Thompson Christmas

Christmas is fast approaching, meaning the year's end is soon upon us. As we in the Thompson family look back on 2011, we are surprised that each yearly iteration can actually be more complex and unpredictable than the prior. Here's a glimpse:

One week before what was to be our relaxing trip to stay with Oma and Papa in South Florida, a small fire began at our residence in the inauspiciously named Chimney Hill apartments. Most of our things were salvageable, since it turned out to be mostly smoke damage. However, we were forced to move in a matter of days in the dead of winter. While the myopic view might lend this experience to being no more than an unfortunate disaster, the outpouring of help and support, both physical and material, strengthened our testimonies of the goodness and love in those around us.

Christopher spent all summer applying for jobs in international trade compliance, but by summer's end, it was apparent that the market out East was too soft. So, after hearing about the oil boom going on in the North Dakota Bakken Shale play, Chris decided to head West and look for opportunities there. He was immediately able to land a position with an oil services firm, doubling his previous salary, and launching the Western chapter of the Thompson family story. After a couple months with the oil company, he joined as an associate with a law firm in Minot that specializes in oil and natural gas related work.

Angie was shuttling around much of the year with the kids, having spent several times each in Tennessee, Wyoming, and Florida while living in Michigan and North Dakota. Missoni and Alize also enrolled in recreational activities like gymnastics, ballet, and horseback riding, which kept Angie constantly busy. She also worked with the Beehives in Young Women's at church on Sunday and Tuesday nights. During the summer, Angie took the children daily to the swimming pool at Lifetime Fitness nearby. Since the spring, Alize went from saying a few words and in diapers to now forming perfectly structured sentences and being completely potty-trained.

Now this whirlwind of a year has settled us in North Dakota, where the people are wonderful and friendly. Angie is already part of a coterie of young mothers in the ward, and is running a small hair styling service out of the house. The girls have likewise made plenty of friends both through church and at preschool.

As our minds ponder this year and this Christmas Season, we have most to thank he who we Celebrate our Savior Jesus Christ. We are so grateful for our knowledge of him and our wonderful church that helps us get through so many difficult moves and times. We are so blessed!

To those we love and miss everywhere,
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year