Aubrie (22 mo.), Maggie (3 1/2), Hallie (5)
 
A long time ago someone told me that GOOD is a quantifying word and therefore impossible to apply to God. I agree in the sense that His person, His ways, His attributes, yes EVERYTHING about Him cannot be quantified or contained in a single word or even a library full of words! Remember this favorite hymn in which a verse speaks about His LOvE--just one word describing our indescribable God?


                 
                                                  Michelle Reed Thompson Photography in Carlsbad, CA, July 2009


Yet God is GOD...and therefore all that He does is good and perfect and just and righteous and holy and downright personal with us in mind--both the NoW us and the FuTuRe us!  And not only just Us, but all those who come into contact with Us--He's thinking of them too!  All this to say....  God IS good (not because of any circumstance or situation, but simply because He is God). This post has been a long time in coming, but we want to record some of the ways God has been good to us in the past 6 months. I know, it's really been that long!! Shame on us!
                                     

We enjoyed the most amazing Spring here in Washington!  Do you know that Ryan's Grandmother planted a continuous "Flower Extrodinaire" for us to enjoy?  Of course she didn't realize we'd be living here to enjoy it after she had passed away, but nevertheless, from the first daffodils in March to the fruit, berries, roses we're enjoying today, we have front row seats of non-stop beauty! Her creativity in laying out her yard shows a tremendous love for beauty and nature. I only wish I had known her better~and that I could keep up with the weeds in this amazing yard!!

 

Another way God has shown His goodness is in the form of family and friends. I can honestly say it is a JOY to live near Ryan's parents and brother, grandparents, cousins, uncles and aunts, and second cousins. A complete change for us, and yet God has made it a smooth transition and oh so great! We've also had some of Julianne's family visit this summer and some friends from Texas as well! It was so special that they took time to come see us in our new location. We've swapped shopping convenience for family, and so far it's worked out fine. I'm still praying for a Costco and Target in Moses Lake--and maybe one day a  Hobby Lobby, Jamba Juice and Panera Bread? Is that too much to ask for? lol!

   

We've been in our new location almost a year now and God is showing His goodness in countless ways~most often in the little unexpected ways.



Another baby is on the way! In fact, he's due here pretty soon. No, that's not a typo....I did say HE. September 29th is the official due date. The pregnancy has all the signs of health and normality, and again we are grateful for God's goodness with our children, something we don't want to take for granted. The girls are in a fervor of excitement as baby furniture starts to appear. They are even busy picking their favorite names (sometimes this part gets totally out of hand, and daddy is usually the instigator! )

 

Ryan continues to work for Collegeplus! (www.collegeplus.org) and the opening of this 2nd office in WA has gone remarkably smooth. God's blessing on his job is definitely GOoD!

 

Hallie turned 5 in July, so she'll begin Kindergarten this fall. We are planning to homeschool her this year and have been planning activities, curriculum, and a functional "school area" to keep things under control for an active pre-school/Kindergarten room--doesn't it just sound messy and fun?   Maggie likes to keep up with Hallie, so she'll be right in there with us. As for Aubrie, her most-used phrase these days is "me too" so I'm sure she'll be in the mix somehow too!

 

As for the rest, we'll save all that for another post...one of these days. We're anxious to keep in contact as much as we can with each of you. For those who have them, we enjoy reading your blog and facebook postings as well, even if we can't respond as often as we'd like. Oh, and if you're wondering if God is at work in your current situation, if He is GOoD in your particular case... think again! (I think I accidentally only mentioned the stuff that appears to be "going smoothly" in this blog.  Did I mention that we live on a farm near a feed lot and are experiencing the fly plague every day all summer long and it's kind of smelly too? Did I mention in the past three days two girls and I were stung by wasps 5 times, that we too deal with bickering and child-training issues, our dryer broke down and my make-shift clothesline snapped, that we're house-hunting, that our house goes from tidy to a wreck in 5 minutes flat, my garden has more weeds than veggies, and dinner is rarely gourmet? I know you're shocked! Alas, 'tis true.)

 

The good news is that in God's GOoDness, He's working it all out in His way (which is perfect, btw. Keep reading!) and it's ok. What seems insurmountable and impossible from one angle, is actually possible for the Lord.
As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried: He is a buckler to all them that trust in Him. 2 Samuel 22:31

As for God, His way is perfect...  Psalm 18:30

He is the Rock, His work is perfect: ... Just and Right is He.  Deuteronomy 32: 4

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus... Ephesians 2:10

And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9

 

  

Familiar verses, I know. But when tempted to wonder 'When is God good?'  The answer is nOw. look around! He is GOoD right now. His work and His way are perfect, more than any tongue or pen could ever tell~~

No Longer Texans!
In September, we moved from San Antonio to Warden, WA--a long time prayer and dream fulfilled to be near family. We live about 3.5 hours east of Seattle, and 1.5 hours west of Spokane on I-90. We are 2 miles from Ryan’s parents, brother Jacob, and grandparents (Kimble). Down the road in both directions are uncles, aunts, and cousins and their children. This is where Ryan grew up, his old stomping grounds. Julianne and the girls feel an immediate connection because of him and his extended family in this community. Although we know it will take time to establish our “own roots” here and feel completely at home, we are thankful for this immediate sense of belonging.  Our current temporary residence is the home of Ryan’s grandparents (Yamane) which has been sitting empty for over a year. It is a wonderful place for us and we are thankful for the family’s generosity in letting us call it “home” for now. 



Fields surround us, growing crops like corn, wheat, potatoes, alfalfa, etc.  There are pastures of grazing cows and horses, and some animals owned by relatives: horses, kittens, and 8 new puppies born to Uncle Jack’s dog! Two girls are hoping a puppy will be in their stockings come Christmas morning (although Hallie, not wanting to take any chances, says she wants to give a puppy to daddy for Christmas. Hmmm, tricky little thing…J ). 
Life is different here. Instead of seeing deer (or huge bugs!), we see tractors and fields.  Instead of rocky ground, there is actually dirt and grass!  While life looks a bit different from our windows, these changes highlight all that is timeless and will not change in our lives—namely Jesus, our salvation, and the glory of wealth that is our inheritance for eternity and in this life IN HIM! And all because of His grace. We are standing on the brink of fully fathoming these truths. Our favorite read this year as a couple was Grace Rules by Steve McVey, and we’re looking forward to a Bible Study on Grace Walk in January. We highly recommend these materials!


Ryan turned 30 this year! Thanks to all who sent cards, letters, and emails with funny and encouraging tributes to this milestone in his life. This year Ryan oversaw the sale of our home in TX, caught flounder and red fish on the gulf, fit in a few rounds of golf amidst the busiest year of work yet, moved his family across the country, opened a second office in WA with GLR, dusted off a few old hobbies (hunting and motorcycling) and has joined his brother in paintball manialand.  Ryan assures Julianne that these hobbies are all great exercise(?)   Ryan and Julianne attended Family Life’s A Weekend to Remember in Couer de’Alene, ID as a part of their celebrating 5 years of marriage (thanks Dad and Mom Thompson!).  In July we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Gpa and Gma Kimble at Shasta Lake, CA–another amazing milestone!  This was a wonderful reunion with family, some of whom we had not seen since our wedding.

 

Julianne jokes that her 2008 heroes are anyone who runs regularly in freezing weather, anyone who has run a full marathon (ok, just having the nerve to sign up for one counts too!), moms of 3+ children who are mentally, spiritually, & physically “fit” all at the same time,   or anyone who has moved more than once with small children. Although this year was busy for Julianne, it was also somewhat uneventful.  We put the house up for sale in March and it sold in August.  So Julianne’s spring and summer was spent making sure the house was “showcase ready” in a moment’s notice. Her active mess-makers were included in the process of playing quick-pick-up, and we were all thankful for a house that remained cleaner than we’ve ever had it for such an extended period! J  Packing up the house in Texas with three little shadows was exciting.  She and Ryan then cleaned, painted, and unpacked their home in Washington.  Two highlights were joining her extended family for a Southern Cal beach camping trip in September (tent camping 4 nights with 3 girls while Ryan and Uhaul headed north) and enjoying time with and running Seattle’s half marathon with her sister, Kristal, in November.

 
     
 


Hallie Jae (4)  101 questions about everything.  “Mommy, can I wear your lipstick?” “Can you take me to Grammy’s house and not come back for a long time?”  “I don’t need shots again until I’m Uncle Jack’s age, right?”  When asked what she does as a four year old, here is what she said:  “You do a bunch of school, like A,B,Cs, coloring, and cutting paper” “Have birthdays” “Run around” “Go jogging” “Ride bikes” “Eat food” “Help your mother do cooking”  “Babysit your little sisters” “Sing songs” and “Be a real nurse to your baby dolls.”  Hallie is truly a joy! She is fun to laugh with, is a detailed natural born leader, and has a generous heart that loves to serve and help others.  She is active but sometimes over-zealous. Like insisting that if mom will just put Maggie and Aubrie in the jogging stroller, she’ll run beside her “the whole way.”  Before long mom has all three in the stroller pushing 110 lbs. One day this go-getter will be running the full marathon, no doubt! 

   

Maggie Jo (3)  is our most precocious blessing.  Curly headed and dark eyed, her mischievous ways keep us laughing (or pulling our hair out!). When asked the question, “What does a 3 year old like to do?” her response was, “I share and be kindness” “I like to play baby dolls” and “Be brave.”  Well, there you have it. Life is simple when you’re three. J  Maggie just began taking a ballet/tap dance class with Hallie and loves to sing and dress up in princess dresses and have tea parties as much as her big sister. She also says what she thinks.  For example, this past summer, as we were getting ready to go shopping, Maggie (then 2 ½) informed me that she had put shorts on under her sundress. I distractedly told her that was ok. At the store, Ryan had a few things to pick up for work, so he took Maggie and stood in a different line. The way Ryan tells it, all of a sudden Maggie starts talking to the woman standing in line behind them. “Hey lady,” she says. Before Ryan can stop her she blurts out, “I don’t have any panties on.”  Clearly flustered, the woman’s speechlessness gave Ryan a chance to pay for his item and leave quickly. (Apparently, when Maggie said she was putting shorts on she meant only shorts!)  Maggie is our sweet cuddle bug and is the first one in bed with daddy and mommy every morning.  It has become a little tradition.

   
 

Aubrie Juliet (1) is all sweetness and smiles!  She is adored by her big sisters and in turn follows them around patting her doll’s back, pushing the doll stroller, and basically imitating whatever they do. She is an avid “reader,” sitting for long periods just flipping through books or handing a book to mom or dad and climbing up on their lap as a subtle hint. She took her first steps about a week before her 1st birthday in October and is no longer content with being held. She is a go-er!  She is also our best sign-languager yet, and is communicating more each day with her hands and new words.

A few months after Aubrie’s birth last year, we went on one of our first shopping trips as a family of 5 (Christmas shopping). The store had tiny carts that didn’t hold an infant seat correctly, so I placed it in the front sideways (mistake #1). Ryan had the other two girls in a separate cart. After shopping awhile, Ryan offered to take all three girls on a ride around the store while I finished looking. Hallie needed to use the restroom, but I hoped she could make it a little longer (mistake #2). The two older girls hopped on the sides of the cart and held on. Apparently, Ryan got to the other side of the store where the Christmas decorations were and he encouraged the girls to get off and look at a big nutcracker. When Hallie jumped back on the cart, the mini-cart, now lopsided without Maggie’s weight on the other side, tipped over on top of her. She immediately wet her pants and began screaming. The baby seat flew across the floor and landed 10 feet away upside down. Maggie, whose already wet diaper had now soaked through her pants, stood watching and crying. Where to go first??? Ryan (along with about 10 other moms who converged at the same time)  pulled up the cart and ran to the baby. Fully buckled in her seat, she sat wide-eyed without a single tear. Soooo... I look up from my peaceful shopping experience, totally unaware of all that has happened just 30 yards away, and see Ryan carrying a crying girl in each arm, and an unknown lady following him pushing the baby in the cart. “Let’s go,” were his first words... :) This is our typical Aubrie—mayhem happening all around her, yet she just sits wide-eyed and calm in the midst of it all. She is magnificent and fills our hearts with love and pride, as do her sisters.



Just now I am listening to a conversation in the other room:Hallie:  “Maggie, do you want to go outside with me and pretend Aubrie is our kitty? We’ll teach her how to jump!”  Maggie: “Yeah. Let’s work together!”  Hallie (all excited now): “Yeah!!! Let’s work together!!!”  This conversation is a breakthrough moment for mom. This is not a breakthrough moment for Aubrie who has no idea what’s coming.  I am sure God must give extra grace to the third born.  I am sure of it!

Please forgive our ramblings … This is our once-a-year- chance to feel like we’re actually communicating a little to our friends and family.   We love each one of you and are thankful for your friendship and part in our lives.  May this Christmas season remind you of what Jesus offers you—a “new life” …LIFE!  We pray you really find Him in the midst of the bustle. (And if you get a chance, read Grace Rules or Grace Walk!!  Perhaps you’ll find just what your heart has been longing for…)  We’d love to hear from you, so keep in touch!

    

With love and CHRISTmas joy,
Ryan, Julianne, Hallie, Maggie, and Aubrie Yamane

 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Make a Smilebox greeting

Ryan has wanted to go fishing down on the Gulf since we moved to Texas. This weekend, he finally had the chance to go. He had a great time with some good friends and caught a few fish as well.

Sunday night, they went "gigging" for Flounder, then Monday morning caught some Sea Trout and Red Fish. All in all, they came home with over 50 big fish. Great times!

Still trying to finish my long update here. Must've pushed the wrong button since I started getting comments before I was done :)  In July we went to California and saw so much family I felt like a kid in a candy shop--couldn't get enough! It was wonderful!  Thank you all for the special times. Ryan's grandparents celebrated 50 married years with a big family reunion near Shasta Lake, CA. We saw family we haven't seen for years--it was a wonderful celebration!  Then the Thompson side gathered at the Franklins for a week in the SF bay area. Despite record breaking heat (we felt right at home), it was incredible!

S H A S T A, C A  July 4th weekend 2008   Yamane/Kimble side
   

 
                               



C A M P B E L L, C A ~~  July 08 w/ Thompson side of the family
       
And home again, home again...
Yes, there's more. Stay tuned for tomorrow's episode of "Several months in the life of..."

Here's some pictures of life...some of them have been on our camera for awhile. Aubrie is 5 months in the first shots, and at the end she is 6 1/2 months. Oops! Poor third born... :)  The girls and I are missing Ryan this weekend. We dropped him off at the airport Thursday and will pick him up late Sunday night. "He's in Mishican and shicado," Hallie told Maggie. Actually it's Chicago and Michigan, but she got pretty close, especially since we were eating avacados at the time. Simple mistake :) 

Exersaucer from Grammy & Papa Y. As you can imagine, this is a favorite toy for Aubrie & Co. (two sisters :).


The night before our trip to WA, Hallie took the pile of letters I had taken down from their wall months ago and spelled these names. Pretty good for no review or help!


Spring in south Texas means head to the nearest pool!


Hmmm... who should I call??