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!

Fast Asleep!!

Normally Addison falls asleep while I read books to her in the evening. On Tuesday night however she remained awake and when I left the room she asked if she could look through some books. I gave her three books to look at and told her goodnight. As Jeremy and I prepared to go to bed about an hour later I went in to check on her and make sure she was asleep. This is what I found: And yes, she was dead asleep!! Too cute!

Celebrating the 4th

Our 4th of July was wonderful!! We first ventured out to Melba with my in-laws and watched the parade. The kids enjoyed getting the candy and sometimes took big risks in front of large tractors and trucks because there was candy there. They made a haul!! Then we went and ate lovely carnival food for lunch, (hand-dipped) corn dogs, (homemade) french fries and (home-squeezed) lemonade. There is something special about carnival food in the summertime, especially during the 4th. Then we went home for some much needed air conditioning and a little nap time. In the evening we went over to my parents for a barbeque with some friends and family. We ate outside and the weather was beautiful. The boys enjoyed a competitive game of croquet and boche ball and the ladies talked and watched the kiddos run around, splash in the small pool and cover themselves and the cupcakes with frosting. The day ended how all Independence days should end - with sparklers and fireworks. It was a great time lay back and celebrate our country's birthday.

Running for candy at the parade!

They made a haul!


Cupcakes + Frosting = fun! fun!

Friendly game of croquet


Sparklers!!