Christmas Card 2013

"Cold and raw the north winds blow

Bleak in the morning, early

All the hills are covered with snow

And winter's now come fairly"

Grandpa Leslie used to read that poem from "Old Mother Goose Rhymes" and I always remember it during Wintertime. As I write, I am sitting under a blanket at the Grandview Lodge, waiting for Parker to wake up and celebrate our FIRST Christmas!

I had ambitions to send out a Christmas card so kudos to those who did! I'll cop out and say we need to be married a whole year before we can accomplish something of that magnitude ;) 

2013 was a year to remember. We began the year with a full plate: wedding plans, job searches, medical school interviews, Parker's last NCAA season, and the ominous question: where are we headed next year? 

My First Illini Game

After several interviews and countless prayers, the Lord brought us to Champaign-Urbana, IL. 

Through miraculous provision, I was able to obtain a job at Mahomet-Seymour High School in Mahomet, IL teaching High School Biology. It has been a TON of work, but I love it!

As the Spring semester came to a close, Parker's track season was not looking as we hoped. An achilles injury kept him from his dream of being an All-American (…. yet he still made it to NCAA III NATIONALS!!!)

Commissioning Ceremony

Parker graduated from Wheaton College and commissioned as an officer in the United States Army all in one day! You may now address him as 2LT Parker Thompson. I think it's quite catchy. 

Within a few more weeks, we were married. June 1st was the best day of our lives thus far and we had so much fun. We will never forget how blessed we were to have all of our favorite people in one place. The food was great, the music was magical, and the dancing was out of this world. 

The Family Dance

Our Honeymoon was in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota and we had a marvelous time! There is nothing like a cozy Lake House in the Great North Woods. 

Since we are "college and career 20-somethings," the summer was "A Summer of Weddings." Todd and Julia in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, Miles and Emily in Portage, IN, my very own SEESTER and Cody Beer in Tremont, Wes and Annie in New York, and Morgan and Zach in Illinois. 

My Sister, Katie and her Bridesmaids

Parky dancing with Grandma Leslie at Katie's Reception

Wes and Annie's Wedding in New York

We enjoyed a relaxing summer together, settling in to Chambana and getting to know our neighbors, the Shins. 

Little Edward Shin

In late July, we jetted up to Chicago and spent the night at Rush Hospital to welcome August Wells Anderson (Augy, Augy Doggy, Augsters, etc). He is currently 5 months old and the cutest CHUNK of burnin' love you'll ever meet. The whole family is kind of obsessed and you can see why. 

Augy's daddy, Neal and Parker and Uncle Paul competed in the Chicago Triathlon in Late August. They were amazing and we were happy to spectate from a safe distance. 

The 1st semester was all a blur. Let's just say being a 1st year teacher and an M1 makes for little to no free time, but we LOVE doing life together. In the rare event that we DO have a few spare minutes, Parker will train me in "Super Smash," an N64 Game. #oldschool

"1st Day of School"

Since 2001, my parents have spent nearly every Saturday in the Fall at a Cross Country meet. This year marked the end of competitive Imig running as we know it. My brother Caleb, a senior, placed 11th at the state meet, fast enough to earn "All-State" honors. He has a great fan club.

One of our favorite things about Chambana is our church and the community we have found. We became a part of Christ Community in downtown Champaign and the East Urbana Missional Community (small group/bible study). Both Parker and I are also involved in our own "Fight Club." (Accountability group)

Part of the Missional Community at our Thanksgiving Dinner

Med Students playing "Smash"

In December, I had the privilege of speaking at NCF's Women's Tea. I had a blast and believe that the Spirit did a great work there! All Glory to God.

Just the best grannies in the world

The 1st Thompson Christmas

We were blessed to have the SAME Christmas break (2 weeks off), and we are loving every minute of it. Our greatest treasure from the Lord as an extension of his Saving Grace in our lives is our family. Rich or poor, far or near, big or small, they will always be dear to our hearts and we will always "find a way" to make it "home for Christmas."

I finish this blog now as we are going to bed on Christmas night and though I have more to say, I will simply end with the Good News. You and I are desperately wicked and in need of a POWERFUL and PRESENT Savior. But PRAISE the LORD that he is STRONG and full of mercy:

"For unto us a Child is born; unto us a Son is given;

and the government shall be upon His shoulder.

And he shall be called: WONDERFUL, Counselor, Everlasting Father

PRINCE OF PEACE"

-Isaiah 9:6-7

May the Prince of Peace open our eyes and yours to see and savor the beauty of Christ. He is GOOD, and He CAME. Know His Peace.

You are Loved,

The Thompsons