~ The Thompson Tales ~

Since the weather looked like this - I decided to do my long run outside.

I ran 8.5 miles today at the Chisholm Trail in Plano. It took me about 90 minutes with two walking breaks. It was such a great afternoon! I am stoked about the spring like weather and I can't wait for it to be an everyday occurrence. I even got a subtle tan line from my shorts – if you know me, you know how this pumped me up! I enjoyed running in the afternoon, rather than the early morning. I felt rested and ready to go. When I was getting ready, I saw a commercial for some running shoes – I love that running is becoming a popular sport again. I bet the Big D will be packed this year. The salesman at Luke’s Locker told us that they have had a huge increase in their running club and many are signed up for the race. It should be a fun event! I saw a quote in the store that day, “You’re going to love every wonderful, horrible minute of this.” How perfect is that – exactly how I felt last year. My goal is to beat my time from last year (2:09) but who knows. It’s not that important. I just feel lucky to have the opportunity to do this with some WONDERFUL friends! These women are strong and have encouraged and supported me in numerous ways and for that I thank them.


When I got home today, I saw this! Take a close look. You know you live in the neighborhood, The Ranch, when you see a horse ride. Reminds me of LBK!



This will be a short work week, because on Thursday I fly to Wisconsin with this hoot! I am going with four crazy girls to meet Marisa’s family, play in the snow, and have a Wisconsin style bachelorette party. Marisa – we love you and I can’t wait! Thank you!

In an attempt to get rid of some things and de-clutter, I hosted a swap meet for some of my pals. It was also an excuse to get together for some laughs and not spend any money. I wasn’t quite sure how to organize it last minute, but it turned out pretty successful. Some gals were actually fighting over fab things such as jewelry and clothing…you know how we get when we are in shopping mode! Below are some pics from the afternoon. Be sure to check out my dear friend Ginny. She allowed us to play dress up with her – hilarious!!!

Brenda got a cute top from Marisa








Ginny - our flower child

We headed to Abilene for Valentine’s for my grandmother’s (Gammy) wedding. She and Merlin met at the square dance hall (which she is president) two years ago, and that is where the ceremony was held. Everything went smoothly and she is one happy bride! Here are some pics from the weekend.

The newlyweds ~ Gammy and Merlin

My Aunt Tonya and her boys

The wedding party


Moms and Pops - so cute!

Abilene slumber party!

Today is J’s day…he is officially in his 30’s. That sounds weird to me that my husband is 31…we still feel like kids as I’m sure most of you do. He never wants a fuss made about his birthday or him in general, but I love to. We celebrated with some friends earlier this month at our favorite pub.



We also celebrated last night at the Stars game, thanks to J’s sister and mom. They scored platinum level seats with free food and drinks. Our seats were center ice – best seats ever! Christina and I were even on the jumbo screen (what is that called?). Looking at Christina you can see why…she’s a hottie…I just happened to be sitting next to her. I was so bummed my friend Mer, who was also at the game, didn’t see us, but I had a few students tell me they saw us – so funny! Even though the stars lost, J got to see an awesome fight. He loves his hockey fights.


We are celebrating tonight with his best friend. When I asked him where he would like to go for dinner – thinking he would say a steakhouse or sushi place of some sort, he answered with, “I wanna go to Fuddruckers!” Are you kidding me?! This is where he wanted to go last year as well….ugh, boys and their big burgers with melted cheese and fries…I can already feel my stomachache approaching! I will have to run in the morning for sure.


Some things I adore about my hubby J
When we play UFC fight…I’m getting better
Our adventures – if it is a concert outing or a road trip – it is always a BLAST!
When he dances for me hip hop style in the living room….give him a few drinks and he’ll do the same moves at a party or crowded club. Priceless!
His bear hugs and when he tries to pick me up...I always freak out – it has been a tradition the last 6 years
His love of the outdoors and camping – we’ve made some great memories
Our shared passion for music
His dedication to his friends and the way he takes care of his sister and mom
He never (okay hardly) has unkind words about anyone
His gorgeous eyes!
His talent of “planning” whether it is a group camping trip, vacations or how we will tackle a house project - he researches everything and is always right! Urgh!
His wittiness – he’ll say he is not witty, but he cracks me up!
He is our CFO – again, organized and planning talents
His hot legs and tush! He’ll hate that I put that on here.
His sweet kisses and hugs every morning before he leaves for work – I’m always half asleep, but he never leaves without doing this.
He makes the BEST STEAKS EVER – sorry Pops!
He just became part of my family instantly! His family became our family instantly.
And lastly, his patience! When my cousin Josh married us, he mentioned this during the wedding ceremony. He also congratulated James for having unending patience, because supposedly he’ll need it marrying me.

My J – I hope you have a wonderful day. You are everything to me, and I feel so blessed to spend my life with you. You’re more than I ever dreamed of – and to think I found you in a parking lot of a pub at closing time…sheesh – that’s one for the kids!
Hope you liked your cupcakes! No bikini cake this time!



Sorry for all the mushiness folks!

Happy Birthday Rock Star,
Your K

Suzy and Rosy met their nephew, Jake. Rosy didn't know what to think of Jake, and Suzy was all about him...she's brave alright! I couldn't believe how much they've grown.

Me with my namesake, Suzy ...she's a ball of fire!







Mom with Rosy...

I am guilty of stalking blogs of crafters...these gals are SO creative and blog about wonderful homemade ideas. I only try the easy ones, however, I have a folder on my computer with a long list other projects to try when I make time. Again, these are so easy that I can do them in a short amount of time.

I love to pick up fun school/office supplies when I see them (guilty of being a dork as well), and I purchased a bunch of ribbon for 25 cents at Michael’s right after the holidays. I made these two notebooks in about 20 minutes by just cutting different ribbons in about 4 inch strips and tying them around the spirals. Then just trim the ends to finish it up.


Stacee asked where the photos were of the kitchen towels I made with Marisa for Christmas gifts - Here ya go. We enjoyed our sewing time together...we want to make aprons next. Marisa and I also made some fun gifts for our Wisconsin trip, but I'll let her post those pics.


Here are the pics from the wall hanging I made for our guest bathroom. I wanted something to go with our shower curtain but didn’t want to spend a lot of money. I saw this on someone’s blog (can’t remember which one) and went in search of scrapbook paper I liked. I found some one afternoon in downtown Wylie and bought four pieces for 50 cents each. It is a little thicker than paper…Basic Grey is the designer of this print, and you can find many more like this online. I then purchased foam board (project board) for a dollar at Michael’s.

I then recruited some help to cut the board into 12x12 inch squares....thanks J! Doesn't he look eager to help?! And yes, I had this pic in the folder with my other crafting pics...I'm a dork like I stated above.

He cut them for me and I painted the edges with brown paint. The edges were not thick like canvas, but they are white.

Then I just took them into the garage and sprayed each one with spray adhesive (looks like a can of hair spray) and set the paper on each square. You can quickly adjust the pages to set evenly, but do it fast because it dries quickly. I waited 10 minutes for it to dry and then attached plastic hangers on the back…bought them at Wal-Mart for a dollar. I guess you could also glue on coke tabs. Then J placed them on the wall for me. I really like it and it looks like expensive décor – don’t be like me and tell everyone who comments on it that it only cost around 4 bucks….defeats the purpose!

Marisa and I joined the Plano Pacers at the Fresh Start 10k on Saturday morning. We were a little nervous, but we only have a little over 2 months before the Big D Half in April. We did a great job and hung around afterwards for the results. It was a good thing we did, because they also gave away gift certificates….and my name was called for a $50 gift certificate to Luke’s Locker! Thanks to the people who left early, b/c they had to call almost 10 names before mine was called! My lucky day! My time for the 6.26 mile race was 56:20….I was really pumped, and I got a paper weight medal for getting 2nd in my age group. Now don’t let me fool you, there were not many in my age group, but I am still giddy about our run – great job Marisa! I am so grateful to have a running buddy to keep me on track, and I love our Saturday chats together. You’re a great friend to me! You also look gorgeous in the morning without any make up...I secretly hate you.