Here is the e-mail to cause such a ruckus...I just got this e-mail tonight. Let me tell you the x is greater than 1 ;0) She is one of the 11 - so if you know their contest then you know how much. God is SO GOOD in the blessings He sends ...this was just an added bonus.
There was a contest I thought was pretty cool and I entered on Jessica's blog - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Sonja Thompson
Sent: Monday, December 15, 2008 6:45 PM
To: 'Jessica Smith'
Subject: RE: Congrats! Walmart Giftcard Winner!
Holy Bananas Are you serious?!! WO-HOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Thank you! thank you! thank you!
Sonja Thompson
1111 Any Ave NE
Smalltown, MN
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: On Behalf Of Jessica Smith
Sent: Monday, December 15, 2008 5:51 PM
To: sthompson6465@kmtel.com
Subject: Congrats! Walmart Giftcard Winner!
Hi Sonja,
You are the winner of the $x00.00 Walmart gift card.
Please send me your address ASAP so I can get the gift card to you as soon as possible.
Thanks! And Congrats again!
--
Jessica Smith
http://jessicaknows.com/bio
Follow me on Twitter: @jessicaknows
301-825-5889
Skype: JessicaKnows
HERE Is My entry.. Sonja Dec 1st, 2008 at 4:00 pm My best holiday budgetig tip for decorating is to buy decorations the day after the holiday. Shop yard sales or shop at Goodwill/Savers. By spending time at other times of the year you can find fabulous things, easier on your budget and I have found I have a better idea of what I want to use this bargin or that bargin for or where I want to put things because I’m not right in the middle of 85 gazillion other holiday activities.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Mission (almost) complete
We are SOOOO Excited! This past weekend we got to worship in a BRAND NEW church! Our family has put a lot of time into this project! My husband has been volunteering for the past 3+ years working on this with his drafting/design skills and for the past year his construction management skills. Our family felt led to this church and in His timing, it seems that it was all in His perfect design. When we began going to this church we were a family of only 5. We were not aware of ALL the things that were happening in this church. We found out that they were going to meet in the Middle School gym - as the church was no longer (handicap) accessable and it also had some air quality (aka mold) issues. It has been amazing to look back at the ways the Lord has orchestrated this in not only our family but in this tiny town as well. First there was a new parsonage for an unbelievable price, then came a land swap, and the sale of some donated property, and many skilled laborers who've had children in the AWANA program, or people just impressed by what the Lord is doing... then My husband switched construction firms (which brought his daily commute directly in the path of this new church) before the actual building was decided on and before the actual process began. 'Coincidentally' this new firm's specialty is banks and churches. Our family had the privelige of building a new home the summer of '07 (the year prior to the church project) to know some of the ins and outs of what we needed to do, and pick, and plan for. God has been so good during this year plus of volunteer labor hours on Saturdays and weeknights. HE has definately provided for the safety of each and every one of the volunteers as this building came together. I know that the Master himself has been at work and will continue to work in this community. He has been the balm in the many realtionships affected by this project both challenges and opportunities. He has brought so many people together in this work of HIS and HIS church was fabulous this weekend. His name has been and will continue to be glorified by what He has done in this building project, and how he will continue to use the people of his church and this new building. At the beginning there are some 'generations' of men posing by the future site/sign. The little man is mine (Big M) - he was 3 ish when the actual building journey began. He is 4.5 now.
Take a look!
Take a look!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Pictures
There is a certain someone asking for pictures for quite some time. I know these are in a crazy order but I'm lacking some blogging skills and the time to perfect them.
The 3 kids below are my cousin, B and little A.
This is big M and I.
This is big M in is fort unde the table yesterday.
And here are our two princesses.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Toddlers, ADHD and what not...
I have been a complete slacker when it comes to my blog. At the end of each day I am feeling like a Mack truck took a run over me and then back again. So here's what's going on in my world..
On Monday of this week we went to court (again...) over the 'parenting time' issues with my husband's ex-wife. While I know that it is late in the game to continue arguing over the time the two older kids (17, 13) spend with us, it was related to me in a VERY clear way that my husband would not give up on his kids. While, at the same time I am sure the ex-wife had her anti-dad, poor-me brainwasher in full effect. Those two can not get along. It is either because they are both determined, both love their kids or that some one in particular, who has gone through more than one relationship in the past year can not get her emotional issues in check to let go of her children... oops did I say her? Maybe it's all of the above. No matter how you say it or see it, it is a struggle to be a part of this situation and watch what these two kids go through. It is draining. I will be anxious to hear what the judge says in his ruling after he meets with the kids, especially since they are with her immediately before the judge visit.
My 12 year old was diagnosed a few years back with ADHD. Until he was diagnosed I thought this disorder was well, a sad label that was given to busy boys. Now, I have come to know this as something that can affect an entire family. When he's having a off day - he completely monopolizes my attention and time to try and keep him focused as he has NO FOCUS on his own. So, any opportunity that is left open to irritate a sibling, any opportunity to be distracted while doing homework, any thing other than that what he needs to be doing seems to get his attention. Last night, he related to me that he struggled to even pick up the pencil when he's not medicated. I can not even in my most porcrastinating moods imagine a struggle that big at his age. He is in 6th grade this year and it is quite challenging. He spends not less than 1 hour but more like 1.5 -2 hours each night on homework. He forgot his meds again yesterday and a math assignment that should have taken 30 minutes took 4 hours. I was ready to pull my hair out. I kid you not, this was by far the most challenging day in quite sometime.
My 2 year old knows her ABC's - not the song but by sight - I have no idea how she learned this or how I facilitated any of it. It is amazing, we read some books, she has an alphabet bus that says the names of the letters and away she goes. She is so busy and so smart I can hardly turn my back on her, because when I do she: helps herself to my make-up, strips claiming to have to 'potty', or finds what every writing utensil her older siblings have left in her reach and tattoos, embellishes, or signs her signature on something.
Our little buddy "J" who comes here for child care is teething and learning to creep around the furniture all at the same time - if he is not crying over teeth, it's because someone said no. He is not a happy camper.
I am in a busy season a more 'seasoned' friend shared with me ... busy... hmm I would call it more like insane but I guess that comes with the territory. I am finding that the earlier I get up intending on some quiet time to gain some wisdom from the Lord the earlier my kids get up, it seems like a wicked cycle some days. I am so thankful that life does go in seasons and this too will pass. I'm not going to wish it away but try to find more joy in the struggles because I know deep down somewhere there is joy or at least a lesson to be learned.
The verse that has been on my window ledge and my computer screen is Ps. 126: 5-6 (find it here) so that I remember -this time may be hard but there will be singing someday when this planting season is over.
And with that I hope to be back soon...
On Monday of this week we went to court (again...) over the 'parenting time' issues with my husband's ex-wife. While I know that it is late in the game to continue arguing over the time the two older kids (17, 13) spend with us, it was related to me in a VERY clear way that my husband would not give up on his kids. While, at the same time I am sure the ex-wife had her anti-dad, poor-me brainwasher in full effect. Those two can not get along. It is either because they are both determined, both love their kids or that some one in particular, who has gone through more than one relationship in the past year can not get her emotional issues in check to let go of her children... oops did I say her? Maybe it's all of the above. No matter how you say it or see it, it is a struggle to be a part of this situation and watch what these two kids go through. It is draining. I will be anxious to hear what the judge says in his ruling after he meets with the kids, especially since they are with her immediately before the judge visit.
My 4 year old has been giving the preschool teacher a run for her money. He has a very demanding sort of personality. Smalley would call it the Lion, or someone else would say Choleric or the 'D' in the DISC system. He's sure of what he wants, sure of who will (and won't) tell him how to do it, get it or what not. So, I have had to be on behavior patrol lately. He's been crying and sulking at every direction that doesn't fit what he wants. So, to the corner he goes... he's gotten down the concept of crying = more time. He is also understanding the concept of TV= privilege. So, progress has been made. It is just one of those times as a mom where he is very needy - and it's not the kind of needy like when they just need a snuggle, it's the not so fun need of discipline.
My 12 year old was diagnosed a few years back with ADHD. Until he was diagnosed I thought this disorder was well, a sad label that was given to busy boys. Now, I have come to know this as something that can affect an entire family. When he's having a off day - he completely monopolizes my attention and time to try and keep him focused as he has NO FOCUS on his own. So, any opportunity that is left open to irritate a sibling, any opportunity to be distracted while doing homework, any thing other than that what he needs to be doing seems to get his attention. Last night, he related to me that he struggled to even pick up the pencil when he's not medicated. I can not even in my most porcrastinating moods imagine a struggle that big at his age. He is in 6th grade this year and it is quite challenging. He spends not less than 1 hour but more like 1.5 -2 hours each night on homework. He forgot his meds again yesterday and a math assignment that should have taken 30 minutes took 4 hours. I was ready to pull my hair out. I kid you not, this was by far the most challenging day in quite sometime.
My 2 year old knows her ABC's - not the song but by sight - I have no idea how she learned this or how I facilitated any of it. It is amazing, we read some books, she has an alphabet bus that says the names of the letters and away she goes. She is so busy and so smart I can hardly turn my back on her, because when I do she: helps herself to my make-up, strips claiming to have to 'potty', or finds what every writing utensil her older siblings have left in her reach and tattoos, embellishes, or signs her signature on something.
Our little buddy "J" who comes here for child care is teething and learning to creep around the furniture all at the same time - if he is not crying over teeth, it's because someone said no. He is not a happy camper.
I am in a busy season a more 'seasoned' friend shared with me ... busy... hmm I would call it more like insane but I guess that comes with the territory. I am finding that the earlier I get up intending on some quiet time to gain some wisdom from the Lord the earlier my kids get up, it seems like a wicked cycle some days. I am so thankful that life does go in seasons and this too will pass. I'm not going to wish it away but try to find more joy in the struggles because I know deep down somewhere there is joy or at least a lesson to be learned.
The verse that has been on my window ledge and my computer screen is Ps. 126: 5-6 (find it here) so that I remember -this time may be hard but there will be singing someday when this planting season is over.
And with that I hope to be back soon...
Thursday, October 16, 2008
I have been tagged ...
So, my ohh so lovely long-distance friend Jill tagged me. She is a compassion advocate and she would really like for someone or some people to sponsor two children she has featured on her blog. Just a little plug on her behalf... now on to the tagging business.
7 Random/Weird facts about moi:
7. I am not a neat person. I mean, like for organizational purposes. Clean but not neat.
6. I was a foster-child for nearly 5 years. It was supposed to be a 60-day hold.
5. I have advocated for Guardians-Ad Litems by speaking to various committees of politicians here in MN.
4. My favorite place to eat is Chip*lte. Noone in my family is a fan. I don't get there often.
3. I hate to shop at W*l-Mart. My father-in-law thinks I'm extravagant and a snot because I prefer T*rget.
2. I used to L-O-V-E rap music. I cried when Biggie died. The further I walk on this Christian path the less I like, as it's pretty offensive and it wouldn't be something I'd like to hear out of my 4-year olds mouth. Contemporary Christian has come along way - I'm finding more each day that has a beat and a good message.
1. I am not sure how in the world I will find someone to tag - as this is new and frankly my blog friends are limited. I am not sure how to link.... so if you are reading this and got tagged...it's another one of those everyday miracles that God's provided because I don' t know where to start except 'help'.
-Sonja ;0)
7. I am not a neat person. I mean, like for organizational purposes. Clean but not neat.
6. I was a foster-child for nearly 5 years. It was supposed to be a 60-day hold.
5. I have advocated for Guardians-Ad Litems by speaking to various committees of politicians here in MN.
4. My favorite place to eat is Chip*lte. Noone in my family is a fan. I don't get there often.
3. I hate to shop at W*l-Mart. My father-in-law thinks I'm extravagant and a snot because I prefer T*rget.
2. I used to L-O-V-E rap music. I cried when Biggie died. The further I walk on this Christian path the less I like, as it's pretty offensive and it wouldn't be something I'd like to hear out of my 4-year olds mouth. Contemporary Christian has come along way - I'm finding more each day that has a beat and a good message.
1. I am not sure how in the world I will find someone to tag - as this is new and frankly my blog friends are limited. I am not sure how to link.... so if you are reading this and got tagged...it's another one of those everyday miracles that God's provided because I don' t know where to start except 'help'.
-Sonja ;0)
Thursday, October 9, 2008
I had a *Mom* Moment
Ok Friends ... so it was a normal Wednesday afternoon, running to get L at her school, 10-minutes from home. I was about to begin our 'family night' to church which consists of the taxi driver/mom running all over this area to pick-up children and drop them at various places from their various extra-curriculars while trying to prepare a meal to 'enjoy' together between trips and finally end up all at church. No doubt, with 'our happy to be there, no, I haven't been running around like a lunitic' church faces
I had little M and big M buckled in along with our little friend J - who comes here part time for daycare; they were slightly cranky so I put in the summer camp CD. I was trying to teach them songs to lighten the mood. It was not going well. I decided to sing loudly without abandon - words, actions, and the whole 9. At some point in my drive I noticed that there was a van in front of me that was there for the majority of the drive, and I wondered to myself ..."What if that is Kelly?" Kelly is a friend of mine, who used to be my neighbor who I've been having some conversations about our respective relationships or lack-there-of with the Lord. So, needless to say I wouldn't want to give her any more reason to think I'm a nut. So, the song went something like this ...
"Who's the King of the jungle (Oooh-oooh)" .. arms in the air like an ape
"Who's the King of the sea (bubble, bubble)" ...hands bubbling above head
"Who's the King of the universe and who's the King of me" ...pointing to self
"His name is J-E-S-U-S ( YES! )" ....Making the letters with your hands/body and then Rockstar hand in the air
"He's the King of me, He's the King of the universe, the jungle and the sea" (REPEAT)
So I played this song ...ummm the whole ride so roughly 7-10 times - actions and all. It was good stuff friends. We (the car load of folks under 4 and I) were, by the time we reached the school, officially rockin' this song. I pulled up in the front of the school, and L gets in - proceeds to laugh at the craziness inside - and turn down the music. I start to pull away and this lady is coming toward my van - Who is ... umm ...what in the...?!? Yes, it was Kelly the woman who *previously* was taking part in some deep theological discussions with yours truly about grace, and how some folks believe you get to Heaven and most recently about the story of Noah and obedience to God so she could teach her Preschool Sunday School class. We will see if the discussions continue. It was some good stuff I tell you...GO-O-O-O-OD stuff.
I know this is not the first mom moment, nor the last. As I can vividly recall a certain 3 year old, not to name names but ** A**, who loudly noticed in the JCPenny's bathroom that his mom was minus one pen*s...all while what I remember as every elderly lady in town was waiting in line giggling at his discovery. ( I was a very self conscious single mommy during this time...) This is the stuff I want told at my funeral some day... because it needs to be put to use, not wasted on a one-time giggle. ;)
I had little M and big M buckled in along with our little friend J - who comes here part time for daycare; they were slightly cranky so I put in the summer camp CD. I was trying to teach them songs to lighten the mood. It was not going well. I decided to sing loudly without abandon - words, actions, and the whole 9. At some point in my drive I noticed that there was a van in front of me that was there for the majority of the drive, and I wondered to myself ..."What if that is Kelly?" Kelly is a friend of mine, who used to be my neighbor who I've been having some conversations about our respective relationships or lack-there-of with the Lord. So, needless to say I wouldn't want to give her any more reason to think I'm a nut. So, the song went something like this ...
"Who's the King of the jungle (Oooh-oooh)" .. arms in the air like an ape
"Who's the King of the sea (bubble, bubble)" ...hands bubbling above head
"Who's the King of the universe and who's the King of me" ...pointing to self
"His name is J-E-S-U-S ( YES! )" ....Making the letters with your hands/body and then Rockstar hand in the air
"He's the King of me, He's the King of the universe, the jungle and the sea" (REPEAT)
So I played this song ...ummm the whole ride so roughly 7-10 times - actions and all. It was good stuff friends. We (the car load of folks under 4 and I) were, by the time we reached the school, officially rockin' this song. I pulled up in the front of the school, and L gets in - proceeds to laugh at the craziness inside - and turn down the music. I start to pull away and this lady is coming toward my van - Who is ... umm ...what in the...?!? Yes, it was Kelly the woman who *previously* was taking part in some deep theological discussions with yours truly about grace, and how some folks believe you get to Heaven and most recently about the story of Noah and obedience to God so she could teach her Preschool Sunday School class. We will see if the discussions continue. It was some good stuff I tell you...GO-O-O-O-OD stuff.
I know this is not the first mom moment, nor the last. As I can vividly recall a certain 3 year old, not to name names but ** A**, who loudly noticed in the JCPenny's bathroom that his mom was minus one pen*s...all while what I remember as every elderly lady in town was waiting in line giggling at his discovery. ( I was a very self conscious single mommy during this time...) This is the stuff I want told at my funeral some day... because it needs to be put to use, not wasted on a one-time giggle. ;)
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Misc ....
First, I just have to say I HAVE FOLLOWERS! WOO-HOO!! In this short time that I started this lil bloggy of mine, I have followers. One, ahem, is 'my girl from Cali' who intends to use this to keep up on the craziness of my household since I am failing to update her via phone. One my friend who moved away that I once said ' if I had a blog ...' and the third a friend I have yet to get acquanted with.
So, I started this little blog because reading blogs has become my passtime (in ALL the free time that I have with this tribe of children I have at my house) and I've always thought it would be such a good thing to do to share the funnies that I encounter. So, I set this up with an extremely heavy heart on the way to a Women's retreat 2 weeks ago - only to get on last night and find my followers... how exciting. I've comeback refreshed from all my travels in the past two weeks, and I'm excited for where this little project or brain dump will take me! (and YOU)
The next order of business is to share that while I can cook, I'm probably no match for Betty Crocker, but my little sister (10 years younger) has been calling me Betty Crocker for years ... it all stems back to when she was a wild and free teen ager and I got married and got boaring ... so she started calling me Betty Crocker ... she is full of nicknames this was one of the nicer ones :).
I have kids arriving in about 10 minutes so I better get my coffee brewing and myself in order.
So, I started this little blog because reading blogs has become my passtime (in ALL the free time that I have with this tribe of children I have at my house) and I've always thought it would be such a good thing to do to share the funnies that I encounter. So, I set this up with an extremely heavy heart on the way to a Women's retreat 2 weeks ago - only to get on last night and find my followers... how exciting. I've comeback refreshed from all my travels in the past two weeks, and I'm excited for where this little project or brain dump will take me! (and YOU)
The next order of business is to share that while I can cook, I'm probably no match for Betty Crocker, but my little sister (10 years younger) has been calling me Betty Crocker for years ... it all stems back to when she was a wild and free teen ager and I got married and got boaring ... so she started calling me Betty Crocker ... she is full of nicknames this was one of the nicer ones :).
I have kids arriving in about 10 minutes so I better get my coffee brewing and myself in order.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Mr. Rogers
May 2007.
Yesterday....I was chasing my 3 year old around the house, yelling for him not to take his sisters "paci", and to pick up the blocks and not jump on the couch, and pleading for him to sit down and eat his meals. I was so exasperated I wondered how I got myself into this stay at home mom mess... and how in the world would I ever survive until dady comes home ... never mind when he goes to school, or let's not even go there about how long it will be until he turns 18. My strong willed monster of a boy was getting the best of me.
Today.... as I was in the rush of helping hubby plot plans, feeding baby, pouring more 'ket'ch up' for the little man (who was already late for his nap) and wondering if and when I'd find a moments peace, Mr. Rogers came on the TV...
The 3-year old monster became a quiet, curious, soft spoken little boy who wanted to snuggle up next to mom on the couch and watch as Mr. Rogers sang about "his neighborhood" and invited us to be a part of it all. My son was mesmerized with this magical man. The very same man who brought me back to a place where chaos did not exist, where home was safe and nap time was a bore and all was safe and right and GOOD in the world. This magical man introduced my son to the "land of make believe" and showed him how to pick up his toys when he was done. My 'monster' watched him sing to him, and talk to him and explained that a "String Quartet" was 4 - different musicians that played instruments and then showed my lil man what they all were and how they all sounded. The little boy who exasperated me yesterday was putty in my hands, now asking for some covers. As he watched Mr. Rogers explore and share all that was around him, my little man drank it all in and finally drifted off to sleep.
All I could think of was what a tender moment we had just shared, putting aside all the craziness that life brings - and just soaking up Mr. Rogers neighborhood... reminded me again how cute, and sweet, and loving my rambuncious little man can be. I don't know if he had a clue how much I will treasure today... but it reminded me once again, why I chose to stay at home and why I love what I do - even if there are days I forget these very same things.
Yesterday....I was chasing my 3 year old around the house, yelling for him not to take his sisters "paci", and to pick up the blocks and not jump on the couch, and pleading for him to sit down and eat his meals. I was so exasperated I wondered how I got myself into this stay at home mom mess... and how in the world would I ever survive until dady comes home ... never mind when he goes to school, or let's not even go there about how long it will be until he turns 18. My strong willed monster of a boy was getting the best of me.
Today.... as I was in the rush of helping hubby plot plans, feeding baby, pouring more 'ket'ch up' for the little man (who was already late for his nap) and wondering if and when I'd find a moments peace, Mr. Rogers came on the TV...
The 3-year old monster became a quiet, curious, soft spoken little boy who wanted to snuggle up next to mom on the couch and watch as Mr. Rogers sang about "his neighborhood" and invited us to be a part of it all. My son was mesmerized with this magical man. The very same man who brought me back to a place where chaos did not exist, where home was safe and nap time was a bore and all was safe and right and GOOD in the world. This magical man introduced my son to the "land of make believe" and showed him how to pick up his toys when he was done. My 'monster' watched him sing to him, and talk to him and explained that a "String Quartet" was 4 - different musicians that played instruments and then showed my lil man what they all were and how they all sounded. The little boy who exasperated me yesterday was putty in my hands, now asking for some covers. As he watched Mr. Rogers explore and share all that was around him, my little man drank it all in and finally drifted off to sleep.
All I could think of was what a tender moment we had just shared, putting aside all the craziness that life brings - and just soaking up Mr. Rogers neighborhood... reminded me again how cute, and sweet, and loving my rambuncious little man can be. I don't know if he had a clue how much I will treasure today... but it reminded me once again, why I chose to stay at home and why I love what I do - even if there are days I forget these very same things.
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