Gatlin Robert Henbest

I feel like a proud mom announcing the birth of her newest child. However, what can be closer to my next child then my first nephew from my only sister?

After very much anticipation and actual disbelief that my baby sis (and best friend)  was going to be a mom I became elated to hear that she was being induced early. On January 25th! Her due date being February 9th. Baby G was not gaining weight due to my sister's small placenta (which they whisked off for scientific research after Baby G came), so in order to keep him from losing any weight they decided to bring him to meet us sooner than expected!

It was an exciting day! Katie called me at school and I remember hearing the seven dwarfs serenade me while I was teaching (forgot to turn my phone off) and realized that it was my sister. I quickly silenced my phone and texted her that I was still teaching. She texted back that baby G was coming the next day so I quickly occupied my 2nd graders and called her back right away.

The next morning I skipped school ( :O) and ventured to the hospital with my mom at 8:30 in the morning. And thus begun a day of waiting, waiting, waiting. I think of myself as a fairly patient person but when it comes to babies apparently my philosophy is "get em out!". My two children came as soon as the doctor gave them the green light. They came sliding out, happy as clams givin the doctor high fives on the way. (just kidding! - I count my blessings that my labor and delivery was A to the mazing).

Sooooo.......I played on the computer, I talked to sis, I took pictures, I watched the monitor, I sat in the waiting room, I walked the halls with my mom and sis, I ran to Baby's R Us to get some premie outfits, I went back to Starbucks for more coffee, laughed as my sister was a little loopy due to the medication, wheeled around on the doctors chair (very fun by the way), hugged my hubby and kiddos who came for the grand finale only to be sent home with the news that baby G may not be here until the middle of the night.

I nestled myself into a chair and thought about another run to Starbucks when the nurse came in to check Katie. She had been stuck dilated to a 3 for, well - since she arrived at the hospital. We were all getting concerned that she might have to endure a C-section. As the nurse checked her we were just crossing our fingers that she would say that Katie had progressed to a 4 or maybe if we were lucky a 5. I remember she asked Katie, "what number do you want it to be?". Katie replied, "a 4!" The nurse said, "you are dilated to a 10!!!!" What??????

I jumped up to tell the others in the waiting room. It was around 9:00pm.

The rest was a blur!!! I don't remember being so excited for my own births - perhaps because I was the one pushing them out and fear drowned out my excitement. But now, all I had to do was sit back and bask in the miracle of birth. Tears currently run down my cheeks as words can't express how grateful I am to have been able to witness the miracle of my nephew's birth. I stood transfixed and amazed! I think everyone should be able to witness that at some point in their life - it was amazing!!!

Then, at 9:35pm, January 25th he introduced himself to us with a loud cry and a bright crop of strawberry blonde hair. What?  For such a little one he sure did have a great set of lungs. He was immediately given to his momma and I quickly switched from videographer to photographer to capture these first few precious moments. I cried!

He was finally here! Gatlin Robert Henbest you have this auntie tied around your finger precious boy! I love you soooo much and can't wait to see what God has in store for your life!

Thank you Katie and Derek for letting me be a part of this special day!!! I will remember it fondly forever! You both will be amazing parents!

Pictures from the first two days (Disclaimer: Katie - get over it - you look cute!)

Choosing something for breakfast before baby G! Don't know if she would have done this in hindsight due to some nausea later in the day :)

Ready to welcome Baby G

Excited Grandma's

And there it is - the belly!!!

Adorable gown!

Order of the day! Have a baby!

The happy couple walking the halls!

Awwww!!!

Dad came in and read out of Psalms. I cried!!! (surprise! surprise!)

watching the monitor with the nurse

I looked at this all day long!!!!!!!!!

Ready for Baby G! Waiting for Dr. Julie

Hurray!!!!

Strawberry Blonde Hair!

Love this picture!

And this one!

Happy Momma!

4 lbs. 11 oz.

He was WIDE awake!

Daddy's first time holding him!

Now they are three!

My moment!!

She is sooo in love with this itty bitty guy!

The next day - Addison gets to hold her new cousin

She is in love with him!

 Tee-Tee and Uncle D with Addison and Gatlin

 

I can't get over how tiny he is!

Aunt Tee-Tee will always hold a special place in her heart!

Sweet boy!

Uncle Jeremy's turn!

 

 

January 2013

I don't want to get back to just posting what we did each month but as I am trying to get back into the swing of posting regularly I have forgotten all about January - did we really even have January this year? Because I thought I was just wrapping Christmas presents - like yesterday!

And after realizing that YES January has come - and gone - I notice that we actually did a lot of things - and so I'll tell you about them.

First of all - we've had snow, snow, snow and more snow this January. And it has been COLD!!!! I'm grateful for snowsuits, hats and gloves which seemed to be the normal dress for each day. We had many moments playing in it, eating it and throwing it.

Sledding at Grandma Elaine's

This is the floor of my classroom on a usual January day in 2013 - boots off and warming by the heater.

We bit the bullet and broke the bank to get Rhett a authentic Seahawks jersey! Of course we had to choose #3 Russell Wilson. He wears it well and proud!

We visited Daddy and Papa Jim working on Aunt Katie and Uncle Aaron's house. The kids decided that they wanted a hand at the demolition process, so they chose to knock out a wall. Luckily it was one that needed to come down anyways! Whew!

I was able to spend a few hours reading a book and drinking coffee - very rare!

The kids and their artistic abilities.

Addison: A waterfall

Rhett: a flower

Went with friends and family to the Keane concert in Boise and ate at the Pita Pit. Have never eaten there before but am now in love with it! Soooooo good!

And the concert was AMAZING!

Addison participated in a mini-cheer camp in Melba. She was able to spend some time with her school friends and cheer during halftime at a boys and girls varsity basketball game. She had so much fun!

 
 

Had a fun day at Jumpin Jungle with good friends

My obsession for Thirty-One grew a bit. I spent way too much in January and still have a long wish list.

This girl went in for a routine Dr. checkup and ended up spending a lot more time than intended breathing through an inhaler because she would not stop coughing. After two treatments, a reschedule for vaccinations (after she was already prepared) and a prescription for a strong cough medicine we were finally out of there after 1 and 1/2 hours. Poor girl!

Many fun playdates with Tucker - my parents new dog!

A classroom library of the Roald Dahl books - my favorite children's author! It was money well spent and long overdue!

Pinterest recipes tried: pumpkin doughnuts - they were disgusting! I didn't even finish the first one I bit into and threw the rest away. What a waste of ingredients! Blehhhhh!

My favorite evening snack. Airpop popcorn made with coconut oil - soooo yummy and good for you too!

 

Upwards basketball began! Addison is on the Lady Monarchs team and she is one of the tallest girls. It's fun to see her play this year because she has really improved since last year.

We had a visit from one of my besties who now lives in Seattle. She was so sweet to take a few moments out of her evenings to spend with me and my kids. Sam and Rhett have been friends since birth (even though they didn't know it :) They played together soooo well, it made me sad that they aren't together more often! And my visit with my dear friend was short-lived but sooooo needed and cherished! Miss them dearly!

 

AND HOW COULD I FORGET:

 

My new nephew: Gatlin Robert Henbest

Born on January 25th, 2013

9:32 pm

4 lbs. 11 oz.

 

He deserves a post all his own!!!! Stay tuned!

 

 

 

That pretty much sums up January! - Wow! A lot happened!

 

 

 

On to 2013......

I am a little behind this year in planning my year - at least setting some goals and thinking about what I want to accomplish this year. A lot of my goals remain the same each year and so I won't bore you with those - they are redundant and I hope to accomplish them but to keep repeating myself makes me feel like a failure and above all else this year I want to live in joy! No matter what!

One of my biggest goals this year is so begin to memorize more scripture. And to make my bible study homework a top priority. I'm off to a bad start so far but I'm not going to get discouraged this year (another one of my goals) I just need to pick myself up and start!

I want to spend less time on the computer and more time playing with my kids. It seems that when I have a few extra minutes I prefer to spend them at the computer checking my websites. Not good if I want to be the kind of parent that I need to be.

And here are a few more - just a list of things that I want to do this year - and blog about!

1. Try at least one new pinterest recipe a month
2. Do at least one new pinterest craft a month
3. Have at least one coffee/friend date a month
4. Truly listen to people - truly!
5. Be a better parent, wife, friend, daughter, sister and teacher
6. Learn to live with the fact that I can't accomplish everything that I want to do - less is more!
7. Take pictures - lots of pictures
8. Eat healthier
9. Hopefully find a wonderful place to relocate our family - south of Nampa
10. Read more and often!
11. Enjoy my new nephew - so excited to meet him! Will definitely be a highlight of 2013 for sure!
12. Put together shutterfly books for each year that we've been married. My goals is to do one a month and then purchase them when there is a good sale. Also would like to keep my 2014 calendars updated so I can be more prepared come Christmas time when I want to order them.
13. Get our family pictures taken (kids in the spring, family in the late summer or early fall)

I know there are a lot more but less is more right?

Cheers to 2013 and all that it holds!

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.

Rhett's Favorites 2012

Favorite Phrase: "You said the 'W' word" - any time anyone says "what"

Favorite Food: Top Ramen, Spaghetti, Mac N' Cheese

Favorite snack: apples, grapes, carrots and ranch, cheese crackers

Favorite candy: pretty much anything - gummy bears

Favorite movie: Ice Age Continental Drift

Favorite TV Show: Nijago, Star wars

Favorite book: The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child

Favorite game: Candyland, Yahtzee and Sorry

Favorite toy: legos and the Wii (especially his skylanders)

Daily Activity: He spends his days with my mom and they like to do school stuff, play games, nap, read books, play the Wii and spend time with their new puppy Tucker. Rhett also runs errands with her. When he's at home he likes to watch cartoons, play the Wii or the kindle, play with his legos or cars or nerf guns, jump off of everything and run everywhere.

Mommy and Daddy love it when you: snuggle, try to tell us jokes, say silly things, are nice to your sister or Solomon, share and are respectful

Favorite Restaurant: probably McDonald's

Favorite activity with mom: playing games or reading books

Favorite activity with dad: playing video games or having nerf gun wars or legos

Favorite activity with Addison: having her read to him, playing anything and everything!

Chores: keeping his room clean, helping out with Solomon

Friends: Sawyer, Owen, Eliott (your gang), Libby, Emma, Taliah, Tamaya, Landon, Brenden, Chade

Nicknames: Rhettster, Bruiser, Rhett Douglas, Rhett Rhett, Mr. Man, Bubbies

Birthday: On his birthday this year he wanted a Star Wars Birthday. He had a family party at his house where Grandma Nancy made a Darth Vader cake and he got to swing at a Darth Vader piñata. He enjoyed light saber fights with his cousins. Then he also had a friend party at Jumpin Jungle and then at the park for worm dirt salad and presents. He was a happy camper and loved playing with his friends.

Favorite Place: Jabbers, Jumpin Jungle, Sawyer's house

Favorite thing to do outside: pretend and swing

Favorite color: blue

Other moments:
* Rhett was a lot of fun this year! He has lost his baby fat and has morphed into a little boy :(
* He had fun when mommy and Daddy were in England and didn't seem to miss us in the slightest.
* He still crawls in bed with us some nights but for the most part usually goes into Addison's room and climbs into bed with her.
* He LOVES playing on the Kindle and the Wii
* When Rhett isn't playing the Wii or the Kindle, he loves to play with his legos or bug his sister.
* Rhett has a great relationship with Addie. They fight quite often in the car but other than that they seem to get along pretty well. I'm so thankful that they love each other.
* He also LOVES his legos and always spends a long time playing with them if they are out
* He is always FULL of energy and never walks anywhere unless he is tired or doesn't feel well.
* He tried to go to preschool but didn't like it very much and wanted Mimi to keep him - and so she did.
* He caught his first fish this summer with Bapa on the river by the cabin. His first cast he caught one - just like Addison did. It was pretty special!
* He memorized the entire Christmas story and recited it at the Christmas Eve service at church. He did an amazing job and I still can't believe that he did it.

Addison's Favorites 2012

Favorite Phrase or words: "literally", "seriously"

Favorite Food: Broccoli Cheese Soup, little smokies, spaghetti

Favorite snack: beef sticks

Favorite candy: kit kat, reses peanut butter cups, Hershey's chocolate bar

Favorite movie: Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Favorite TV Show: Jessie, Cosby Show

Favorite book: Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Favorite game: Life, Ticket to Ride, Go Fish

Favorite toy: Ladeeda dolls, Barbie's, Tasty Science Kit

Daily Activity: 2nd grade Mrs. Drescher's class. When she isn't at school she enjoys doing crafty things, drawing and coloring, reading, playing with Oliver her pet hedgehog and allowing her little brother

Mommy and Daddy love it when you: clean your room without being asked, are kind to your brother, giggle, draw us pictures

Favorite Restaurant: Olive Garden

Favorite activity with mom: cooking and art

Favorite activity with dad: board games, legos

Favorite activity with Rhett: play family

Chores: keeping her room clean, taking care of Solomon and Oliver, helping with the dishes and folding towels

Friends: Kenna, Chade, Brenna, Ruthie, Kristen, Mauryn, Landon, Brittany, Kinzy, KeyLee, Ramie, Alyssa, Bronson, Gabrielle, Patricia, Katelynn, Emma, Avery

Nicknames: Addie Gracie, Addie Grace Face, Punkin Pants, Sunshine Girl

Birthday: She had an owl birthday this year and invited her friends (13 of them) over for a owl pajama party in the evening. We had owl cupcakes, with "owlple juice" and ice cream. We enjoyed a game of pin the feathers on the owl and she enjoyed opening gifts (per usual). It was fun to have so many of her friends over. She is blessed with many friends.

Favorite Place: Home

Favorite thing to do outside: Play in the snow, Surround house ( a made up cousin game) :)

Favorite color: yellow and green

Other moments:
* played her first year in Upwards basketball and did very well. Especially when Daddy told her that he would give her a dollar for every basket she made. Then she did even better!
* She enjoyed swimming lessons again with Ms. June and did a lot better this year. She wasn't apprehensive and jumped off of the side and diving board with little difficulty. She is a fish!
* Daddy bought her a new bike at the beginning of the summer. It's a bit big for her but she will grow into it. She loves to ride her bike!
* She was able to spend some quality time with her grandparents and aunt and uncle while her parents went to England in June. She enjoyed trips to the zoo, the cabin, McDonalds, and many other fun excursions.
* She lost her two front teeth this summer and it was quite an ordeal.
* She went to Genesis camp with Mimi because mommy was in England with Daddy. She had a lot of fun with the girls!
* We spent a weekend up at the cabin in August with Mimi, Bapa, Tee-Tee and Uncle D. We always have fun there.
* She began 2nd grade with her teacher Mrs. Drescher who she loves! She was in trouble a little at the beginning of the year for being too chatty but has quickly learned the ways of her classroom and even was awarded student of the week.
* She was a pirate girl for Halloween this year!
* Addison has turned a corner in 2012 with her behavior. We began to notice that when she watched certain programs on TV (that weren't necessarily bad but were maybe geared to children a bit older than her), that she would become more defiant and selfish. So - we put our foot down on what she was watching and since then have noticed a big difference in her behavior. She is kinder, more compliant, more respectful and easier to get along with. She giggles all the time and loves things that make her laugh. She is pure joy ( most of the time) and I'm so thankful that we've worked through this phase. She still has her moments of extreme selfishness and entitlement but we continue to pray and ask for guidance in parenting her because she has so much compassion for others and has a very soft spirit with a strong desire to give. We have also noticed that she has grown up a bit this year, wanting to do and be involved with things alongside the grown-ups. She has a desire to play games more often, and loves conversing with the adults in the family. She's growing up - and too fast!!! I loved that she still believed in Santa this year and still wanted Barbies and girl toys. Who knows how long that will last? Next year is may be different. So I cherished her this Christmas and love who she is becoming. I look forward to 2013 with my Addie girl. She is continues to be a bright ray of sunshine wherever she goes!

Oh man!

Well.........let's see! Where did my desire for blogging go? The truth is - nowhere! I still love to get my thoughts down and post about our adventures and everyday life. I am at a loss as to where to begin, or catch up I guess. It seems that I am SOOOOO far behind that I can do nothing but either rewind 6 months or start fresh. I think I'm going to do a quick recap (which pains me due to so many things that have happened in 2012.....England trip, Addison lost her front two teeth, My sister being pregnant, trips to the cabin, the retention of our President (oh my thoughts on this were intense), a fun packed holiday season among many other things that make life so great and then I'm going to start fresh. And I'm looking forward to it!

As of late I have been blogging in my mind - that is when I think (sometimes out loud) about certain things or events and I want nothing more than to write it down. This is my avenue to do that - my opinions, my family, my friends, my life! I know I have lost a few (if not all) of my readers which were few anyways. BUT - - - - this isn't for them (no offense) - it is for me and my family and my sanity at times. I need the release of writing and I've missed it.

2012 was a GREAT year - much better than 2011 in which I was wallowing in a bit of "getting older" blues as well as dealing with some fear and grief over the loss of some of my favorite people "my grandparents".

So many plans for 2013 - and so many aspirations which I will share after the 6 month recap that I will get started on and complete sometime in the next few days!

Thank you to those whose blogs inspire me. I love reading the blogs of my friends and family!