Jen Tompkins

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Home Uncategorized Wordless Wednesday: Summer
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Wordless Wednesday: Summer

  • July 15, 2010
  • Comments Off on Wordless Wednesday: Summer
  • by Jen Tompkins

  • « Buck up, camper.
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As I mentioned, last week the ‘Rona finally caug As I mentioned, last week the ‘Rona finally caught up to us. Asher actually had it in November, and this time the two older kids and I all tested positive. I called them my Quaranteens. The first few days we felt pretty crummy, and after that it was mainly like an annoying head cold. Our living room happens to have doors on it, so we isolated in there with our phones and chrome books, a half decorated Christmas tree, and an air mattress. The kids did homework (pic 3 is Carson helping Syd with her math ❤️) and I did work work, we slept a lot and went through 3 boxes of Kleenex. But I’m grateful our symptoms were pretty mild. Our constant companion was the man, the myth, the legend @jeffprobst, because we binged 5 seasons of Survivor in one week. Meanwhile, Asher and Trent stayed healthy and tested negative several times. They are by far more cautious than the three of us, and now they have proof that it pays off. We may never hear the end of it. They did all kinds of fun things while we were in lockdown. Strangely, it turned out to be a kind of sweet memory. I realize how lucky we are to have had our illness play out this way. Here’s to antibodies and less Tylenol for the rest of 2022. 😷
If this January, you feel motivated to set some go If this January, you feel motivated to set some goals, or change some habits, or try new things—you go, girl! I’m cheering you on! I love a fresh start, and am usually all over new calendars, “word of the year,” reading plans and productivity. But this year I started the year off with a bang, getting the *youknowwhat* on the second day of 2022. Yep, I was one of the thousands you know who was quarantining last week. I was already feeling a little “meh” about the new year, and that really took the wind out of my sails. Can anyone relate? (Not necessarily to the positive test, but the blah.) I’m not depressed or sad, just kind of weary of the difficult circumstances all around and wishing I had motivation to conquer the world. But I don’t. I have recently talked with several friends who are also feeling weary. There’s just not really a more accurate word. One of those friends fought cancer TWICE in the last 5 years, and her body has taken a beating. But she’s here. Praise God! She shared with me how frustrated she is with the fatigue and the side-effects, and how she feels guilt for not being more productive with her days, when often she needs to sleep during the hours her kids are at school. But you know what? She shows up. She wakes up, gets her kids to school, picks them up, feeds them, loves them, and does it again the next day. I’m so proud of her. So, I decided, at least for now, my new year’s plan is to do that: just show up. It’s OK if I’m not learning a new skill or starting a new health plan or reading through the Bible this year. Each day is a day the Lord has made. I can rejoice and be glad in it and not be in hustle mode right now. I’m going to look for the good and love my people. I’m going to just show up each day and do my best. Wanna join me?
The wise word from the Vegas locals was to avoid a The wise word from the Vegas locals was to avoid anything downtown on New Year’s Eve—it is bonkers. So, instead, our event planner/memory maker/cruise director host Curtis made reservations for the 6 adults on December 30th. Brilliant! First he took us to the Legacy Club, on the 60th floor of the Circa hotel and casino. The views were phenomenal. Also, our server told us that 24 hours later, the cover charge for this swanky place would be $360/head. 😳 Then we walked around the Circa and moved to our next reservation, Barry’s Downtown Prime, which happened to be in the basement of the Circa. This place was probably the most fancy restaurant I’ve ever eaten in. And I know this because it was so dark that I had to turn my phone flashlight on to see the menu. 😆 Sorry friends. I’m an embarrassing guest. The food was unbelievable. Absolutely beyond amazing taste. We had steak and salmon and crab and, obviously, traditional baked Alaska. 🤤 And to top it off, @freelancealot_ paid for a luxury car to pick us up and take us home. It may not have been December 31, but it was a fake New Year’s Eve we’ll never forget!
A few years ago I visited @ktinlv and she took me A few years ago I visited @ktinlv and she took me hiking at the most stunning place, and I knew I wanted our whole family to visit Red Rocks Canyon to explore this beautiful area that is so unlike anything near us. We had an amazing time climbing and hiking the rocks and even saw some snow. (Someone left us a special message.) We timed it perfectly, as the clouds, rain and snow came in just as we were getting ready to leave. We’re not in the Cascades anymore kids!
Like many people, we had vacation plans postponed Like many people, we had vacation plans postponed and changed in 2020. We had scheduled a Thanksgiving trip last year to meet up with some college friends, but not everyone could make it because of the ‘Rona. So as a re-do, our three families are together this week in Las Vegas! The “you-know-what” almost messed up our plans again, but negative tests all around just in time! We’ve done touristy stuff and outdoor stuff and fancy stuff and regular hang out stuff. After many cancelled plans, it has been such a gift to spend these days making new memories with some of our oldest friends, and to see our kids enjoying each other and becoming true friends, not just “those people on the Christmas card.” Who knew Vegas could be so family friendly?!
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