again reminded just how fragile Life is and how blessed we are.

Dec of this year Philip woke up with pain in his left side.We gave him some meds and thought he had just pulled a muscle. His pain continued to get worse and we could not control it with meds. After numerous hospital trips and painful procedures...we did find that he has a syrnix in his spinal cord. This is in the area that control respiratory so it was decided this was a additional problem that was found but not causing his pain. After he developed weakness in his left arm and leg he was sent to a specialist. We were told Philip had a medical issues that was caused by his brain endings misfiring. Philip spent months on pain meds by mouth and injections and patches. Finally the decision was made that he would need to do a long term solution. Last May he had a special medical pump put in and a cath placed in his spine up into his brain. It delivers medication contuisely. Since it has been placed we have had to have the meds upped 10% and again by 15% and now 50%. We have had to add more meds by mouth to control his spasms and pain.

It is so hard to watch Philip suffer. It is even harder to watch his lose function in his left side. This is a condition that can not be cured only manged. The thought of Philip not able to use his right side due to his stroke and possibly losing the function in his left side is almost too much to watch. But as always we are right here by his side.

This past December I was diagnosed with Cancer. I can only hope to be as brave and strong as Philip is .

I know God blessed me when he picked Philip to be my son. It is a honor to be his mom.

Update for Philip...click here

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I hope you can take something away from this story as we have. Please make sure to visit the links to Amys blog as well as Philip's.

Now a a special letter to Philip from Amy....

Dear Philip...

I have so many thoughts going through my head. It is hard to even know where to start.

You have no idea just how very much I love you. From the very first time I saw your little heart beating on my ultrasound to the first time I saw you after delivery...and now as a young man. I feel like the most blessed women on this earth. When God picked out a son for me...he gave me the perfect one...YOU.

You have taught me so many life lessons. I have watched you struggle to live, struggle to breathe, struggle to crawl, roll over, speak and walk. And yet I have also watched you blossom in your faith as a young man. You are the strongest person I have ever known. And I am so proud to call you my son.

I can not even begin to tell you how amazed I am at your courage and strength. There have been so many times I have looked at you and wanted to take you and run as far away as possible. And if I could have I would of done it in a heart beat. You have suffered through 19 brain operations, strokes, shunts, pumps, therapies and now the awful Central nerve pain. You struggle everyday . I hate to see you in so much pain Watching you lose function in your right side was so hard. Now watching the same happen slowly in your left side, seems cruel.. If I could take it from you I would...I so wish I could.

I sometimes finding myself so confused with God. While I am so very thankful with God for saving your life and letting me have you with me each day. I am hurt with him that I watch your struggle everyday and I can do nothing to help you. As your mom I am suppose to be able to help you...or at least comfort you. Lately I feel like a failure in both areas.

I know God has a plan for you. I see such Grace all around you and our family.

Thank you for fighting so hard. I am honored to be your mother. And I love you so much . Please keep fighting and know I will never ever give up on trying to help you. I promise to be here with you till the very end.

Please visit the Briggs blog at http://ourdailyblessinglife-amyb.blogspot.com/ you can use this link.

Also visit Philip's site at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/philipbriggs or click here for the link.

You can also click the picture of Philip with the dolphin in my left sidebar under the prayer column.

Please go and visit this family and shower them with your love and prayers!!

Love and Prayers,

The Fort is Back!

2009-11-20T19:34:00.002-06:00

And back with a bang.

For our first post back into the blogging world, we bring you a video (of course) of Taylor as she performed the only solo by herself during he schools Thanksgiving Program today.

Out of the thousands of kids who could have been picked for this honor Taylor was chosen. Im not boasting here a little bit or anything, NO of course not. I'm also NOT just a little bit proud of my little princess either, no NOT me. :)

So without further ado, here she is!

Thanks to all of the many many of you who have sent well wishes during our absence from the blogging world. It has been so nice to see two to four emails a day wanting to know how we have been, and letting us know that we are missed.

You all are for sure some of the best friends one could have and we are so blessed to know each and everyone of you who follow us here at The Fort.

So on this Thanksgiving we are thankful to you and hope you enjoyed the video. There is more to come! So stay tuned!

Love and Prayers as Always,

Will Goes International!

2009-11-17T23:59:00.002-06:00

This is a sticky post. It will remain here until the contest ends.

Here it is!

Many of you have made numerous comments about how our kids should be in magazines etc. Those comments are so appreciated and they were heard! So we are entering them into The Gap's casting call.

The Gap will do all the judging, however there is also a contest called fan favorite. This is where you get the chance to vote for your favorites! We hope that you will help us out and vote soon and often! :)

Will has a pic up now and Taylors will be soon to follow. We will be submitting 5 pics of each kid, and would love more than anything if you would go and vote!

The link HERE should take you straight to it. In the search box enter FortThompson09 just like that without any spaces or 909329551 (our id#) and that should list all of our pics. They are not all there yet, but make sure you vote for what is. You can vote once a day until it is over. Any of your votes are GREATLY appreciated!

You will need to register an account to be able to vote. So please do!

Leave us a comment and let us know you voted! We hope you will do it often!

Love and Prayers,

Carnivals

2009-09-30T23:21:00.004-05:00

I have come to a very difficult decision. Vlogemotions and Oldies but Goodies are discontinued until further notice. We have many things going on at the current time, and without proper participation have decided to cease these carnivals temporarily.

We do hope to bring them back in the future as we believe them to be very fun and exciting, not to mention a great way to communicate better with your readers.

If you liked these carnivals and would like to see them again sooner than later please leave us a comment or email and let us know.

Thanks to all of you for playing along. We have enjoyed your participation more than you know.

Love and Prayers,

Vlogemotions

2009-09-24T12:43:00.003-05:00

Sorry this is posting so late, but things have been so crazy around here. The same reason why I am taking my first ever week off. Not to worry though as I will have a post next week.

On another note, if the participation for Oldies but Goodies doesnt go up then next week will be the last week of that carnival. So if you enjoy this fun and easy carnival let me know and help get the word out so it can continue.

For those of you first time vloggers, here are the rules:

1. Post the Vlogemotions button above to the top of your post. You can grab the code from the left sidebar.

2. Post your vlog (video blog) and share the strongest emotion that you felt during the week. Or whatever the theme is for that week.

3. Then click on "click here to see instructions and get the code"

4. Copy the code from the orange box, and paste it into your post. Thats it!

5. Then link up from your own blog!

6. Visit the other vloggers and LEAVE NICE COMMENTS!

7. Have fun this blog hop is a BLAST!!!

Love and Prayers,

Oldies... but Goodies!

2009-09-22T13:41:00.003-05:00

This is a video post that was to announce the winners of a giveaway. The video is to priceless not to share again here.

***********************************

Please play close attention in this video to my son and daughter. I normally wouldn't give you a look into such things, however I want you to see Fort Thompson for how it is everyday. My son says in the beginning that he just poo pooed, and my daughter is making sure by holding her nose that I know about it. I normally would have edited this out and just shown the announcements of the winners, however I thought this would add some additional humor to your day. I had much difficulty trying to keep my composure through the entire thing. Also pay attention to my daughter at the end who chooses to throw in a few modeling poses of her own. And now for your WINNERS!!!!

Want to play along with Oldies... but Goodies? Its simple, here's how:

1. Post the Oldies but Goodies button to your post.

2. Copy an old post that you would like to share again.

3. Paste it into the new post and link up.

4. Then click "this to get the code", and copy the code in the orange box. Then paste this code into the bottom of your post. That's it! Then you can link up right there on your own blog. That's it! Too easy!

This is a super fun carnival and it so easy to do. It gives us the chance to read new things on your blog that we might have missed, or just never saw because we didn't follow your blog at the time.

So lets catch up! Join in the fun with Oldies... but Goodies!

Love and Prayers,

Vlogemotions - Seven Clown Circus

2009-09-16T22:21:00.008-05:00

Thanks so much to Angie for being one of our first "featured vloggers" here at The Fort!

She had NEVER done a vlog before, so I give her BIG TIME props for doing so for this special occasion. Please make sure you go by her site and let her know how great she did for a first timer!

Angie has such a great blog! You will love your visit and can get there by clicking her button below. Make sure to mention that The Fort sent ya!

She has two great blog carnivals. Wordful Wednesday's and Tuesday's Tribute. Make sure you check them out too.

There are marketing sites she has started, and she contributes allot to the blog world. I know you will love her just as much as we do! So what are you waiting for? Go pay her a visit, and dont forget to tell her how good she was. Maybe she will do it again. :) That's a hint to you Ang! LOL

For those of you first time vloggers, here are the rules:

1. Post the Vlogemotions button above to the top of your post. You can grab the code from the left sidebar.

2. Post your vlog (video blog) and share the strongest emotion that you felt during the week. Or whatever the theme is for that week.

3. Then click on "click here to see instructions and get the code"

4. Copy the code from the orange box, and paste it into your post. Thats it!

5. Then link up from your own blog!

6. Visit the other vloggers and LEAVE NICE COMMENTS!

7. Have fun this blog hop is a BLAST!!!

Love and Prayers,

Oldies... but Goodies!

2009-09-15T14:14:00.003-05:00

Sorry this post is coming so late in the day, but its been a crazy one.

This Oldie but Goodie comes to you from Taylor's Blog. She wanted to share one with you in this carnival. Its her favorite post. Picture overload warning here for sure, but so worth it if you ask me.

As a special surprise for getting the Core Values Team of the Month Award daddy took us to see the fire station!! It was so much fun as we watched the ladder on the truck go high high into the sky. We also got to spray water at targets right out of the real fire hoses. It was kinda strong and so we got some help holding it from the fireman. Then we got to go inside the truck and look around, everything we did was soooo much fun. I have just enjoyed soccer so much this season. Lots of my friends from last year were on my team again and we won lots of games. Not only did we get to go to the Fire Station, but we get to go to Chuck E. Cheese soon too for our party! I cant wait for that.
Here are some pictures of me and my friends at the fire station. I hope you like them.

Taylor

Want to play along with Oldies... but Goodies? Its simple, here's how:

1. Post the Oldies but Goodies button to your post.

2. Copy an old post that you would like to share again.

3. Paste it into the new post and link up.

4. Then click "this to get the code", and copy the code in the orange box. Then paste this code into the bottom of your post. That's it! Then you can link up right there on your own blog. That's it! Too easy!

This is a super fun carnival and it so easy to do. It gives us the chance to read new things on your blog that we might have missed, or just never saw because we didn't follow your blog at the time.

So lets catch up! Join in the fun with Oldies... but Goodies!

Vlogemotions XIX

2009-09-10T00:48:00.004-05:00

This interview was over 30 minutes in length so I wasnt able to upload the entire thing. This is only a portion of it, and the rest you will be able to see in the coming weeks.

Make sure you watch for it as it is VERY touching!

My thanks to Tiffany and Jason for their service to our country as well as letting us share this moment with them.

If you would like to be a featured vlogger in Vlogemotions, email me. If you have already done so please send me your video by email striaght out of your camera. Please do not upload it to any sharing sites as I will need to edit it into the feature.

I will send out an email to those of you who have expressed an interest in doing this.

For those of you first time vloggers, here are the rules:

1. Post the Vlogemotions button above to the top of your post. You can grab the code from the left sidebar.

2. Post your vlog (video blog) and share the strongest emotion that you felt during the week. Or whatever the theme is for that week.

3. Then click on "click here to see instructions and get the code"

4. Copy the code from the orange box, and paste it into your post. Thats it!

5. Then link up from your own blog!

6. Visit the other vloggers and LEAVE NICE COMMENTS!

7. Have fun this blog hop is a BLAST!!! Love and Prayers,

You Wanted to Know! - 300th Post!

2009-09-09T08:47:00.002-05:00
So on this blog post anniversary we have chosen to answer some of your most burning questions about The Fort. We hope you enjoy, and here's to our 300th post!

Brenda @ Praire Tales

Why did you start blogging/vlogging in the first place?

I started blogging as a way to get closer to family by sharing the events in our lives with them online. Same a many others.

What do you love about blogging now that you've done it a while?

I love sharing videos with my kids. Not only because everyone loves our kids, but because these videos will be there forever for them to see when they are older.

Do you like Texas? Why?

We love Texas. There are too many reasons to list here, but a few would be...
1. Family is here.
2. Living in the Houston area there are so many things to do.
3. You can play golf nearly year round since it is always so warm. We dont really have a winter here.

How did you and Carey meet?

OOhhh this one is loaded and you wont even believe it if I told you. I will just give you the link to the story. Just click the pic of Carey and I in the right sidebar for the answer to this one!

If you had one wish for your family, what would it be?

That we all go to Heaven, and live happy healthy lives while we are here.

Do you fear the teenage years? Cuz you should. LOL. Just kidding. But do start praying now.

I do have some anxiety about it no doubt, but also have allot of confidence in Carey and I's parenting that they will make the right decisions.

Angie @ Seven Clown Circus

What did you want to be when you grew up? Did you end up doing what you dreamed of?

I dont remember ever having anything specific that I wanted to be. I can say that having Carey and the kids in my life is way more than anything I could have ever dreamed of.

What did you think of your HS experience?

I loved High School. I played on the golf team after a football injury to my knee, and sang in the choir as well. I also had a contemporary christian rock band.

What's your favorite pasttime?

Spending quality time with my family, and playing golf with my dad.

What's your favorite thing about your wife? Your kids?

Carey.... Seeing her smile and hearing her laugh.

Kids.... Will - The way he tells me he loves me. Taylor - I love to listen to her sing.

Holly @ Caring for Carleigh

What were you like in high school?

Tim
I was not one who ran with the popular crowd. I didnt drink or do anything crazy so I didnt fit in with them. I sang the school song at all the football games. Weighed 150 @ 6-2 so I was really thin.

Carey
I was a smart, jock that was always the designated driver because I didn't drink. Not as outgoing as I am now, so not many dates (didn't help that my best friend was the cheerleading captain and I was saving myself for marriage).

Lee @ Perpetual Burn

What is your favorite thing to do together as a family?

Go out of town to get away and stay in a hotel. We all love doing this!

Sean and Lisa @ Mountain Top Memories

When did you meet Jesus?

When I was 6 years old I accepted Christ as my personal savior and will never forget it. I cried tears of happiness and will never forget the feeling. I learned about Jesus though from a very young age as my dad is a baptist pastor.

Who is your favorite band?

I dont listen to much music anymore, but when I did I had many favorites. REO Speedwagon, Boys to Men, Chicago, Accapella, anything 80's is a winner in my book.

How did you propose to Carey?

At sunset on the beach December 24th 1999. The water was perfectly still for some reason, I mean like glass. These things happen for a reason if you ask me. Just after I got down on my knee and she said yes a small fish jumped out of the water righ in front of us. Gods blessing is how I took it.

Beth @ Outnumbered Three to One

What brand of toilet paper does your family use?

Charmin Ultra Soft - I wont use anything else.

Do you and Carey want more children?

I wouldnt mind having another some day, but Carey swears she is done.

What's your favorite thing to do on the weekends?

Spend time with my family

Where did you and Carey go for your last date?

Dinner and a movie.

Do you have family members living in the same town (or very close)?

Yes. My sister lives about 12 minutes away, and in the Houston area thats REALLY close.

Carey: Is there anything that Tim does that drives you up the wall? (For instance, my hubby puts his dirty clothes on the floor BESIDE the hamper! LOL)

Fantasy Football (he brings another TV into the living room so he can watch as many games at one time as he can)

What are your hobbies?

Working out before everyone gets up and not much time for anything else

Does Tim still take you out for date nights?

Yes. Our church periodically has a date night for parents for free and that is when we have date nights.

Taylor:What is your favorite thing to do with your mommy and daddy?

Go bowling.

What is your favorite song to sing?

Anything High School Musical

Will:What is your favorite toy?

It's a dump truck that my Nana got me!

Do you have a favorite show or movie you like to watch?

Wow Wow Wubbzy

Mimi @ He and Me + 3

I have always wondered what you and do for a living?

I am only a stay at home dad right now, but in the process of starting a photography business. I have a Bachelors degree in Photography but have never used it. Now I have the chance to fullfil this dream.

Erin @ If you give a Mom a Moment

What is your favorite brand of shampoo?

Pantene because its just what Carey buys so I use it.

Do you buy brand name or generic name products?

Mostly brand names but some generic occasionally.

April @ Staight From the Heart

What is your favorite place to take a vacation and why...and is there anywhere you're dying to go?

Hawaii is our favorite so thats an easy one. There really isnt anywhere we are just iching to go, but we are for sure open to suggestions. Thats where you get the best ideas!

If you could be any celebrity for just one day, who would it be and why?

Ohh thats a hard one. I think I will just stick to being me, I kinda like being me famous or not.

Is there anything that you are afraid to try...like skydiving?

No, I'll do about anything at least once. Maybe not cliff diving though.

What is one thing at the top of your "Bucket List"?

Buy my dream home.

OK, Carey...I'm not going to forget about you! What is one thing that hubby of yours does that gets on your ever lovin' last nerve...come on now, be HONEST! Inquiring minds want to know! :)

When the kids would have a dirty diaper, he knew they did, and he would tell them to go see mommy without me knowing they had a dirty diaper.

If you won a million dollars today, what is the first thing you would purchase and why?

Jaguar, because that is my dream car

Is there a song, any song, that makes you get a little misty eyed everytime you hear it? If so, what song is it?

"The Little Girl" by John Michael Montgomery - AWESOME song, brings tears to my eyes every time

Is there a show on TV you absolutely HAVE to watch?

Grey's Anatomy & Private Practice (It use to be Friends before they went off the air)

Have you always lived in Texas? If not, where else have you lived?

Born and bred in Texas, but we lived in Tulsa for about 2 years after we got married for Tim's job.

What is the one thing you love the most about Tim?

His patience.

Thank you all for submitting your questions. If yours didnt make the list, it was only because it had already been asked. If you enoyed this post, let me know and we will try and do it again.

A special thanks to all of our friends of The Fort who visit often and support all we do here. You are appreciated and loved more than you will ever know!

Love and Prayers,

Oldies... but Goodies! - Christmas

2009-09-08T07:49:00.004-05:00

Want to play along with Oldies... but Goodies? Its simple, here's how:

1. Post the Oldies but Goodies button to your post.

2. Copy an old post that you would like to share again.

3. Paste it into the new post and link up.

4. Then click "this to get the code", and copy the code in the orange box. Then paste this code into the bottom of your post. That's it! Then you can link up right there on your own blog. That's it! Too easy!

This is a super fun carnival and it so easy to do. It gives us the chance to read new things on your blog that we might have missed, or just never saw because we didn't follow your blog at the time.

So lets catch up! Join in the fun with Oldies... but Goodies!

With Christmas fastly approaching, I thought I would share some pics today of last yeas Christmas. It it my favorite time of the year. This post was done in January of last year.

I apologize for just now getting these pics up, but I had lost the disc. Carey found it, as she usually always does. She's our finder.

We had Santa here and then opened presents with my sister, brother in law, niece, nephew, mom and dad. It was a great time. Of course the kids loaded up, and it couldn't have gotten any better for them.

Santa's Spread it was dark so it might be hard to see.

The kids just getting up.

Will, Anna Claire, Taylor, and Reagan

My Dad's picture I got him that I mentioned in Favorite Things Friday. My Mom in the background holding her new digital camera we got her.

Carey and one of her many gifts.

The kids playing with their toys from Santa.

Love and Prayers,

Vlogemotions XVIII

2009-09-02T20:59:00.003-05:00

Ok so this week I am stepping WAY out of my comfort zone in honor of you who play along in this carnival! You wont even believe what I do in this! Truly VERY embarrassing so you better enjoy it!

Make sure you share with others this carnial so they too can play along!

For those of you first time vloggers, here are the rules:

1. Post the Vlogemotions button above to the top of your post. You can grab the code from the left sidebar.

2. Post your vlog (video blog) and share the strongest emotion that you felt during the week. Or whatever the theme is for that week.

3. Then click on "click here to see instructions and get the code"

4. Copy the code from the orange box, and paste it into your post. Thats it!

5. Then link up from your own blog!

6. Visit the other vloggers and LEAVE NICE COMMENTS!

7. Have fun this blog hop is a BLAST!!!

Love and Prayers,

Oldies... but Goodies!

2009-08-31T21:21:00.004-05:00

I have had a few people ask me to post about my trips to Hawaii. That is going to take some time as I will need to scan in some pics, but I do plan on doing it. So in the mean time, I thought I would give you the post I did back in November of last year when Carey and I went to Bermuda. Enjoy!

Carey and I just got back from our trip to Bermuda. We had a great time and saw some very beautiful things. We did many fun things, however the highlight of the trip had to be the seafood we had. It was for sure some of the best in the world. I will never forget the cod we had at the Swizzle Inn, the lobster at Little Venice, or the tuna at Blu. We also had a very good lunch at Bone Fish at the Royal Naval Dockyards.

Many things were closed as we went after the cruise season had ended. This island is very much run by its tourism so when the cruise season ends so does much of Bermuda. The nice thing about it was that we had every beach we went to all to ourselves, and I mean it was only us. This was kinda nice for the privacy, however none of the concessions were open.

If you go to Bermuda and want to avoid the crowds and just take in the sites and visit the museum's and historical sites then go after the cruise season ends October 31. If you want to do allot of activities like water sports then go during the cruise season. Not only will everything be open, but the water will be warmer as well. Also, you may find it challenging to remember to drive on the left side of the road instead of the right. When turning right you must yeild to oncoming traffic just like you do when turning left here in the states.

Some of the things we did were:

Visit to St. George's
Bermuda Aquarium and Zoo
Fantasy Caves
Played the Ocean View Golf Course
Shopped allot in Hamilton
Swam in the ocean at Jobson's Cove
Visited the Royal Naval Dockyards
Visit to the Unfinished Church as well as St. Peter's and other churches
Rode a scooter around all of the island
Trip to the Gibb's Hill Lighthouse

As well as many other things. Here are some pics from our trip.

The World cruise ship was docked in Bermuda when we were there. The rooms are actuall homes of some very wealthy folks. They live there 24/7.

Downtown Hamilton

Coi pond right below our balcony.

Carey and Mark Twainn

The Royal Naval Dockyards

Jobson's Cove

The pink sands of Bermuda.

St. Peter's Church

The unfinished church started in 1874 but never completed.

Our transportation

Want to play along with Oldies... but Goodies? Its simple, here's how:

1. Post the Oldies but Goodies button to your post.

2. Copy an old post that you would like to share again.

3. Paste it into the new post and link up.

4. Then click "this to get the code", and copy the code in the orange box. Then paste this code into the bottom of your post. That's it! Then you can link up right there on your own blog. That's it! Too easy!

This is a super fun carnival and it so easy to do. It gives us the chance to read new things on your blog that we might have missed, or just never saw because we didn't follow your blog at the time.

So lets catch up! Join in the fun with Oldies... but Goodies!

Love and Prayers,

Vlogemotions XVII - Kids!

2009-08-26T22:57:00.008-05:00

Ok so this weeks theme is Vlogemo kids. Back by popular demand! My kids actually had to go to bed before I had a chance to film them doing something, so I am bringing you the video of Will's recent haicut. Many of you saw the pics, but not the video, so without further ado......

Don't forget to leave your questions for any members of The Fort in the post below! I will answer them in my 300th post which is soon to come. I think Im only about 3 away!

For those of you first time vloggers, here are the rules:

1. Post the Vlogemotions button above to the top of your post. You can grab the code from the left sidebar.

2. Post your vlog (video blog) and share the strongest emotion that you felt during the week. Or whatever the theme is for that week.

3. Then click on "click here to see instructions and get the code"

4. Copy the code from the orange box, and paste it into your post. Thats it!

5. Then link up from your own blog!

6. Visit the other vloggers and LEAVE NICE COMMENTS!

7. Have fun this blog hop is a BLAST!!!

Love and Prayers,

You Wanted to Know!

2009-08-26T14:40:00.002-05:00
Ok here it is! The moment you have all been waiting for! (I'm sure)*sarcasm*

It's your chance to ask me any questions you want. You can even ask questions to Carey, Taylor, and Will! I will do my best to get you their answers, and maybe if there are enough have Carey even write a post for ya!

Sounds like fun right?! So go ahead and ask away! Just email your questions to me or leave them in the comments section of this post. I will do my best to answer each and everyone!

Love and Prayers,

Oldies... but Goodies!

2009-08-25T07:21:00.007-05:00

Want to play along with Oldies... but Goodies? Its simple, here's how:

1. Post the Oldies but Goodies button to your post.

2. Copy an old post that you would like to share again.

3. Paste it into the new post and link up.

4. Then click "this to get the code", and copy the code in the orange box. Then paste this code into the bottom of your post. That's it! Then you can link up right there on your own blog. That's it! Too easy!

This is a super fun carnival and it so easy to do. It gives us the chance to read new things on your blog that we might have missed, or just never saw because we didn't follow your blog at the time.

So lets catch up! Join in the fun with Oldies... but Goodies!

So with school starting yesterday, I decided to bring you a post from last year as Taylor started her first day of school in Kindergarten. I hope you enjoy it as it is exactly a year old!

I bequeath to you today one little girl in a crispy red dress with two blue eyes and a happy laugh that ripples all day long and beautiful blonde hair that bounces in the sunlight when she runs. I trust you'll treat her well.

She's slipping out of the backyard of my heart this morning and skipping off down the street to her first day of school. Never again will she be completely mine. Prim and proper, she'll wave a young independent hand this morning and say "goodbye", and walk with little lady steps to the schoolhouse.

Now, she'll learn to stand in lines and wait by the alphabet for her name to be called. She'll learn to tune her ears for sounds of school bells and deadlines, and she'll learn to giggle, and gossip, and look at the ceiling in a disinterested way, and she'll learn to be jealous. Now she'll learn how not to cry. No longer will she have time to sit on the front porch on a hot summer day and watch an ant scurry across a crack in the sidewalk. Nor will she have time to pop out of bed with the dawn to kiss lilac blossoms in the morning dew.

No...now she'll worry about important things like grades and which dress to wear and whose best friend is whose. She'll forget her blocks and dolls, and now she'll find new heroes. For five full years now, I've been her sage and Santa Claus, pal and playmate, Father and friend.

Now she'll learn to share her worship with her teachers, which is only right. But, no longer will I be the smartest, greatest man in the whole world. Today, when that school bell rings for the first time, she'll learn what it means to be a member of the group, with all its privileges and its disadvantages, too.

She'll learn in time that proper ladies do not laugh out loud or kiss dogs or keep frogs in pickle jars in bedrooms, or even watch ants scurry across cracks in the summer sidewalk. Today, she'll learn for the first time that all who smile at her are not her friends, and I'll stand on the front porch and watch her start out on the long lonely journey to becoming a woman.

So world, I bequeath to you today, one little girl in a crispy red dress with two blue eyes and a happy laugh that ripples all day long, and beautiful blonde hair that bounces in the sunlight when she runs. I trust you will treat her well.

Love and Prayers,

Vlogemotions

2009-08-24T14:02:00.004-05:00
The theme for Vlogemotions this week is kids. It was so much fun the first time we did it that I have had some request to do it again. So getcha kids ready for some Vlogemo fun.

As always the theme is only voluntary so feel free to do something else, or a regular vlogemotion if you dont have kids or couldnt get the cooperation. ;)

We cant wait to see your kiddos on Thursday!

Make sure to get in on Oldies but Goodies tomorrow, it is so much fun and the easiest post you will ever put up!

Love and Prayers,

Will turns 3!

2009-08-23T10:25:00.009-05:00

I'm again joining my good friend Pam at Your Gonna Miss This for this wonderful carnival. Its so much fun and helps to keep us grounded in remembering the things that are so important that will only turn to memories later.

So what are you waiting for? Get involved in this great carnival and tell Pam Tim sent ya!

Yesterday was Will's birthday as he turned 3! It was a very busy day which is exactly why I am just now getting this up. None of my normal videos this time, so pics will have to do.

I hope you enjoy them as much as we enjoyed these moments. I will for sure miss birthday parties!

Our niece Anna Claire who didnt feel like smiling so she just made silly faces!

Her brother and our nephew Reagan!
The cake!

Blowing out the candles!

MMMMMM! I like ice cream!

Our sweet niece Addison Clare

You know this one!

The dump truck I wanted! Thanks Nana and Popa! The clothes are nice too! I love my crawfish shirt!

My favorite thing to open at the party! Its Lightening McQueen! Thanks Trey! He's on my soccer team that starts at the end of September.

Me and sissy. I just love my Taylor!

Oh YES!!! A DS, I mean little kid DS. Thats what Trey calls it. Thanks Reagan and Anna Claire, I love my Leapster!

Me and my cuz!

Mommy and Daddy got me the dragon castle I wanted.

Me with Nana and Popa!

Love and Prayers,

Vlogemotions XVI - Winners!

2009-08-19T21:46:00.007-05:00

So here is the info for Nicoles site as I promised. You can get there by clicking here.

You can also click on the buttons below.

I just have to mention that back in the day, I helped my dear friend get that first button posted. I've learned a little about HTML code since starting The Fort.

Now on the the post!

Congrats to our winners! Please email me your address so I can get your prizes out to you!

For those of you first time vloggers, here are the rules:

1. Post the Vlogemotions button above to the top of your post. You can grab the code from the left sidebar.

2. Post your vlog (video blog) and share the strongest emotion that you felt during the week. Or whatever the theme is for that week.

3. Then click on "click here to see instructions and get the code"

4. Copy the code from the orange box, and paste it into your post. Thats it!

5. Then link up from your own blog!

6. Visit the other vloggers and LEAVE NICE COMMENTS!

7. Have fun this blog hop is a BLAST!!!

Love and Prayers,

Nightime Prayers by Will

2009-08-19T10:38:00.004-05:00

It's time again for another Wordful Wednesday! Make sure to stop in and visit my good friend Angie if you would like to play along too. Just click the button above.

This week I wanted to share a very special moment at The Fort. It is Will saying his night time prayers. There is nothing sweeter than hearing a two year old talk to God. It just moves you in a special way and of course can be very entertaining. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Love and Prayers,

Oldies... but Goodies!

2009-08-18T04:02:00.004-05:00

Instead of putting up an Old post his week, I decided to just go with Oldies and show you some of the pics of me that were in the running for the button design. Let Jill know if she chose the right one or not. LOL I think she did a REALLY good job on this button. Here are the contenders that didnt make it, they are all me by the way.

This one is me with my dad and my dog Sampson. Taken in the 60's.

This one is taken of me with my Dad and my Auntie. She was my grandmothers aunt.

This of course was the winner for the button! Me on the phone at age 2.

This is me with my barn at Christmas also in the 60's.

And last but not least, a baby pic for you to enjoy!

Hope you enjoyed my Oldies!

Want to play along with Oldies... but Goodies? Its simple, here's how:

1. Post the Oldies but Goodies button to your post.

2. Copy an old post that you would like to share again.

3. Paste it into the new post and link up.

4. Then click "this to get the code", and copy the code in the orange box. Then paste this code into the bottom of your post. Thats it! Then you can link up right there on your own blog. Thats it! Too easy!

This is a super fun carnival and it so easy to do. It gives us the chance to read new things on your blog that we might have missed, or just never saw because we didn't follow your blog at the time.

So lets catch up! Join in the fun with Oldies... but Goodies!

Love and Prayers,

Monthly Miracles - Straight from the Heart

2009-08-17T02:24:00.004-05:00
I posted about my story of what happened when I died and how God performed a miracle in my life so that I could live. The post was titled Angels and Miracles in case you want to check it out.

So this brought up the idea of showcasing different peoples experiences with miracles or angel sightings in their lives. Thus Fort Thompson Monthly Miracles was born. It is my hope that this can go from monthly to weekly, but in order to do that I need your help getting the word out to others to send in their stories. They can be emailed to me.

This gives us all the opportunity to read about some truly remarkable things that have happened, and how God has worked in many different peoples lives. So please help us to get the word out.

This month it is my honor to feature the story of a really good blogging friend of The Fort. Most of you know her as April, and she is the author of a wonderful blog called Straight from the Heart. So make sure you stop by and comment on her blog thanking her for sharing her story.

My mom passed away in 2000; we were incredibly close...more like sisters, than mother and daughter. Well, I stayed with her for eleven straight days when she was in the hospital. She wasn't able to speak to me, at all, because she was on heavy pain meds and she had tubes down her throat. I, finally, had to leave and go back home to tend to my family. I hugged Mom and told her how much I loved her and that I'd be back to see her, again, real soon. At that point, we all still thought she was going to make it out of the hospital. As I was leaving her room to make the drive home, I turned around and waved goodbye to her. Then, as clear as it could be...she said, "Bye, bye, hon". I almost fell over! Those were the last words I ever heard my mom speak and I'll never forget that moment!

A few days later, I woke straight up at around 5:10 AM, so I decided to go to the office to read my e-mails. About 5 mins. later, the phone rang and it was my brother calling to inform me that Mom passed away almost at the exact moment I got up and went to the office. I truly believe that it was Mom's way of telling me goodbye.

We traveled to Arkansas the next day and I slept in the bedroom at my dad's house with my two girls. They wiggled in the bed for half the night, so I went down to the floor to sleep. I was awakened very early in the morning by something rubbing up and down on my back. I thought it was our dog, Gizmo. I rolled over and whispered, "Stop, Gizmo", but he was not even in the room with us...he slept in the living room with my husband. I was by myself on the floor. I believe that it was my mom trying to bring me comfort.

People may say I'm crazy, but I believe that God works in mysterious ways and there's far more to the death experience than any of us can comprehend.

Hope you have a blessed day!

April

Love and Prayers,

Your Gonna Miss This!

2009-08-15T18:17:00.003-05:00

This is just a reminder of how crazy we get around here at times. Its always fun at The Fort! The second one is the cheer we do for soccer. Will starts in September and we can hardly wait. If you cant tell aleady, Im the coach.

I will for sure miss this!

To join this fun carnival visit my good friend Pam @ Your Gonna Miss This. She is awesome and so is her carnival!

Love and Prayers,

Did you know about THIS?

2009-08-14T21:02:00.005-05:00
Ok I found this on a friends site and told her I would try it. Thanks for the idea Ang! To check out Angela's site you can click here. Also check out her angelic voice in her music section in the sidebar! Make sure you tell her I sent ya!

Rules:

1. You can ONLY answer Yes or No.
2. You are NOT ALLOWED to explain ANYTHING unless someone comments and asks!

Questions:

Kissed any one of your Facebook friends? no

Been arrested? yes

Been in a fight? yes

Fallen fast for someone? yes

Regretted a relationship? yes

Been in a tornado? no

Fallen asleep at work/school? yes

Ran a red light? yes

Experienced love at first sight? no

Totaled your car/motorbike in an accident? no

Been fired from a job? yes

Fired somebody? yes

Sang karaoke? no

Pointed a gun at someone? no

Done something you told yourself you wouldn't? yes

Laughed until something you were drinking came out your nose? yes

Caught a snowflake on your tongue? yes

Kissed in the rain? yes

Swam in the ocean? yes

Been to a concert? yes

Laughed till you cried? yes

Sang in the shower? yes

Smoked a cigar? yes

Sat on a rooftop? yes

Smuggled something into another country? no

Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes? no

Broken a bone? yes

Skipped school? no

Got a speeding ticket? YES!

Eaten a bug? yes

Sleepwalked? yes

Walked a moonlit beach? yes

Rode a motorcycle / dirt bike? yes

Dumped someone? yes

Seen a baby born? YES!

Lied to avoid a ticket? no

Ridden in a helicopter? yes

Shaved your head? no

Played a prank on someone? yes

Hit a home run? yes

Felt like killing someone? no

Cross dressed? NO!

Been falling down drunk? yes

Made your girlfriend/boyfriend cry? yes

Marched/Protested? no

Had Mexican jumping beans for pets? no

Puked on an amusement ride? no

Seriously & intentionally boycotted something? yes

Been in a band? yes

Knitted or crocheted? no

Been on TV? yes

Shot a gun? yes

Skinny dipped? no

Gave someone stitches? no

Eaten whole jalapeno pepper? yes

Ridden a surfboard? no

Drank straight from a liquor bottle? LOL cant remember. I know I know I broke the rules. I just thought it would be funny to say that!

Had surgery? yes

Streaked? no

Taken by ambulance to hospital? yes

Tripped on mushrooms? no

Passed out when not drinking? no

Peed outside? yes

Donated blood? no

Grabbed electric fence? no

Eaten alligator meat? yes

Eaten cheesecake? yes

Eaten a kids' Halloween candy? yes

Killed an animal when not hunting? yes

Peed your pants in public? no

Snuck into a movie without paying? no

Written graffiti? no

Still love someone you shouldn't? no

Think about the future? yes

Been in handcuffs? yes

Believe in love? yes

Sleep on a certain side of the bed? yes

I expect allot of comments after this one! LOL

Love and Prayers,

Vlogemotions XV

2009-08-13T00:10:00.009-05:00

I hope you enjoy this weeks theme Thankfulness. We at The Fort have so much to be thankful for that it surely couldn't all be listed here. There is one thing I do want to mention though that we are very thankful for, and that is you!

You are all our extended family and we love you very much. Your blogs all touch is in a very special way, and your comments always make our day. If you are reading this that means you!

Thanks to all of you whom we have been so blessed to meet thru this vessel that is bloggy world. God has blessed us with so many friends and we are hoping to meet many of you soon! Some of you already know of the plans for some of this.

If you are a blogger in the Houston area, or surrounding areas like Dallas, San Antonio, or even Oklahoma or other surrounding states and you wouldn't mind a little drive to meet some fellow bloggers let us know!

If there is enough interest we will plan a weekend of family fun here in H-town. Anyone that is a party planner or interested in helping plan it is welcome to volunteer as well. Let us know if you could make it! Just send me an email!

Also, I have started a new blog roll that is for our military families. If you are a military family, please let me know so I can add you and remove you from my other links. I want to recognize you in this way so that we can all pray for your families. Thank you so much for the sacrifices you make for us!

For those of you first time vloggers, here are the rules:

1. Post the Vlogemotions button above to the top of your post. You can grab the code from the left sidebar.

2. Post your vlog (video blog) and share the strongest emotion that you felt during the week. Or whatever the theme is for that week.

3. Then click on "click here to see instructions and get the code"

4. Copy the code from the yellow box, and paste it into your post. Thats it!

5. Then link up from your own blog!

6. Visit the other vloggers and LEAVE NICE COMMENTS!

7. Have fun this blog hop is a BLAST!!!

Love and Prayers,

Vlogemotions Theme

2009-08-12T12:45:00.003-05:00
This weeks theme for Vlogemotions will be Thankfulness. It should give you a great opportunity to share some of the things in your life that you are thankful for. This is a voluntary theme, as you can always do something else if you like.

So share what you are Thankful for and play along with us tomorrow at Vlogemotions!

Love and Prayers,

Oldies... but Goodies!

2009-08-11T00:49:00.003-05:00

Want to play along with Oldies... but Goodies? Its simple, here's how:

1. Post the Oldies but Goodies button to your post.

2. Copy an old post that you would like to share again.

3. Paste it into the new post and link up. That's it!

This is a super fun carnival and it so easy to do. It gives us the chance to read new things on your blog that we might have missed, or just never saw because we didn't follow your blog at the time.

So lets catch up! Join in the fun with Oldies... but Goodies!

I want to thank my dear friend Jill at Blogs by Sneaky Momma for making the button for this carnival. In case you were wondering, that pic is of me when I was Will's age (2).

If you are in need of having anything done to your blog, have it done right by someone who cares more about how you feel about it than she does doing it. You wont find anyone better!

This was originally posted in January of this year. Enjoy!

Ok so this one was a doozy!

We are at the grocery store tonight picking up some things. For some reason it seemed to be unusually busy.

I'm in the meat department with my kids (Will in the basket and Taylor walking, skipping, dancing, whatever you want to call it next to me). I'm looking along one of the wall coolers at meat. Taylor walks over all of the sudden like to the cooler that is on the floor in the middle of the isle. You know the open top kind that just looks like a huge watering trough. I just happened to go over there right after her so I could look at the steaks and she says "daddy go away!" So I say "what for" and she says to me (in that VERY LOUD tone like I should have known so why was I even asking) "I'M TOOTIN!!!!!"

Right as she says this I realize that there are about 7 to 8 people standing around us (there are ALWAYS so many people in the meat section) as evidenced by the fact that they all turned around and looked at us smiling, some even laughing.

I have NEVER been so embarrassed in my life! Well at least that's what I thought.....
then just seconds later as EVERYONE (and I mean EVERYONE) stared at us, she rips one out that I swear sounded like one of mine. It must have lasted over 5 seconds and I'm not even kidding. Not to mention she had her butt squeezed up against that cooler so tight(as if she was gonna hold it in) and that just amplified it even more. At least it made the people leave. :)

I'm sure this was funnier in person, but I thought I just had to share. Leave me a comment with some of your kids most entertaining moments.

Love and Prayers,

Will Up Late

2009-08-10T17:59:00.004-05:00
Last night Will got up as he was in need of an Asthma treatment. He doesn't normally need them, but lately seems to require them often. So we are probably on our way to the Dr.'s office very shortly.

He got up and was asking me for his rubby. This is just a burp cloth and he still likes sleeping with them. We let it be since he isn't still sucking a binky as that went away at around 8 months, and he isn't breast feeding still either. I had to throw that in since I saw a story of a woman who was breast feeding three kids and two of them where ages 5 and 8! Ya you got it! I think if the kid is old enough to ask for the boob then they are too old! But that's just me.

Anyway, I digress. Will was trying to tell me the rubby was in the drawer (where we keep them) and I thought he was saying door.

Love and Prayers,

Taylor Song Contest! MP3 Player!

2009-08-09T00:33:00.008-05:00
Ok so here it is, MORE FUN at The Fort!

I just had to share this with you as it is SOOO FUNNY! Taylor has a great voice and loves to sing. However when she sings with her ear buds in her ears with her MP3 player she cant hear herself and what comes out is often what makes the dogs bark.

So we decided to share some of her tone deaf attempts at some songs she knows, and some that she knows not so much. If you can identify each song by its title and artist then you will be entered into a drawing for an MP3 player!

I get really tickled in the last one as you will see. I thought she said "smoke some weed" but then I played it back and she said "eat some weed". This of course all in an attempt to get the words right. She later in that same video says "lick my brain" and I just couldn't keep it together, but she did. I however was in tears!

How to play:

Follow the Fort. We keep our contests in The Family! Don't worry, we have a pretty big family and if your not in it you should be! Membership does have its privileges! This is mandatory.

Then guess each songs exact title and artist by leaving the answers with which entry (1,2,3 etc.) in an email to me. My addy is in my profile under about us if you don't already have it.

Additional entry:

Follow the Blog Frog widget in my right sidebar and join my community(mention it if you already do) and you will get another entry for free if your answers are right. I will email you back whether you are right or wrong, and on which songs so that you can continue to guess until you get them all right. I'm making it that easy. Guessing the songs might be more of a challenge.

Have fun with this contest at our daughters expense, and Good Luck! They aren't all going to be that easy.

Love and Prayers,

Your Gonna Miss This! - Will!

2009-08-07T15:53:00.007-05:00

Its time again to join my good friend Pam for Your Gonna Miss This! It is such a great carnival so head on over to see Pam if you would like to play along!

This week I am sharing a moment that made me so proud. Wills first MAJOR haircut, and he handled it like a pro. Of course there aren't very many things that upset this kid besides his sister.

I will ALWAYS miss two year old haircuts! Even more so I will miss those baby curls! Who knows maybe since he is so young they will still grow back?

I apologize for the shaky video. Mommy shot it, and it was before I gave her lessons on ow to use a camera. LOL OOOHH I think I'm gonna hear about this one!

Love and Prayers,

Miracles DO Happen!

2009-08-06T14:04:00.003-05:00
So often we hear about all the stories of little ones who have gotten very sick, and some who did not make it as it was Gods will to call them home.

It isn't that often though that we are blessed to hear about stories like this one that will truly move you.

So I wanted to take some time and share this. You know how big we are here on Miracles.

This mother is a friend of our family. She was the one who did the programs for my sister in laws wedding. I am thrilled to share their story of faith, prayer, and triumph over the odds today.

Please feel free to share this post on your blogs with all your readers and link back here so they too can be blessed by this story. I do hope this touches you the same we it did us.

Love and Prayers,

Vlogemotions

2009-08-05T22:25:00.002-05:00

Welcome back! It's another great week of Vlogemotions or Vlogemo as it has been so nicknamed. I kinda cheated this week as I needed to do a drawing for the winner of a contest, and then say a few things about Oldies but Goodies!

If you havent played along in this great new carnival then you can do so now, or play along next week. I promise its the easiest post you will ever write, and you know more posts means more traffic! So if your post challenged, then link up and get in the game!

Also dont forget to register for our current giveaway!

For those of you first time vloggers, here are the rules:

1. Post the Vlogemotions button above so that those who come to visit your vlog post can link back to The Fort to see others. You can grab the code from the left sidebar.

2. Post you vlog (video blog) and share the strongest emotion that you felt during the week.

3. After your Vlogemotions post is up, come here and link up at Mr. Linky below.

4. Visit the other vloggers and LEAVE NICE COMMENTS!

5. Have fun this carnival is a BLAST!!!

Love and Prayers,

Oldies but Goodies!

2009-08-04T15:27:00.007-05:00
This is a new blog carnival that I am going to try. Before you stop reading, get this! It is the easiest, fastest, and funnest carnival you will ever do! I promise. All you do is go back through all your posts and find something you posted long ago that you felt was kinda funny. The funnier the better! It doesnt even really have to be funny, it can just be something special to you that you would like to share. Copy the code and text from that post into a new one and then link up here at The Fort. If this goes well I will make it a blog hop link so that it will appear in everyone's posts.

So many of us have new readers that haven't seen many of our older posts from when we first started blogging. We probably didn't have many followers at all back then, and you know that even the people that did follow from day one missed some posts. Here is your chance to share again.

Get involved in this as it will be a ton of fun and will only take a few minutes of your time to repost something that will bring allot of new traffic to your blog as well as make us laugh! Its gonna be a blast!

If it goes well which I feel it will then I will have a button designed soon for this too! So watcha waiting for? Go repost something and show us your funnies!

Here is a post I did on Taylor over a year and a half ago. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

Recently Taylor thought it would be fun to literally cover her bathroom in toothpaste. She squeezed the tube and then shook it violently as the blue bubble gum flavored ooze slowly covered everything in the bathroom from the floor to the ceiling. The first time I noticed it was on some shorts I had on that evidently had rubbed up against some of it on the wall before I noticed the predicament.

I asked her why she would do something like that and her answer was of course "because it was fun Daddy." What do you say to that? I tried to explain that while I agreed that I'm sure it was fun, just because its fun doesn't make it the right thing to do. Not an easy concept to try and explain to a 5 year old.

I thought that all of it had been cleaned up, but as I found out the next day it wasn't. I was brushing my hair and soon realized as the brush wasn't smoothly moving through my locks as it normally does that there had been some in my brush that was on the counter where she created her toothpaste masterpiece. I soon found out that I now had bubble gum flavored blue toothpaste in my hair! NICE!

She thought it was funny so I asked her if she would like some in her hair. She of course said no, so I quickly quipped, "but it would be FUN!" So she said, "but that doesn't make it right Daddy" I guess after all she did get the concept. Let's hope so.

Oh the joy of kids!!!

Love and Prayers,

Truth or Dare - Giveaway!

2009-08-03T09:57:00.005-05:00
We had the awesome privilege of being some of the first recipients of our good friend Nicole's new books that have just been published. They are books for tween age girls that really help them understand the consequences of their decisions, as well as keep them in touch with their faith.

One of the things I liked so much about these books is that there comes a time were you get to decided as a reader which outcome you want to read about. Did she choose this, or what if it was this? This is a neat feature that allows the reader to make her own decision right there as she reads. Very nicely done Nicole!

If you haven't already been to Nicole's site you can check it out here. To see the Scenarios website where girls can go to chat, learn, share their experiences, and just get some support for decisions that they are currently facing, you can see the scenarios site here.

Scenarios for Girls, Book Trailer: www.nicoleodell.com, www.scenariosforgirls.com from Nicole O'Dell on Vimeo.

Here is the press release for these two books:

Uhrichsville, OH—Written specifically for tween girls faced with difficult decisions and lots of peer pressure, the new Scenarios series debuts with Truth or Dare and All That Glitters by Nicole O’Dell in August 2009. Lessons of right and wrong are put to the test when readers use their own decision making abilities in an eye-opening but safe way. Each book follows a character up to the point where she has to make an important, life-changing decision—then it’s the reader’s turn to choose!

In Truth or Dare, Lindsay Martin is faced with a tough choice: Does she give in to peer pressure and make her friends happy or does she do what she knows is right—even if it means losing her friends forever? All That Glitters finds Drew Daniels with popularity and a cute boyfriend—everything she thought she wanted. But now she’s faced with choosing between pleasing her boyfriend and doing what’s right. Tween readers make the choices in these interactive stories and discover how the consequences change Lindsay’s and Drew’s lives. Both books include a contract and prayer at the end to remind the reader of the importance of making godly decisions.

I will be featuring Nicole here at The Fort very soon when you will have the chance to learn much more about her, she is truly an amazing person!

As with most reviews there comes a giveaway! So here is your chance to get some REALLY great christian books for your daughters, nieces, granddaughters, etc.

Nicole is giving away the set in sponsoring this giveaway. If you are the lucky winner you will receive a signed set of both Scenario I Truth or Dare, and Scenario II All That Glitters!

Here is all you need to do to win:

First you must be a Fort Follower. This is mandatory as I like to keep my giveaways in the family. So either tell me that you are, or start following today!

For extra entries you can do the following:Retweet my original tweet about this post.

Follow my Blog Frog and sign in to my community, or let me know you already do.

Post about this great giveaway on your blog.

Please use a separate comment for each entry.

These are some super great books that will benefit your favorite girl tween greatly. I do hope you will register for this giveaway and go to Nicole's site to see how you too can get some very inexpensive quality reading material that is sure to help your favorite girl in so many ways!

Love and Prayers,

Bogey - Puppy Hurt Leg

2009-08-02T19:29:00.004-05:00
For those of you who have asked me relentlessly about our Bogey and how he is doing this is for you. Thank you so much for your prayers and concerns during for our puppy hurt leg.

Here are the pre and post xrays of his leg. It was his right hind leg that was broken. He is doing much better now, he just hates the collar he has to wear to keep from licking the leg due to the cast being taken off. It is like a cone that goes around his head and it makes us so sad to see him in it, so we take it off as often as possible.

In the first xray the leg on the left that is bent is the broke leg. The break is toward the top of the leg at the knee. You can click on the images to get a better look and change your view to 200% or more.

Thanks again for all your prayers!

Love and Prayers,

Your Gonna Miss This! - Stacey's Update

2009-08-01T12:45:00.006-05:00

Ok so my good friend Stacey at McCrakensx4 called me out and called me a cheater. So just for you Stacey here is an update. If you havent been to Stacey's go check her out. My update it is at the bottom of this post.

Its time for another week of Your Gonna Miss This Moment with Pam @ Your Gonna Miss This!

I have gotten so many comments on how funny these following videos were that I am posting them again. They are for sure moments that Carey and I will truly miss. The post that they were in wasnt up long so I decided to post them again. I had planned originally to use them for this carnival anyway. We hope you enjoy.

Make sure to stop by and see Pam for more Your Gonna Miss This Moments, and join in as well!

Please click the below images for a better view:

I will miss new Sunday clothes on Easter as we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord. Praise God for He is alive!

I will miss all the cute pictures that we get while they are still little.

Like funny little expressions like this one from Will.

The priceless expression of realizing that the Easter Bunny came!

And the sweet little kiss between a brother and sister that looks like they are making out. LOL

Ok Stacey, so there you go. How did I do this time?

Love and Prayers,

Vlogemotions - Will

2009-07-30T00:06:00.002-05:00

So in honor of those of you who mention that you cheat from time to time, I give you Will this week. I let him fall asleep on the couch while I was up doing some things and thought I would use him for this weeks Vlogemotion post. He didnt really say much, but give him a break hes only 2.

Really though, I enjoy anything that you do in your posts so please feel free to be as creative as you want. We enjoy these things, trust me!

For those of you first time vloggers, here are the rules:

1. Post the Vlogemotions button above so that those who come to visit your vlog post can link back to The Fort to see others. You can grab the code from the left sidebar.

2. Post you vlog (video blog) and share the strongest emotion that you felt during the week.

3. After your Vlogemotions post is up, come here and link up at Mr. Linky below.

4. Visit the other vloggers and LEAVE NICE COMMENTS!

5. Have fun this carnival is a BLAST!!!

Love and Prayers,

Praying For Manny

2009-07-28T19:37:00.003-05:00
Many of you already know from my Monthly Miracles post that I live with Epilepsy. For many years I was so embarrassed and ashamed of it that I told nobody. Most of the people I know that live with this disease are the same way.

I decided several years ago now that I would no longer hide from the fear I had of sharing it with others, but instead honor it by becoming an advocate for this terrible neurological disorder.

I have since helped as many people as I am able to learn how to live with this disorder. Not only in dealing with the symptoms and ways to combat it, but even more importantly how to understand it especially when living with a family member who has it.

I have recently been talking with my good friend Angela @ Hangin with Mrs. Cooper. Her son Manny also has Epilepsy in addition to a slight case of Autism. Please pray for her and her family as they learn to combat this terrible neurological disorder. Visit her site and make sure you send your love and prayers to her and her family. Tell em The Fort sent ya, and let her know that Manny is in your prayers as we all pray for his healing.

If you or anyone you know is living thru this, please post this to your blog, tweet it, whatever to get the word out so that we can help others who are seeking a better understanding of what to look for in combating this disorder. It is VERY much appreciated. I am happy to help anyone who wants the help in anyway that I can.

I recently received this email from Ang, and wanted to share it with you.

Tim,

I can't even begin to explain to you how much your info has helped. We live in MA but we've been in touch with Boston Children's Hospital which is one of the top in the World. Your explanation of what happens before he has a seizure makes total sense to me in accordance to things we have seen. I can't even begin to explain but you have been such a huge help!!! "THANK YOU GOD for TIM and he being able to share his experience".

Manny is 9 and is also slightly autistic and some of the patterns that I've seen in him which I thought was autistic behavior could be because he is fighting off a seizure. Like I said, can't explain it but I UNDERSTAND where you are coming from. You are making me jump for joy here because you have just opened up so much confirmation for me. "God at his best right now" is all I can say. Thank you, Thank you, and Thank You for sharing this information with me.

Manny's name is Emmanuel and you know what that means so I've never doubted for a minute that he would be healed. I also believe in the power of prayer and with so many people SERIOUSLY loving Manny and praying for Manny is helping big time.

Tim, I am so overjoyed right now that I have to share this email with my hubs. I am so overjoyed right now and I Pray, Pray, that you can continue to help others and to remain seizure free. God's blessings to you and your family.

If you havent read any of the stories from the Monthly Miracles posts then you should. I wrote the original one about my Epilepsy on February 24th of this year and it is here. You can read the others who have been featured here. If you do make sure you have your Kleenex ready. They are all very moving stories.

So what are you waiting for? Get on over to Angela's and send her some love! Make sure you tell her we sent ya! Also register your blog in her new Blog Frog widget!

Love and Prayers,

Will - Jasgitottamirume!

2009-07-27T14:32:00.006-05:00
JASGITOTTAMIRUME

If you can guess word for word what it was that Will was telling me today then you will be entered into a drawing to have your button put on the front page of my blog for at least a month! As you know besides my prayer list, all buttons are on my button page to speed up my load time. So if you want some free advertising here at The Fort, then get to guessing. There is no limit on how many times you guess either. Just make sure i have your email addy so I can let you know you got it right and that you are entered so you dont have to keep guessing. Dont tell anyone though, it will reduce your chances of winning!

Also, if your button isnt already on my buttons list and you want it there, let me know and I will do a button swap with you to make sure that it gets put up!

If you are interested in growing your blog, and attracting new followers see the Blog Frog post below. It is super fun and easy, and you can promote your blog on any blog that has one! Check out the awesome people that are on mine now! You can see them on the Blog Frog widget in my right sidebar.

Also let me know if you use the Blog Frog on your site and if your not already in my bloglist, I will PUT YOU THERE! More advertising for free I tell ya!

There are also many of you who have followed The Fort in the Blog Frog widget and we appreciate it! Please make sure that you also follow in the Fort Forum by clicking the green link that says "Visit The Fort Thompson Community" at the bottom of the blog frog widget. This also gets you a ton of exposure as your blog will appear there each time you make a post!

Contest ends August 4th.

Love and Prayers,

Your Gonna Miss This!

2009-07-26T18:34:00.003-05:00

Here we go with another Your Gonna Miss This Moment! If you havent joined in yet with my good friend Pam @ Your Gonna Miss This then you should. Its allot of fun and helps us appreciate the little things before they are truly gone!

This might be a little boring to watch, but it is one of those things that I will truly miss. Another big thing is the Fashion Shows, so make sure you scroll down and see that video as it is VERY entertaining!

Love and Prayers,

Getting Froggy With It!!

2009-07-25T11:23:00.003-05:00

If you do not have a Blog Frog widget then you need to get one QUICK!! Here is why:

It functions as an information piece as it shows whom has been on your blog that links to your site.

It allows you to market your site on other blogs by showing your name and profile info on others Blog Frog widgets that you link to. So every time you link to someones blog make sure that you register. So if you haven't registered here at The Fort make sure you do so now. This will allow you to advertise your blog here every time you visit which will send many Fort Thompson readers your way. All you have to do is put a link on your blog to Fort Thompson (having our button doesn't hurt either) and then go to The Blog Frog widget in my right sidebar. There you will see where others are currently already being marketed on my blog. Go to the bottom of the widget, and click on the button that says "become a Fort Soldier". It's as easy as that! You are crazy not to do this. Trust me when I tell you that I have met many people through this social widget.

The Blog Frog community also provides another resource of marketing as others can find your site through different venues such as communities, friends, affiliations, chat walls, etc. It also provides a platform for expanding your followers by visiting sites that are already following many of the same sites that you are.

The Blog Frog is also NEW AND IMPROVED!! It is BETTER THAN EVER and cant get any user friendly than it is. So even if you are computer challeged, dont be afraid to get your own froggy widget today. You will be AMAZED at how it changes your blog and your traffic. Im NOT being paid for this by the way I just really believe in it and want to help give you tools to improve your blog too! My blog was around 30 followers before The Blog Frog and is now over 300+! Hows that for traffic and meeting new folks!

"The Frog" as I call it will drive traffic to your site and is a ton of fun. Don't just take my word for it, Jennifer @ My Charming Kids (aka MckMama) uses it too. Think of your exposure when people on her site see your info!

That's right, get to hoppin like MckMama and The Fort. Don't just be bloggy, be Blog Froggy!

I want credit for that one Russ!

Please leave a comment on this post when you get your own Blog Frog widget. This way I can come over and register as a follower on your frog! You can find The Blog Frog at http://theblogfrog.com. Also please feel free to click on the green "Visit the Fort Thompson Community" link and leave your comments and questions there! This is the part that makes if fun!

Love and Prayers,

A FUNNY Thing

2009-07-24T09:47:00.005-05:00
You know yesterday I was just thinking to myslef that I hadnt gotten any awards in such a long time. How about you? They use to fly around bloggy world like nobody's business and you just couldnt find time to post them all. Then when you did get the time you had so many to talk about it was exhausting, and trying to figure out who gave them too you was a task in itself. Sound familiar?

Well just as I was thinking that maybe they were still out there but I just wasnt getting any love, I get an email that there are two waiting for me at a friends blog! Made my day I tell you. It made my day. They are still out there and it is still very nice to get them.

I got the Adorable Blog Award which I have received a few times before, but none the less it is still extremely special to be thought of again.

Then I also got the Uplifting Blogger Award which really means allot to me because I try to keep The Fort as uplifting as possible.

They were both recieved from my good friend Angela at Mom's Fortress of Solitude. If you havent been to her blog you should check it out.

So here we go with the award hand out! I will not be able to send out email for all of these so I hope you see that you got it! These awards are going to all of those who are in my bloglist as well as all of you whom I have asked if I can put you there. Some arent there yet as I havent had the chance to do it yet. You know who you are. This includes all of my fellow Blog Frog Community Leaders. It also includes all of those whose blogs I follow as I find them very uplifting and adorable. I wouldnt follow otherwise.

Speaking of The Blog Frog. If you arent using the Blog Frog to improve the traffic on your site you should. It increases your traffic and for all of the communties you join your blog link will apprear on their site each time you visit. The Blog Frog is also new and improved so its much more user friendly! So get to Blog Frog hoppin now! The first step is joining my community in the right sidebar by making a link to The Fort in your blog and then registering your blog in my community. Just click "Become a Fort Soldier" at the bottom of the Blog Frog widget. You will then be a member of this community where you can communicate with fellow bloggers. Also feel free to become a follower of The Fort on Twitter if you use it!

If you have any additional questions on how The Blog Frog can hop your blog to the top just email me. :)

Love and Prayers,

Vlogemotions XII

2009-07-22T23:58:00.003-05:00

Now just so you know because I forgot to mention it in the video, I did a special hair bun that I learned from a new bloggy friend Jenn. If you are interested in little girl hair do's check her out. I will post some pics down below as soon as I can get them up. Thanks Jenn! You said if I did this I would have to do it for all the little girls and you were right. The teacher walked me over and introduced me to all the moms because they had made comments about Taylors hair. SOOOOO embarassing! But nice to hear I did a good job none the less. They wouldnt believe her when she told her her daddy did it. HA

For those of you first time vloggers, here are the rules:

1. Post the Vlogemotions button above so that those who come to visit your vlog post can link back to The Fort to see others. You can grab the code from the left sidebar.

2. Post you vlog (video blog) and share the strongest emotion that you felt during the week.

3. After your Vlogemotions post is up, come here and link up at Mr. Linky below.

4. Visit the other vloggers and LEAVE NICE COMMENTS!

5. Have fun this carnival is a BLAST!!!

Love and Prayers,

Wordful Wednesday - Dont Miss THIS!

2009-07-22T10:27:00.004-05:00
Its that time again! This you dont want to miss! You see Taylor decided to put on a Fashion Show for us, but this time 2 year old little brother decided to join in. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

This will for sure make the video at his wedding reception. LOL

For more Wordful Wednesdays go see my good friend Angie at Seven Clown Circus by clicking the button below.

Love and Prayers,

Update on Bogey

2009-07-21T10:11:00.002-05:00
Many of you have asked about how Bogey is doing so I wanted to post an update.

Bogey is in surgery as I type this. Please be in prayer for Dr. B and the team that is working on him to repair his leg. We will probably not seee him again today as they want to keep him overnight for observation after the surgery is complete.

I will post again once we get him home with pics to let you know how he is doing. Thank you so much for your concern, it means so much to Bogey, Carey and I, and especially the kids. They love him so much and it is really become sad for Taylor as it became real once the Dr. explained to her what was going to happen.

Love and Prayers,

Recipe? Smecipee!

2009-07-20T20:03:00.004-05:00
Ok. Im not big on recipes because I just dont really have any. My mother taught me to cook from scratch and that is always just the way I have done it. This is why I have no recipes.

Therefore I am giving you something very easy and VERY good. It's a desert and I call it Cherry Delight.

Here is what you need:

1 Angel Food Cake

1 Large box of Cool Whip

1 Large can of cherry pie filling

1 Large box of Vanilla Instant Pudding

Directions:

Tear cake into small pieces and place into a large resealable dish like tupperware. Then after mixing the pudding, pour it over the cake pieces evenly. You might need to spead with a spatula. Then after the pudding has soaked into the cake, pour cherry pie filling in on top of this. Spread the entire contents of the cool whip tub over the top and chill.

There you have it! Not healthy by any means, but entirely delicious!

If you havent played along with Brent's MckLinky bloghop, now is the time! Its allot of fun and you meet some great people.

Love and Prayers,

Sad day at The Fort

2009-07-18T20:37:00.004-05:00
Today Popa (Tim's Dad) came and took us to Pappadeaux's for lunch. It was a great time, and its always great to see Popa. The kids just LOVE their time with him.

So does Bogey. Bogey just loves Popa so much (because he plays with him ALLOT) that when Popa had to leave Bogey jumped from Carey's hands and fell to the ground breaking his right hind leg in two very serious places.

He is to have surgery hopefully sometime Monday morning hopefully to save the leg. There is literally no connection of the bones now it is just that bad. We can only hope and pray that the surgeon can find a way to pin it back in place so that he can still use it. He will for sure have lasting effects as he grows older as the break occured right at the joint in a growth plate.

Please keep our Bogey in your prayers tonight. As you will see from the pics, he is not feeling so good today. Today it was a sad day at The Fort.

Love and Prayers,

Vlogemotions - Surprise!

2009-07-15T22:52:00.011-05:00

For those of you first time vloggers, here are the rules:

1. Post the Vlogemotions button above so that those who come to visit your vlog post can link back to The Fort to see others. You can grab the code from the left sidebar.

2. Post you vlog (video blog) and share the strongest emotion that you felt during the week.

3. After your Vlogemotions post is up, come here and link up at Mr. Linky below.

4. Visit the other vloggers and LEAVE NICE COMMENTS!

5. Have fun this carnival is a BLAST!!!

Love and Prayers,

I want to thank Brent Riggs for the use of his MckLinky. It is a great way to link up any carnival. Please visit Brent and his family if you havent already. His links are provided below. Also please be in prayer for his daughter Abby who is listed in my prayer list. She is in the fight of her life with cancer. They need all the prayers they can get.
Also please leave them a comment and let them know that Tim at The Fort sent ya! They will much appreciate it!

Riggs Family Blog
Brents Blog

Hoppity Hop Hop Hop!

2009-07-13T21:43:00.005-05:00

Here are three things you might not have known about me:

1. My father is a pastor.

2. I once threw a no hitter.

3. I have no tattoos.

I know that doesnt seem very excting, but I just didnt have the time to think much about it.

I look forward to visiting your blogs and learning more about each of you. If you enjoy what you see here at The Fort, you are more than welcome to follow along. We will follow you too!

Love and Prayers,

Do you do it?

2009-07-12T22:00:00.000-05:00

We are now on Twitter! So if you Twitter or would just like to follow along, please do so. You can go to the Twitter section of the blog (left sidebar) and click the follow link or find us at our handle which is @FortThompson.

You follow us and we will follow you! Just like with the followers link here at The Fort! Top right sidebar. And if your not aready following us here at The Fort, please do so and we will follow you too!

As for all of you who have linked up and joined our Blog Frog community also, thank you. We are now one of the Blog Frog Community Leaders and will bring you many more fun and exciting ways to build your viewership through the Blog Frog! So if you arent already following us on the blog frog widget (right sidebar) please do so! It is allot of fun and will give your blog a ton of visibility here at Fort Thompson. Everytime you pay us a visit your picture and blog name will appear here with a link to your blog for others to click on! So put a link to The Fort in your blog and then click become a Fort Soldier under the Blog Frog widget, and you are in The Forts Blog Frog Community! Its that easy! Better yet, get you own Blog Frog widget to add to your blog! For more info on The Blog Frog see this post!

Love and Prayers,

We Miss You Granny

2009-07-09T14:43:00.003-05:00

Love and Prayers,

Vlogemotions

2009-07-08T21:27:00.004-05:00

My apologies for reposting this, however with the events that have taken place this morning (see post below) this is about we can muster at this time.

Please keep our family in your prayers during this time of our loss. Any and all prayers are greatly appreciated. We will still get around to all your blogs to see your posts.

It would mean so much to us to see many of you link up here this week for Vlogemotions! Make sure to send some love Carey's way as it was her Grandmother who passed.

For those of you first time vloggers, here are the rules:

1. Post the Vlogemotions button above so that those who come to visit your vlog post can link back to The Fort to see others. You can grab the code from the left sidebar.

2. Post you vlog (video blog) and share the strongest emotion that you felt during the week.

3. After your Vlogemotions post is up, come here and link up at Mr. Linky below.

4. Visit the other vloggers and LEAVE NICE COMMENTS!

5. Have fun this carnival is a BLAST!!!

Love and Prayers,