The Year of the Leather: Happy Anniversary, Darling

Did you know that on your three year anniversary, your suppose to get your spouse something made of leather?  True story.  Trent learned that as he was searching for my anniversary gift.    The memory of our wedding day is so vivid in my mind.  I remember getting my hair done at 7 o'clock in the morning when I got a phone call from my wonderful husband-to-be. We weren't suppose to be at the temple until 9 a.m.  But he was so nervous, he showed up two hours early.  He called me wondering when I would be there.  I remember saying, "Um... not for another two hours, when we are suppose to be there."  He wandered around the temple for two hours by himself.  He greeted me as I showed up to marry him and we were both as giddy as ever. That was one of my favorite moments of the entire day.  He truly was so excited to marry me.  I really appreciated that.   And now, here we are.  It has been three years.  And let's see what we've done:   - We have lived in three different states (Arizona, Utah, and Idaho), and have moved four times. - 1 Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education - 1 Associate Degree (with a Bachelors coming soon!) - 4 Country/Pop Concerts (Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Kelly Clarkson, Carly Rae Jepsen) -  1 Trip to San Francisco (my absolute favorite) -1 Trip to Disneyland - 6 trips to Arizona - rotated through 4 different cars - 7 pregnancy tests - 1 brand new baby - 41 kids {because I will always refer to my students as my kids} - 5 different jobs altogether - 5 million kisses - a thousand tears - a hundred "heart to heart" conversations - countless prayers and pleads to our Heavenly Father and so many more adventures to come.    Leland Trent Thompson, I have loved your for 1,095 days.  I have unofficially diagnosed myself with an obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). I am a clean freak, a perfectionist, impatient, critical of myself, and do not understand the definition of "resting." But every day, I try to make you a little happier, and your life a little easier.  We're going to make it.  I just know it.

A New Respect

Welp.  Work started this last Thursday.  Seriously, if I did not LOVE teaching so very much, I wouldn't/couldn't go back to work. It is so nice to have a career in something you are passionate about.  But let's be honest with each other.  I would MUCH rather be home with Porter.  However, Trent is taking on the roll of Mr. Mom. After this week, I have more faith in him.
I decided that we should probably do some trial runs before Thursday.  So I told Trent I would be in my classroom all day Tuesday and Wednesday so we could "practice."  I know it probably sounded ridiculous to him, but he humored me. By 1:00 on Tuesday, Trent was calling me asking me to come home.  I seriously fled my classroom and was home by the time he could hang up the phone.  I came in and the house was perfectly clean and spotless.  But I had an exhausted husband and a grumpy Porter.  He had fed Porter like every hour, instead of his usual ever 3 hours.  So Porter had about 6-8 ounces in a one hour time instead of the normal 3.5.  Yeah.  That made him grumpy for awhile. His stomach hurt and he was constantly spitting up.  I told Trent to go take a nap.  He was asleep for almost three hours.  He woke up and came inside our living room.  We talked about how fantastic it was that he cleaned the house but he needs to make sure that his needs come first.  We also talked about routines and how they are important and all that lovely stuff.
The next day went waaaaay better. Trent wrote down each time Porter ate and took a nap.  He waited 2-3 hours between each feeding and did play time between naps.  I came home the mood was completely different. 
It was the next evening that made me appreciate Trent even more that I already do {if that's humanly possible.}  It had been yet another successful day {Go, Trent!} and we were talking about how I had just found my new, favorite deodorant.  He turned to me and said, "Wow, I don't think I have worn deodorant in three days, and I think I have only showered once!  Now, I understand why woman talk about routines, and not having time to shower or for themselves. It's really hard."  I just smiled and nodded my head.  From an outsiders perspective, it seems simple. But raising a family is a huge feat.  
I also learned something this week.  Coming home to a happy home is the most lovely thing.  I. Am. EXHAUSTED after work.  And even though I loved loved loved coming home to a clean house, I had an unhappy family and it just added to the stress.  I would rather come home to a happy baby on the floor playing with Daddy and dishes in the sink.  I would rather have Kraft Mac and Cheese for dinner and a huge loving welcome than a gourmet meal and long to-do list.  Now, a clean house is still important. But if for three days the dishes sit on the counter, the Thompson's are still going to make it.
Because we are happy.  

Arizona, Our First Home

Well, I guess California is Trent's first home.  But Arizona has been my one and only home for years.  Idaho is our new home, but it always a special treat to visit Arizona.  The beautiful sun, our eternal families, and forever friends reside there. We recently went to Arizona for 10 whole days while Trent and I were on summer vacation.  Oh. My. Goodness.  We were spoiled.  Seriously.  The shopping, food, and company were fantastic.  The blessing was so spiritual.  The games were so vicious and competitive {just how I like it.} And it was a learning experience that having a baby changes EVERYTHING when it comes to vacationing. Schedule.... What schedule?  My suitcase? 3/4 was for Porter and 1/4 for me.  Airport security gives me a heart attack.  Blow-outs actually DO happen.  And more than once! Sharing family time is super duper stressful because everyone loves Porter {how can they not?} 
We also went through the temple with Dallin, my little brother.  Goodness, I am so proud of him.  He is going to be the best missionary. He is such a good example for Porter. 
Anyway, here are some pictures from the trip!

 These two were so great with Porter!

 Cade... an All-Star Senior this year! 

Okay... this is actually Nolan. But seriously, doesn't he look just like Trent! 

Uncle Nolan, a sophomore, and freaking hilarious!

 Grandpa Thompson meeting Porter for the first time.  It was so fun!

 Seriously, can you just see the amount of love, pride, and joy!?

 Grandma and Grandpa Thompson

 Porter's first swim! He didn't even cry!

 Auntie Ash, 6th Grade, and seriously the cutest thing around.

 Nana came to the rescue when Porter had a MAJOR blow-out right before we came to watch Ashlyn try-out for volleyball.

Love.

A Beautiful Blessing

I wanted to jot down parts of Porter's baby blessing before I forget.  I intended to record it and type it word for word, but I don't even know if that is allowed! So I just listened super intently and am writing the points I remember. Everything in {} is your mothers extra input.  Because you know me, I ALWAYS have to something to say. And I am your mother so I have the right to say it. - Porter, your parents love you. {That doesn't even begin to describe how much we love, adore, and cherish you Porter!} - You will be a leader.  And sometimes leaders have to stand alone.  It can be a lonely road, but know that is more important to stand alone and do the right thing than follow in sin. {But Porter, even if you do feel like you are alone, remember that God is ALWAYS with you.  And that your father and I will ALWAYS love you. Do what is right, son.} - You will serve a mission.  And you will serve it faithfully and well. {A mission is not an easy sacrifice.  But it is one of the most defining moments in your life.  You MUST be worthy and prepared to serve a mission, Porter.} - You will marry a worthy, beautiful daughter of God inside the temple.  {And you will treat her with respect.  She will be your teammate, your equal.} - Be patient with your parents.  They are trying their best.  {Porter, we are not perfect.  We get angry.  We get selfish.  We get prideful. And everyday we are working on it.  So please be patient as we learn.} -  Look to the men in the circle as an example.  {As well as that man outside the circle.  Your Grandpa Vesey came down from California to be meet you and I and be there for your blessing day.  Now, he isn't a member of the church, but he understood this blessing was important to us and so it was important to him.  He is a witty, kind, and a hard working man. And I hope you grow up to know him because you could really learn so many wonderful things from him.  He served this country, he serves his family, and he serves God in his own religion.  What a wonderful legacy. But your father is right.  The men inside the circle were worthy Priesthood holders who are excellent examples and you should learn from them also.
I believe that was the majority of your blessing, Porter.  There were SO many people there that day.  People came from California and all over Arizona to meet you.  I shed a few tears during your blessing and it was at that moment when I really enjoyed motherhood.  It was a turning moment in me because I felt that you and I were not alone in this endeavor.  We would both have Heavenly Father's aid.  And we need it.

 Grandpa Thompson meeting you for the first time.  Instant love.

 Daddy's wonderful family all gathering around looking at you and pictures of you.

 Momma at work getting the food ready.

Momma loving the little guy who makes everything worth it.

 This is Grandpa and Grandma (Linda) Vesey.  They came all the way from California to meet you!

Probably my favorite picture from the night. This is a fourth generation picture.  Leland Kenneth, Leland Kent, Leland Trent, and Leland Porter.