Granny Thompson

This past Sunday we had the "Fordham Family Reunion". My Granny Thompson (Vodice Fordham Thompson) is the only child alive from the 17 children from the Fordham Family. We are very thankful to still have her with us. This is a picture of her and 3 of her Great-Granddaughters (Back-Loran Elizabeth Thompson (my brother Randy's daughter), Morgan Jae Echols (my daughter), Front-Peyton King (my sister Lisa's daughter) and Granny Thompson). I would have gotten pic's with my sister Lisa and brother Randy included along with my Dad and me to have a 4 generation picture, but my camera batteries needed to be charged, which was a huge bummer--this was the only picture I got before they ran out of juice. We all had a good time--especially Jacob and his cousins down at the lake (that's the reason the great grandsons weren't included in the picture--we couldn't find them!!). It was great to see all of our extended family and enjoy lunch together.

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Morgan's 16th Birthday Party

I have finally finished Morgan's 16th Birthday Party Album (I just love digital scrapbooking!). It was such a fun night for her and her friends down in Cochran. She was sad that she wasn't able to have it at home in Auburn so all of her Winder friends could be there too, but she did have the Winder girls over for pizza during Spring Break (I know Morgan--it wasn't the same--sorry!)

Where is the Instruction Manual for this kid?

Just recently we have hit the busy teen-age stage with hormones flying, lack of enough sleep sometimes, lots of homework, piano lessons, Sports, Scouts, Youth Programs and grumpy moods for seemingly no reason and sometimes just plain disrespectful and unkind. My almost 14 yr. old has found he likes his independence and as he sees it--being the "boss" of himself. He no longer wants to abide by some of the basic rules that he's been living by for the almost 14 years he's been alive. So needless to say I've been at my wits end trying to get through to him. Nothing seemed to be working---gentle persuasion, pleading and when that didn't work, ranting, raving, nagging, demanding, etc. especially didn't help either. Something had to give--I wanted my sweet boy back again. After talking to my friend Britt in Arizona, she told me of a parenting class/books/program that has helped her family of six children. It's called "Love and Logic Parenting", http://www.loveandlogic.com/ . I have received my first 2 books that I ordered. One is for Teens and the other for challenging children with attention problems. I have almost finished the Parenting Challenging Children book and have found the theories to be very useful. Love them by showing you care and with empathy and providing logical consequences for their actions. It all sounds so easy in the book---and I thought I had been doing this already--so I had my doubts, but nevertheless, I began using the suggested power phrases and already the past 2 days noticed a difference --he hasn't been as defiant after receiving several consequences for his choices. He realized that I was no longer engaging in a power/control struggle with him and that he wasn't getting very far with me for what he wanted. He no longer has been able to push my buttons (this is only day 2 though--so I'm sure he'll get me soon!!). The goal of course is to teach our children to become responsible, successful adults that can think and problem solve for themselves and have confidence to know they can handle the situations that come their way.

So this is my new quest this week---reading these books (along with another one I'll talk about later---"Stop Whining and Start Living" by Dr. Laura) This does put a halt to finishing my next digital scrapbooking albums--that I enjoy working on so much, but I hope to have them posted in the next week or so.

Oh, the Joys of Parenthood---Why didn't they come with their personalized instruction manuals?

Easter Sunday

Today was Easter Sunday. Easter is always an emotional day for me as I remember my Savior Jesus Christ and what he has done for me, but it seemed to be especially emotional for me today. The choir at church sang beautifully and the speakers (Macon Stake Mission President and his wife) gave wonderful talks. They gave us much to think about and ponder as we celebrated Easter today. Their focus was on the Resurrection and loved ones who have passed away. It was notably touching to hear their talks this week because a very dear friend of mine (and of my family--parents/siblings) passed away last week. Joan Giddens (Greg's Mom)-- She was an awesome woman who was full of life, funny, very talented, helped everyone in anyway she could--just a great person. I was so sad that I was not able to attend her funeral (I was sick this week--contagious) but I heard from many that it was the best funeral they have been to. I was able to visit with her for the last few weeks though and I was thankful for that time with her. And I'm thankful to know that she is no longer in pain and that we will see her again on the other side one day. I am so grateful for my Savior and the Resurrection and the gospel and what joy it brings to my life. I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter Sunday!

Blogging at Last!

Well, I finally did it, started my own blog. This is MY Chatterbox.....to share my thoughts on the world (as I see it) and pictures and the happenings of my life with my family and friends.

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