2012!!!!!

Well - 2012 was good to us! It really was! I can't look back on it and say that I accomplished everything I hoped to because let's be honest - it's just not reality. So - this year was a whirlwind to say the least. I swear each year goes faster and faster than the one before.

The year began with Addison choosing to be involved with Upwards Basketball. To the great joy of her Papa Doug who was a college basketball player. It was so much fun watching her learn the game. She liked it a lot better than cheerleading. And has chosen to play it again this year.

The winter wasn't too bad - not much snow but we are always relieved to see constant sunshine and warmer weather. Jeremy and I had decided to spend a small part of June in England with our friends and so we spent a chunk of time in the spring preparing for our trip.

In June we left our children to the capable hands of our family and took an adventure together overseas. We journeyed throughout England and spent a few days in Scotland. It was so much fun and I hope to go back again someday and maybe take my kids - maybe :).

The summer was spent at swimming lessons, the cabins, (yes, we are privileged to have access to two cabins - blessed!), birthday celebrations and water parks. It was packed full and my kids LOVED it!

Summer Olympics in London! Loved watching that!

The fall came and with it my 2nd year teaching 2nd grade. This year I came into it a little more prepared and have enjoyed this group of 2nd graders immensely. They have stolen my heart as they always do and I find it a joy to go to work each day if it means I get to spend my day with them. I LOVE my job!

Addison began 2nd grade this year and we are blessed to have Mrs. Drescher as her teacher. She was also Addie's kindergarten teacher and so Addie was excited to have her again. She is really good for Addie. I have also had the privilege to teach Addison for an hour each morning during our Walk to Read classes. I'm in charge of teaching the higher level students and was lucky enough to get Addie in my room. It's worked out great - even though she calls me mom and takes a little more freedom in my room. Let's just say I'm glad it's only for an hour a day! :) I do love that hour though!

Rhett began the school year in a preschool/daycare called TLC for tots. He enjoyed it at first but quickly grew tired of it. My mom couldn't stand to leave him each morning when he didn't want to go and so she decided to keep him full time. What a blessing that has been. Not only does Rhett get someone who loves him dearly but he also gets to develop a close bond and relationship with his grandma. Priceless! I'm so thankful for that! He is learning so much and is so big for his age that it's hard to believe he has 2 more years until he gets to attend kindergarten. What? That crazy kid will be reading by then I'm sure - he is just excited to learn to read and asks about it often. He will put his finger on the words and try to follow along as I read. His poor kindergarten teacher will be beside herself to try and make sure he is properly entertained in kinder. Oh Man!

Rhett turned 4 on October 3rd. He had a Star Wars birthday and grandma Nancy made him a Darth Vader cake. He had his "gang" over (Sawyer and Owen - minus Elliot) and they tore apart a Darth Vader piñata as well as had light saber fights outside with glow sticks. For his friend party we met at Jumpin Jungle and the kids played. Then we made our way to Lakeview Park and had worm dirt salad and opened gifts. Then the kids played in the park for a bit. It was a fun day!

Addison turned 8 on December 15th and wanted an owl birthday party. She had 13 friends come over. She is blessed with a lot of friends and family but I wasn't expecting EVERYONE that was invited to actually show up. They had a lot of fun coloring owl pictures, playing pin the feather on the owl, drinking "owlple" juice and making owl cupcakes. For her family birthday grandma Nancy made her an owl cake and we celebrated at Mimi's during tacos.

For Halloween Addison was a girl pirate and Rhett was Darth Vader. They had fun at the Harvest Party at church and then walked to a few houses in our neighborhood to trick-or-treat. I dressed up as the Cat in the Hat and enjoyed my day with my 2nd graders.

The country elected to keep Barak O'Bama as President of the United States, much to the surprise of the Republican Party. Don't understand why but he was given the job and I hope and pray that he does it justice this time around. I fear for America and my children's future here. So much will change in the next four years.

Thanksgiving was at the Franklin's and we ate and played games. I love Thanksgiving Day!

Newtown Connecticut Tragedy on Dec. 14th. Evil reared it's ugly head in the worst way and I spent the rest of that day in complete and total disgust. I spent the weekend going over our emergency evacuation plans in my head and different scenarios for my classroom, including the complete takedown of any person who came into my classroom ready to take us out. In my mind they would be beaten to a bloody pulp before they laid a hand on one of my students. On Monday morning when my students returned to school I was jumpy and agitated. I want more than anything to own a handgun and carry it with me everywhere. (After I've been properly trained of course).

Christmas was at my Grandma Elaine's house with some of my aunts and uncles. We spent the morning at home enjoying opening gifts and playing around. Jeremy got me an iphone so I was super excited! Rhett was given three large nerf guns so the nerf wars commenced upon the completion of breakfast. It was a fun day!

It was a fun year! The kids are growing up and Jeremy and I are moving past that baby stage and into full blown parenting - it's scary and frustrating at times. I live and breathe 2nd grade since I don't get a break from it and at times that can be tiring and not fair to Addie. I'm praying for patience and wisdom to parent both of my children more efficiently and in a way that is not going to demoralize their character. It's tough!

Jeremy has done really well in the carpet business this year and we were able to pay off our college loans as well as pay cash for a new car. So blessed and thankful for those answered prayers.

It was a bit sad to say goodbye to 2012 because it was such a great year. Cheers to 2013 and all the fun that lies ahead.