As you probably can tell, it has been harder for me to update my blog lately. When it comes to the task of balancing life, my blog always seems to get the short end of the stick. So I have decided to host my blog with a new online provider that has an awesome iPad app so it is easier for me to update on-the-go. Below is our new family blog address...add it to your favorites and please continue to visit often! xo
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
It wasn't me!
I know I still owe you all updates on the latest Thompson happenings...we have been to Seattle, Tucson and San Francisco. And we celebrated my birthday and my first mother's day too - I am so blessed!
But until I am able to spend some quality time updating you all, here is a funny little video of our Alex. His new trick is shaking his head. He cracks me up!
But until I am able to spend some quality time updating you all, here is a funny little video of our Alex. His new trick is shaking his head. He cracks me up!
Friday, May 11, 2012
I have many fun Thompson family updates that I am working on and I will hopefully have them live on my blog soon. But first, I have to rant a bit as there is something I need to get off my chest. This rant is not based on personal experience as I feel very blessed to have the support and love of many family and friends who are also mothers. It is a general societal rant based on my observations lately.
Start of Rant
There is a lot of judgement going on in this world right now about different ways of parenting. With the new TIME magazine article (if you haven't heard about it, Google it), I am seeing many daggers being thrown from one mother to another. Why? Why do we feel like our way is so much better than anyone else's way? Daycare vs. Staying at home? Breastfeeding vs. Formula? Wearing vs. Stroller? Why can't we just respect the diversity out there and support one another in their choices?
The more I read about different styles of parenting, the more judgement I hear and the more I want to just scream "ENOUGH ALREADY!" Drop all those judgmental thoughts. Give that woman a hug. After all, she is a fellow mom trying her best for the sake of her child - like we all are! And, like it isn't hard enough already without us making it harder on one another.
End of Rant
So I think it is VERY important to say "Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!" I am learning each day that being a mom is hard work - physically, emotionally, mentally - it takes a lot out of us each and every day but our cup is quickly refilled by the bright smiles and giggles of children. So I want to applaud all of you for stepping up to the challenge of motherhood, loving your child through-and-through and guiding them through life. Enjoy the day that celebrates the wonderful work you do! And a very special Happy Mother's Day to my mom...I love you for all you have done for me and continue to do for me, I am one lucky daughter!
Start of Rant
There is a lot of judgement going on in this world right now about different ways of parenting. With the new TIME magazine article (if you haven't heard about it, Google it), I am seeing many daggers being thrown from one mother to another. Why? Why do we feel like our way is so much better than anyone else's way? Daycare vs. Staying at home? Breastfeeding vs. Formula? Wearing vs. Stroller? Why can't we just respect the diversity out there and support one another in their choices?
The more I read about different styles of parenting, the more judgement I hear and the more I want to just scream "ENOUGH ALREADY!" Drop all those judgmental thoughts. Give that woman a hug. After all, she is a fellow mom trying her best for the sake of her child - like we all are! And, like it isn't hard enough already without us making it harder on one another.
End of Rant
So I think it is VERY important to say "Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!" I am learning each day that being a mom is hard work - physically, emotionally, mentally - it takes a lot out of us each and every day but our cup is quickly refilled by the bright smiles and giggles of children. So I want to applaud all of you for stepping up to the challenge of motherhood, loving your child through-and-through and guiding them through life. Enjoy the day that celebrates the wonderful work you do! And a very special Happy Mother's Day to my mom...I love you for all you have done for me and continue to do for me, I am one lucky daughter!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Little of this, little of that
Things have been busy with lots going on in the Thompson household so I will keep it brief. Here are some photos to keep you up to speed on our happenings...
The Easter Bunny came!
"Mom! The Peeps packaging is AWESOME!"
Alex can sit up all by himself and he loves to sit and play.
Alex and Aunt Kristin in matching jackets strolling around Mississippi Ave.
Daddy is SOOOO funny!
Leila is Alex's bestie. She likes to hold him, give him kisses, and sing Happy Birthday to him.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Jetsetter
I got a wonderful opportunity through work to travel to Disneyland and learn more about The Disney Institute's Customer Service skills. And the perk of it all, I got to travel to LA on the team plane and go see the Trail Blazers play the Clippers at Staples center. It was an amazing opportunity that taught me so much about Customer Service and also opened my eyes to other NBA team experiences. Fun! Fun! Fun! 
Here is my journey in photos (sorry there are no Disney photos, I was behind the scenes so couldn't use my camera):
Ready to jump on the team plane
Late night dinner. There was no shortage of food available on the plane and at the hotel. It was delicious!
My travel buddies - Alisa, Chris and Kim. There was time before tip-off to go bowling at LA Live. My boss, Chris, rocked it with 6 strikes in a row!!
The Clippers game was fun...that crowd sure likes to dance.
Coach Kaleb's post-game conference
And of course, probably the highlight of the trip, I got to spend some time with my wonderful brother and Norbert. It was so great to see these guys.
Friday, March 16, 2012
6 Months
6 Months ago today Alexander joined our world and taught me a new kind of love, the love of a mother. An unconditional, all-consuming, incredibly terrifying yet exhilirating kind of love. I am a better person for having him in my life and it is crazy to think of how such a small thing, in such a small period of time can already have such a large impact on this world.
I love you, bug...Happy Half Birthday!
What's new:
I love you, bug...Happy Half Birthday!
What's new:
- I love to roll and sometimes if I kick my feet fast enough I can scoot around the floor on my belly
- My parents call me Superman because I like to lay on my stomach and lift my arms back like my favorite super hero
- Giggling is so much fun, but even more fun than giggling is squealing
- Sometimes I think things are so funny that I scrunch my nose when I smile
- My hair is still red...and I have a mohawk
- I hate pants and being naked is the best!
- Duncan's kisses feel funny on my face
- I am getting pretty good at sitting up all by myself
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
HumbleBrag
I am not sure how many of you watched the Oscars and saw Meryl Streep's acceptance speech....it has started a new movement called the HumbleBrag. And boy, was it ever!
But I recently read an article about how sometimes it is OK to brag about yourself and give yourself some credit. And that is exactly what I am going to do today.
In the last 15 hours I have accomplished the following:
- Had snuggle time with my baby before he went to bed
- Baked goodies for my department at work to celebrate a campaign launch (cake bites, they are delicious)
- Had a full night of sleep (and yes, I do consider this an accomplishment)
- Woke up happy
- Got myself ready for the day (I even did my hair and I am wearing a dress!)
- Got Alex ready for the day (He gets to wear sweatpants...lucky duck)
- With a slobbery kiss and hug around the neck I dropped Alex off at daycare
- Supported a friend by hosting a table at her breakfast event and even got in touch with my sensitive side a bit as the Make A Wish video never ceases to turn me into waterworks.
- Then I supported my husband at his Capstone Event for The Connector Project this morning (Great Job, Honey - I am so proud of you and excited to see how our community is changed by the wonderful work you are doing!)
- Made it to work only one hour late (10am)
- Got through all of my work emails and handed out my baked goodies
- Posted this blog (10:35am)
I know this may sound like normal daily activities to many of you but I want you all to know that in my life these days each and every one of these small tasks is a success. So to be able to pull them off in less than 15 hours is monumental! Consider this my HumbleBrag for the year.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
February Shenanigans!
Thought I would do an update on our February Shenanigans!
This is my first year with 2 Valentines! Alex surprised me at work all dressed up and with beautiful tulips. And then D and I cooked dinner together that night. I am lucky to be loved by such wonderful guys.
Laundry...I feel like it is all we do now-a-days!
I guess we nap a lot too :) We have had colds traveling amongst the three of us so our main goal on the weekends is to stay healthy.
My mom and dad (Nona and Papa) and my brother and Norbert came into town. We didn't do anything all weekend...it was glorious!
Katie, Jesse and Ryder were in town today so I got us all tickets to see the Harlem Globetrotters. The boys weren't all that interested but it was still a great family day.
Grandma and Grandpa watching the game with their boys (and their headphones)
D and Alex - my new favorite photo!
This is my first year with 2 Valentines! Alex surprised me at work all dressed up and with beautiful tulips. And then D and I cooked dinner together that night. I am lucky to be loved by such wonderful guys.
Laundry...I feel like it is all we do now-a-days!
I guess we nap a lot too :) We have had colds traveling amongst the three of us so our main goal on the weekends is to stay healthy.
My mom and dad (Nona and Papa) and my brother and Norbert came into town. We didn't do anything all weekend...it was glorious!
Katie, Jesse and Ryder were in town today so I got us all tickets to see the Harlem Globetrotters. The boys weren't all that interested but it was still a great family day.
Grandma and Grandpa watching the game with their boys (and their headphones)
D and Alex - my new favorite photo!
Friday, February 3, 2012
Alex Update!
Here is an Alex update. He has the most endearing, larger-than-life personality and you can tell he loves to just soak up the many wonders of the world. This was a big week with many new milestones and fun adventures. Alex rolled over, tried food, and made a painting at school. He is just so dang fun!
Enjoy these photos and videos.
My hair is still red!
I did my first painting at daycare, that stuff feels funny on my fingers!
I love to go on walks all bundled up in my stroller.
I can do this cool trick where I stick my lip out really far to make a pouty face. It makes people think I am going to cry but then I smile. Tricked ya!
Enjoy these photos and videos.
My hair is still red!
I did my first painting at daycare, that stuff feels funny on my fingers!
I love to go on walks all bundled up in my stroller.
I can do this cool trick where I stick my lip out really far to make a pouty face. It makes people think I am going to cry but then I smile. Tricked ya!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Carpe a couple of Kairoses a day
I am not one of those people that likes to share articles, re-post facebook messages or tweet. I feel there is enough noise that the world doesn't need me making more noise of noise that has already been made. But every once in a while I will come across something that is just the right message at the right time - and that is what this article was for me today! It was exactly what I needed to hear.
Whether you are a parent or not, I think there is some interesting truth in here about taking some stress off of yourself and being real about life. And even though life can be a climb, it sure is beautiful.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/glennon-melton/dont-carpe-diem_b_1206346.html
Whether you are a parent or not, I think there is some interesting truth in here about taking some stress off of yourself and being real about life. And even though life can be a climb, it sure is beautiful.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/glennon-melton/dont-carpe-diem_b_1206346.html
Sunday, January 22, 2012
We made it...
We made it through Alex's first week at daycare and he did great! I have to admit, I think I did pretty great too considering I thought I was going to lose my marbles on the first day.
His teachers are fantastic and they take pictures of him and email them to us throughout the day. They have even called me just to let me know everything is going great. So our new routine is coming along nicely.
Here is one of the photos that I recieved in my email inbox on Wednesday from his teachers. As you can imagine, I stared at it far too long and I am sure my productivity at work went down for a bit (sorry Trail Blazers!).
His teachers are fantastic and they take pictures of him and email them to us throughout the day. They have even called me just to let me know everything is going great. So our new routine is coming along nicely.
Here is one of the photos that I recieved in my email inbox on Wednesday from his teachers. As you can imagine, I stared at it far too long and I am sure my productivity at work went down for a bit (sorry Trail Blazers!).
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
First Day of Daycare...
Alex turned 4 months yesterday and today is his first day of daycare...he is getting so big and time is going by WAY too fast!
We had a busy morning preparing for Alex's first day. We put on his first-day of school outfit, took a photo, packed his lunch (and brunch and linner and everything else in-between), pulled together all of his toys and we were out the door. Alex was all smiles when we arrived at daycare but me...not so much! The teachers had to pry him out of my arms and with David's help I was able to put one foot in front of the other to walk myself out of the infant room. But we made it! Another milestone down and a lifetime more to go.
I love you little man...be a good boy at school!
We had a busy morning preparing for Alex's first day. We put on his first-day of school outfit, took a photo, packed his lunch (and brunch and linner and everything else in-between), pulled together all of his toys and we were out the door. Alex was all smiles when we arrived at daycare but me...not so much! The teachers had to pry him out of my arms and with David's help I was able to put one foot in front of the other to walk myself out of the infant room. But we made it! Another milestone down and a lifetime more to go.
I love you little man...be a good boy at school!
Monday, January 2, 2012
*30* before 30 - REFRESHER
**Thanks to many dear friends near and far, I have been reminded that I am actually farther along on my list than I thought. I have made some updates!
The start of this New Year has me reflecting on the many blessings I have in my life and looking towards all the journeys I hope to experience one day. And it got me thinking..."Oh crap, I am one year closer to 30! So little time and so much to do!" So I have decided to revisit my *30* before 30 list to post an update and hopefully motivate me to keep this concept going strong. After all, I have 20 left to go and I am balancing being a new mom, a good wife and working full time... But no harm in trying to squeeze every drop out of life, right?!?!
As a refresher, here is my list with some brief updates to get us back on track!
1.) Take a photography class (DONE)
2.) Go on an international vacation (DONE- BALI SEPT. 2010)
3.) Russo/Thompson/Rice trip
4.) Go to Jazz Fest in New Orleans
5.) Go Sailing
6.) Go fishing, catch a fish, clean it, cook it and eat it (DONE)
7.) Visit a Southern state (DONE- I have been to Miami. That is definitely pretty far south. Thanks for the reminder Sabs.)
8.) Buy a Michele watch (DONE)
9.) Run a 10k race
10.) Read another Ken Follett novel (DONE - WORLD WITHOUT END)
11.) Make a piece of jewelry I will wear
12.) Go to a Trail Blazers away game (DONE - I went to the Phoenix Suns/Trail Blazers game many years back and I almost completely forgot. I would still love to go to another away game but at least I get to cross it off the list.)
13.) Watch a sunrise (DONE - My last couple days of pregnancy I had the hardest time sleeping. One morning I was up at 4:00am. David heard me stirring and being the amazing husband he is, he offered to get up with me and suggested we go on a walk. We walked around Gabriel Park until the sun came up and then went to one of our favorite bakerys "Baker and Spice" for some oatmeal scones. It is such a wonderful memory I have of some quality time just the two of us before Alex came into this world. It was a beautiful sunrise!)
14.) Learn to drive a stick shift
15.) Go camping (for more than 1 night)
16.) Get a par in golf
17.) Spend a day at the Portland Art Museum
18.) Swim in the pool of a waterfall
19.) Take advantage of an all-you-can-eat buffet
20.) Go to a Rodeo
21.) Hire a personal trainer for at least 4 months
22.) Go to the Sundance Film Festival (DONE)
23.) Redo our Master Bathroom (DONE)
24.) Go to a concert at the Gorge
25.) Run/Walk a half marathon
26.) Raise $25k for Morrison Child and Family Services
27.) Have a campfire and smores on the beach (DONE - We had a family reunion trip at the coast a couple of years back and my cousin Jenna reminded me that we had a campfire and we think smores were involved so I am going to count it! Thanks Jenna!)
28.) Go on a Glider Plane (DONE)
29.) Go surfing
30.) Get a promotion at work (DONE)
The start of this New Year has me reflecting on the many blessings I have in my life and looking towards all the journeys I hope to experience one day. And it got me thinking..."Oh crap, I am one year closer to 30! So little time and so much to do!" So I have decided to revisit my *30* before 30 list to post an update and hopefully motivate me to keep this concept going strong. After all, I have 20 left to go and I am balancing being a new mom, a good wife and working full time... But no harm in trying to squeeze every drop out of life, right?!?!
As a refresher, here is my list with some brief updates to get us back on track!
1.) Take a photography class (DONE)
2.) Go on an international vacation (DONE- BALI SEPT. 2010)
3.) Russo/Thompson/Rice trip
4.) Go to Jazz Fest in New Orleans
5.) Go Sailing
6.) Go fishing, catch a fish, clean it, cook it and eat it (DONE)
7.) Visit a Southern state (DONE- I have been to Miami. That is definitely pretty far south. Thanks for the reminder Sabs.)
8.) Buy a Michele watch (DONE)
9.) Run a 10k race
10.) Read another Ken Follett novel (DONE - WORLD WITHOUT END)
11.) Make a piece of jewelry I will wear
12.) Go to a Trail Blazers away game (DONE - I went to the Phoenix Suns/Trail Blazers game many years back and I almost completely forgot. I would still love to go to another away game but at least I get to cross it off the list.)
13.) Watch a sunrise (DONE - My last couple days of pregnancy I had the hardest time sleeping. One morning I was up at 4:00am. David heard me stirring and being the amazing husband he is, he offered to get up with me and suggested we go on a walk. We walked around Gabriel Park until the sun came up and then went to one of our favorite bakerys "Baker and Spice" for some oatmeal scones. It is such a wonderful memory I have of some quality time just the two of us before Alex came into this world. It was a beautiful sunrise!)
14.) Learn to drive a stick shift
15.) Go camping (for more than 1 night)
16.) Get a par in golf
17.) Spend a day at the Portland Art Museum
18.) Swim in the pool of a waterfall
19.) Take advantage of an all-you-can-eat buffet
20.) Go to a Rodeo
21.) Hire a personal trainer for at least 4 months
22.) Go to the Sundance Film Festival (DONE)
23.) Redo our Master Bathroom (DONE)
24.) Go to a concert at the Gorge
25.) Run/Walk a half marathon
26.) Raise $25k for Morrison Child and Family Services
27.) Have a campfire and smores on the beach (DONE - We had a family reunion trip at the coast a couple of years back and my cousin Jenna reminded me that we had a campfire and we think smores were involved so I am going to count it! Thanks Jenna!)
28.) Go on a Glider Plane (DONE)
29.) Go surfing
30.) Get a promotion at work (DONE)
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Happy New Year!
2012 is here! And if the year is half as fun as our New Years Eve was then it is sure to be another amazing year for the Thompsons. Our dear friends, The Drakes, hosted a party and Alex was a trooper and slept through the entire thing. So Mom and Dad got to have a little fun!
All I had was a leftover disposable camera so the photo quality of these aren't the best but it still captured some amazing memories with wonderful friends.
I hope you all have a wonderful 2012!
The Matts and David
Just Dance on the Wii - my new favorite game
Carynne, the hostess with the mostest! We both went sparkly for the festive occasion.
Girlfriends! Kristin, Sabs and me.
Kristin and I enjoying our ring pops...yes, I did say Ring Pops! And there were Pop Rocks too.
Feels oh-so-good to be on a dance floor again! It has been a while since little man, Alex has joined our party :)
Happy New Year from The Thompsons!
All I had was a leftover disposable camera so the photo quality of these aren't the best but it still captured some amazing memories with wonderful friends.
I hope you all have a wonderful 2012!
The Matts and David
Just Dance on the Wii - my new favorite game
Carynne, the hostess with the mostest! We both went sparkly for the festive occasion.
Girlfriends! Kristin, Sabs and me.
Kristin and I enjoying our ring pops...yes, I did say Ring Pops! And there were Pop Rocks too.
Feels oh-so-good to be on a dance floor again! It has been a while since little man, Alex has joined our party :)
Happy New Year from The Thompsons!
Christmas #2
Christmas #2 was fantastic! And how lucky are we that we get to celebrate Christmas more than once. We flew down to Tucson and Alex was awesome on the plane. I was really nervous that he would have a hard time with the change in air pressure because he had a cold but he was a joy and even flirted with the flight attendants.
CHRISTMAS EVE
The Christmas Eve feast of the 7 fishes is a long-standing Russo tradition. It is my favorite meal of the year! So many people spend so many hours preparing, making it a true labor of love. Alex is too young to enjoy it to its fullest, but having him be part of it this year made me feel so happy complete. He is the first of a new generation to enjoy and carry on this tradition...so cool!
Dinner...YUM!
Norbert, Chris and Michael scrubbing the clams
Grandma and I making the cannolis. This year we added the Bliss Cannoli to the menu (Cranberry, Orange, Ginger and White Chocolate). Great idea, Grandma...they were a hit!
Alex with Great Grandma
Oyster Shooters
Dad delivering the lobster sauce pasta to the table
My mom bought Alex this awesome lobster outfit for the dinner. We attempted to get a family photo in front of the Christmas tree with him in his great outfit but someone was sleepy. So this is the best we got!
CHRISTMAS DAY
Christmas Day was a beautiful day of relaxing with family and enjoying the simple moments - and a lot more food. We slept in to help our stomachs digest the huge meal from Christmas eve, Dad then made us lattes and we did gifts. Then we had a late brunch of lox and bagles with Grandma and Grandpa, Pozole for dinner and then over to Aunt Rose's and Uncle Jim's for Aunt Rose's delicious Christmas cookies. I'll tell you, the Russo family sure knows how to celebrate with food :)
Alex opening his first gift...
It's a hat the Uncle Michael made!!
Papa got him some great U0fA swag
Nona playing with Alex's new favorite toy.
More presents.
Our favorite gift this year is Alex!
Uncle Michael reading Alex his Christmas book during brunch
Nona and Alex
Great Grandpa and Alex
LOTS OF PEOPLE TO MEET AND PLACES TO SEE!
The rest of the trip was Tour De Alex! Alex got to meet lots of Tucson peeps and we had some great time with a lot of folks.
Aunt T.
Nana (Great Grandma). Alex also got to meet my Auntie Patti and cousin Emily.
One of my dear friends, Katie, had her little girl, Kylie, only a few weeks before Alex. But of course, Alex is bigger than Kylie...go figure!
Kylie and Alex
Oma with Alex - Oma took care of Michael and I when we were babies.
Christina and Anna - my dear friends from high school
Look at the brightness in those eyes! Christmas takes on a whole new meaning with a baby boy and knowing the joys of motherhood. We are so blessed to have Alex in our family and we continue to feel so happy to share him and introduce him to our wonderful family and friends. Merry Christmas everyone!
CHRISTMAS EVE
The Christmas Eve feast of the 7 fishes is a long-standing Russo tradition. It is my favorite meal of the year! So many people spend so many hours preparing, making it a true labor of love. Alex is too young to enjoy it to its fullest, but having him be part of it this year made me feel so happy complete. He is the first of a new generation to enjoy and carry on this tradition...so cool!
Dinner...YUM!
Norbert, Chris and Michael scrubbing the clams
Grandma and I making the cannolis. This year we added the Bliss Cannoli to the menu (Cranberry, Orange, Ginger and White Chocolate). Great idea, Grandma...they were a hit!
Alex with Great Grandma
Oyster Shooters
Dad delivering the lobster sauce pasta to the table
My mom bought Alex this awesome lobster outfit for the dinner. We attempted to get a family photo in front of the Christmas tree with him in his great outfit but someone was sleepy. So this is the best we got!
CHRISTMAS DAY
Christmas Day was a beautiful day of relaxing with family and enjoying the simple moments - and a lot more food. We slept in to help our stomachs digest the huge meal from Christmas eve, Dad then made us lattes and we did gifts. Then we had a late brunch of lox and bagles with Grandma and Grandpa, Pozole for dinner and then over to Aunt Rose's and Uncle Jim's for Aunt Rose's delicious Christmas cookies. I'll tell you, the Russo family sure knows how to celebrate with food :)
Alex opening his first gift...
It's a hat the Uncle Michael made!!
Papa got him some great U0fA swag
Nona playing with Alex's new favorite toy.
More presents.
Our favorite gift this year is Alex!
Uncle Michael reading Alex his Christmas book during brunch
Nona and Alex
Great Grandpa and Alex
LOTS OF PEOPLE TO MEET AND PLACES TO SEE!
The rest of the trip was Tour De Alex! Alex got to meet lots of Tucson peeps and we had some great time with a lot of folks.
Aunt T.
Nana (Great Grandma). Alex also got to meet my Auntie Patti and cousin Emily.
One of my dear friends, Katie, had her little girl, Kylie, only a few weeks before Alex. But of course, Alex is bigger than Kylie...go figure!
Kylie and Alex
Oma with Alex - Oma took care of Michael and I when we were babies.
Christina and Anna - my dear friends from high school
Look at the brightness in those eyes! Christmas takes on a whole new meaning with a baby boy and knowing the joys of motherhood. We are so blessed to have Alex in our family and we continue to feel so happy to share him and introduce him to our wonderful family and friends. Merry Christmas everyone!
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