Thompson-side Christmas

Love this video that Grandma Kim made. So many memories compiled together. ♥♥♥

Christmas 2010 VIDEO from Kim Thompson on Vimeo.

Why I love my jobs

I think it's pretty obvious why I love my first job. This whole blog is dedicated to my first job. What's not to love about these girls and this family? Obviously, my job as a wife and mother is my priority, but I also love my other job.

I'm also a teacher. And, you know what, I love my job. I'm pretty sure the fact that it's only part-time contributes to my love for teaching. I can't imagine trying to work full-time. Another contributing factor is the group of kids I have this year. I have two really great groups of kids! There have been years where I came home feeling defeated almost daily (my third year of teaching!), but thankfully this year is different.

I love interacting with my students and inspiring them. I love seeing them learn and create. I love teaching them about teamwork and fair competition. I also love the sense of comradery that I have with my fellow teachers. I love the instant bond that you form with people simply because you work at the same school; the fact that I'm FRIENDS with people ranging in age from 25-70. I love the sense of accomplishment I feel after my work days, knowing that we (Justin and I) succeeded in getting everyone up, dressed and out the door before 7:15. That I influenced the lives of 80 kids (or more), that I graded over 300 papers, that I survived. :) I love the fun I get to have participating in school again- spirit days, sports, learning, all of it.

There are definitely struggles that come with working outside of the home. Childcare is obviously the main one. And though it has been a struggle in the past, this year has been wonderful. My girls stay with their auntie (my sister) every other Wednesday and only go to child care two days a week. This year, Aubrey is finally enjoying preschool, Juliet loves Leann ♥ and I'm sure she'll love Carrie. Knowing they're loved and cared for is the most important thing. Another main struggle is keeping up with housework, but I've just conceded to the fact that this is a messy season for our family. It's just too hard to keep up with the cleaning and laundry, so we just do our best.

I know that working outside of the home is not for everyone, but I also think most moms need their outlet. For some people it's a creative outlet (photography, sewing, scrapbooking), others have the exercise outlet, for some it's serving in organizations like MOPS, for me, it's having a career.

Juliet's Tricks

Here are some of Juliet's fun tricks. Try to ignore Aubrey's defiance (she was really wanting to get a video of one of Juliet's other tricks) and my scratchy smoker's voice (I had a sore throat) and focus on this smart, cute, almost one year old.

Just a little late.

Yes, Juliet did turn 10 AND 11 months. And, yes, I did take my month pictures (so what if they were a few days late). And, yes, in my mind I've been documenting milestones. But, no, I have not had a single second to sit down and document them on here. And, no, I can't believe she'll be ONE, 1, in less than a month. Sad. :(

Because I love being able to look back and remember where time has gone and how on earth they grew up so fast, here's my effort at documenting months 10 and 11.

At 10 months:

*You were really into spit bubbles. It was a new trick you discovered and you sure mastered it. Your sister was a bit jealous because she doesn't have the same spit bubble skills as you. :) (I have a video of this, but I have no clue where that camera is, so soon.)

*You got the stomach flu twice, so you pretty much weigh the same as you have. Plus you're moving a lot more, so I think you're chubbing up a bit less.

*You stand up and cruise the furniture.
*You clap and give high fives!
*You really like to jump, jump in the corners of the couch.

*You started smacking when you want food and loudly asking for BABABA when you want a bottle.

At 11 months:

*You like to stand up by yourself. You mainly do this when we're sitting on the floor with you. You hold onto our legs then let go and are so proud of yourself.

*You weigh just about 21 lbs.

*You have a lot of words. Those include: Mama, dada, nighnigh, baba, dog, ball, a little whisper tiktik when we tickle you, WOW, wawa, papa. You say some of these much more often than others, but BY FAR your favorite word is Dog. Every type of animal is a dog. ;) It's pretty cute. (I have a video of Dog and Ball on the same camera as the spit bubbles...soon)

*Shortly after 11 months you started taking steps on your own. At grandma's house you took 8 steps. That's your max so far.

*You're weaning yourself from the bottle. Really, you only drink 3 full (6oz) bottles a day. Sometimes I try to give you more, but you won't drink them.

*You're the best kisser. You already pucker up and give sweet kisses.

*You eat what we eat. Sometimes we make you some little extras or something special if we're going to eat something you've never had before, but for the most part, we just cut it up really well.
Juliet, you've blessed our family in ways I never knew you would. I love you more each day. I seriously can't believe you're going to be one soon!! {I'm really slacking on planning your party}.

Did you see the muffin stand?

The muffin stand?
The muffin stand!


Did you see the muffin stand right here on Cousin Lane?

Inspired by a neighbor's lemonade stand and her love for chocolate chip muffins, Aubrey set to work with Brogan and Reagan to make a muffin stand. Aubrey made the muffins the night before, Auntie Christy helped the kids with their billboard ;) and I set up and supervised the stand. We sold out in about 30 minutes {so what if we ate a few too}!

Rehearsal for her Brodway Debut