Thompson Party of 6

Still Here

2010-11-01T14:34:00.003-04:00

I haven't been too great at keeping up with this blog much. Ok, I haven't done it at all. It's not that I have been super busy, but there have been a few obstacles we have had to maneuver around. Needless to say I haven't been in a blog writing mood as of late. But I promise to catch you up on the last couple months now!

Well, on with some of our happenings! I started selling Lia Sophia jewelry. If you want to check it out, this is my site. This jewelry is great and if you ever want to have a party and get FREE jewelry let me know! ; )

Before school started we took a trip to Pawleys Island with my Mom and Dad and my Sister's family. We had amazing weather and a really blessed week together. Sadly, the boys had to go to school as soon as we got back.

Speaking of school Elijah and Isaiah are doing great this year and are so thrilled to be back at Evangel Heights! I'm pretty happy too. It makes such a difference for them to be in a school where they are truly loved. I also like that they get to be with their cousins and friends.

Josiah finally decided it was time to try his bike without training wheels again. He had a lot more success this year! He also started pre-school in September. He feels like such a big guy now and I think it has caused to grow more too! ; ) I swear every time I pull out a bigger size for him, it is too small with in a week. I can't seem to keep up with this guy! Pre-school has given Judah and me some great one on one time too. It is a strange feeling only having one at home during those two and half hours. What will I do next year when Josaih is in Kindergarten?

Finally, the boys got to go trick-or-treating for the first time ever last night. They had a blast!! It was tons of fun watching them and my nieces and nephews too!

Link
Stealthy Ninja
Scary Vampire
Cowgirl and the Crazies

Well, I hope this assures you that we are still here and doing great! What are the chances of me keeping up now?

Pool part 2

2010-08-25T09:11:00.007-04:00

I just realized it has been a full month since I posted about our pool. We got it up, I promise, and I have the pictures to prove it! We had to install it in the miserable July heat but finally got it filled on the 31st. The boys practically lived in it for two weeks and Elijah ended up with swimmers ear. Apparently that came free with the pool. Now sadly, it is too cold outside to go in but we are hopeful for nicer weather this week.

Beach Fun

2010-08-23T16:31:00.003-04:00

The theme at I Heart Faces this week is Beach Fun. Perfect since we just got back from Pawleys Island on Sunday!!

This is my niece Marra fresh out of the ocean. I love the spot of sunscreen on her pretty little nose. Go check out more "Beach Fun" over at I Heart faces!

Toothless

2010-07-20T16:14:00.004-04:00

Isaiah has lost two teeth in two days. When you add that to the two he already had missing - you get one very toothless little guy!!!

Pool

2010-07-20T12:50:00.004-04:00

We got a swimming pool!!! Only thing is right now, it is in pieces and we have miles to go in installation. *Sigh*

This is what it looks like today.

Not exactly swim ready but soon we will be soaking up the rays poolside and jumping in from the deck! Besides, you can't beat the deal we got or the kindness of the friends who have been and will be helping us get it installed. (Ah-hem - BIG HINT - wink, wink)

In the process of getting things ready we had to move out the hot which was in the corner beside the house. When we got it lifted we discovered what happened to our long lost cat, Gordon. Poor kitty must have been hit by a car or something and crawled under to die. Kinda gross but I do remember an awful smell some time ago - we never found what it was - until yesterday. I liked it better when I thought he just ran away. Oh well, it didn't ruin the crazy excitement of the pool and the boys cannot wait until we get it all done!

Summer!

2010-07-15T16:47:00.003-04:00

Well Summer is in full swing here at Camp Thompson. We have been swimming, bike riding, roaming the woods, and partying. Fun, fun fun!

We have also been enjoying the fruits of our labor - literally. Our garden has given us beans, cucumber, tomatoes, zucchini and broccoli. All of which the boys have tried; however, the broccoli is a hands down favorite! I love summer vacation, there are moments I feel more like a referee than a mother but, I am so happy to have this time with my boys!

Play

2010-06-07T21:14:00.003-04:00

The theme for I Heart Faces this week is play! So much fun! I love taking pictures of my boys playing and today they gave me the perfect opportunity. Each in a different ninja costume they took to the deck for a show down! This is Isaiah as he was sneaking up on his older brother. I ruined the surprise but I love the picture anyway!

Click on the I Heart Faces logo to see more great play photos!

In the Brink

2010-06-04T09:31:00.005-04:00

Don't they all look calm and at peace?

This is not a good picture of how things are here at Camp Thompson right now. There has been more chaos in our home than I can ever remember. We are in the brink of Summer and school is all but done. It seems even Judah understands this pent up excitement and the feeling of not being able to wait another minute for freedom. The noise level in our modest sized home is almost unbearable at times and the boys are pushing the boundary lines on every issue. Wrestling has become a way of life and day after day of rain and wet ground is wearing thin on my nerves. I need these boys to be able to get outside for a while! I took a picture of Judah this morning that I feel is a much more accurate depiction of how our days have been looking (and sounding) lately.

Elijah and Isaiah only have a week left of school and they get crazier every day with excitement. They pick at each other and argue and tattle and wrestle and - I think you get the idea!

Josiah had his tonsils and adenoids removed in the middle of May. I can assure you he is perfectly healed and, on top of it, is like a new child with a new attitude. He used to be tired all day (from sleep apnea) but now that he is sleeping soundly, he has a new found energy. He also seems to have a new intensity and insistence that he get his way all the time!

Judah is, well, 18 months. He screams when he doesn't get what he wants; which is more often than not considering he can't communicate like the rest of us. He knows exactly what he wants but just can't get us to understand. He is trying very hard to talk and he does say some words but he usually gives up and starts biting out of frustration. He then ends up on the floor rolling around with very large crocodile tears. (As evident from the above picture!)

Through it all we are also playing, and dancing, and laughing and loving as hard as we can! These are times that will pass all too quickly and I wish I could remember every moment - chaos or not. Soon enough we will be enjoying the lazy Summer days; until then I will wait, in the brink, praising God I have ears to hear all the noise and eyes to see all the chaos and arms to hold my boys tight.

The Ladies

2010-05-26T09:29:00.002-04:00

Me, my Mom, and sister, Kaitlin, just because I like this picture.

Seven

2010-05-21T23:56:00.003-04:00

This past Monday my Isaiah had his 7th birthday. Really, 7 already? Wasn't it just yesterday I was holding him in my arms so happy to have two? Isaiah is sunny and funny and isn't really bothered by what other people think. He is so happy - until he's not and then you know he is mad or sad or whatever it is. There is just no guessing - you always know how he is feeling and he is always trying to make the best of everything. He has taught me to be more optimistic and I have learned from him that sometimes 'oh well' really is enough. He is sneaky and I love it because he thinks he gets so much past me but, in the end, always comes clean. There is an ease about him that draws people in and he always seems to have a little girl chasing him around! He loves his family with all his heart and loves to learn about God and the profit he shares a name with. I am blessed to have him as my second born. Isaiah may look like his momma but he is all his daddy in personality!

Smiles

2010-04-27T09:21:00.002-04:00

The theme at I Heart Faces this week is smiles. I had a heck of a time trying to decide on one picture but I kept coming back to this one. I love this picture. I love the moment it captured. These boys are usually running and wrestling and jumping and going crazy when they are together. Not in this picture! This is the more subdued and quiet side of these cousins and their smiles and body language show just how content they are to be together.

Please take some time to check out the other "smiles" at I Heart Faces - it will make your day!

Life Skills

2010-04-22T09:38:00.006-04:00

This boy LOOOVES to feed himself!!!

Learning new life skills is so much fun!

Don't Blink

2010-04-12T08:52:00.005-04:00

On Thursday my Elijah Boy turned 9. Wow. I can't believe that he is 9 already - where has the time gone? It seems like yesterday I was crying and scared in the hospital as I was being wheeled away to have an emergency c-section. It was a crazy first birth experience but it brought me Elijah and he was healthy and perfect. My life changed forever on that Monday afternoon and I had never known love like that before. I have learned and grown so much by being a mother, but I have also learned so much by being this boy's mother. He has such a kind and tender heart and he would give you the food from his plate if you asked. He loves God and prays that all his friends do too. He loves and worries and gives and just experiences life to the fullest and I am amazingly blessed that God chose me to be his mom. It is so true what they say - DON"T BLINK it goes by too fast.

Happy Birthday Elijah! You changed my life nine years ago and taught me what it was to be a mother and you are still teaching me new things today. I love the boy you are and I am thrilled with the young man you are becoming.

Drama in Black and White

2010-03-30T16:10:00.003-04:00

It's time for another I Heart Faces challenge - "Dramatic B&W".

Judah is teething - again. Half the time he is screaming his head off and the other half he is holding his little cheeks and drooling. He has been miserable lately and I can't wait for this to be over for him. In this picture he was watching his older brother try and cheer him up. It nearly worked - for a brief moment.

Head over to I Heart Faces and browse through over 1000 other dramatic black and whites. You'll be glad you did; there are some amazing entries this week!

Fort Thompson

2010-03-25T11:49:00.010-04:00

Last Saturday the boys headed up the hill and into the woods. They stayed there all day long working on a fort. I love taking pictures of the boys when they are hard at play.

What's better than a picnic in the woods?

A swing on a vine - of course!

Then it was back to work.

What a blessing to have such a warm weekend!

I Heart Faces - Angles

2010-03-23T16:19:00.005-04:00

This is my little man of steel, Josiah. I took this picture because he felt like a real Super Hero yesterday after his 4 year check up. We went in not realizing that he would be getting three shots; we came out... laughing. He didn't shed one tear, he didn't wince with pain, he didn't even seem to care about the three needles that were pushed into his little arms.
When it was all over he just said "Now I am one tough man"! Yes indeed!

You can check out more great angle photos over at the I Heart Faces website.

Where have I been?

2010-03-15T13:34:00.008-04:00

I just realized that I missed the whole month of February. Oops. It was a short month in days but it didn't feel short at all. My poor Judah spent 5 days in the hospital with pneumonia and dehydration. That was pretty tough but the day I got to take him home was awesome! Thanks to all who prayed for us and came to see us at the hospital. It meant so much.

While we were in the hospital the snow came, and came, and came. The kids loved it and got rewarded for it with an entire week off school! I however, wanted to relocate.

This is Josiah trying to figure out how to get back to the house after playing hard all day. He looks tiny in all that snow!
We had a sleep over in the middle of the week!

The next week Adam and I got to take a little trip to Charlottesville, Va. What a beautiful part of the US! I somehow only managed to get this one picture,though.

Elijah played basketball...

... and we also painted 4 of the rooms in our house and plan to keep going this month. Here are some of the girls from Women Who Wine posing in front of the new dining room/ kitchen color.

Whew! What a month!

Bundled Up

2010-03-15T11:09:00.003-04:00

The theme at I Heart Faces this week is "Bundled Up". I decided to use this picture of my pretty little niece, Trinity. She was running and jumping in the snow and having a blast!

Head over to I Heart Faces and check out the other entries too!

Bake Ware Envy

2010-01-20T14:10:00.006-05:00

If you know anything about me then you know I love to cook and bake. I also love it when I find something that I can incorporate with cooking and baking. Today I became acquainted with something very exciting and now I am majorly coveting Foldtuk cook and bake ware. Not only is it cute and comes with a lid for storage you can cook in it, microwave it, freeze it, clean it in the dishwasher, and the best part - it flattens for storage! Pretty neat huh?

They have roasters and other things too. They also come in different colors, shapes and sizes. I think I need some!

Walking

2010-01-14T12:40:00.003-05:00

Judah finally got his walking legs this week! He has been trying to give it a go for awhile but this week he really took off!

And yes, the force is strong with this one ; )

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-13T12:40:00.001-05:00

Snow!

2010-01-08T11:20:00.011-05:00

Judah went from crying

to tasting

to crawling through it

and diving right in

to absolutely loving the it! He actually cried when I had to take him back inside.

Josiah also loves the snow!

This really is Isaiah under all the bundles!

Elijah could stay out all day!

My 4 snow dudes

Party, Party, Party

2009-12-21T12:10:00.003-05:00

The month of December is a very busy one for us. Not only do we have Christmas and all that goes with it, we get to celebrate 7 birthdays plus 2 from November. That is a lot of partying!! I made a slide show for all the pictures - we have had a great time so far this month!

4

2009-12-21T10:51:00.007-05:00

Saturday Josiah turned 4. I am so blessed to have this little boy, he had a rough start and even broke his collar bone the day of his birth, but he is one tenacious little man! He has a super strong will and knows what he wants and when he wants it. I pray the Lord will give me lots of wisdom with this one!

Happy Birthday, Josiah! I love you so much!

Problem solved

2009-12-21T10:00:00.005-05:00

A few months ago my washing machine rusted so badly that it actually broke. My problem-fixing husband decided that it could absolutely still be used and he could easily fix it.

You can see in this close up the bungee cord fix - very Mcgyver of him! Every gals dream ; ) Kind of reminds me of this previous post!

Anyway, thanks to Joe and Cindy and a really fantastic Black Friday sale, I now get to use this:

Isn't it beautiful?! The dryer is just as nice! Who ever thought a washer and dryer could make a person so happy?

ONE

2009-12-09T08:40:00.008-05:00

Last Wednesday my baby turned a year old. I can't believe how fast this past year went or how much he has changed our lives. What a sweet surprise and precious gift!

He cried when we sang to him and wasn't so sure about eating his cake.

But who can resist turning a bowel into a hat?(not sure how much he actually ate!)

After a much needed bath, it was on to gifts with 3x the help!

I think he likes it!
We are so blessed to have Judah in our family and he is a perfect fit.

Sweet Dreams

2009-12-08T13:44:00.004-05:00

Another I ♥ Faces challenge. This week is Sweet Dreams which reminded me of this picture from our trip to Pawley's Island. Judah was so tired from all the sun, sand and fun he fell asleep in the midst of it all. Poor baby! I love how his toes are sticking out from the towels... such a sweet moment.

check out the hundreds of other entries over at the website.

Autumn Beauty

2009-11-16T11:49:00.003-05:00

This week the theme at I ♥ Faces is Autumn Beauty. Here is my version done boy style ; )
This is Judah Michael enjoying the fresh air and fallen leaves of October. He loved it when the wind would blow and make the leaves dance around him!

You can find other Autumn Beauty pictures over at the I ♥ Faces site.

It's Time

2009-11-14T15:47:00.002-05:00

Once again it is time to start checking out Gotta Deal for all the leaked Black Friday ads! I get so excited this time of year! This is one of my favorite days of the year and I think we have it down to a science now. Anyway, head over and get your Christmas list started... I already have! But 2 weeks from now - be sure to stay outta my way ; )

One Little Indian

2009-11-10T14:44:00.003-05:00

OABA

2009-11-10T13:32:00.008-05:00

This past weekend we all went to Columbus for the OABA Apaca Fest. For any non-alpaca peeps this is just a big alpaca show in Columbus. We went to promote Openherd. This was a great weekend for us and we got to spend quality family time just enjoying each other! We stayed at the Drury Inn in a two room suit and the boys loved it. It was so neat and exciting to them! We took them to the show with us and we all wore our Openherd shirts. I let them all take pictures of any alpacas they wanted and they also got to climb and play on the John Deere tractors and gators that were on display.

This was Elijah and Isaiah's favorite alpaca. The one with the white neck and darker body.

This little guy took a big interest in Josiah and JoJo told us that he made a new alpaca friend. The black ones are his very favorite color and he wants one of his own!

After the show we went to Red Lobster for dinner a favorite of the boys. They love crab legs and shrimp pasta and they love when we let them get dessert!Judah enjoyed it too!

On our way out we realized Adam locked the keys in the van! After searching the diaper bag and a bit of panicking on my part Josiah became the hero of the night!

Once he got into the van he was so excited about the whole thing that he was dancing around and laughing so hard he fell over! I thought for sure that now we had a real problem on our hands but he got up and did, indeed, get the doors unlocked for us! The whole thing was just so funny!

Once we got back to the hotel we took the boys swimming at the pool and then let them stay up until midnight. It was such a nice weekend and a much needed dose of family fun!

Ahland

2009-11-05T13:30:00.004-05:00

I have been so busy I forgot to tell you about our business name change. For obvious reasons we had to change the name 3 Knights Alpacas. We had the hardest time thinking of something because we wanted it to be meaningful. After throwing out a number of options and having a few others already in use we have decided on Ahland Alpacas. The ah of course represents all 4 of our boys and there is room for growth - just in case we would need it - not that we will! Anyway we are up and running and you can visit our web site if you want. Also, we now have 3 girls being bred and will be looking forward to 3 new cria next fall!
Ahland Alpacas

School Pictures

2009-11-02T09:07:00.004-05:00

I continually find it hard to believe that Elijah is in 3rd grade already. Jeesh!! He is, though and I have the picture to prove it!

Isaiah got very embarrassed and had a hard time keeping his head up. His teacher wasn't sure if they even got a picture of his face. Well, they did and here is Isaiah's 1st grade school picture.

Parade

2009-11-02T08:39:00.009-05:00

Friday the boys got to dress up at school and have a party; they were so excited! What they didn't know was that they also got to have a little costume parade outside for all the parents and relatives before the party. We didn't spend much time on costumes this year due to H1N1 - it really wiped us out for a couple weeks. Josiah was excited to get to go and see his big brothers and all the other kids that he had to dress up too!

First up was Isaiah dressed as Wind Waker Link from the video game.

Then Elijah was an old man. His friend told me Elijah looked just like his grandpa!

Judah was very excited about all the kids in costume!

Here is my Super Hero, Josiah very ready for action!

Design

2009-10-30T22:22:00.003-04:00

Ever wonder what your design style is? Now you can find out by taking this quiz. The picture above is supposed to reflect my style; not sure it suits me so well. I don't think I will ever own any furniture in a white or cream color! I had fun answering the questions, though!

What's Up?

2009-10-28T12:48:00.003-04:00

So it's been a couple weeks since my last post. We have been doing nothing. Literately, nothing. The boys and I caught the piggy flu and we have been sick since the 15th. Let me tell you, it just plain sucks. The regular flu is bad, but this really is worse and it lingers. We are still battling it. Sinus problems and coughs still persist and my Isaiah got pneumonia from it. UGH! He is fine and the Doctor caught it very early, praise God. I can not wait until we are finally done with all of this. Adam never got it so he was able to step in and be a huge help. Such a good daddy and husband!

On a side note the Doc. said anyone with flu like symptoms right now, more than likely, has H1N1 because seasonal flu has not yet hit. Wash those hands, people!

Upcycled Glass

2009-10-15T09:12:00.014-04:00

Friends of mine are finishing their basement and putting in a bar. A couple weeks ago we got to talking about some neat things they could put in it - as soon as it gets finished, that is! All of the things I found are considered 'upcycled' glass - I guess that makes it cooler than plain old recycled.

First up is some bar ware. Upcycled glasses for the kiddos...
and for the grown ups.
Both from Yava Glass where you can find a ton of other options.

More glasses from Nick Paul
.

bodhicitta also upcycles glass bottles into bar ware.

They have planters too.

Big Sky gives us something to hold chips, pretzels or cheese and crackers.

Votives from R3 by K2.

I even found a clock at Orcutt Glass.

My favorite upcycled idea came from Bar Lite

You can use your own bottles or pay extra shipping and have them sent to you. They make different styles and lamps too.

Now if I can just get P & C to get the basement done... ; )

Autumn Colors

2009-10-12T14:20:00.011-04:00

I love the colors of fall and October is the best month to see them here in Pa! The leaves have changed and we have beautiful oranges, yellows, reds, browns and still some green! I decided to do some Etsy searching in honor of Autumn.

I had to put in these slippers from Paradise Alpaca Ranch since they are made from 100% Alpaca. Don't they look warm and cozy?
Picnic/Market tote from Chella Bella Designs I would love to have a picnic on a sunny autumn afternoon!

Check out this beautiful soap from Swan Mountain Soap. Even the leaves are made from soap!

I found a different type of candy corn at Toddler Toppers

Who doesn't like a little bling? Leela Bijou has big and little bling all made from crystal.

One of my favorite fall activities is drinking warm cider after playing outside with the boys. This is the perfect pitcher to keep it in. Made by Carol Broadley Pottery

An easy way to bring fall colors into your home is by changing around your pillows Asmus Home Interiors makes it a breeze with beautiful pillows like this one.

I know a few girls who would love to be pretty Autumn Fairies. Check out Mystic Moor for some other great options

What is your favorite Autumn color?

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-30T13:12:00.001-04:00

Blue

2009-09-29T14:32:00.004-04:00

iHeartfaces this week is Blue.

This is my Elijah he was night swimming in my Mom's pool the last week of September! He said it really wasn't so bad but, after I took the picture, he ran up to the hot tub!

Baby Dance

2009-09-25T00:30:00.001-04:00

This is great!

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Candid

2009-09-22T20:24:00.003-04:00

Tonight I am entering my first I Heart Faces photo contest. Why? Because the category is candid and that is basically all I have! So here is the photo I picked -

My sweet Josiah fresh off the slipn' slide. I have been trying to capture this cute little "I'm so pathetic face" for a long time. I am so glad I finally got it!

Check out the other entries...

Guitar

2009-09-22T10:40:00.005-04:00

Elijah had his very first guitar lesson last night and loved it. It was great to see him so excited about something other than a video game. His enthusiasm was contagious and this is how we spent the rest of the evening!

Except for Judah Michael who is sick and has a fever. He spent the evening in my arms.

What We've Been Up To...

2009-09-21T11:04:00.002-04:00

This summer has flown by and the months of Aug and Sept have been crazy to say the least. Here is the reason why.

Adam and his business partner Joe have been creating another alpaca listing website. This one is for any breeder, any size program and unlike other similar websites out there, this one is free. It also has features that no other site can offer and we are excited! We launched last Monday and have close to 1,000 members already. Our hope is that these members will now start to buy ad spots on the site so we can keep the membership free and still get a profit. The programing and graphics are very impressive and all done by Adam and Joe so go ahead and check it out and see what they do all day! Click the red box or here.

A little late in posting

2009-09-18T20:31:00.028-04:00

I realize I have been less than prolific lately when it comes to this blog. Sorry about that. We have been busy and life, particularly this past week, has been frenzied. I am late in posting these pics but better late than never, right? Over Labor Day weekend we went up to our friend's camp and had a wonderful time. 6 adults and 10 children all under 10. Here are some of the pictures from the weekend:

All the kids except for Judah Michael.

This is one of Josiah's best friends... I am laughing as I write! These two act like an old married couple.

Christy, Me and Sunny through the smoke.

Adam and Judah.

There was rock throwing...

and wagon rides...

and lots of dirt bike rides...

dirty feet...

and the slipn' slide...

let's not forget baby kisses!

Did I say 10 kids?! ; )

What a great way to spend a weekend!

...Thanks Sunny and Rich!

Alpaca Birth

2009-09-08T09:45:00.016-04:00

Last Friday around 9:30 in the morning I went out to check on our pregnant alpaca. I found her in the barn, standing by the water bucket, humming and humming. I went out again around 10:30 and she was still humming but now she was standing up and sitting down over and over and walking in circles. I had never seen an alpaca birth before but I was positive that she was starting labor! I was thrilled to actually get to witness the whole thing!

This is Oly as she was circling in the barn.

When she laid down again this is what I saw. You can see that she is definitely in labor and the cria's head is starting to crown.

After laying here for a while Oly got up and went out to the field at her favorite spot. Here she rolled to get the cria into a better position. Then she stood up and started to push a bit.
You can see the nose of the cria sticking out under Oly's tail as she is pushing.

The water sack isn't broken at this point, but the head is fully out.

She lies down again to get a short break you can see the front legs and the head of the cria. When she went down the water sack broke and you could see the cria breathing! Our other female is very interested in what is going on!

She stood up to walk around again and then went back to pushing. You can see Adam and Josiah in the background. Jojo was so excited to get to watch the baby be born. Here you can see that both front legs and shoulders are out.

Oly walked around again between pushes and to get away from the other females.

At this point Adam steps in to help with the final delivery. Sometimes a female will sit back down crushing the cria. Oly is very attentive!

Just born.

Sun drying.

Learning to walk.

Our new little guy still needs a name!

First Day

2009-08-31T10:00:00.007-04:00

Well, today is the first day of school. My boys very eagerly set out to the bus this morning. I miss them. I really do; the house is too quiet. I can't believe I have 2 of them in full time school now. Where did the time go and when did my boys get so big? It just doesn't feel right having them gone. Maybe by next week I will be more used to it.

Isaiah wouldn't smile. He was very excited and was trying to hide it.

Elijah wanted to be sure I got his new bag in the picture.

Walking down to the bus stop. I love this picture!

Finally a smile from Isaiah!

And they will be gone all day :(

True Beauty

2009-08-22T19:22:00.003-04:00

You need to take a look at this video. It's from Dove and it gives you some insight on how models really get their beauty. To me it is an impossible measuring stick for any female to live up to and many, many try. I wonder how many of them realize the truths in this video?

Hay is for...

2009-08-20T11:22:00.007-04:00

...Alpacas! We got our hay delivered the for the fall and winter. About 125 bales total and the boys had a great time playing on it. We had to rush to get it all unloaded and put away because a storm was coming through. I didn't get any pictures of that but I did get a few of the boys posing for me!

We have another alpaca that was due on the 18th, so we are hoping the cria arrives soon! I will update when it does make it's entry to the world.

15K

2009-08-06T11:02:00.003-04:00

With our return from the beach came a yearning for a motorcycle. Not by me. My husband has always wanted one but something about being in a warmer climate with the scorching sun beating down on us every day makes him crave one that much more. Not just any motorcycle - this motorcycle.

A Harley Davidson Fat Bob. Stupid name if you ask me, but no one did so I won't say any more about it. Obviously he isn't getting one any time soon but if he had an extra $15,000 just laying around he most assuredly would.

So this brings up the question if you had an extra $15,000 dollars to do anything with what would you do?

There is no specific "toy" that I want; however, there are a few things I could use. All of our appliances have reached the 10 year stretch and we are patiently waiting to see how much longer they will hold out. A new washer and dryer would be first on the list following with a new refrigerator and stove. Then I would buy all new furniture and a flat panel t.v.

The thought of adopting from a foreign country came to mind also! Oh, and my PC answer is to use it all to feed hungry children and give money to a non profit that provides books education to the illiterate.

So how about it? What would you do if you had an extra $15,000 to just spend?

Pawley's Island

2009-08-03T12:58:00.002-04:00

We are home again from our trip to the beach. We had a great time and the boys did not want to come home! Thanks to Aunt Kathy for letting us crash her place. We got to go to the beach and swim in the pool and go shopping and play mini golf - so much fun! Enjoy the slide show!

Sad Day

2009-07-28T21:01:00.002-04:00

Today we were informed that our new cria, Casanova, died. He was not able to nurse from the mother and was not able to get enough nutrition. This is very sad and very unfortunate. We are having a very hard time with this as we are on vacation and were not there at the time. However, the people boarding him did everything they could for the little guy.

Casanova

2009-07-25T14:30:00.002-04:00

Meet Casanova. He is the 3rd cria born at our very little "farm". He was nearly 2 weeks late, but as sweet as can be! He is only about 3 hours old in the pictures.Learning to walk uphill can be a trick.
With mom.

Dandelion was very curious about what was going on in the shed.

Our next cria is due Aug. 18th and when it comes we are going to have an open house so anyone who would like to come check out the alpacas can do so.

10 Years

2009-07-24T09:25:00.004-04:00

Today is my anniversary! 10 years ago today I stood in front of family, friends and most importantly God and made a vow to love Adam and forsake all others. Gosh, has it really been ten years? Where did the time go?

I have the best husband in the world and I am blessed to get to be called his wife! I can't wait for the next ten. God is so awesome!

Two pictures for today. This one is Adam's favorite.

This one is my favorite.

Awesomeness

2009-07-23T23:38:00.000-04:00

Why didn't I think of this 10 years ago?

1 day...

2009-07-23T09:36:00.003-04:00

...and I have no words for this picture.

Todays Picture

2009-07-22T10:41:00.002-04:00

This one is my Dad and me. This was during the Bridal Dance and my family tradition is to do a polka. So, here is my Dad just before swinging me around like a rag doll! He was the first of many of my larger male relatives to do so that night! Fun times.

Tooth #2

2009-07-21T11:53:00.004-04:00

Isaiah lost tooth number 2 last night just in time for bed. He now has a big hole and couldn't be more proud!

1 for today

2009-07-21T11:47:00.004-04:00

I forgot I need one for today too! So this is it - Bert, Pete and Adam. I have always loved this picture and I have always wished I got something similar with Kaitlin and Tina. We didn't plan what pictures we wanted before hand, so there are some that we missed out on. But we didn't do too bad for only having 3 months to plan the entire wedding!

3 more

2009-07-21T11:09:00.005-04:00

The weekend was a bit busier than I anticipated but still no cria, yet. I didn't have a chance to post any pictures so I have three for today to make up for it.

This is the entire wedding party. It was big, but I wanted to include everyone! I wanted everyone that was a special part of mine or Adam's life to have a special part in the day that united all of us.

My flower girl Cara. She is not so little anymore ;)

Another of me and Adam - we look so young!

Going. going, gone

2009-07-18T10:07:00.004-04:00

After a year of not wiggling a loose tooth Isaiah finally decided that it was time. He got inspired by the money and our upcoming beach trip. The next one is nearly ready to come out now too, so he has been working on it all morning! All the marks on his face are what is left of the poison ivy. I can't remember if I posted about it or not but his eyes were nearly swelled shut on Monday and is on Prednisone for it. But I still think he looks as cute as ever!

1 week

2009-07-17T12:41:00.002-04:00

Just seven more days.

Night Life

2009-07-16T15:01:00.009-04:00

Last night we spent some family q.t. together. We drove to a friend's pond to do some fishing and then we had a small fire and roasted marshmallows when we got back.

I thought for sure we would have a new alpaca this morning, but not so. I will update when that news does break, though.

8 days

2009-07-16T14:50:00.004-04:00

I don't really care to have my picture taken - just me. I always feel awkward and goofy. Having this one taken was no exception and everyone from the wedding party was there watching! Oh, and tons of grasshoppers invaded the tulle on my dress! With that said, this is probably my favorite picture of just me because I loved that day! I loved my dress and I really felt pretty at that moment. I also loved the people surrounding Adam and I on our wedding day we have such a great group of family and friends!!

picture 2

2009-07-15T10:17:00.002-04:00

Thanks for the lift, Uncle Ken!!

10 until 10

2009-07-14T11:34:00.004-04:00

In 10 days Adam and I mark our 10 year anniversary! In honor of this special event I will be posting a picture from our wedding each day for the next ten days. I know very corny - but I love going down memory lane via pictures.

It was maybe the hottest day of the year and the church was NOT air conditioned! I remember thinking that this part couldn't get over soon enough!!

12 Days

2009-07-12T17:52:00.000-04:00

Fab Fish

2009-07-10T10:57:00.008-04:00

Yesterday we had a little craft time at home. The boys were very tired from summer camp, so we had a little down time.

Judah enjoying the company in his new chair.

This is the finished product, they really loved adding the "jewels"!

I put them up on the art board with the fish they made in VBS. Makes a great school, I think!

Start of Summer

2009-07-05T13:32:00.018-04:00

Summer is in full swing here at Camp Thompson - even despite the less than summer weather we have been experiencing. Little League is finished and fishing has begun! We have also been riding bikes, planting a garden, going to lots of birthday parties and just enjoying being home. It has been brought to my attention that I have not posted pictures in awhile - so I'm going to give you a bunch today!

Adam and I took a camping trip just the two of us and had a wonderful time.

This is what we ate - shrimp and scallops over the camp fire - yummy!

Josiah has been trying to ride without training wheels.

Elijah and Isaiah offering encouragement.

Judah just likes to be outside!

Even with all the rain the boys had fun playing outside!

Judah is trying very hard to crawl now and is very happy with himself when he learns a new trick!

Fishing at the River.

My niece Aislin turned 1 - isn't she pretty?

This last one is just because I love this picture! Oh, and my Judah Michael is now 7 months old.

There is still a lot of summer to be had and many things we still have planned to do! I hope you are all enjoying it as much as we are!

Red White and Blue

2009-07-03T16:03:00.003-04:00

Hope you all have a happy and safe 4th of July! Here is an Etsy Find Friday in honor of Independence Day.

Bless the Children painting - Paint All Night Studios

Fish Wall Decal - ShaNickers Wall Decals

Blue Clutch - Janine King Designs

Red Necklace - Heart Design Jewelry

Blue Elephant Blanky - KNH Designs

Hand Bag - Big Tree 1

Baby Shoes - Tiny Toes and Bows

Earings - Oogie Boogie Baubles

Wispy Dandelions Painting - Aqua Magoo

Name That Cria

2009-06-15T13:15:00.005-04:00

These are our 2 female alpacas. The white one is Olympia and the darker one is Connie. They are both pregnant and due this summer and I haven't a clue what to name the crias (babies). So I am opening it up for suggestions. Connie is due on the 14th of July and Olympia is due on the 18th of August.

Connie has been bred to Principe Dorato "The Prince".

And Olympia is bred to Santana.

We are very excited to see these new little alpacas - 11 months is a long time to wait! So, help us out and give us some name ideas. Oh, and hopefully after they are born we will be able to have an open house for anyone that wants to come see them.

Father's Day Gift Guide

2009-06-10T10:31:00.011-04:00

June 21st is creeping up on us and will be here sooner than you think! I have compiled a list of great ideas for your consideration this year!!

Waste Not Recycled Art makes these great letter blocks. They are hand painted wooden blocks created with your digital photos.

For the more sentimental father you could get a hand stamped dog tag necklace with the names and birth dates of your kiddos from Creations by KJ

For those of you who are feeling really creative and crafty I found a slew of diy projects the little ones can help you with.
Photojojo offers this great idea.
A picture frame made from dad's favorite board game. Scrabble, Monopoly, Risk, whatever it is it looks easy enough to do!

Crafts Kaboose shows you how to make a picture frame by gluing nuts to a picture frame. You could get as creative as you want. Why stop at the nuts? You could use washers, bolts, screws, nails - you decided!

Maybe you are more of a traditional gift giver. Then The Purl Bee has the perfect gift to make for dad. Pick a fabric in his favorite color or go crazy and make him a tie with a novalty pattern. Whatever you choose he will love especially since it was made with love!

If you have a litte extra time and Dad has an appreciation for the unique then you could copy Jan Van Holleben’s Dreams of Flying project and take pictures of the kids doing karate, flying, or diving for buried treasure. Even if you aren't going to try this idea you should check out the pictures - very creative!

Also Snapfish is offering 20% off on father's day gifts by entering DADSDAY09 in the coupon section at check out.

Happy shopping or diy-ing!!! I'm still not sure just what the boys and I are doing for Adam. If you have any other great ideas drop me a line!

6 Months

2009-06-02T08:36:00.004-04:00

Today my little Judah Michael is 6 months old. Wow! That went by too fast. He is the perfect addition to our family and just LOVES to be around his big brothers. Thank you Jesus for my family and for this sweet smile.

Shearing Day

2009-05-26T18:03:00.005-04:00

Saturday was our first ever attempt at shearing our alpacas. It went way better than expected and the alpacas are much happier and cooler! We still need to trim them up a bit and even out a few spots next weekend, but here are the pics from this past weekend.

This is the before and after picture of our male Power Point

Our juvies Lucian and Dandelion are done the mamas are next.

The whole group enjoying some hay after the commotion of being sheared.

I'll post better pics after we finish cleaning them up.

I know!

2009-05-26T11:40:00.010-04:00

It has been a long time since my last post, but I have a nice long one for you this time!

First up: My Isaiah turned 6 on the 17th. I really can't believe it - time just flies by doesn't it? He got to have two parties on Mother's Day, a family night party on his birthday, and a small sleepover this past weekend. It was kind of like a whole birthday month for him!!

His knight cake I made - I ran out of icing - oops!
Party at Nonna's

Party at Mama Lou's and the baseball cake she made!

Enjoying his cherry pizza for his "real" birthday!

Tanner, Isaiah, and Ethan - Peanut's best cousins!

Next up was Adam's birthday. We had to rush around a bit because Lij had a baseball game, but it was still a fun evening.

I also had a wonderful Mother's Day and my terrific husband was paying attention and got me the pretty little charms I blogged about earlier. I was also showered with homemade cards and presents from the boys. I sure do love my boys!!!

Finally, this past weekend in addition to Isaiah's sleepover we sheared the alpacas on Saturday and dedicated Judah on Sunday.

My littlest man on his Dedication Day!

Oh and as a footer note, get out those brooms because the Pens are gonna SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEP the Canes straight off the ice tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GO PENS!!!!!

2009-05-11T12:37:00.000-04:00

Rain Rain Go Away

2009-05-08T09:32:00.004-04:00

Since it has been raining for 2 weeks straight I felt compelled to do an Etsy Find Friday all about rain.

From top left:
Monjojo
Charlie and Sarah
Lynse and Fancy
Paint All Night Studios
Princess Doll
Tredlight Photographs
Untamed Menagerie
Sarah Jane Studios
Sam Lamb
Bomba Lurina
Love Your Bling
Happy Family

Maybe I should get a pair of wellies...

Just Arund the Corner

2009-04-30T08:42:00.005-04:00

Mothers Day
My nephew turns 3
My Mom's birthday
Isaiah turns 6
Adam's birthday
All of these events are just around the corner (we have a busy month ahead of us)and I am starting the search for gifts. Right now I am working on Mother's Day. I love to find a gift with meaning or something I know they will love. While searching I have come across some pretty nifty ideas.

Inhabitots shows you how to turn a picture into a stencil to customize a shirt.They used the kiddos, but you could use anything. A pet, your mom's favorite activity, a city scape, anything! You could also do this on any article of clothing it doesn't have to be a solid color shirt.

Photojojo offers a great idea for those who live far away from your mothers.
They call it 'A Day in the Life of You'. Start taking pictures as soon as the alarm goes off and keep snapping all day long. Don't leave out any of the small stuff - in other words let your mom in on who you work with, what you pass on the way to work, even the seat you eat dinner in etc, etc etc. Make sure to label everything and send it to her. If you have a little extra time you could even turn your pics into a flip book or photo book at Snapfish.
Live close to mom but like the photo book idea? Then do some of her favorite places or people or places and people! Scarf some of her old photos, scan them in, and make a book from those.

Last but not least I found this lovely necklace from Below 14th
No two hearts are identical and every heart is hand-drawn then sawed and filed by hand. What a great way to capture the initials of children or grand babies. Adam, if you are paying attention - I love these little charms! ; )

In Need

2009-04-29T07:49:00.008-04:00

So... it's been a little while since I have posted. We have had lots and lots going on! The boys little league season started with opening night Friday and their first games Saturday. Sunday we had a 1st communion celebration for our friend and Monday another baseball game. I forgot my camera so I don't have pictures, yet. I did take pictures of our Saturday night make your own pizza night.

These are the ones the boys made cooking in the oven

This one is mine and Adam's before the oven...mmm...buffalo chicken and basil - so good! We love pizza night and making them together makes it even better!

The boys enjoying the pizza and cheesy bread sticks they made

In all this hustle and bustle Adam and I have decided to change the rooms around in our house...again. We are trying to squeeze every last inch of space out of our house. The boys need a new space, but before we can do that I am in desperate need of 2 loft beds. I have been searching craigslist but have yet to find anything affordable. If you know where I can get one or have one to sell drop me a line.

We are also in need of 2 youth size motorcycle helmets. Adam found a small dirt bike for a price we just couldn't pass. It is going to be a great bike for the boys to learn on and boy are they excited!! Again, if you know where we can get one or have one you want to get rid of drop us a line.

Elijah learning the ropes

A quick spin around the house

Isaiah's turn

Zoo

2009-04-20T12:59:00.009-04:00

We took a trip to the zoo on Saturday with my sister and her family. I don't think I have ever seen it so crowded. There were too many people to get pictures of the kids in front of the habitats but it was a beautiful day and we still had fun!

The crew before we got started

Minus the babies

Josiah had fun too!

Aislin looking as cute as ever!

This one is for Marra because she just had to have a picture taken with her fish face!

Can you tell they were starting to get tired?!

He wanted one of "just Jojo"

Etsy Find Friday

2009-04-17T15:53:00.003-04:00

Today I was inspired by a conversation I had with my friend Christy. We were talking about how we like big jewlery but don't really own a lot of it. In fact, we both realized it may be high time for some new pieces big or small! I decided to check out Etsy and see what they had for this spring. Everything you see here is under $30 and is, of course, made by hand.

From top left:
Botanical Creations
Red Fenyx
Adorn Me Jewelry
Paula's Stress Art
The Intuitive Garden
Cheap Cheap
The Intuitive Garden
PoPkO
Miss Bluebird and Oscar

Husbands Take Note

2009-04-14T09:52:00.000-04:00

Check out this video, it is too funny!

Easter

2009-04-13T12:31:00.002-04:00

We had a great Easter hope you did too!

The Hair

2009-04-08T09:11:00.005-04:00

This past weekend I got my hair chopped. 13 and a half inches total - yikes! Last time I had that much cut off I forgot to have them send it in to Locks of Love - I remembered this time! Anyway here are the before and after pictures. I'm not in love with it yet, but I'm still learning what to do with it. I have never had it this short before so there was a bit of shock associated with this style!

I don't know - still not sure about it...

Happy Birthday Elijah!

2009-04-08T08:48:00.004-04:00

8 years ago today my world was rocked! This baby boy came into my life and forever changed me. I became a mom and gained more responsibility than I ever could have imagined! I am so thankful the Lord chose Adam and me to be Elijah's parents! Happy birthday Lij, I love you so much and couldn't imagine life without you!

For The Birds

2009-04-03T22:40:00.008-04:00

This has been a busy week for Josiah and me. We have been doing a little cleaning and planting and painting. Thursday it was so nice out we decided to paint a bird house I had bought last year and used part of for Elijah's birthday cake. It has been sitting around the house for a year so I thought we should put it to good use! Jojo had a blast painting it and took a very long time to finish. He told me it was my job to paint the umbrella part the way he said. So, I did! He painted the "feeder" part and helped me fill it with the bird seed. Then he directed me to the tree he wanted to hang it on. It made for a very fun afternoon for the two of us!
It's pretty hard to miss in the tree!

Earlier in the week we planted some vegetable seeds for a garden. Josiah got to help with that too. We had dirt spread all over the kitchen and out the door to the deck. There may have been a little on us as well! ; ) Can't wait to see what actually grows!

This is just a sampling of what we actually planted. I have these all over my house!

Josiah insisted on using the "pretty pots"

And this is what Jojo has been doing every afternoon around 4:00. Like I said, it has been a busy week!

Ties Please

2009-04-01T13:45:00.002-04:00

Ok people, I have a job for you. I need you to find me all the old neck ties you can and get them to me whenever you can. I am serious here, I have some projects I want to do and can't because I can't seem to find decent used ties. By decent I of course mean no stains, stenches, rips, or big snags. I think you get the idea. If you have any or know of where I can get any please let me know. I don't care how old they are or what type of pattern I just need them. So, raid your closet or your husband's closet or your boyfriend's closet and help a girl out!

Happy Spring!!!

2009-03-26T12:52:00.001-04:00

I just wanted to share this picture of the most adorable kids around!

What's Up

2009-03-26T09:42:00.003-04:00

Not a whole heck of a lot! Not much has been happening here at Camp Thompson. Judah is growing - fast - and the boys all had a cold that is about it. We are gearing up for Elijah's 8th birthday and getting things ready for Easter. More to come on that I guess!

Update

2009-03-20T15:37:00.002-04:00

I know it has been a couple days and I have gotten questions from a bunch of people about baby Mckenah. That means that a bunch of people were praying so thank you! The news is unbelievably good!!!! Mckenah went home yesterday. She weighed just over 6lbs and was able to take a bottle fine. She does have a small hole in her heart but get this - after all the testing the doctors do not think it is full out Trisomy 18 but rather something else. SHE WILL LIVE!!!!! How awesome is our God?!!!!

Prayer Request

2009-03-13T10:20:00.003-04:00

I am asking for prayer on behalf of my friends Joe and Michelle. Michelle is pregnant with their second child, McKenah and is scheduled to be induced on Monday morning.I am asking for prayer because based on ultrasounds the doctors think Mckenah has Trisomy 18. Michelle did not have the amnio which is the only way to confirm but they have kept their faith and trust in God who already knows. Please pray for them. Pray that they feel the Lord holding them through this difficult time. I can not imagine what they must be feeling now, what they must be going through emotionally. Please hold them up in prayer.

Have You Seen This?

2009-03-09T16:42:00.002-04:00

This is the new Starburst commercial. Hilarious!! It's a llama not an alpaca - but still so much fun!

Moday Blaahhs

2009-03-09T10:49:00.005-04:00

I have a bad case of the Monday blaahhhhhs. I'm tired, the dishes are stacked from the weekend, and I just can't seem to get moving. It was a busy weekend full of pictures with the Mizikar and Moreau cousins and birthday parties. Add in daylight savings and you get a sleepy Monday morning. I decided to post some pictures for inspiration. I need to get moving - they need me!

And this picture - just because I like it and think it needs to be shared! Do you ever wonder if babies get tired of being kissed?!

Hope

2009-03-03T13:17:00.003-05:00

Some of you who have been following this blog know about a friend of mine named Emily and the loss of her daughter to leukemia a year and a half ago. What you may not know is since then Emily and her husband, James, had the opportunity to become parents to a beautiful newborn baby boy through adoption. However, the birth mother changed her mind and the Haughery's were left empty handed after a month at home with baby Griffin. As you can probably imagine this was devastating to them - especially after everything they have already been through. Yet, Emily and James have not given up hope of having a child and are now trying to conceive via IVF. However, the money is needed up front and they do not have it. Their faith and love remains in the Lord and they have a huge support around them, but they need all the help they can to raise this money. Go to this website and see how you can help or learn more about IVF. If you don't know the struggles that Emily and James have gone through in the past 3 years I strongly urge you to check out Emily's blog under the link 'Alivia's Story' to the right. Please keep them in prayer; they are truly amazing people who desperately want to be parents.

I also want to ask you to be praying for my friend Amanda and her Husband Seth. Amanda goes in to be induced this Sunday. They know it is a boy and they have named him Matthew. This is a very stressful and nerve wracking (and exciting) time for them as they too suffered the loss of a baby. Amanda's blog is to the right under 'Amanda's Corner' if you want to learn more about her story.

The Answers...

2009-02-27T17:32:00.009-05:00

Thanks Kaiti and Kelly for amusing me - you guys did really well! Here are the answers...

1. Moulin Rouge - My all time favorite movie and a great soundtrack!!

2. Chicago - would have loved to see the Broadway version.

3. Labyrinth - I watched this over and over with my sister when we were younger.

4. The Princess Bride - who doesn't know this movie?

5. The Note Book - great love story.

6. Strictly Ballroom - from the same director as Moulin Rouge. You really should see this movie it is so much fun! I spent many nights watching this with my highschool bff and my sister.

7. Happy Gilmore - enough said!

8. Newsies - I love this movie!! This is Christian Bale before he was known as a foul mouthed weirdo!

9. The Importance of Being Earnest - based on the Oscar Wilde play, great movie.

10. I am Sam - this is such a touching story and the movie was so well acted.

11. The Man in The Moon - a very young Reese Witherspoon. I have liked her ever since!

12. With Honors - I just really like this movie and yes, that is Patrick Dempsy with long hair!

13. Losing Isaiah - This movie made me cry and cry.

14. Last of the Mohicans - Another great love story and soundtrack.

15. Swing Kids - If you have never seen this movie you need too. It is very well acted and is a very accurate depiction of teenage life in Nazi Germany. Christian Bale is also in this movie.

You Can Quote Me On It

2009-02-23T10:19:00.004-05:00

In honor of the Oscars last night I thought I would post a movie game. Below are quotes from 15 of my favorite movies. Without cheating, can you guess any of them? If you guess any correctly I will post your name with the answer and I will put up all the answers in a few days.

1 - Christian, you may see me only as a drunken, vice-ridden gnome whose friends are just pimps and girls from the brothels. But I know about art and love, if only because I long for it with every fiber of my being.

2- My sister Veronica and I had this double act, and my husband Charlie traveled around with us. Now for the last number in our act we did these 20 acrobatic tricks in a row: one, two, three, four, five, splits, spread-eagles, back-flips, flip-flops, one right after the other. So this one night before the show we're at the hotel Cicero, the three of us boozin, having a few laughs, and we run out of ice, so I run out to get some. I come back, open the door, and there's Veronica and Charlie doing number 17, the spread-eagle. Well, I was in such a state of shock that I completely blacked out; I can't remember a thing. It wasn't until later, when I was washing the blood off my hands, I even knew they were dead.

3 - Once upon a time, there was a beautiful young girl whose stepmother always made her stay home with the baby. And the baby was a spoiled child, and wanted everything to himself, and the young girl was practically a slave. But what no one knew is that the king of the goblins had fallen in love with the the girl, and he had given her certain powers. So one night, when the baby had be particularly cruel to her, she called on the goblins for help!

4 - The six-fingered man returned and demanded it, but at one tenth his promised price, my father refused. Without a word, the six-fingered man slashed him through the heart. I loved my father. So naturally, I challenged his murderer to a duel. I failed. The six-fingered man left me alive, but he gave me these. [strokes the scars on his cheeks]

5 - I am no one special. Just a common man with common thoughts. I've led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten, but in one respect I've succeeded as gloriously as anyone who ever lived. I've loved another with all my heart and soul and for me that has always been enough.

6 - I understand. You've got your Pan Pacifics to win, and I'm back in Beginners, where I belong.

7 - Oh, man. That was so much easier than putting. I should just try to get the ball in one shot every time.

8 - Got no brains. Why we starting to fight each other? Its just what the big shots wanna see. That we're street trash, street rats with no brains. No respect for nothin' including ourselfs. So heres how it is if we don't act together then we nothin'. if we don't stick together we nothin'. And if we can't even trust each other, then we nothin'. So whats it gunna be?

9 - 35 is a very attractive age. London society is full of women of the very highest birth who have, of their own free choice, remained 35 for years.

10 - Yeah, you don't know what is like when you try, and you try, and you try, and you try, and you don't ever get there! Because you were born perfect and I was born like this, and you're perfect!

11 - Court Foster: Have you ever been kissed before?
Dani: Sure. Lots of times.
Court Foster: Yeah... I'll bet. Well you just almost got yourself more than kissed, little girl.
Dani: I'm not a little girl.
Court Foster: You are too Dani! You're a little girl and you don't know what you're doing.

12 - Yes I'm a bum. But I'm a Harvard bum.

13 - Margaret Lewin: Any dog can give birth. That doesn't make it a mother.
Khaila Richards: Are you calling me an animal? If you think you're going to just take my baby from me, you got another think coming, lady!

14 - No, you submit, do you hear? You be strong, you survive... You stay alive, no matter what occurs! I will find you. No matter how long it takes, no matter how far, I will find you.

15- I would rather belong to any one... ANYONE, than belong to the Nazis like you do.

One for the Moms

2009-02-18T08:52:00.006-05:00

My friend posted this on her facebook profile and I stole it for my blog. If the woman writing in needs any more "proof" she can borrow my boys any time that works best for her!

TELL ME ABOUT IT

By Carolyn Hax
Wednesday, May 23, 2007; Page C10

Carolyn:

Best friend has child. Her: exhausted, busy, no time for self, no time for me, etc. Me (no kids): Wow. Sorry. What'd you do today? Her: Park, play group . . .
Okay. I've done Internet searches, I've talked to parents. I don't get it. What do stay-at-home moms do all day? Please no lists of library, grocery store, dry cleaners . . . I do all those things, too, and I don't do them EVERY DAY. I guess what I'm asking is: What is a typical day and why don't moms have time for a call or e-mail? I work and am away from home nine hours a day (plus a few late work events) and I manage to get it all done. I'm feeling like the kid is an excuse to relax and enjoy -- not a bad thing at all -- but if so, why won't my friend tell me the truth? Is this a peeing contest ("My life is so much harder than yours")? What's the deal? I've got friends with and without kids and all us child-free folks get the same story and have the same questions.
- Tacoma, Wash.

(Now the answer)

Relax and enjoy. You're funny.

Or you're lying about having friends with kids.

Or you're taking them at their word that they actually have kids, because you haven't personally been in the same room with them.

Internet searches?

I keep wavering between giving you a straight answer and giving my forehead some keyboard. To claim you want to understand, while in the same breath implying that the only logical conclusions are that your mom-friends are either lying or competing with you, is disingenuous indeed.

So, since it's validation you seem to want, the real answer is what you get. In list form. When you have young kids, your typical day is: constant attention, from getting them out of bed, fed, clean, dressed; to keeping them out of harm's way; to answering their coos, cries, questions; to having two arms and carrying one kid, one set of car keys, and supplies for even the quickest trips, including the latest-to-be-declared-essential piece of molded plastic gear; to keeping them from unshelving books at the library; to enforcing rest times; to staying one step ahead of them lest they get too hungry, tired or bored, any one of which produces the kind of checkout-line screaming that gets the checkout line shaking its head.

It's needing 45 minutes to do what takes others 15.

It's constant vigilance, constant touch, constant use of your voice, constant relegation of your needs to the second tier.

It's constant scrutiny and second-guessing from family and friends, well-meaning and otherwise. It's resisting constant temptation to seek short-term relief at everyone's long-term expense.

It's doing all this while concurrently teaching virtually everything -- language, manners, safety, resourcefulness, discipline, curiosity, creativity. Empathy. Everything.

It's also a choice, yes. And a joy. But if you spent all day, every day, with this brand of joy, and then, when you got your first 10 minutes to yourself, wanted to be alone with your thoughts instead of calling a good friend, a good friend wouldn't judge you, complain about you to mutual friends, or marvel how much more productively she uses her time. Either make a sincere effort to understand or keep your snit to yourself.

You can find this article here. Or you can find out more info on Carolyn Hax and her column here.

I have to say, I love this answer! Unfortunately though, many people without kids seem to think stay-at-home moms have nothing but time on our hands. Not the case people - this is a more than full time job and if you have boys you spend over half your day just trying to keep them from killing themselves or their siblings! So yes, when we get 10 minutes to ourselves we definitely do not want to spend it answering questions about what we did all day! Thank you Carolyn Hax.

New Pictures

2009-02-15T21:27:00.006-05:00

I wanted to post some new pics of Judah. I can't believe how big he is getting!

Valentine Date

2009-02-15T20:35:00.007-05:00

I have wanted to post all week, but just now have had a moment to do so. Tuesday Adam surprised me with a Valentine date. He had told me about it Friday, but didn't tell me what we were doing or where we were going. I hate surprises and the suspense was killing me! Oh, and the fact that he had been planning it for weeks added to the excitement!

So, after dropping the kids off at his mom's we went to Atria's for dinner. I had never been there before so I was thrilled and thoroughly enjoyed my seafood pasta. Next, we headed into Pittsburgh. One of my favorite musicians, Matt Wertz, was playing at Club Diesel. What an awesome surprise!! This took a ton of planning on Adam's part. Matt Wertz is an indie artist and doesn't make it to Pittsburgh often so this was pretty special to me.

This was the opening group The Alternate Routes. I had heard of them but never really listened to any of their music before. It is safe to say I am now a fan! Check them out they really rock.

This is Matt Wertz. I highly recomend his music you can check it out here.

This is Adam and me having a great time on a much needed night out together!
Thanks Adam you planned the perfect evening I love you!

Play List

2009-02-03T10:19:00.003-05:00

Our family joined the Y last week and we are loving it. I do have a slight problem, though. I am getting sick of my workout play list and I am in need of some new tunes. Got any suggestions? I need something to get me moving - that elliptical doesn't run on it's own ya know!