Russell's 7th Birthday

Dear Russell,

Happy 7th birthday, big boy! Our nickname for you is still a song: Russell bussell bo bussell banana bana fo fanna. Fe fi fo fanna, Russell!

You are as talented, cute, and independent as they come. You have taken Kindergarten by storm and we continue to try to keep up with you. This year, you've jumped into your first sport: Tae Kwon Do at the Spears YMCA. Daddy just joined you in those lessons. It is so fun to watch you tutoring your Dad when he asks for help.

You run hard all day (you really like to win races at school) and then you snuggle up at night with your blankie and a bed full of stuffed animals. Your favorite animal is a small yellow bunny.

You like to play on the computer, read, draw pictures of Batman, climb trees, and play with friends (Dommie M., Drew R., Jake W., Sophie C., your cousin Barrett M. and others).

This will be your last year to attend school with Lydia (age 11). Next year, she'll join Ross at Kernodle Middle School. You and Lydia are due to come bounding in from the school bus any minute now. You'll pull out your Monday school folders and we'll find a snack for you. At this moment, though, I want to slow down and remember our sweet journey to this point.

I remember that I had a healthy pregnancy and a normal delivery with you. You began to explore the world the moment you were born: you looked at the hospital sheet then stuck out your tongue to lick it. You are such fun to watch! I promise to help you explore this big world. I trust that you will have many great adventures.

I'm trying hard not to blink while you grow up before my eyes. You are like a Russian Matryoshka doll 
that adds new outer shells while we sleep. Sometimes I miss the old stages while being excited about new stages. Last week, I gave away your car seat to another family. I was very matter-of-fact about the hand-off until it was time to walk away from your car seat. Then, I had a few quiet, sad moments as I made note of the moment: giving away our last piece of baby gear from our last child.

You are blessed to have grandparents who live 2 and 4 hours away, sweet cousins near your age and the Bishops who live just 2 miles away. I hope that you'll always value your family and that you'll make time to grow these relationships.

Russell, you are a precious gift. May you love the Lord and love others each day of your life.

Dad and I love you up to the moon,
Mom

2012 Year In Review

A Look Back on the Thomases’ 2012

As 2012 draws to a close we have appreciated receiving pictures and updates from so many of you and we think with fondness of the times we have shared together and hope for more such opportunities in 2013. 

So as we look back over the year that was 2012, what stands out?

·        Immediately after the start of the year John (JT) was surprised by a bout with pneumonia. Fortunately, no hospitalization was required and once the fever subsided, he recovered steadily.

·        Spring Break brought our first family trip through the Disney system, with many traditional highlights, and we found Animal Kingdom on Easter especially engaging. The only low point was Jen and the kids getting trapped by Southwest Airlines for 2 days after their return flight was overbooked.

·        J.T. had left Florida a day early to join several friends at the Boston marathon … which was a fantastic experience despite suffering through his slowest time ever (due to near record 92 degree heat, and reduced preparation during pneumonia recovery) .

·        In May, Jen and J.T. traveled to Israel (link for pictures) for a pilgrimage tour led by Dr. Gary Chapman and his wife.  It was truly extraordinary to experience and gain insight into so many Biblical sites we have read about throughout our lives.  Special moments included sailing the Sea of Galilee, baptism in the Jordan, floating in the Dead Sea, running up Masada, haggling with vendors in Old Jerusalem, and seeing the buried portion of the wailing wall beside the Temple Mount.

·        We maintained the wonderful family traditions of beach week with the McCains in June and the Thomas family reunion in central Alabama for the Fourth of July.

·        The resumption of school saw Ross entering 7^th grade, and Lydia and Russell as bookends at our neighborhood elementary school – 5^th grade and Kindergarten respectively. 

·        Ross (13!) had a health setback this fall as he contracted mono and had to miss many weeks of school and activities.   He expects to return to a normal schedule in the New Year. He continues to enjoy soccer and Boy Scouts. 

·        Lydia (10) is enjoying Juniors (Girl Scouts – cookies anyone?), gymnastics, and many arts and crafts projects.

·        Russell (6) is quite energetic. He is giving Tae Kwon Do a try, as he likes the “kicking part of if.”  He continues to be a devoted follower of all the major superheroes!

·        Jen is working with her publisher and co-author for a re-release of their book in May or June 2013 as “When I’m Sorry Isn’t Enough”.  She continues to practice her individual and couples’ counseling part-time through Associates in Christian Counseling in Winston-Salem, seeing 6 clients per week -- which seems to be a good balance while orchestrating our active household.  She continues to exercise with friends and has taken up tennis.  In 2012 she also began sharing her skills through occasional travel to help lead family retreats for Inheritance of Hope. Their mission: To improve well-being in the lives of children and families with a parent diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.

·        John continues to enjoy his role at Stearns Financial Group helping clients navigate their financial challenges and pursue investment opportunities; the firm’s steady growth in recent years has been encouraging and their second office in Chapel Hill is well on its way to success.  JT was pleased when his health allowed him to resume enjoying distance running, often surrounded by a troop of like-minded friends.  This year he ran his slowest and fastest marathons – his 18^th and 19^th in Boston (April, 4:21:10) and Richmond (November, 3:06:41) – as well as two half marathons within 30 seconds of his best ever.  Here’s to getting older and faster! (wouldn’t bet on that to continue …)

·        As we look towards 2013 we anticipate another exciting year, two markers will include our 20^th wedding anniversary (we hope to return to Bar Harbor, ME where we honeymooned, this time in the Fall), and Ross participating in the national Boy Scout Jamboree at their new center near the New River Gorge in WV in July.

We were reminded this year that our health can never be taken for granted, and are thankful for the opportunity to maintain our rapid pace, forming many special memories and looking forward to 2013!

Best wishes,

The Thomases