Somewhere Over TheRainbow

We have three little angels in heaven.

This song always makes me think of them.

But only this version.

Today this song makes my heart smile. 

30 Weeks

I go back and forth on where to post pregnancy related photos, feelings, thoughts, etc...here or on "Herm's" blog.  I've decided that "Herm's" blog is more about letters to him from me and this one is just about anything, really.  About life, I guess.

Anyway, here is a picture of Danielle and I at the Peter Kirk baby shower.

Me = 30 weeks, Danielle = 37 weeks

Our little boys will be friends. 

I'm so thankful that I have Danielle, a close friend, who has also been pregnant the same time that I have.  She's about 7 weeks ahead of me, and she has a similar story.  It's great to compare and talk about our pregnancies.  The reassurance has been appreciated.

Danielle, you've kept me grounded.  We've laughed together...and laughed at others.  We've made a pact to get back in shape after the babies are here.  We've also made a deal with one another that if we are still packin' on the pounds a year after the babies are here that we can support each other to "get our acts together".  I simply love your positive outlook on life...it's contagious.  I look forward to the days of our little boys playing together and us sipping on our beers, poolside, in the summer time.

Thanks for being a great friend, Danielle.

Snow, Snow, Snow

The past week we have been hit with a snow storm and as I sit in the kitchen and stare out the window, it continues to snow.  Chad and I have ventured out a few times and last night as we were driving around we were talking about how all the snow makes us miss Idaho.  We both wish that at least for a month we could have continued snow here; although, what a disaster that would be with the crazies around her.  Not to mention that Western Washington does not have the equipment to maintain that kind of snow levels.  Nonetheless, we sure do enjoy it and the memories it sparks from living in Idaho.  (Sorry Sonja, no plans of moving back to Idaho.)

With the snow, brings snow days or days away from school.  School was canceled the past two days and at the rate the snow is falling today, we probably won't have school tomorrow either.  Every snow day missed during our regularly scheduled school days we have to make up at the end of the school year.  YUCK!  This means that we are currently in school until June 26th.  ARE YOU KIDDING ME?  I can only hope that we don't have a 4th of July assembly.  If that's the case, I might strongly consider extending my maternity leave.

In other news...Peter Kirk had a baby shower for Danielle and I.  It was a lot of fun.  Low key, great food, great drinks (I only had a couple little sips) no lame games and just hanging out.  The staff got our babies newborn matching outfit sets (our babies are 7 weeks apart) and one other larger gift.  I got one of these...

...a moby wrap.  I've heard great things about this baby-carrier-contraption and it's very popular in Europe and the middle east.  It's supposed to be excellent for your back too.  I've heard it's quite comfortable...we'll see how it goes.  How lucky I am to be working at such a loving, positive and supportive school.  The community at PK is truly one of the best.

Mom is planning a family/family friend baby shower in February.  I'm really looking forward to this.  I'm excited to see everyone and to just enjoy the day.  The big party will be after "Herm" arrives...we won't be holding back...our neighbors might even dislike us for a while as we party it up with family and friends.  I'm okay with this..."Herm's" worth every moment of celebration.

Here are a few pictures.  Enjoy...

Family Christmas photo.  

Snowy house. 

Looking into our snowy cul-de-sac.

Everyone should be jealous of my socked-flip-flopped-Vanna-White-reindeer-mail-retriever.

(He's so cute.)

Hunkering down for another snow day...I just received a call from the school district stating that there is no school tomorrow.  Fourth of July school assembly is just around the corner. 

What A Year It's Been

First off...Happy New Year to all my family and friends.  What an exciting year it has been.

I came across this on a new favorite website at www.pinterest.com.  The website is a time sucker, but nonetheless an absolutely fun place to get ideas for the classroom, to decorating, to gardening, to fashion, to favorite recipes...it's all there.  Here's the idea I thought was great and I think I am going to use this in my classroom.  Like most things that I do with my students, I generally do the same project to get an idea for what my expectations would be for their age level and to have an example for them.  Plus, it gives them a little bit more of an inside as to what their teacher is really like.  Here it is...(You can also go to the website in the bottom right hand corner of the picture to actually print this out.)

So what a year it's been for me...

A Little About Me

Name:  Robin

Age: 33 (almost 34, yikes)

Favorite Color: Red

Favorite Food:  Mexican or Thai

Favorite Activity:  Knitting, running, being with friends, watching movies

Favorite Book: I really don't have one...

...I like the author Roald Dahl and

I recently enjoyed the book Bossy Pants by Tina Fey.

Highlights From 2011

Greatest Lesson Learned: God never fails and it's all on His timing.

Hardest Thing of the Year: Trusting in God.

Favorite Memory: Seeing our baby's heartbeat.

What I Loved Most About 2011: Realizing just how blessed we are to be loved by so many people.  

Blessed almost seems like a cliche word to use...

...its downright unbelievable how loved and fortunate we are.

Looking Forward to 2012

Want to Learn: I want to learn how not to get caught up in the little things

that don't matter in the big picture of life.

I also want to learn how to sew...

...something I've mentioned the past couple of years...

...maybe this is the year.

Want to Get Better At: I want to get better at being devoted to my husband, 

and I want to lessen my "piles" around the house, in the classroom, etc.

Biggest Goal: To be a relaxed new mommy...

...and learn as I go...

...and learn from mistakes.

Eeeek!  I can't wait to do this with my kiddos.  They are going to love this!  

Happy New Year everyone.

Lots of love,

Robin 

Miracle

Yesterday in church, someone who I truly value the words they share, came up to me and shared that this Christmas for Chad and I will be something extra special.  Extra special because of God's love.  Extra special because of the miracle of having a baby on the way.  He also shared that he knew that God would not let us down and that one day we would become parents.  He just knew.  This man has a Godly heart and I truly appreciate the prayers, words of wisdom and loving, gentle soul that he has shared with Chad and I.  

Yes, this Christmas is going to be extra special because we have a baby on the way.  God's miracle of creation.  We are so blessed.  

Merry Christmas.