Did I scare you with a new post?
I know it's been a while, but we BOUGHT A HOUSE so things have been a little busy.
I wrote the following family update in April to send along as a substitute for our absence at the Gin-Loo, a family gathering named after my grandma (Nanny) Virginia (shortened to Gin), and her twin sister Looie (real name Lois). A little more name trivia...their baby sister, my Great Aunt Pat, was actually named Florence, but having been born on St. Patrick's Day, she was always called Pat.
And now you know.
I thought I'd share the update here as it more or less encompasses everything I've simply not posted here. I've left out some details, such as names of businesses, but if you know us, then you can fill in the details for yourself.
Enjoy!
Hello to all Gin-Looers! We're sorry to miss the gathering, but Justin and I have recently decided to try Adulting. It's true; we've put on our big-boy pants and are buying a house. No, that doesn't necessarily mean we'll be in Arizona for a long time, it simply means we've decided it's time we had a place of our own.
Justin is still working for the same large retailer, covering all the stores in the state of Arizona. He still occasionally oversees his old district, extending from eastern Washington over northern Idaho and all of Montana. It keeps him busy, to say the least! Justin received, in March, a regional recognition at a conference, an award for which he wasn't present to receive as he was off earning his daddy of the year award -- an honor bestowed upon him for his coming to my rescue when the boys and I were all struck with a terrible stomach bug (a bug which Justin himself suffered the previous week/inflicted upon the family in the first place).
I, Christine, am thankful for Justin's hard work, which allows me to stay at home with the boys. I do still work a few hours a week for the specialty foods and produce grocer for which I did marketing in California. The market has allowed me to stay on as recipe developer and (amateur) food photographer since 2012, seeing me through two sessions of maternity leave, as well as our moves to Washington and Arizona.
Rolin, who has been dubbed Relentless Rolin, is a full-blown 2-year-old with a passion for popsicles, the library, playing with the neighbor kids, the outdoors, "Big Hero 6," rocks, "Uptown Funk," bicycles and popsicles. Did I mention popsicles? If I didn't, he will. And then he will again. Someone give that kid a popsicle already! Wait, he already had one today? Yes. Well, he'll ask again for one within the hour anyway, and he won't care what you have to say about it. Either way, the rule is one popsicles a day, OK?
Rolin, who has been dubbed Relentless Rolin, is a full-blown 2-year-old with a passion for popsicles, the library, playing with the neighbor kids, the outdoors, "Big Hero 6," rocks, "Uptown Funk," bicycles and popsicles. Did I mention popsicles? If I didn't, he will. And then he will again. Someone give that kid a popsicle already! Wait, he already had one today? Yes. Well, he'll ask again for one within the hour anyway, and he won't care what you have to say about it. Either way, the rule is one popsicles a day, OK?
Rolin can act bashful at times, but won't hold back once he's warmed up. He has a happy personality and is usually game for going with the flow. He talks a mile a minute and constantly surprises us with new words and phrases. This zealous boy is chomping at the bit to play with brother Emmett, while Emmett seems perfectly happy to sit and smile whilst Rolin screams, "Baby Emmett!!" in his face and pokes at his eyes. Emmett nearly outweighs Rolin, however, so I'm sure Emmett will have his payback one of these days.
Sweet 9-month-old Emmett is now pushing four teeth all at once, but is taking it like a champ. He already has two bottom teeth; the newcomers are all on the top. He's nearly crawling, and there is money on the table saying he'll be completely mobile by the time of the Gin-Loo. Emmett, too, has a cheerful, go-with-the-flow disposition (thank you, God!), and is usually happy to share a big gummy grin with anyone who offers him a grin first. Though he's had his fair share of ailments, from a slightly enlarged kidney to a cow's milk and soy protein allergy, and from the dreaded RSV to a terrible stomach bug, he is overall in good health and we couldn't be more grateful. He has, however, given my mama heart a good workout!
If you want more updates, check out our family blog: theteamthompson.blogspot.com. This blog, unfortunately, has been neglected as of late, but not without good reason. Yes, some of you have more than two children, and, yes, I'm sure that makes you feel more crazy and busy than people with only two children, but two is still enough to make me feel like I'm living in crazy town/slowly turning into the Wicked Witch of the West. As a result, my bloginess isn't as blogful these days. Hey, if someone asked you for a popsicle at least 27 times a day, you might feel the same. I'm sure my updates will become more frequent soon. Well, maybe as soon as I'm done reading the "Outlander" series.
Please feel free to come visit us anytime!
Our love to you all,
Christine, Justin, Rolin & Emmett
