Sylvesters in Oxford

My sister, Catherine, and her family just bought a new house and while her husband, Jeremy, oversaw the first round of renovations, we had the pleasure of spending several weeks with Catherine and her boys. We had a great time--going to story time, the candy store, school, restaurants, the movies--we packed a lot in! It was so fun to have Catherine in town for a long visit--to catch up and hang out and even just relax together. It was also special to have her boys, Luke (3 1/2) and Joseph (10 months) around. Adding nephew Hayes (1) to the mix and we had a grand time! Below are a few pictures.

Also, a quick update on our housing situation. We're still waiting--shopping a little, saving a lot. It's been very nice to have our family cabin to crash. We've got 8 available bunks if anyone wants to visit!

And school started with a quiet bang this year. The first week was fantastic and as the school counselor this was a relief. I worked very hard the month or so before the students came back, and I can honestly say it totally paid off. I have left every afternoon with a smile on my face--and I can finally say I'm working in a job that I am passionate about and enjoy immensely. Now, once the swine flu hit the district, things are a bit more hectic, but isn't middle school always?!

The Big Move

The move happened to be bigger than we thought—honestly, how much stuff can 2 people have in a 1000 sq. ft. condo?!? Apparently we were clever with how we “stored” things! Not to mention all of the stuff we have stored at my parents. We had a lot to do in a short amount of time, which always makes things more exciting! Add to that a heat index of over 100 degrees and the week was indeed memorable. Scott and I moved all of our belongings (well, those that weren’t already at my parents and those that weren’t added to the items at my parents) into 3—yes, THREE, storage units. We then loaded our clothes and our puppy and moved to the country for a few months until we find our “perfect” house.

While Scott was at work, I (with help from some others who love me very much) packed the boxes and organized them for the storage unit.

Mo guarding the trailer—or blocking it. You can’t tell from this picture, but he has his ball close by. He was not sure about this move, but felt confident if he had his most favorite toy with him.

On the big moving day, Scott had great help from our friend’s son. Spencer is a rising high school Senior and is on the football and power lifting team. He may not look the part, but trust me—he is strong! And such a kind kid—we really had fun with him that morning. Thanks Spencer—we’ll call you when we move again!

A quick family picture

This was the highlight of the day. Apparently Mo was feeling left-out or was simply mad that all of his stuff was gone. I was talking to my mom as she was leaving, and out of the corner of my eye I noticed a rapid movement. Mo was rolling...and rolling, and rolling, and rolling...in a huge dirt pile! Since it had not rained in awhile, he was covered in dust. He put Pig Pen to shame!! I couldn't be mad because I was laughing so hard. And my mom reminded me that we didn't have any furniture that he could dirty up. Oh, it was funny. Just look at him:


What could have been a terrible, horrible, no-fun, very bad day was actually a fun and pleasant day. Thanks to all who helped! And goodbye Miller's Landing.

Summer Recap

Scott and I have had a fantastic--but super busy--summer! We put our condo on the market in late May. We cheered the Rebel Baseball team through the SuperRegionals, which Ole Miss hosted. We went to Philadelphia for a night away--a nice dinner and a round of golf at Dancing Rabbit. After just 3 weeks we had a contract on our condo!!!!! We went to the beach in early June--Scott was working the Mississippi Pharmacy Association conference. Sarah and Jeffrey and Hayes were there, too, so we spent a lot of time with them. It was Hayes' first trip to the beach and he loved it (especially the pool!). We came home to pack, pack, pack. We moved all of our stuff into 3 storage units and moved into my parents cabin, Buzzard's Roost. Our new home is about 10 minutes north of Oxford...on a gravel road....with lots of horses (which Mo loves!)...with no cell/Internet service. It's great because we've got time to patiently look for our next home while relaxing in the woods. My parents are awesome to "offer" this option to us and we are very grateful!! After dropping our clothes off at the cabin, we hit the road again to head to Smith Lake in Alabama for the 4th of July (see post below). Three days after coming back home, we again headed to the beach to spend time with my best friend, Dana, and her husband, Chris. Dana and I have been close since our Freshman year in college and love catching up! They are expecting their second child in October, so we were excited to spend some grown-up time together before they go completely crazy! After we leave here, we're headed to Seaside for 1 night and then to Destin for the weekend, so that Scott can work the Mississippi Bar Convention for attorneys. We have been so fortunate to be able to schedule some vacation around his work--makes for a more enjoyable trip! When we get back, it will be back to work for both of us, as I start back up on Monday. I have been in and out of the school all summer, so transition back won't be too hard. I do plan to take Mo with me, because I have missed my little buddy this summer! Whew--now you see why I haven't blogged all summer!!

Quick, long-overdue update

Believe it or not, I've gotten a lot of grief for not posting in TWO MONTHS. I've even been threatened to be deleted from another's Friend list. Wow--I didn't know the life of the Thompsons was so exciting!

I have lots to say, but since I have a few pictures I'll go ahead with those events and then write another post with more...later. As I mentioned before I do not have a reliable camera anymore...and now Scott and I are without internet at "home," so bear with us.

It's funny to think we've been blogging for a year now. I like it--and I do look back on the posts and remember the fun and sometimes not so fun things we've done. I also think it's funny that Scott started our blog (even designed it), and has never posted again. I wonder if he even reads it...

A year later, it's the 4th of July post. This year we went with the entire Sloan family to Smith Lake. Sarah and Jeffrey have a lake house there and invited us to join them for the week. It was so nice of them and we had a blast! It was so relaxing--and yet entertaining. I loved that we rarely drove anywhere. Now that's a vacation!

Joseph--8 months


The Sloan family

Scott and Luke

When I get more photos from Sarah and Catherine and Momma, I'll add to!

Update....boring but bountiful

Wow--it's been a crazy month! I am going to update you in a nutshell...and I apologize for the lack of pictures. We had to say goodbye to Scott's work camera, so we're without a "good" camera. I'm secretly hoping for a fantastic camera for my birthday (in October!). I'm admiring one from a blog that I spy on!

Today I have time to update the blog because it's the FIRST DAY OF SUMMER!! Yesterday was the last day of school, so I now have time to relax and enjoy my hubby and my puppy. I am so excited that I "survived" my first year as a school counselor and can honestly say that I have loved every minute of it. I really have pinched myself several times this year--I just cannot believe how blessed I am. Sure, there are annoying moments (like State Testing) and times when the kids are disappointing (like when they fail simply because they are lazy). But all in all, I have found that this is a good fit for me and that I am confident that I am where I am supposed to be. As I turned in my signed contract for next year I realized that this will be the first time EVER that I have had the same job for longer than 1 year. I've finally made it to my career--no more jobs!!

Let's see...what else?! Our house---yes, that's been exciting! We decided to list it with an agent because Scott and I both agreed we were not committed to selling it ourselves. And after just 2 weeks on the market, we've had it shown 6 times and have gotten an offer!!!! Yesterday was an exciting day---back and forth with our realtor and the buyer, bidding and such. We don't know just yet how this will unfold, but it is exciting to know that people are interested! The good news is that if we sell tomorrow, we have a nice place to hide out for a few months while shopping and saving for a house.

This summer Scott and I have lots of plans--and little time for a move! We're going to Smith Lake with my family for the 4th of July and then we're going to the beach--twice! We're also squeezing in a trip to Philadelphia for a getaway with just the 2 of us. I am super excited to have a month off to have fun with family and friends!

I just realized that without pictures blogs aren't really that much fun--so, I'll sign off now. And in the meantime, I'll try to steal some pictures from other blogs to add a little flavor to mine!

FSBO

So, it's time....to move up and spread out! Although we love our little monopoly house, Scott and I (and Mo too) need a little more room. It would be nice to have all of our stuff under one roof (and my Mom would like it too!).
Because we're crazy, we've decided to try to sell our house ourselves. After a few more weeks, we'll probably list it....so if you know anyone in the area that needs a perfect starter home or weekend getaway, please send them our way!

We hope to go from this:

To this:

Camp-In continued

I forgot to post these...
We ate so'mores....played cards and SPOONS!...drank home brew...and hung out. Loved it! This may need to become an annual event.