The ABC news reporter and producer flew in from Los Angeles & NYC and drove to our home.  They were so kind and sweet!  Our interview lasted just about an hour late this afternoon and we all three had a ball.  I wasn't going to let them see me cry on national TV and I made it; I won't say I didn't tear up talking about Christi, but I fought through it and did ok! I think they wanted me to say I was a victim or something, but I really don't feel that way.  I do feel terrible that Hope Jackson lied to and scammed many kind and loving people (famous and regulars) with Christi's picture and story over many years pretending to be me; however, I don't hold any hard feelings.  We've moved on with our lives, and have tried to turn away from sad times - exactly as we think Christi would want us to do!  

It is a shame not everyone in this world is a good person, but the good people far outweigh the bad.  The ABC folks showed us two of the video clips of the reporter with Hope Jackson from her interview this summer.  Now we cannot fathom why in the world she would go on national TV and admit all of the horrific stuff she did (or at least what has been dug up - without a doubt there is A LOT more), but she really did meet with them in her mobile home and we watched the clips.  Shocking!  My gut feeling is she's an adult who needs a lot of attention and as a result her personal and professional life have suffered horribly and will continue to do so until she cleans up her act.  I also strongly believe she will continue to do her antics and tell her lies.  

My heart breaks for her poor son and daughter as she even involved them in some of her many scams.  Sickening.  May God bless and forgive Hope; I certainly have!  

They told us they are planning to run this episode right after the CMA awards in 15 days on Wednesday, November 6th because she scammed Brad Paisley and his wife, Kim, and Brad is again hosting this year's awards on ABC.  

FINALLY: The news I've been telling you I'd share!

We've been keeping this a secret because we were not 100% sure it was going to happen, but it's safe to share now! You may remember there the infamous Hope Jackson from Billings, Montana and now Douglas, Wyoming who for about 4 years had been using Christi's pictures and "story", pretending to be me and scamming famous people (Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, Josh Turner, Kate Gosselin, Brad Paisley and others). 

Hope Jackson was eventually charged with a felony and served a tiny bit of jail time for ONE of her many scams. ABC Nightline news contacted us about a year ago asking for our permission to do this story. We agreed and have been in contact back and forth ever since with two of their reporters, following Hope's situation, her other charges, the other cancer children she also exploited, etc., etc., etc. (absolutely mind-boggling and disgusting). 

Well, ABC will come to our home to  interview us on Tuesday. They told us to plan for four hours - setting up camera and lights, interviewing us for about two hours, tearing down, etc. This ought to be an experience! Oh, the things Christi gets us into - hee hee! Sure miss that awesome little gal! 

As much as I dread all of this hassle at such a busy time in our lives, I do feel it's important to share the devastating story of pediatric cancer which is so vastly underfunded and I can't help but think we will feel Christi close by!  I also hope with others learning about Hope Jackson they will be on the watch out for her and leery if ever coming into contact with her.  I'll keep you posted!  Meanwhile, let me also share some homecoming picture from Shayla's dance last night!  Good times!  I can't even imagine how much fun it would have been to have had Christi alive last night as a Senior, and getting two daughters ready for the festivities!

Shayla & Blake at Riley's home

school friends

Tough Flowers!

We thought it only fitting to take their pictures at the Ritz last night before they went to dinner since they have both been involved with the Ritz, in a variety of ways, since they were little.  Currently, they are both in the Thespian Guild and in a play there.  Blake has a big lead; Shayla - not so much!  Lol!  This is where Blake presented Shayla with flowers and asked her to go to homecoming with him.

Shayla, honey, you have many talents, but pinning on boutonnieres is not one of them!  Sorry!

Shay Shay & Maddi at Heidelberg

Shayne & Shayla

I had a ball taking her pictures!

School friends gather before dinner, dancing and after party bon fire

Rest in Peace, Sweet Grandma!

My last living grandparent went to be with the Lord at the tender age of 94!  I know her spirit is now with my dad, my grandpa and my daughter in a much better place.  Grandma was a sweetie and I was very blessed to be her neighbor for the first 17 years of my life, before she moved to town. (Picture, Shayla and Christi visiting grandma in 2003) Rest in peace, dear grandma, until I'm with you again!

2013 Lemonade Stand at Heidelberg University

Thomas team thanks to KDP and Dr. Julie Green from Heidelberg for partnering with Shayla Thomas and hosting the annual Christi Thomas Memorial Lemonade Stand - a sweet tradition started by Dr. Grine in 2004.  Shayla talked about Pediatric Cancer and Alex's Lemonade Stand Fund to a class of students and then the students joined in for the lemonade stand over the lunch hour.  It was so sweet to have a few of Christi's classmates join us!  Over $525.00 was raised for pediatric cancer awareness!  Fighting cancer - one cup at a time!  Congratulations, Shayla!  Thank you, Heidelberg!

Today's Lemonade Stand!

Hello!  We hope you can stop by the lemonade stand today in front of the Education Building on the campus of Heidelberg University.  In 2004, Dr. Lori Grine started a wonderful tradition!  Shayla will be making a presentation about Pediatric Cancer and Alex's Lemonade Stand Fund at 10:15am and the lemonade stand will follow, out on the front lawn, until 1:00pm.

If the rain keeps you away from the Lemonade Stand at Heidelberg University today, no worries, you can still donate! Visit:http://www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/117531 You can also text "LEMONADE E117531" to 85944 (All text donations arebilled direction to your cell phone provider and then paid to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation). 

We hope to see you on campus. We are thrilled a few of Christi's friends are coming!  Thanks, KDP, Heidelberg University and everyone who is helping in some way.  THANKS!

I love this picture so much!  It is Christi, making lemonade, at the Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia.  (Spring 2006)