A Journal Post for May, Except for Backwards....

So.... May has come to an abrupt end. Can you believe all of the rain and snow this month. It is making it really hard to keep up two yards with all of the moisture. Yes, we have two yards now. It kind of makes you envious doesn't it? Our May was very eventful:

At the end of the year the second grade held a readers theatre. Jake did a fantastic job with his fractured fairy tale "Snake and the Three Monkeys." It was a literary masterpiece, trust me.

Torey's class did a wax museum, in which she drew the part of Shirley Temple. I was semi-excited to make her costume as I had been wondering about pettiskirts. I got less and less excited as the sewing commenced, but I do like how it turned out. These babies sell for $100 dollars on-line, and I should have paid it. There is 108 yards of trim on that skirt, and it is so heavy it falls right off her. Her curls were a lot bouncier but had relaxed by the time I took this picture due to the 200 degree temps in her classroom. I sound grouchy, but in all honesty, she did a great job and had a lot of expression.
We moved to our new home on Mother's Day weekend and had a lot of help, so that was nice. Thank you to all who helped. When we got there Jake put this stick in the ground, tied a newspaper bag to the top, and "Claimed this land in the name of the Thompson's." It was very ceremonious. This picture was taken after the rain demolished it, but at one point it was flying in the wind. Taylor had a ball game that day, and while Reed and I were both gone she hit her first ever home run. I cried. I couldn't believe I missed it. She has since hit one more, of which I was a witness, and I cried again because I was so happy. Lots of crying going on...
I got to see my tree peony bloom one last time and it was breathtaking. I will miss my yard and all of the beautiful flowers.The whole family spoke in Church yesterday. We all spoke on gratitude. Jake went first and softened them up with one of his jokes, and the rest as they say is history....

There is still a $1000 finders fee for anyone who brings us a buyer if any of you are still interested. Please let us know!

Happy Birthday Jammie!

Dear Jammie,

Do you remember when we were teenagers and your bedroom was upstairs and mine was downstairs, and I was scared of the dark, so I would get in bed and yell and yell and yell your name until you came downstairs and turned off my light? And you didn't do it because you loved me, but because it was the only way to get me to stop calling your name in that obnoxious sing song voice that always broke your will to refuse me? You don't have to worry about me anymore because now that light switch is right by my bed. Oh, and I wanted to tell you thank you very much and I love you. I hope you have a great birthday!

Love,

Nat

P.S. You have a lovely profile.

Swearing In..

Last Monday I checked the littles out of school, grabbed Taylor, and rushed to South Jordan so we could see Reed get sworn in as Battalion Chief, and the rest of his crew to their respective positions. The kids had a great time, and as they all had cameras they resembled the paparazzi. We have no less than 10,000 photos of the event and some video if you are interested. I was able to pin his badge on, and was planning on a big kiss, but all I was offered was a very chaste cheek. Awesome. Afterwards they served cookies and punch, and then we were off to the other station for a delicious spaghetti dinner. We are so grateful for Reed's new job and the opportunities it presents, even if we have to leave our little comfort zone in American Fork. At least that is what we keep telling ourselves.

In case you were wondering, the house has been done for about a month, it is beautiful, we are moving soon, and No, we haven't sold our other house yet. Double Awesome!

Grandpa Ralph...

On April 24 we were able to get together with Reed's entire family and honor his Grandpa Ralph. He was shot in Iwo Jima during World War II and never received his Purple Heart. Reed's Aunt Kathy and Uncle Finn were able to do some research and remedy this situation. When Ralph walked in the door he looked really surprised, or maybe stunned would be a better word. It was so good to be able to spend time with the family, especially Ralph, who we do not see nearly enough. We ate at Stockman's in Manti, and the kids thought it was rather fancy as it had a scone, a salad course, the main course, and then dessert. Jake mentioned that "these fancy restaurants have the best cucumbers." Afterward we took the kids to walk the grounds at the Manti temple, and then we searched out some old headstones in Spring City. We had a great time, and hope to be able to visit again soon.

Baseball...

Reed was able to get free tickets to the home opener of the Salt Lake Bees, so we were excited to go and cheer on the home team. Unfortunately, they did not do so well. We had a great time, however, hanging out with Reed's co-workers and getting to know them. The kids somehow charmed the Chief into buying them some popcorn, so he is their new best friend! Jake was just happy shaking his money maker and embarrassing his sisters.

Softball..

A new season of softball is well underway. By this I mean that at least five nights a week are spent playing or practicing. Her coach is such a nut that he thinks we should take those other two days and spend them together as well. It is taking some getting used to. Taylor is doing great, and has even learned to bat left, which is another tool to put in her bag. We are happy to watch her play, we just wish it would warm up a bit!

Jake's Baptism...

Today Jake was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was so excited, that he kept asking if it was time to go yet. After the baptism when he was getting dressed he looked at Reed and said "I am so Happy," and he was. He was absolutely glowing. The speakers were Natalie and Logan Cameron, from our ward, and they did such an amazing job. Thanks to all who came and helped us celebrate Jake's special day!

As a side note: We were planning the menu for the dinner afterward and this is what he wanted:

Peanut butter finger sandwiches, cucumbers, olives, a bowl of chocolate chips, and chocolate milk. Needless to say, we went a different direction.