Mistakes

Before you read this, you need to watch this. http://www.azfamily.com/Clip/11800530/raw-video-mom-who-forgot-her-baby-in-shopping-cart-tells-her-story Most of my AZ friends have probably already seen it. And my heart. is. breaking. in. two. It is all I can think about right now.  Because in many ways, we are Cherish.  When Porter first started walking, Trent had taken Porter to do yard work.  Trent went to put something away, and didn't realize how quick Porter had become with walking.  When he turned around, he could not find Porter.  He frantically went searching and found him in the middle of the road in our parking lot.  A car had seen him {and thankfully so, or they would have hit him}, and stopped.  Three seconds after they stopped, Trent swooshed in and picked him up.  Thank goodness we didn't have social media ripping us to shreds over that. Or how about the time I was talking to our maintenance crew and Trent was talking to a tenant.  Each of us thought the other was watching Porter.  I felt the urge to make sure he was okay when I realized neither of us knew where he was.  Sheer panic set in both of us as we searched around the complex.  Faintly, I could hear a heavy breathing/panting.  I soon found our little guy up THREE flights of stairs.  These are outside, cement stairs that would have hurt him badly if he would have fallen.   I mean it. I am Cherish.  But in the end, our mistakes are few, and our success are plenty.  I believe the same could be said about this woman.   Now, I know that leaving your baby for 40 minutes is pretty serious. BUT TO GO TO JAIL? TO TAKE HER KIDS FROM HER? You are out of your mind.  I promise you I will be writing a letter on Sunday as one of our family activities. In a way, I feel like this is an attack on Motherhood.  A woman on the support group wrote it so eloquently, I have to share: "I've thought about why I feel so passionate about this movement and supporting this woman whom I've never met, and I realize that if The Maricopa County Sheriffs Office convicts Cherish for her mistake then, in a way, they're casting a stone at motherhood and the unfortunate but real mistakes that we face and fight tooth and nail to avoid every day. We spend 24/7 making sure our babies are breathing, safe, happy, growing, and loved. It is exhausting and wonderful. To have any one of our mistakes blown up for the public to scrutinize and judge feels like a disrespect and shrug to what we dedicate our entire lives to. I'm glad we have checks and balances to keep our communities safe but I hope that this county makes the decision to support its mothers who are raising their future citizens the very best they can." Does something need to happen? No. I am positive that the amount of guilt on that mother is far greater than any punishment you could give her.  But if something must be done to meet the demands of justice, it does not need to be so harshly. I too, stand with Cherish.  Bless her and her family.  It was a very grave mistake, but angels were watching over her baby.  And for that, I think we all are grateful.    

Begin Again

Well, I just started my third year of fourth grade. For some reason, this seems so monumental to me.  Probably because I was positive that I would not be working this long. But hey. Life happens. And we are doing important things over here, people.
The first week of school is very important, in my opinion.  The waters will be tested for the next three months and I will be strict and clear with my expectations.  Privileges will be gained, and then lost. And this continues until they finally understand how this classroom works.
I will greet them every morning and tell them how glad I am they are here, and how much I love their face.  And when they leave, I will give them a high five {even to my hardest children}, because we survived another day of fun and learning and that is always something to celebrate.
In the first few weeks of school, I think of all my previous students. I miss them. I want them all to come back and be in my class forever.  And each year I always worry, "Will I love these guys that much too?"  And each year, I do. 
I love their smiles as I sing them songs to get their attention, as we do planks before Math {because no one is awake at 8:30 in the morning}, and as they start to follow my sense of humor.
We do so many team building and anti-bullying activities.
We talk about our feelings and how we want our classroom to be.
We play piano guys while creating our time capsules for the end of the year. And when we know the song, we hum along ever so quietly.
I love teaching. More than I can ever put into words.  I love shaping these little humans into productive members of the community. I love teaching them about the world around us and how everything we learn is applicable, and important. For the next nine months, I will devote hundreds of hours to their success and then pray that their next teacher will build upon my foundation. 
I am going to miss this.

Clean vs. Sterile

Life changing moment: A little boy moved into our ward who is 15 months old! HALLELUJAH! I am so stinking excited.  Now, my child is not the only disrupting Sunday School and Relief Society.  There is a dynamic duo and they are doing a fantastic job. I can't wait to start play dates!
Right before our cruise (so about three weeks ago), I went in to renew my temple recommend.  I cherish that thing. I know exactly when it will expire and exactly where it is at all times.  The interview went smoothly, and it was renewed.  Fast forward to the end of an amazing cruise.  As we were walking off the ship, I made sure I had everything, debit/credit cards, drivers license, temple recommend. etc., and everything was there, but my temple recommend.
Now, I sweeeaaarrr it was stolen! But I guess it could have also fell out somehow? I mean, there are so many possibilities. But I was heartbroken, embarrassed, and freaking out because I was not carrying around a temple recommend. You never know when you are going to whip those things out.
I searched for a week, nothing happened.
So I had to face my bishop and stake presidency {again}, and tell them my situation.  Luckily, I didn't meet with the same member of the stake presidency.  I met with President Harper this time around.  Again, we went through the whole interview process.  At the end, he started talking about how if we are worthy for a temple recommend, we are worthy to live with God again {basically}.  I told him how that gave me comfort when I felt like I wasn't doing my best.  As long as I could answer those questions truthfully, I was okay.  He was quiet for awhile.  Then he said, "You struggle with that, don't you?  Being too hard on yourself and being a perfectionist."  
I literally felt the walls falling down in my mind and my heart that second.  What had started as a quick, normal interview had turned into something much more personal. And I lost it. I bawled.
He handed me the tissues, and we talked about the difference between clean and sterile. Sterile is wiped of all contamination while clean is just free of most contamination.  He told me the Lord was not asking me to be sterile.  He was asking me to be clean, and worthy.  I know that I can achieve that through the atonement.
I really am grateful for that interview. For the privilege to be reminded of an important gospel principle.

Our {Almost} 14th Month Old

Porter,   You are at such a fun age that comes with its own set of challenges.  You know only a few words which makes communication pretty difficult between the two of us. You absolutely LOVE watching videos of yourself all.day.long.  Each time we put the phone down, you throw a huge tantrum.  And, of course, you know I don't handle those well.   You also love animals.  Your favorite book right now is Baby's First 100 Animals.  Speaking of books, you are such an avid reader.  We have about 10 baby books and we go through each one twice a day.  You LOVE to read.  I can't help but stop everything I am doing when you come up to me with a book in hand and go, "uhhh uuuuuuhhhhhhhhhh." I can hear that sweet little voice in my head now.  I love those moments we spend reading together.   Porter, I have never met a more confident child.  Honestly.  You can walk right up to anyone, go anywhere, and do anything. Just yesterday, you climbed to the top of a 5 step ladder that was about five feet off the floor!  I turned around and there you were sitting at the top.  Kid, your 13 months, slow down!  You are so driven at such a young age.   Your Dad is so, so proud of you. He bought you a matching Diamondbacks hat.  And the other day, you both wore the same blue shirt and same hat to match.  Guess who planned that? Dad. You are his little best bud. Sometimes I wish I had that relationship that you two do.  But then when your hurt and you refuse everyone but me, I realize that we have something special to.   Portmaster. You can break it down dude. You can whip, nae nae, and bust a move. Today in Elders Quorum, they sang, "Now Let Us Rejoice," and you were whipping and nae-naeing the whole song.   Half of the men in Elders Quorum stopped me and told me how funny of a kid you were today.   Oh sweet baby, I wish everyone knew of your dynamic personality.  You are stubborn, sweet, driven, easy-going, intelligent, crazy, hilarious, out going and everything wrapped into one little dude.  I was trying to think of way to describe your personality, but it's everything encompassed into one.  And we love you so much, tantrums and all. But really - if you could cut back on those, we would like you even more! ;)  

Did I mention you have an addiction to goldfish?

{I do too.}

 



I Should Be Doing Dishes

But I really, really, really don't want to.  
I use to find so much joy in housework.  When it was just Trent and myself, the house was usually kept in good condition.  Now, it is a constant tornado and it is making it more discouraging to keep it in order.  Literally, Porter's favorite thing is to take everything out.  He loves emptying all the cupboards, and all of his toys, and his drawers, and the bins, and the baskets.  It is his favorite thing. He truly is Wreck-it-Ralph.
We registered Trent for the GRE.  He is taking it October 5th.  That seems like forever away.  But in reality, it is less than two months.  When we get that score, we plan on applying to ASU, BYU, and Texas A&M.  Our first choice is ASU.  I feel pretty confident that I could find a teaching job there. (I keep telling myself, only one more year.  But that "one more year" has yet to happen.) It also might be easier finding someone to watch Porter because of our connections.  But in reality, we will go wherever we get a scholarship.
Also, Trent started a new business. I told that to a co-worker and she said, "Of course! Because teaching, Porter, managing apartments, bishopric, and engineering isn't enough."  I laughed out loud at that one because she was right.   But it has been going pretty well.  Everyday, someone new is interested and that is exciting for him.  And he is super adorable when he is that excited.
I officially go back to work on Thursday.  I have had to go back to work for a few days during the summer for some mandatory meetings, but it officially begins Thursday.  This is my last year at Adams Elementary and if I speak it, I will sob.  I wish with all my might they had a Master's program here at BYU-I.  I do not want to leave this place.  Trent is ready to move out and move on, but I am more apart of the community than he is.  He is part of that tough, college atmosphere. I see the community aspect of Rexburg.  I get to experience the services the community provide, the way the educational system is run, and the people.  Rexburg is a unique place and I love it. Also, I could not have a better boss or co-workers.  We are a family.  We do parties together, our children play together, we cry together (lots of crying), we laugh together (lots and lots of laughter), we are comrades.
But Porter is still my number one.  My end goal. But let me tell you.  I got a taste of toddler motherhood over the summer and it makes me want to give him away for someone else to raise.
In my opinion, being a working mom is much easier than being a full-time mom.  I have experienced both and they are both hard in their own ways.  I mean teaching?! THAT is hard. Seriously. But being a mother means no breaks, little adult interaction, keeping up with the household chores, meals, meshing three different schedules, discipline, stimulation, etc.  It can be overwhelming to say the least.
Overall, the Thompson's are happy.  Our apartment still doesn't feel like home for some reason, but we are working on fixing our attitudes and adding some touches. Trent and I have started going on dates recently, and it has changed our marriage.  Actually, the cruise changed our marriage, but the dates have kept us going strong.  Porter has been a little crazy, tantrum throwing, yelling, unsettling child lately. But hey, we will still claim him.  He has some redeeming qualities too.
I just love keeping this journal.  I love sharing my life with others.  The good, the bad, and the ugly.  I love reading others experiences.  I love feeling connected with others and reading their advice and encouraging words.  Or even if it's not always encouraging. Some days are good, and some days you are just trying to make it through.  But we are each doing something important. I really believe that.

TM Takes Mexico

This cruise has been in the making for a little less than a year.  I remember talking about it the first time during a ritual card game.  It was Kayla's idea, of course.  And the rest is history.  We basically swore on our lives that we would follow through.  There were a few moments as it got closer that we almost chickened out.  We tried other vacation venues.  But the cruise was really the cheapest option.  So.  Less than a month before, we booked it. And honestly, I am so glad we did! Unfortunately, I took absolutely no pictures the first day.  I hate when I do that.   First of all, the drive there was epic. Of course.  Lots of catching up and story telling, laughter, and giddy excitement.  I had cotton candy for breakfast.  That's when you know it's going to be a good day. 

We got to the cruise ship around 1:30.  The first thing we did was go to your rooms.  We had an ocean view room, and it was just beautiful.  It was so surreal being on that ship. I kept picturing the Titanic song in my head.  Not the Celien Dion one, but the one when they introduce the ship. You know... Da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da,... You know?! 

Alright, moving on.

The first day was a blur.  But I am pretty sure the hot tub was involved, because that place was always involved.

The next day we woke up around 8 and headed out to Catalina Island,  There we rented a golf cart and went all over the island. 

Did you know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints also meet on Catalina Island?  Pretty cool, right?

Driving the golf cart around was one of my favorite parts! I mean, look at those pictures! It was absolutely gorgeous. Also, if you decide to live in Catalina Island, a car is not really necessary.  Most of the locals, just had golf carts as transportation.  It was kinda cute! After the golf cart, we went snorkeling in Lovers Cove.  I had never been snorkeling before.  At first, I was using a broken snorkel and the struggle was real! Trent kept saying, "Just breathe through your mouth!"  And I was. And literally swallowing the sea water in the process. Which is salty and disgusting.  But, once I traded snorkels with Trent and gave him the crappy one, I had so much fun! We were literally swimming with the fishes.  There were really pretty orange ones and fatter gray ones.  There were fish everywhere.  I just looked and them and tried to stay out of their way.  But the rest of the gang were trying to catch them. I am so sad we didn't have our Go Pro to take pictures or video of it.  It was seriously so cool!

After snorkeling, we ate at a some a local restaurant.  Before that, we had stopped a quaint marketplace that had the smallest isles.  It was so fun! After our eating adventures, we went kayaking.   Basically, we kayaked in the vicinity of that bottom right picture above.  It was so much fun.  We also went out deeper into the middle of the ocean.  I was afraid we were going to get run over by a ship, and Kayla was afraid of their kayak sinking.  It led to the men capitalizing on our fears and colliding our kayaks together.  We also didn't get a picture of that.  

I really swear we did all those things.

The next day, we headed out Ensenada, Mexico. We left pretty early again.  The days at the port go by so quickly that leaving early is a necessity.  The first thing we did was rent a little Nissan car for $45 for the entire day.  It ended being about $25 per couple. It was nice to be able to lock our valuables in the car and go exploring.  We were also able to explore so much more because we had a car.  Best idea. We decided to head out to La Bufadora.  It's a tourist attraction. It's a crevice in a mountain where the water shoots up like a geyser. 

On the way, we stopped at Walmart.  Had to pick up some beach towels - that we never used.  But it was about the experience. Like buying boxers for $148 (pesos).  You have to do that at least once.

  After we reached La Bufadora, we had to go through a very long line of tourist shops to actually get to the attraction.  But I am not complaining because that is one of my favorite parts.  I even bought a fake Michael Kors bag for $40! You can only do that in Mexico, you know? By the way, he tried to sell it for me for $120 at first.  I love bargaining with people.  Let me rephrase that, I love making Trent bargain for me with people. 

Also, I totally met Nala from the Lion King.  Seriously folks.  The pictures you are about to see are those of REAL female African Lions. And yes, I did play with her and her baby. It was such a neat experience!

We also ate at restaurant that had a slide and a Jaguar to play with.  That one was a little too sketchy for us, but the food was pretty good, but overpriced.  But the slide was fun!

After we saw La Bufadora, we headed back towards the beach.  By that time, we only had two hours left of our day and there was one last thing I really wanted to do,

Horseback riding on the beach (for $15 and hour - pretty good!), was beautiful.  Unfortunately, my horse had a mind of her own.  She was the leader of the back and would not stop when I asked her to stop.  Or when I pulled into the reigns.  It was giving me a heart attack.  Especially when she wanted to run, because I didn't know how to do that.  When we got back to the base, a baby horse immediately attached. The poor Mama just wanted to get back to feed her baby.  I felt pretty awful.  But I also was also trying to lower my blood pressure and anxiety.

There was mixed emotions.

I loved the little boy who tagged along with us. He was so funny! When he asked him what the horses names were, he went up to the horses and said, "Whats your name? Painted. What's your name? Chantaquina?" He went down the whole line and did it with all the horses. It was hilarious. 

After that, we returned to the car. The boys played a mean trick. And we went back on the ship! 

The last day was a "Day at Sea."  Too bad there were 28 mph winds and the waves were pretty big.  I was pretty dizzy, and Trent gets motion sickness very easily.  So he was struggling.  But then, we found out something magical.  In the middle of the ship, you can't feel anything!  The wind was mostly gone, and the boat was completely still.  So of course, the party was back on.  We went down slides, relaxed, read books, and I ate about 6 ice cream cones. So it was a great day.

I learned a few things.  First of all, you have to go on a cruise with your friends.  It makes everything 10x better.  Luckily, we went with people who know us better than anyone else. Really.  They were there during the first 3 1/2 years of our marriage. Who do you think knew I was pregnant right after my mom, Kayla and Chad.  They were the first ones to know that I had gotten my teaching job.  Kayla has given me a lot pep talks.  Teaching with Porter has been hard, and she has always pulled through. And Chad is seriously like a brother to me. We even fight like siblings.  Have you heard of Avalohem, Arizona? It's like right before Buckeye.  You should go there sometime.  And they have seen Trent and I at our best and worst.

Basically, during the cruise if we wanted to go to bed early, there was never pressure.  We didn't have to entertain each other or feel obligated to do everything together.  I felt like Trent and I still had our time together, but it was SO much more fun with friends. 

Which is why we are planning TM Takes Hawaii for 2017 or 2018.  It's in the works.  A new family tradition, if you will.  And maybe by that time, our circle of friends will have grown and other families can join in on the fun! Because really, the more the merrier!

 You just have to commit to karaoke. It's a rule.