I'm a Daisy Mom!

Yep. Leah is in girl scouts. We had our first meeting yesterday and the girls just loved the get together activities planned. We've already started talking about the activities we would like to do, the fundraisers and the patches. I want to do the build a bear patch especially since Build a Bear now has girl scout uniforms for the bears. So cute! Leah can't wait for all of their activities!!! Girl Scout Cookies in 100 days and counting!!

Goodbye flip flops. Hello Fall!

I used to never like this time of year until we moved to Albuquerque. It meant colder weather. While I am still not a fan, I love everything there is to do! New Mexico State Fair is in town. The girls love to ride the horses, visit the petting zoo, play all the carnival games and eat cotton candy and turkey legs. This year they will be old enough to ride some of the rides. I can't wait!

Then there is the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta! We have watched it on television for years but this year we will brave the 4 a.m. traffic to go and see it in person. There are hot air balloons out when we take daddy to work and the girls squeal with excitement. The mass ascension is what we want to see. Over 100 hot air balloons lifting off all at once. Amazing!

Then there is McCall's Pumpkin patch. Cow trains, slides, corn boxes (like a sand box but with corn), bike races, again more animals, the giant air pillow, hay rides, picking pumpkins and the core mazes.

Then Halloween, which my kids have already decided what they are going to be and I even have Makayla's costume. Yay for not procrastinating!!

Blessed Bella, you are with Father now.

July 17, 2008 - September 15, 2009

Bella was one of the most spirited little girls that my sister-in-law had. She loved to bounce, eat, snuggle, crawl after the bigger girls while growling at them, and hunt for kitty tails. Bella was taken from this earth well before her time. She was loved by all and will truly be missed. Rest in Peace Beautiful little girl. You are in God's hands now.

Yes, he really is a big boy, thank you.

While in line to exchange an outfit I had gotten for Evan a month ago an older woman had come up behind me to admire my fat boy. As we made small talk waiting our turn she asked how old he is. I replied: 5 months as of last week. Then she said and I quote "Oh my he sure does like his food. You should think about putting him on a diet so you don't create health problems for him in the future". I simply said "He doesn't eat baby food. He is strictly boob so there is nothing to cut out of his diet", smiled at her and went on my way. Now I know that he is really big for his age, a 5 month old wearing 12month clothes and size 3-4 shoe. His doctor isn't concerned and once he is mobile he will lose some of it. But I think all his fat rolls make him look cute! Don't you?

I Survived!

CAMPING!!!!!!!! I am in no way a nature girl. Never have been and probably never will be. But when it comes to my kids I will do anything for them. If that means peeing in the woods then so be it. Over Labor Day weekend my sister-in-law and her family were going camping and we decided to tag along. My conditions were that I did not have to put up a tent, an air mattress was provided for me, I would do no cooking and I would eat all the smores I wanted. I thought I was being very unreasonable so they wouldn't make me go and they said "No Problem! We'll take care of everything, just bring the kids and we'll have a great time!" Huh-yeah right. The kids had fun but Craig and I had a horrible time trying to get up there. Before we left town we took the kids to Walmart to get their very own sleeping bags. On our way out the door the 'greeter' stopped us and accused me of trying to steal the sleeping bags. I showed her my receipt and she still didn't believe me. I was already upset because we had left almost two hours later than planned. She took the receipt and said I didn't pay for them. The cashier had scanned two too many and then removed them. But the lovely idiot and the exit couldn't read the receipt correctly. So I, being in the lovely mood I was in, started to make a scene. The girls are crying because they wanted to go already, Craig was yelling at her calling her an idiot and demanded to speak to the manager. The lady turned around to Craig and said "I am the manager." I lost it! I yelled at her saying that there was now way in h-e-l-l that she could ever be the manager because her stupid butt couldn't read the receipt correctly. I was yelling at her, she was yelling at me threatening to call the authorities, kids and baby crying and Craig, trying to be his young thug self, was cheering me on to punch this lady. It really was a sight that I am surprised was not caught on tape somehow. Well after I made a scene big enough and blocked the entrance the actual store manager came over. He took one look at my receipt said I was ok, apologized for the greeter's incompetence and wished us to have a good day. What a wonderful way to start our mini vacation, right? So off we went, off to Jemez Falls in the Santa Fe Mountains. It was about an hours and a half drive up there. We saw trees, rocks, police, and more trees. Yeah. Craig got a speeding ticket. Lovely, I know. We left super late, got into a yelling match with a Walmart greeter, got a speeding ticket. What more could go wrong? How about my in-laws not camped where I was originally told they would be. No cell phone service up there. So Craig and I drove around to every camp spot looking for them. When we were ready to give up and go home we saw Dave, my bro in law, parked on the side of the road to show us the way. We got there way after dark with enough time for kids to eat a marshmallow or two and collapse into bed. The next day we went on a little hike to see the Falls. The kids had a lot of fun playing in the water and playing with fire that night. All's well that ends well I guess. Fun little adventure? Not for me but the kids had a lot of fun with the cousins. In the end its all about family right?

Discounts on blu-rays? I'm in!

So we bought our PS3 a few months ago but have yet to actually buy any blu-rays. Well Leah being a hugh fan of Hannah Montana I thought this would be a great one to buy since the movie comes with a blu-ray, dvd, and ditigal copy. Well after doing a little online shopping I found a wonderful website: www.hannahoffer.com and bing! $10.00 off of blu-ray or $5.00 off dvd. How awesomish is that?!?! I LOVE COUPONS!!!!

Happy Birthday sweet girl!

Leah turned 5 this past Thursday. Ugh. She is growing up so fast!!! Sometimes I wish I could slow time to enjoy my kids silly little moments like Makayla's Minnie Mouse voice or Leah acting like animals at the check out at Costco. But alas they grow up. Now that she is 5 she thinks she is all grown up and needs to be treated that way. That lasted all of five minutes once we brought her presents out!

Makayla was a wonderful little helper that day. She picked outLeah's presents and helped with making the cake. Can you tell she enjoyed it?

Leah's birthday this year wasn't anything big or exciting like in years past but it was memorable. We have been so blessed by our children and the happiness that they bring to our lives. We may not have much but we have each other and sometimes I think we forget that. We love you silly girls!

Chubby Bunny

He's got the cheeks without the marshmallows!!

The outfit of the day

Isn't she so dang cute?!?!?!?!?!

School? But she's not old enough!

That is how I feel today. When I think about it I cry. I'm so proud of my Leah! She was super excited for school to start and she did very well leaving us. Craig and I both got a sad when she just ran off but we know she will do ok. I'm not ready for it but I've entertained myself. Retail therapy. There is nothing better! Here is my school girl rockin one of her back to school outfits with Hannah Montana backpack and super cool shoes!

Here is my chunkers!! What can I say? Evan loves to eat!

Gearing up for school!

The shoes Leah picked out for school.To say she is a little excited is a major understatement! We went shopping in Arizona with Grandma and she had a blast!! Ever since she asks me if she can wear her super awesome shoes. Plus the backpack is on her back ever possibility she gets. 10 days in counting!

Ideas please!

So I have finally cleaned out the toy room to make it into Evan's very own. But when it comes to little boy things I am totally clueless! I can name you everything and anything for little girls but when it comes to boys I draw a blank! Colors? Themes? Anything? Craig is useless when it comes to decorating. Ask my mom. My house looks like a bachelor pad threw up and he would keep it that way if he could! Suggestions?? Come on people!! Help a crazy lady out!!

A mermaid in the making

While I poke fun at Leah describing her swimming as looking like a whale splashing around in distress I must admit she is doing amazingly well. With floaties on she has no fear at all!! Her favorite thing to do is jump off of the diving board backwards. Without them she has a little less confidence but is starting to scare me how daring she is trying to be! Oh well. I guess I will have to suck it up as with most other things!

The day ended with a Bang!

The 4th of July was quite interesting to say the least. We did the normal thing. Swimming, food, more swimming, and sparklers. The girls were a little disappointed because when we were finally able to leave it was too late to go to the big firework show at Balloon Fiesta Park besides the fact that they did sparklers while it was still quite light outside. So Craig stopped on the way home to buy some fireworks so the girls could have a little show. (Side note: fireworks in the Albuquerque City limits are legal as long as they do not go any higher than 10 feet or something like that.) I don't know if I have ever mentioned but we live in what I like to call Little Mexico where all of our neighbors are Hispanic, and some speak very little English. That being the case our neighbors either don't know the laws or don't care. Either way it made for a great show! We had three different houses go and get thousands of dollars of the illegal fireworks and they kept them going until 1 a.m. It was a better show than anything we would have paid for!! Gotta love Little Mexico!!

Happy Father's Day!

On Father's day we were able to give Evan his baby blessing. We did it in home at Craig's parents house after a nice dinner. But my favorite part is Evan's outfit! We got it at the distribution center by the Albuquerque Temple. It was so adorable. All it was missing was a little tie! Craig thought it needed a little baby pimp hat but we wont go there. Doesn't he look like a future general authority?!

The story of purple leg

Once upon a time there was a beautiful little girl by the name of Makayla. One day she was playing at her aunt's house. She and her sister love their cousins and sleep over there a lot. Well on this particular morning when their mother was on the way to pick them up after another fun filled sleep over something happened. While Makayla was playing on her aunt's trampoline she had an accident. We don't know how nor when but she hurt her leg. After many tedious hours of doctors and x-rays the beautiful little princess was finally told she would have to have a purple leg for a month so she could walk again. Her beautiful leg has a buckle fracture under her right knee where her tibia meets the socket. The cast extends from hip to toe. She has had the cast for almost two weeks and has to have the cast until July 6th. I may have over reacted for the first week and still make Heather feel like crap every time she sees Makayla but my theory is she should be watching the kids outside. Oh well. Here is my Makayla, crazy as ever! And believe me, it only slowed her down the first day.

If you are having a bad day take a look at this

Go ahead. Try not to smile at my cute little man!

Game Over

No explanation needed!

All for the love

Over two years ago a good friend of mine, Emily, her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. While going through chemotherapy her family did a shaving party. While I was not about to shave my head I did start to think about something I could do to contribute. I decided to start growing out my hair to donate to Locks of Love.

Before: Hair down to there (I'm still kicking myself for not taking a pic right before)

After:

I am glad to report that her mother is doing well and the cancer is in remission.

In a blink of an eye

Happy 1st Month!!

Introducing my little man

Evan Craig Thompson. Leah picked the name. I believe she was inspired. The best part is she told my father in law and sister in law what she was going to name him before she said anything to Craig or myself. Evan was born on Friday April 3, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. He weighed 7lbs 7.5 oz (which was a whole pound larger than my girls with an epidural that did not work so ouch!) and was 21.5 inches long. He is my big boy and we are all excited to have him here!! Here he is.

Minutes old while the nurses did thier thing and yes he has already been made fun of because of his chicken legs and giant, non-newborn feet!

After the nurses did their thing.

Meeting his big sister for the first time. Leah is in love!!

The men of my life!!

Oh Mamma!

This past Thursday my mom-in-law, sis-in-law and myself went to see Mamma Mia!! It was soooo much fun!! If you haven't seen it go rent the movie. Not as spectacular but still a lot of fun! We had been planning this since last August and we had been hoping and praying that I would be able to go! We sat 4 rows from the orchestra pit. Jolene, my mother-in-law, had to take out her hearing aid because it was so loud. Her favorite part was watching the conductor. He was a fifty something year old man jamming out to the songs of ABBA! It was so funny watching him sing and dance along with the actors. My favorite part was the costumes!! AMAZING!!
I've decided that Craig and I are going to dress up as Donna and Sam from Mamma Mia for Halloween. I just have to convince him!

I think doctors lie!!!

Yes I am still preggo dispite the roller coaster of contractions from this past week. I think he told me what I wanted to hear just so he could go on to the next patient. Granted Dr. Gordon was really busy last week. That is okay though, it never hurts to have the baby a little more "fully cooked" as my mother in law would say. I don't know why I got so excited about the thought of having him already. I've never had a baby earlier than 39 weeks anyway. My next appointment is Thursday so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he will just send me to the hospital to get the little sucker out but I have my serious doubts.

On a happier note I just got a phone call from Albuquerque Public School System and Leah has been accepted to transfer to the Eubank Elementary! WOO HOO!!!!! I hate the public school systems out here and we can't afford private school but by some miracle she was selected to transfer to the best public elementary school in Albuquerque. I'm already dreading the amount of money I will be spending on gas to get her there everyday but a good education is worth it!!
Yikes!!! Am I really old enough to have a child in kindergarden? Ugh I'm getting old!

36 weeks down, 4 to go?

Maybe yes maybe no. I had a baby doctor appointment this morning and my body is doing what it is suppose to be doing. Shocking I know!! But the wonderful news is they are predicting that in about two weeks we should have our little no name! When he was checking me he was like wow, there's a head right there. Dr. Gordon said if I went any longer than that he would be extremely amazed. He's been right with my girls so hopefully!! Keep your fingers and toes crossed!!!!

Has the baby come out?

Oh my dear sweet husband, NO!!!! We had a preterm labor scare two weeks ago so every one here in Albuquerque is on the edge of their seat waiting for me to pop. I went to bed last night with a little bit of pain and woke up with it still this morning. I told Craig that everything is fine and sent him off to work. Its nothing that sitting on your bum all day eating ice cream couldn't fix anyway. But oh my lovely husband keeps calling me and texting me 'Has the baby come out?' If I were in labor don't you think you would have known?!?! I think he is just trying to get out of work and is using me as an excuse. But I love him anyway!

The greatest words a mother can hear

I HAVE TO PEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!At least she is doing it!

It's just so exciting!!

So today marked one week of Makayla not having a single accident while potty training. So as a reward I took her to McDonalds to play at their play place. She got so excited she peed her pants. Go figure!

I think I need my head examined!!

Being 30 weeks pregnant I don't really need a lot of stress in my life but that doesn't stop me. I am a full time mom who works two jobs, has an 8 week old puppy we are trying to house break, a 6 week old kitty that loves to prevent me from geting any sleep, in-laws that are constantly trying to be apart of every waking second in my life and a husband that works 12 hour shifts five days a week. The icing on the cake has to be my little Makayla! She has decided that she wants to be a big girl like her sister and go potty in the toilet. While I am grateful for the fact that she is so interested in it I just don't have the time or the energy to do such! Nevertheless here we are. Today would be day seven and still going strong. I am happy to admit that she is still very interested and is taking to it very well!! Out of six days we have only had one accident. I am very excited about the prospect of not having to change another diaper until little no name little boy here arrives!! I must admit though I think it was time anyway. When a child can get a diaper and lay on the floor saying "I'm wet! Change me!!" they are more than big enough to be potty trained!! Wish us luck!

Welcome to the Family

Once upon a time before Thanksgiving we had three wonderful cats, Smokey, Tiger, and Big Mama Kitty. Big Mama ran away because of a little annyoing boy that I am thankful is no longer in my life and we were down to two. After Makayla's birthday in the middle of January my co-worker was getting rid of puppies and we decided to give one a nice home. So we were back to three animals, Smokey, Tiger and Walle. Smokey and Tiger are in door and outdoor cats and love to be daring by attacking dogs and chasing cars. Well about ten days ago I was at work when I got a phone call from my husband that Smokey had been brutally attacked and I needed to take him to the animal hospital. I got him to the pet hospital as quickly as I could and there was nothing I could do for him. We had to put him to sleep. I cried for three days and ate an entire cheesecake by myself. By Saturday I had stopped crying enough that Craig, being the sweet guy that he is, decided to try to cheer me up and brought me home another kitty. The girls decided to name him Diego. He is cute but very active!!! He will never replace my Smokey but he makes Leah and Makayla very happy!

Happy 2nd Birthday Makayla!!!!

It's true! She is now 2! As Craig would say she is no longer our baby girl but a big girl now!! We didn't do anything super special for her birthday since it was too stinking cold outside but we did go to Build a Bear where she picked out a Hello Kitty that she had been wanting since before Christmas. Afterward we did pizza and cake with the cousins. Her favorite part of the day was getting her Hannah Montana Microphone that had lipgloss in it! She will put the mic up to your cheek and make you sing Hannah Montana and if you don't know anything by her then you are in a world of trouble!! Just ask her Grandma Thompson!!

Who doesn't love getting stinky from leaves?

If my girls had their way they would have spent all day in those stinky leaves! Yuck but CUTE!

Kitties and Cookies

So in honor of Big Mama Leah and I would play kitties and would talk like kitties. Well the day before Thanksgiving we decided that we wanted to make cookies and there you have it. I cute little kitty face making cookies!

Farewell Big Mama!!

So it's around Thanksgiving now and I had been watching this little boy for a member in the ward for a few weeks because they needed some help part time. He may have been a cute kid but was very much a little terror when his parents were not around. He had hit Leah over the head with a tree branch in our back yard, pushed Makayla down our stairs and and had given him a bloody nose. He has never had to share before and has no idea of how to interact with others. So one day all of us were playing in the back yard when I had to come inside for no more than two minutes to get my phone from upstairs. When I came back downstairs I see my girls playing ponies on the floor in the livingroom. I ask "Where's Alex?" Leah replies he's outside. What I didn't mention is that he is animal crazy and we have three cats two of which are outdoor/indoor and the other is indoor only. So I run out back to make sure he is okay and he is not there. I don't have a very large yard so it's hard to loose someone back there. I FREAKED (normal reaction). I start running around the house screaming his name and checking all of his hiding places inside and out. My girls are running around after me screaming Alex! Alex! I come downstairs to call his mother when I hear a very soft knocking at my front door. It was Alex. He had climbed over my fence chasing one of my cats. So after that his outside privileges were taken away at my house. So a week has passed and he comes over again. He knows he is not allowed outside and it's his favorite place in my house! To make his life worse my kitties will not come inside and Big Mama (our third cat) is hiding from him under our bed. Well somehow he tried to get a hold of her and she went running. Well sometime I had my back turned on this kid and he's trying to open my back door. He can't open it wide enough for him but enough for Big Mama to get out and she did. She ran and has never came back. We looked everywhere for her but to this day she is still gone. We will miss you Big Mama!!

Too cute to spook!

Okay so I know that Halloween was like forever ago but I feel that if I don't catch up I will never be able to! So this past Halloween we had two beautiful little Disney characters, Tinker Bell and Minnie Mouse. Makayla as Minnie was a no brainer since she is her all time favorite thing and Leah after watching the Tinker Bell movie after it came out the week before decided she had to be Tink!! My most favorite part of this holiday, the fact that we spent the entire night without any of my in-laws. Now I know that it sounds bad but I didn't have extended family around for everything when I was growing up and I would like to be able to be more independent when it comes to holidays and such. It's fine to do some things and spend some time but not let them consume the whole day! Anyway, we went to our ward Halloween party which was the first time I had been to one outside since my Casa Grande days. This girls really weren't that into it so we decided to do the door to door thing in our neighborhood and it was wonderful! Leah was determined not to come home until her pumpkin was filled to the top with candy! Whenever she wasn't looking we would sneak some of Makayla's candy into Leah's pumpkin just so we could end a little earlier. We still have candy to this day!