The Thompson Times

Summer is HERE!!!

2011-06-23T04:39:00.000-07:00

This is the 3rd summer break I've had since I started this blog! Kinda neat to look back on the summers before and see what we did and when we did it!

This summer is by far the busyiest summer I've had in a really really long time. Having my sweet Millie girl means lots of people want to get their hands on her and we have to share. This of course means traveling to do so.

We spent all last week visiting Clint's family in Tifton. We had a great time and enjoyed hanging out with Nana and Papa. While there Millie had her first real choking experience at a resturant with Nana and I. It was SO BAD...so bad that I had to do the infant Himlic on my sweet baby. I have NEVER been so scared. Thank the Lord everything ended up okay, but I am watching her like a hawk even more. The day after her choking incident, Clint got in a truck/trailer accident while hauling a load of 2,000+ cantelopes. Other than messing up the truck and spilling about 200 cantelopes and slowing down progress...all was well. I was still so shaken about Millie choking the day before that I freaked out a little more than necessary about this accident. Oh well...He is my husband and the thought of him going through something so scary (the wreck happened on a bridge) makes me so sad! Other than those two events...we had a blast! Millie even swam for the first time and really liked the pool!

We are leaving tonight for WR and will pick up to Nashville tomorrow morning! I am beyond excited to spend time with my people for about 4 days! I just cannot wait. Dreading the 9 hour trip with an 11 month old, but hoping she does well.

11 MONTHS! Holy cow! We are in the middle of planning her 1st birthday party and I am trying to not be "that" mom that over does it. It is hard, but I think I am managing well. I never realized the cost that went into planning a birthday party. Makes me thankful that Millie was born in the summer as we always seem to have a little extra cash during that time. We are having a cookout at our house for JUST family....but that will be about 30 people we think. Oh.My! We will have a blast I am sure!

BEACH TRIP!!! Clint, Millie and I are going (next weekend) to Fernandina Beach to get family beach pictures made. We are thrilled for the 3 day get away with JUST us 3! We are now just trying to find a hotel that we can afford and that is decent.

Tata for now!
Until next time,
Sam

Day 3: Your views on Drugs and Alcohol

2011-05-20T12:31:00.000-07:00

I am not gonna go crazy on this one. It has been a long day...a long GREAT day...but nevertheless, long. I am leaving soon to meet my Dad and Step mom who are coming through town, so I am pretty excited!

Drugs- Illegal. Nuff said! No, in all seriousness...there is some crazy stuff out there. I've watched Intervention enough to be scared to death to every try it. And honestly...wouldn't know the first place to go to get drugs.

I do enjoy Ibuprofen every so often, but only for the aches and pains as they come.

Oh...and don't get me started on the drug we call "Epidual"! HEAVEN!

Alcohol. Not for me. Never tried it, don't plan to. I don't judge people that do drink. I just know it has no place in my life. I've been burned by the stuff...I truly belive it caused a lot of pain in my life growing up. So...I stay away and have no desire whatsoever!

Yeah...so not very interesting I know. Maybe tomorrow will be better!

Until next time,
Sam

Day 2: Where I see myself in 10 years

2011-05-19T06:40:00.000-07:00

I was asked this about 10 years ago (okay well almost 11 years) as I was anticipating my High School graduation.

10 years ago I said the following:

Graduated from College- Check
Married by 21- How about 25?-Check
Teaching- Finishing up my 7th year now- Check
3 kids- How about 1 cute little girl named Millie Kaye?- Check
Living in a big house- How about a small "starter home" that we love?- Check

I feel accomplished~ but even with all of that, I KNOW there is SO much more to life! SO MUCH MORE!

So....in 10 years...

1- LOVING God with all that I am. Not just because I teach in a Christian School or go to church when the doors are open. But because I LOVE Him and am SO thankful for his sacrifice for little ol me! Being REAL with Him. I mean, He knows me inside and out...He made me for goodness sake. Serving Him with my life...not just with words, but that REAL relationship!

2- Still be madly in love with my husband, taking time for us and serving each other.

3- One more baby- preferably within the next 5 years. NO WE ARE NOT TRYING NOW for those of you wondering. (SO many people ask that question...SHEESH!) (And for the record, I'd love more than 2, but the reality is, the money just isn't there. I know if that is in HIS plan for us, all will be well. We shall see)

4- Continuing on the journey we call Parenthood- I knew it would come and I knew we would be "Parenting" Millie, I just didn't realize how soon the word NO would be used on a regular basis. I didn't realize how at 9 months old, we would have to start slapping her little hands. OH.MY.SOUL We have a VERY strong-willed little girl on our hands. My prayer is that we do the best for her to help her turn into the Woman she will be one day. Quite the task for sure!

5- I am content with my job and my home and even my little Toyota Corolla...it will be paid off in 3 years! On the job front, I wouldn't mind a few changes, but I have had to give that to the Lord. It is beyond me and TOTALLY out of my hands! Out of 7 years of teaching, this has been my best class but the year that has presented me with the MOST challenges outside of the classroom. I am praying that the years get better!

6- Weight. I WOULD love in 10 years to be a size 4. (HAHA) Really, I just would love to be happy and not have to shop in the plus size department. ONE of the ways I'd like to accomplish this is to be a RUNNER! Weird I know...I DESPISE running, but I think Runners are SO COOL! (Yes, you Leah, I think you are cool) I am not saying I want to do marathons, but I'd like to be the lady that you always see running around the neighborhood. The big 3-0 is coming up in the year 2012. I'd like to see these changes before that takes place...we shall see! I have to be MENTALLY prepared and to be honest...I am not quite there yet. And..I need a jogging stroller!

7- In 10 years I would like to have visited NYC! I talk about it alot and think it would be so so fun!

8- I would like to star on "The Real Housewives of Thomasville, Georgia" HAHAHA!

I think that is all for now!

Check back tomorrow!
Sam

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 1

2011-05-18T07:28:00.000-07:00

Day 1- Your Current Relationship

Married! Happily, so-in-love, amazed by him, Married! The meeting and first date stories are to come in a later post so I will save that for then.

For SO LONG, all I wanted to do was get married. I NEVER dated in high school or college, but boy did I have some crushes! Big, bad, make-you-cry crushes! I seriously had one boy per year that I would fixate/obsess over during that entire school year! I was REDICULOUS!!! I look back now and realize how crazy I truly was!

What is really crazy is that I can name each one and associate the year of school with him. It all started in 6th grade- Russel Kennedy! And each year it continued. Another victim was added to my list! People, I am talking, 3 years of middle school, 4 years of high school (that was only two boys...1 boy for 2 years), 4 years of college...and yes EVEN 3 years out of college. Unreal. I haven't thought about this for a while now, but writing this out is making me cringe.

I was always either a "friend" or the girl that the boy didn't even know existed. I was asked recently how many times my heart has been broken. I can proudly say never. Clint was my first boyfriend, my first time holding hands, my first kiss and my first TRUE love. However, looking back over those moldable years...I felt the same thing over and over and over again. REJECTION! It is not the same as a true heartbreak, but boy did it hurt!

**Sidenote-I am SO thankful to be a child of the KING and NEVER have to worry about being rejected by Him.

I am SO THANKFUL for my wonderful husband! From day one of our relationship he always listened and cared. He laughs at my jokes and just completely gets me. He puts me in my place at times and has really helped me to stop talking about people. He pays attention to the little things and lets me run the show when it comes to the things I am passionate about. We are coming up on our 3rd anniversary and I couldn't be more in love. We have had a crazy 3 years (wedding, moving 3 times, buying a house, having a baby etc. etc. etc.) but there is NO ONE else in the world I would want to do this with! I love you boo!

Stay tuned for Day 2!

Until next time,
Sam

30 Day Blog Challenge

2011-05-17T06:57:00.000-07:00

I am SUCH a blog-loser! No lie! It has been OVER a month since my last post and SO much has happened that I am JUST now taking the time to write about!

I am HOPING all of my blog woes are over as we finally have a working computer at home! Yeesh!

Our move went great and we are finally (somewhat) settled into our new house! It has been SO incredibly nice to have a home of our own and all that comes with it! I will say that days of lounging around were already at a minimum due to having a baby, but now they are pretty much non-existant due to having a house to keep! I am SO thankful to have it though! Our first mortgage payment is due June 1st! YIPES!

Millie is 10 MONTHS OLD! She is doing very well! We have officially survived her first ear infection and breathing treatments! She is on the mend and back to normal. She is giving kisses like crazy. Saying Mama, Dada, bye-bye, uh-oh and even baby. She only recognizes the baby on her yogurt container at this point. It really cracks me up. She even is saying bye-bye to her toys in the bathtub when she gets out! It is so incredibly cute! She has 7 teeth and is an eating queen. We are still doing baby foods as our doctor reccommended staying on that until she is a year. I am looking forward to the fresh fruits and veggies the summer brings!

We survived our first crisis with her a week ago this past Sunday. She has gotten to the point of throwing little tantrums when she is told no. This time she did it on the tile...REAL tile. Needless to say, I jumped up, swooped her up and when I pulled her away from my chest, all I saw was blood. Lots of blood. I was an ABSOLUTE mess and totally useless! I was literally yelling at Clint to call 911. We couldn't figure out where the blood was coming from and I was so freaked out. We finally decided to take her to the ER. It was at that point when I felt the fresh air hit my face that I realized how rediculous I was being. It was a literal reality check. Also, in that moment, realizing that she was no longer crying. That was a pretty good sign that all was going to be well. We ended up putting her in the bathtub and letting her suck on her washcloth. That eventually stopped the blood and helped us to see the TEENY TINY cut in her top gums. :)

Clint and I are going to a Braves game for our anniversary during the memorial day weekend. It is about 2 weeks before our anniversary but very much needed. That is the only Saturday he will have off for a while so we are making the best of it. Millie is going to stay with my parents in Warner Robins that weekend. We are very excited!

I am starting the 30 Day Blog Challenge (see below) I figure that will give me fun stuff to do. Now...let's be honest about two things: 1- I will be chaging a few topics and 2-Do not expect this to be 30 CONSECUTIVE days in a row. :)

I hope you will read and enjoy!

Until next time,
Sam

10 Minute Update

2011-04-14T12:56:00.000-07:00

Well HEEELLLLOOOOO!!!! (Said like Mrs. Doubtfire)

Once again, it has been a while! I am surrounded by 22 HUGE state reports that need grading, a stack of papers to file and a classroom floor that really needs to be vaccuumed...but here I sit. For 10 minutes. I promise that is all...

HOUSE!!! The much anticipated date of April 15th is tomorrow! That was supposed to be our close date. Well, as this usually goes, it is not happening! We will be closing ONE week from today. Almost exactly at this time! It's all good considering our moving team will be coming bright and early on Good Friday...the day after we close! I am SO SCARED of the closing. I just get this butterfly/about to get on a roller coaster/ucky feeling in my stomach. This is just a really big deal and I am a scardy cat...so put it all together and there you have it. ME...Scared!
We have prayed about this for so long and the doors just keep opening and all seems to be well...I guess I am just waiting for the other shoe to fall. I know I shouldn't. I really should just give it to the Lord and know that He will take care of us! So, that is what I do...pretty regularly actually!

My sweet sweet Millie girl turned 9 months old yesterday! My heart is just so full of love for her! I adore so much about her. She is LOVING bananas...the real, actual banana! I think back to when she was just a tiny little baby and I remember thinking it would be FOREVER before I had to worry about her eating real food. WRONG! It's here! She loves graham crackers too! She LOVES standing up and even shakes her little booty to whatever music plays from her toys. She shakes her head no and waves all the time. We are SO close to getting her to clap too! I like to claim she is a genius! I just think she is so smart! We took her to get her 9 month pictures this past Saturday. We took some with live bunnies! At first she was quite cautious but by the end of it, she was grabbing their ears and trying to put them in her mouth! Poor bunnies! It was quite fun and the pictures turned out great! We are starting to see her temper from time to time. I'm not gonna lie...she has one for sure! She HATES laying on her changing table to be changed so we have to distract immediately. If we are one second slow, she gets angry. I love her personality, even during the firey times too. She still has the most beautiful blue eyes that just take you in! Awww...I could go on for days! I cannot wait to get in our house for the simple fact of being able to take her outside and let her explore the grass and swing in her very own swing one day!

School/Work is going well. This is the first year that I am not COUNTING DOWN THE DAYS for summer to get here. I don't know what the deal is. I feel kind of guilty for it too. I know I will get a whole summer of mommy and Millie time, so I should be SO READY. I am ready, and I will love the summer for sure, but I will miss this class! I will miss these kids so much...wanna know a secret....I cried about it yesterday. No, not a snotty, sloppy cry, but I definately teared up. This is the smartest class I have ever had and I adore them. Ahhh...bummer!

Of course there are SEVERAL things that I want to scream about on here, but I will save that for another day! :) Like when I become private and make sure that certain people are not reading this. I don't think they do, but you never know!

Okay....times up!

Off to get my girl!

Until next time,
Sam

Really Quick

2011-03-08T12:59:00.000-08:00

I SHOULD be writing lesson plans, but I have decided to take a 5 minute break to catch up on the goings on in the Thompson household!

Millie Kaye is growing growing growing! She gets cuter and cuter everyday! She is such a sweet baby and I adore her oh so very much! She will be EIGHT months old on Sunday to which I say "I cannot believe how fast time flies!" she is eating like a champ and has mastered scooting! She has also found out she very much enjoys holding on to mommy and daddy and standing up! She gets a big toothy grin on her face. Speaking of toothy...she has FIVE teeth! 3 on top and 2 on bottom. The 3 on top are still working their way down, but they are SO there! She babbles da-da-da all the time. Of course, Daddy thinks she is talking about him, but mommy has other ideas. I am just holding out for those da-da-das to turn into ma-ma-mas!

HOUSE! We have a close date my people! April 15th! YIPES! We JUST started the packing/trashing process this past Sunday. We have the guest/office somewhat in packing order. I cannot believe this is happening, but even moreso I cannot believe the timing! I am just praying for LOTS of patience as we finish up the school year and move and get settled all at the same time!

Well....I must go! I have to stop by the cafeteria to see if they have any boxes ready for me! Let the fun begin!

Until next time,
Sam

10 minutes

2011-02-01T13:12:00.000-08:00

10 minutes is all I have for a super fast update on all the goings on...

* Millie Kaye is 6 MONTHS OLD...well 6 1/2 technically! She is SO.MUCH.FUN. at this age! I just adore her giggles, her funny faces, her scruched up nose and her (at times) raging attitude! She is eating more and more "table" food...she loves baby yogurt, fresh fruits and those horribly messy cookie bars! She is rolling like a mad woman and even navigates the crib...don't ask me how! She has learned to poke her booty up in the air to help her get to where she wants to go! It wont be long before crawling is going on!

* House- One would thing we were in the middle of a building boom! WE AREN'T PEOPLE! But, in good ole T'Ville GA we like to take our time! Our original close date of 2/25 has been changed to "toward the end of May"...MY BUSIEST time of the year with the end of school! All I can say is that I am just SO thankful we didn't breathe a word of this to the apartment people...otherwise we would be homeless for 3 months!

* Travel- We haven't done much of anything really since Christmas. We have taken one trip to Warner Robins to welcome my sweet baby nephew, Wesley Owen into this world! I am SO IN LOVE with that little man already! Millie and I are getting ready to go back right before Valentines day because my sister Dani is flying in from Denver to get her baby fix! Can't wait to see her!

* Love- I love my husband! Period. Point Blank! It was 4 years ago today that our "Match was created" on EHarmony.com! I am so thankful for such a wonderful man!

Well...that is all for now! I didn't use the whole 10 minutes...I am off to score some tickets to the Harlem Globetrotters...Happy Valentines day my love! :)

Until next time,
Sam

Should be....

2010-12-23T12:07:00.000-08:00

These are the things I SHOULD be doing while Millie sleeps: (This is my way of making a list)

- Cleaning the kitchen...it's not bad, but it needs to be done before we leave tomorrow! Gotta remember to take my mother-in-law her pie pan back. It's in the dishwasher...dirty. Bottles need to be washed too...surprise, surprise.

- Addressing a card to H with the Similac coupon.

- Emailing Similac to ask WHY they are NOT putting the soy formula in the big tubs. UGH! I already did that once...they said they'd send me a coupon for my patience. They sent me a card for a FREE TUB of formula...WHICH THEY STILL DON'T sell in Soy! Yeesh!

- Putting the folded towels away and hanging up the hang up clothes.

- Getting the beautiful flowers that Clint gave me last week (that are no longer beautiful) ready to take out to the dumpster.

- Doing my hair. I got it cut on Monday. I got bangs. THEY are DRIVING me CRAZY! If I'd actually style it, they may not bug me so badly. But why style when all I am doing is staying home and packing?

- Putting my camera in Millie's Diaper bag so I don't foget it for the big Christmas adventure.

- Mailing one last Christmas card to the Boyd's. Didn't mean to forget them. Oops!

- Checking the bank account for the Sirius charge. I need to write the EXACT amount in my checkbook.

What I am actually doing with the much appreciated nap time that is slowly coming to and end as I type this....

-Writing my blog

-browsing Facebook and contemplating deleting a few peeps

-drinking a Diet Coke

-eating my FAVORITE candy...Ferrero Rocher

-Watching the Doctors

-Reclining in the recliner

It's okay right??? It will all get done! At least I have a list of things to do now!

Enjoying my Christmas break for sure!

Until next time,
Sam

For Real??

2010-12-21T07:02:00.000-08:00

October 21st! OCTOBER 21st was my last post. That means that the entire month of November went by without one post documenting the goings on in our lives! I hate that! Between working, traveling, having a 4/5 month old, looking for houses and trying to live the time for sitting down to blog has been used up! I have so many times thought about just deleting this blog and being done with it so the silent pressure of "you need to blog" is no longer on me, but I WANT to have this "family journal" of sorts in the future. So, I press on. And, it's okay if a month passes before I blog again. I'll catch up. I am going to try and make a goal of at least once a week...we shall see!

November: November was a good month. Millie celebrated her 4th month of life and is doing fantastic! She went to the Doctor for her 4 month check up and weighed in at a whopping 15 lbs 8 oz and was 25 1/2 inches long! She is right on target! We started cereal at 4 months which helped very much with her sleeping through the night. She will still wake up and want her passie, but she does very well! She also started rolling over in November too! She is a rolling machine! Thanksgiving was great! We were able to visit family in Tifton and Warner Robins. It was a small taste of what Christmas will be like! Clint finished up the busy football season and I checked a bunch of things off the list at work. We also went several times looking for houses and finally decided to build. The plans have been in the works for a while and we are hitting road bumps left and right but hope to be in by April of 2011! We are so thankful for this opportunity!

Currently I am on Christmas break. That would explain the available time to blog! Clint has 3 more days of work and will be off until Jan 4th! As much as I hate that he has to work nights and we don't see him much, I am more and more thankful for his type of work. It is because of his job that Millie doesn't have to be in fulltime daycare or a daycare center at that. And also, he gets most of his time off at Christmas and Summer which is the same for me making it really special!

We had Clint's parents over this past Sunday night for supper. We enjoyed it very much and love them tons! Millie was great and even helped her Daddy while playing spades. He still lost though! Mommy and Papa won! Woohoo!

The house situation is moving slowly! As much as I am excited about finally being out of this apartment, I am also very thankful that we aren't rushing around during the holidays trying to get stuff done. I am confident that things are going just like they need to be at this point!

Millie is 5 months old now and is SO MUCH FUN! I adore her! She is eating baby food and is an absolute champ at it! She has loved Green Beans, Peas and Sweet potatoes so far. Carrots are next so we shall see. We plan to introduced bananas on Christmas morning! She is SO happy and talks and smiles all the time! Sometimes her happy face just overwhelms me with love and joy that I just can't take it and I cry. I thank the Lord for giving her to us and pray that we do the best job we can...with His help of course!

Christmas is just a few days away! This time last year I was so SICK and really had to strive to enjoy the season. I remember not even being able to decorate the tree last year. I just had to lay flat on the couch and watch Clint do it...i could barely unwrap the ornaments for him. This year was a whole different story. We had Millie in her seat and she watched us decorate the tree. What a special time!

My sister Katy is due any day now with my nephew Wesley! I am so excited I can hardly stand it! My other sister Elizabeth, unfortnately just miscarried her 2nd baby. My heart breaks for her and I so wish she weren't so far away! My other sister Danielle should be flying in tomorrow from Denver! I know I am THRILLED to see her! She is going to be AMAZED at how big Millie is compared to the last time she saw her! I can't wait to see their interaction!

I believe that is all! We are truly loving life and enjoying each day more than the last! God is SO faithful and SO incredibly loving that it blows my mind most of the time!

Here's to ONE more post before 2011!

Until next time,
Sam

To buy...not to buy...to buy...not to buy...

2010-10-21T06:43:00.001-07:00

Oh Boy!!! The time has come for Clint and I to get really serious about buying our first home! This was something we wanted to to when we first got married, but everything was SO unsure. My job, his job, location, etc. Of course, all of that is still "unsure" because one never knows what tomorrow will bring, BUT, we have decided to step out on faith and see where it takes us!

I have been pondering taking this step for a while. I had been seeing "the house" on my drive home from work everyday. I would see it, then my mind would start to wander. I would start figuring out financial things in my head and think about Clint's reaction when I told him that I was thinking about it. Finally, (should have started sooner) I began to pray about it. I wanted so badly to make sure this was something the Lord wanted us to do. I've been praying for about a month...

Last week, Clint dropped off Millie with his parents for her first over-night outing. (She did GREAT, by the way) While having a quick lunch with his parents, they mentioned..."you know, you guys should really think about buying a house"...and went on to list the whys. Clint told them that he had really been thinking AND praying about it. When he told me of their conversation and that he had been thinking about it...I was SO thrilled! I know that was of the Lord! Sidenote: I am SO incredibly thakful to have a praying, God-honoring, Husband!

Clint went to the bank yesterday (He is furloughed this week) and had a meeting with a bank person about the first steps of getting a home loan! We both have great credit...(I was shocked about mine...long story!) and would be approved to get a loan at 4%!!!! CRAZY low!

At this point we are figuring out how we are going to come up with the 3.5% down payment, but we know that the Lord will provide.

Let the search begin! We want to make sure that we get THE house that God has for us and our little family!

Until next time,
Sam

Happy 3 Months!

2010-10-13T07:31:00.001-07:00

3 months ago today, our sweet Millie joined our family! What an absolute JOY she is to our lives!
She is growing so so much and rather quickly too! She is still eating 4 to 5 ounces every three hours. She has become SO vocal with her little coos that it just makes me smile all the time. She has been pretty regular with going down for the night at 9:30 then up again at 5:00 to eat. I don't mind a bit since I wake up at 5:15 and allow myself a little play time with her before heading off to work. She is BY FAR the happiest bright and early in the morning! She smiles so much and is making eye contact now...I cannot get enough!
Sadly, as of yesterday, she has her very first cold. It hurts my heart to hear her congested. She still manages to offer a smile here and there and is quite the sleepy head. She is now wearing 3 month clothes accross the board. No more 0-3 month clothes! I feel like her closets and dressers have revolving doors...I am constantly moving stuff around...especially now with the change in seasons!
Millie went to her first football game this past Saturday. She went to cheer on her cousin Brandon who is 10. She had a diaper blowout and two outfit changes but even still managed to have a great time!

This Friday is our annual Harvest Fest at school. I am required to be there and an active part of running my booth "Bucket Bonanza" and Clint has to cover a football game, so Millie is off for her FIRST spend the night party with her Nana and Papa T. I know they are thrilled, but I am honestly already sad about it! For a quick, fleeting moment, I thought about how nice it will be to actually sleep in on Saturday morning...but the longer I think about it, the more I KNOW there will be NO sleeping in, just a jump in the car for the hour long road trip to go get our girl!

Saturday we have her 3 month photo shoot scheduled! I can't wait for that! Still trying to figure out which outfits she will wear! SO FUN!

Well, I must run and get some work done! Enjoy this picture from the football game!

Until next time,
Sam

Coolest of the cool

2010-10-02T17:51:00.001-07:00

So I got a webcam for my birthday! It is offically hooked up and useable now! I talked to my sister in Germany this morning and showed off Millie to her...incredible! I've talked to my crazy mom twice already today on it...so FUN! I can't wait to talk to my 2 awesome friends from TN and see how they are doing! IT really is just the coolest contraption. I know I may be a few years behind...but you know what they say...better late than never right?

Things are good her in T'ville! Millie is snoozin for the night and I am waiting for the last load of clothes to dry. I am also procrastinating...I need to grade my Science tests and History tests. If I accomplish that tonight I am home free for tomorrow!

Dad and Cindy are coming to visit tomorrow. They will get here right when we get home from church! I can't wait to see them. It has been about a month since they've seen Millie! She has changed SO much!

We have her 3 month photo shoot scheduled for the 16th! I am actively thinking about what she will wear. Clint and I are also going to take a few pictures with Millie, so thinking about matching outfits has me a little excited! So fun!

I sent back all the infected baby formula this morning! Wonder when we'll actually see a check! On my way home from taking the boxes, I spotted a yard sale. I saw a HUGE mound of pink clothes. I knew from the looks of things that they were baby clothes! I found two, practically brand new, outfits for Millie. One from Baby Gap and the other is Carter's brand. They are 3 month warm clothes. Somewhere in the craziness of preparing for Millie, I totally missed the fact that when she would be 3 months old, it would be FALL! I have ONE outfit that isn't short sleeved, tank topped or summery. Must go shopping...what a bummer...NOT! We are still playing with gift cards, so this is the SO FUN type of shopping!

Work has been okay! I had my first experience with "reprimanding" an adult. I've never had to do that before, nor has it been my responsibility before. But Tuesday was the day for me and I HATED every moment of it! I had that SICK feeling all day, but thankfully it was taken well and responded to well by the involved parties. Can't go into too much detail as I am not really sure who reads this! So far, this year has been extremely frustrating on SO MANY levels that there are days when I really wonder what I am doing! I am trying to stay encouraged and not get down, but it is really tough! I REALLY miss 6th grade!

That is about all I can think of at this point. I am giving myself a 30 minute window to complete my grading, fold clothes and get ready for tomorrow! After that...SLEEP!

Much love!
Until next time,
Sam

Whew...

2010-09-24T18:23:00.000-07:00

Wow what a week! I feel like I can finally breathe once we make it to Friday night! This has been one crazy, hectic, WEIRD week for sure!

Monday started off with me turning 28! I had an AWESOME birthday! Clint always does so well at making my days special! Got lots of goodies from family and even more from my class! Gift cards, chocolate, cheezits and pretzels...what more could a girl ask for??

Wednesday, as Millie and I made our way back home after church, I called Clint like always. He mentioned something about a Similc recall of formulas that I should check out. Low and behold...the four containers I had for Millie...possibly contaminated with Insect Parts! GROSS! I talked to a nurse (my room mom) about it and she mentioned that Millie would be fine, but not to feed her any more of the containers I had. SO...Clint went off to wally world for the liquid kind of formula until they put the powder back on the shelves. After TWO trips to Walmart at 11 at night...he finally got the right stuff! I call it liquid gold!

Yesterday I found out that my Grandma has a small tumor near her eye that has to be removed Tuesday of next week. They have already done a biopsy and have ruled out cancer, but they say it has to come off. They've also found a questionable spot by her mouth...weird! My mom also informed me Thursday that she has been diagnosed with full blown diabetes....WOW! (She later explained that it was the cause of her forgetfulness lately...like forgetting to call me on my birthday!)

This morning I got pulled over by the po-po and chastised! I wouldn't say I "broke the law", but I think I made him as a person, not as a po-po mad. I pulled out in front of him...but he was going too fast and caught up to me really quickly! THe blue lights started flashing...yikes! He stomped up to my car and said...kind of in a yelling tone "I shouldn't have to slam on brakes to keep from hitting you!!" I stared...he promptly turned and walked away, got in his cruiser and drove off. I was so confused...it was 6:45 in the morning mind you! WEIRD I say!

The day ended with me frantically grading 23 "Insect projects" so they could get them out of my room. Each student had to pin 10 dead bugs to a board and label them! GROSS!!!!

Millie is doing Super! She is snoozing away at the moment, so I think I am going to join her! I have feeding duty on weekends...fun times!

I hope you all have a great weekend!
Until next time,
Sam

Sweetness

2010-09-18T18:48:00.000-07:00

It is 9:30 p.m. and my sweet little one is sleeping peacefully. Will she sleep through the night...no probably not...BUT we have conquered the early bed time and I feel amazing!

My mom and Larry were here this weekend. They came in Friday and left about 4 this evening. It was short, sweet and to the point...but so fun! We just hung out Friday night at home and enjoyed staring at Millie and watching every move she made. Today we got up and went to a resturant called Jonah's. It was recently previewed in Southern Living magazine which is what caused my mom to want to go in. It is very small, very quaint but VERY yummy! The best part was the FREE cheesecake I got for it being my birthday celebration.

After a yummy lunch, Clint had to head to the Florida State University football game to cover it for tomorrow's paper. Mom, Larry, Millie and I went to a few shops downtown and then went to Cato to do some birthday shopping for me...three outfits later we were off to Walmart. I did some quick grocery shopping since I had help to carry up my groceries and off we went! It really was a nice weekend!

We are having a HUGE problem with our apartments! HUGE I tell ya! Last months electric bill was $305 and this months is $356...for AN APARTMENT! We are exhausting every possible thing we know to do to figure out what is causing this. The apartment people are not being too helpful and if ONE more person tells me it's because we had a baby I am going to blow a gasket! Hopefully a solution is discovered soon or it is back to Pioneer days for the Thompson family! :)

Work is good...busy, tiring, draining...but good at the same time! Millie's babysitter is WONDERFUl! Clint is the best daddy ever! My mom and grandma are in a pretty big fight at the moment! Millie gets dedicated October 17th! My birthday is Monday! I finished all the laundry today! I am addicted to Teen Mom! Real Housewives of ATL starts October 4th and I couldn't be more excited! Computer is about to die and I am too tired to get up and get the cord....so...

Until next time,
Sam

2 Months!!!

2010-09-13T02:47:00.001-07:00

Our sweet Millie is two months old today! I have a two month old!

Things are really great here besides the fact that I am fighting a cold and possibly coming down with an ear infection...ouch!

I have been back to work for 2 weeks and am wondering if I am ever going to get in the "flow" this year. Once everything has it's place in my classroom, I think things will go much smoother! I love my class of 10 year olds and am adjusting to the fact that I am the Grade Level Chair person of the 4th grade...people come to me!

Clint is busy with football season, but we are in a nice flow at home. This flow will last until basketball sneaks it's way into our lives once again.

My grandparents came to visit this past Friday. They arrived about 4pm, and were on the road by 10 am on Saturday. It was quick, which was nice since we really NEED our weekends around here to make sense of life again.

My Mom and Larry will be doing abou the same thing this upcoming weekend to celebrate my 28th birthday. Clint asked me last night if 28 is a big deal to me. It's not because I am EXACTLY where I want to be in life...it is wonderful!

And now for the star of this post...(by the way, I've given myself 10 minutes to write and it is 5:45 in the morning)

Millie Kaye!

Millie is doing GREAT! She is still eating like a champ and has bumped herself up to about 5 ounces at each feeding...some feedings she stops at 4, but others she just keeps on going. She and Daddy hang out every day until about 1:00 in the afternoon...and he loves it. She gets dropped off at Mrs. Sara's house about 1:30 and I arrive to pick her up about 4:45 each day. It has really been a smooth transition and we LOVE Mrs. Sara! Clint really loves the schedule because he has YET to have to change a poopy diaper...Millie saves them for Mrs. Sara!

Sleeping has gotten a TON better! for the last FIVE nights, she is in her crib between 9 and 9:30...she will grunt and groan and wiggle as she slowly falls asleep. She is up again between 3 and 4 to eat which is when Clint takes over. I am SO thankful we have gotten her to go down earlier, since at night time it's just she and I. I have about 23 4th graders who are thankful too! ;)

Millie is wearing 0-3 month clothes. I just went through the next section of her closet, 3-6 months, to see what I could find. We are going to be making the switch from summer to fall soon and I want her to be able to wear all her cute summer clothes.

I have a huge pile of clothes to go to the Women's Pregnancy Center...brand new...that she won't have the chance to wear. Glad I can find a place for them!

Back to Millie...she smiles now...a lot! I LOVE it! She has started following us with her eyes which just makes my heart melt! Ahhh I love her. She makes the cutest noises too! She gets very excited and it really seems like she is going to laugh...don't think it will be too long until that happens.

She has just started FREAKING OUT lately when Clint or I pick her up from the floor. We seriously have to get down really close, talk to her, touch her and slowly pick her up really close to us so she doesn't panic. I guess we were just startling her. It broke our hearts! I think she is a scaredy cat like her mommy!

Well...that is all for the moment! Thanks for being patient with me...it may be another month before I blog again!

Much love,
Sam

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-25T06:06:00.001-07:00

**I know these are on Facebook too, I just can't get enough...which is why I am in the process of writing to the city of Cordele, Georgia to see if they'd be interested in using one of these pictures for their bilboard on Interstate 75...Hey, they are the Watermelon capital...why wouldn't they??

My 3 Aunts

2010-08-19T10:01:00.001-07:00

**Sidenote: Here I sit...Millie next to me swinging away in her swing...(not-so)patiently awaiting the phone call that tell me weather my sister Katy is having a baby boy or a baby girl. So...I decided to blog to pass the time...you know, because I have nothing else to do! ;)

This past Sunday evening we met my mom, Larry and Aunt Dani at Cracker Barrell for a quick bite to eat before whisking Aunt Dani back to T'ville to spend 3 whole days with us. She lives in Colorado, so these trips are few and far, far, far between! This would be her first time meeting Millie after waiting so long! Needless to say, she was hooked from the first moment!
After eating, burping and changing Millie, we took off for T'ville. Mom and Larry made their way back to Warner Robins with promises to see us again next weekend...(tomorrow actually!)

After arriving in Thomasville, it was apparent that Aunt Dani is by far the coolest Aunt ever! At about 10:30, she looked at Clint and I and said, "Go to bed, I got this!" After a slight hesitation of "are you sure, you don't have to, blah blah blah," we were off to sleepy time! Aunt Dani even promised to get up with her in the middle of the night...which came at 5:00...and then again at 8:30!!! I slept for NINE hours my people and it was glorious!

Monday followed with a suprise visit from Dani's friend Colleen who lives about 2 1/2 hours from us. Dani was so surprised and excited to see her! They've been friends since 2nd grade...it was so neat to get to catch up! Colleen of course loved Millie too!

Tuesday came and went with a quick trip to Target and a nap for mommy. PJs were the purpose of the trip to Target. Millie has outgrown ALL of her newborn PJs and was down to two pair of the footie pajamas. (I am not a fan of the gown PJs like everyone told me I'd be..just me though) We found a few pair at Target that we got...2 were even on clearance...woohoo!

Wednesday I had to go to my school's open house. I felt like I "should" show up to meet the parents and students that are in my class this year! My sub was there too, which I am INCREDIBLY thankful for! She is a...wait for it...Degreed, experienced TEACHER that taught 3rd grade for 6 years!!!! She is now a SAHM with her cute daughter EllaGrace and was willing to help out for the first week! I am SO greatful for that super news! Anyway...Open House went great...kids seem lovely and parents do too! Everyone loved the pictures of Millie and were very excited for me! I am glad I went. Millie and Aunt Dani got to hang for a few hours, which they both really enjoyed!

Wednesday afternoon brought the arrival of my other two sisters, Elizabeth (Germany) and Katy! This was the first time we'd all 4 been together in 2 years! It was a VERY quick trip...I'm talking...18 hours...but very much worth it! We all vegged out, talked alot, watched some TV, had a photo shoot and ate pizza! SO FUN!

All 3 of them left at 8:00 this morning to be at Katy's Dr. Appt by 12:30. And...as of now...that's where they are. Still no news on the baby front, so I'll put some pictures to go along with this post...while I wait!

I always knew I loved my sisters...but seeing them with my girl, puts them all in a whole new light! It is SO neat to see people love the very thing that I love with all my heart! And...cue the tears!

Thanks for coming to visit girls! We love you and miss you already!

Until next time,
Sam

BTW...Katy is having a BOY!

One Month Reflections

2010-08-13T15:55:00.000-07:00

Well...it's official...Millie is one month old today!

Everyone...and I mean everyone...tells you that it goes fast. I believed them, really I did, but, apparently it's one of those things you just have to experience youself to really understand the truth to it all!

It really does feel like yesterday.

This last month has been great! I am not gonna lie...I miss my sleep! I miss watching a tv show, uninterrupted. I miss the freedom of being able to run to the store. I miss being able to eat at the same time as Clint. But all of that pales in comparison to what I adore. Seriously the list could go on and on and on forever of the wonderfulness that is mommyhood!

Millie eats like a champ. Now that we are on soy, the hiccups and gas are pretty much gone. She is downing 4 oz. at a time, and eating every 3-4 hours. She goes down for the night about 11ish and wakes again at 3am then again at 6ish..sometimes 7. She does really well at the 3 am feeding to eat, burp, get changed and go straight back to sleep...I get so proud of her...I am sure I look rediculous walking around at 3 am with a smile on my face!

We are officially out of newborn diapers. I learned this the hard way last night actually. All she had in her diaper bag was newborn size diapers...we've had her in size 1s at home for a couple of days now. As I put the newborn size on last night, it was quite the struggle...and quite snug! We managed to use all the newborn diapers that were given to us with the exception of 5 diapers...not too bad!

She is already out of most of her newborn sized clothes. Some of our favorite pjs are too small...it really hurts my heart actually!

She has a stuffed giraffe named Tip Top that her uncle Wesley brought her from Dollywood. She loves it. She will stare at it for long periods of time and even is starting to coo at it. I have a feeling we will be hanging with Tip Top quite a bit in the future!

I think that is about it for now! Time to go wash bottles for the evening...who knew that would take a solid 30 minutes????

My official one month picture!
Talking to Tip Top!
Until next time,
Sam

Thoughts on Stay-at-home Moms

2010-08-12T11:44:00.000-07:00

**This post is not intended to be judgemental or negative.

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a mom. Growing up, I babysat from the age of 12...children of all ages. I have been fortunate to be the kind of girl that can easily sooth fussy babies...(could be that I am quite squishy and comfy) :). I have always loved kids.

From the time I was in 4th grade, I wanted to be a teacher. I LOVE school supplies, kids, books and schedules. I love summers off, 2 weeks at Christmas, and teacher gifts. I love being the boss and I love to talk. Thankfully, what I wanted and what God planned for me have been in sync for 6 years now. I am about to start year 7 of teaching...and...wait for it...I couldn't be more excited!

Does that make me a bad mom? No...I already know the answer...it does not. Will I have times that I would rather stay home with my girl?...absolutely. Will I miss her so so much?...of course.

BUT...I have learned over the last month (1 month tomorrow!!) that I was not created to be a stay-at-home-mom. Don't get me wrong...I wasn't nieve enough to think that SAHM's sit on the couch and eat bon-bons all day, or are able to watch all the good day-time shows while they surfed the internet. I knew all of that...but...I had NO CLUE what would be expected of me as a SAHM for over a month. NO CLUE!

The sad part is that it isn't expectations that are put there by anyone but myself. I cannot be settled unless EVERYTHING is done. Laundry, bottles, clean kitchen, clean bathrooms...etc. I can honestly say that I don't notice most of this while working full time...somehow though it always got done. Now though, I am a mad woman throughout the day...(typing this blog is starting to make me feel guilty for sitting down so long...I am thinking of all the stuff that MUST be done...my definition of MUST).

I admire SAHM'S for sure. But as much as I admire them...I am thankful that God has called me to something different. I am curious to see what my posts will say after I go back to work on the 30th. Stay tuned!

Until next time,
Sam

That's the kind of God He is!!!

2010-08-12T11:25:00.000-07:00

**Honest Post Ahead

Right before the end of the last school year, I was "let go" from my duties as the Children's Director of the church. Being honest...I was bummed. I enjoyed having that job and the responsibilities that came with it. I KNEW that our budget was drasticly changing by adding a baby in July and now knowing that we were out $1,000 a month, panic started to set it! However, along with being bummed, I was relieved! I was thankful for the anticipation my Pastor had of the things that lay ahead for me and for the fact that he knew my plate would be too full. I recently emailed him, post Millie, thanking him for being sensitive to my situation. At this point, I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the right decisions were made for everyone involved! The thought of having that responsibility hanging over my head as I transition into mommyhood and soon working mommyhood, makes me kind of cringe. I am over-the-moon greatful for the break from that and the break from being the "go-to-girl" and "Samantha will do it" person!

I remember the day I found out I was done with that job was a Tuesday. I remember being nervous to tell Clint that we are officially going to be broke again! When I told him, I could tell he was nervous about the financial situation that lay ahead! BUT...together...we knew it was all going to be fine.

THEN...on that Wednesday we found out that our rent was going up $60 a month. For some reason that $60 figure threw us into a tailspin. So much of a tail spin that we contemplated giving up our 3 bedroom apartment and moving to a 2 bedroom. Clint started calling all the complexes and figuring out a plan. Mind you...it was May, Millie was due in July and we would have been moving the first part of August. Also...we had JUST finished putting together Millie's nursery. I was SO upset. Eventually, after trying to figure it out on our own, we prayed (duh!) about it. Together and separately. Seriously after dinner that very night, I had peace. I talked to Clint and we decided to once again, step out on faith and stay put. We knew that God would provide that money...who cares that insurance just went up, who cares that we now have to pay for daycare, who cares about the cost of diapers and formula...God would provide.

Throughout the summer months, we were extremely fortunate to pay off one of our cars and pay off a loan that we had hanging over us. Those two bills being paid off will definitely help with the extras for sure! I also was fortunate to get a little bit of a raise...which is unheard of these days...especially at Private Christian Schools!

I got my first paycheck with that little bit of a raise added in...and I want you to know, the raise added...$61 to my paychecks! WOW!

His Grace is Sufficient!
Can I get an amen?

Until next time,
Sam

This and That

2010-08-11T18:34:00.000-07:00

It's Wednesday night, 9:30 p.m. and my sweet baby girl is sound asleep on her blanket on the floor...she fell asleep all by her self while having a well meaning conversation with her favorite giraffe "Tiptop." She had a bath right before she conked out so her hair is all fuzzy and messed up...it is just too cute! Not to mention she is rockin her "Puma" brand pjs! They were from a student, Amorii. Ahhh!

Great grandma and Great grandpa came to visit on Monday and Tuesday. We really did have a great time...Walmart, Belks, Publix and finished it off with a great meal at Ruby Tuesdays! Millie did great through it all! (well except for a little bit of the drive to Belks!)

We are ANXIOUSLY awaiting the arrival of my GREAT friend Amber who will be her on Saturday for a little bit! I haven't seen her since her wedding last July...over a year now...hard to believe how much has happened in that year! We just can't wait for her to get her and love on our girl!

Sunday we are headed to Tifton once again to celebrate Papa T.'s birthday! That evening we plan to meet my mom and stepdad for dinner and they will be dropping off....AUNT DANI!!!! I don't know that excited quite explains how I am feeling!

With all the excitement abounding with visits...one thing looms in the back of my mind and I try not to think about it too much...going back to work!

I went to school today to kind of get my barings and get some stuff moved to my new room. I am so thankful that I am not overwhelmed! I have prayed all summer that the Lord would just go before me and allow it to be a calm and smooth transition. So far, that is exactly what is happening and I am so glad!

I think that is all for now...contemplating a post on my thoughts on stay at home moms (totally positive I promise).

Gonna try to catch some zzzzzs while Millie-Mil-Mil sleeps!

Until next time,
Sam

New Status

2010-08-06T06:38:00.000-07:00

Samantha Thompson is...

...relieved

...thankful

...rested (does midnight-5 am count as sleeping through the night?)

...so thankful for Jesus! I KNOW the answers came because of Him!

Finally got over my cry fest yesterday! Between a text conversation with my mom, wooing my man with a love letter of appreciation and heartfelt thoughts, and much prayer and communication with my Jesus...I had peace!

There is absolutely nothing like the peace that comes from Him and Him alone. Nothing like it!

I basically summed it up...2 pay checks...that is what I am out. I am not going back early...I will start 8/30 (unless dr. wants me out longer). We have $ saved that will pay most of the bills and we have learned in the past that God will take care of our needs...period.

Then morning came...checked email after rocking, feeding, loving on and changing my sweet baby.

Basically it was all a "misunderstanding." No, we aren't back to me going back 9/20, but we are better than we were yesterday. I will be paid the 60% the entire month of August and Aflac will (eventually) pay the 40%. Whew!

I am just so thankful! Thankful for the financial mess to have worked itself out, but even more thankful that the threat of me going back WEDNESDAY is gone! I can wait it out a little longer!

Thank you for your prayers!
Sam

Status

2010-08-05T12:50:00.000-07:00

I have so many possible facebook statuses swirling in my brain right now that it is unreal! The problem is, I cannot put ANY of them on there. Why? Because of who my "friends" are. Crazy I know.

I don't want to freak close friends out by posting something vague. I can't offend the few work people I have on there, so I can't say what I really want to.

So...here they are...to make me feel a little better...

Samantha Thompson is...

...on the verge of losing it

...so full of questions

...having a hard time understanding the "whys"

...about to go post-partum on someone

...really wants to sleep 8 straight hours...I really really do!

...TICKED

So there they are! Concerned? Don't be! Just venting.

In a nutshell...this is the dealio...

Rewind to MARCH...asked all the right "maternity leave" questions to be prepared for after Millie's birth. Understood the answers to be something to the effect of...take off the time you need, school pays 60% of usual pay. No biggie since I have Aflac...they will pay 40%. The plan was to take off until 9/20 (my 28th b-day).

Fastforward to YESTERDAY...(13 DAYS before school starts)(nothing like waiting until the last minute) I got a phone call from Personell...MUST have a letter from my doctor stating my NEED to be out of work(maternity leave doesn't suffice)...that is the only way the school will pay 60%. Call the Doctor...they will only say 6 weeks which puts us at Aug 24th...I MUST read the letter before they fax...it has to say that I am NOT ALLOWED to go to work. Not what we had planned, or hoped for, but somewhat doable. I would miss inservice and 3 days of students. Big whoop! I shed a few tears, put on my big girl panties and resolved to just deal with it!

TODAY...get an email...NO PAY...ZERO MONIES...NADA for 8/1-8/27...HUH? I have no idea what in the world/why in the world this is the case. MORE tears, upset husband, even MORE tears and LOTS of phone calls...still no answers!

Of course this doesn't take place until around 3:00, making it very difficult to get in touch with people at the end of the day. So, we wait...and wait...and wait until tomorrow.

Let me pause a moment...no matter what the outcome...we will be fine. We may go into a little debt to help pay bills, but we will be fine. My goal is to not be bitter towards the MINISTRY I work for. My goal is to spend every waking moment with my baby girl. My goal is to know that God is NOT surprised and that He IS in CONTROL of it all!

Positive notes:

-Contacted babysitter...she is ready anytime to start watching Millie!
-learning patience and communication skills
-my husband is the best listener and my biggest fan...I love that he hates to see me upset...(does that make sense...he cares!)
-They are building a new chickfila on the way to work...on the right side of the road...easy access!

Thanks for letting me vent! Please pray with me tonight that this will be resolved tomorrow. I hate things like this hanging over my head. Pray that I wont let it ruin the little time I have left with my girl. Pray that I will stop crying.

Thanks and much love,
check back tomorrow for updates,
Sam

New Bottle, New Baby????

2010-08-03T15:32:00.001-07:00

Well hello!

**Please hang with me as my blog under-goes some changes...I have no idea what the deal is. I am working on getting a new background, but with only 5 min here and there...it is taking a while!

The last few days our Millie girl has been having some tummy issues. Of course being new parents, we had no idea what the problem could be. Possibly formula, possibly bottles, etc. While at Nana and Papa T's house this past weekend, we (along with Nana) decided to change bottles. We have been using Avent bottles, which have good ratings and we know people personally that use them and like them. I was starting to have my doubts when formula would leak and Millie would get frustrated with the nipple and play with it...strange for a 2 week old!

So...today we bit the bullet and made the switch to Dr. Browns. We are 2 feedings in and already have a different baby on our hands. She is SO much calmer while eating and actually took a late afternoon nap today. She usually is SO sleepy at this time, but has tummy problems which keep her from sleeping. Also, so far, (knock on wood) NO HICCUPS! With the other bottles, she had hiccups after EVERY feeding!

**Side Note: I STILL have a hard time believing I am typing posts about BOTTLES and baby stuff! UNREAL! Ahhh love!

Anyway...I would just like to add the at Clint and I feel like Parents of the Year for making the switch and figuring out the problem! (we think)

Millie's pictures are up and ready for your viewing pleasure!
Enjoy...let me know what you think!

http://sidneycromer.zenfolio.com/p1009543724/h95e1791#h2f8437d9

Until next time,
Sam

1st road trip and photo shoot

2010-07-31T17:24:00.000-07:00

It's official...we are on our own!
We dropped my mom off Friday night and said our goodbyes...I cried like a little girl and am contemplating a good cry after I post this blog. I had no idea how much I would absolutely appreciate my mom being here for 3 weeks and no idea how much I would miss her company. Some of the tears were hormones, some were out of fear of the job that lay ahead, and most were out of pure sadness.

Today is another day, and I am okay. I miss her, but there is something to be said for our cute little family of three!

Anyway...we spent the night at Nana and Papa T's house and had a great time. Millie slept in her pack n play and did great! I was a little apprehensive as to how she would do at a new place in a new bed...but NO biggie at all!

This morning we woke up and headed to Clint's cousin Sidney's house. Sidney is an amazing photographer and I have looked forward to this photo shoot for a while! My in-laws came with us because they had the most important job of transporting the BIGGEST watermelon i've ever seen! Papa T grew it just for the purpose of taking Millie's picture with it! We changed her into her watermelon bloomers and off we went. We layed her on the watermelon and the camera went crazy! She was SO calm as she layed there feeling the strange sensation on her belly. I was SO proud! I have no idea if any of the other pictures we took turned out, but I KNOW we got some great watermelon ones!

We did a few poses in a cute pink dress, did a few naked baby pictures and by the time it came to the casual pictures...she was DONE! It was quite the experience for sure. The fun part is, we get to do it all again in about 2 months!

We are home now, and Millie is sound asleep in her Daddy's arms. He leaves in about 15 minutes to go back to work and I plan to hit the bed before her midnight feeding. Life is good for sure!

Tomorrow we will go to church for the first time with our girl. I am excited to introduce her to everyone, yet a little anxious about all that it takes to get a baby from point a to point b, sit through sunday school and church without causing a scene, and talking to myself about how to handle the possible "scene"! Sheesh!

Must run...
Until next time,
Sam

Just when I thought...

2010-07-27T12:21:00.001-07:00

The pain was gone...I WAS WRONG!

This whole C-Section business is not fun! I don't want to complain because of the amazing gift that came from having a C-section, but MAN does it hurt!

I have SLOWLY been getting back to somewhat normal and thought things were going well. Every little twinge scares me since they sent me home with a paper describing all the side effects that will have you back in the hospital.

I got up with Millie about 3:15 this morning, changed, fed, burped and rocked her and went back to bed at about 4. All was well and I was feeling fine. Clint got up with her at about 6ish while I slept. Our alarm was set for 7:45 since I had a 10:00 doctor's appointment. When I got out of bed, I thought I was going to pass out! I was in SO MUCH pain! I wasn't sure what was causing it or what to do really other than to down some pain pills and get ready to go, thankful that I got to see the doctor today.

After an hour and a half wait in the doctor's office...and by now I feel great thanks to the medicine...we finally got to see her. No infection in my incision thankfully, but I have to REALLY watch it and keep it DRY! Also, there was a ton of fluid that she had to drain...OUCH...

Unfortunately, I am not a skinny minny, so this type of incision will be a tad more difficult for me to care for. I HATE all things medical so I tried to pay good attention...lets just say...I have my work cut out for me!

The pain is still lingering...I just sent mom to CVS to get my perscriptions filled...

I just want to be well! I want to run and play and walk like I am 27 and not 72. I want to pick up my Millie without cringing! I want to do the dishes and sweep the floor.

Now I sound rediculous, so I'll close! Please ignore the complaining!

In happier news: The football coach's wife is bringing us supper! AND...I am ONE pound away from being at my pre-pregnancy weight (NOT that I am doing anything to help...believe me...(please don't hate me Leah!) But, this is a WHOLE different subject for a WHOLE different day!

Until next time,
Sam

Tid Bits For Today

2010-07-26T06:25:00.000-07:00

Because of my scattered brain and head full of mush...here goes another Tid Bits post!

Mom- not sure how much I have mentioned my mom on here since Millie's arrival, but I am SO.GLAD.SHE'S.HERE! By the time she leaves to go back home, she will have been here for 3 solid weeks. I can honestly say that I have very much enjoyed having her. She has been the biggest help and the best midnight shift Mimi ever! I am excited to get to our little family of 3 and see how that will be, but I am going to be a MESS when my mom leave! I don't know that words could quite express how I feel! I just love her!

Nana and Papa T.- We are taking our first trip to Tifton this Friday. The plan is to arrive at Nana and Papa's in mid afternoon and just hang with them. Saturday at 10:00 a.m. we have an appointment with Clint's cousin who is an AMAZING photographer and will be taking pictures of Millie for us. We got a few gift certificates for him from his parents at our baby showers. TOO SWEET!

Pictures- Speaking of pictures...I am not the most creative person as I have mentioned on here a time or two...BUT! I ordered the cutest watermelon seed bloomers from an etsy shop online. They came in the day after we got home with Millie. My Father in law has a HUGE watermelon that he is "babying" in the fields (covered it with at blanket so it wouldn't sunburn) and the plan is to lay our sweet little watermelon baby on this big watermelon with her cute little bloomers on! I can't wait to see how that turns out! Hopefully my expectations are not too high and I can go with the flow!

Chili's and Target- We ate out for the first time with Millie yesterday. She slept the whole time like an angel, but mommy was a nervous wreck. I seriously thought someone was going to kick, trip, or bump the carseat holder she was in. No one did and we all survived, but my nerves were shot. Target was better...I had more control...but by the time we got there...I was pooped! We picked up a bottle warmer and some shelves for her room.

Shelves??- We have totally re-arranged our living room. We were in MUCH need of more seats due to the amount of visitors we've had and will continue to have now that there is a reason to visit! ;) We had our matching love seat in Millie's room, but it is back out in the living room. We never thought we had room, but decided to cover up the fire place with the long couch...it really doesn't look bad and it takes care of blocking it for when we have a crawler. Since we moved the couch out of the nursery, we had to do something to cover up the empty space...shelves were very much needed so that is what we went with. Daddy still has to put them together, then we'll be all set!

Breast Buds- Seriously had a FREAK OUT moment last night. Clint was rocking Millie and I was washing bottles. My mom says "come feel Millies boo.bies" I'm like "WHAT?" I did, and they were "hard"! I got so scared, but we googled it. Apparently this is "normal" for babies due to their mommy's crazy hormones that shoot out right before delivery. We are still gonna tell the doctor, but I was able to calm down a little after reading about it! Yikes!

Work- I hate typing that word. It's been a while though. The assistant principal called me the other night. We chatted about all things school and still have nothing really settled other than the fact that I am teaching 4th grade reading. That's all good. Still don't know when I am returning. Still can't move into my classroom. I did tell her I would make arrangements to be at open house to meet the parents, but that I probably wouldn't be back until closer to October. We shall see!

Love- I'm in LOVE! I love my Husband! I love my baby girl! I love coffee again! So far, I love huggies better than luvs (I haven't opened the pampers yet)! I love organization! I love having plans...even it they are little plans of organizing! I love my Jesus and the fact that I have open communication with Him 24/7! I love the fact that my step-dad Larry fixed our computer and I don't have to move my blog!!!

Until next time,
Sam

Google trouble

2010-07-23T06:55:00.000-07:00

The Thompson household is calm and quiet at the moment! Mommy is chillin on MiMi's laptop, Daddy is sound asleep and Millie is taking her morning nap in her cradle. MiMi is chatting away to her friends on the phone and telling them all about her girl.

We are settling into a routine of sorts. The thought of a "schedule" makes my hands sweat (which is quite normal for me), and seems somewhat impossible. We are on a schedule called "My name is Millie and I get hungry when I get hungry and I sleep when I am sleepy." She sleeps in segments of 3 to 4 hours which compared to the first night, is really good.

Back in the day, I would be the one counting on my fingers to make sure I got at least 8 hours of sleep each night. Now, when I sleep for 3 or more hours I seriously wanna do the happy dance! AND...(if this sounds strange, forgive me) I enjoy waking up to take care of my baby. No, I don't bound out of the bed singing a song, but i don't moan or groan or hate myself. I just love her so much and have this untamed desire to take care of her. I praise the Lord for the emotions and feelings thus far!

Millie's Daddy is by far the BEST daddy in the world! I knew he would be, but I had NO idea how much more love I could possibly have for this man. When I see him with her, my heart melts. When I hear him soothing her at 3 in the morning through the monitors, I cry. When he sweetly rubs my back or sneaks a kiss, I feel like the luckiest woman on the planet. He would do ANYTHING for his girls and I am so thankful for him.

Alrighty...before the waterworks begin, I must run! For some reason our home computer will NOT let me on blogger...or Google for that matter. Something about a Security Certificate. I am a little nervous about that and wondering if I am going to have to start a new blog elsewhere...YIKES. My step dad comes in tonight, so I am gonna see if he can help or call my step brother Alan to see if he can help. Otherwise, stay tuned!

Until next time,
Sam

2010-07-22T08:04:00.000-07:00

Millie’s Birth Story

Monday July 12, 2010

Clint and I are sound asleep in bed when all of a sudden…I wet myself. I woke up thinking…”Why can I not control my pee?” So, I did what I thought normal, I stood up and stayed in ONE spot over the carpet with water dripping everywhere. I said to Clint “Honey, I can’t tell if I am peeing or if my water broke” to which he replies “Where are you?” This all happened at 5:45 a.m. From there, I made it to the toilet, he went and woke up my mom for her to check and by 5:50 we all decided that the time was HERE. My WATER BROKE!!!!

From there we went into high gear! I called my sister Danielle in CO first and woke her up about 4a.m. her time. When she answered she said in her sweet voice “Sami???” You could tell she knew something was up! Then I called my BFF Karen to let her know and to give her the go ahead to start updating my facebook. I then called my dad and gave him the news. That was all the calling on my part…Clint did his few, Mom did her few…we all took showers and we were off to the hospital about an hour away.

When we arrived, we checked into triage and were admitted immediately….they could VERY much tell my water was broken! I was moved to the labor room and ate a great breakfast of pancakes at about 9:00. Little did I know that would be my last meal for 46 hours!

I got my IV (which really did hurt…but I did get used to it), signed forms and hooked up to the monitors. And the wait began! I was doing great and in no pain! No pain because I was having NO contractions! They began pitocin which brought them….oh yes it brought them! I immediately started asking for my epidural. I am a wimp and I warned them! They really wanted me to wait a little bit to see what the pitocin would do without the epidural…so I did. I waited and waited…contractions were coming enough that I thought for sure we were making progress. THEN SHE CHECKED ME and I made VERY little progress, so little that they wanted to put internal monitors in me so they could really watch Millie’s heart and really monitor my contractions. When they went to put them in….I CRIED…It was rather painful because I wasn’t dilated enough. They stopped and let me recoup.

10 minutes later the heavenly nurse Tina walked in with two more angels….the anesthesiologists. It was on then…epidural time…now I am shaking like a leaf! I was very scared….I remember grabbing Clint and just saying Jesus, Jesus, Jesus over and over in my head….not in a mean way, but in the way that you “Call unto Him” when you don’t know what else to say or what else to do. In the grand scheme of things the epidural wasn’t that bad….especially for the relief it brought.

We are now sitting at about 2:00. I am feeling good, watching the monitor and watching my family take turns coming and going and seeing them fascinated with the monitors and telling me how HUGE my contractions were. They were amazed I didn’t feel a thing! We all knew I was making tremendous progress and were getting excited for what was coming!

5:00 rolls around, they check me again and put the monitors in. Much more pleasant experience. I went from 1cm to 3 cm, but my cervix wasn’t thinning like it should! Boo! Time passes and they decided that since my water had been ruptured for over 12 hours to start antibiotics and not to check me until the next morning so as not to bring an infection. So we waited. Family came and went, everyone but me got a bite to eat, and eventually everyone left except my mom and Clint.

We went to sleep being told that they would check me about 4:00 a.m. I KNEW I would be much further than 3cm and ready to attack what came my way! 4:00 comes and goes…no midwife.

Tuesday July 13, 2010

She did not come until 10 a.m. Why? I have no idea…something about waiting to hear if I was feeling pressure…I was feeling nothing! She came in and checked me….4 cm! 4! I boohooed like a stinking baby! I felt like Millie would NEVER come out! I knew it would be today though because they wouldn’t let me go past 48 hours with ruptured water. That was a tad bit encouraging!

Family comes back, phone calls are made and promises of another long day were made. Things are fuzzy at this point…I just know I am uncomfortable and starving and wanting to do this. I remember going from a 4 to a 6, from a 6 to an 8 and finally an 8 to a 9. From the 8 to a 9, something goes haywire with my epidural and from that point on never really worked right. Also, little Miss Millie goes a little haywire and decided to turn sideways in my belly. NOT GOOD.

In comes the doctor, and tries to turn Millie….with what felt like her entire arm. BY FAR That was the most uncomfortable part of the whole thing….painful and scary…they even had me pushing at this point too….to try to help turn…that was crazy!

After this, they made me lay FLAT on my stomach…with Millie in there….promising me that she was fine and could breathe and that I wasn’t squishing her. I cried and cried and cried and cried. I was in SO MUCH PAIN! I was scared and I wanted to be done. This was about 5:45 p.m., 36 hours after my water broke!

At about 6:00, the doctor didn’t like that Millie hadn’t turned and that her heart rate wouldn’t stabilize (my heart rate wouldn’t either if my big mommy was squishing me like that! Sheesh). So….Csection it was!

Room was being packed up by family, Clint got suited up and I was getting all set to go. I was a blubbering baby and was shaking like a leaf…I was SO SCARED! Again….you know what I kept saying “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.” There is no way I could have survived this experience without KNOWING Him and being able to cry out to Him!

The rest was a very quick blur…I remember them saying rather loudly “room entrance 6:20 p.m.” They moved me to the other bed, and immediately began. I remember them counting all the tools too!

Then lots of pressure and pulling and at 6:32 p.m. our sweet baby girl entered the world! I cried and cried and cried as I waited to get my eyes on her. I could not wait to see her! Finally they brought her over and I was smitten immediately. I know everyone says that but it is the God’s honest truth!

After this…time flew! They sewed me up as Clint went off with Millie. The moved me to recovery where it seemed nothing was happening. They were working on my charts and figuring out pain meds and all of that. I could see Millie getting cleaned up, but my whole self longed to hold her. I was a shaky mess and just couldn’t stop thinking about the fact that I hadn’t held her yet. Finally the nurse grabbed her up and put her on me. It was Love! She looked into my eyes and I looked into hers and that was that! Forever changed!

Eventually they moved me to my room and got us all settled in. My family all got to come in very quickly at about 8:45 p.m. Visiting hours were over at 9 and I was on the verge of pitching a fit if my family didn’t get to see her after waiting for two solid days in the waiting room. They did pull some strings and worked it out for everyone to get to sneak a peek for a little bit.

The hospital experience after Millie’s arrival is a whole different story for a whole different day.

For now we are all learning each other and getting settled in at home. We are in love and are immensely blessed with the opportunity to be parents…not just parents…but parents to our baby Millie!

She's Here!!!

2010-07-17T18:07:00.001-07:00

Millie Kaye Thompson was born Tuesday, July 13th at 6:32 p.m. She weighed 8 lbs. 4 oz and was 20 inches long. She has a head full of black hair and is absolutely beautiful! She is a dream and I am so thankful to the Lord for allowing us to have her!

When there is more time, I will share her whole birth story!

Just to whet your appetite: Water broke, 36 hours of labor, C-section!

Come back soon!

Until next time,
Sam

Mommy!

2010-07-09T11:42:00.000-07:00

So here I sit with my feet up and my laptop on my lap...waiting...and waiting!
My Mom should be pulling in ANY MINUTE and I am overjoyed. I think I might cry! I have never been the "clingy" type with my mom. I love her, she loves me but we have our own lives and pick up the phone at least once a week to talk.
Since I have been pregnant we talk about 3-4 times a week. And I love it! I hope it stays like that as this new phase of life begins! Since our Triage experience on Wednesday, I admit it...I want my mommy!!!
I am so excited to show her Millie's nursery and talk about what food she is going to make this week and just have her company!

I guess that is all there is to say for now. Hopefully I will have more news to share in the next few days!!!

Say it with me..."Come on Millie!"

Until next time,
Sam

Triage

2010-07-07T15:39:00.000-07:00

This morning I had my normal 1 week check up at 11:00. Clint and I woke up, got ready, loaded the Jeep up with our hospital stuff just in case and we were off. My biggest thought of the morning was weather or not I would be dialated at all. I have been talking to myself a lot telling myself not to get upset if I wasn't dialated because it wasn't time yet. I didn't want to be dissappointed when there is a miracle in progress. I wanted to be positive and stay positive. That was pretty much my conversation in my brain during the hour long trip to Tally.

We got to the doctor's office, did the normal pee in the cup and wait business and was called back. My blood pressure was at 145/91. A little too high for their liking. The midwife came in, we chatted a bit, asked me if I was having contractions and she was ready to check for Millie's heartbeat. She checked it...there it was beating nice and strong at 140bpm! She then checked me...NO dialation still, but the head is nice and low and my cervix is thinning still! She then sat me up and said "what I need you to do for me is head on over to Triage so they can do some blood work and monitoring since your blood pressure is a little too high." I am sure my face went a little pale...but I was honestly pretty calm. We made our appointment for next Thursday and off we went.

We sent out the text messages, made the phone calls and checked in. My poor mama is in Chicago for a conference type thing and is REALLY wishing she wasn't there. I knew this would be hard for her to hear, so I tried to sound as chipper as I could. She was very calm, but very serious. She said "it is probably going to mean bed rest for you." Mama was right!

We checked in to Triage and got all hooked up to the baby monitor and the blood pressure cuff. I had 3 vials of blood drawn and then we just waited. An hour and a half later, my bp had gone back to normal and the blood work came back good. We were released with strict orders for me to stay off my feet and rest!

I was very surprised because I feel that all I have done the last 3 weeks has been exactly that...off my feet and resting! This means no laundry, no cooking, no cleaning etc. It sounds like a good plan, but I am already bored! Thankfully my mom will be here Friday to stay until 2 weeks after Millie is born! I am so ready to see her!

So now...we wait. We look for signs and wait.

Until next time,
Sam

Shower Curtain Change Up

2010-07-03T14:06:00.000-07:00

Back when we moved into this apartment last September, I knew we would need supplies for our second bathroom seeing as how we only had one bathroom at our last place. I am BY NO MEANS a decorator, nor do I seem to care all that much for decorating...other than Millie's room...that was fun.

We let the second bathroom go for a little while with nothing since we didn't have any guests slated to come. Finally, we (I) decided it was time. I made the mistake of convincing Clint to go with me on a Sunday after church to shop for bathroom stuff. He did it, but clearly wasn't interested. I started interested but quickly lost the thrill of it all (looking back now, I was about 4 weeks pregnant and had NO IDEA...could be the reason for the easy loss of thrill!)

All of that to say, we grabbed this and grabbed that, threw it all up and wa-la we were done! I went sort of with a flip flop/beachy theme. I found a shower curtain that I thought would be perfect. Unfortunately I didn't pay very close attention to it until we were home and putting it up.

As I hung it up I realized that the bottom (which I loved) had all different types of flip flops, where the middle had clothes and towels that looked like they were hanging on hooks. The problem was right smack dab in the middle was a teeny tiny, barely there, bikini! I was immediately bummed, but gave it a big "oh well"!

Fastforward 9 months and the thought of Millie taking her baths with that shower curtain made me feel like a bad mommy. Call me crazy/hormonal/weird or anything of the like...I don't mind. I just don't want her seeing that stuff even as a little one! So...the search has been ON for something a little more lady-like!

Obviously we are not in a place where we want to spend lots of money on a whole new bathroom theme, so that has been a factor too! For now we are focusing on the shower curtain and towels to match. The rest of the details can come with time for sure!

Yesterday was the day! I went to Bealls outlet where it has 15% off Fridays. I found myself in the clearance aisle and stumbled on the most adorable shower curtain! The best part is that it was originally $20 marked down to $10 with an additional 50% off PLUS the 15%off for the fact that it was Friday! I got that bad boy for $4!!!! And it's cloth!

I love it and I hope Millie will too!

Cute huh??

The Millie-gator

2010-07-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

Most of you know that I was born in Louisiana. I am a cajun at heart and come from a whole line of cajuns! I love spicy food and seafood of all kind! I love red beans and rice, gumbo and boudin (said boo-dan)! I love listening to my family talk because they have that cajun accent that I never had the chance to really get.

When my Dad and Cindy came two weeks ago, they brought something that was made especially for Millie. Apparently this is something that used to be made long ago for all the little cajun babies that were born, but somehow the tradition sort of stopped! Well, my favorite aunt Laurie pulled some strings and made some connections with my great aunt Nan and had this made especially for our Millie!

I am SO thankful to have that part of my heritage to pass on to our sweet girl! I look forward to taking her picture with her Millie-gator as the months go by!

Thanks Aunt Laurie! Love you bunches!

MUST have it!

2010-07-02T10:55:00.000-07:00

****Writing this blog while my brand new dishwasher is being installed!!!! Thank you Wildwood Apartments!!!

Do you ever get those intense food cravings that you MUST fulfill? I have to admit that I have been like that for a lot of my life. If I think about something yummy for too long, the feeling of "I HAVE to have that" takes over. It has been very much the same story during this pregnancy, only magnified a bit!

Yesterday was one of those days!

It all started last week when my mother-in-law was talking about how many tomatoes (beautiful) her garden was producing. She just didn't know what she was going to do with them all! I mentioned possibly making salsa. She thought about it, even checked out a few cookbooks, but realized it would be quite the undertaking that she just didn't have time for. We are talking salsa for canning here. That was that. My thoughts didn't really dwell there until good ole Paula Deen came on the food network. She made this FRESH salsa which looked SO SO good! That same episode came on twice during the week, and yes I watched it both times! ;)

Long story short, I was sent home with a whole bunch of tomatoes. I couldn't get salsa out of my brain. So...off I went to google and google and google some more. I decided canning was out of the question seeing that I can only stand for short periods of time, so I was looking for something fresh. I found this recipe that sounded good and off I went. I had to go to the store for a few things, but it was SO SO worth it!

If you are curious....here is the recipe!
Enjoy!

California Avocado Salsa

3 large avocado, peeled and cubed
3 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 1/2 cups chopped sweet red pepper (I left this out...$3.69 for ONE...I don't think so!)
1 small onion
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
3 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
1/4 cup lime juice (I would probably only do 1/8 next time)
salt to taste
chips

In a bowl, combine the first 8 ingredients, mix well. Serve immediately with chips.

Let the fun begin!

Finished product! So good!

The Much Anticipated Month of July is HERE!!!

2010-07-01T06:03:00.000-07:00

Happy July 1st everyone!

I've always been a fan of July!

I am sure it has something to do with being the one FULL month of NO SCHOOL/WORK!

I've always loved everything patriotic which has everything to do with my dad being in the Air Force and serving our country for 34 years! Not to mention, the watermelon, hot dogs and fireworks mixture that is almost always are part of this month!

Birthday's are fun and I have 2 sisters with birthday's in July!

This year, I believe will put the "icing on the cake". I believe the goings on of this Month will forever change me as a person. And I CAN'T WAIT!

We had two doctor's appointments yesterday and were sent home with an "I'll see you in one week!" There is no hope in the mind of my midwife that anything is going to happen...which, for now, is okay! We are still a little early!

While at the high risk doctor they told us that Millie already weighs about 7 lbs 5 oz! Surprisingly my first reaction was not fear, but sheer pride! I am so proud of her for growing inside of me...is that a normal reaction or is that just me and my silly self? Either way, I was beaming!

So now, we wait! We have no plans other than to watch the fireworks on Saturday and visit with family on Sunday. This could probably doom me since I know how quickly I get bored! We shall see!

My mom leaves for Chicago on Saturday the 3rd until Thursday the 8th! Millie is on strict orders to remain where she is during that time! Another, We shall see!

Until next time,
Sam

Post Potpourri

2010-06-19T15:41:00.000-07:00

So much to say, about all different things...so here goes a "potpourri" of topics!

1) Doctor's Visit- We went to the doctor yesterday and started week one of our weekly appointments. Everything went as normal as it could go. It was my first real (clears throat) TEST if you know what I mean. I am not dialated, but my cervix is starting to thin and Millie's head is "nice and low." When I asked about her size, the midwife said it is average. We go back June 30th to the high risk doctor for an ultrasound, so we may know more of a "guesstimated" size! The midwife started going over the signs of labor with Clint and I...I felt like I should be writing things down! We are basically just supposed to pay attention to my body. The midwife also said "what got the baby in there, often times gets the baby out," just what Clint needed to hear! He was all smiles and ready to have the baby today. I have convinced him she needs to stay in for a while longer to help her lungs fully devlop! He believes me for now...I just can't think about all that! :)

2) Children's Ministry- I am no longer the Children's Director for the church. It's all good. I went last night to a meeting for every worker that works in some part of the Children's Ministry. I was surprised with cake and punch and balloons a few gifts and a big fat Target gift card from the volunteers in the Children's Ministry. So very sweet and once again, We are so very blessed!

3) Family Visit- My dad, stepmom, sister Katy and her boyfriend Mark came to visit us this morning. They arrived about 11:00, we showed off the nursery, chatted a bit then off we went to Longhorns for lunch. More baby talk and making my dad squirm, we had an enjoyable lunch and came back home. I made my dad a blackberry cobbler because I know it is his favorite. I had fresh blackberries and knew that would be the best use for them! ;) We had dessert...which he loved and they were off. We got to spend about 3 1/2 hours with them! It was really great to see them again...it's been a little while!

4) Father's Day- Father's Day is tomorrow! I love, love, LOVE my dad so so much! I am also very much looking forward to seeing Clint shine as a daddy! He is going to be great and I know a tear or two or three will be shed as I see him in action! I also, must say that I have the BEST father-in-law a girl could ask for! I love him!

5) Tifton- Normally this time of year, I find myself driving a tractor or a truck full of watermelons and/or cantelopes. Not this year. We are still going to visit for a week and a half to get Clint out there to help his dad a bit, but I will be confined to the couch. I have grand plans of shelling peas, writing thank-you notes and reading a book or two... of course there is always tv and movies. I just hope I don't drive my mother-in-law crazy. They are empty nesters this summer because my brother-in-law Wesley (20) is working at a camp in TN all summer. Hopefully they will welcome the company!

6) Pool- I LOVE THE POOL! I have been 5 times in the last 6 days. I do nothing but float around on my pink pool noodle (Thanks Honey!) It is the one place that I feel "weightless" and it is so great! I LATHER up the sunscreen for sure! I am getting quite the nice tan too!

I think that is about it for now!
Until next time,
Sam

Just Call Me Crybaby

2010-06-17T06:15:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know I am hormonal! Yes, I know it is normal! I get it!

Over the last 4 days, I have cried more than I feel necessary!

I have ALWAYS been a crier! Just ask my mom and grandma. I cried about everything growing up. I didn't use my words well, I just cried. Living with my roommate Betty, watching TV, I would cry at just about anything sappy. I remember her always peering over the arm of the couch to look at me to see if it hit yet...now, Clint does the same thing.

This week though, Clint has been working every afternoon and evening, so I find myself with a lot of alone time. Don't get me wrong, I am enjoying it. There isn't much to do in this horrible HEAT with this humongous belly, so a lot of my time is spent reading or watching tv.

These are things that get me:

1) A Baby Story: Don't ask me why I watch that. I don't know. I am intrigued by it. I think to myself "can I really do that?" or even "oh I hope I don't scream like her." I am always fine until that baby comes out...then I am overcome with emotion for TOTAL strangers! I boohoo every single time! The whole concept of birth is unbelieveable and I can't wait for my own Baby Story to get here (well, maybe I can wait a little longer).

2) Karen Kingsbury: Ever heard of her? She writes Christian Fiction books. I have honestly read EVERY book she's ever written. I don't own that many since we have a nice library and over the years I have jut borrowed from friends. Anyway, Monday I pulled one our called "Ocean's Apart" and OH.MY.SOUL...I boohooed some more! I LOVE her books and reccommend them to anyone who asks! I can't wait until June 22nd...I get to go pick up "Take 4" in her series...Clint ordered it for me for our anniversary...just gotta go get it!

3) Phone calls from sisters: Elizabeth- Elizabeth is 24, married and stationed with her husband, Rob in Germany. Since May, Rob has been deployed to Kuwait. She has been alone in a foriegn land. She does have many friends, which I am thankful for. She is so strong. She is working her butt off and losing weight and anxiously awaiting time to pass so she can come back to GA for 30 days. I got to talk to her for the first time in a while the other day and when we hung up, I got emotional! She is one of the strongest people I know and has been through a ton. I am proud of her and couldn't help but have to take a deep breath when we hung up! Can't wait to see her and introduce Millie to her!

Danielle- 22, Colorado, works at the 3rd largest homeless rescue mission in the U.S. She deals mainly with the children and she is amazing! I miss her so so much and can't wait for her to visit in August. I am SO glad she already has her plane ticket! She called me Tuesday night really quick to let me know that she and her boyfriend of 4 monthsish, broke-up. I am not gonna lie, I cried a little. Not for any other reason, but because I am so proud of her. She handled it well and they are able to still be "friends", go to the same church and small group. He was great, just not for her, and that's okay! She is the coolest!

Katy-19 and having a baby in January. I love her! I always have! I have talked to her twice in the last two weeks and both times it was for close to an hour. She and I are in the "same shoes" so to speak. Her pregnancy is very new and very scary for her so I welcome the chance to get to talk to her and be there for her. She is coming on Saturday along with her boyfriend, my dad and Cindy. I am very excited to see her, hug her neck and pat her little tummy!

I have also shed quite a few tears for an aquaintence of mine. She lost her sweet baby girl yesterday. She was almost 6 months old. Sweet baby Mina had a rare disease called Pompes disease. She is with Jesus now, healthy and breathing heavenly air, but it hurts my heart to see people go through this kind of stuff. I am continually whispering their names to Heaven that the Lord would comfort them at this time and the rough times that are yet to come.

So you see, some silly, some serious, but I have my reasons to cry!

Until next time,
Sam

35 Weeks!!!!

2010-06-12T14:53:00.000-07:00

Here we are my friends...week 35! I am still feeling pretty good! The only thing that is super tough at this point is bending over and rolling over...quite the act if I might say. Clint literally has to give me a push to get me going! I try really hard not to laugh because then it becomes nearly impossible! Still no major swelling or anything abnormal. I did officially take off my wedding rings for fear of swelling fingers and not being able to get them off. Just thought I'd take that percaution.

We survived my grandparents visit. Believe it or not, there was not one "incident" the entire trip. They arrived Thursday evening about 4:45, after saying they would be here at 5 then calling Clint in the morning saying they were coming at 2:30. After I pitched a fit, called them and made her promise not to go in Millie's room without me, they didn't end up coming until 4:45. I think there may have been a smidgen of guilt for changing their plans. They KNOW I like to have a plan and stick to it! IF you say 5, then it's 5!!!
Anyway, they got in and we immediately got sucked into Millie's room. They were amazed at all we have for her. I continually made sure to give credit to the Lord for providing for us. It is nothing we deserve or have done to make it happen, it is the provision of the Lord and I will claim that forever!

Friday I had to be at work from 9-11 which is when they took the opportunity to start Millie's curtains and start hanging stuff on the walls. I got home about 12, we ate and kept on going in the nursery! By 7:00 we were done! We enjoyed dinner and a few games at the card table and bedtime was here! This morning I got up about 8 to find my Grandma up and reading the paper. She announced that instead of leaving Sunday morning, they were leaving this morning. I was a little shocked and a little thankful all at the same time. She is not the type that enjoys "sitting around" at all, and she knows that at this point, that is all I can and should do, especially in this heat! She made me promise I would take the day and rest and relax! Not a hard promise to make at all!

We saw them off about 11 then headed straight for the pool! I feel THE BEST when I am in the pool! Totally weightless and wonderful! So glad I got a bathing suit when I did...I tried shoving myself into my old one, but seriously thought I was going to cut off circulation! BLT's for lunch with a little Cosby show and Clint was off to work!

I did venture out today in order to pick up some trash bags after throwing a fit in CVS because they wouldn't take my coupon. (It wasn't a real fit, but I just left my stuff and walked out...I hate it when that happens!) I went to the Christian bookstore to redeem a giftcard that I got from a student for teacher appreciation...I got a brand new Christian Fiction book that I can't wait to start! Now that summer is here, I have LOTS of time!

Tomorrow is our LAST time to teach Children's Church for a while! Also, Friday was my last day for my Children's Director job. I can't say I will miss it too much. I love the kids, but the extra weight on my shoulders is nice to let go!

Also, tomorrow Clint's parents are coming to visit for two reasons...one to see the nursery and the second because the CANTELOPES are ready!!!!! I have been waiting for SO long to get my hands on a Cantelope from Thompson Farms!!! I cannot wait and neither can Millie! :)

That is about all I can think of for the goings on in good ole South Georgia. I am looking forward to a week of sleeping when I can, wearing what I want, eating when I want and taking a dip in the pool when I can! Thursday we go to visit our babysitter for Millie...this give Clint a chance to meet them and find their house...we are very excited about that...plus she is making banana pudding! Friday is our last 2 week doctor's appointment...then it's everyweek! Praying for normal measurements!

Until next time,
Sam

Big Baby

2010-06-09T10:05:00.000-07:00

We had our 34 1/2 week check-up yesterday! I managed to not gain a SINGLE pound in two weeks! Woo Hoo! Those were two weeks of baby showers, cake and yummy food too! Everything was pretty much routine other than having to get blood drawn to check my thyroid one last time...and she took it out of my hand...that hurts!

The midwife moved on to measuring my stomach which measured at a whopping 38 cm. Each time we go, it seems to measure exactly what week we are on. Apparently that is what is supposed to happen. But, not yesterday! Yesterday, should have measured 34 or even 35 or maybe even 36...but it was 38. When the midwife looked at me, her eyes were HUGE and in a serious tone she said..."that's a big baby!"

At this point I am not scared or anything, I just wanted to know what she meant by that because surely she meant something. She went on to tell me that if next weeks measurements are "abnormal" like this weeks they will do an ultrasound to see about how much she weighs and go from there. She mentioned something about possible induction, but that it's nothing to think about now...it's too early! It's all good, but Clint and I have made a unanamous decision to have the carseat installed in the Jeep, our bags packed and Millie's bags ready before our next appointment!

Holy Moly we are packing bags people!

On another note, I have added a people tracker to my blog just to see who comes and goes. Most of you I can figure out who you are, but then there are a few that I am just SO curious to know who you are! So...please introduce yourself! I would love to know who reads this!

Alrighty, must run and finish cleaning the other half of my classroom...little by little things are getting done! 2 more days of outservice then summer can officially begin for me!

Until next time,
Sam

Whirlwind

2010-06-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

Can you believe I am 34 weeks pregnant??? I sure can't! There were times during the first 17 weeks of this experience that I thought I would NEVER see the light at the end of the tunnel...now that same light seems to be heading at the speed of light!

A friend of mine, due June 17th, had her baby on May 28th. Sweet baby Will was 3 weeks early. She and I talked about once a week and compared stories throughout most of her pregnancy and all of mine so far. She called me this past Tuesday, 4 days after giving birth to her son. She called with detailed details of her labor experience. Let's just say, I like information, but I am still scared! Not to the point of panic or even tears, but I will admit that it lays heavy on my mind thinking about what is to come! I know that the Lord will be with me every step of the way, and I know that Clint will be there too! I am claiming the old faithful Bible verse, "I can do ALL things through CHRIST who gives me strength!" (Phil 4:13)

Anyways...we have had a total of 4 baby showers! I cannot tell you in adequate words, how blessed we truly are! Millie is already an extremely loved little lady! After each shower, we'd come home and go straigt to her nursery with all our goodies. Let's just say the place is FULL! At this point it is hard to know what to do first. Her crib is totally done...and looks mighty sweet! As I type this I have a load of bibs, washcloths and birpcloths washing. Next is the load of blankets. I haven't even attempted the clothing yet and will probably just wash one size at a time...waiting for her to grow in to the next one. My grandparents are coming next weekend with the sewing machine in tow. Grandma will be making curtains while grandpa hangs curtain rods, her clock, a ladybug plaque and another plaque of Psalm 37. Hopefully that will keep them busy enough so as not to change/rearrange what I have already done. We shall see!

I never realized that baby stuff would need to be in the kitchen. Call me crazy, but the thought never crossed my mind. SO...today will be organize/purge the kitchen day. To be honest it has needed to be done for QUITE a while now, but I never "got around to it." So...if I want to be able to do it myself without input from a certain 75 year old lady, I must do it before she comes!

In other news, I am done with 6th graders!!!! We said our goodbyes on Thursday and I had a work day yesterday! It is such a rewarding feeling to know that I made it through 34 weeks of pregnancy only missing 2 1/2 days of school! I might just have to buy myself an ice cream for that! Next week we have meetings and will be cleaning out our rooms. I cannot complain! I still don't know what/where I am teaching next school year, which is never a great feeling, but I cannot add that to the list of things to fret about! Whatever will be will be! I am trusting the Lord to put me right where He wants me that is best for me and my little family, as well as what is best for the school!

That is about all for now...here are a few pictures of the nursery progress:

Shower #2

2010-05-25T09:43:00.000-07:00

Before I begin talking about shower #2, I must tell you about our Doctor's appointment yesterday! Millie's head is down my people! Until this last appointment, she has been breeched! I am proud of my girl! Thank you Lord for having her turn! Also, while her strong little heartbeat was being checked, the midwife noticed Millie had the hiccups! I hadn't felt them before, but when she mentioned it, it was very obvious that that is what it was. Too sweet! I have gained a total of 10 pounds for this pregnancy and continue to have good blood pressure readings! They are also very proud of me for not having any swelling! Go us!

We had our second baby shower this past Saturday! It was GREAT! It was at my mom’s house and was thrown by my two Sister-in-laws, Megan and Christy!

The highlight of the weekend was by far seeing my two best friends from Nashville and H’s sweet precious baby girl K! I have waited patiently to get my hands on her and I finally got the chance! They were only in Warner Robins for a mere 16 or so hours, but I am SO glad they came! As I held and loved on beautiful baby K, I couldn’t help but get emotional! H has waited SO LONG for her and she is perfect! She is the perfect fit for their family and H is wonderful with her! Also, I couldn’t help but think to myself…and I think I said it outloud too, “I want one of these!”

I also began to think how much I doubted that I would ever be able to conceive a baby. I never thought I would be able to...thanks to Satan and his ability to get in my head every now and then. I always “knew” it wouldn’t happen or that it would be a long hard road! Thankfully, that wasn’t God’s plan for us. When the times come that I get scared or nervous about what to expect…I have to remind myself how sad I would be if I weren’t in this position! I am thankful HE knows the plans for my life and that I can fully trust HIM to take care of me!

Anyway, back to the shower. It was a drop-in shower. I was able to visit with many of the ladies that have seen me grow up. I don’t have many friends left in Warner Robins, other than my good friend Lisa. It was still wonderful to see all of them and hear them reminisce about when I was younger and how crazy it is that I am having a baby and how time flies. It was really special to share this experience with my mom too! My grandma was there as well as my Mother-in-law. I felt so blessed!

As far as gifts….we got her bedding!!! TONS TONS TONS of clothing! Her hamper, nightlight and lamp. The CUTEST lady bug twilight thing…(not the books mom)…that lights up a starry night in her room. The bjorn carrier thingy. Her pack n play! Did I mention clothing??? Some of it I have already taken back and gotten size 24 months! Seems crazy to be buying that big, but it was the only logical thing I could think to do!
We did get a HUGE box of diapers too! Oh yeah and her diaper genie! LOTS of bibs and burp cloths….even two with her name on them! Oh yes…and she now has a total of 52 baby washcloths. May be exchanging some of them as well! All in all we have almost everything a baby could need…or so I think!

It really is fun unwrapping it all and seeing the gifts that people so kindly get for us. But, I have to say the most fun thing has been, opening them again at home and finding the perfect places for them all!

Last night, Clint and I got to put her bedding on her crib! That was SO neat to see it all come together! It looks great and I am SO satisfied with my first and final choice of bedding….I never wavered until the end….weird I know! We still have tons more to put away, but will be doing a few loads of baby laundry first…no clothes yet. I did get to do my first load which was sheets and mattress pads….even that was fun!

I am overwhelmed by the love that has been shown to us! I am unbelievably appreciative and grateful!

Off to write more thank-you notes!

Until next time,
Sam

Shower #1

2010-05-21T09:49:00.000-07:00

Shower #1 was SO FUN! It was a drop in shower from 3:30-5:00! Teachers, students and parents were invited. It was really neat to see who all came. Several of my boy students came with their moms. I could tell they were THRILLED to be there, but they did like the cake.

We got quite a few things that will be of great use I am sure. Tons of diapers and wipes. LOTS of clothes. A few blankets. Pacifiers, sock, teethers and more. I had two favorite gifts. Is that normal to have favorite gifts? Not that I didn't love the other stuff of course.

One was her bouncy seat! Two kindergarten teachers and one of our secretaries went in together to ger it! I was so surprised! It is so CUTE...they kindly reminded me that I was the one that picked it out! :o) I got a laugh out of that.

The other gift was three cardboard books. Goodnight Moon, Dr. Suess ABC's and We're Going on a Bear Hunt. The sweetest part was the card that came with them. It was from one of my students, Jimmy, and he wrote "Mrs. Thompson, These were my favorite books when I was little. I hope Millie likes them as much as I did. Jimmy" I just thought that was the sweetest thing! They are proudly displayed on her very own bookshelf!

One of the most exciting moments came when I got home. Clint was still at work and gave me very strict instructions to NOT bring the stuff upstairs that he would help when he got home. I obeyed...it was hard...but I obeyed. When he got home we lugged it all up the stairs and began show and tell. He was SO INTO IT! I quietly thanked the Lord for giving me a man that wasn't just excited because we got stuff we wouldn't have to buy ourselves, but he was genuinly excited. He looked at all her little outfits. Stacked the diaper boxes up just so, organized the wipes in their corner of the closet and was just so proud. He listened to all of my stories too. I was overwhelmed with thankfulness for all the "stuff", but also for my husband and best friend with whom I get to share this experience with! I wouldn't have it any other way!

We did find out yesterday that our lease is going up $60 a month and that he got furloughed AGAIN! We were bummed, a tad worried and anxious, but by the time the evening was over, once again, we KNEW...God will take care of us!

I will be leaving for Warner Robins in 2 hours and 15 minutes!
Can't Wait!

Until next time,
Sam

Excitement Abounds

2010-05-19T09:23:00.001-07:00

I meant to write a "post-birthclass" post after our class on Saturday, but time got away from me! It is now Wednesday and some information stuck and other information went in one ear and out the other.

Clint and I attended the class at a hospital about an hour away. Poor guy had a Championship Soccer game to cover in Atlanta on Friday night that had a 2 hour rain delay causing him to roll into bed at 4:20 a.m. We woke up about 7:20 for our 6 hour class. I felt SO badly for him. It is one thing to run on 3 hours of sleep but to attend a class and SIT for 6 hours with the lights off as slide shows played was a whole different thing. He was SUCH a trooper for doing that with me and staying awake the whole time! I offered to drive home and he was sound asleep within the first 5 minutes of the trip!

Anyway, back to the class! As you recall I was a little apprehensive to even take a class to begin with. I am glad I did...not over the moon glad...but still glad. Right away we introduced ourselves and told the name of our doctor along with what week we were on. I fit right in with the weeks varying from 28-34. There were two women there alone...one making it very clear that her husband was fully supportive, but had to work, the other not saying a word. There were about 6 other couples as giddy as us. There was another couple who were both 16. I got to talk to the momma several times during our bathroom breaks. She was so cute...so young, so nieve, but so cute. She was naming her baby Ava and was on bedrest already. (She got permission to go to this class) Anyway...my heart went out to her. I was glad she had her baby-faced boyfriend with her, but I just wanted to hug her! I smiled at her a lot and tried to be as engaging as I could. I in no way wanted her to think she was being "judged" or "looked down on." What a brave thing she did by showing up to that class.

They divided up the class in several sections: Pre-term Labor; Labor; Post-Partum care; Breast feeding and Infant care. I did pretty good once we got through the Pre-term labor and labor sections. If I wasn't scared before...I sure am now. I know that women do this everyday and that it will all be fine and that God will be with me all the way and on and on and on...but I can't help but feel a little scared. I knew the time would come when the reality of what is happening would sink in and it sure is starting to. We got to see the needles used for the epidural, which scared me, but didn't sway me! We got to watch a video of a woman giving birth naturally and through c-section, which scared me too! It was all very informative!

The one part that I paid the best attention to was the Pre-term Labor section. I wanted to know all the signs to look for. My life is never normal, so expecting the "my water-broke" scenario to happen is quite unlikely! I know the things to look for now and not pass off as "normal."

Surprisingly, my viewpoint on breastfeeding has changed a tad. I have not planned on breast feeding baby, until now. (please don't hurt me) Now, seeing the benefits, I plan to do it until I go back to work and seeing what happens with pumping. I am not sure exactly how a teacher would pump at the same time each day on a regular basis...but we'll cross that bridge when we get there. I have not, however, joined the "la leche" group by any means!

We did get to learn how to swaddle a baby too! Clint did a good job! Now I just need to teach him how to changea diaper and we'll be good to go! ;)

As for the title about excitement...my first ever baby shower is tomorrow! The 6th grade class is throwing it for me! I am SUPER excited! THEN...THEN...THEN...Saturday is my next one, at my moms house, thrown by my sister in laws! I am SOOO excited! Other than the shower I am MOST excited about seeing my two best friends and Millie's best friend baby K! I think I have written about that 10 times on here by now...but I just can't help it!

My next post should be all about my showers and how much fun I had!

Until next time,
Sam

Thoughts

2010-05-12T09:21:00.000-07:00

I am a walking poster child for "when times get tough!" Seriously, it is when times are tough that we are closer than ever to our Savior. That is me...
I love that, and I hate that. I know I should be closer when things are rolling right along. I know I should pray more, praise more and read more when things are rolling right along. But, ashamedly, when things come to a hault and my happy little rolling right along world is rocked...that is when I get it, that is when I realized I NEED Him. I have been like this for as long as I can remember with my Christian walk. I know it is my weakness and I do try. Don't get me wrong...I praise, I pray and I read regularly, but at times it seems it is the "going through the motions" thing. I don't want to do that! I want to be the same on the mountain top as I am while I hang out in the valley for a while. It really is a sweet thing to have a relationship with Jesus. I don't want to take it for granted and I will strive to keep it more than just motions!

I went back over my post from yesterday and I realized how negative I sound. One of my first thoughts this morning was that of "I need to be more positive." I am glad I have this blog where I can record my thoughts and feelings and weeks later look back and see that I survived. I am glad that I can be real and not worry about how "Face.book" will take it.

So, now on to being real...being real and being positive/thankful real...

My Mom! I love my mom! My mom is one of the silliest/craziest 54 year old women you will ever meet! She has spikey dyed red hair and totally fits the description. My mom teaches high school...not just any high school though. High school culinary arts to kids that don't quite make it for various reasons in "real" high school. (She would hate that I said that, don't knock her kids, but I am trying to get you to get the picture) She POURS her heart into those teenagers. Quite a few of them are already parents, and several of them live on their own due to family situations. She adores them! My mom spends lots of time on facebook and surfing the web...it's how she spends her down time. My mom and I have always been a "talk-once-a-week" kind of pair. I love her and she loves me and we catch up about once a week. That was until I got pregnant. Now my mom and I talk almost everyday. I usually call her, and we just go at it. From school to my sister to the baby throw in a little "grandma is nuts" and we have chatted for about 45 minutes. I LOVE that we are in this stage of life and I LOVE that I have her! I am so blessed!

9 more sleeps until I get to see my two best friends and baby K! I cannot wait to get my hands on that little girl! I am preparing to cry like a baby. I have prayed and prayed and prayed for this and what a blessing to see the results of your prayers. That doesn't always happen and I am so glad to have that experience. I will remember to praise Him for all He's done concerning this situation!

16 more days of 6th graders!!! That's it! I am SO ready for a break that it's not even funny! For me, time is going quickly which I am thankful for. I have a feeling it has something to do with what is to come this summer! :)

ALL of our laundry is done...and put away! I worked like a mad woman Monday night to get it done! I hate when it is looming...however...I am told that it is never done when you have a baby. Might have to change my thinking on the whole laundry thing!

Flowers, flowers everywhere! I love flowers! In my house at the moment I have 6 pink carnations from a student; a boquet of wild flowers and roses from my love; 4 red and white roses from Mother's day at church and 15 colorful roses from the children's ministry! I have them all over and I love them. How can you not smile when you walk into a room full of flowers! FUN!

That is all for now! Thanks for reading!
Until next time,
Sam

And the craziness continues

2010-05-11T14:33:00.000-07:00

Seriously! I feel as if things around me are falling apart at the seams. I am fine. Clint is fine, but the circumstances surrounding our happy little bubble are daunting!

First, my BFF loses her home due to a horrible flood! She would be the first one to tell you that she too, is fine. But, my heart hurts for them. They lost basically every earthly thing they had! Their spirits are up as the waiting game goes on, but I hate it for them!

Secondly, Clint's great uncle Mason, the cutest 93 year old man ever, accidentally ran over two children at a bus stop last week. The fog was terrible...and he is 93. The worst part is that the 5 year old boy that was hit passed away. My heart is breaking for this child's family. My heart is breaking for uncle Mason who wouldn't hurt a flea, and my heart is breaking for the bus driver that witnessed this...who just so happens to be Clint's Aunt Marie. This is an extremely small town where everyone knows everyone and most people are related in some way. I am just so sad over this!

Third, the VERY best preschool teacher, my only friend last year and one of the Godliest people I know...WAS NOT offered a contract for next year. She has been teaching at NFC for 13 years...she has a daughter that is a Junior and a son in 8th grade. She is loved by so many and usually has 30 or 40 requests for 4K students to be in her class. SHE was not offered a contract to come back next year. Why? Because she rarely/never went to Sunday School. Yes, we sign that in our contract. Yes, she was probably asked to attend and warned about it. BUT, I am so sad! I got to speak with her about it and she is at peace and blames herself. Regardless of the "should haves" and "would haves" it is official...and I hate it!

Lastly...today I had a meeting with the Executive pastor. I am no longer the Children's Director of NFBC. Well, I have 4 weeks left until I am done. Basically, they fear that when I have Millie I wont be able to handle being a new mom, a full time teacher and continue with my Children's Director duties. I get it. I do. I fear that too. BUT, now I have another fear...money! Rediculous I know! But just the time that we REALLY need that extra money...when we are having a baby, it's gone! I KNOW that God provides. I KNOW He will take care of us and all will be well. I know this is for the best because that is what God's wants for His children. I am thankful it is now, rather than after Millie so we weren't dependant on that money...can't be dependant if it's not there. I am glad it came from them and wasn't me as a stressed out mom of a 2 month old storming in and quitting leaving them high and dry with nothing but guilt left on my side. There are so many positives and I get that, BUT somewhere inside of me, I feel like I failed. Of course, the pastor reassured me that I did exactly what they needed me to do and I did a great job and all of that, but like I said...I feel like IF I would have come accross as a stronger person, they wouldn't have thought I couldn't handle it. Who knows. All I know at this point is God's Got it and all will be well! As long as Clint and I are on the same page (which we are) and loving each other and continue serving our Savior...All is well!

See what I mean by daunting! It's times like these that we really get to see the hand of God work. I am looking and watching and praising as I see it...I don't want to miss it!

Until next time,
Sam

Tid Bits

2010-05-05T04:53:00.000-07:00

Work- I survived the worst week of work ever! I had to stay behind from the 6th grade trip and had the job of babysitting 31, 6th graders for 5 solid days. We could do no work due to having 27, 6th graders missing. We watched movies (that they talked through), did worksheets (that they complained about) and basically just vowed to survive. I had grand plans of doing science experiments with them, until I found out that it would be JUST me with 31 one of them. No thanks! The part that made it the absolute WORST was having other teachers give me the look that says “you poor thing” AND having principals and people of authority say they had “no idea I was being left by myself.” Bologna! They knew, and it wasn’t their problem, so why should they be bothered!
Anywho…it is now Monday of a new week and I am MUCH better! We are back in our routine and have a working schedule! I love schedules! It is teacher appreciation week and so far I have received 2 Krispy Kreme donuts complete with chocolate milk, a slice of homemade strawberry cheesecake, a bag of cookies with a sprite and a bath set for Miss Millie! So fun! We have 24 days left of school with kids and 5 more without! I am pumped!

Home- Life is good in the Thompson household! Clint didn’t have much going on as far as work was concerned this Saturday so we had quite a bit of time together. Not a whole lot got accomplished other than some much needed rest. I took a great nap on Saturday and Sunday! We got a package in the mail this past weekend from some friends of ours (their first baby is due in June). It had 2 REALLY cute outfits. One was a giraffe print outfit with the cutest pink giraffe. The other was a sweet little fishy dress with jewels on it. SO fun!

Millie- We have our next doctors appointment this upcoming Thursday. We are now going every TWO weeks. Time sure is ticking! We have 11 weeks left! Crazy! We are officially registered for a birthing class. We opted for a one-time Saturday morning class that lasts about 6 hours. The other classes were 3 weeks or 5 weeks, one night a week. There was no way we could do that with Clint’s work schedule, so finding the Saturday class was a blessing. We will have to drive an hour…but….it’s FREE! The others were $75 and $80! This hospital does them for free…cool huh?!?!
We have officially booked THREE showers! SO FUN! My sister-in-law Megan is throwing one for us back home on May 22nd! I am SO looking forward to it! Then on the 29th, Clint’s Aunt is throwing us one from the Thompson side of the family. And lastly, June 1st, a lady from the church Clint’s family goes to is throwing us one. I feel SO blessed knowing that so many people are so excited for us! I will be stopping by TJMAX today to start stocking up on thank you cards!

Friends- Oy! My two best friends in the whole wide world live in Nashville, TN. If you’ve been watching the news at all you know that Nashville is currently under water. It has been so incredibly wet there. H and her family had a little scare with a creek rising and roads flooding, but they were able to get through unharmed. Karen and her husband on the other hand had to be taken by boat from their home. They have not been able to get back to their house just yet to see what kind of damage is there. I have seen a few pictures and am in absolute shock. My heart hurts for them…but their attitude is great….God is Good, All the Time! Even when things happen that are SO out of your control! I love these girls and can’t wait to see them….dry and in one piece please!

Church- BUSY! VBS is right around the corner….well kind of. I will actually have a baby by the time VBS gets here, but we work on this year round! Thankfully we have a 20 year old guy, John Paul, that is SO passionate about VBS…every little detail of VBS, that he does most of it!
Next Sunday is mother’s day and I am in charge of getting 32 kids and 16 teenagers up to the main service and down the aisles to pass out roses to all of the ladies in the church. Sounds like an easy enough task, but it takes a lot of planning and coordinating! We shall see how it goes!

I think that is all for now. Thanks for reading and have a great one!

Until next time,
Sam

One man's joke...another man's pain

2010-04-27T08:29:00.000-07:00

This may be trivial and may be solely to blame on my hormones and roller coaster of emotions, but it hurt!

Rewind to day two of the infamous trip to Colorado. I had just gotten out of the shower, dressed and had a towel on my head. I was lying on top of my bed as I let my hair towel dry and watched a little T.V. I wasn't feeling the greatest and was just chillin! All of a sudden, I see my Grandma grab her camera to take a less than pleasing picture of my lying there like a beached whale. You have to understand...I did not look pregnant...just large. There was NO cute belly bump or anything cute about it. I didn't freak about the picture because I didn't really think anyone would see it.

Fastforward to Saturday. My in-laws came over for the Rose festival and as we were walking around outside, my mother in law mentioned to me that my grandma sent her that picture in an email. That was the only picture she sent her. Not a picture of me posing with my hands on my belly looking cute, not one of me and my sister hanging out, nothing other than the one that makes me look the worst. I found it odd, as did my mother-in-law, we laughed it off and that was it. She loves me for me...large or not.

Monday. Worst Day Ever! Horrible day at school, my first cold since November and did I mention Horrible day at school? I sign on to my trusty old Facebook only to see that HORRIBLE picture staring back at me. Sunday My grandma signed up for Facebook...my 75 year old Grandma! (I did JUST get an email from her telling me she didn't like it so she cancelled...we'll see) For some reason out of the bazillion pictures she has on her computer and the other bazillion she took while we were in CO, THAT was the one she felt the need to put on Facebook. I don't care which way you slice it...that hurt. Funny or not...that hurt! The worst part was, I would have never known had my own mother not posted it on her wall too! I kindly emailed my mom and asked her to remove it which she did not realizing that it would hurt my feelings.

Maybe I am being too sensative...but you have to remember, I KNOW my grandma! I know how she is and how she gets pleasure out of making others squirm!

That is all for now...that felt good!

Until next time,
Sam

28 Weeks 2 Days

2010-04-26T09:26:00.000-07:00

How far along? 28 Weeks 2 Days

Total weight gain: +1 over my starting weight

Maternity clothes? YES! Got the cutest coral colored shirt!

Sleep: Still pretty normal, but must have a pillow between my legs!

Scariest moment this week: Braxton Hicks! OH MY SOUL!

Best moment this week: Hearing her strong heartbeat! Finding out she is 3 pounds! Finding a Saturday Childbirth class! Getting shelves up in her nursery! Hanging up a few more things! Finding out about 2 more showers people are throwing me!

Movement: She moves WAY more than I do for sure!

Gender: GIRL!!! Millie Kaye

Labor Signs: Nope.

Belly Button in or out? Still very much in

What I miss: Not having these crazy mood swings and constantly telling myself that people are so dumb!

What I am looking forward to: Shower #1! May 22nd when I get to see two of my VERY BEST FRIENDS and will get to have a long awaited meeting with Baby K!

Nostalgic

2010-04-19T11:17:00.001-07:00

I am quite the nostalgic person! I remember dates quite well. I like to think “this time last year we were….fill in the blank.” I like to reminisce on thing of the past…most things that is.

Today is one of those days. But today is not one that brings good, happy feelings to my soul. Today would have been my parents 35th wedding anniversary. But sadly, it’s not. Sadly, 13 years ago, my dad left us.

One would think that I would be over it by now, but the truth is, I am not. I honestly don’t think I will ever be. Most days, I don’t think about it. I don’t dwell on it. I don’t ponder it. But today, I am.

I think about how different my life would be. Some good differences. Some bad differences. But…different!

I think about my mom and the pain she went through and how it seemed (I now know it wasn’t) as if it was a piece of cake for my dad to walk out. I think about how my mom went into a deep depression and could barely function. I think about the fact that I had to take over as a “mother” figure at 15 years old. I did the laundry. I cooked the meals (ramen noodles and mac n’ cheese). I made sure my sister did her homework. I think about the fact that my mom had to give up any freedom she had and had to hand it all over to my grandparents as they drove from California to put things back in place as best they could. I think about the year we lived with my grandparents and the torture that was. I think about that year with disgust.

I think about my dad and the guilt he felt/feels. I think about how 3 months after moving out he announced to us that he had a girlfriend. I can still see where I was, what I was wearing and I think about how I felt. I think about meeting his girlfriend and her two daughters and immediately feeling replaced. I remember thinking how great he had it. I remember being insanely jealous of her two daughters because they got to live with my daddy…and they complained. Oh how I wished I could have lived with my daddy too!

I think about the good things too! I think about the fact that I can honestly say I have 3 sisters. I think about all the fun that the 4 of us has had. I think about the love I have for each of them. I think about the fact that I love my step mom and I love the fact that she makes my dad so happy. I love how she takes care of him. I love that he is not alone.

I love my step dad. He is a fantastic man of God that would do anything for my sister or I without hesitation. I think about my 3 step brothers and their families and how I really do love them. I think about my sweet niece who will be 6 tomorrow and how I absolutely adore her and have always felt like her aunt. I think about my sister-in-law Megan who is awesome and never tires of hearing all my stories…especially about my grandma…and always agrees with me!

I think about how full my life is because of these people. I think about how many extra people there are in my life now than there would have been had my parents never split. I think about how many people there are now that will love my daughter…so much!

See…I am always thinking!

That really felt good to get that all out! Thanks for reading!

Until next time,
Sam

27 Weeks (3 months to go!)

2010-04-17T07:37:00.000-07:00

How far along? 27 Weeks

Total weight gain: I am pretty sure I have packed a few on within the last few weeks...I LOVE food and can't seem to get enough!

Maternity clothes? Yep. I did buy a pair of shorts last night that weren't but were QUITE a large size...they were $7...couldn't pass them up! We'll see how long they work!

Sleep: This past week has been great! I am averaging about 81/2 hours a night! Saturday night are always bad because I rest all day long! Thankfully today I am going to a concert in Tifton with my in-laws, so I should be pretty tired!

Scariest moment this week: That stupid needle to draw my blood! I HATE needles! (Yes I know I have to get an I.V. when she comes, but I will hate that too!)

Best moment this week: Surviving the glucose test. Things are not always as bad as we make them out to be!

Movement: Oh yes...It makes me smile everytime! I refuse to let it become "normal"! This whole experience is NOT normal and is nothing short of a miricle! I remind myself of that regularly!

Gender: GIRL!!! Millie Kaye

Labor Signs: Nope.

Belly Button in or out? Still very much in

What I miss: Not a thing this week!

What I am looking forward to: Now that I know it is okay to take this one day at a time, one task at a time...I am looking forward to picking out a pediatrician this week.

Behind?

2010-04-14T09:31:00.000-07:00

WARNING: Somewhat of a whiney/freak-out post below. I will be fine, things will get done and all will be well! Just venting!

It's official! I feel behind...very very behind! I feel as if I am extremely ignorant when it comes to having this baby!

Yes, I will love her. I already have so much love in my heart for her, it is unbelieveable!

I know how to change diapers, dress babies and even how to give them a bath. I know how to lay them down to sleep and I know they cry a lot. I know you have to burp them after every little bit of food. I know how to bounce them a little to soothe them. I even know that babies like to be rocked.

Other than that...that's about it!

I have the books...lots and lots of books, but I already feel like a dork for not reading them. I even took one on the plane to CO with me and read maybe a page. The first bookstore we came to I bought a pleasure book...read it completely...and am already started on a second one I bought that trip. See....I am a dork!

We have sucessfully completed 3 necessary things...3 in the 6 months I have been pregnant. Let me list them so I feel somewhat better...
1) We purchased her crib and dresser and they are put together (she may not have a mattress, sheets or a mobile...but buddy we have a crib)
2) We found childcare! Her daddy will watch her until about 1 p.m. 4 days a week (he'll have her the other day, all day) then he will take her to Mrs. Sara's house (a mom of a former 4K student) where she will play with Anderson, Caroline and Sullivan for about 4 hours! Then, Mommy will be there about 5! Such a blessing!
3) Shoot...I cannot even remember what I considered #3 to be...I guess all I can think of is that we have a name for her...oh yeah and we are registerd!

Everytime I start to make a list of the things that need to be done/bought/figured out...I get overwhelmed...badly overwhelmed...and guess what...I am VERY good at masking that!

Another thing I have been thinking about is my lack of desire for the "birthing classes" that so many people talk about being a MUST! I DO NOT feel as if I know what I need to in order to be prepared for this experience, but I also don't have this overwelming need to figure it all out. Does that make sense? I seem to be taking on more of the "go with the flow" stance...which is so not me! I guess I just honestly feel like what ever happens will happen, I trust my Doctors to tell me what I need to know and at the end of the day, I know the Lord will take care of me!

When I think about only having 13 weeks to go...I start to panic! I know for the women that have done this before are thinking 13 weeks is SO long and you get SO miserable toward the end...I get it. I get what you mean. BUT, to me, it seems like I am running out of time!

Alright...enough of that! Some of the positives before I start to cry...
1) I am going to a New Song concert with my In-Laws on Saturday evening! So excited! It's free too!

2) I found some really marked down maternity shorts and JCPenny online...can't wait for them to come!

3) I ordered the cutest bag for Millie...not a diaper bag...more of a travel bag. It has her initials on it...in Hot Pink! Yeah, I am that kind of girl!

For now that's good! I must go teach these 29 lovely 6th graders something!

Until next time,
Sam

Cooking Mishap

2010-04-12T16:00:00.001-07:00

Before I go any further, please know that I in no way intend this to be a post dedicated to making my husband feel dumb! We laughed about it...I laughed a lot more at first, but he did slowly catch on.

Today is Clint's day off. Whenever he has a day off, he always volunteers to cook supper. So on tonight's menu was Fish Sticks, Tator Tots and Mac and Cheese (the blue box). I knew from the get go that I would help because figuring out what temperature and what time for two different things to go in the oven is always quite the task (for me too!)

I made my way into the kitchen and started taking care of business. This is when he informs me that he has never made Macaroni and Cheese before...not even the blue box kind. This is honestly not surprising to me because A) I know his mother and B) he is not a fan of cheese. So, in my very own Samantha-like way, I explain to him that I would love to teach him because "What if you are watching Millie one day and she wants Mac and Cheese!" Totally reasonable I know!

I explained the boiling of the water, take out the pouch with the cheese and dump the noodles in. So far, so good! At this point he is obviously pre-occupied with cleaning out the ice maker and fixings some screws on the cabinet while waiting for the noodles to boil. I kindly ask him to get out the butter and the milk. 4 Tbs of butter, I show him how to cut the stick. I then ask him to measure out 1/4 cup of milk. Done.

Time passes, the water is boiling and I find myself a little confused...the water was blue! Hmmm...I EVEN double checked the box to make sure I didn't get some fancy kind of mac and cheese that turns colors! I was a little perplexed because now the water was blue and foamy....

We drain the noodles, I drop the butter in, mix it up and let it melt. I then asked the question "Where's the milk?" To which I hear...."I put it away." I immediately KNEW what happened! I seriously had to hustle to the couch to sit down because I was laughing so hard! SO HARD! He put the Milk in with the water to boil with the noodles....

Now that explains the blue water! It was QUITE the moment! I am still laughing!

Quite the long post for the subject...but Oh so worth remembering!

Until next time,
Sam

26 Weeks

2010-04-10T14:45:00.000-07:00

How far along? 26 Weeks

Total weight gain: 9 total pounds...but I initially lost 15...So that means I have 6 to go before I am back to where I started before pregnancy!

Maternity clothes? Yes...not sick of them yet, but everytime someone compliments me on a shirt, I want to say "Get used to it!" :)

Sleep: This week has been GREAT!

Scariest moment this week: None really! She is still breeched...which I know could change...but I am beginning to mentally prepare myself either way!

Best moment this week: Seeing her heart on the ultrasound machine. AMAZING! Not just the little blinking part, but seeing that it has 4 chambers, blood flow and everything it needs! TOTALLY AWESOME! Also, strangers are starting to comment...I love looking the part!

Movement: I like to call her "My little wiggle worm"...but I still love it!

Gender: GIRL!!! Millie Kaye

Labor Signs: Nope.

Belly Button in or out? Still very much in

What I miss: Having energy! I get it in spurts...very very small spurts!

What I am looking forward to: Getting what we need for her...I feel as if I am losing time! I am not an anxious person, but I am headed that way!

I survived....Barely!

2010-04-06T11:21:00.001-07:00

Spring Break came and went!!

Mom, Grandma and I flew to Colorado on Sunday and after a 2 hour delay, and a 3 hour flight, we finally made it! It was SO GREAT to see my sister! She looks fantastic! She is right where God wants her and is doing His work which is awesome!

We were able to see quite a bit of Denver and then some! We ate quite a bit too, which I am taking responsibility for! There were so many neat resturants there which was so fun! Chipotle, The Spicy Pickle, Famous Daves, Noodles and Co and so much more!

We were able to take in the sights of the Red Rocks Ampitheatre, Golden, CO (a quaint little town), the Celestial Seasonings plant in Boulder, Estes Park (WAY up high in the mountains) and even got to see a show called Cirque Dreams Illuminations(so cool)!

Amongst all of that we had our down time too. We were usually back at the hotel by 7-7:30 each night and ready to chill. I did well with the walking and when I couldn't take it anymore, I found a place to sit.

Obviously the hardest part of the trip was dealing with my 75 year old Grandma! Most of you that read this, know our history and know how she is. For the most part things were smooth, but I do have two stories for ya!

The first happened shortly after we arrived at the hotel. We were busily moving around unpacking suitcases and trying to settle our things for the week ahead. There was a dresser type thing under the TV that had three drawers. Logically, I figured we would each get a drawer. I started unloading my stuff and put it in the top drawer...(I got there first, I am the tallest and I have a big belly). I didn't think much about it until, while in the bathroom, I heard "Whose stuff is this?" I immediately KNEW what was about to happen. I fessed up and said it was mine..."Well what makes you think you get the top drawer?" OH MY! It's okay Grandma, you can have it...so, I moved my stuff out and into the lower drawer. It was one of those moments I could have turned into a knock down drag out fight, but chose the high road. I guess it would be different had I not paid for a third of that room...BUT I DID! YIKES!

The second (although there are MANY more, but I will spare you) happened when we went to the Red Rocks Ampitheatre the second day we were there. Dani parked at the bottom not realizing you could drive to the top. We quickly drove by the stairs to the top when I said, "Oh, I can handle that" It really didn't look that tall/steep or that there were that many steps. When we got out of the car and headed to the steps I IMMEDIATELY KNEW there was no way on God's Green Planet that I was going to even attempt to climb those stairs (forget the fact that I am 5 1/2 months pregnant...I would have collapsed before baby too). As I walked toward the stairs to read the signs by them...it happened...there in front of God and everyone I was CHASTISED! Here I am a 27 year old married woman with a baby growing inside of me getting yelled at by my grandmother. (Picture this in an old lady stern voice) "You ARE NOT going up those steps, I WONT have it, I am putting my FOOT D.O.W.N!!!" I couldn't believe it...again, I took the high road and looked her dead in the eye and said "I KNOW Grandma!" and that was that! Why she felt the need to yell at me or to be stern toward me is beyond me! I was so tempted to stomp off toward the steps to see what she would do :) I withheld!

Other than dealing with her drama, and constantly thinking "This is NOT how we wanted this trip to be" (she invited herself when she found out mom and I were going), we had a good time! I missed Clint SO BADLY! This is the longest we have been apart and honestly, I will never do that again...at least with Grandma that's for sure! Thankfully Clint was able to be my sounding board each night and hear all the crazy events of the day...and always agree with me! :)

We are now back in the daily grind of life! Day 2 back at school and things are going well. The kids have Spring Fever FOR SURE...one even said that to me as to why he didn't do his homework...I came back with a "You better get over it real quick or you are going to have more than Spring Fever!" He smiled!

Millie did so well through the trip. She moved SO SO SO much each day, which was so reassuring to me that she was still in there and doing fine! I just love her so much already...I cannot imagine what really having her here is going to be like! I am so excited! 15 weeks to go!

Things I am excited about/looking forward to:

1) Clint has Friday Night off! YAY! (This rarely happens)

2) Talking to my good friend H, who is now a mommy of baby K, on Wednesday! We haven't talked since before K came into her life! Cannot wait!

3) Cooking Cashew Chicken tonight

4) Watching Biggest Loser from last week, before tonight's show comes on!

5) Millie got a gift on Sunday from some people at my In-Laws Church...her very own pearl necklace with the letter M in the middle...TOO precious! I almost cried!

6) I was changing some things on my registry when I noticed that someone has already purchased Millie's BEDDING!!! I have been SO worried about that...silly me!!!

7) Going to the High Risk Doctor tomorrow for what we hope to be our LAST appointment with him! It's just a follow-up sonogram...we are hoping for some great pictures of our girl!

That's all for now! I hope you all are well and rested! I hope your Easter was great too! What a joy it is to know that we serve a RISEN Savior!

Until Next Time,
Sam

23W 5D

2010-03-25T09:48:00.000-07:00

(2 weeks since my last update...bad mommy)

How far along? 23 Weeks, 5 Days

Total weight gain: I am guessing about 6 pounds...I go to the doctor in about 3 hours and will know more then.

Maternity clothes? Oh yeah! I am trying not to panic because I leave for Denver, CO in 3 days...they JUST got 10 inches of snow. I have ZERO winter maternity clothes and NOTHING I wore prior to pregnancy fits anymore. I tried to find winter stuff on clearance...YEAH RIGHT! So...I will be wearing my jacket quite a bit I guess!

Sleep: It has been fine...until last night...Woke up at 2:40 a.m. to Millie dancing around in my belly. I COULD NOT go back to sleep. I finally had to go to the guest bed and was able to catch about an hour of sleep before my alarm went off at 5:30. I just can't complain about that though...I have a baby in my belly...that is a miracle!

Scariest moment this week: Going for about a 9 hour stint of not feeling movement! But...she moved! I am always reminding myself that she needs sleep too!

Best moment this week: So many! Registering with my honey. Feeling her move SO SO much...(even as I type this). Last night I was catching up on the Biggest Loser and she was moving like crazy, so I lifted up my shirt...I COULD SEE MY BELLY MOVE!!! Unreal!

Movement: Oh yes...It makes me smile everytime!

Gender: GIRL!!! Millie Kaye

Labor Signs: Nope.

Belly Button in or out? Still very much in

What I miss: Sleeping on my tummy. But I LOVE being pregnant! Once I survived the first 17 weeks...I tell myself...If the Lord allows, I could do this again. Wasn't so sure at about week 7!!

What I am looking forward to: Showers! Seeing Aunt Dani see my big belly! Meeting Aunt Dani's boyfriend DJ! Going to the Doctor in about 2 hours and hearing Millie's Heartbeat! Talking to my friend H about her new baby K! And...watching the Survivor that I missed last night!

Shock, Relief and BFFs

2010-03-20T05:18:00.001-07:00

Good Morning to you all! It is a lovely Saturday morning and I am contemplating how I will spend it. For now, I will post...I do not want to forget the events of yesterday, so here it goes!

You all know, if you read my last post, that I went to Nashville last weekend to visit some friends! I went that particular weekend because I was origianally going for H's baby shower for a baby boy that they were adopting. At that point, to all of us, he should have been theirs forever! But...he wasn't. He never even got to come home with them. I already had purchased my plane tickets and wanted nothing more than to see H and hug her neck and give her a chance to share her heart...whatever she wanted! I wanted so badly for her to have a moment not to think about what should have happened that day. So...I went.

Fast forward to Thursday night...I texted Holly "Hey, I forgot to DVR the Biggest Loser, do you know who got voted off?" She quickly responded with the person and that was that! I know that isn't a huge deal to me, but just wait.

Now, Friday. I am at school. Through the last couple of months I have had my phone on in class so I could get H's updates to know what was going on. But yesterday, I didn't. After lunch, my lips were BURNING. I was digging in my black hole of a purse and found it, but also saw my cell phone and thought to see if anyone called or texted. I checked the text that was there from Holly.

Folks...it was a picture of an absolutely precious baby girl and the text said Guess What???

I was frozen. My mind of couse went "there," but I was trying to stop it. I knew she baby sat a little girl but I knew that little girl was much older than the girl in the picture. I couldn't figure it out in the 10 seconds before I called her. I had students in my class...we were in Study Hall. I didn't care. I had to call. She answered and I said "H, I am in class, I don't have much time, don't play games with me, what is going on?"

She went on to tell me that that little girl, was at their house and for now she is theirs!!!! I could believe it! I think I said Oh my Gosh 4,000 times! I cried a little, laughed a little, and shook my head a lot! I WAS JUST THERE and there WAS NO BABY!!!! We talked for a little longer, no thanks to my super quiet 6th graders (yeah right)! She did mention something about stealing my thunder...CRAZY GIRL and then she said something that made me cry harder, smile bigger and Praise Jesus even more...(makes me cry as I write this)..."And now, Millie and K can be Best Friends!!!"

You bet, they are going to be BFFs! I cannot stop thinking about it! It is taking everything in my power not to scheme up a way to get myself back there in the next few weeks...we'll see!

H had that sweet baby girl at her house when silly ole me was texting her about the Biggest Loser, I find that humorous! I find it neat that she responded without giving a clue as to the biggest event in her life. They kept it a secret from everyone for about 3 days! Great Job guys!

I love H and her friendship and I COULD NOT be more happy for her! What an awesome plan that God had! We always knew He had one, just SO glad this is it!

Amen!
Sam

Ahhhh Friends!

2010-03-16T11:34:00.000-07:00

Well my Nashville trip came and went! I had a BLAST! Friday as soon as my kids were dropped off at Dismissal, I was outtahere!

I made my way to the airport, parked my car and headed in to start my journey! It was quite the nasty rainy/drizzly day, so I was bracing myself for changes with my flight. THANKFULLY I had booked to have my layover in Memphis! That ended up being a HUGE blessing because ALL...ALL of the flights through Atlanta were delayed or cancelled! I just wheeled my little self to my gate and there I sat! I read an issue of US magazine that someone left lying there, drank my water and daydreamed of what this trip would be like!

From that point forward, everything went smoothly! I landed in Memphis with just enough time to board my next flight! I sat next to a VERY chatty man that helped pass the time! I landed in Nashville right on time and made my way to the exit. Finally, I saw H! I was SO excited! I just couldn't believe I was actually there. We hugged and surprisingly I didn't cry like I thought I would. I think the excitement just grabbed me! We headed outside and met up with Karen! Oh what a feeling of comfort washed over me! These are my people! These are the ones that know me, and love me...for me!

Once we survived the trip to Karen's house (she was driving) we were ready to CHOW down! So hungry! Pizza, cheetos and cheese puffs...SO YUM! We talked and talked and talked and cried and laughed and cried some more! It was so needed by all of us and worth every penny!

Saturday we woke up and had banana pancakes, sasuage and strawberries dipped in chocolate. Let's just say we ate A TON of food this weekend! We went to the mall and walked around, went to eat at RED ROBIN...YUMMMM, then headed back home for another amazing experience...GiGi's Cupcakes! I had never tried them before, but H and Karen are quite the Cupcake experts! They were SO tastey! H eventually left to go clean the church and Karen and I just hung out and talked some more. We did play the Wii a little too!

Sunday we went to church and I got to see lots of people I hadn't seen in quite a while! The best part was when two former 6th grade girls saw me and gasped! I mean...the big loud kind...it was cute. They are now in 8th grade and did a great job at making me feel old! After church we went to Rafferty's for lunch...SO YUMMY! Oh my just thinking about their Chef salad makes me want one RIGHT NOW!

My flight was scheduled to leave Nashville at 3:50 which had me landing in Atlanta at 6:05 just in time to board my next plane at 6:45....NOT! We didn't leave Nashville until 4:30 after just SITTING on the tarmac! Horrible! The worst part was watching the minutes tick by KNOWING that I was going to miss my plane! And miss it I did! I went to the service desk only to be told the next available flight was at 8:45 P.M. on TUESDAY NIGHT!!! I was supposed to hang out in ATL from Sunday night to Tuesday night....NO WAY! So...I ended up having to rent a car and drive...by myself...to Thomasville! It was quite the experience and many tears were shed. Thankfully I called my boss on Sunday night and let him know what was happening! I took off Monday, which happened to be Clint's day off, so we got to spend the day together!

Let's just say it was a wild ride, but I would do it all again if it meant seeing my friends! The next time I see them will HOPEFULLY be for my shower in May! WOOO HOOO!

Now I am off to beg people to work in Children's Church for the Passion Play! Wish me luck!

Until next time,
Sam

A real post this time

2010-03-06T18:45:00.001-08:00

Wow! It has been quite a while since I really posted something other than a weekly baby update or something like it. So...here it goes!

Things are going fairly well for us. After the CRAZY week this past week, I have slowed down and rested and caught up on sleep...until today. Today was one of the FIRST days in a while that I was a ball full of energy! I woke up at a decent time, started laundry, ate breakfast, balanced the checkbook, cleaned up the kitchen and dining room table (does anyone else have the problem of "drop-everything-you-possibly-can-on-the-dining-room-table??) and made a plan for the day. Clint had to leave about 3 for a 2 hour drive to cover our local high school in a basketball tournament so I knew I would have the rest of the afternoon to myself.

I ended up driving to Tallahassee to the Walmart there because of their arts and crafts section. If you know me, you know I am SO not the artsy crafty person, but for some reason today, I felt like it. My goal was to make a huge curtain to cover up the door from Millie's room to her bathroom...we need wall space people, not a door to the bathroom. So, I found the perfect color green fabric on clearance and I was off with my 4 yards of fabric and iron on hemming stuff! I just finished them and except for the obvious slant at the bottom (thankfully hidden by the couch we put in front of the door) they look great!

I also decided to do a little papery project to divide up the clothing sizes in her closet. They could have turned out better...but I am so impatient and didn't bother using a ruler...oops! They are still cute!

I am leaving in SIX more sleeps for Nashville! I am so excited to see my BFF's H and Karen! I cannot wait for our slumber party, girl talk and banana pancakes! This is a MUCH needed trip for all parties involved! I will miss Clint, but this is going to be Such a quick trip, I wonder if he'll know I am gone! He will spend time with his family so it's all good! I am so thankful for a man who lets me do things like this without thinking twice!

Let's see...My grandma is still driving me nuts! I think I am going to need some kind of drug to help me survive our WEEK long trip to Colorado in 3 weeks! Seriously! If she tells me one more time "enjoy your sleep now, you wont get it later" I am going to scream! She mentioned to me yesterday that she is thinking about kidnapping Millie after she is born to take her to get her ears pierced...I know she is joking...but for real she needs to chill!

Clint got furlowed again! 5 more days before July! We are so over it now...God has been so good to us...we are fine!

Well that seems to be all I can think of for now. Our bed has no sheets so I must go take care of that...I hope you all are well and enjoying your weekend!

Much love,
Sam

20W 4D

2010-03-03T17:37:00.000-08:00

How far along? 20 Weeks, 4 Days

Total weight gain: I have no idea...I should know because I had my records in hand on Monday to take with me when I fly...looked at them when I got home...they were NOT MY records! I had EVERY bit of information on a complete stranger! Scary!

Maternity clothes? 100%! I had a moment on Monday morning. I had every intention on wearing a non maternity shirt...it was SO short! I looked ridiculous! So...at 5:45 a.m. I am digging around for something else!

Sleep: ROUGH week for sleep...caught some zzzz's this afternoon though...felt so good!

Scariest moment this week: We went back Monday for another Ultrasound due to not being able to see the baby very clearly 2 weeks ago. Within one minute of the wand on my belly, she called for the doctor. They still couldn't see her. They immediately tried to get me in to a High-Risk doctor...they were closed already. They set me up an appointment for Wednesday. At this point we are thinking something is wrong with either me and my fluid capabilities or Millie's Kidneys. Petrified.

Best moment this week: Went to the High-Risk appointment today at 11:00. By 11:20, we were reassured that Millie is FINE! The doctor was seriously questioning why I was even there. However, he did let me know that "women on the thicker side" can have a hard time with normal ultrasound machines. So...we go back there in 4 weeks to see her again! Kidneys were there and fine, fluid was perfect and according to the doctor she has "beautiful lips!" I am so thankful for the Peace of God and for the 100+ people that were praying for us!

Movement: Oh yes...It makes me smile everytime!

Gender: GIRL!!! Millie Kaye

Labor Signs: Nope.

Belly Button in or out? Still very much in

What I miss: nothing, nothing at all! I am amazed at this experience and the miracle of life.

What I am looking forward to: Getting the nursery put together. My goal is to finish by 30 weeks. I hear energy starts to slip away at that point!

Cravings: Slushies!!

I'd like to thank....

2010-02-27T16:57:00.001-08:00

That's right! I've been nominated...by one of my favorite people in the whole wide world...H All of the kind stuff she said about me in her post may be true, but I never thought twice about it. It isn't often you meet people like H and I am SO thankful to call her my friend! Love you and only 13 more sleeps!! Woohoo!

Now for the rules...

1.Say thank you and link pass to the blogger(s) who awarded this to you.
2.Pass it on to other bloggers that you've recently discovered.
3.Link them and notify them.
4.Say 7 things about yourself.

I would like to nominate my college roomate from my Senior year...Carrie! She was such a fun roomate and though we haven't seen or "spoken" to each other since May of 2004, we are able to keep in touch through facebook and blogging! She is expecting their first baby in June! It has been quite a fun thing for us to have in common! So...congrats Carrie!

7 things about myself...

1. To this day I cannot watch Unsolved Mysteries...that man's voice CREEPS me out! My parents used to turn it on to get me to go to bed when I was younger! Abuse? I think so!

2. After I shower in the mornings, I go back to sleep for about 30 minutes, wet hair in my towel. I have done that since college!

3. I am addicted to reality television. Seriously.

4. I am scared of my own Grandma! Always have been...always will be...

5. I don't do well with female authority figures...okay well maybe just this one in particular, female authority figure.

6. My hands sweat all the time, dead of winter even!

7. I love Southern Gospel music!

That's all I can think of, and that took entirely too long for me to think of 7 random things!

19W 2D

2010-02-22T11:30:00.000-08:00

How far along? 19 Weeks, 2 Days

Total weight gain: Movin on up to 4

Maternity clothes? YES! Funny story, my mom came to visit this weekend, I came in the door from work to "What are you wearing...can you breathe?" That was the sign I needed. Ahhhh relief!

Sleep: so crazy...I go to be early (8:30) only to wake up about 3 a.m. ready to save the world!

Best moment this week: Finding out that Baby T is a GIRL! Telling our families and friends and hearing the squeals! Shopping for lots of girl stuff with my mom and grandma! Ordering her crib!

Scariest moment this week: At our 18W ultrasound they had a hard time locating her kidneys and telling if her heart has 4 chambers. We go back next Monday to do it all again. I also got reprimanded for not drinking enough water.

Movement: Yes, more and more everyday! I love it!

Gender: GIRL!!! Millie Kaye

Labor Signs: Nope.

Belly Button in or out? Still very much in

What I miss: nothing...I am finally at the "loving every minute" stage

What I am looking forward to: Going home today to our crib and dresser set up...I can't wait!

Cravings: Whataburger!

News!!

2010-02-16T09:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was our 18W formal ultrasound appointment. I have been counting down the sleeps until yesterday! We have been SO excited to find out our baby’s gender, but more importantly, to make sure everything is where it should be.

When we got to the waiting room, I was a nervous wreck! I just KNEW baby wouldn’t cooperate. That was the negative coming out in me. They called us back, squirted the gel on my belly and off we went. The ultrasound was VERY unclear, due to me not drinking enough water. I got a little lecture about that too. We were able to get positive readings on most everything…head size, brain, blood flow, bladder, etc.

However, she could not find baby’s kidneys or clearly see the heart to make sure it was a 4 chambered heart. (we did hear it beating away at 140 BPM, though) I have to go back in 2 weeks. She said for me not to panic, baby is small still and that I needed to drink more water. I can’t help but to be a little concerned about these things….just being honest. My mommy heart is a little bummed that I didn’t have a superior visit, but I am praying all will be well when we go back March 1st.

Baby would NOT cooperate as I guessed, so we ended up doing a vaginal exam as well. No biggie and within ONE minute, it was VERY clear….we are having a GIRL!!!

Clint and I looked at each other shocked! We were just sure it was a boy, although we both wanted a girl. Everyone (almost) just KNEW it was a boy as well. We are tickled pink!

So…here’s to Millie Kaye making her appearance in July! Please pray that when we go back in two weeks, all is good and baby is healthy!

Here she is...in all her glory!

Here we are, anxiously awaiting the news!

Much love and thanks for reading,
Until next time,
Sam

18W

2010-02-13T13:25:00.000-08:00

How far along? 18 Weeks

Total weight gain: Just 3 total

Maternity clothes? Still a no

Sleep: comes and goes...I get really really sleepy about 1:00 in the afternoon

Best moment this week: hearing what my 6th graders thought the baby would be. 34 votes for a boy, 20 votes for a girl. Their reasonings were hilarious!

Scariest moment this week: Nothing scary this week! PTL!

Movement: Yes.

Gender: 2 more sleeps!!! Please cooperate baby T!

Labor Signs: Nope.

Belly Button in or out? Still very much in

What I miss: having conversations with certain people without having to hear their opinion on anything baby...certain people just rub me the wrong way...and NO..it isn't anyone who reads this blog!

What I am looking forward to: Monday, 2:15...Ultrasound baby!

Cravings: Tuna fish!

Specific Request

2010-02-10T09:43:00.001-08:00

I haven’t talked much about this lately, because I honestly feel it is a moot point (until about 3 years ago, I always thought that was said “mute point).
My husband needs a new job! Honestly for the last year and a half, I have been thankful that he even has a job period, but my thankfulness is running out. I know that is terrible to say, but I am so SICK of his job. In the last year and a half he has had MAYBE 3 Saturday’s off. In the last year and a half he has taken 17 furlough days. The more recent headache is the fact that he has to take 5 more before the end of March. I BEGGED him to at least get 3 of the 5 to be on Saturdays, but he can’t do it. Excuse me, but if you are making me take an unpaid day off…I should get to choose, ESPECIALLY because ALL of the other reporters work it to their advantage. One of the things I love most about my husband is that he is a man of integrity and character. He WON’T leave anyone in a bind, even if it is that Newspaper.

Now, we have a baby on the way. The concept of me driving 45 minutes one way after having little to no sleep to stand before a class of 6th graders and sound somewhat intelligent is beyond me. I can’t fathom what is going to happen with childcare and whether the baby should be in FL with me or stay in GA where Clint is, avoiding 2, 45 minute drives with a baby.

I am scared to death.

My job, believe it or not, is the money maker of the family. His on the other hand, is not. We have prayed about moving to another part of GA, but God has made it clear to us that it is not time for that right now. SO….here we are, in the SAME position we have been in for a year and a half….and I am over it. I am ready for a change….

I have done my best holding it in and keeping my complaining to a minimum, but I feel a blow out coming. I had a pity party for myself last night, stomped a little, cried a little, and even visited the porcelain throne due to the crying. I am sick of spending EVERY evening alone. I HATE watching American Idol by myself…and I hate going to bed every night without him.

Please, PLEASE, pray for us that he can get a job in FL. The sooner the better. Obviously we want what the Lord wants for us and we really believe this is WHAT He wants, we just don’t know WHERE and WHEN. Logically speaking, in my mind, It would be fantastic if his job could be in place and we could be moved before baby comes. But I continue to remind myself that His ways are not MY ways, His thoughts are not MY thoughts.

I know this is not a normal post for me, but please bear with me. And please…please don’t tell me it’s my hormones. K? Thanks!

Until next time,
Sam

Post-It Note Tuesday!

2010-02-09T09:55:00.000-08:00

17W

2010-02-06T13:56:00.000-08:00

How far along? 17 Weeks

Total weight gain: I have gained a total of 3 pounds!!

Maternity clothes? Still a no

Sleep: This week hasn't been the best week of sleep. A lot going on in the mind!

Best moment this week: Hearing Baby T's Heartbeat again...still holding steady at 150 bpm. It is a remarkable sound!

Scariest moment this week: Not really scary, but quite annoying. They had to draw my blood to check my thyroid numbers. They stuck me THREE times at the doctor's office and STILL couldn't get any. I had to go to the lab the next day and do it again, thankfully it worked the first time at the lab.

Movement: Yes.

Gender: We get to find out on the 15th! That is 9 more sleeps people!!!

Labor Signs: Nope.

Belly Button in or out? Still very much in

What I miss: Eating without thinking about what I am actually eating...bad I know!

What I am looking forward to: February 15th!

Cravings: Hot Wings!

What a Week!

2010-02-05T12:30:00.000-08:00

It's weeks like these that make me wonder if I am really going to survive this school year! As much as I love being a teacher, it is exhausting...mentally and physically! For some reason, spring fever has ALREADY hit my lovely 6th graders...every last one of them. They think that THEY rule the roost and really believe they can do and say whatever they please whenever they feel like it!
Sheesh! Thank you LORD for Friday's!

So, in the midst of my on coming nervous break down, I have decided to write a few things that I am thankful for and what made me smile this week...because, regardless of the above, there were a lot!

*the birth of H's baby, Little Guy. Although it's not "official" (adoption), I truly believe in my heart of hearts...he's theirs.

*We heard the heartbeat of our Baby T on Tuesday! I LOVE that sound!

*My sweet hubby cleaned the kitchen for me last night...spic and span!

*My mom found CHEAP plane tickets to Colorado in March! Go mom!

*My sister officially has a boyfriend! Go Dani!

*While teaching about temptation in Bible this week, I gave a scenario about wanting a brownie, but not giving in to the temptation. The next day, a sweet student, brought me a brownie...and this time, I gave in!

*My mom's Culinary Arts program that she runs at their local high school was chosen as School of the Month for the local news station. They are getting filmed next week! GO Mom!

*In 7 minutes, I will walk out of this school...if only for 48 hours!

*I don't have to cook tonight. I love eat-out Friday's!

*My DVR is LOADED with goodness, just waiting for me for sit-on-your-butt Friday night!

*I found out the Bible Study that I attended last year with a different church starts up Feb 15th. They invited me back! :)

*One of our friends let Clint know of a job opening. That meant a lot!

*Talking to my BFF 2 more times this week...we are setting records people.

*Finding out that Tallahassee does indeed have a Babies R Us!

*Getting a "Monster Cookie" from a fellow teacher.

*Using up all the ink in my favorite red pen...I love when I use a pen all up! I feel like I have conquered something when that happens!

*Hearing that my crazy Gma bought her first baby gift, a lullaby CD that she heard playing at Wal-Mart...she "had to have it"

Well, I feel better! Thank you Lord for the blessings of this week! They are there...They are already there! I will try harder next week to not let the yucky parts of the week overshadow the blessings!

Until next time,
Sam

Welcome!

2010-02-02T09:51:00.000-08:00

If this is your first time stopping by my blog, welcome! If you are a faitful reader, welcome!

I noticed that over on H's blog, she linked up to mine for people to have easy access to her friend Samantha! Here I am!

We are all waiting for the glorious news that Little Guy has arrived. I am the lucky one that will get updates throughout the day tomorrow and do my best to get them on here as fast as I can...even if my 6th graders have to sit for a minute without my guidance! :)

I have known H for about 4 years now! I am a better person for knowing her. She is incredibly kind, a wonderful listener, quite the funny one and we just "click!" For the longest time I wondered when H would have a baby. I never asked her because I didn't want to be nosey or pry. But I will never forget the day she gave me some news. I remembered that she had missed work here and there and had to leave early sometimes. Again, not wanting to be nosey, I said nothing. I knew she would tell me if it was my business. Something to know about H is that she is a planner...seriously. I always admired her ability to carry her day planner, write important info in it and actually remember to look at it! Anyway, she mentioned to me one day at school that she needed to talk to me that afternoon. Of course, in my all-knowingness, I KNEW what she was going to tell me. I just KNEW she was going to have a baby...what I didn't know was just HOW that would happen.

This is getting wordy, so I'll hurry. We talked, and she told me that she and her husband had been attending adoption meetings and that things hadn't gone according to their plan for growing their family so adoption would be the route they would take. It was at THAT moment, that I was determined to pray for my friend every single day. I couldn't imagine the pain and thoughts they had been going through for so long. So pray I did. Day after day, I prayed. As we all know in this life, not everyone is gifted with the ability to say the right thing. The last thing I ever wanted to do was to be the "ding-dong" that just spoke without thinking, so, I prayed.

Fastforward to now...I am still praying! My prayers have changed over time and I have made sure to offer prayers of thanksgiving to our Lord. Tomorrow is the day we've been waiting for. Tomorrow I will pray.

Love you H and please know that your family and friends are sitting at the feet of Jesus praying on your behalf as well as the behalf of your beautiful birthmother!

Can't wait!
Sam

16W

2010-01-30T08:08:00.000-08:00

How far along? 16 Weeks

Total weight gain: Still sitting at only one pound.

Maternity clothes? Nope. BUT...I feel some changing and tightening going on in the belly area...we shall see

Sleep: As much as I can get!

Best moment this week: Being absolutely content! Realizing(thanks to my dear friend Holly) that this is a one day at a time journey and that I need to be enjoying each day as it comes and not rush it! I had a light-bulb moment!

Scariest moment this week: Just a few bad dreams.

Movement: Yes. Bending over is getting a tad bit more difficult, anytime I do, I feel movement.

Gender: 4 more weeks! (hopefully)

Labor Signs: Nope.

Belly Button in or out? Still very much in

What I miss: Sleeping on my belly!

What I am looking forward to: Our next appointment on TUESDAY!!!

Cravings: Still craving the spicy! Wendy's Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, Pizza Lunchables...weird I know!

2010-01-26T10:00:00.000-08:00

I found this cool idea for Tuesdays! Here it goes:

I love the Weekend!!!

2010-01-25T11:34:00.000-08:00

Catching Up

Well….Happy Monday?!?!?! It seems like every time I turn around, it’s Monday again! Today has been a busy/crazy day all wrapped into one! I apparently thought it would be a great idea to have a Science Lab on a Monday….WRONG! And…sadly…I have another one scheduled for tomorrow! Oh well…we are crossing them off our list!

We had a great weekend! Friday night I caught up on my, what’s-the-word…Guilty Pleasure shows! I just can’t help it! Real Housewives and Grey’s Anatomy! After I took care of that, I went to bed, only to wake a whopping 13 hours later…momma was TIRED! Saturday I had a burst of energy and managed to clean our kitchen…REALLY clean and clean out the pantry! That thing was a disaster and I am so glad to have that over with!

Sunday was a lovely day as well. First, my love doesn’t work on Sunday’s, so I enjoy being with him all day! We went to church, I made it through a meeting and off we went to lunch. LONGHORNS!!! One of my favorites, but we NEVER go there due to the prices…just don’t care to pay $35 for two people to eat….BUT we had a gift card thanks to my AWESOME Brother and sister-in-law and PRECIOUS niece Allison….(shout out to you Megan!) Plus, we had a $4 off coupon! I thoroughly enjoyed my Caesar salad, salmon and that really yummy bread!

After leaving Longhorn’s I got to do something that I haven’t done in a long, long time. We went to the hospital to visit our friends Andrew and Sarah and their 7 Hour old baby boy, Sam! Oh be still my heart! He was 9 lbs, 6 ounces and the cutest ball of baby I’ve seen. (I say that about all babies…I can’t help it) Oh my! It was all I could do not to burst out in tears. A little over a year ago, these two people experienced something that NO one would ever want to experience. Sarah was about 6 months pregnant with baby Jack, when one day, he was gone. She had to deliver him, but Baby Jack was already with Jesus. It was a heart wrenching ordeal for their family, but they came out on the other side! Baby Jack isn’t forgotten, but I am SO glad for them to now have Baby Sam…a healthy, loved and much longed for baby!

I can’t help but think of the line to that song….”You give and take away, you give and take away, my heart will choose to say, Blessed be your Name!”

Experiencing the hospital visit and seeing Sarah a mere 7 hours after her c-section and hearing all of her encouraging words to me, made my heart soar! I can’t wait to have Baby Thompson…obviously I want her/him to grow inside me and be healthy and strong before coming, but folks, I cannot wait!

Ahhhh my heart!

On to other baby talk…my dear friend Holly, that I have mentioned on here several times….still no baby! Her birthmom was officially due yesterday!!!! Nothing like drawing things out! They just returned from another Doctor’s appointment and I got a text that said “No change…just sporadic contractions. Seriously.” Bless their hearts! I can only imagine how their birthmom must be feeling. Nothing like being in the “waiting”! I am praying constantly for them!

Oh yeah, And the SAINTS are going to the SUPERBOWL! We had a blast watching the game...except toward the end where I pouted for a little bit...:)

Until next time,
Sam

15W

2010-01-23T13:51:00.000-08:00

15 Weeks!

How far along? 15 Weeks

Total weight gain: ONE pound. The one time in my life that it is OKAY to gain weight...and it took me 15 Weeks to gain ONE pound!

Maternity clothes? Nope. I am guessing one more week in my normal dress pants. I have one pair of jeans that are out of the question now.

Sleep: Yes Please! The more the better!

Best moment this week: Getting diaper coupons in the mail!

Scariest moment this week: Having a racing heartbeat on Wednesday afternoon. Left school early...BP was WAY up! Went straight to bed...I believe it was lack of rest from the day before (Open House).

Movement: Only one more time since last week...at school...still really cool!

Gender: 5 more weeks til we find out! From the beginning I have wanted a girl, BUT, the more I think about the possibility of it being a boy, I get excited about that too! Either way...we will be thrilled!

Labor Signs: Nope.

Belly Button in or out? Still very much in

What I miss: Having energy...still waiting for the 2nd trimester energy to kick in.

What I am looking forward to: Our next appointment, Feb 2nd!

Cravings: Chips and Salsa; Anything Spicy.

Safe

2010-01-19T16:28:00.001-08:00

Happy Open House night! (Said in my most sarcastic tone) It is 6:30 and I have been at school for 11 hours…by the time I leave it will be 12 ½! I am pooped to say the least, but I am hanging in there. I don’t want to complain because I love my job, but whew what a day.

Cheater girl got off scott free. Cheater girls momma had to rub it in just a tad and said “until she graduates from this school, she will say she didn’t cheat,” to which I replied “and until the day she graduates, I will say she did,” and then I summed up our little meeting and off she went with a smile on her face. As my sixth graders say, whatev!

Due to open house, I stay all the way through without going home. On nights like these, I usually go grab a bite to eat then hang out at the bookstore until time to go back to school. Tonight I was invited by a fellow co-worker and mother of one of my students to go to Z.axbys for supper with them. I love this family and was so thankful to be able to eat with them….they paid for me too which is always nice! They are adoptive parents to two girls, 12 and 6. I think this give me a little more love for them since my heart is so into the adoption process and the people involved.

The youngest of their daughters is a doll. Everytime she sees me she asks about my baby. Today she asked if it was time to feed my baby. Did I think it was going to hurt when my baby came out. She asked if she could be invited to the day that the baby comes. And also asked if my baby was going to have a crib or a manger. SO SWEET. I had a blast!

I must go, but I will leave you with a song that is at the top of my charts these days. It is SO wonderful to know that I am safe. That my husband is safe. That my baby is safe. That my family is safe. That my friends are safe. That my friends whose lives are about to change one way or the other….are safe! Read the words to this song, really read them….talk about peace!

To the one who's dreams are falling all apart
And all you're left with is a tired and broken heart
I can tell by your eyes you think your on your own
but you're not all alone

Have you heard of the One who can calm the raging seas
Give sight to the blind, pull the lame up to their feet
With a love so strong and never let you go
oh you're not alone

(Chorus)
You will be safe in His arms
You will be safe in His arms
'Cause the hands that hold the world are holding your heart
This is the promise He made
He will be with You always
When everything is falling apart
You will be safe in His arms

Did you know that the voice that brings the dead to life
Is the very same voice that calls you to rise
So hear Him now He's calling you home
You will never be alone

(Bridge)
These are the hands that built the mountains
the hands that calm the seas
These are the arms that hold the heavens
they are holding you and me

These are hands that healed the leper
Pulled the lame up to their feet
These are the arms that were nailed to a cross
to break our chains and set us free

- 'Safe' by Phil Wickham

Until next time,
Sam

14 Weeks

2010-01-16T05:19:00.000-08:00

How far along? 14 Weeks

Total weight gain: I have no idea, I believe I weigh less then when I found out I was pregnant

Maternity clothes? Nope. Still waiting to wear my cute ones!

Sleep: This week has been better! I think it has something to do with waking up at 5:30, dealing with crazy 12 year old all day, and getting home at 5:00 p.m. :)

Best moment this week: Feeling movement! Butterfly movement...but still movement!

Movement: YES! Sitting at the computer last night, below my belly button to the left (where they found the heart beat last time). I took a poll in Facebook to see when other people felt movement...looks like I am not crazy!

Gender: Don't know yet! Dreamt last night it was a girl and that we told our in-laws by baking a pink cake...good idea!

Labor Signs: Nope.

Belly Button in or out? Still very much in

What I miss : not being exhausted

What I am looking forward to: right now...eating my blueberry muffins that just came out of the oven! :)

Cravings: Blueberry muffins; chips and salsa; chocolate milk (I got the sugar free kind)

Sticks and Stones

2010-01-15T12:33:00.001-08:00

I am not one to blog 2 days in a row (hopefully tomorrow will make 3 for my 14W update) BUT…here is my question…

Why are people so mean?

In the past 24 hours I have been “chewed out” by 3 different people. All parents of my students.

In the 6 years I have taught I have only had ONE run-in with parents for saying to their precious sweet baby “Quit acting like a punk and sit down.” Bad choice of words, yes, but the truth hurts. (Remember that Holly? Oh my!)
Anyway, the events of the last 24 hours a making me wonder if I am losing it!

A few days ago, I caught a girl cheating on her quiz. I saw it with my own two eyes and made sure to KNOW that this is what was happening before I took action. She somewhat denied it, but had no problem getting a zero and getting a referral to the dean. But now…all of a sudden…when she finds out she has to stand in front of the Honor Committee (a group of her peers) and explain her side of the story to figure out what her punishment would be…she didn’t do it. I had to talk to her mom to explain the situation, and before finding out about the Honor Committee, she understood. NOW…today I pull her in the hall to explain what she would have to do at the Honor Committee , she responds “but what if I didn’t do it?” “my mom even knows I didn’t do it” My blood was boiling! I simply sent her back to her desk and told her from this point on, she would have to discuss it with the principal. REDICULOUS. I am all about protecting my child, but get a grip. So, mom emails me with excuse after excuse and explanation and more concerned about her kid not missing cheerleading practice. Did I say ridiculous? REDICULOUS!!!!

THEN, today was the Honor Roll lunch. The kids get to go off campus to the mall to eat lunch and shop a little. It is a huge incentive to them to do well. The kids don’t get their report cards until next Tuesday, and some of them were unsure if they were on the honor roll. I get it. So I got on the email and requested a list be sent. For some reason, 7 names were left off. Apparently the computer program we use for grades had a glitch. But this is something TOTALLY out of my hands. But, you guessed it, I am the one that gets the email that said “I am disappointed in your lack of communication” and blah blah blah….REDICULOUS!!! I simply forwarded it to the principal and she took it from there! I am so sick of these parents that need to learn how to take a deep breath before emailing.

Lastly, I confiscated a cell phone today. Texting momma in the bathroom is not acceptable. I simply emailed to inform mom to let her know that he would get his phone today since it was his first offense but that next time, it would be turned into the office which meant that only mom or dad could pick it up. Anyway, I get a reply stating “And for the record, I do know the rules about the cell phones, which is ridiculous and I don’t know how you could even enforce this type of rule.”

Seriously?

I need a big tall, ice cold, diet coke and a Mr. Goodbar. I need it! (not gonna happen, no caffine, little sugar..not gonna happen)

Until next time,
Sam

Emotional

2010-01-14T11:41:00.000-08:00

I realize that being 13 weeks pregnant is a special formula for being extra emotional. I get it, but this week, I have experienced 3 instances in which I have been over the top. I believe with good reason too!

First, I came home from work on Monday and checked my Facebook to see a friends status say “Heidi, I am so glad your body is cancer free and you are walking with Jesus now…we miss you.” It was that moment that I put it all together. I friend of mine from college, Heidi from Texas, was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer at the age of 27, last February. She went through several surgeries and lots of Chemo and never recovered. The cancer never left her and she went home to be with Jesus at the age of 28. I haven’t been in contact with Heidi since college, but I have thought about her a lot in the last year and prayed for her too. This GOT me. I sat at our computer and cried, a lot! I just don’t understand the reason for her homegoing and all that she went through. It was hard. I know she is healed now and happier than ever. I know she is dancing with our Savior and bowing at his feet. I am happy for her, but my heart is heavy for her family.

Secondly, the news of the devastating events that took place in Haiti absolutely rocked me! Another event with no understanding. I know that “His ways aren’t our ways” and I have claimed that for a long time. My heart breaks for those people. I want to get on a plane, fly there and save the day, help in some way. Obviously, at this point in my life, that is not possible, but I did remember one way I could help. Other than Clint and I giving financially to help the rescue and clean up efforts, I prayed. I have mentioned before how my prayer life has changed drastically since finding out my friend Holly was trying to adopt (their baby is due any day….WOOHOO!). I pray all the time now. I am not “tooting my own horn” by any means, but this is the truth. I mentioned to my students this morning that we should be praying for the people of Haiti. I mentioned to them some of the headlines that I have been reading, like the expected death toll being in the hundreds of thousands. And then I did something that I have never done before with any of the classes I have taught. I told them that I would open in prayer and that any of them that wanted to pray, could just open their mouths and pray. I ended mine with “In Jesus’ Name….” and off they went. Out of 22 students, 12 of them prayed outloud. 3 of them went more than once. These are 6th graders….the same ones that can drive me bananas….brought me to absolute tears. (I was a mess) I know that God loves when children pray. I could see their hearts. They prayed for things I didn’t even think of. I did my best to not make it obvious that I was a blubbering mess, but I didn’t do so well. I want to try this again sometime, as my heart was touched.

Lastly, on a not so serious note, next week is Sweetheart Week. Basically like Homecoming for basketball season. The weeks that the teachers dread, but that the students dream about. The time where they dress up like crazy things and lose all focus. Yesterday the students had to nominate a boy and a girl from their grade to represent them on the Sweetheart court. As I collected the ballots, I saw the same names over and over again. It was a given. No surprises. UNTIL…I get to one “funny-man-who-cares-nothing-about-sweetheart-anything” and absolutely did not take this seriously. He handed me his ballot with a smirk on his face. So I peeked. And of course, the people he listed…how do I say this…were probably on NO other ballots. I hate it if that sounds mean, but I am just telling the story. They are two of the ones that are…different. They aren’t a couple and probably would never be. Anyway, for some reason, this was hilarious to me (I am so immature). I wanted to laugh, but KNEW I would only fuel his fire, so I did my best to keep a straight face. I succeeded, until about 25 minutes LATER while grading our Science quizzes. As I was calling out the answers, his little smirky face just popped into my head and I started laughing. I could NOT stop. I was laughing so hard that tears were streaming down my face. Getting a grip was out of the question. Of course since it is 25 minutes after the ballots, the 15 students in the class had no idea what I thought was so funny, they seriously were staring at me like I had lost my mind. (I think I have) I have never had an experience quite like that in the 6 years I have been teaching! Hilarious!

I hope you are all doing well and staying warm! I hope you are laughing some this week too!

Until next time,
Sam

Panic, Prayer, Peace, Praise (in that order)

2010-01-11T10:06:00.001-08:00

Last week I got an email from the Executive Pastor that said,

“Samantha, when you get a chance, call me, I’d like to discuss the possibility of you coming to the weekly Church Staff meetings.”

Immediate Panic! Why? Because as of right now, my plate is full! I am a full time 6th grade teacher with 3 preps. I live an hour from where I work. My husband works in the evenings. I am the(part time, yeah right) Children’s Director of the church and oversee the Nursery, Sunday School, Children’s Church and Awana programs. And…I am pregnant.

Panic! I couldn’t for the life of me figure out how I could fit one more thing on my overflowing plate. Not to mention, I didn’t want to go to staff meetings with a room full of very powerful, very smart, intimidating Men!

As I began to panic over this, I saw how ridiculous it all was. So, I prayed. I prayed that the Lord would work it out that I wouldn’t have to do this, and that if I did, I would make the best of it.

The next day, I met with the Executive Pastor. He made it very clear that it was not his wish for me to take on this extra responsibility. He made it very clear that it was the Pastor that wanted me there. The Pastor wanted to change staff meeting time from 1:00 on Wednesdays (I teach History then) to 3:30-5:30 so that I could be there. I KNEW this would make NO one happy. So, the Exec Pastor and I decided that I could come during my planning period on Wednesdays from 2:00-2:30, say what I needed to say, hear what I needed to hear and leave. I figured that was better than the alternative, so I went with it.

Peace. I had complete peace that this was going to work out.

And waddoya know….It did.

The Executive Pastor stopped me at lunch today and told me not to worry about the Staff Meeting. I thought he meant for this week, but he said “forever.” He went on to say how he told the Pastor that this was not discussed when I was hired. I am only part time. I teach full time. I am pregnant. And…he thinks my plate is full enough and he doesn’t want my areas to suffer! Praise the Lord! I could have hugged the man in the middle of the cafeteria, but I thought better of it!

I will have to do a typed, bulleted report each week of the goings on, but that is so doable! I cannot complain!

Thank you Jesus for Peace and answered Prayers!

Until next time,
Sam

A New Year

2010-01-07T09:51:00.000-08:00

A New Year

I always love a new year! I love the newness of everything! We started back to school today and the newness of that gets me every time! New chapters, new seating arrangement, new markers and even a new Science Lab Table for my classroom!

An another note…

We went to the Doctor this past Tuesday! I expected it to be like our last appointment…long and through…but not so much! They did the normal, pee in the cup, weigh in, blood pressure and so on, but nothing really through if you get my drift! ;)

This time, we didn’t get to do a sonogram either. I was kind of bummed. I expected to get to see Baby T every time, but apparently that is not the case. We did, however, get the “rub on the belly with really cold jelly and a wand thing” though. It took the doctor like 2 solid minutes (probably less, but it felt like forever) to actually find the heartbeat of the baby. I was really nervous, but apparently that is normal too! Baby T was beating away at 150 bpm! I was so proud!

As far as they know, everything is good and on schedule! They are watching my thyroid numbers though, which for a moment made me a little nervous, but then I remembered that “God’s got it!” If my numbers go too high or too low at my next blood draw (Feb 2nd) then, then will send me to a specialist! Thyroid issues run in both sides of my family, so I hear!

We go back Feb 2nd. I will be 16 weeks at that point. I have heard that you can find out the sex of the baby as early as 14 weeks, but we shall see. I have a feeling they will make me wait until the appointment after the next one since I will be 20weeks then (halfway!!!)

I went to the store the other day and was looking for a baby book. I wanted to start now filling in all the blanks that I could! I am just so excited! I was planning on getting the neutral one, but didn’t find a neutral one that I liked….so, I will wait! I know myself far too well…if it is a girl….I will want a girl book. If it is a boy…I will want a boy book! Go figure!

For now I will close with some fun little info (I stole this from a friends blog…my goal is to do it every week…we shall see!)

13W (okay, so really 12W 6D, I am a day early)

How far along? 13 weeks!!!

Total weight gain: zero!

Maternity clothes? Don’t have to wear them just yet. However, I did go shopping and did get 3 pairs of pants and a few shirts…for when that time comes! And…I did wear a pair of pants one day…they are SO comfy!

Sleep: When I am asleep, I sleep fine, however, falling asleep is rough and about 3am I wake up ready to conquer the world. I have had to leave our bed and go to the guest bed TWICE now because I couldn’t fall back asleep! SO annoying!

Best moment this week: hearing Baby T’s heartbeat again!

Movement: Nope…although, the doctor told me if it is movement below the belly button it is the baby, above the belly button…Gas! So…the other night was good ole gas!

Gender: no clue…lots of people are guessing girl since I have been so sick….but we have no idea!

Labor Signs: Nope.

Belly Button in or out? In….really in

What I miss : pure, uninterrupted sleep; food

What I am looking forward to: our next appointment in 4 weeks

Weekly Wisdom: even if I am starving….a footlong sub is NOT a good idea! The “eating-crackers-before-getting-out-of-bed” movement, really does work!

Milestones: making it to 13 weeks! For some reason…I was really looking forward to that!

here, there and everywhere

2009-12-30T12:24:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh Christmas Break! I have six more days until I go back to work, and I am enjoying every minute of it.

As soon as I got out of school last Tuesday, I jumped in the car and headed to my hometown. Clint stayed back to work while I spent about three days with my family, mainly my sister Danielle. We had a great time of hanging out, shopping, eating and chilling! It went so so fast!

Christmas Eve, I drove to Tifton to meet Clint and his Family for the Christmas Eve Service at his home church. It was lovely. Apparently pregnancy hormones make you more emotional than normal, but I did my fair share of crying through the service. The Christmas story just gets me everytime, but more so this year.

Christmas morning we woke up, opened a gift, waited for Clint's brother and family to come, ate breakfast and opened the rest of our gifts. This was Christmas #1 for us and already I was spoiled! The rest of the day was spent watching Clint play pool with his dad/brother and watching our nine year old nephew play video games all day long. We had a yummy lunch and played some card games. We decided to hit up the Waffle House for supper that evening, but since it was the ONLY open resturant on Christmas day, it was PACKED out. We ended up coming home and having left overs that were quite yummy. We ended the evening with a fun round of games. It was a super day.

Saturday Clint and I went back to Tville to drop off stuff, laundry, repack and have our Christmas together. We also had to teach Children's Church on Sunday. For our Christmas #2 I was once again spoiled! He did so well! Awwww, I love him.

We are now in Warner Robins hanging out with the family until Friday. Christmas #3 and #4 were awesome too! A visit to WR is NEVER without Drama, NEVER! I love love love my family, BUT! (nuff said)

Monday, my mom, Grandma and I drove up to Macon to check out some sales at the maternity store. I have to admit, it was quite fun. Those clothes are NOT CHEAP, but necessary. Thankfully I was given a NICE amount of money to get them with! I ended up with 3 pairs of dress pants, 2 shirts and 2 necessary items for about $170. I know that seems like a lot, but those were sale items! In the dressing room they had a "bump" to put under your shirt to see where you will be three months from where you currently are....SO FUN! I SO looked pregnant! It was crazy!

Yesterday we chilled in our PJ's until about 4pm. It was so nice! I watched a movie with mom, took a nap and played a few games. We then got ready and went to Grandma's for soup. Only one time was there drama, which was strange. I always expect more. Did you know that MY baby is also my grandma's baby! Seriously! :]

At this point I am relaxing on the couch waiting for 6:00 to roll around so we can meet up for dinner with our good friends Mike and Lisa! So fun!

Tomorrow is our Christmas celebration with my step dads side of the family. I am pretty excited about it since we will actually have something to do on new years eve.

I believe that is all for now. Next time I post will probably be after our next doctor's appointment on Tuesday! woohoo! Praying that all goes well!

Until next time,
Sam

Do you hear what I hear?

2009-12-16T12:28:00.001-08:00

Don't ask my why I used that title, I just love that song and it was stuck in my head!

Things are rolling right along here. I have 4 more days of school until the much anticipated Christmas Break. It couldn't come soon enough! I leave next Tuesday to spend 2 days with my sister Danielle. Due to Clint's crazy work schedule, things are a little hectic with the whens and wheres of Christmas...but it doesn't matter. As long as we are with family, I'm good.

We have officially finished all of our Christmas shopping! I have two family presents left to wrap and ALLLLL of Clint's presents left to wrap! YIKES!

Friday is a half day for us, so I should be home around 1:30ish. Clint is off too, so we decided to invite his parents over for dinner. This will be the first time I will cook for them since I have known them. Anytime the come to T'ville, we always go out to eat. But this visit is for the sole purpose of seeing our new apartment, our decorations for Christmas, our new recliner and our new china cabinet! I am excited to have them come, just praying that I am feeling well and able to entertain!

Last Friday, I noticed a lump on Clint's neck. Kind of near his adamsapple (I have no idea if that is how you spell it, but you get my drift). He hadn't noticed it before and neither had I. Since we didn't know how long it had been there, I immediately insisted that he go to the doctor on Monday. He was able to get an appointment for 3:15. I tried not to think about it, but many-a-thoughts were in my mind all day. I finally heard from him about 4:30. The doctor said it was a swollen lymph node (it looked like a pea sticking out of his neck). The did some blood work that all came back fine...his blood counts were good..that ruled out a BUNCH of scary stuff. He is on antibiotics for 10 days and has to go back to be checked. If it isn't gone by day 10 then he will be sent to a ENT doctor. For now I am relieved, just pray that it goes away!

Clint has been off this whole week. He has several vacation days to use up before the end of 2009. It has been so nice coming home to him every day. He did stop by work yesterday afternoon to drop off some pampered chef orders for me (I will NEVER have another book party...can we say hassle!). When he got back from visiting work, he asked if I wanted the good news or the bad news first. I hate that question! I always say bad news first! Anyway, on top of the 5 days of furlough he has to take from January to March, he has to take ONE more before Christmas Eve. (this place is rediculous...I just think someone is getting rich) The good news is that he gets Saturday off! That will be THREE Saturdays in a row off for us! That is GOOD news and worth the furlough if you ask me! By the time march rolls around he will have had 16 days of furlough! Crazy! The first time he got furloughed (how many times can I use the word furloughed?) I went into a straight panic! Since then, I just shrug my shoulders and give it to God. Seriously. It's His money anyway! He has taken care of us our whole lives, why would he stop now? All will be fine! Amen?!?!

I don't know if it is the pregnancy or just my lack of coordination, but I somehow managed to drop my cell phone straigt into a cup of water, while driving! Talent! Anyway, after a day of my phone doing really crazy things, it is somewhat back to normal. Thankfully, this happened on Monday and today (Wednesday) my 2 year contract is up which means I am eligible for a free phone. I had planned on taking advantage of that today anyway...so perfect timing.

I am still feeling blah, but I am making it. It helps seeing the light at the end of the school tunnell, for two weeks anyway. I have had some pretty disgusting complications that are pregnancy related and causing a lot of discomfort and pain. (I am trying to spare you from some pretty gross details.) As far as we know all is well with baby, but it is just part of it as they say. We go back to the doctor January 5th and I can't wait...I'm not even scared...I just can't wait.

Long post I know, but one more thing....

We have chosen our baby names. It was a fairly easy process and we LOVE the names we have chosen. We haven't told a lot of people...and now I know why. Never in my life would I have thought I would have to defend the names we have chosen to people I love. People that have no quams about stating their oh so bold and negative opinion. I cannot imagine myself telling anyone, not even a stranger, that I didn't like the name they had chosen. (okay, this one time, I talked about this girls choice of baby name behind her back, but not to her face) The worst part is that one of them is my Grandpa (whom I love dearly) and the other is my MOTHER! Before you form an evil opinion of my mom, that is just how she is, she is coming around and has even said it is starting to grow on her. (The names really aren't bad!) The even worse part is that my mom's solution for our girls name is to name her after the Twilight books...Bella. MOTHER!!! (no offense to anyone named Bella!)
I laugh about it now, but at the time, there was no laughter...just shock!

Alrighty, must run!

Until next time,
Sam

A Shout Out

2009-12-11T11:30:00.000-08:00

I have been contemplating where to go with my next post. And for now, the only thing I can think about is my amazing husband.

It has almost been an entire month since we found out we are having a baby. In that month, I have seen an entirely different side of Clint. I have always known he is kind, compassionate, loving, caring and all of the wonderful things he is (all of the reasons I married him in the first place). Anyway, I have seen all of those things this past month, but in a magnified way.

As I have said in the last posts, I am sick. I am sick of being sick, but I am sick.

Without fail, Clint asks me every morning, every afternoon and every evening how I am feeling. He hasn't complained one time that he hasn't had a good meal in almost a month (with the exception of Thanksgiving). He has done the laundry 3 weeks in a row now. He has cleaned the kitchen more times than I can count in the last month. Everytime a new Christmas gift comes in, he wraps it. He put up our Christmas tree INCLUDING the lights (which is so not a one person job) all by himself, as I laid on the couch kindly directing things. He has yet to complain that I haven't put my shoes away...all month. I just get up, and they are away. When I ran out of dark blue powerade (the only kind I can stomach), he bought me more, without even asking or telling...I just came home and there they were. When I changed plans on him for the weekend due to not feeling well...he didn't mind...he got it! He gets me!

I could go on and on and on about how thankful I am to have this amazing man as my husband. I couldn't think of a better person to go through the ups and downs of this roller coaster called life and pregnancy! He is my love and my best friend!(yes Karen, you are too...the best friend part)

Awwww I am so in love.

I can't wait to be a mommy with him being my baby daddy!

Until next time,
Sam

well....do it?

2009-12-09T09:28:00.000-08:00

Weird title I know, but you'll get my point soon! And by the way, this has nothing to do about being pregnant or having a baby...next time, I promise!

For the past month and a half my 6th graders have been diligently working on their Science Fair Projects. Well, most of them have been diligent about it, however, as of today, I know that it is definatly not all of them!

They had several topics to choose from, the normal 6th grade things: Moldy bread, plant growth, laundry detergent, audio/visual learning. Today was the first day of presentations, so I was bracing myself all morning. I teach 3 different sections of 6th grade Science a day, so today I got to sit through 20 different presentations.

For the most part everyone did very well. They were extremely nervous and apprehensive about standing in front of their classmates and presenting their project. I continued to reassure them that it is good for them!

During my last class, one of my lovely 6th grade boys gets up, opens his tri-fold board and I saw the title. It was ALL I could do not to Laugh. I did get a little chuckle coming, but I did my best to mask it with a cough.

My student's name is D'Shade and the title of his project dealing with laundry detergent was.......

Do It Clean?

Well.....do it? According to him, Gain with bleach is the best detergent out their!

Hope this made you laugh!

Until next time,
Sam

Doctor's Visit

2009-12-07T11:30:00.000-08:00

One week ago from tomorrow was our very first doctor's visit! I set up the appointment the day after we found out due to me being a new patient. As the days passed leading up to December 1st, my excitement abounded! I was INCREDIBLY sick. I have never been so sick in my life! Needless to say, I was so ready to see a doctor and get something to help out with being so sick.

Clint drove from Thomasville and picked me up at school right as I dropped my students off for P.E. class. I jumped in the jeep and almost lost it! I couldn't quite figure out how I was going to survive a doctor's appointment without hurling all over the place. I think the nerves were messing with me too!

After driving around the hospital parking garage forever searching for a parking place, we finally got one. In we went and sat for just a few minutes while I filled out paperwork...lots of paperwork! The wait wasn't bad and I was very impressed with all of the nurses and midwives that I got to meet.

First, I had to pee in a cup. I guess they send it off and test it for lots of things. Then we went into this little room where we answered thousands more questions. The subject of the flu shot was brought up, where I politely declined both of them and asked the nurse not to tell my mom! :) (My mom would be very disappointed, however the nurse didn't say it was that necessary) At this point, the nurse lady told me to roll up my sleeves! YIKES! (If you know me, you know my tolerance of pain is very minimal) So, one needle and 8 vials of blood later, I survived. It really wasn't that bad, I just closed my eyes, grabbed Clint's hand and kept breathing!

After the blood room, we went to an exam room. At this point, all I wanted someone to do was say "Yes, Mrs. Thompson, there IS a baby in there!" I was still seeking reassurance. That didn't come for a while though. I made it through the entire exam, inside and out, pushing and prodding and spoke with my midwife for a bit. She went on a rattled off an entirely memorized shpeel about morning sickness. I wanted to interject and say "look, nice lady, I have tried ALL of that and NONE of that helps," but I refrained. She kindly told me that since I am 11 weeks pregnant, if it doesn't clear up in a week or so, to call her back and request a perscription to be called in.

Off we went to the sonogram room. Here is where I began to feel like a little girl. I just KNEW I survived the "not so pleasant" part of an OB visit. I buttoned my pants and just KNEW that part was over. I had visions of them squirting the gel on my belly and rubbing around for baby. Boy was I wrong. Apparently, when the baby is the size of a pea, you can't do that! See what I mean about being a little girl. So, I took care of business and listened intently as the sonogram technician explained exactly what was about to happen. As she did her job, my eyes were glued to the screen. I was so nervous and excited all at the same time. There it was...so little...and so perfect...with its little heart just a beating. 150 bpm to be exact, I was so proud. I cried! (not surprising to most of you, I know) What an amazing experience. As she performed measurement after measurement, she kept saying everything looked good and was just the right size. She then told me, that I was most definately NOT 11 weeks, but a mere 7 1/2. My first thought was of the sickness and the fact that I thought for sure it was almost over. Bummer. But, we are so fine with it all. She picked a new due date for us, July 17, 2010. Sounds like a good day to me!

On our way out, the midwife with the drug power informed me that she just called in a perscription for me! WooHoo!

As of now, I am feeling pretty good. I make sure to take that medicine every single time 6 hours passes...without fail! Other than being abnormally exhausted...all is well! I am able to cook a little, eat a little and look alive while teaching!

Our next appointment is January 5th! I can't wait to see our baby on that screen again! I am so in love!

Until next time,
Sam

Telling our families!

2009-12-02T07:23:00.000-08:00

I am by far the worst secret keeper there is! You have to tell me ahead of time…in a serious tone…not to tell a soul! I will get it then. This secret was by far the hardest secret that I have ever had to keep!

I didn’t HAVE to, but we wanted to be able to tell our families in person! So, we found out Tuesday the 17th and got to tell on Wednesday the 25th. One whole week and a day!

The first people we told were Clint’s parents. We bought them a bouquet of flowers for Thanksgiving and signed a cute little card from Clint, Sam and baby Thompson. My mother-in-law opened the card, read it, and slowly looked up at us saying “Are you serious?” in a loud high-pitched voice! They were thrilled!

We then told my grandparents, my mom and step dad, my sister, and my dad and step mom. We got it all on video which I am going to do my best to upload to this page! Their reactions were priceless and I am SO glad we waited! I am also SO glad we were able to get it on video! So fun!

**Can't figure out the video thing...so here is the link for those of you who haven't seen it...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-2pXw0eDHk

Until next time, Sam

A post of all posts...I'm serious!

2009-11-30T09:31:00.000-08:00

I am writing this on November 18, 2009. I have no idea when I will actually post this for all the world to see. I absolutely do not want to forget any of what I am feeling at this moment in time.

I am pregnant!

About 8 weeks pregnant!

We found out last night!

This is our story of what led us to today.

My last cycle was supposed to start on Monday, October 19th. It didn’t come. My immediate thought went to the fact that Clint and I had started working out at the YMCA 5 days a week. I had always heard that when you become active after not being an active person, it can throw your whole body out of whack. That is where my thoughts were for the last 29 days. I did take a test on October 22nd….3 to be exact…and they all came back negative. So I chalked it up to the whole active thing.

As the days passed from October 19th to November 17th, I didn’t think much about it. Every once in a while, thoughts would creep in my head about my cycles being all messed up now and not being able to know when I would ovulate again. I never really thought I could be pregnant.

Until…

My boobs hurt SO incredibly bad. And I was SO SO tired! For about a week the thoughts of “maybe this could be it” crept in my head, then I would push them aside not wanting to get my hopes up. I even said something to Clint this past Monday night and he even pushed it aside.

Tuesday morning, November 17th, my coffee pot DIED! So that afternoon, I knew I had to make a stop to replace it, because you know I need my coffee. As I pulled into Target, I thought…”I should get a test.” I got my coffee pot and my pack of two tests and I was off for home. On my way I got to talk to my friend Holly and catch up on the newest news of her adoption journey. Once I arrived home, I stayed in my car to finish my conversation, said my goodbyes and up the stairs I went.

After doing my business in the bathroom, I put the stick on the counter vowing to return only AFTER the 3 minutes had passed. I went to the computer room to check my facebook, allowing the time to slip away from me. When I went to check the stick I was a little confused because this time, I saw TWO pink lines. I read and re-read the directions over and over and over again to make sure I understood what I was seeing. I immediately unwrapped the second test and let it work its magic. Sure enough 2 pink lines.

Pause here: Before this moment, Clint and I discussed that we would each choose ONE person, not family, to tell right away, everyone else would have to wait until we had the all clear.

Resume: After the second test, I grabbed my phone and called my best friend and Matron of Honor, Karen. She picked up the phone, said hello to which I replied “I’m Pregnant!” SILENCE on the other end, which if you know Karen, is SO not normal. Then….she SCREAMED! The rest was a bunch of excitement and recounting the events of the prior month. It was during this conversation that I revealed that 2 tests weren’t enough to convince me and that I wanted to take 2 more! She said for me to go for it!

As soon as we hung up, I was off. I went straight to CVS, driving a little more carefully at this point and made my purchase. Somehow I had enough brains about me to know that I would now need decaff coffee, so I bought that too.

When I got home, I took those two tests. These were the type that actually said the words pregnant or not pregnant. Both of them said pregnant! Yay!

My plans of working out for the evening were long gone! I now had an hour and a half to wait for Clint to get home, and an hour and a half to figure out how to tell him our good news. I knew if I gave him a random gift, he would know something was up. I knew if I gave him a card, he would know something was up. So, I had a new plan, thanks to my BFF Karen.

I took several pictures of the positive tests until I found one that was as clear as possible. I then transferred the picture to our computer and put it as the desktop background. My plan was to get Clint to come into the computer room to show him something and with the wiggle of the mouse, have it all unfold before his very eyes.

The plan worked! He came home and I tried to be as normal as possible. I felt TOTALLY abnormal and felt like I was forcing my words and actions. He had no idea anything was up. I told him to go to the computer room because I wanted to show him something. He wiggled the mouse as my heart beat a million miles a minute and there it was! He said “What?!!? Are you Serious? How did you do that? For real?” It was great! We embraced and the rest is history!

My next post will involve how we tell our families and especially my sister who is flying home from Colorado on Thanksgiving day and Clint and I are scheduled to pick her up! SO FUN!

Diseases

2009-11-19T09:49:00.000-08:00

So here is a short, funny one for ya!

Today we finished up Chapter 13 which has been all about DNA and Heredity. The kids have really gotten into it and enjoyed learning about these subjects.

We finished up by talking about 3 different diseases that are hereditary. Down Syndrome, Sickle Cell Anemia and Cystic Fibrosis. We talked about them in detail and I made the students wait until the very end of the lesson to ask any questions.

Finally the end came and a boy asked “what is the disease that causes you not to be able to play sports?”

One of my more….uh….”nerdy” (I know that’s not nice, but I need you to picture him) boys spoke out (without permission of course) and said “Athlete’s Foot!!” We all got a good laugh out of that one!

2 more classes left today then I am going home to crash! OH so tired! 3 more teaching days until Thanksgiving Break! WOOHOO!

Until next time,
Sam

Panic

2009-11-17T11:28:00.001-08:00

This past Sunday, Clint and I didn't have to work in Children's Church so we were upstairs taking part in the Sunday morning church service. As soon as the Pastor went to the invitation time, I slipped out to make my way downstairs to the kiddos. We were trying a new dismissal pattern from children's church, so I wanted to assist the teachers and kids as best I could.

When I arrived downstairs, the 4Kers-1st graders were busily finishing up their craft. The 2-5th grade boys were in the lesson room and the 2-5th grade girls were finishing up snack. I was chatting with one of the teachers in the snack room when another teacher came in. He said to his wife "Lori, I can't find Trent and Jacob. Help me find them."

I didn't start to panic right then. I thought for sure they would be in the bathroom. After a quick check of the bathroom with no luck, my heart started to race. We looked everywhere we could in a span of about 1 minute and a half. I was VERY close to running upstairs to get their parents to inform them that we lost their children, when I heard someone say "we found them!" I felt immediate relief, then immediate frustration when I found out their were hiding! They had snuck down the hallway into an empty classroom and stood their with the purpose of hiding from their friends. Both boys are in 4th grade. They saw me come into the lesson room, and KNEW it was not going to be a good conversation we were about to have!

I informed them that church was not the place to be silly like that. I gave them the do's and dont's and let them know I would be telling their parents. I also told them that my heart was about to beat out of my chest and that they had 5 adults searching for them. They were shocked.

At the end of children's church, I had to tell their parents. Both sets were very understanding and very much shocked at their behavior. The most awkward part came when I had to tell the parents of the second boy...his dad is my BIG boss at school, the principal. WOW!

All is well now, but boy was I scared! I checked my school mail box today and got a letter from one of the boys that said this:

"Dear Mrs. Thompson, I'm sorry for hiding during church. It was wrong. It won't happen again. Thank you for taking care of us in children's church. I love Children's Church. From Trent.
P.S. If you want to write a note back, put it in my mom's box."

What a cutie! I am even more impressed with the fact that his parents made him write me a note. SO not the norm these days!

Until next time,
Sam

The Visit

2009-11-16T09:52:00.001-08:00

I posted last time about my grandparents coming to visit during one of the busiest weeks of the school year. They came, we survived, and I am left to pick up the pieces!

Wednesday was Veterans Day, so thankfully, I had the day off. My grandparents arrived about 1:00 in the afternoon, just in time for a yummy lunch of home made mini burgers, chips and a veggie tray! It was delish! Clint headed off to work and my grandparents and I made our way to an Amish bakery (YUM), a goat farm and big lots. We had a good time of being tourists.

Thursday, I was off to work while leaving them home with Clint for the day. They were to meet me at school about 3:00 for the Harvest Festival. I got a text from Clint that said “Just finished hour two of antique shops…HELP” Bless his heart! He won the husband of the year award just for that experience!

They met me at 3:00 and we enjoyed the evening of Harvest Fest although I found myself running from one booth to another and making sure that they were taken care of. It was a stressful evening, but fun at the same time. We did not get home until about 11:00 and I was asleep by 11:30. Crazy!

Friday I had to teach a full day of classes, which, in my opinion (that no one cares about) we should have the Harvest Fest on Friday since the kids were out of it on Thursday and Friday. But what do I know?!?!? Friday was one crazy crazy day! I couldn’t wait to come home and do nothing…nothing with company that is. As soon as I entered the door, my grandparents were sitting at the table playing a card game. They had gone earlier in the day and picked up my new china cabinet, which they gave us as an early Christmas gift. I was thrilled to see it and I absolutely love it! But on to my story… I hadn’t even sat down before my grandma pulled out a note of things to remind me of. She went on to inform me that the sponge that I use to wash dishes with is full of germs and that it needs to be thrown away and she will be making me some dish rags to use. She also let me know that my electric can opener is germ infested and needs to be thrown away as well. Oh, and Sami, one more thing, NEVER put cucumbers in plastic bags in your fridge! SHEESH!!! I was trying to keep my cool, but a good vent on Facebook was what got me through. I know she means well, but I wanted to say, IT”S MY HOUSE and I AM A BIG GIRL! I have NEVER met anyone like her! We ended the evening watching Baby Mama…very funny!

Saturday we woke up super early to head to a 400 booth craft fair in Moultrie about 30 minutes away. We got off just in time and met my awesome mother-in-law there! She is such a good sport! We did have a good time with the exception of my grandma talking to everyone she crossed paths with and telling story after story after story and stopping to do so, even if there were 300 people waiting to get passed us!

Sunday we awoke and went about our business and got ready for church. We hugged them goodbye and off we went! I had a BIG meeting to run after church and I was a nervous wreck! The meeting went well, but by the time it was over, I was exhausted. We got home, took a long nap, got up to eat and went back to bed!

It is now Monday afternoon and I am overwhelmed by the amount of work I have left to do! Grade papers that didn’t get graded. Laundry that didn’t get washed. Grocery shopping so we don’t starve and a little bit of nice, neat orderliness back to my quiet little life.

We had a good time, but you know what they say, “all good things must come to an end!”

From the stress of it all, I am now getting sick and have acquired two cold sores on my top lip! BOO!

Oh yeah, and I just found out I am getting a new student tomorrow! HELP!

Until next time,
Sam

Scarce

2009-11-04T12:06:00.001-08:00

So I’ve been told that I have been scarce around the blog world lately….so true…but not on purpose. I had an entire post that I typed as a Word document, and for some reason, closed out of it and clicked NO when it asked me to save it. Grrrrr! I was so mad at myself!

Things are going well for us. Staying busy, busy, busy which is somewhat normal for us this time of year! My second job is picking up steam and it seems I find myself in lots more meetings and responding to lots more emails. I still like it, but at times it feels like a full time job!

Home life is good. We are mostly settled into our new apartment. I am ready to raise Cain with the apartment people due to the NON-working stove, OLD dishwasher and TERRIBLE water faucets. I have been nice….but my patience is being tested and they are about to see another side of me. We are paying big bucks to live there…if they don’t fix the things we want fixed…we can move somewhere else…plain and simple!

My grandparents are coming to visit us next week. They will arrive Wednesday afternoon (I am off that day) and will leave Sunday morning when we leave for church. I am glad to have them, but this particular week just happens to be THE busiest week for us for the rest of 2009. Hopefully I can get it all done! Help me Jesus!

School is okay. I am still loving the 6th graders, but there are times that I just want to run back to my “babies” and hear “I love you Mrs. Thompson” one more time. There isn’t much of that with the big kids. The big kids still do funny things though!

For example:

L: Mrs. T, if I ask you to go to the bathroom later, I really gotta go
Me: Why?
L: ‘cause me and my momma are doin a watermelon flush; all I am eatin is watermelon

Sure enough that is all she had at lunch…a big tub of watermelon. Oh and of course about 10 pieces of Halloween candy. When I asked her about the candy, she said, “if I don’t eat it, then it will go stale…we can’t have that now!” A hoot!

My sister Danielle, the one in Denver, wasn’t planning to come home until Christmas. Since she works at a Homeless rescue mission, Thanksgiving is a huge time for them. Well, we got a call Monday that she managed to get Thanksgiving day off. So she flies into Atlanta at 6 am Thanksgiving morning and flies out SUPER early on Friday. We are SO EXCITED to get to see her, but are praying that the weather does well so she can actually make those flights. Makes me nervous.

I went home this past week. I had a marvelous time visiting with all my family! Somehow I managed to spend time with Mom and Larry, Dad and Cindy, Katy and Mark, Grandma and Grandpa, Mike, Megan and Allison and my BFF Karen all in a 2 day time span. No wonder I am so tired!

I learned some things while home that I have always known, but never wanted to admit. I can’t really go into detail since some of my family reads this. It is not a huge deal or anything, but definitely stuff that weighs on my heart and mind. I am praying that God will take care of it…I know He can.

I have a meeting tonight with some Children’s ministry workers. I am prepared, yet nervous. You never know what people are going to say or issues they will bring up. Somehow I ended up being the person that has to get our dinner from point A to point B and set up the room all nice and neat. Let’s hope that goes well. I just have to tell myself that in 5 hours it will be over and I will be on my way home to bed!

We are having a HUGE HUGE HUGE Harvest Festival next Thursday. It is a huge event that involves the WHOLE school and is our BIG money raising event of the year. Not only am I in charge of the Soda Bottle ring toss booth, but also am in charge of setting up a booth to advertise our Children’s Ministry. However, until yesterday, I forgot about that second part. So I am SCRAMBLING to pull it together! I ordered some cards to lay out and give away, I have plenty of candy and left over trinkets from VBS….all I really have to do is make a backboard with pictures and times of our events. I am not the most creative person you will meet, but I am gonna do my best!

Speaking of best…must finish lesson plans! I will do my best to keep this thing updated a little more often…promise!

Love to you all!
Until next time,
Sam

I WON!!!!

2009-10-16T06:55:00.000-07:00

For the first time in my year and a half of blogging...I have won a blog award! Thank you BB from Miraculously My Own for choosing me to win this award.

Here are the rules:
1-Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
2-Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
3-Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
4-Name 7 things about yourself that people may not know.
5-Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.
6-Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
7-Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they’ve been nominated.

For my 7 things:

1- I watch entirely too much television on Thursday evenings...so sue me! Survivor, Grey's Anatomy, The Office and The Real Hosewives of Atlanta!
2- Most of you know this, but I will cry at the drop of a hat. Good news, bad news, public or private, I am a cryer...and proud of it!
3- When Clint and I go to bed at night, he sings me silly songs...he is not a great singer, but I love it!
4- When my sister Dani and I were little, we had a nightly saying: "Night Dani" "Night Sami" "Love you" "Love you too" "See you in the Morning" "k". That was it...nothing deep, we said it just like that...every night. I miss it!
5- One would think, by looking at the blogs that I read, that I am in the process of adoption. I am not, but the process is amazing to me and I have a new outlook on life after venturing in to the adoption blog world.
6- When I cook, I pretend I am on the food network, with my own show...yes I even talk...:)
7- My sister Dani and I have an unspoken tradition, that when we are at a concert...separately...we call each other to let the other person hear. I secretly think it is just to make the other jealous...it's fun!

Now Announcing my picks for creative blogs:

H at Confessions of a Waiting Mommy (Newly chosen Adoptive Mommy!)

Danielle at Sure Looks Bright (Stories of a Homeless Rescue Mission worker)

Elizabeth at My Ramblings (Sister far away in Germany)

Sarah at Life Sweet Life (New blog friend on the adoption journey who just found out she is pregnant)

Well this was fun! Thanks again!

Until next time,
Sam

Mama Don't Play

2009-10-14T09:46:00.000-07:00

Since I teach Science and History, a huge part of learning these subjects is review, review, review. We have a Science test Friday so in one of my crazier moments I decided we would play “Trash Can Basketball” during my three classes of Science. I have played this game every year that I have taught (yes, even during preschool). The students LOVE it. Some LOVE it a little too much. They take this game very seriously and get very worked up when things are working for them or working against them. The students tend to get a little rambunctious and things sometimes get a little noisy. Today was no exception.

It was fourth period. I had explained the rules for the 10th time. The students know that they only get three fouls. Three fouls and game over. Fouls are given for the rowdiness of it all. This fourth period class is CHALK FULL of…boys. Loud, boisterous boys. I love them, but it doesn’t work in my favor when trying to control a class review game.

Anyway, at one point in the game, they were about to receive their 3rd foul. As I turned to grab the marker to put it on the board, one young man we’ll call “D” decided to yell out to the class “Shut the Freak Up!” It worked alright. Everyone got silent, dropped their mouths, then started mumbling under their breath. I was not really shocked, it was only a matter of time. I sent him to the hallway.

I spoke to him of the seriousness of the matter. I asked him if when he heard people talking like that, was his first though “Wow..they must really love Jesus.” To which he responded, No. I went on to say how only he can control HIS reactions and I will control the class. He knows that if he does this again….referral…detention….not good.

I also took the liberty of emailing his mom! Within 3 minutes I had a reply with an apology, 4 phone numbers of where she can be reached and an invitation to inform her of ANY further trouble and the promise that she would take care of it tonight.

I smiled! I LOVE having parents on my side (sadly, they are fewer and fewer these days)

I thought that was it. I was pleased.

Until.

During Study Hall about an hour later, “D” gets called to the office. I send him. About 2 minutes later, there he is, WITH his mother, standing in the hallway apologizing to me. She took time out of her day to come let him know that “Mama Don’t Play!”

Thank you Mama!

Until next time,
Sam

One phone call can bring us to our knees

2009-10-12T17:19:00.000-07:00

Saturday for me was just like any ole Saturday. I slept in, watched an episode of Real Housewives of Atlanta (guilty pleasure...don't ask me why) and waited for my man to wake up.

We went on our merry way to the YMCA for a tour, stopped by the farmers market for some fresh veggies (don't know why I just NOW discovered this place...amazing!), and went to the shoe store for a new pair of kicks. We came home, ate lunch and worked on the wireless internet for about an hour. Finally got that to work, watched the Georgia Bulldogs get their butts kicked and sent my hubby off to work.

Laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning and organizing, cooking supper, jamming out to music and just enjoying the day.

Clint and I sat down to a hearty meal of baked spaghetti and breadsticks..yum. We popped in an episode from Season 5 of the Office and were laughing along.

When.

It.

Happened.

My phone rang. It was one of my closest friends, Holly.

I ran to the guest room so I could pay full attention to the conversation at hand. I hadn't talked to her on the phone in quite a while. I knew she was just getting back from the Beth Moore Conference, so I was all excited to hear how that was. I seemed to be the one doing all the question asking when finally I could tell she was ready to get to the point. She starts telling me how things on their plan weren't going their way...I started getting angry, even punching my pillow. I was mad.

I finish listening to her, and I hear these words: "We are having a baby in January"

To this I stupidly reply: "You're Pregnant?!!?!" To which Holly says "Yeah, Samantha, I am 6th months Pregnant and no one knows"

Oops....WE'RE MATCHED!!!!!

My friend is having a baby! A baby boy. I am THRILLED for them...THRILLED!

When she and I got off the phone, I couldn't help but cry...I mean CRY! I cried out to my Savior...the one I have been praying to for the past 15 months, and he heard me. He heard me! For the past 15 months I have talked to him on a daily basis about my friend Holly. My husband and I have prayed for them together. And now, all I could do was Praise Him.

I am so thankful.

After my cry fest I made a few phone calls...my bff Karen, who is also friends with Holly (Karen's reaction is a whole new post in itself), My sister Danielle, My mom, Amber, Betty and I texted my Teacher's aid from last year as well as my sister in law. All of these women rejoiced with me!

I can honestly say, this experience is unlike anything I have ever experienced in my life...and I am a better person for it for sure!

At this point, I will continue my prayers. I will pray for this sweet baby boy who is one of the lukiest little guys I will ever know. I will pray for this amazing woman who is giving her child an amazing life. I will pray that the paperwork goes the way it should. I will pray for Holly and Donnie, their siblings and their parents. Most of all, I will pray that the Lord's will be done.

Thank you Jesus...Thank you!

Until next time,
Sam

Life is Good!

2009-10-08T09:58:00.001-07:00

Life is good.

Things in the Thompson household are rolling right along. It is hard for me to believe that it is actually October…the 8th of October at that. We are quickly approaching my most favorite time of year. I love the Holidays so very much! I mostly love them due to free time and family time! Yay!

Tonight Clint and I are going to the Third Day concert in Tallahassee. I am so excited. We have had these tickets for quite a while! The beauty of it all is just getting to spend time with my husband other than the normal 1 hour dinner break. I am thankful for those, but I cherish the special out-of-the-ordinary days so much!

Next Sunday night our Sunday School class is having a get-together where there will be a pumpkin carving contest. Watch out! Clint and I carved our first pumpkin together last year, and I know that the end result of that pumpkin would NOT win a thing in any kind of contest. SO, I am searching for ideas and helpful hints in the area of pumpkin carving!

This Saturday we are planning to get up early and take a tour of the YMCA. To be honest, I need help. We have been watching The Biggest Loser for the past few weeks and every time I turn it on, I get the guilty feeling. I have always been the “big” girl and have pretty much pretended to not be bothered by it my whole life. But…I am. I am the biggest I have ever been and it is scary. I have tried everything in the book to lose weight, and the only thing that worked was exercise and watching everything that goes into my mouth. I have been successful before, and know I can be again. Clint is also going to be going with me and working out too. Pray for us that we will stay strong and think happy thoughts when we want to quit. I don’t want this to be a weight loss blog, but hopefully you will hear nothing but good things.

School is going okay. I really do like Middle school and the students I teach, but the organization of the department leaves a lot (A LOT) to be desired. I know this is only the second school I have taught at, (third if you count my internship) but sheesh! It is 2009 and we are TOTALLY connected with email in every room, but somehow, someway, I (along with the other 6th grade teachers) still manage to be left out of the loop. It is quite frustrating and needs to get better before I let my pains be known!

My family is doing well. I REALLY REALLY miss my sisters. It is funny how growing up, you cannot picture life without them (even though life without them sounds good at the time). Growing up you feel like things will never change and will always stay the same…good and bad. But my how they change. I long for the days of pajams and movies and family trips. I miss it! Elizabeth still has a couple years left in Germany, but seems to be enjoying it. They are in a tift with their landlord right now which is making things a little miserable for her. Danielle is doing so well in Colorado. She really likes her job, has found a wonderful church and has made lots of friends. I was doing well until she sent me a picture of her new hair cut…I loved the hair, but I got so sad. I miss her! Katy is working like a crazy woman. She works for a new apartment complex back home and is wonder woman there. She has just made a huge step into the real world by moving to an apartment with her boyfriend. Regardless of my feelings on the situation, I love her and want the best for her. I miss her! I am contemplating a trip home the weekend of Halloween so maybe I will get to see her. I wouldn’t mind seeing my sweet sweet niece Allison Joy! I love that kid!

Well, I think that about does it. My next post should include pictures from our concert tonight and maybe a few from Homecoming week.

Love to you all!

Until next time,
Sam

1 funny 1 vent

2009-10-02T07:45:00.001-07:00

Last Friday I mentioned to my students that Clint and I were moving to a new apartment and we prayed for the move during Bible class. When I got back to school on Monday, I had a student say (in the “blondish” way of a 6th grade girl) “So, Mrs. Thompson, now that you live in an apartment, you get free breakfast right?” “Um, No, I don’t live in a hotel!” It was quite humorous!

That was my funny, now here is my not so funny/vent!

When a student fails to do their homework, the handbook says they get a zero. Period. No make up work, no notes from mom….a ZERO. On top of that, there is a place in the handbook that talks about being unprepared for class…that gets a detention. So, if you don’t have your homework you get a Zero and a detention. The zero doesn’t do much for the student…they don’t see the trouble a zero brings to their average and usually they have plenty of grades to make up for that zero. BUT…the referral for a detention…buddy that works. They tear up, get quiet and guess what….they do their homework the next night. I don’t enjoy giving the referrals simply because I am the one that has to stay late in order for them to serve their detention, however I GET IT! I get the point of a detention and I get the fact that we are trying to train them to be responsible.

WELL….last week, this horrible act of a zero and detention happened to a student whose dad just so happens to have a little bit of “power.” I like the man don’t get me wrong, but he has another thing coming. Since his sweet son didn’t do his homework and got a zero AND a detention…daddy decides to throw out the rule of the referral. Just THREW IT OUT! SO I had to back track and ended up having to explain to 15 FIFTEEN parents that the detentions their children had served were no longer going to happen. Absolutely ridiculous. SO now, a kid doesn’t do their work….no biggy. It’s just a Zero!

I am still contemplating going to the higer ups….we shall see!

Thank you for letting me vent! I hope you all have a great weekend!

Until next time,
Sam

Settled?!?!?

2009-09-29T04:28:00.000-07:00

Not quite, but we are getting there!

The move this weekend went about as well as moves go! Everything made it out of the old apartment and into the new apartment, with the exception of one candle that my brother-in-law Wesley dropped and broke. That was NO biggie, due to the fact that the candle was from the Dollar Tree! :)

We were SO THANKFUL for the help that was able to come. My Dad and stepmom, Clints Mom and Dad, both of Clint's brothers and his brother's friend from college, Judson, were all there to help. We were extremely appreciative for all they did.

We took a break about 12:30 for lunch at Sonny's BBQ. It was great. This was the first time since our wedding that my Dad and Cindy and Clint's parents were together. It went really well and everyone was really comfortable...UNTIL... I thought my MIL was going to come accross the table and beat up my dad...not really. BUT...you must know...that EVERYTIME we go out to eat with my in-laws, they pay. And..don't you even dare try to reach for your wallet. Well, they met their match. My dad caught the waitress first and told her to bring him the entire bill. My MIL heard a little of the conversation, they argued in fun for a moment and all was well. I loved it!

We LOVE LOVE LOVE our new place. It has SO much more room and has a ton of little perks that make us love it even more. Our only complaint thus far is the fact that the living room is quite a bit smaller that what we had before. This is due to the fireplace, which we like. We ended up having to put our loveseat in the office. It makes it a quite nice little room of sports/computer/reading, so its all good. This left us with only a couch to sit on in the living room. SO...we bought a recliner last night. It is SO comfy! It is olive green and quite nice. So much for the blackberry plans with my birthday money...it's all good though...Christmas is coming!

School is in FULL FORCE! Grandparents day on Thursday and Homecoming (madness) week is next week. YIKES! I am battling a cold, which is never fun, but especially when coralling 60ish 6th graders around all day. I hate to say this, but I am counting the days until the weekend so I can get some rest and get that "settled" feeling.

Happy birthday Holly! Love ya!

Until next time,
Sam

27!

2009-09-22T09:46:00.001-07:00

That’s right! I have hit the 27th year!

I had a fantastic birthday! We woke up Sunday morning about 15 minutes earlier than normal so I could open my presents. I, of course, was excited, but my wonderful husband was SO excited! He always puts such thought into the gifts he gives, the paper he uses to wrap them and the card he picks out! He is the best!

From him, I got some great stuff. A very pretty plaque with a T on it; Perfume; red pens (I love them); A new Karen Kingsbury book; the movie 13 going on 30; a new outfit (jeans and a shirt…he asked the sales associate to help him) and a brand new, HUGE crock pot! I wanted a crock pot, bigger than the one I already have, quite badly! What a sweetie!

Saturday I got a few cards in the mail, a little bit of money and a package from my dear friend Holly! She got me a DVD of a worship singer that I LOVE LOVE LOVE! Thanks Holly!

Sunday after church we got to go to Olive Garden for lunch, my choice. Definitely not Clint’s place of choice, but it was SO yummy.

We drove to Tifton where we had cake, presents and dinner. The best part of my day was being surrounded by my family! I really miss them. My mom and Larry were there as well as my Grandma and Grandpa. It was great!

I racked up with a few more gifts. The Office Season 5; really cute bath and body works soap; cook book; dish towels and a Double Boiler! I wanted that too! I also got a rather handsome amount of cashola and will be using my b-day moola for a blackberry! Woohoo! I will be making the purchase after we get moved and settled!

My husband is amazing. He is the night owl of the family and each morning I wake up to see more and more and more boxes packed, taped and labeled! He is making this moving experience SO much better on me! This is the first Time I haven’t had to do it all alone and I am so thankful for him!

Must close. Almost time for a pep rally! Woo hoo (that was said sarcastically!)

Until next time,
Sam

Life Sweet Life

2009-09-21T12:03:00.000-07:00

Go check out my new blogfriend's blog. She is doing a giveaway! Woohoo!

http://teammartinok.blogspot.com/

Sarah...this is for you!

Sam

So...WE'RE MOVING!

2009-09-19T11:57:00.001-07:00

Yeah...you read that right! This thought NEVER entered our minds until..we saw a sign! "I saw the sign, and it opened up my eyes I saw the sign..."

Yesterday I came home from work and saw a sign that said 3 Bedroom apartments for a MUCH cheaper price then we pay for our 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment. I just thought...hmmm...

In walks Clint. "Hey, did you see that sign?" So off we went to the apartment office to ask a few questions. And...here we are...LESS than 24 hours later...packing up our apartment ready to move!

Yeah, it is only accross the street to another apartment, but it is SO much better!
Here are our pros:

1) Upstairs! More privacy and no people peeking in your open patio door.
2) Fireplace...Yes...A FIREPLACE
3) a Two section sink! For the last year and few months, I have had a one tub sink. SO annoying!
4) 3 bedrooms...MORE space!
5) 2 Bathrooms!
6) Cheaper...weird I know...we asked and they have no explanation for us...but We'll take it!

The only con is that we have ONE WEEK! To pack, move, and clean the old one! ONE WEEK! We have called our family and have our strong fathers on board to help us out! Also, possibly Clint's brother and maybe my Grandma and Grandpa. We'll see! WOW!

So...enough of that! Got lots and lots of work to do. Tomorrow is my birthday which does not include packing or cleaning of any type!

Wish us luck!

Until next time,
Sam