Thompson Tales

Very Tacky Christmas 2010

2010-12-20T16:15:00.002-06:00

It never fails! We always have a BLAST with all our friends!
I think the photos speak for themselves!

Can't wait for next years Tacky Christmas Sweater party!

Giving THANKS to the LORD

2010-12-07T14:08:00.003-06:00

Precious boys--before our Thanksgiving photo shoot!

With their Daddy:-)

Hocus Pocus

2010-12-07T14:03:00.002-06:00

My big sister!

We had a GREAT time at Rosalind and Hunter Jordan's home!

My ninja and garden gnome!

My Best Friend's Wedding

2010-12-07T13:46:00.005-06:00

There are way too many amazing things to be said about my best friend-of-all-time! Lindsey and I consider ourselves sisters and I was so proud to be among the many people who love her on her wedding day on September 11, 2010! Please visit Scott Burton's photography website to view all the photos from this amazing day!
I won't even bother telling the life story of our friendship! So many of you already know my precious "poohs" history...
I honestly can't think of a single human who thinks poorly of her. She is an angel walking this earth...
and I know that everyone who reads this will agree to that
Eli is so blessed to have her as his wife!
Readers, treasure your friends! You never know when they will be nearly taken away from you!
I'm so proud to announce that Mr. and Mrs. Eli Dew are actually moving back to Kosciusko NEXT WEEK!
When we were growing up I would call and invite Lindsey over when my mom made me clean my room...so that she could help me! hahaha...apparently I was either really clever or really rude to my bestie!
I'm so thankful she still loves me and and I'm praying she'll be willing to help me clean my room still today!

The Christmas Card Secret

2010-11-24T15:53:00.002-06:00

Every year I order our Christmas Greeting Photo cards from Shutterfly and this year they are offering an AMAZING deal for bloggers!

All you have to do is help Shutterfly get their name to new customers by following a few simple steps and you will get 50 FREE CARDS!!!!

Christmas cards are my favorite way to keep our Alabama family updated on our little family! We always get such amazing feedback from our friends and family there. They always love to see how big the boys have gotten!

We have already taken our Christmas card photo and all I have to do now is pick out the perfect card!
There are so many cute cards available this year...I have no clue how I'm going to pick!

Check out these links to Shutterfly's website...i promise you will find the perfect card for the holidays!

http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards

http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards

http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards

Maybe this year we can get our sweet dogs to stay still in the photo!
I can't wait to send our cards to all of ya'll! Hope you enjoy!

Sweet Summer 2010

2010-06-19T18:45:00.003-05:00

Sweet little birthdays

2010-03-14T19:57:00.002-05:00

We celebrated Miss Sophie and Miss Ava Bell's birthday this weekend...Kudos to Heidi Bell for making the most precious birthday cake ever! Sorry about the lack of photos...excited children do not sit still!

It was AMAZING...and yummy too!

Good lookin' boys!

2010-03-14T19:49:00.002-05:00

Sitting still for a 5 year old is quite a challenge!

Chap's first haircut! He behaved so well and didn't complain at all!
He sat very still! We were so proud of our boy...I still can't believe we were able to wait until his 2 yr birthday to cut off his sweet little baby curls!

The finished product! Please just pretend he is smiling perfectly! Chap hates attention!!!

Finally...a girl!

2010-03-12T12:51:00.005-06:00

NO I'm totally not preggo! I shouldn't have done that...haha...gotta keep ya'll on your toes!
We would love to present our newest Thompson edition...Stella Valentina. My precious husband gave me her for Valentine's Day! She is such a little blessing...if you know me at all you know how I love my pups. Stella is a third generation champion bloodline Doberman Pinscher...and matches her big furry brother to boot! She is so sweet and so intelligent. She is 13 weeks old now and has already learned her sit, stay and lay down commands. Stella's grandmother is a famed LeGard Doberman bred in Germany. Even if she were a regular ol' Doberman with no bells or whistles she would still be my baby! We are undergoing the ridiculously tedious ear-cropping process...Doberman's are born with naturally floppy ears. In order to have the ears stand you have to first have the cropping surgery and go through weeks and weeks of binding and standing. We decided not to have this done with Ty and I am beginning to wonder if we've made the right decision to do it with Stella. She did very well with the surgical process and 1st binding. As of right now we are healing the sutures and will begin step 2 of binding on Tuesday. I will post pictures as soon as her sutures heal well enough for her to look normal. Bless her heart...if you are one of the few who have seen her recently you would understand how frustrating this process it!!!! She will be one beautiful girl really soon!

So, I'm finding out...it's true...they grow up way too fast...

2010-02-21T18:06:00.003-06:00

Happy birthday you precious boy. You have brought endless amounts of happiness to our family. From the moment I first stared into your magical little eyes I knew that you would change our lives forever. We admire you for how intelligent you are...and so sensitive at the same time. You are our little snugly man...always welcoming your Mommy and Daddy's hugs and kisses. Chap, we have high expectations for you...because we see so much potential in you. I could watch you play all day...carefully calculating every move you make...always trying to "figure it out". You have been and always will be Mommy's boy. I must be one lucky Mommy to have you...We love you sweet little man...

Two of a kind

2010-02-18T19:13:00.003-06:00

It's no secret...they are serious buds. "Uncle Jason" and my sweet Jamie came to spend the afternoon and the evening with us Saturday while Jason was in town for his gig that night. Poor J can't do ANYTHING without Sammie being glued to his side. He wouldn't even leave him alone while J changed into his "work clothes". Miss ya'll already J and J!

Go ahead, sing along. You know you want to.

2010-02-18T19:08:00.002-06:00

So, this is probably a little late since we are 2 months into 2010...
Take a peek at this super cool/slightly annoying combo of 2009's top videos!
Who has time to do this?? Seriously...

Our Wild Boys

2010-01-30T12:50:00.002-06:00

Bless us...we can't get a good family picture to save our lives!

I actually like this one! Notice Chap only has on one shoe!

Surprise Chivas!

2010-01-30T12:36:00.005-06:00

Sweet besties!

Oh my word...his cake was hilarious!

Chivas' surprise birthday party was TOO much fun! Thanks to everyone who came to celebrate with us! It's a birthday he will never forget!

Our Alabama Christmas

2010-01-02T16:44:00.004-06:00

Sweet little man loves BIG TRUCKS!

Sam discovering his Razor Scooter!

With my sweet boy on Swift family Day!

It was truly a special Christmas in Alabama this year. Santa brought the boys everything they asked for and more! Poor Kat-Kat's living room was a HOT MESS after my boys got finished with their presents! Even Roxie the Basset Hound got presents from Santa...I will add more pictures soon! Chivas was busy running the video camera while they opened gifts and Kat took more pics with her camera. Hopefully I will get around to posting a second Christmas post. Merry Christmas from our family to yours and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

For BIG BOY use only!

2010-01-02T16:33:00.003-06:00

Precious Chap demanding attention...

After 2 constant years of begging for a gun....
Sam's dreams have come true! Poppy gave Sam a REAL gun for Christmas this year! It's a Rossi .22 rifle and 410 shotgun combo. After getting his "Big Boy" talk about the rules of handling a real gun, Sam got to open his present! He is now obsessed with it and has proven to be very mature and knowledgable about being careful with the gun. And yes, it stays in the gun safe with Chivas' guns and is only used when Chivas is with Sam. This moment will forever be special to Poppy, Chivas and Sam...and I know Sam will always remember getting his first BIG BOY gun!

"All for one and one for all, my BROTHER and my friend. What fun we have, the time we share...BROTHERS til' the end."

2009-12-01T14:54:00.003-06:00

Kat-Kat and her babies

2009-12-01T14:49:00.003-06:00

Our Kat-Kat came to visit! She had a blast lovin' on her babies! We already miss her and can't wait to see her again! She certainly doesn't look like a grandmother does she???

Mr. and Mrs. Ben Cayson!

2009-11-10T16:11:00.004-06:00

Top three photos are courtesy of Scott Burton Photography! Information about his amazing talent of photography are found at his website www.scottburtonphotography.com! He also has a blog!

Mrs. Leah Hendrix and Mrs. Lauren Thompson

The bridesmaids

Evelyn was GORGEOUS!

Rehearsal dinner!

This past weekend was amazing! I was so honored to be in Evelyn and Ben's wedding...it was beautiful! I can honestly say that it was one one of the most sincere ceremonies I have ever witnessed. We had an absolute blast at the rehearsal dinner party and wedding/reception. We wish Ev and Ben wonderful blessings...we love them both dearly!

Double, double toil and trouble

2009-11-10T15:58:00.004-06:00

Caesar and Cleopatra

My precious little elephant!

My dragon who refused to wear his head:-( Still cute though...

Sweet brothers holding hands...LOVE it!

The most precious elephant on earth!

Back at the JACK!

2009-11-08T17:02:00.004-06:00

Kat's "Wild Bunch" saloon at their site

The road from the distillery to the house

John john and Kat Kat's site...won Happiest Home in the Hollow

Chap and I went to Nashville during our trip to TN to visit Nat, Shane and Madelyn. Nat and I took the little ones to the AG center to visit all of Nashville's fine police horses! You can go there ANYTIME you want for FREE! We watched them training a horse on the field and watched all the horses being transferred to their stalls for the night. We loved getting to watch them eat their supper!

They all had the cutest names! My favorite horse name was "Peace Keeper".

Chapper posing in front of Kat's sign

The boys had so much fun playing on the hay bails in the back field behind the house!

Chivas and Fred won 1st place Chicken and 2nd place pork with a Reserve Grand Champion score in the Shade Tree division.
John and Kathy were competing on the pro division as usual. It was such an honor to have even been invited to the competition. Only the best get an invitation! We really look forward to becoming a PRO team! Yay Sweet Southern Smoke! I am one proud BBQ wife!

Kings of BoBos 2

2009-09-28T20:10:00.004-05:00

Sent from my iPhone

My poor little baby! This evening Chap fell forward onto a plastic crate and his bottom teeth went RIGHT THROUGH below his lower lip! ALL THE WAY THROUGH! When I scooped him up I ordered Chivas to call the clinic and tell sweet Dr. Bryant and Kelly NOT TO LEAVE YET! I completely expected stitches for my little man....BUT...Dr. B said that it will close on it's own. SIGH OF RELIEF! We simply cleaned it well and we were back home in 15 minutes from the time of the accident! When we got home Chap walked straight up to Sam and said "SAMMIE....WOOK (look)!". He just HAD to show his big brother his bobo! It was soo sweet! I am certain now that it was written in the stars for me to be a nurse. This is going to be one long bumpy ride with these crazy boys!

Kings of BoBos

2009-09-28T19:53:00.004-05:00

----- Original Message -----
from my iPhone

Oh how lucky I am to be a nurse! Yesterday, Sam was whacked accidentally in the head with a baseball bat! He had a huge "goose-egg" on his forehead with a nice little split in the center! I will also be posting about Chap's accident today....Thank goodness for Dr. Bryant...he saves me lots of money on ER trips...

Alive and Well

2009-09-27T15:00:00.003-05:00

Our sweet baby boy and his Daddy

Our furry boy and his Daddy! He makes a good pillow...such a sweet pup!

This child has THE most mesmerizing eyes I've ever seen!

Yes, I know...I haven't blogged in ages. Whats worse is that I don't even have a ton of pics to make up for my blogging absence! No need to make excuses...you all know...work, busy, kids, blah, blah, blah!
We are alive! And doing quite well!
Here we are on the brink of FALL! So exciting...I love this time of year.
Chap has his Halloween costume---an elephant or ebafunt in Chaps language. Chivas is doing well, Sam is enduring school...GOD bless him--hates it just like his father did. It's going to prove difficult in the future I'm afraid. Maybe Chap will be studious like his mother. And most know...I am soo lucky to work with Dr. Bryant and Dr. Browning at Trace Medical! The staff is amazing and I'm so blessed to fit right in!
Also, I must add news on my animals...Lilly Flowerspash is gaining weight at an alarming rate...most likely due to the 6 meals she eats a day. Don't worry...we are working on that. My love, Ty is showing his age lately. His coat is slowly being taken over with sinister little grey hairs...bless him:-( Don't know what I will do when he passes. Just the thought makes my heart ache.
Sharing my health concerns are a bit of a thorn in my side...all depends on the mood I'm in at the point being. As of Friday the plan Dr. Fredericks has made for me is to do 2 days of IVIG therapy at St. Dominics every 6 months...indefinately. I am content with this plan and am blessed to have the health that remains! PRAISE HIM! All other aspects of our little life are doing quite well.
OH...and I must end with...how about those BULLDOGS!

BIG BOY Sam

2009-08-16T10:36:00.001-05:00

...Is riding his bike without training wheels!!!!

Carter-Cayson Engagement Party

2009-08-16T10:25:00.004-05:00

Last night was Ben and Ev's engagement party at the always beautiful Alford Home. We had a blast! I'm super excited about the wedding and feel so honored to be a part of it! This is just a few photos from the night.

Boy's Best Friend

2009-08-09T11:53:00.003-05:00

Sam and Ty have grown up together and just LOVE each other. I walked in Sam's room last night to check on him before bed and found Ty in the bed with Sam. It was so sweet...He usually sleeps in his kennel but we sometimes treat him to a "Ty's choice" night! And he chose to sleep with his Sambo. He stayed there all night until Sam woke up the next morning. Ty looks a little creepy with those shinin' eyes in the photos...but trust me...he's way less menacing than he looks! We love our pup...even when he stinks and steals food out of the kitchen!

What your ipod says about you!!!

2009-08-04T15:24:00.002-05:00

So there is a guy who recently conducted a study referred to as "SAT scores vs Music You Listen to" to conclude if there is any correlation between the music a person listens to and their intelligence. Turns out there IS...

Of course the brightest markers in the box listen to Beethoven:-) I was pleasantly surprised to see that Sufjan Stevens, Guster, Muse, and Norah Jones all are listened to by high-scorers! Death Cab for Cutie (my FAVS) were also at the top of the scale!!! I guess I'm doing really well!

What artists/bands are listened to by the lowest scorers you might ask????
Kenny Chesney, T.I., Beyonce', and Justin Timberlake...and ofcourse DEAD LAST is Lil' Wayne! I laughed out loud and was not the least bit surprised;-) Want to check it out??
Click HERE!

Just like brother and the Water Goddess

2009-08-04T11:09:00.006-05:00

Baby boy Chap want to be JUST LIKE his big brother! The other morning he went to Sam's room and swiped his robe he wears every morning when it's "too cold" to get out of bed. (yes, we have a frigid home) It was so sweet...he came to me wanting me to tie it like brother does. So funny! So he walked around the house for a couple of hours wearing his big brother's robe. I guess I'm going to have to find one in Chap's size!

As you all know from previous posts...we have a sweet little kitty who is obsessed with water! Yes, she is still present for every bath or shower taken in our home...watching diligently...fascinated by the water. Lately, Lily has taken up the sink in mine and Chivas' bathroom as her bed. It's like she worships the faucet...waiting for that heavenly liquid to flow out! And yes, you can turn on the water and she stays in the sink. Maybe we should re-name her...Lily the Water Goddess. So funny...we love her.

Nashville Fun!

2009-07-27T10:22:00.006-05:00

Sweet little cousins!

Chappie and Mommie eating at Buca Di Beppo

Chap and Maddie shopping at Publix...LOVE Chap's face!

Eating at California Pizza Kitchen...it was soo good!

This weekend Chap and I took a road trip to visit Natalie, Shane, and Madelyn. We had soo much fun! Thank you Nat, for taking a few photos for me! We are already eager to go back to visit. We always have such great fun in Nashville! Now if I can only get Chivas to buy us a home in Leaper's Fork one day! I wish!

Chap's Belated Check-up

2009-07-15T08:19:00.002-05:00

Somehow in the hustle and bustle of our life we are just now taking Chap to his 12 month check up! Yes, he is 16 months old! Every time I took him either Dr. Freeman wasn't there or Chap was sick and couldn't get his immunizations! So to make myself feel like a better Mama I tell myself that I intentionally delayed his immunizations like MckMama! And all is right with the world again...ANYWAYS...
Nana and I took Sam and Chap to Jackson yesterday to the appointment. My poor gummi bear baby got 4 shots:-( One in each limb. He tolerated it just about as well as any toddler...you know, screaming...crocodile tears...the whole 9 yards! He is still my angel baby though! It is no surprise that Chap is a mini-man...at a precious tiny 20 pounds and 29 inches long he is in the 3rd percentile in his length and below the 3rd in his weight. I know, I know...like I said...mini-man. Doctor Welch (because Dr. Freeman wasn't there!!! again!!!) said he thinks Chap is okay...his weight and his height match but we need to follow up carefully with his growth. The kid eats like a horse! He eats more than his super small brother (whose Indian name is "Stands Short" i remind you). So I guess we will just be little people...little, healthy, tan people.

My Favorite Photo

2009-07-07T12:05:00.005-05:00

This was taken when Chap was 3 months old...I've always loved it...

"And there's that one particular harbour, sheltered from the wind, where the children play on the shore each day, and all are safe within".

2009-07-06T13:51:00.010-05:00

Third time is the charm!

Second attempt...

The first attempt at lighting the birthday candles in the wind...

Brandon and his baby Gracie

He's just so dang cute when he's crying!

Little Miss Gracie

Daddy Day Care

Huggin' in the hammock!

Every year we go to the beach house for the 4th of July holiday! It is always a blast and the perfect time to celebrate Sam's birthday every year! Sam loves it as usual...he spends nearly the entire summer there with his Kat Kat anyways! Every year our friend Brandon and his little precious angel Gracie come stay with us! Gracie and Sam have known each other since birth and are little besties! Chap isn't the biggest fan of the beach...he's a bit high maintenance like his mother and doesn't enjoy the excessive sweltering heat and sand in odd "places:-)"
We ate ridiculously yummy food and had a blast on the boat and the jet skis! The dolphins fed right off the dock every morning...it was fantastic! We are happy to be home but are always ready to return to our little slice of heaven!

Pirate's Cove

2009-06-08T15:53:00.005-05:00

Who needs to pay to go on Dolphin Cruises?? Just come on our boat!!! These photos ARE NOT zoomed! I could have reached out and touched them! I love them:-)

Coming straight towards the boat, just before they swam beneath us!

There are two more just under the water if you can see them.

Our sweet boys:-)

Our very handsome first born!

Chapper LOVES the "Wadeer"

We have a strange, strange son...

I love these boys!!!!!

Activity As Tolerated

2009-05-24T20:32:00.003-05:00

Chap was so happy to see his brother!

Big Brother Sambo playing in Chap's hospital bed...he missed his brother SO much

PRECIOUS ANGEL! He was such a big boy!

The first day...not feeling well at all!

WHEW...I am SO glad this roller coaster weekend is over! Friday morning I took Chap to Dr. Carter because I just knew he was getting dehydrated. He had a super high fever and a terrible stomach virus. And sure enough...to the hospital we go! Chap was such a sweetheart...he tolerated all the needles and torture SO WELL. His first IV infiltrated so they had to start a second! I felt so sorry for him. The staff was wonderful. I'm just now realizing how handy it is to be a nurse! I got to take care of my baby just like he was my patient. Doing all the "scary" procedures was so much easier with mommy doing it:-)
He was discharged this morning. Chivas took my sweet baby home and I had to work a 12 hour shift today on the second floor! It was crazy! Luckily I was pretty well rested from laying in the hospital bed with Chapman all weekend. I had to FORCE myself to write this post and add the photos...tired is not the word for how I feel right now! I have a sweet video from Sam's graduation program Thursday night but I'm going to have to add it later! My bed is calling my name! Thanks for the prayers for my sweet little man...he's feeling much better now:-)

"Oh my Bobo"

2009-05-23T13:49:00.002-05:00

This is Laurens sister, Natalie. We have a Prayer Request for Chap. He is been hospitalized since Friday morning for dehydrating due to stomach virus and high fever...Is is on iv fluids and should be able to come home tomorrow. He is showing improvement but it's slow...
He picks up his arm and shows everyone his iv and says "Oh my bobo!" Sweet boy...

He's my Cherry PIE

2009-05-08T08:29:00.003-05:00

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature
1 (9-inch) graham cracker crust
1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling, chilled

Directions

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy. Gradually add the milk; stir until well blended. Stir in the lemon juice and vanilla. Pour the filling into the crust and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours. Top with the pie filling before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Inactive Prep Time: 3 hours
Ease of Preparation: Easy
Yield: 6-8 servings

Recipe courtesy Paula Deen

We LOVE this recipe from Paula Deen! It is ridiculously easy...and it looks like you worked really hard on it when in fact you DID NOT:-)
Now that's my kind of cookin'!
Ya'll enjoy!

Mine That Bird

2009-05-02T17:43:00.003-05:00

Yeah, um...a WHAT? is SOO appropriate right now! Mine That Bird, with 50-1 odds WINS the Derby! Instead of flying to Kentucky like all the other million dollar horses, Mine That Bird rode in his horse trailer for about 21 hours during the trip from his home in New Mexico. His owners Mark Allen and Dr. Leonard Blach bought MINE THAT BIRD for $9500! He was trained by Chip Woolley and wridden by the famously "energized"(for lack of better terms) Calvin Borel. Wow...this was the second largest upset in the history of the Kentucky Derby.
Luckily my 1st choice pick PIONEER OF THE NILE came in 2nd!

Derby Day!

2009-05-02T11:56:00.005-05:00

If you read my blog you know how much I love horse racing! It's DERBY TIME! So, of course I've got my line-up going...
The ever-so-promising Pioneer of the Nile ridden by famed Garrett Gomez is my #1 pick...

Unfortunately my original #1 pick, I Want Revenge was scratched from the race due to an ankle injury...Supposed to have been ridden by Joe Talamo...

Aha...The young and slightly inexperienced DUNKIRK...
This horse is gorgeous...and SO strong...We shall see!

And the famous FRIESAN FIRE...
This horse has been in the headlines all year long!

My honorable mention...DESERT PARTY from Dubai (which says enough!)
His owner has spent LORD knows how much money breeding and perfecting the ideal racehorse!

Oh Dddddddear....

2009-04-30T19:09:00.002-05:00

I have always watched American Idol...but this season...
WHOLE new ball game!
The remaining contestants are all awesome...
But OH MY Sweet Goodness...ADAM LAMBERT is unbelievable.
He is consistently amazing...his vocals are impeccable and his stage presence is awesome too!
I was blown away with him being in the bottom two last night...CRAZY! I'm certain it was a publicity stunt for the show. And YES, before you leave a comment about it...I DO know he is openly gay or bi or whatever! I'm still his biggest fan...

My favorite Adam Lambert performance...ooo dear...enjoy the video

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19: 14

2009-04-25T14:08:00.008-05:00

Honestly one of the biggest horses I've ever seen! I believe he was a TN walking horse...Ironman was his name. Sam insisted he was the "black stallion"...

Chapper didn't care much for the horses...
It was my favorite part of the trip!

Merely a year old...the ladies already love him!

Sam's class!

Davis, Sam, and Karmen (isn't that her name?? Someone correct me if it's not!)

Silly boys!

Little Miss Gracie and Little Miss Abby! I WANT A DAUGHTER!!!!

Sambino LOVES his friends!

So proud of himself walking:-)

Parker and Sam

Seconds away from introducing himself on the radio...
"Tell us your name and where you are from" -radio guy
"Kosciusko"-Sam
"okay now your name"-radio guy
"Mississippi...Sam....Thompson"-Sam

Well...I guess it went great for a 4 year old....

WFCA Radio Debut

2009-04-25T13:44:00.004-05:00

During our trip to French Camp, MS we had the privilege to visit WFCA radio station and the kids got to introduce themselves and say their bible verse they learned this year! Sam was the first to talk! He is so brave! (and so stinkin' cute)!!!

Play time with my buddy

2009-04-25T13:36:00.002-05:00

Chap and his future BFF...Branson

I would like to introduce you to Mr. Anti-social...This is Chapman's initial reaction to another baby!

When all else fails...simply ignore the other baby...He's like an ostrich. He thinks if he buries his head in the rug everything will be okay. Poor little baby...just like his momma.

Two little feet, jumping on the floor....A toddler's mission is to EXPLORE

2009-04-22T19:04:00.002-05:00

Our little man is walking!

2009-04-12T20:33:00.002-05:00

Sam and Chap riding in the Jeep...
This is what Sam does every time I "threaten" to take his photo...
Notice the MS State football jersey covered by the LSU t-shirt (compliments of the awesome Eric Phares of Hammond, LA) with the LSU cap...nice son...nice...
Yes, he still dresses himself.

L to R
(Greyson, Sam, Cash, and Sydney)
We were delighted to have our precious little cousins from Sarasota, FL in town for Easter! This was our first time to see Cash! He is so precious! And Sydney is getting SO big! The kids had a blast together and I hate that I didn't take more pics of them. They will miss each other and Sam hasn't stopped talking about them.

Water "Lilly"

2009-04-12T20:15:00.004-05:00

If you have ever been around our little Lilly Flowersplash you would know that she is NOT your average cat. She loves water...no...not drinking water...she likes touching water.
As soon as she hears the water running in a sink or bathtub she is immediately at the scene! EVERY night she watches me bath the kids and then watches me get a bath (a little creepy...I know).
Want to know a little more strange behavior???
She sits on the back ledge of the shower and watches Chivas...
We're beginning to think we should call Animal Planet...I can see it now...Planet's strangest Animals...

She just watches...
Waiting for a fish to prey upon maybe???
We have NO IDEA...

Then she reaches out and grabs us! I'm telling ya'll...it's getting so strange...
It's like she just wants to make sure we're okay!

If anyone knows what the heck is wrong with our cat please let me know!
She is obsessed! I wonder if Caesar Milan the dog whisperer would mind helping a cat.....

Nana's Birthday

2009-04-12T20:10:00.003-05:00

Okay...so I know I've been the worst blogger EVER lately...
So I have some serious makin' up to do!
On March 28th we celebrated our wonderful Nana's birthday! All of the grand kids are ADDICTED to her! It's ridiculous...Chap can't even see her without crying for her to hold him. Happy Birthday Nana! WE LOVE YOU!

Babies Don't Keep

2009-03-25T19:02:00.003-05:00

Song for a Fifth Child.

Mother, O Mother, come shake out your cloth,
Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,
Hang out the washing, make up the bed,
Sew on a button and butter the bread.

Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?
She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.

Oh, I've grown as shiftless as Little Boy Blue,
Lullabye, rockabye, lullabye loo.
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo

The shopping's not done and there's nothing for stew
And out in the yard there's a hullabaloo
But I'm playing Kanga and this is my Roo
Look! Aren't his eyes the most wonderful hue?
Lullabye, rockaby lullabye loo.

The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow
But children grow up as I've learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.

L.O.V.E this poem by Ruth Hulburt Hamilton
Totally should be doing some I.V. Therapy non-sense right now but GUESS WHAT???

My babies are WAY more fun...

Spring Blessings

2009-03-24T17:04:00.005-05:00

So funny how the photos you think are going to stink turn out to be the MOST HILARIOUS photos ever!

Ooo...Ooo...PICK ME PICK ME!

Beautiful boy

Most. Favorite. Photo. Ever
Call me crazy...

Horse Play

2009-03-20T18:43:00.004-05:00

All Madelyn wanted to do was dive into the pond!

Beautiful boy!

Chap had so much fun with his friend Addy Grace!

He looks just like his mommy in this photo!

Chap has a new precious facial expression...we call it the "oooooo"!

Chivas and Sam are off to Columbus this weekend to a BBQ competition. Chap and I have been fine without em' though! Don't know how tonight will be though...I'm such a scaredy cat when it comes to staying by myself at night. You would think a Doberman Pinscher, an alarm system, and a gun would make me feel a little better. They don't.
Anywho...today we went to Joe and Malinda Ivey's cabin to see Matt, Jenny, and baby Addy Grace ( precious girl!). Plus, the kiddos wanted to pet the horses. It was such a beautiful day...other than the pollen...which by the way is about to kill me!!! I am LOVING Spring Break and I'm sad that I have to go back to reality Monday. I'm going to miss my sweet baby and my little Sambo. :(

Hoppin' down the bunny trail

2009-03-19T16:50:00.004-05:00

This year we hunted Easter eggs early while Madelyn was in town. They had SO much fun...the big kids were running around looking like American Gladiators...tackling each other desperate for just one more egg!

I've discovered that I should give up all hopes of Sam and a good photo.
Not happening. Just get used to the top of his head folks...

Oh my sweet gracious! I know I am partial...but this child is a heart breaker!

Little Miss Sophie Rose helping her baby cousin out!

Once again...the best photo I could get of Samuel...o'well.

Woo hoo! Standing up like a big boy!

My sweet baby boy would rather play with straw than a toy. Yes, he's a B.O.Y.

my angel baby

Meine Familie

2009-03-09T20:45:00.004-05:00

Before dinner with friends

The boys...being so stinkin' cute...
LOVE how nasty their little faces are!

Courtesy of Sam Thompson photography...
He loves to steal my camera and take some shots on it...Some of them aren't so bad...some of them are!

We decided to let Sam play buddy ball this year. Last year Sam was just too immature for sports. He would be exhausted and ready for bed at 7 pm and we knew a ball game would send him over the cliff! So the other night I was helping him with his bath and I informed him that this year he was going to get to play baseball...oh. my. GOOD. LORD...
He shot up like a rocket ship out of the bathtub waving his hands in the air like a Whitfield resident! With the widest grin streaking across his precious little face he screamed "I have been waiting for this day all my life! For fifty thousand years MOMMA!"
Laughter abounds...
I dream about the day I get to sit at the ball field and watch my boys play. They might not be the biggest kids on the block but dang it my boys can THROW a ball! Yes, I said BOYS...ask any member of my family...when Chap throws something we all flinch in fear of losing an eye!
My dreams of being baseball Mom are coming true....

"Work it, make it, do it, makes us harder, better, FASTER, stronger"

2009-03-07T12:09:00.003-06:00

Some of the fabulous Jockeys from the show
L to R
Mike Smith, Jon Court, Alex Solis, Aaron Gryder, Chantal Sutherland and Joe Talamo

LOVE this woman...Chantal Sutherland
She kicks tail...

When I find something I like I am OBSESSED with it! One of my life's ambitions...attending a major horse race....Kentucky Derby and The Breeders Cup specifically. Animal Planet has just launched a new show, Jockeys. Yippeee! I LOVE it! It is SO fascinating and yep, you guessed it...educational! Did you know that they only get paid if they place 1st through 4th??? Talk about pressure on the job! And when they do place they only get 10% of the purse. It also fascinates me that they start SO YOUNG...Joe Talamo...who is one of the most wanted jockeys right now is only 18! Can you imagine winning a $150,00 purse in about 2 minutes at 18 years old?? Veteran jockey Jon Court began as a jockey at 16 yrs old. My favorite horse is Curlin...riden by Robby Albarado who began his jockey career at 12 yrs old! New episodes of JOCKEYS comes on Animal Planet on Friday nights.

7 x 7

2009-03-06T12:17:00.002-06:00

Friends,
Recently I started using the ever-so-wise Angie Smith's 7 prayers for children. If you haven't already (which I know that many of you have) please visit Angie's Blog Bring The Rain (simply click on the BTR sign on my sidebar). It honors her precious baby girl, Audrey Caroline, who went to be with our KING shortly after her life began. Her story has inspired COUNTLESS people and according to Angie, has brought so many people to GOD. I suggest you begin from the very beginning of her blog and make your way to the most recent posts. I promise it will be a life-changing experience. Anywhoooo...just wanted to share the prayers with you. Insert your child's name as needed...

1. When they wake up: "Let the morning bring Sam word of your unfailing love, for he has put his trust in You. Show him the way he should go, for to you he lifts up his soul." (Adapted from Psalm 143:8)

2. When they are getting dressed: "Therefore, as God's chosen child, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Lord, help him bear with others and forgive whatever grievances he has against others. Help him forgive as the Lord forgave him. And over all these virtues, help him put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Adapted from Colossians 3:12-14)

3. While they are eating: "Teach Sam the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Teach him that he can do everything through him who gives him strength." (Adapted from Philippians 4:12-13)

4. When they go out of the house: "Sam, do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Adapted from Romans 12:2)

5. While they are taking a bath: Lord, give Sam clean hands and a pure heart, and let him not lift his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. Let him receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior. Let him be part of the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. (Adapted from Psalm 24:4-6)

6. When they are going to bed: "The Lord Your God is with you; he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)

7. While they are sleeping: "I pray that Sam will do everything without complaining or arguing, so that he may become blameless and pure, a child of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which he shines like a star in the universe as he holds out the word of life-in order that he may boast on the day of Christ that he did not run or labor for nothing." (Adapted from Philippians 2:14-16)

"To keep your marriage brimming, with LOVE in the LOVING cup; whenever you're wrong admit it; whenever you're right shut up."

2009-03-05T17:33:00.006-06:00

My beautiful bridesmaids at our wedding

I have amazing friends...

At our friends Jamie and Jason Millers wedding...with a very tired Sambo in my lap...

Tomorrow is our 5 year wedding anniversary! Life has absolutely flown past us...
Chivas and I have been through so much together. We started off in marriage SO young an inexperienced in life...and our GOD has blessed us with a love that is stronger than we could have ever imagined it would be. I cannot imagine a life without him...even when marriage is difficult (and believe me it can be!) we seem to make it through and remember the union that GOD intended.
We met in May of 2003 on a cruise ship and knew from that point on that we were going to spend the rest of our lives with one another...and so the story goes...2 precious boys together...happily ever after...

One little snowflake with nothing to do. Along came another and then there were two...

2009-03-02T20:31:00.003-06:00

My precious boy playing in the snow

Oh my good gracious it snowed in Kosciusko! I feel so silly being so excited about barely an inch of snow...but ya'll...I can't help myself! It is so rare here! The best part about snow is watching the reaction of Sam when he woke up to a winter wonderland. Chivas and I grabbed some warm clothes for the kids and bolted out the door at 7 a.m. to go to Nana and Pops house to sled down the hills behind their house. It started to melt so quickly and by 9 or 10 am it was just like any other cold snow-less winter morning...Maybe next year we'll get more:-(

The Birthday Baby

2009-02-24T17:53:00.004-06:00

Mmm...Smash cake...SO CUTE

The big boys
Greyson Bell and Sam

Life is GOOD

Chap's new ride

I LOVE that birthday GRIN

These are all from Chap's birthday party. It was so sweet watching him demolish that smash cake! I would LOVE to write about a ton of details but I'm on borrowed time right now! I will post info later when I have a moment to sit and think!!!!

The exhausting life of a 1 year old...

2009-02-24T17:14:00.004-06:00

So apparently...being a one year old is a lot of work! I have been waiting for this moment for years. I always hoped Sam would do it (he never did)! I love all of those America's funniest home videos where the baby falls asleep in his high chair while eating. FINALLY...enjoy ya'll. He is just too stinkin' cute!

Happy Birthday to my little love...

2009-02-21T11:49:00.004-06:00

Moments after his entrance into this big world...excuse my swollen pinata face!
Chapman Rivers Thompson
6 pounds and 3 ounces
18 3/4 inches long

My beautiful boy, one year ago...I must add he scored a 10/10 on his APGAR! That is incredible considering he was born at 36 weeks!

Pregnant with Chap at Disney World (gah, I LOVE that place)
I think I was 7 months preg...still to this day don't know how I managed to walk around that place without dying...or giving birth!

Nana, me, and Chap bump at the baby shower.

Oh ya'll this photo of Sam holding his new baby brother tears at my heart strings! Sam was SO proud. Still, to this day I don't think I've ever seen Sam so delighted in anything. He loves Chap to no end.

We let Chap open one of his birthday presents this morning after his birthday breakfast. He is such a calm baby...quite different from his brother.

He just wanted to sit on the box:-)

Ya'll, I wish you could see in this picture...but notice his precious 2 little bottom teeth...well, he is also getting his K9's in on the top! Not the front teeth, THE K9s ONLY! He's going to look like a little vampire baby! I always knew he was Edward Cullen's baby (shout out to my Twilight fan friends!!) ;-)

Living with the Machigenga

2009-02-20T08:35:00.006-06:00

One of the precious little children of the tribe.

Olly, my favorite...he's so funny...the tribal women hate him hahaha....they say "he's too ugly!"

Mark shooting his bow and arrow

Gorgeous Amazon landscape

One of the tribal women with her baby. This amazes me...can you imagine taking care of a baby in the jungle???? Notice the baby sling...we can learn so much from these people who have adapted so well to their lives and surroundings.

I don't have time to watch much TV but the one and only show I absolutely MUST watch is Mark and Olly: Living with the Machigenga! In the third season of the show Mark Anstice and Olly Steeds travel to the Peruvian Amazon jungle to live with and learn from the remote Machigenga tribe. I know what you're thinking..."boring educational television"...well that's what Chivas says anyways! But ya'll, I promise this show is hilarious! I guess I'm a big dork but I believe that if it isn't an educational show it isn't worth watching! It comes on Sunday nights on the Travel Channel. Believe me when I say that not only will you learn tons about these amazing people, you will laugh your booty off watching it! Plus, the scenery is breathtaking! One of my goals in life (which is an entire other post in itself) is to visit a remote tribe, learn from their culture, and provide any medical care needed. Anyone want to join me???

Fun with Friends

2009-02-15T16:54:00.003-06:00

Valentines night we went with Jeremy and Tasha Grantham to Doe's in Starkville. Oh my goodness, it was wonderful! If you haven't eaten at Does, GO THIS WEEKEND! Chivas and I both had the Filet and it was fantastic. I thought it was so random, but they also have excellent tamales...I know what you're thinking...steak and tamales??? Trust me, the four of us know good food! You will not be disapointed! It is so nice to get away with good friends!

Relax

2009-02-15T16:42:00.003-06:00

There are NO WORDS to express how much I LOVE the weekends! I stay so ridiculously busy during the week that I feel like I never see my husband or my boys. My weekends are GOLDEN! I love to sit back and relax with all my boys... I pulled the boys around in the Red Flyer wagon around the neighborhood today. They absolutely loved it! Chap loves doing "big boy" things...

The gift of LIFE

2009-02-14T12:30:00.004-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day! Today is also a day for hearts-Congenital Heart Defects Awareness Day! We all have been so blessed to have healthy beautiful children...unfortunately some sweet babies are not born with healthy hearts! Visit Ryan and Keely White in my blog friends list to learn about their inspirational story! Their son (one of gorgeous twin boys) recently received the new heart he desperately needed! They are incredible parents with amazing strength and trust in our King of Kings! If you have not already, become a donor! Visit www.donatelifems.org to sign up to become a donor and help save precious lives today! Simply go to "enroll" on the website and follow the steps. If you are from another state you can go to http://organdonor.gov/ to find out how to register in your state.

All I can do is surrender...

2009-02-13T13:52:00.003-06:00

Oh my goodness I LOVE this song! It speaks volumes to me...just wanted to share it! Just in case you love it too: Sanctus Real, Whatever You're Doing

Sunny Days

2009-02-01T14:42:00.006-06:00

My sweet boy Ty...he loves to play outside!

Waiting to go fetch his tennis ball!

Chapper LOVES being outside!

Notice the hair...Ty likes to lick Chap's head when I'm not looking...
Sneaky pup;-)

Sam refused to take a pic today...which I hated because he dressed himself this morning! Hahaha....hate ya'll had to miss it. It was classic.

Happy Birthday Hubby!

2009-01-27T15:33:00.003-06:00

Me and Chivas at the Jack Daniel's BBQ Championship in Lynchburg, TN

Sweet Daddy and Chapper Dapper

Chivas and his big boy Sam

Tomorrow is my hubby's 24th birthday! We are still so young...guess that's a good thing! I know I won't have time to post tomorrow so I thought I'd post some precious pics of my sweet man...
I've told him many times before...he's the best thing that ever happened to me! He loves us like there is no tomorrow!
Happy Birthday Daddy!
We love you!

Oh Chapper Dapper!

2009-01-23T10:04:00.004-06:00

Isn't he precious?

Chap's Bible Verse
"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make HIS face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."
Numbers 6 24-26

So maybe he is the King of Fashion...

2009-01-23T09:34:00.006-06:00

This morning Sam was getting dressed for school and wanted me to "take pictures of my Seven jeans and put on da' Bwog"...I know what you're thinking...Seven for All Mankind jeans for a 4 year old??? S'cuse me? Yes, they are ridiculous! But when I saw them I just HAD to have them! He looks like such a little man in them! These are Sam's idea of a great modeling pose!

Cre8ive Recreation makes the cutest shoes for kids! He LOVES them...They are the "Skittles Lo". They are very well made (which I like 'cause Sam goes through shoes like it's his JOB). Plus, he NEVER complains about wearing them.

2009-01-19T12:51:00.001-06:00

ooohhh...just figured out how to post a signature...neato

Work. It. Son..

2009-01-19T09:41:00.004-06:00

Sam and his idol, Jason

It's no secret that I'm not the biggest fan of country music. Boy, did I marry the wrong man... When we travel, Chivas and I have music war in the car. Unfortunately young Sam has taken the wrong path and chosen a future career in Country Music Entertainment. Notice he sings the line "cold beer". I almost didn't post this hilarious video because of that line. Ever since my best friend Jamie married Jason Miller (lead singer from Crossin' Dixon) Sam has devoted his life to belting country music at the top of his lungs! Thank you Jason Miller...for poisoning my childs mind and torturing my ears on a daily basis...Just kidding Jason...we love you! Maybe Sam really is destined to be the next George Strait...

The KING of Fashion...or not

2009-01-19T09:33:00.002-06:00

It never fails ya'll...Sam is going to crack us up every day...in some way or another! So yesterday he decides he wants to be a "ninja cougar". Yep, that's right people...ninja cougar. Whatever that may be! Wardrobe for a ninja cougar consists of: long sleeve tee tucked into SKIN TIGHT Under Armour cold gear pants and cowboy boots. NICE!

Busy Bees!!!

2009-01-13T19:08:00.002-06:00

I know, I know...I'm slacking BIG TIME on posting! School has sucked every ounce of life out of me! Only 5 more months! I promise to post new photos of the boys this weekend. We are all doing very well. We've been busy adjusting to our new schedules. Allison, Granny, and Nana have been SUPER TROOPERS with the boys! It's so reassuring to know that I can leave my children with people that I know will take just as good (or better;-) care of them than I would. What a blessing family is!!!!
Chap has learned so many new things in the past couple of weeks. He is on the brink of a fairly extensive vocabulary for a 10 month old! He says Nana, two, no-no and a few others. He is still obsessed with his furry brother Ty. He tells him "no no Ty." SO SWEET!
Sam is enjoying school but had a difficult time at first getting used to being ready in time in the mornings. No more Mommy doing it for him! It was a much needed transition...for me and for him! He has been complaining of his ears and we have noticed that he has had a difficult time hearing lately. Chivas took him to the doc yesterday and he has a double ear infection! He's doing much better today.
I had an appointment with Dr. Fredericks Saturday evening...Yes, I said Saturday evening! She works seven days a week! My appointment was at 5:15 pm! And of course I was not the last person there. She is amazing. I am so proud to report that she believes I am in a remission! NO MORE IVIG! For now anyways...I will see her every few months to closely monitor my condition so that I don't have an exacerbation.
Chivas is doing great as usual. He is so calm and relaxed...change doesn't bother him. He goes with the flow! It's perfect confirmation that he is the one for me! I definitely need his personality to tone mine down a notch!

Baby's Best Friend

2009-01-03T20:10:00.003-06:00

Lately Chap has been CRAZY about Ty. Chap thinks Ty is HILARIOUS and he loves to hear him bark. Ty has always loved kids...and yes...he is SUPER gentle with them. Ty has always had a special bond with Sam (they grew up together) but he is also enjoying getting to know Chap! Most days Ty just enjoys sitting in his kennel being ridiculously lazy. So Chap loves to crawl into the sun room to watch Ty. Chap has just learned to say "Hey TY!" and "woof woof!"...SO PRESH! We love having Ty in our family!

What a year!

2008-12-29T11:56:00.002-06:00

This year has been full of so many blessings! Kudos to Lindsey Cummins for making me realize that! We were so shocked at the blessing of another baby (little Chap). I will admit that I wasn't the happiest camper when I found out that I was pregnant. I had just been accepted into nursing school and struggled with the thought of not being able to finish the program. That pregnancy turned out to be the biggest blessing I could every imagine. God has such a wonderful master plan. After Chap was born I was FINALLY diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (mouthful, I know....we'll call it CIDP!) after literally years of neurological problems I finally found a doctor that could help me! I love Dr. Ruth Fredericks. She's my little angel! After this diagnoses I was told that I should never have any more children...this suddenly made me realize why God had given Chap to us when I wasn't prepared for another baby! What a relief it was to know what was causing so many problems in my body! So after spinal taps and EMG's and countless visits to the doctor we finally could move on with a plan to control my disease. After several rounds of IVIG (Intravenous immune globulin) I can do things that were out of the question before! I went from not being able to walk through walmart to doing whatever I want to do! It's truly a miracle drug (as it should be...being more expensive than chemo!) I feel better now than I have in years. The only bad part is that it is the ONLY drug that slows my disease! We are steadily praying for a new alternative...something I can do at home! Until then we will keep doing IVIG. We are trying to go longer without an infusion...we are trying every 3 months instead of every 6 weeks! Chivas is a trooper! He was been so perfect and supportive! Also, my family has been incredible! We know that it is a long road ahead (lifelong diseases can be so stubborn! haha)...that can turn at any given moment...but we are ready for whatever! Little Sam has had a wonderful year. He has really transformed into a funny little boy...SO independent and headstrong. He adores his baby brother! Chivas has had a busy year...mostly because he had to deal with my medical drama! He is so kind and sincere...he takes things so easily without getting stressed out! Chivas and I are both going back to school in 2 weeks! AHHHH! We are both really excited. I will graduate in June...thank goodness! I'm sure each year will become more and more joyous!

Longleaf Fun

2008-12-29T11:15:00.002-06:00

Christmas day we left for Longleaf. Longleaf is about 2000 acres in the middle of NOWHERE...literally! Nestled in the center of the woods is a gorgeous master house and "little house". It is HEAVEN on Earth! Longleaf is the only place that I've ever been where you hear absolutely NOTHING...no cars, no cows, no people, not even the cell phone ringing (not a single bar of service:-( So Daddy got to hunt and we got to RELAX! So fun...miss is already. Sam caught 7 fish one day! All by himself! It was SO hot there...seriously like 80 degrees each day!

Christmas Morning

2008-12-29T10:01:00.003-06:00

Christmas morning was SO much fun! I've tried to upload the video all morning long and cant seem to get it to work! I'm SO frustrated. The file is probably too big. Anyways, Chap loved all of his gifts especially Elmo LIVE! He was content in simply holding Elmo's hand! It was so sweet! A few ACTION shots with Sam and his new Jeep...hilarious!

Christmas in Alabama

2008-12-29T09:07:00.002-06:00

It has taken me FOREVER to post....so sorry! We just got home from Alabama yesterday and we are so very tired! We had Christmas Eve lunch with the Darby side (Kathy's mothers side) and here are a few photos. Sam just LOVES his cousin Judson!

I HATE PACKING! But I LOVE Christmas!

2008-12-22T22:44:00.002-06:00

I've been meaning to post some recent pics I have taken but I am SWAMPED with "things to do" before we leave for Alabama. I absolutely despise packing. It seems like no matter how soon I start packing, I'm still rushing to get things done! We are leaving tomorrow at 1:30 (hopefully, but not realistically;-). I should have tons and tons of pics when I get back! Also, today is Chivas' dads birthday! Happy Birthday Greg (Poppy)! So here I go...back to packing. I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas! Gute Nacht!

Sam's School Christmas Party

2008-12-19T11:40:00.003-06:00

Today was Sam's Preschool Christmas party! The kids had a blast! Sam LOVES his friends and also his teacher, Ms. Carol! The children got tons of goodies and exchanged gifts! One of the dads video tapes EVERY party. I'm SO glad he does! I can't wait until the kids watch the videos when they are in High School...HILARIOUS!

What a poser!

Precious girls...Abby and Mary Patton (Sam calls them his girlfriends:-)

Gettin' some brother lovins!

Sam and his buddy Davis

Happy Birthday Kat-Kat!

2008-12-17T08:50:00.004-06:00

Today is Kat Kats Birthday! Don't worry Kat, I won't tell your age! Sam was SO excited about calling her to wish her a happy birthday today! We love you Kat Kat! Have a wonderful birthday!

Sam's Special Day

2008-12-14T18:55:00.004-06:00

Today we took Sam to Jackson to have his "special day"! We had so much fun! We got Nana to keep Chap and the three of us went to the zoo and to Bass Pro Shops (Sam's FAVORITE PLACE)...I know it's sad. Sam was more excited about BPS than the zoo!!!!! We like for Sam to get attention from the two of us without little brother. Chivas and I have found that it is difficult to give him the attention he deserves when we are taking care of Chap as well! So we like to make him feel extra special. Today when we dropped Chap off at his Nana's house Sam said to us " I want Chap to go!". It was so precious! He loves his little brother! But Sam ended up really enjoying having his momma and daddy all to himself!

He LOVES Daddy!

I knew Sam was having fun when he decided that he was going to pose for mommy...this NEVER happens!

It was a good day:-)

Introducing....

2008-12-13T17:02:00.002-06:00

Our new kitty! Lily Flowersplash Thompson (named by Sam, ofcourse!)
Chivas and I aren't exactly cat lovers but we're getting used to life with our feline friend. Ty doesn't mind her...atleast he hasn't killed her yet:-0
Remind me of the life expectancy of a cat....guess we've made a LONG TERM decision!

When Daddy is away...

2008-12-13T16:49:00.002-06:00

We get SO incredibly bored when Chivas is hunting...So today we were lazy (which is ideal for me:-) Sam and I cleaned the house (yes, he does help! Shocking, I know!) and we watched Spongebob for the majority of the day...I just love sitting with the boys and not being in a hurry to go somewhere! Maybe Daddy will bag a big ol' buck today!

Chap LOVES his Elmo book!

Chap's Surgery

2008-12-11T11:00:00.003-06:00

I LOVE this photo!

Sleeping soundly in the car on the way there (still dark outside)!

We were up SUPER early this morning to take Chap to Surgicare to get his tubes for his precious little ears. He did SO GOOD! We were praying that the weather would be okay so that we would have a safe journey to and from Jackson! It wasn't too bad...definitely could have been worse! It started to sleet and snow really heavily just as we were leaving Jackson. The surgery went well...not a big deal. It took literally 5 min. for Dr. Gordon to perform the actual surgery. And unfortunately we weren't new to this. Sam had a set of tubes when he was about 1 year old and had a tonsillectomy soon after that. We LOVE Dr. Gordon and Healthsouth Surgicare and would def. recommend them both! Chap was the only baby (out of 5) that wasn't fussy before surgery! We were praying that he wouldn't be too crabby because he wasn't allowed anything to eat or drink after midnight last night. He did SO well and had all the sweet little nurses wrapped around his fat little fingers! I took a few photos of him asleep in the car and in the hospital waiting for the surgery. He looked absolutely PRESH in the hospital gown!

Okay so the second funniest thing I've seen all year!

2008-12-10T12:29:00.001-06:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

The funniest thing I've seen ALL YEAR!

2008-12-10T12:24:00.001-06:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

What a BIG BOY!

2008-12-09T08:21:00.004-06:00

Chap is growing up SO FAST! He's pulling up on everything! He is crawling to different rooms instead of staying in the living room. Which is NOT GOOD for me! If I take my eyes off of him for one second he is in another room! He is a very cautious baby though! Thank goodness! Sam was NOT. I love to see Chap "inspect" things before he really touches it. He's our little professor! You can just see him thinking "now what is this, and what does it do????". PRECIOUS! Here are a few photos of Chap standing with the help of his trusty toy! Also, another video of him laughing at Sam. This is becoming a regular nightly occurrence! WE LOVE IT!

Christmas Memories

2008-12-05T13:17:00.003-06:00

Last night Sam and I were reading a bedtime story when he looked above the bed where I have antique fishing lures hung in a shadow box. He has always been interested in them and enjoys hearing the story of how we got them. So I told him (like I've done so many times before) about how his Paw Paw collected them when he was a professional fisherman. Sam LOVES to hear stories about Chivas' grandfather who passed away on Christmas of 2004. Sam (who was named after him) was so special to Mr. Reaves. He had been fighting esophageal cancer for years and we always knew that he struggled to live just to see his first great-grandsons precious face. It's impossible for me to explain how wonderful Mr. Reaves was. He was (in our eyes) a perfect Christian man. This picture was taken only a few months before he passed. So Sam and I talked about his Paw Paw and I always have to explain that he went to heaven to live with Jesus because he was really sick. Sam looked at me with his sweet little innocent eyes and said "Mommy we need a bigger ladder so we can go see Paw Paw". I simply replied with tears streaming down my face "yes we do..."
Isn't is precious to hear the thoughts from the mind of a child??? Christmas is really hard for us and Chivas' family...especially his Mother, Kathy. We hope that everyone takes Christmas as an opportunity to spend time with the people you love.

Christmas Pics

2008-12-03T14:06:00.006-06:00

The SUPER talented Natalie and Shane Ivey took these Christmas photos of the boys last week! SO SWEET! Sam was up to his usual behavior which made it ultra difficult to get a good shot. Photos shoots always make my blood pressure sky rocket!!!! Thank you so much Nat and Shane for your patience and understanding with my child! Also, thank you Marlin and Nelma Ivey for letting us use your gorgeous home for the setting!

Officially Christmas TIME!

2008-12-03T10:15:00.007-06:00

The Christmas tree was a success! I absolutely love it! I was worried about Chap at first. I just knew he would go directly to it and attempt to tear it to pieces! But as usual he surprises us with how wonderful he is....He crawled to it and touched a tiny spot on it for a few seconds (like he was studying it) and decided it wasn't a big deal. SO PRECIOUS! Thank you Kat-Kat for helping with our tree and taking care of the boys while I was at the hospital! Hopefully I will be able to get all of the other decorations up this week! Here are a few shots of our tree!

Brotherly love...and laughter

2008-11-30T17:43:00.004-06:00

Boy are we glad that someone thinks that Sam's insanity is funny! Sam is such a good big brother! Although I'm sure we will have to separate some major brawls in the future! I just love to hear Chap laugh at his brother...

2008-11-29T16:58:00.006-06:00

Mr. Up to NO GOOD

Here is the video of what Chap was up to while I created our blog...hilarious!

Also I wanted to catch everyone up on slightly more serious subjects! Chivas and I took Chap to his 9 month check up at Childrens Medical in Jackson. We LOVE Dr. Freeman...he's so silly and is a great doctor to boot! He loves our boys! Chap is doing very well...crawling and pulling up. I promise I will stroke out when he starts walking. It seems like just yesterday that we brought him into this world. We have always known that our boys are small...i mean seriously folks...have you seen their parents??!! Chap measured in the 10th percentile on his weight and length. Which means that 90% of 9 month old babies are bigger than he is! HAHAHA! So precious! Dr. Freeman stated "you don't need to be the biggest boy on the block to be an awesome baseball player!" I SO look forward to being a baseball mom!

Our first blog post!

2008-11-29T16:34:00.002-06:00

Okay so I will admit...
I've been toying with creating a blog for just about a year now. I guess I finally got persuaded enough (thanks Nat) or maybe just bored enough on this dreary day to finally get the job done! I feel like we have been blessed SO many times in 2008 that it would be a shame not to share that with our friends and family through our blog. Sam is growing so quickly and becoming a little man instead of our little boy...
Our precious "angel baby" Chap is a constant reminder of just how loving and wonderful our God is. He definitely completes our family.