Overdue Celebration

Mary and I had a pretty intense semester this past spring. She was studying for finals and finishing up her internship at Lafayette Elementary School. My life was consumed with study sessions at the library, preparing for my comp exams. We both named our individual rewards for earning our Masters degrees. My reward was to be a party pig of Southern Pecan beer. Little did I know that Oxford no longer carries the party pigs. I think it has something to do with supply and demand. The beer is becoming so popular, they can't keep it both in restaurants and bars as well as in retail locations. So I never got my party pig. Lynn Sloan did buy me a half case of Southern Pecan in bottles, though!!!

I'll have to correct myself. Mary's reward was not for earning her degree. She wanted to celebrate signing a contract for employment. We found out late April/early May that she was offered the job of counselor at Lafayette Middle School. Though we were extremely excited and full of celebration, Mary wanted to follow the rules. She wouldn't accept her reward until she actually signed her contract. Though we knew she had the job, she didn't actually get and sign her contract until she went to work full time in July. We finally got our chance to go eat dinner in celebration of officially becoming DINKS (Double Income No Kids).

Mary outside of Kabuki with her Educator's License

Our dinner being prepared

Full bellies

Oxford High c/o '98

"RAISE HELL DAMN STRAIGHT--WE'RE THE C/O '98!!"--Keith Wilson

This past weekend was my 10 year class reunion---and did we have fun! Truthfully I wasn't very excited about the weekend because I have been so super busy lately. I was one of many who planned the reunion, so I think I was just ready to mark something off of my list of things to do. However when the weekend festivities started up, I suddenly got a boost of energy and enjoyed each and every minute of the weekend. I will recap in a few pictures...well, several pictures!

It's Official---Hayes is headed home!

According to text messages received at 8:48 this morning, "It's official!...We're bring Hayes' home!" Or as Jeffrey wrote, "It's official! He's stuck with us!" Either way, it's GREAT news!!! I have a wonderful new addition to my family---and I finally get to meet him this afternoon!!! Thank you ALL for your prayers and kind words. Love love, Mary

Watermelon Carnival 2008

Because my parents and the Hollis' are out of town for the weekend while welcoming Hayes (yes, I will probably mention him in the next dozen or so posts...), Scott and I have the honor of dog duty. We are staying at my parents house with FIVE dogs!

We were sad because our friends who were going to join us for a swim could not come. We sure hope Reagan and Josh get to feeling better soon....and that Farryn and Timeka don't get sick the last week of summer!

So that we could escape the house (and the dogs), we decided to venture to Water Valley, MS for the 39th Annual Watermelon Carnival . Nevermind that it's over 100 degrees outside....Scott had never been and was wanting to take advantage of the free watermelon. And because it had been at least 10 years (that's when I last worked at Sno-Biz and we hit all the small town summer festivals) since I had been to the Carnival, I thought it would be fun for both of us.

We put the dogs up, gassed up the car (damn near $60!) and drove to Water Valley (only about 20 minutes away) for the Carnival. About 20 minutes later, we were done. hahah I don't mean to offend any big time fans of the Water Valley Watermelon Carnival, but I can guarantee you that there were NOT 20,000 people there. There might have been 200....but not near 20,000. I'm hoping more showed up when the musical line-up got better and when the day cooled off. We probably timed it all wrong for the entertainment (I think the girl performing was more along the lines of karaoke). But we did time it right for the free watermelon and Scott thoroughly enjoyed it. I searched for a Sno-Biz stand and was disappointed when I had to settle on a generic vendor, but the refreshments were key to our enjoyment in the crazy heat.

We weren't really into the vendors (especially the politicians), so we loaded back up and "toured" Water Valley so that we could scout out the houses we've seen listed on the Real Estate channel for "reasonable" amounts. There is a reason real estate is much lower in Water Valley than in Oxford. Scott said it would be worth purchasing a home in Water Valley if we could have "that guy with his laptop" (you know, the HGTV Hidden Potentials designer) come in and help us with a renovation plan. Can you tell what we watch?!

So there you have it--another Thompson adventure. Who says we have nothing to do in Mississippi?


FREE WATERMELON! People were lined up!!


Scott patiently waiting--he didn't even get upset when some big-time fans cut him in line!


Scott's seed-spittin' grin


The Watermelon Carnival Shuttle---a tractor pulled this trailer full of kids around the block. No, we did not ride. Nor did we ride the ponies.

Hayes Edward Hollis

We are THRILLED to welcome our baby nephew!!! My sister, Sarah, and her husband, Jeffrey, are going to be amazing parents! I have been honored to "grow up" watching these two, and the love they share is contagious. We have all been praying, and hoping, and wishing, and waiting for a little one to join their family. Long story short, we're glad he is here...and I truly feel he's just in time! Please trust me when I say "there are no words" to describe how happy Scott and I are. As the days calm (will they really?), I will share more of their miraculous story.

For now, join me as we welcome:

Hayes Edward Hollis

July 31, 2008

10 fingers, 10 toes

7lbs. 1oz.