21 weeks

So, I am officially 21 weeks pregnant today. I had an OBGYN appointment this week and all  looks good. This pregnancy seems to be harder than when I was carrying the twins, but our circumstances are different now - for example, when I was carrying the twins I could come home from work & loaf on the couch all evening, or sleep in late each morning. Now I come home from work & have 2 cute toddlers that need my every moment's attention devoted only to their care. Since moving into the house their naps have gotten shorter & their sleep at night hasn't been as smooth as usual. Other than being tired, it's been another great pregnancy!!!

And did I mention how my belly has totally POPPED OUT for this pregnancy? I guess I don't have those strong ab muscles keeping my belly tight!!!

The twins seem to understand that there is a baby in my belly & they like to give baby brother (aka, my belly) lots of kisses. I think that they will both be excellent big brothers and I look forward to meeting the newest little Thompson boy.......

.....if he's anything like the other Thompson boys it'll be love at first sight.

Cowboys & Puppy dogs

Have you seen my cute little trick or treaters??? 

We had a GREAT Halloween!!!

 

My standard costume....a cat....7 years and going

TREADMILL

See this treadmill? For weeks I begged Jason to let me buy this. We bought it 2 months ago & guess how many times I have used it so far???

ZERO!!

So, I am committing to the world right now that I will use this treadmill 15 times during the month of December. It only counts if I stay on the treadmill for at least 30 minutes each time.

WILL SOMEONE PLEASE HOLD ME ACCOUNTABLE TO THIS COMMITMENT!!????

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can....

I shed a tear at the DMV....

I finally got a Texas driver's license today but I had to surrender my Virginia license. The nice lady took my license and gave me this paper instead.  I nearly broke down crying. Virginia, you'll always have my heart.
(BTW Texas - You need to proofread your forms - or at least use your spell check, duh.)

Trip to Florida!!!

The week before Halloween we took a spontaneous family trip to Florida for a few days to visit Jason's parents. It was a LONG drive there & back, but the boys did great & we all had lots of fun there. We hadn't seen Jason's parents for almost 2 years so the boys were able to really get to know Grandma & Grandpa Thompson. We mostly just hung out at the house, fed the ducks & turtles at the lake, visited with Aunt Jen & cousin Brooke & took a trip to the pumpkin patch. Let's hope that our next visit won't be another 2 years from now. We love you Grandma & Grandpa!

With cousin Brookie!!!

7 days of blogging...

Well folks, it's been OVER 2 months since I last posted on my blog or even read other people's blogs. It's not that I haven't considered all the possible subjects to post about, but I just haven't been feeling great about myself lately. Don't worry I'm over it, but to make up for my slack, I promised myself to blog once a day for this entire week.

For nearly 2 months I have been in a state of self pity. I would go to work everyday and cry on the phone to Jason about how miserable I was there. Then I would go home in the evening, too exhausted to play with my boys and barely make a half fast dinner for everyone. My pregnancy has been a little tougher than when I had the twins & my body just wasn't keeping up with the things I wanted to do. Oh, and poor Jason - I was the grumpiest wife EVER. I complained about everything! I pitied myself for not having the time, energy, motivation or money to do all the millions of things I imagined in my head.


About 2 weeks ago, something snapped & I realized that I AM SO BLESSED!!! DUH, Dana. I have the best life any girl could ever ask for and I was being so ungrateful. For the past 2 weeks I've been reflecting on the amazing blessings in my life, so here are a few of the big blessings I thought to share with you (in no particular order).

• My perfect husband - He works SO hard to provide for our family and give me all the wants in life. He spends so much time with our children; he is never too busy to stop & give them love. He is so careful with our finances & I appreciate his responsibility in saving for our family. He's becoming quite the Mr. Fix-it since we got the house. He has a thirst for learning that I really admire.
• My perfect children. When the day hasn't been so great, my husband and children make me forget any flaws in the day. PERFECT.
• The healthy baby boy in my belly. I've started to feel him kicking & it's amazing!
• My family & friends. They support me no matter what I do.
• The Gospel of Jesus Christ. My knowledge & testimony of eternity makes me the person I am.
• Pflugerville Ward. From week 1 of moving into our home, I have been getting multiple emails a week with women I've never met inviting me to movie nights, baby showers, play groups, lunch groups, etc etc....I have met so many wonderful and welcoming friends here. I have visiting teachers & a calling already!
• My job. It may not be my dream job right now, but BB&B has been SO good to me. It has allowed our family stability as we'ved moved all over the country & it provides excellent health benefits.
• My home. It's beautiful and perfect and I love everything about it.
• My food storage & 72 hour kits. It's definitely a work in progress, but I feel comforted in knowing that I am prepared to provide for my family if something unexpected were to happen.

October 2011. Biloxi, Mississippi.Visiting Beauvoir, the home of President Jefferson Davis. (Yes, I'm a proud southerner =)

There's No Place Like Home......

TODAY IS THE DAY!!!!!

What day?? September 20....the date I have been counting down for 2 whole months!!! We put a contract on this house July 20 & after much impatience on my part, we finally OWN IT!!! This morning we met with all those business people to sign the papers & they handed over the keys to us....what a great feeling!!

During that 2 months I made a paper chain & ceremoniously tore a link off every day until there was only ONE LINK LEFT - SEPTEMBER 20.

I had taken about 30 photos of the house & have been staring at photos every night, dreaming of each room for 2 whole months. I have spent hours wandering the aisles of Hobby Lobby, Marshalls & Pier 1 Imports,  imagining all the great decorations I could put in my home. I have made list after list of all the things I want to do to give the house my own touch.... plant trees in the back yard, build a clubhouse & sandbox for the kids, a big sectional couch in the family room, paint every room a different color, a big wreath on the front door, etc, etc.... 

So, I'm off to work making it all happen!!! If you need me, you know where to find me.....HOME!!!
 (but possibly Lowes or Home Depot too =)

Pulling out the "for sale" sign

I Blame Gender...

As I watch friends with their perfectly behaved little girls, I sometimes wonder "what am I doing wrong that makes my boys so wild?" I read a great article online today that made me feel better. Maybe I'm not doing anything wrong (yeah right), maybe it's just a gender thing.

And so I justify my boys' wild behavior.......


"Boys are also more physically aggressive and impulsive, as revealed by studies of their brains. The pleasure center of the brain actually lights up more for boys when they take risks. That's not to say that girls aren't active and risk-taking, only that on average boys are more so." (www.babycenter.com)

Up to no good....

You may ask what and where we've been for the past month since I haven't blogged the whole time....???  This summer has been the summer of traveling! Since going to SeaWorld in July we have also been to Oklahoma (twice) to visit Jason while he was working. We later DROVE the 23 hours to Utah where we visited friends, drove up to Bear Lake, Idaho for a family reunion, then Jackson Hole, Wyoming & Yellowstone Park. Last week we spent visiting with my sister's family in El Paso, Texas. Unfortunately summer is over and so is my leave of absence from work. I started working again & just finished my first week back. It's tough to go back to work at a new store & not know anyone. I miss my friends in Orem. This hasn't been my favorite week of work, but I'm trying to keep positive because I work full time to provide health insurance for my family. BTW, anyone have a great part-time job with health insurance that you can recommend to me??

Josiah enjoying his cousin's barbie car & helmet (which he wore on his head for HOURS every day!)

The boys are getting bigger, smarter and crazier every day. They are becoming more independent & opinionated every day.  I feel like I'm entering a tough age right now..I hate to call it the "terrible twos" because they're so cute, but more like the "do it myself, climb on furniture, i don't share, i'll hit you if i don't like it, cry/whine about everything" twos. Most days I just referee fights non-stop.  I just have to ask...did anyone else feel this way about their toddlers??

Josiah all dressed up as a cowboy with his holster, guns, hat & backpack (naked, of course)

 

Arlo's "I'm so cute" smile =)

 Between all their craziness, they are just the cutest and funniest little guys ever. They keep my laughing all the time (sometimes I have to laugh in the closet because if they see me laugh, it'll encourage their crazy behavior!!)  Josiah's new past time is undressing himself & changing back into his PJs. The other option is to just be naked all the time - Arlo loves that idea too! Arlo is turning out to be quite the comedian - he'll do anything for a laugh!! (then do it again, and again, and again!!)

After we went swimming in the lake, the boys took off before we could finish changing them!

Sea World

So, for the 4th of July we met my sister's family in San Antonio for the long weekend.
It was the BEST weekend EVER!!! (Now, repeat this phrase & try to replicate the scene in "Tangled")
I have not seen my sister for 11 months....it was the longest we have ever been apart from each other in our whole lives. (aside from her 18 month mission.) Rest assured, I will never let it happen again that we apart for that long of time.

Day 1: Schlitterbahn Water Park.
Water Park + Camera = Bad idea...therefore....No photos to show you.
We didn't do all the big rides, but had lots of fun in the kiddie area.
After the water park, we walked the Riverwalk & ate BBQ outside by the water.

Day 2: Sea World
One word: A*W*E*S*O*M*E
We are definitely going back again and again. The place had something for everyone: animal shows, sesame street shows, indoor aquarium, a huge waterpark, kiddie rides and roller coasters. We went on the busiest weekend of the year (38,000 people on the day we went), but no fear because we had a "fast pass." You pay extra for this wrist band & you LITERALLY cut in front of all the lines!!!!!! Worth every penny, we will do it every time we go because it was THAT awesome!!

The boys had the best time are still talking about cousins, dolphins, cousins, sharks, cousins, penguins, cousins, whales, cousins, cousins, cousins.....
(PS - they had a REALLY good time with their cousins!!!!)

This group shot was at the end of the day....we were all pretty worn out, but boy, was it fun!!!

Last week a friend passed away.

I only met him about a year ago, but he and is family left quite the impression on me and Jason. Wes Truman was diagnosed with a brain tumor a few years ago, it was treated & he went into remission for a bit. A year and a half ago it returned with a vengeance. No amount of treatment could stop the disease. Wes left behind a devoted wife, Lori & 2 young children, Lucy & Spencer. Anyone who knew this family has been changed for the better. Through their trials this family has been nothing less than devoted to their God & family. Wes & Lori have a love story that you only find in movies. Lori's strength & commitment to her husband is inspiring. If you'd like just a glimpse of this amazing family, you can visit their Family Blog or the Wes Truman Memorial blog.

You may want to grab a box of tissues.

7 years & going strong

On June 30 Jason and I celebrated our 7th Wedding Anniversary. It's hard to believe we've been married that long...time has gone by so fast! I become more in love with him every day. He has a heart of gold and is a genuine person. He doesn't do things for show, but gives service behind the scenes. He loves me and our children so much. Our temple marriage means that we can spend an eternity together and it's going to be GREAT!!

I love you Jason.

Jason brought these home the other day and I don't think I have had flowers this beautiful before....ever!! They make me smile every time I see them.

2 in Texas

The boys turned 2 in Texas. We didn't have any wild party on their birthday, but were able to spend time together as a family for the first time in months. We had lunch at Chick Fil-A and later the boys rode their new bikes to the playground.

It was the perfect day.(The boys borrowed shoes from other kids at the chick fil-a playground - I couldn't say no, it was their birthday)

Arlo riding his bike with rainboots (my boys have a shoe fetish, it's genetic from their daddy)

Josiah & his bike

Happy Birthday boys. Daddy & I love you more than you could ever understand.

We now have two - 2 year olds in our house.
Happy 2nd Birthday to Arlo & Josiah!!!!!!!
Before we left Virginia we had a family BBQ to celebrate.

This is what the boys & cousins were doing while we were all singing happy birthday!!! No time to waste!!

Uncle Travis provided us with some music...

Great Uncle Kenny, Great Uncle Boone & Grandaddy Hall

Great Aunt Dixie, Aunt Renee & Great Aunt Jean

You may never believe me except for this photo is small proof that my boys love new clothes as much as their momma does!!! Can't you see the excitement Josiah has for his new clothes!?

And even Arlo was SUPER excited for his Crocs from Aunt Susan. (Both boys insisted on wearing them to bed that night!)

Coles Knob

We spent 3 wonderful months with my parents in Virginia. The boys absolutely loved living there & called it home. We could stay at the house for days & not get bored - there's so much to do - we hardly went to town except grocery shopping or church. Even the drive to town is entertaining to look at tractors & farm animals the whole way there. The only thing that could have made Grandma's house better would be to have Jason there with us.

So, here is our top ten reasons why Grandma & Grandaddy's house is AWESOME!!!

10. Cows & sheep (next door)
9. 60 acres to run around
8. Go-cart & bicycles to ride
7. 2 power wheels to drive around the driveway
6. A room FULL of toys, toys, toys
5. Sandbox
4. Swing set
3. Outdoor Trampoline
2. Visiting with cousins EVERY week!

and #1 reason why we love being there......

1. Hanging out with Grandma & Grandaddy EVERY day!!!!

The boys LOVED to sit at the bar and eat Grandaddy's breakfast with him in the mornings.

Grandma treated us to lunch at the park!

My Addiction

I think I can finally admit...
Step 1. I have an addiction to rewards programs. You know, the kind where you buy stuff, collect "points" and redeem for free stuff. I love to shop, but on a budget, there's a limit to how much shopping I can do; this way I can get stuff FREE!! (love that word!) For a while I got so hooked on so many programs that I found myself completely absorbed on the computer ALL evening!
Step 2. I've decided to cut a few programs out like Pampers diapers GTG or the Huggies "Enjoy the Ride" and all those other sweepstakes, drawings & programs. I still do a few though...I just can't resist......

My ALL TIME FAVORITE rewards programs is www.mypoints.com. In the past year, I've already earned $150 in FREE gift cards!!!! No joke, I'm totally hooked on this program. All you have to do is look at their daily advertising emails. Anytime we make a purchase online, we can earn more points by visiting the mypoints website first. I'm so silly that one time I cried because Jason forgot to go through the website before buying plane tickets, so I didn't earn any points!!! Is that silly or what?!!
DON'T join this program without me sending you an invitation via email - If you join through my email, we both get BONUS points!!! Leave me a comment with your email address & I'll send you an invitation. (I'm crazy, right?)

Another favorite in mycokerewards. I wouldn't have joined this program except that my husband, mother & father are all POP ADDICTS!! They drink so much pop that I thought "Hey, why not save the pop lids, enter the codes and get free stuff? I've gotten a Chilis gift card & a few magazine subscriptions for free. They don't have the best prizes, but a few little things are fun.

Swagbucks is another good one, but I don't spend much time doing it, so it takes me a while. I like to save up my points for Amazon gift cards....that's about the only decent prize available.

On to cuter news.....

*Josiah can peel a clementine like a pro. No help needed.
*Both boys can use the "big kid" swing at the playground. (although they prefer the baby swing because they can swing faster and higher!!)
*They have become exceptional at speaking in complete sentences. They can say anything they want.
*We will only be in Virginia for 2 1/2 more weeks...it's bitter-sweet...we are all SO EXCITED to head to Texas & see Jason, but SO SAD to leave my parents. They have been so good to us & the boys LOVE grandma & grandaddy Hall so much.

We went to Floyd this past Friday evening for all the live bluegrass music & as you can see, WE GOT ICE CREAM!!! The boys got so messy & sticky that we had to take them back to the van & change into PJs. Of course we went back to listen to some more music after getting cleaned up.

Arlo, I don't think that napkin is helping much. Don't give me that look, I won't take your ice cream.

Josiah, enjoying his ice cream & the music.

OUTside!!!!!

Who doesn't love to spend the ENTIRE day outside with beautiful weather?!

Last month it rained a LOT so we didn't get outside very often. (April showers....) On one of those non-rainy days of the month we took a walk with the stroller. At one point Arlo stood up on the foot rails of the stroller, stretched his arms as wide as he could reach and yelled "OUTside!!!"

The boys really appreciate the nice weather & their mood changes instantly when we walk outside! WELCOME MAY, JUNE, JULY, AUGUST & every day of beautiful weather!!!



Josiah on the Powerwheels. He's pretty serious when he's driving. Focus.


Loving the trampoline!!!


Helping Grandaddy get the ground ready for flowers!!

A trip to the park!!

And when it's time for a nap, it's much better to fall asleep on the floor together with all our blankets, pillows & stuffed animals.

Spring Time

The boys are growing up too fast, but seem to get cuter every day. (I'm not biased.) They are the best of friends and show so much love to each other. Each boy insists on always being in the same room as his brother & knowing what he is doing at ALL TIMES. They absolutely LOVE to play outside & I have to bribe them to come back in the house. They are learning how to take turns with each other, brush their own teeth, say their own prayers & speak in full sentences.

The other night after putting the boys to bed, I heard them laughing. When I peeked in the room I found that Josiah had climbed into Arlo's crib & had brought along all the blankets & pillows. They love to be together.

Arlo & Josiah have begun to sit still & watch TV now. We watch a little TV in the morning & evening to relax before bed. Their top two requested movies are.......Monster Inc and Carebears. (interesting, huh?)

Their favorite food? Candy. ("Nandee")

Arlo (He refers to himself as "Aryo")
"I DID it!!" or "I GOT it!!"
A daredevil & throws all caution to the wind! He's wreckless & consequently gets hurt often.
Arlo is a performer & loves an audience to watch him.

Josiah ("Siah")
His best friend #1 is Arlo. Best Friend #2 is Lobster.
He has quite the imagination & is excellent at playing pretend.
Josiah is a thinker. Sometimes I can just see his wheels spinning & he is very observant.



Jason came to town for a few days & we were able to spend Easter together. We miss him so so much when he's traveling.


Arlo didn't care about collecting lots of Easter eggs; he just wanted the candy inside. He stopped between each egg to enjoy the sweets. (Notice the chocolate streaks all over his shirt!!)


Josiah took the Easter Egg hunt very serious & collected as many eggs as fast as he could

Here's a bird's eye view of everyone coloring Easter eggs.

Arlo was really proud of his Easter egg that he dyed blue. He kept saying "pretty"

Jason & Travis roped together the 2 power wheels cars & the red wagon. The boys got on with their cousins to be pulled by the lawn mower. All the kids loved it!