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.