Family Date Night!

Every year my parents take us out on a date night during the Christmas season. It started when the Lord of the Rings movies came out during the Christmas season and we always excitedly went as a family and it has thence become a tradition. So, this year we braved the weather to meet as a family and watch "The Tale of Desperaux". I have to say my sister and I were super excited for this movie to come out because we LOVE the book. However, I think that sometimes reading the book before a movie is often times a prerequisite to be disappointed. We both were, to say the least disappointed with the outcome of this movie. I'm sure that if you were to go to the movie without reading the book it would be extremely cute - and Addison loved it. It is one that probably will be gracing the shelves of our movie library upon it's DVD release. I'm looking forward to watching it again and appreciating it for what it is this time.

After the movie we made our way through the snow to Johnny Carino's. We had a wonderful time of family fellowship and enjoyed yummy food (I recommend the Timballo to anyone who happens to find themselves there in the near future - it's really scrumptious!). We had a ton of fun on our winter excursion this year and look forward to many more fun family date nights in the future. Thanks mom and dad for starting this tradition (and paying for it) Hee! Hee!

My crazy sis and her new hubby!

My amazing parents - love them oh so much!

Our small family - minus our little boy who would not have done well in a movie.

playing "Lady and the Tramp" with Bapa

My sis, my bestest friend

Pics From Christmas!

Christmas at Grandma Elaine's in Meridian

Christmas morning at home!

Merry Christmas from the Franklins

I know that I didn't put pictures on my blog about our Christmas because my camera was left at my Grandma's house. So, here are a few pictures of our Christmas this year.

CHRISTMAS!!!

This year seemed as if Christmas were a blur!! I don't remember really enjoying much of it - time just went by so quickly and I had so much to do to prepare for the holidays this year. I really don't know why - nothing seemed that much different, except our budget (thanks Dave!), and the fact that I had another child which just makes getting out much more difficult. I'm kind of bummed because I LOVE Christmas. I think I'm going to have to make a few changes next year and become more organized. I also need to realize that I CAN buy a Christmas present in July if I want to - I don't have to wait until it's snowing outside and I'm in the Christmas mood. I feel like I'm always cramming to get all the presents bought. Anyways, besides my high stress level during this season I did manage to enjoy Christmas Eve and Christmas day with my family. This Christmas was spent with my side of the family and so we were with my parents and my mom's folks on Christmas Eve which was so fun because of the snow and the candlelight Christmas Eve service at church - love it!! And Christmas day we spent the morning at home with the kids and then went to my grandma's in Meridian to celebrate with my dad's family. We always have lots of fun and food. Games were played, toy helicopter's flown (by Jeremy and Derek - that was one of their Christmas presents), movies were watched and food was eaten. Typical Wilson Christmas and it was just grand!! I wish a late Merry Christmas to all!!

ADDIE TURNS 4!!!!!

So, I know that I'm getting to this a little late - o.k. a lot late but the holidays have been CRAZY!!

On December 15th our little princess turned 4 years old. My how time flies!! These past four years with our little girl have been ones of joy, laughter, parenting trials and learning patience with a toddler. She is so extremely precious to us and we feel so fortunate that she is a part of our lives. Every day she seems to say something or do something that Jeremy and I laugh at - she definately has a strong personality, but we wouldn't have it any other way - it's just Addison!! We look forward to many more wonderful birthdays with our little girl. This year Addison had a friend birthday party and then a family birthday party. Let me tell you - by now she is partied out. Poor thing - don't recommend having a December baby. She had a lot of fun though and was grateful for all her wonderful friends and their generous gifts. She LOVES people deeply and I hope that is a quality that she continues to have throughout her life. Here are a few pictures of HER day!!

Playing princess, princess, prince (a.k.a. duck, duck, goose!)

Eating birthday treats - worm dirt salad!

Cousins stayed the day to play

Family party and her Barbie cake

OH WHAT A MORNING!!!

Have you ever had a morning where nothing seemed to go quite right? This morning was one of those and oh, what a morning it was! Let's begin at the beginning - early, early this morning (4:55 a.m. to be exact) with the cry of my 9 week old son. That's right - he was ready for some food. So, I do as I always do and pop him out of the basinet and into my arms to nurse while I fall back asleep. As I was contemplating the time while drifting back into dreamland I realized that Rhett was going to be hungry again around 7 a.m. (right as I'm making last preparations for the day and getting kids prepared to leave for the sitters). But, that thought soon vanished as I fell asleep again. The alarm came oh too soon and I found myself hitting the snooze button three to many times. By the time I actually realized what I was doing it was 6 a.m. Panic set in and I jumped out of bed. Heading for the shower and glancing at myself in the bathroom mirror the realization that Rhett had just nursed on one side made me do a double take and in my mind I was thinking, "Oh crap," Will I have time to pump before I leave - not likely!! The next hour was a whirlwind of activity: showering, getting dressed, passifying Rhett (with 4 oz. of formula in his car seat while I finished getting Addison dressed and ready - don't judge!), and running around the house packing my lunch, Rhett's diaper bag, and all my school items (things I should have done the night before but was much too tired). Rhett finished his bottle just in time and without burping him (oops!) I stuck both kids in the car and we were off to Kristen's. We arrived at Kristen's a little behind schedule but nothing so drastic as to say that I was leaving them on the doorstep and running back to my car or anything. Instead I felt the need to chat and delay my lateness ever further. While there I realized that in my busyness this morning I neglected to remember to put Rhett's bottle in his diaper bag. Oh Joy! Now I need to call my husband and have him bring one to Kristen - not a huge deal though right? I hop back in my car around 7:50 a.m. (supposed to be at work by 8:00 a.m. - in Melba!) and say a nice little Christian curse under my breath as I realize the time for what it was - not only would I be late for work but I would also get ahold of Jeremy just in time for him to be arriving at work and the last thing he is going to want to do is go back home and grab a bottle. Luckily I make it to Melba with 7 min. until the bell rings - I quickly call Jeremy and he lovingly agrees to go back and get the bottle (love that man!) And then I realize that if I don't do something about my lopsidedness I'm going to be one hurting (or very wet) teacher in no time at all. This neglected breast has seen close to 9 hours with no nursing action and by golly it feels like it's going to explode. So, I take my handy dandy travel duel breastpump and head for the ladies restroom. That's right - I have to pump in a small ladies room. This room is about 5'x5' , one toilet, one sink and a small cabinet for womenly things. Not a very big space!! Anyways, at least there is an outlet and that's all I need. So, I get all of my equipment ready, expose myself to the chilly, stale air of this restroom, sit down on the toilet (no cover - apparently too much work) and try and get some relief. Well, you probably have guessed it by now but just as soon as I sit down the bell rings. At this point I don't care if my students have to wait a few extra minutes out in the cold, I have to express some of this milk NOW!! After I feel like the pressure has at least subsided and may at least last me until recess without any further leakage or lopsidedness I reluctantly begin putting away my things. I'm quickly trying to shove everything into the travel pack and wash my hands when I feel water dripping down my leg - I look on the toilet seat and notice that it's all wet. My first thought was oh great I just sat in urine and am going to smell like a toilet all day. No - actually my dress had been sitting IN the toilet while I was pumping and the bottom was soaked and running down my leg. At this point in the morning I just had to laugh because -seriously - it was funny! I did my best to squeeze as much toilet water out of my dress as possible, gather my things and head out the door to the lonely line of students standing out in the cold. Luckily none of them asked about the travel bag that I was carrying, or the reason behind the drips of water that followed me as I walked. Fortunately for me the rest of the day carried on without any major mishaps and I am able to laugh about the abnormal, crazy morning that I had. I'm sure some of you moms can relate and if any men end up reading this blog - I apologize for my bluntness but the story would just not be the same without the details. Hopefully next time you have a tough morning you can remember me and mentally put a picture in your head of me in a small bathroom, sitting on the toilet, fully exposed, expressing milk with my double breast pump and having my dress lazily float in the toilet water. Happy mornings to you all!!

THANKSGIVING!!

Our Thanksgiving this year ended up being a Franklin family reunion. My mother-in-law (Nancy) has 5 sisters and each one came this year with their families. So, that was 43 people in all, including the kiddos. Jim and Nancy had a FULL house. It was extremely good to see everyone and enjoy their company for a few days. We played many games (Risk, ping-pong, telephone pictionary, pictionary, apples to apples, PIT, and Rook to name a few). We also enjoyed celebrating Grandma Grace's birthday and having our own little Christmas together. It was a fun time and time well spent. Before we knew it the day had come for everyone to leave and the rest of us to return to work. Who knows when we will get to spend time together again, especially ALL of us at once but it was a time that I will cherish and remember. I feel so blessed to have married into such a wonderful family.

I'm Thankful for . . .

The Lord of the Rings trilogy
Having a wonderful family
Addison and Rhett
Never having to fear about the future - God is in control
Katie - my little sis
Sunday's
God giving his son for me so I can live in Heaven someday
In 7 months I will be in DisneyWorld with my family
Veterans - Thank you!
Icicles (good for prisms, swords, popsicles and lots of laughs)
Nerds - without them we would be stuck in the stone age
Grandma's apple crisp

One week down!!

So, many of you know I just went back to work on Monday morning. It was a bittersweet moment for me because as much as I love teaching I hated leaving my kids. And someday I hope to put teaching on hold for awhile and just be at home. But, until then I am glad to say that I do not dread getting up in the morning and spending my day with 22 little people. Each and every one of them is such a blessing to me and I'm so grateful that I got the class that I have this year. When I returned Monday morning there were plenty of hugs and smiles going around and as my heart ached for my own children I felt blessed that God had given me 22 more that I was now responsible for once again - and they had missed me!! It was a good feeling.

The week whizzed by and now I feel like I'm back in my old routine again. My kids were in the wonderful hands of my long-term sub and church friend Ruth Pridgen and my class absolutely adored her. She was so amazing and I was able to pick up right where she left off without any setbacks.

Even though I'm enjoying my class right now I'm excited to go back after Christmas and only work 3 days a week, especially since I've exhausted all my sick days during maternity leave. And what do you know - the first day back to school I come home with a sore throat and am still trying to fight a cold. It figures!!

All in all however it was a good first week back and I trusted that Addie and Rhett were in good hands. Thanks again to my mother-in-law, Barbie, my mom and Kristen for shuffling the kids around your busy schedules. I felt really good going to work knowing that my kids were in a loving and safe environment.

Thanks for all of you that were praying for me and my first week back. Love you all!!

Hair CUT!!!

O.K. - so I was hoping that we could get through the stage where toddlers cut their hair but I failed miserably in the attempt to skirt around this one.

Last night as I was cleaning something off the floor I noticed a clump of hair underneath the bench that sits at the end of our hallway. I thought it was strange and when I looked closer I realized that it could only be one person's and that was of an almost 4 year old little girl who when quickly glancing at her I suddenly realized that one ponytail was a bit shorter than the other. We questioned her about it and she begrudingly admitted to trimming it.

So, this morning after bath time I attempted to reconstruct her hair so that it wasn't that noticeable. I failed!! It is noticeable and I don't think there is anything myself or anyone else could have done about it. She will probably wearing the same hairdo to all public functions until it grows out. And of course this comes at a time when she will have her 4 year old, and Christmas pictures taken. I was trying to grow it out as long as I could before then. That just goes to show that I should not make plans of how I want things to be when dealing with a toddler. I had to laugh though!! Silly kid!!

The discovery of the missing hair

One ponytail lacking a few inches. She doesn't seem too upset does she?

The new hairdo - the one everyone will be seeing for awhile!

History Has Been Made!!

On Tuesday evening our country elected a new President - Barak O' Bama. As we were watching the poll counts come in and becoming more and more discouraged as the outcome of the election slowly became a stark reality I was stunned by the newscasters reactions. They were commenting on the fact that America's younger generation (who voted in full force) are colorblind when it comes to a person's race. I would have to agree that my generation and younger don't seem to have an issue with anyone that is black, latino, asian, etc . . . They have always been an equal part of our lives growing up and now that we are older it doesn't seem to phase us. However, I was apalled by the newcasters comments that the fact that Barak O'Bama was black and democrat were the sole reasons for his becoming President. I believe as this election has played out that it is true - we are colorblind - but the same should be said that the majority of the public seem to be blind to reason, morals and a lack of duty to our country and what it stands for. Some of the things that Barak O'Bama wants to do as our President completely astonish me and cause me to wonder about the future of our country. His stand on abortion for example and that he could willingly support partial-birth abortion or ANY abortion for that matter makes my toes curl and makes my stomach churn. His statement that he would like to bankrupt every coal company in America so that we do not have to rely on that kind of energy anymore is a concern for those who work the coal companies. They would be out jobs as will thousands of Americans who fall prey to his golden tax plan. Didn't he say that he is going to create jobs? The list goes on including his health care plan and his plan for the war in Iraq. All of which I do not agree with.


All in all, the damage is done and we will be answering to his government for the next four years and possibly longer. I hope and pray that Mr.O'Bama leads this country in a positive direction and he will have my respect as I believe that his position demands and expects it of me. However, in this great country I do not have to agree with him on everything. I also will be glad to see America get away from the bashing of a President. Barak O'Bama will not get the kind of treatment that George Bush did simply because the liberal media will not allow it, no matter what he does. I have to admit it will be nice to see a President respected in the media and I wish him the best of luck.


Throughout this campaign I have been nervous and fearful with the prospect of O'Bama becoming our President. However, as the campaign entered it's final days a few months ago I realized that Barak O'Bama will not have complete control of America. It has always and will always be God's. Our founding forefather's prayed and poored God into every aspect of America's government and how it was to be run. I am so grateful for a higher power that is in Jesus. And it is HIM that I will be looking toward for answers, it is HIM that I will be bowing down to, it is HIM in who the fate of America lies, it is HIM that I will be singing songs of praise to and it is HIM who is in complete control and so I do not live in fear of the start of the O'Bama reign in the white house. May God Bless Barak O'Bama who will be my President and may God continue to bless America.


I also want to give a shout out to my current President for the last 8 years - George W. Bush. No other President in the history of our country has gone through what this man has and I say well done Mr. President. He went through the worse terrorist attack in the history of this country, 4 natural disasters, two wars, the capture of one of the worst dicators in the history of the world and a fallen economy. He stood his ground and did the best he could under the circumstances, and did it with America spitting in his face. I want to thank him for his service to our country and thank him that we are still safe, we have food, shelter, jobs and are still free. May God Bless him as he passes the baton and I hope and pray that his future is one of health and happiness. You've done a great job George Bush and I thank you.

HALLOWEEN!!

Halloween kind of snuck up on us this year. We usually have a harvest party at church and this year we didn't so it didn't seem quite the same. Halloween night we had Jesse and Jeni over for some Monster Stew and finger sticks - then we hit the trick-o-treating trail. We first hit the family houses and then the kids went door to door in Jeremy's parents neighborhood. It was a fun-filled evening but Addison was very tired when her head hit the pillow. We look forward to seeing pictures of all our little friends who we weren't able to see in their costumes this year. Hope you all have a fun and safe Halloween!!

Me and my little dalmation

Pirate, Poodle, Princess

Cutest pink poodle ever!!

My puppies!!

Pink poodle and her best!!

Addie's recipe for chocolate caramel

3 cups sugar
3 cups macaroni
3 cups salad
3 cups crushed carrots
3 cups chocolate chips
3 cups caramel

Sounds yummy! Enjoy!!

Autumn Fun!!

Just a few pictures that I took yesterday out in the autumn leaves. I love this time of year and all of the beautiful colors. Thank you Lord for Fall!!

3 Weeks Old and doing great!!

Today Rhett is three weeks old. It is truly amazing how much they can change in three short weeks. It seems like our entire drama with him was ages ago. He had a checkup on Tuesday and he weighed in at 8lbs. 13oz. Praise the Lord he's gaining weight and I'm still nursing. I'm only supplementing formula when I feel like I'm completely empty and he wants more which on average is about once every couple days or we are going out of the house for awhile (not entirely comfortable with nursing in public yet). His jaundice is completely gone and the bruising around his face has disappeared. He looks very healthy and content and I feel so blessed that he is doing well.

Sisterly Love!!

It's truly amazing how much love Addie has for her brother. I'm so blessed that she has taken to him so well and can't seem to get enough of him. I know there will come a time when she will have issues with her brother but I'm so glad they are off to a good start.

Rhett Douglas Franklin!!

Yes!!! He is finally here and I'm FINALLY getting around to blogging about him. He was born on October 3rd, at 11:40 a.m. He weighed 8 lbs. 11 oz. and was 20 1/2 inches long. He came out with the umbilical cord wrapped around his shoulder. The doctor apologized to Jeremy for having to cut it instead of him so that he could come on out. I don't think Jeremy was too upset about it!! My labor and delivery process was a breeze - some say that I'm lucky and I would have to agree completely. I had the lovely epideral around 7:30 a.m., was numb by 8:00 a.m., was dialated to a 5 by 10:00 and in one hour was dialated to a 9. He came fast!! Three pushes and he made his way into our world, with virtually no pain on my part and no tearing either!!

Apparently I've been blessed in this area of my life. However, with Addison the painful, emotional toil of this entire process came later and with a price. With Addie labor was a breeze but when I got her home I was stressed, I was having difficulty nursing, ended up having a bladder infection and developed Bells Palsy three days after she arrived and it lasted for 4 weeks, through Christmas. It was awful!! During the course of this pregnancy I prayed continuosly for an easy delivery and a semi-stressfree recovery but I think that as much as I am blessed in the birthing process I am just as cursed in the recovery process.

When Rhett was born I was so relieved to see him take to breast-feeding so easily and do it so well. I felt so good about myself as a mother and thanked God over and over for this blessing. However, a few days after we got him home he was beginning to decline in the nursing area. He fussed constantly, had difficulty latching on and screamed all night. I did not know what was wrong. He was wetting his diapers so I figured that he was getting what he needed. Well, on Tuesday morning I took him to the doctor for a wellness checkup and the doctor ordered lab work done. He said that Rhett looked jaundice and he had lost over a pound since he was born. I freaked out!! However, somehow I knew that he would be o.k. They sent us home and once we arrived we got a call from the nurse saying that his jaundice levels were too high and he was dehydrated and that I needed to bring him into the hospital. I lost it!! The hospital was not a place that I wanted to be taking my baby three days after I brought him home. I was emotionally a wreck and was angry with everyone, the doctor, the nurses, and myself. I felt like I was a bad mom for not supplying him with the nutrition he needed to survive. I was devastated and was fearful that Bells Palsy would return because again I was stressed out. I spent two days in the hospital with Rhett and it was not a fun experience. They had him under the bellirubin lights all day and would come in a poke him often to take blood samples. I never felt so helpless and responsible. Luckily his jaundice levels and sodium levels began to return to normal and as I could see the light at the end of the tunnel I began to feel better.

During the course of our stay at the hospital I was blessed with a few things. I was blessed with precious time that I got to spend with my new son (time is so precious when they are so little), I was blessed with wonderful daytime nurses who reassured me and were so good with Rhett, I was blessed with the fact that my milk finally came in (even though it wasn't much) it was a start and so Rhett is successfully nursing again (with a little supplemental formula), I was blessed with the time to reflect on what a precious and fragile thing babies are and how wonderful it was that he recovered.

So, we are home now and doing well. Although every day I check Rhett's skin color and wonder constantly whether or not he is turning more yellow again. I'm paranoid!! I look forward to the future that we have together and am so thankful and blessed that God gave us this special son.

Oh - and no Bells Palsy!! Hurray!

The Franklin Family

My three most favorite people in the world!

Rhett Douglas Franklin

Addison is a great big sister!

I SURVIVED THE CORN MAZE!!!

O.K. - I'm nine months pregnant and I went with my class yesterday on a field trip to a corn maze. I was a little nervous about riding the bumpy bus so I chose to follow the bus in my car - wise choice I think. It was a gorgeous morning when we arrived at the farm and my students were super excited about finding their way through the maze. I, myself was a little skeptical about the entire situation. I mean, an almost due pregnant lady trapsing through a jungle of corn, feeling trapped and helpless if something were to happen and I'm with a bunch of 4th graders who would probably panic more than I would. Anyways, as the time approached for us to enter the corn field I was determined to make it through. I also thought that if it did put me into labor that wasn't such a bad thing (I'm very ready to have this kid). So, in I went with three 4th grade girls and my student teacher to keep me company. I have to say I don't regret my decision to join them. I mean, the terraine was bumpy and wet but my sweet 4th grade girls kept running ahead and letting us know which ways were dead ends so I was able to cut through that corn maze in no time and make it out in about 1/2 hour, without any falls, contractions or water breakage. I had prayed earlier that morning that I would be able to enjoy this time with my class before I leave them for 6 weeks. I have to say I felt great throughout the entire field trip and was able to have so much fun with my kids. It was a good day!!

We are on our way in - YIKES!!

Trapped in the corn but "oh, what a beautiful morning"

YES!! We made it out!

They think they are so funny!! I think I win!

My Sister Get's Hitched!!

Well, my sister finally got married!! My family has been praying for the right person for her for a long time. She finally found him and he was worth the wait!! They make such a great couple and I know that they will live happily ever after. Her wedding was on Saturday, September19th in Meridian and it was beautiful, and just what Katie wanted. She is currently enjoying her honeymoon in Disneyland and I have to say I'm quite jealous. I look forward to the wonderful memories that we will have in the future with Katie and my new brother. I also look forward to the neices and nephews that I will get from the two of them - they will be super cute!! Can't wait so watch them in their new live together. I love them both dearly!!

Getting ready!!

Tired Flower Girl!

Dad and Katie!

The Happy Henbests!!

Labor Day Weekend!!

I have been meaning to post something about the wonderful weekend we had during Labor Day but time (and other things) have been stealing the precious moments that I use for blogging. We were so blessed to go up to my grandma's cabin for this much needed three-day getaway and were even more blessed to have some of our favorite friends join us. We enjoyed the cool mountain air, watched the deer in the yard, floated the river, enjoyed cozy campfires roasting marshmellows ( I don't think I will ever have smores again without recess cups now - Thanks Kristen!!!), played fun games , competed and watched many close ping-pong games, hiked up to lightning creek (where Todd was constantly chasing after the kids - just in case a cougar might jump out and eat them!! - You think I'm kidding) and had many wonderful relaxing moments of good conversation. It was just what we needed as the year began it's craziness. We can't wait to get back there sometime soon!!

Landon and Addison enjoying the feel of the river

I'm sure they are talking about politics!

They really argued all weekend!!

The preggos!!

Name our baby!

Since we've been pregnant we really haven't discussed names very much. We've come across a few that we think we like but haven't had that moment when we just know "that" is the name we want. I spent 1 hour yesterday on the computer looking at baby names and I'm all named out. I wrote down a few (O.K. 10) that I liked and Jeremy looked them over and didn't really approve of them - WHAT!!!!!!! I think since he got to name Addison that the naming of our son should fairly fall on my shoulders. I didn't realize that he was that opinionated about names! It's a process that we need to figure out since I only have about 6 weeks left - my doctor thinks I'm coming a bit earlier than expected, just because Addison was a week early. Well, if you have any name suggestions we (o.k. I) would love to hear them. I'm sure we will come up with something and I'm not too worried, it's just fun to hear what other people come up with.

It Has Begun!!

The school year officially began with kids and all bright and early Tuesday morning. When I mean early I mean like parents were at school with their kids at like 7:30 a.m. - Nothing stresses a teacher out more than having parents and children arrive early and you don't have everything ready. It worked out however and at 8:20 a.m. the bell rang for all 22 of them to file into my classroom and take their seats. The first few minutes after they are all seated are the worst few minutes of the year - I'm always nervous for what I'm going to say to them, how I'm going to come across, what they will think of me - it's a weird feeling!! Anyways, so the last couple of days with these new kids have been good! I have already discovered the students that will test my patience daily, figured out who will be on "America's Most Wanted" in 10 years, who will be working for a multi-million dollar company and who will be content to stay in little ole Melba and have lots of kids working on the family farm. Yes - it's that obvious in just 2 short days. However each of these kids pose a different challenge and personality that I always grow to love - I'm looking forward to getting the know them better. I think it's going to be a great year!! Wish me luck!

The ABC's of Me!!

A. Attached or single? Married for almost 8 years - Yikes!

B. Best friend? My sis and so many other wonderful friends that I love dearly!!

C. Cake or pie? I'm a cakeater!! (Sandlot anyone?)

D. Day of choice? I like Saturday and Sunday

E. Essential items? a good book, coffee and friends

F. Favorite color(s)? Purple and green and yellow and, and, and

G. Gummy bears or worms? Not a big fan of gummy stuff but the sour patch kids are amazing!!

H. Hometown? Grangeville, Idaho

I. Favorite indulgence? White chocolate mochas or caramel lattes

J. January or July? January: snowmans, hot chocolate, fireplaces, cuddly blankets - July: the 4th, Jeremy and Katie's birthday, no school ( I would say they are pretty much even)

K. Kids? Addison Grace (3 years) Baby boy Franklin ( birthday still unknown)

L. Life isn’t complete without? My family

M. Marriage date? August 19th, 2000

N. Number of brothers or sisters? 1 sister (love you teets!!)

O. Oranges or apples? apples

P. Phobias? terminal illness, car accidents, losing loved ones

Q. Quotes? "Just Do It" - all I could think of people!!

R. Reasons to smile? Love

S. Season of choice? Fall

T. Tag 5 people: You mean like "tag your it" and you have to start chasing me down the street!! Sorry - 7 1/2 months pregnant here - I'm not playing!!

U. Unknown fact about me: I cut off one of my toes when I was 8 years old riding a bike. Even back then those amazing doctors were good enough to put it back on for me.

V. Vacation of choice? Disneyworld or Disneyland (The happiest place on earth)

W. Worst habit? saying "yes" to everything!!

X. Xray or ultrasound? I would much rather have an ultrasound!

Y. Your favorite food? mom's tacos, grandma's apple crisp

Z. Zodiac sign? Pieces - not sure about the spelling but honestly - WHOOOO CARRRES!!!!

Been Awhile!!

O.K. - It's been a long while since I last posted something. It's partly due to the fact that the busyness of the summer has crept up on me and things are starting to get crazy. It's also due to our computer being in pieces in the living room for two weeks while we rearrange some rooms in our house to make space for baby in October.

Since my husband's birthday we've been busy remodeling two rooms in our house (pics will come later - Jeremy took the camera on the teen trip to Bend), the new office is somewhat complete and the baby's room has a few touch-ups but at least the painting and the floors are done. I have also been scheduling and planning bridal showers for my sister, trying to get ready for the new school year, attempting to keep up with all the housework that goes with the everyday clean-ups and upkeep, shopping for maternity clothes that I can wear for the first few months of school - not that easy, and doing my best to enjoy every last minute I have with my little girl before next Thursday when a new school year begins. Even though it seems like a lot of work and stress I'm very grateful that God has given us a new child so that those rooms would have to be done, I'm grateful that my sister has found the love of her life and is getting married soon, I'm grateful that God has blessed me with the gift of teaching and that I get to meet my new 24 children in a few weeks (If I can't stay home I wouldn't want any other job) I'm grateful that God has blessed us with a house and home where we can raise our children, I'm grateful that maternity clothes were ever invented - God bless the stretch band, and I'm grateful that because I am a teacher I get to spend almost 3 months of the year with my children 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The only thing sweeter than that would be being able to stay home permanently but I know that God is in control and he knows what is best for my family. I'm trusting that someday that prayer will be answered but in the meantime I'm not complaining. It's been a great summer and I look forward to posting more about our busyness coming up soon.

Happy Birthday Jeremy!!

Jeremy and Jesse

On Saturday, July 12th was my husband's 30th birthday. I don't think it bothered him too much that he was celebrating 30 years. Maybe it's because his twin is right there with him or the fact that a lot of our close friends happen to be in their thirties and he knows that he has a lot of fun years ahead. It turned out to be a great day! Addison and I woke up early and made him breakfast, then at 1:30 we went to see the new "Indiana Jones" movie with Jesse and Jeni, killed some time at Best Buy where I attempted stardome at playing the Rock Band demo but miserably failed, went to dinner at Red Robin and then went to my parent's house for a little backyard party with some close friends and family where we ate homemade ice cream, fruit pizza and monster cookies and then ended the evening with roasting marshmellows. It was a very busy, but fun day! I feel so blessed to be married to Jeremy and I look forward to spending many more birthdays and milestones together!

The Franklin Family

Our Wedding Day!

Bryan, Jeremy and Jesse at Disneyland

New Daddy!

Family picture at the corn maze

Daddy and his little princess!