IsThIsInOuRFuTuRe

When asked what she wanted to be for Halloween she wanted to be just herself and wear normal clothes...Later in the week, she changed her mind and wanted to be a cheerleader.  Where does she get this from?  Confession: I was a cheerleader through middle school and high school.  I have already exposed her to cheerleading and I catch her doing cheers throughout the day.  She asks me to cheer with her...I do find myself playing along!  It's fun now, but we might want to encourage her to try other things!!!

A Little Blessing

Yesterday, Haley and I were taking Irish to the bathroom and we saw this beautiful, yellow butterfly in our backyard.  We both looked at each other, smiled, and said, "Thank you Jesus!"  I had to get a picture.  I was so thankful that I had my phone with me!

For those that don't know the significance of the butterfly, to us, it's a big deal.  Last summer when we lost Aleigha, we took Haley to get a "Lilly" (Haley's lamb blanket) for Aleigha.  We found a purple one with a butterfly on it.  We said that everytime we saw a butterfly, we could think of Aleigha. 

Two days after the memorial service Haley, my mother-in-law, and myself went to a petting zoo.  This was something to get our mind on something else and fun for Haley.  As we were leaving, a yellow butterfly followed us from the back of the petting zoo to the parking lot.  We knew this was a gift from God!  It was AWESOME! 

I wanted to plant something at our house that would attract butterflies, so I found out that this flower does.  It was just one flower last summer and now it has multiplied.  I have seen other butterflies on this but NEVER a yellow one.  With it being only 8 days til we reach the one year anniversary of Aleigha's short time with us, this was a blessing that I needed this week!

In The Words of Derry Prenkert "It Just Got Personal"

God has laid a huge burden on Jason and my heart for a certain group of women and their children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo(DRC) in Africa. The women have been raped and left to fend for themselves and their children. Their families and husbands have left them because in their mind they are “dirty.” Our friends Derry Prenkert and Caleb (Biz) Bizlow recently were in the DRC and personally met these women. One woman is 6 months pregnant as a result of the rape she encountered. Derry and Biz hearts broke for these women as they talked with them and heard their stories. When Jason and I heard this story our hearts broke too. We knew that we could not just sit back and watch. Something needed to be done.


Biz posted this on his blog a couple of days ago. This was our confirmation that God was calling us to take the lead on this project. Jason has posted a lot of information on his blog, including a video of these women. Click here to read more.

We are thinking of creative ways to get the funds for these women. I have come up with one that I hope some of you will take apart in. I am an Uppercase Living Demonstrator. Not sure what that is, click here. I have decided to take every bit of commission that I make on open houses, your personal orders and put toward this project. So, I am asking people to help me out with this. What does this mean? Well, you could do a book party, an open house at your home (it would take an hour or 2 out of you day), or just order individually. By purchasing a sticker for yourself or someone else, this would be an awesome way to remember that you helped these women and children have a roof over their heads.

So, are you up for the challenge? Think about it but most of all, PRAY about it. Please contact me at rthompson@goshenschools.org to schedule an Uppercase Living open house or order a sticker(s).  You can make a difference!

Thanks so much!
 

Thankful!

Yes. I am thankful for our soldiers who have risked their lives for our freedom! I thank them for that. But, I'm also thankful to have a break from school for awhile and spend time with this precious person! She keeps me busy! I love her so much and thank God daily for entrusting us with her.

ThE*eNd*Is*NeAr

Tomorrow is my last day teaching this group of 20 first graders. Nonetheless, I am SUPER excited! It has been quite the year. This has probably been the most challenging class in all the 7 years that I have taught. I'm ready for a break. It is always sad in a way to say goodbye to those youngsters after all the time and energy that is poured into them over the course of 9 months. I often wonder if I have made a difference. My goal each year is to develop a love for learning in them so that they are excited about coming to school. Am I sad this year? Maybe a little, but I will be seeing them again next year as I am moving to 2nd grade. Oh yeah, I also have to have my room all packed and moved by tomorrow afternoon. Just one more thing to add to the craziness of this school year.

This summer, school will be far from my mind. I am ready to enjoy my time home with Haley just being a mom, a wife, and a friend. You can find me swimming, riding bikes, blowing bubbles, writing with sidewalk chalk, and anything else that Haley wants to do!

So long 2009-2010 school year. I'm praying for a better year next year!

A Great Book!

If you know me, you know that I am not a big reader. It's something that I would like to do more but I just need to find books that interest me. That hasn't happened to me in a long time, until now. Jason bought this book thinking that it would be something that I would enjoy. OH MY GOODNESS! I could not put it down. My laundry and housework suffered because of it, but I didn't care. I will share more about it in future posts as I have learned so much from it. I am beginning to see our terrible loss of Aleigha differently since reading this book.

Stay tuned...More to come!

8 Years Ago I Married My Best Friend

Happy Anniversary Jason!

I am so thankful that God brought us together!
I love you so much!

Florida 2010

A couple of months ago Jason and I decided that we were going to take a family vacation. We couldn't go over my spring break so we were going to go at the beginning of may. This meant that I would be taking time off of work. That didn't seem like such a bad idea. We started getting all of the plans together when Jason's mom and dad asked if we ALL wanted to go to Florida together. Without hesitation, we said YES!

So, last week we made the trip to the great Orlando, FL. This was Haley's second time in FL. The first time she was 4 months old. I highly doubt she will remember that trip. We flew this time. Haley did AMAZING on the plane(s). She was a real trooper. Her schedule was so interrupted, but didn't seem to bother her one bit.

We spent most of the time at the pool at our resort. We ventured to The Magic Kingdom one of the days. It was probably the most fun I have ever had there. I loved watching Haley interact with the characters, and just be in awe at the place "where dreams come true." She absolutely loved it. In fact, when we were leaving to come home, she asked if we could come back again next month. That made me smile! She didn't get scared at all. If you know Haley, it takes her awhile to warm up to anyone. She was so brave and really took it all in!

I loved being in the warmth and sunshine. I am looking forward for that kind of weather here!

Thanks Duane and Karen for making this trip possible for us!

It's Been 2 Years!

Wow! It's been a LONG time since I have blogged. I am ready to start picking this back up again. I have alot to write and am looking forward to getting it out. So much has happened that it will take many posts to catch up. I have no idea if anyone will read this but, that's ok. It will be healing for me! So, to those out there, enjoy!

What Can I Say?

12

I'm a bit shocked!

Cash Advance Loans

I had some teachers, actually one, in high school, who will go nameless, that told me that I couldn't write. Well, I guess I did learn a thing or two!

GOD IS GOOD!

Some friends of ours will soon be parents this week! It has been 5 years of waiting and trusting God to bless them with a child. They are adopting a little girl who I know will be loved so much. I am so excited for them! Congrats Derry and Janelle! Can't wait to meet your little bundle of joy!

We Are Moving!

It has been about 2 weeks since the big move. It was months in the making and finally on October 13, our lives changed. I didn't plan very well in the packing up stages because it is all coming out no matter what. OK, we have not moved to a new house but Haley is now on the move. On her 10 month birthday she took the plunge and figured out how her arms and legs can move together to move her around. Now that she has mastered the skill, her toys are no longer of interest but the dog's water and food bowls, the drawers in the kitchen, the movie cupboard under the TV, and anything and everything. It is so much fun to watch her and play with her. We have races down the hallway and play hide-and-go-seek. She loves it! I was beginning to think she would never crawl because she was so content just sitting and playing. Now, she wants to be right at my feet. I can only imagine what it will be like when she can walk! I think we will be there sooner than we think!

10 Years Ago...

Ten years ago I graduated from Goshen High School. I was proud to be a Redskin and loved being with my friends that I made while my years at GHS. I was fairly active and participated in things. My main love was cheerleading. Yes, I said it, I was a cheerleader. I loved every minute of it. I even had one of those shirts that said, "Cheerleading is life." To me, it was. I was also in choir and orchestra. Hated orchestra but loved choir. I made many friends and thought that I would not loose touch with my "friends." I remember thinking at graduation of how I was told by people older than me how they had forgotten so many names of the people that they went to high school with. I never thought that would happen to me. I thought that I knew so many people. I truly would have to say that I loved high school. Never want to go back and do it again, but it was good while it lasted!

Well, a couple of weekends ago was my 10 year class reunion. I received the invite way back in June(I think) and I debated and debated on going because I would probably have to go alone. It wasn't until the night before that I decided to go. I am glad that I did for one reason and that is, seeing 2 friends that I have not seen in well, 10 years. But one of those I was exceptionally close to. We had been "best" friends since 5th grade and due to some unfortunate circumstances that happened during our senior year, we began to drift apart. Well, the week of the reunion, she called me and said that she was coming back to Goshen from Wisconsin. I was excited! As we talked, we both commented on how weird it was to hear each others voices. It had been forever! The conversation was so natural. It reminded me of the hours and hours that the two of us would spend on the phone talking or watching TV together while talking on the phone. We did everything together. I couldn't wait to see her.

We ended meeting at the reunion along with another friend that I cheered with. We sat together and caught up on life and reminisced about high school. We talked about cheerleading and other crazy stuff that we all did back then. The best part was clearing up some baggage that we had happen to us back in our senior year. Remember, my "best" friend and I drifted because I made cheerleading and she didn't. That was very hard on her and she was able to share how terribly hurt she was and heart broken by that event. I can tell that it still bothers her to this day. Talking it out was good. We mended something that had been broken for 10 years. That was awesome! I now feel and know that we will keep in contact and hopefully see each other sooner than later. Our lives are leading in different directions and are at different points in life, but I have really been excited about the connection that we made.

I was disappointed that not more people came to reunion, but I know that we are all busy people. It was good to see the ones that were there. I realized that we haven't really changed in appearance since high school. Ten years seems like a long time, but I think the 20 year will be interesting. I hope more come to that one! Thanks to all who dedicated their time in putting together such an event.

What? A New Post?

Yes! That's right! I am finally writing on my blog. This one is for you Heather! My life has been incredibly busy the last month. Since school has started I have been trying to find a routine. I think I found it. I' m done teaching at 11:30 then it's of to pick Haley up from daycare. From there we go home and she takes a nap while I do some things around the house. A lot of times I do school stuff since I don't get a prep time during the time that I am there. Then when she wakes up we hang out and play or run errands. Sounds boring, but I love it! I am really enjoying teaching half time this year. The other teacher that shares my class is doing a fantastic job and we work well together. I think that it is a good match. Too bad this is only for one year. It has been a good way to ease back into work and juggle motherhood as well.

I will update more later but thought I would start with this!

So Long Sweet Summer

That's right! It's time to say goodbye to summer and hello to new beginnings for a new school year. This has been a good summer, one that has been different than any other summer. As I look back and think about these last two and a half months, I am reminded why I enjoy summer so much. I love the warm weather with sunshine and days laying in the sun not having a care in the world. For me, summer brings on a new freedom and a different pace of life. I throughly enjoy having my summer's off to be available to do whatever. No schedule or routine. Well, I guess routine is something that needs to happen with a child in your midst. But, I don't have to be up and getting ready at 5:30 in the morning, rushing to get bottles made, a baby to take to the daycare, and in my classroom getting ready for the day at 7:30. I love the downtime!


As I said earlier, this summer was different because Haley was with me everyday. There were times that I was longing for adult conversation throughout the day but I enjoyed every minute that I had with her. As I am typing this my eyes are filling with water as I am thinking that I will be leaving her every morning but then I remember that I will be with her every afternoon this school year. I will only be teaching half time this school year! YEAH!!


Here are some of my highlights of the summer in no particular order:
1. Being with Haley and watching her change pretty much daily or weekly. I feel blessed to have the time to be with her.

2. Being at the lake or the pool getting some rays(sun) and being lazy.

3. Time that Jason and I had on our little getaway. This time was special and important for me as I spend time with my best friend just connecting with each other. I love him!

4. Spending time with friends and family.

5. This one was difficult but a huge learning curve for me. Being a single mom for 12 days while Jason was in Mexico. That part was hard but I learned so much from this. Read here about my expereince.

6. Junior High Camp was fun and definaltely exciting to see where God takes the junior high this school year.

These are just a few as there are many more. 'Till next summer!

A Restful Weekend

This weekend Jason and I took a couple of days and got away. It was so nice to have time to do things just the two of us. My parents came Friday night and stayed until today to watch Haley. Friday Jason and I checked into the hotel and relaxed and watched a movie. Saturday we woke up later than normal. WOW! Sleeping in was nice! Then we ventured up to St. Joe, Michigan to spend some time at Silver Beach. We had never been there. It is a nice, quaint town to visit. The beach is nice and the downtown is nice to walk around. We came back to eat dinner and watch another movie. Today we slept in again and then went to see "The Bourne Ultimatum." Very good movie. I usually don't like movies like this but seeing the first two in the last three days, I thought that seeing the third movie was a must. I'm glad that we went to see it.
It was a great relaxing weekend and time with my awesome husband! We need to do that again soon. Thanks Jason for our time together!

My Baby is Growing Up

We are just 2 weeks shy from Haley turning 8 months old. Here are few recent pictures of her. She is growing too fast!

The messy face picture was taken while her dad was feeding her. I'm wondering if she actually ate her food or he just missed her mouth completely!

Summer is Quickly Ending

Where has the time gone? August starts tomorrow. I can't believe how fast time flies. School starts in two weeks. Is it just me or does time seem to go faster when you are older? I can remember thinking that summer would never end. Now, I want it to slow down. I guess that is life in general.

Last week we had a garage sale. My first ever in my married life. I had never heard of having a garage sale on Thursday until I moved to Nappanee. Now I understand. Thursday is a such a big garage sale day in this town. Friday, not so much and Saturday, so so. We did really well which will help us out a lot. I learned more how interesting people are. One lady came and she is the county jail librarian. She thoroughly enjoys it and has been doing it for a couple of years. Can you imagine what kind of ministry you would have being a jail librarian? Can't imagine. Then I met another lady who travels in a motor home(the big, nice ones) in the summer and then lives on a yacht in Mexico during the winter. WOW! That's all I could say to her while she is standing in my driveway looking at a portable gas grill that we were selling. What a life? She proceeded to tell me that it is the only way to live and she is glad that she has the life that she does. Who wouldn't? Or, would I really want that? Not sure!

Like I said, it was successful and intersting. Glad it's over though. This weekend Jason and I are going away for a few days just the two of us. It's been a while so it should be fun.

My New Friend

Meet Mallory Rondeau. She received a new name while at camp!

Introducing: Betty Lou