Remember This.

I am totally guilty of this.  But I always read blogs and before they post something sweet about their husband they apologize for the "mushy gushy" stuff.  I want to stop that trend. Today.   Awhile ago, Trent and I had a "disagreement." {That is code for we had a really big fight.  But we never call them fights, we call them disagreements}.  I went into the other room angry and decided to read some of my favorite blogs.  I ended up on my own blog planning to write something.  Yet somehow I got distracted by previous posts and instead I took a trip down memory lane.  I ended up rereading our dating story. You know, the one I dragged into three parts! As I started reading our story, all anger dissipated.  I remembered that I had a good man by my side. I immediately went back to him and apologized.  Sometimes we need a little help remembering the good stuff.   Before our trip to Disneyland, Trent kept telling me he was going to buy me Nike cross trainers. I told him not to because we needed to use the money we saved that month for Disneyland.  Then came Trent's birthday, and it was lame.  I felt so bad.  We just went to dinner and he received no gifts.  Wife Fail #2,512.  I told him to use the money he got from his parents for his birthday to buy some boots that he desperately needed.  He said, "Yeah, maybe later."  Flash forward about a week later when Trent surprises me {truly I had no idea this was coming} with the absolute cutest Nike cross trainers.  Seriously. I immediately scolded him.  I told him we were using our savings that month for Disneyland.  "I didn't use our savings from this month?" he replied. "Well money doesn't just grow on trees.  How did you pay for it?" I countered. "I used my birthday money."   I am grateful for marriage.  I am even more grateful that both of us are fully invested in making this a marriage that will last through the eternities.   

Disneyland

Growing up, my family was the. best. ever. The end. Perfect.  I thought everybody should be like my family.  Then, I married into the Thompson family.  And I am seriously in love with these people. I've learned that a family can work in many ways.  There is no one perfect way to raise a family.  As long as you have Christ at the cornerstone, it will all work out.

Here are some things I've learned from being a Thompson:

1. Learn to laugh at yourself. Trent and his family play a game of "charades," where they act like someone else in the family. It. is. HILARIOUS.  You know we all have certain mannerisms or ridiculous things we have said.  The crazy part? Nobody gets offended.  We just laugh!  I was a very serious girl growing up.  My parents tried desperately to get me to "lighten up," and marrying into this family has helped me learn even more not to take myself too serious.  

2. Brothers gotta hug.  It's a quote from Tommy Boy and it always makes me think of this family.  This entire extended family is FULL of love. I don't care what you have said, done, or even thought about doing.  They are going to love you to the fullest anyway. It's inspirational.

3. We are family. That word means something new to me this weekend.  I witnessed something this weekend that was so simple, but touched me so dearly.  It was Saturday evening and all of us were gathered to watch the firework show.  Two of the teenage boys were sitting down and their uncle {who was the father to neither of these boys} turned to them and said, "Let's get you boys something to eat." Those were not his sons, but he paid for their meal anyway.  This is just one moment I remember, but it happened all weekend.  They take care of each other as if each of those cousins are their own children.  I really really want to be like that.  Honestly, I would have just let the boys wait until their parents came to go get them food.  But this weekend, I witnessed the most tender and kind moments that reminded me what the word family truly means.  

Finally, I have to give a huge shout out to Mom, Dad, Cade, and Nolan.  I was so worried that during the trip we would slow everyone down. And guess what, we totally did.  But those four stayed with us the ENTIRE TIME. Cade and Nolan could have easily ran off to do the awesome roller coasters.  But instead, they went on "It's a Small World" and similar rides with their nephew.  Studs.  Seriously. I have so many pictures of them holding my diaper bag or pushing Porter's stroller. I love them both so much! And Grandma Rita and Grandpa Kent were angelic.  They held Porter so Trent and I could go on rides or rest.  My heart is so full. I am the luckiest girl!  

This whole trip was made possible by the sweetest act of service.  It is so humbling when you receive such a special gift.  Trent and I will forever be grateful that we were apart of these special moments. Thompsons Rule!

 

Thanksgiving

Liam

We can't have a blog and not mention Porter's best friend, Liam! There are two babies that Porter sees on a regular basis, Gordon and Liam.  I know that they really don't understand that the other one is there, but I like to think so.  And I also like to think that when Chad, Kayla, and Liam move {which is happening sooner than I like to think about}, Porter will miss Liam.  Or at least I like to think so.  So here is to this curly, blonde haired angel!  We love you, Liam!

Here are some more picture that I have, but they are not edited...

  Priceless.