Takes me to a place...

Tonight while driving home from the movies I heard My Woman From Tokyo on the radio. I know it may seem strange for me to get a little misty eyed to this song, but it took me right to a significant place in my life. The eve of my wedding, 12:30 am, 4 of us in the room trying to fall asleep after the big rehearsal day, Krissi has yelled at us at least 3 times to shut up so we can get some sleep. After a few minutes of silence, we hear her screech "My Woman From TOE-KEE-OH!!" from her! I can not hear that song without it taking me right to that event in my life. If I were to ever write a book about my life, the chapter titles would be song titles. Each one taking me to that time and place. It is a wonder I get anywhere while driving!

Abby's got better jewels than ME!!!

We wrapped up all of our holiday celebrations today with the big day at Mom's. I know that everyone had a wonderful holiday, but I think Abby has made out the best. On Christmas she got a digital camera from Santa. She has taken 100's of pictures of everything from the Barbies to Alex and I playing Guitar Hero. She got lots of great things from her grandparents and aunts from both sides. Today we had our Christmas celebration with the Jones. We decided to pick names this year. I think everyone got great gifts, but once again, Abby takes the cake. Apparently Zach, who had Abby this year, used his corporate connection with Zales to get her diamond earrings. REAL DIAMONDS! They are beautiful and nicer than any earrings I have. I hope Zach gets my name next year!!!!!

Christmas Eve

I have some catching up to do with my blog. For those who don't know, my Dad was in the hospital over Christmas. That made things a little tricky. I am happy to report that he is home now, although the reason for his stay is not yet known.

We did make our annual trip to our friends home in the city for Christmas Eve. We were able to take a picture both before and after the sun went down. It was a breezy, but lovely night. We ended our night at Aunt Nikki's. Since I spent most of the day before in the emergency room of Clermont Hospital with Dad, I had some major wrapping to do when we got home from Aunt Nik's. I think I made it to bed by 3am.

"ALVIN!!!"

After being cooped up in the house yesterday the kids and I ventured out into the cold to see the new Alvin and the Chipmunks movie. I was expecting lots of gag humor, which it had, but it was also very endearing as well. I challenge you not to fall in love with little Theodore when his has a bad dream. Jason Lee did a great job as Dave. I have never heard Gracie belly laugh like she did at this movie. All through the movie she kept saying, "Mom, be just gotta buy this one." The people behind us had more fun watching her than the movie. I loved the movie because all 3 kids loved it equally, which is a challenge with the age ranges I have.

Winter Wonderland

Yesterday I had some of my Gal Pals from work over for snacks. Mom spent her first afternoon as a retiree getting the food set up. I thought it was very considerate of me to give her something to do. We had a great time and yummy food. I don't think we're bitchy at all!

We woke up this morning to a beautiful snow storm. We had snowflakes the size of quarters. Unfortunately it kept us from our Knox Christmas celebration this morning. I was looking forward to getting my baby fix with Ella. We spent our day snowed in.

Of course, with snow comes the pile of wet snow clothes by the door.

To my Touchstones...

In high school I can remember watching the movie Terms of Endearment. In the movie when Debra Winger is dying her best friend looks at her and says, "Emma, you can't die, you're my touchstone." That scene has always stick with me. I had never heard the term "touchstone" used before or since. I didn't make sense to me until now.

I have been blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life. I am very close to my mom and sister, closer than ever. I talk to them everyday. I work with the most amazing group of ladies. They are my dearest friends and I love them all!

Then there is Krissi and Kelley. I do not talk to them everyday. I only see Krissi once a year and Kelley sadly only a few times more. But, I know I could call either one and they would drop everything if I needed them. I can be with them after not seeing them for a year and it is like we were together yesterday. They know all the things about me that I wish I could forget and they still love me! On my 30th birthday they both gave me the same birthday card with the same poem, one bought in Connecticut, the other here in Cincinnati. Krissi was my childhood, Keley my young adulthood. Abby's first name would have been Kristine if I hadn't married and Chris and therefore her middle name is Kristine. Most people don't go their lives without people like this in their lives and I am lucky enough to have 2!

I am not saying my touchstones are better than my friends, sister, or mom. They are just different. The bond between us is not better, just different. But, I have to thank them for loving me the way that they do. They both are at a great time in their lives and I am so, so happy for them. Here's to us, girls!!!

Big Game

Alex played in a very big game tonight. The played the team that least year they had to play for the championship. Although they beat them in the championship, they have never been able to beat them during the regular season... UNTIL NOW!!! They played a great game tonight. Alex scored 4 points and made several other great shots. I think that all the other moms were just about as proud as Alex as we were! It was a great night for him.

Gracie had her 5th birthday party tonight. On one hand, it is hard to believe she is 5, on the other hand, I cannot remember what life was like without her. She had a great party and Mom made a great dinner for us. It is hard for her to have a birthday so close to Christmas.

Happy Birthday Gracie!!!

My Mom the Rock Star

We are all recovering from the Retirement Extravaganza for my mom. Last night started with a wonderful open house at one of her schools. People from all over the area came to give her their best wishes. Then we had a very nice dinner at the Vernon Manor. Lots of people got up and said the most wonderful things about my mom and her impact on the lives of children with disabilities in southern Ohio. Chris leaned over during dinner and said, "I never knew your mom was a Rock Star."

As Mom heads for her last days of working, I think about all the great things that will happen for us. I KNOW that the quality of meals will increase because I am sure she will be cooking all the time. I now have a sick day babysitter. Best of all, my Mom gets to take time to do the things she WANTS to do! Yeah, Mom!!!

Home Clean Home

I have been spending my Thanksgiving weekend gutting and cleaning my house. I am happy to report the upstairs is complete. Now starts the downstairs. I told the kids we couldn't put up the Christmas stuff until everything was clean. Talk about a motivator!!! Looks like we will be spending tomorrow putting up out tree.

Today was the 1st Black Friday in years that I have not been out with my mom at a ridiculous hour. Last year, we went with the Jones' to the outlets. We waited 2 hours just getting off the exit! Talk about making a memory! Mom asked me at 8:00 pm if I wanted to head to the mall. I think she was afraid we were missing something!

Happily Ever After

We had the pleasure of attending the wedding of Chris's cousin Kellie this weekend. I know that I have not seen many other wedding where the bride and groom were any more in love. They were very sweet to watch and she was an absolutely beautiful bride!

Chris's other cousin Meghan also had a big romantic weekend. She thought they were meeting her brother and sister in law for dinner on Fountain Square in the middle of downtown Cincinnati. Really, her entire family and her boyfriends family was watching them from the hotel overlooking the square. While they were waiting, the jumbo-tron t.v. screen starting showing a video of pictures of her and her boyfriend growing up and together today and ended with a marriage proposal. Needless to say there was a big party at the hotel across the street afterwards!

Congrats to Kellie and Meghan!!!!!

Go Cats!

This weekend I took Alex and a friend to the UC/Connecticut game. It was a gorgeous November day. Our seats were in the upper section in the middle of a bench. After feeling a little claustrophobic, we moved down to the empty seats down by the band. These were much more fun (although out of the sun and much colder). UC played an awesome game and made it even more fun to watch. Alex LOVED the college football atmosphere. After sitting near the band and students, he decided he wants to go to UC. I told him all colleges with football teams had this kind of energy, even though I would love to have him this close to home.

Grandparents Day

Who is that grown up girl?!? I have hard time remembering that Abby is a 4th grader. She had a speaking and singing part in this year's program. Her Little Papa and Granny Smith came to see her show (Papa was even treated to Sloppy Joe's for lunch). The show was a great success. Abby ditched her hat for the 2nd and 3rd shows (she was having a hard time dealing with keeping her knees together ad keeping the hat on). She did a great job and made us all proud.

Mom Rocks!

OK, so we gave Alex his birthday present yesterday. He got the new Guitar Hero III. Now, for those of you who don't know, this is a video game that lets you simulate being a rock legend. You play songs on a play guitar by famous musicians. Alex has played the game almost nonstop since he got it last night. Those of you close to me know that I have been very sick these last couple days. Yesterday, I made the mistake of taking Tylenol Sinus, which keeps me up at night. Needles to say, I rocked until the wee hours of morning. I beat both Chris and Alex's high scores. Right now I am waiting for Alex to go to his soccer game so I can play again. MOMS ROCK!

Happy Halloween!

Well, we all survived Halloween 2007. We went to a new neighborhood this year and had NO PROBLEM hauling in the loot. Gracie got in about 30 minutes of trick or treating until she said, "I have enough candy," and plopped herself down in someone's driveway. Chris took her to the car while the other 2 finished. Now we have more candy than anyone can eat!

Thank God for JC Penneys!

This weekend, I had the first of what is sure to be many hard weekends of being the mom of a daughter. We spent several hours trying to find Abby a dress for her grandparents day program on Thursday. I could not BELIEVE the dresses they have out now a days for little girls! They were all so adult looking, with cut up skirts and low cut necklines. We had to go to 3 different stores to find anything appropriate. Luckily, Penneys actually had some little girl dresses in their "Girls" section. Also, I am lucky that Abby likes the way she looks in any dress and loved the one that I loved, too. So for now, I am only battling the stores and not my daughter. Check back in a couple days for pictures of Abby is the dress that we found for her (the dress on the left is NOT IT).

Now, if we can agree on an appropriate Halloween costume for her... Have you seen the girl costumes out now?!? (or am I getting old?)

Adventures in hair color

I have wonderful friends, but they have GOT to keep me from trying to color my own hair. I was very disappointed in a recent highlight job, which I paid for. I swear, I thought I was playing it safe. I bought "Light Brown" #6. Light Brown! Not medium brown. What I have ended up with is VERY dark brown! Now I have to wait to have it fixed so that I don't make all my hair fall out!

Facing my fears

Those of you who know me know that I have quite the fear of heights. My fear of flying is pathological. Today our school had a vehicle day. We had lots of different vehicles and the people who operate them to tell about their jobs. The electric company came in with their cherry picker and offered the teachers rides. Not wanting to let down my students, I agreed to go for the ride. I began to panic the minute I was in it!! I calmed a little when it stopped moving at the top. Then the worker offered me the opportunity to drive it. That was when I really lost it. I accidentally dropped us 3 feet instantly. Once I stopped screaming and the worker quit laughing, he showed me how to rotate the basket, quite quickly! Once I calmed down again he brought me down to the cheers of my students. One of my students commented "Mrs. Thompson, where did you go up there? All of a sudden it looked like you were hiding on the floor!" We've been working on observation skills...

"Mommies shouldn't eat babies!"

This is according to my nephew, Kyler, who found out today that he is going to be a big brother! When his mom gave him the good news, he wanted to know where that baby was! Kim told him it was in her tummy and he gave her "the look" and told her frankly that mommies shouldn't eat babies. Makes sense, doesn't it!!!

I was thrilled to hear that I was going to an aunt again. It is nice to have someone else having babies for me to play with. It was SOOO nice of Kimmie to plan this baby for my summer vacation. Looks like Baby Fannin will be here at the end of June! Now comes the arguments with my brother on law about whether or not we should find out what the baby is!

Real life happily ever after!

I am sitting last night working on the computer when the news announces the winners of a $545,000 dream house. I glance up and see the face of one of my former students from Mt. Airy. I was SOOO excited! The family are immigrants that risked everything to move their families here for a better life. The 2 kids that I know are brilliant! I was so excited for them that I wasn't able to sleep last night. Talk about a real life "happily ever after!" My student 2nd through the door with her hands on her face!

Livin' the dream...

Who knew that when I decided to become a teacher it would eventually lead to my biggest dream coming true? Some of you who know me may be wondering how, at such a young age, I have been able to fulfill a life long dream, and on a Thursday night no less.
Tonight I went to a dinner to get a certificate of achievement for my after school photography program. You may be thinking that this was my dream and although it was very nice, this was not . Tonight... I got to meet... Uncle Al and Wendy. UNCLE AL AND WENDY!! They were also being honored at this dinner tonight. I WAS HONORED THE SAME NIGHT AS UNCLE AL AND WENDY!! When I turned the corner and saw them sitting by the door I just froze. And when he got out his accordion, I got a little teary. I know it sounds silly, but it was like I was 3 years old again sitting on the floor of our Milford apartment eating my Beeferoni watching the show.

One down, 2 to go!

Abby played her last soccer game yesterday. The weather was unbelievably HOT (in the 90's). The girls tried very hard, but lost. I know they had a good time! Alex had a great game today. He helped score the game winning goal. He is getting used to playing on the front line. Gracie, well, she plays as long as I am the only one watching. Chris came on Tuesday and she couldn't handle the pressure. She cried the entire time. She has 2 games this week. We'll see how they go!

Say Cheese!

Well, it looks like we found Gracie's favorite thing about soccer... pictures! She had ball cheesing for the camera today, as you can see. She even spent some time posing for me after the pictures were over. Tomorrow is a big game! We'll see how she does!

She hatched!

Our lovely monarch butterfly hatched from her chrysalis today, much sooner than we expected. Usually their chrysalis gets clear and shows the black and orange colors underneath. Our butterfly went straight from green to hatched this morning! We were all very surprised! We know she is a girl because she is missing the dark spots on her lower wings that males have. She spent the day in my classroom drying out her wings. I brought her home today and let Gracie help me release her. Gracie then spent the next hour crying hysterically because she wanted her back! When the cashier at the store asked what she was crying about, I explained about her butterfly hatching from it's cocoon. Gracie got mad and said, "Mom, it was her CHRYSALIS!" You should have seen the look on the cashier's face!

She's back!!!

I am happy to report that Gracie returned to the soccer fields last night without a single tear! She had a ball! We psyched our selves up with a pregame meal at Gold Star (she liked the noodles and brown stuff now). She giggled and laughed all over the field. Unfortunately, the other team never showed up. The great thing about 4 year olds is that they didn't care! They had a great time no matter what. The scrimmaged each other for a while and then it was an early night home. Hopefully we have the same luck with the next game, and, a team to play!

Never gets old

As those of you who know me, usually fall is the most hectic time of year for our family. I have to say that the past 3 years here at CNE have brought our family a new tradition: the raising of Monarch butterflies. We have the great experience of watching these beautiful creatures go from egg to adult butterfly. This caterpillar we hatched from an egg a couple weeks ago. When it hatched it was probably about a millimeter long and as thin as a string. You could barely see it with the naked eye. The picture to the left was taken yesterday, when he was looking for a place to make his chrysalis. This morning when I cam into class, he was in the process of making his chrysalis. The caterpillar had just shed his skin on the picture on the right. Beneath it is what he looked like about an hour later. Check back in about 10-14 days to see when he emerges!

I have a new blog for you to see!!!

I was going to show off Abby's Shutter Bug pics on my blog, but then she decided to start her own blog. Shutter Bugs, for those who don't know, is an after school digital photography club I do with my 4th graders (Abby is one of my 4th graders this year). This year, they will be allowed to blog their photos, like Abby. She took her 1st photos tonight and had a great time! She wants to do more tomorrow! I have created a monster. To check out her photos, click here. Book mark her and check her this year!

A Girl and Her Chicken

Playing with the Big Boys...

Alex played his 2nd game in a fall basketball league today. It is a recreational league that gives them a little bit of warm up before their real league starts. Alex has been playing really well. He actually made a basket last week and almost made 5 more. Today they had to play a team of 7th graders. The size difference was amazing!!! These boys made Alex look like a midget! His poor team mate bounced off the floor a few times. Alex hurt his finger. But I was very proud of our boys, they NEVER backed down. They played very hard! I am looking forward to a great season from these boys. Stay tuned...

It's official...

Yep, 3 kids in soccer officially makes me a soccer mom. This weekend we had 4 soccer games, a basketball game, and a wedding shower. All 3 kids had games yesterday. Abby and Alex both won their games. Abby got to play 3 quarters and actually moved from the spot her coach put her in! Gracie had her 2nd game yesterday and I would love to show you highlights from the game, but she spent the entire game sobbing in the middle of the field. It was a little chilly yesterday morning and I didn't layer her. She was very upset about being cold and never quite recovered. The cutest part was her little friend who stopped in the middle of the field several times to check on her (during the game, of course). So the pictures you are seeing are from her first game on Tuesday when they played the little girls who were 2 years older and ran right past them. Gracie spent most of the game standing in the middle of the field spinning. But doesn't she look cute in her uniform???

"Can you take some pictures of Gracie?"

Marlo, Gracie's speech pathologist for the last 2 years, asked me last week if I could send her some cute pictures of grace. She would like to use them for an article she wrote for the Children's Hospital Speech newsletter. She wanted her in a Halloween costume. Well, I had NO problem getting Gracie to pose, as you can see. I will post the link to the article as soon as it is done!

I want my TV back!!!

This week I have been in a constant battle with my children over the TV. Now that we have the Wii, the kids are constantly wanting to play! Alex has had some time to let his arm heal after his weekend extravaganza. Abby has had time to work on her skills and now is beating us all! Tomorrow, the kids are going to have to play REAL games outside. They are back to their soccer schedules. Alex also starts his pre-basketball season on Sunday as well. We'll see how much their Wii practice has improved their real-life game!

New Thompson Family Fitness Plan

The Thompson Family started a new workout plan. No, it is not Jazzercise or yoga, but a video game system. I got some of my hard earned SOSI money from this summer and we decided to pay off all of our bills so we can work out a good budget for the school year. I felt a little guilty because I had more fun plans for the money, so we decided to buy the Wii. We thought it would be a gift the entire family would enjoy. Well, we were right. We were up until 11:30 last night and just stopped playing a little while ago (Alex played for 10 hours straight). We love it because all 5 of us can play, everyone has an equal chance. Abby kicked our but bowling, I didn't do too bad playing tennis, and Gracie had fun rowing the boats. This was a great investment for "quality family time."

Big Brothers Have Their Advantages

Gracie has learned about one of the great advantages of having a big brother... wearing his old t-shirts to bed. She put one on for fun the other day and said, "Mommy, I wuv dis! It is very comfy!" Now this is the only thing I can get her to wear to bed. This works out great for us, we will save lots on girly p.j.'s.

* Notice Rosie at the bottom of the picture. I can not get out the camera and tale pics of the kids without her trying to squeeze her way in. I swear she LOVES to have her picture taken more than Abby (and that's saying something!).

Today Gracie started her soccer career. I think everyone was second guessing my putting her in soccer, especially with her sister's former Pee Wee soccer exploits. Although she was eager to play when we signed her up, she was reluctant to play today. She felt a little better when she found out her friend Austin would be on the team. Let me tell you, she LOVED it. Not only was she always the first person in line, but she often tried to slip back into the front of the line so she could get another turn. She only took herself out of practice once, and that was only to get a quick drink. Our only problem was that we didn't bring a ball for her and she had to share with others. She tried very hard and was really wanted to know when she would be getting her "soccer clothes." She will not have practice again until next week, so maybe we will have to have her practice with her big brother and sister.

"Ocho Cinco" returns to Cincinnati

Well, this weekend brought the return of Abby Thompson to organized sports. For those of you that have been around awhile you may remember when a younger Abby walked off the field at 3 years old in the middle of a game saying that she was too tired to play. Then there was the following year when we gave her another chance and she decided to stay in one place. If the ball came to her, fine, she'd kick it. She wasn't going out of her way or anything. One the last game of the season the coach from the OTHER team picked her up and ran with her to the goal to let her score a goal. We even tried softball last year, but the long innings in the outfield were too much for our attention challenged girl.

This weekend, in this heat, Abby had to play 2 games and I am proud to say she did a great job! Even though they were not able to practice and Abby had NO CLUE what to do, she really went out and tried her best. Now, if you are looking for Abby in the line up, she is the one that is at least a head shorter than anyone else. She was an absolute WRECK the entire day. Her coach, who luckily enough is my good friend Rachel, says she knew Abby was nervous because she hadn't spoke in 2 days. Although her team suffered a loss yesterday, they won today. Hopefully the weather will cool down and they can practice a little and Abby can get rid of the nerves!

Did I mention over 16 pounds of babies?!?

Shel... you are amazing! Love you all!!

Is it hot enough for ya?

If someone else ask me that, especially someone who doesn't spend their day in an un-air conditioned room, I think I might SMACK them! Today my thermometer in my room maxed out at 100 degrees around 2:00 today. I don't know exactly how hot it really was, but, it was truly unbearable. I am a little worried since tomorrow is suppose to be hotter. We are already dismissing 2 hours early on Friday because of the heat. Makes me sick to my stomach just thinking about it!

Other than the heat, I had a good day. My class seems to be very sweet. I am looking forward to a great year.

Poetic Justice?