CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTER - 2013 EDITION

2013 - A WEATHERSBY YEAR IN REVIEW

Roses are red

It's the time of year

To let you all know

What's been going on here

Tim earned a license

To administrate schools

These days he's subbing

And enforcing class rules

Bethany blogs

She cleans and she cooks

She's a homeschooling mom

And she reads lots of books

Silas is a talker

He'll soon start volunteering

He enjoys playing piano

So lots of music we're hearing

Devon's a joker

Often up a tree

He loves puzzles and books

And origami

Naomi loves dancing
Has a tender heart
She also makes weird faces
And thinks it's funny to fart

Teebs is so busy
He moves all the time
He loves singing and running
And finding things to climb

We do lots of things
Like shooting hoops
Helping at church
Joining homeschool groups

Jumping on trampolines
Going for walks
Baking cookies
Having interesting talks

Both public and private
This year's had some trials
But we've had so many blessings
That have brought lots of smiles

We're thankful for those
Whose paths ours have crossed
And for the love of Jesus
Without which we're lost

Merry Christmas!!

The 6 Ws

Tim, Bethany, Silas, Devon, Naomi, Tyler

And now our latest batch of family pictures, which we are so thankful we were able to get done this year!

Stunt time.

Snuggle time.

Couple time.

Kid time.  The one where Silas said, "You can tell I have my legs kicked up, but it looks like Devon has a horn."

Kid time.  The one where Devon, in reply to the photographers request that the kids line up, said, "By age or by height?  Because they're different lines."

CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTER - 2012 EDITION

Life is a super busy and we're being super frugal.  Those two things have nothing to do with each other, but the combination of them means we're not doing paper copies of this year's newsletter.  So here's your electronic copy .... hot off the press.  Sorta.

You'll also find the little Ws' annual pictures, taken the months of their birthdays, and our current family picture after the newsletter.  That's the best part, as our kids are stinkin' cute!

2012 - A WEATHERSBY YEAR IN REVIEW

Agriculture - We enjoyed the thornless blackberries, ever-bearing raspberries, and strawberries that came with our home.  We also picked blueberries at someone's house and apples from a park, and gathered nuts from the neighborhood.

Basketball - Tim chose to take last season off, but worked summer tournaments and recently started his tenth season of officiating high school basketball.  He was also able to attend a Blazer game.

Coast - Bethany was invited to spend a weekend in Lincoln City with a small group of ladies and enjoyed the time to rest, laugh, shop, and walk on the beach.

Devon - He is almost always the first to help when there's a need and frequently does so without being asked, remembers all sorts of trivia and other information, loves climbing, and enjoys the thrill of hiding, whether household items, little gifts, or himself.

Education - Tim is not teaching this year and has returned to school as a part-time student with the goal of getting his administrator's license.  Silas, Devon, and Naomi are all being homeschooled.

Festivals - We had fun at Wooden Shoe Farm's Tulip and Pumpkin Fests, the Hubbard Hop, and our church's Harvest Festival.

Grade School - Silas and Devon have done all sorts of fun things with their class at church - forts & floats, water wars, movie nights, summer camp, and more. 

Healthy - Bethany used My Fitness Pal to figure out some ways to take better care of herself and dropped the rest of her baby weight in the process.  Tim used Take Shape For Life to help him lose about twenty-five pounds that he'd been carrying for eight years and then decided to become one of the program's health coaches.  Now they're both going to work on exercising more regularly.

Injuries - We had our regular share of scrapes and shiners, but this year's top medical drama was when Devon's teeth went through his lip and required stitches.  

Jesus - He loves us and we love him.  We're thankful for a Savior, a church that's committed to teaching the entire Bible, and the privilege of living in a country where everyone is granted the freedom to believe and worship as they wish.

Kids - We still have a desire to foster or adopt, but are waiting for the timing to be right.

Lessons - Silas, Devon, and Naomi took three sessions of swimming lessons.  The boys can now be found swimming all over the pool  and Naomi swims well enough that she no longer needs a life jacket or someone holding her.

Music - We went to several outdoor concerts at the library, a Kutless concert, a Tim Hawkins performance, and will be ending the year listening to several artists at the A Christmas Together concert. We had loaned our piano out for a couple years while we lived in an apartment and got it back this year.  The kids enjoy playing it, whether teaching themselves from a book or just plunking keys.

Naomi - She learned to read, tie her shoes, and ride a bike, loves anything pink, randomly tells us she loves us, and collects pigs.

Ownership - We've been in our home for a little over a year now and we love it.  We didn't mind renting, but it's been nice to paint walls and tear out bushes when we feel like it. 

Painting - Tim and Bethany painted one of the bathrooms in a neutral color the previous owners of the home had left behind, then Bethany painted the living room cobalt blue and the kitchen area lime green.

Questions - We often go around the table during a meal and have each person ask a question of the rest of the family.  The only rule is that the questions can't have yes or no answers.  We also end each evening by asking everyone what the hardest and best parts of their day were.

Road Trip - Devon headed south for a weekend and spent a couple nights with Papa and Nana.

Silas - He hit double digits this year, can be counted on to do things completely and correctly, has become addicted to mystery and adventure books, and dreams of living off the land in the wilderness someday.

Tyler - He smiled, laughed, rolled, sat, crawled, climbed, took a step or two, and will take off walking any minute now.  He's a happy kid who loves everyone, but his world revolves around Tim.

Ugly - We have blue counter tops in the kitchen, which came with the house.  That 80's country blue.  And lime green walls, which we chose.  Bright and cheery walls.  Someday the counter tops will be replaced, but meanwhile it's not a very attractive combination.  Just keep your eyes on the cheery walls and you'll be fine.

Visitors - From dinner guests to marshmallow gun wars, from birthday parties to weekend company, we had a lot of people come through our home.  Our most frequent visitors were the Moffits, Bethany's sister and her family, and the person who traveled the greatest distance was Sonja, who came from Arkansas.

Working - Silas entered the world of paid employment and did various jobs for a handful of people.

X = hugs - Naomi is super affectionate and frequently gives us spontaneous hugs.

Yanking - Several salmon pulled on Tim's fishing line this year, which means our freezer is full of fish.

Zinc - "Zinc on the pink" is our mantra when our diaper-wearing kids have a rash.  We've had to bust out the zinc a few times since Tyler was born and discovered that carrying the container around is one of his favorite things to do.

Merry Christmas!!!

The 6 Ws

 

 

 

 

CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTER - 2011 EDITION

We always take family pictures in late November, then send out our annual newsletter in early December. We decided to wait a bit longer than usual in 2011 because I was going to be having a baby about the time we normally do the newsletter. It made more sense to wait and have the 6th W in the family picture.

Then we opted to wait until five weeks after Tyler's birth to do the family picture. Why? Because I love traditions. You see, when Devon was five weeks old I secretly had a picture of him and Silas taken as a birthday gift to Tim. Then we took a picture of all three kids when Naomi was five weeks old, though that one wasn't a surprise. So, with another kiddo in the mix, I had no choice but to get another sibling shot when the littlest W was five weeks old. If I had to take all four kids in for that shot, then it was going to be most efficient to just do our family picture at the same time.

Then life got busy and the pictures sat in our house for about a month. Not only that, but I messed up our order, which meant about 99% of the recipients got only a family picture or only a kid picture, not one of each. I finally got them out at the end of February and am getting it posted here in March.

So, for those who only got one picture and those who didn't get any, here is the online version of the latest newsletter and family picture we've ever done.

2011 - A WEATHERSBY YEAR IN REVIEW

If we’d had to describe 2011 in one word while we were living in it, then it would have been “stressful”. We lived in an apartment with a huge mold problem that ruined some of our stuff, made us sick for four months straight, and made it impossible to use our closets. Tim received notice in the spring that he was getting laid off and would not have a job in the fall. Bethany had a hard pregnancy that included nausea, extreme exhaustion, depression, and more discomfort than any other pregnancy. Parenting and marriage were hard and our home was filled with strife.

In hindsight, though, we could also sum up the year with the word “blessed”. Tim was recalled by the district in August and given a new job that kept us from having any lapse in income or health insurance. Several of Bethany’s friends helped her in both practical and intangible ways during her pregnancy. We bought our first home and it’s absolutely perfect for our family. Our family is intact and the amount of conflict has decreased significantly. We have another W, which is why our pictures didn’t get taken in November and our newsletter is two months late.

It was probably the hardest year we’ve had as a family, but it ended well and for that we’re grateful.

The 6 Ws - Tim, Bethany, Silas, Devon, Naomi, Tyler

CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTER - 2010 EDITION

In keeping with our current "put all extra money toward school debt & move into an apartment to do so" way of living, we pared down our newsletter and photo budget quite a bit this year. So, if you normally get a picture and didn't this year, please don't take it personally and know the odds are good that you'll be back on the list in the future.

In keeping with blogging tradition, I'm posting our newsletter (the shortest, sweetest, and easiest one I've ever done) and annual family picture for everyone who didn't get the real deal. We also got a cute shot of the kids together and one of Tim and I, which I've included. Tim and I haven't had professional pictures of us as a couple since our wedding and this one was dirt cheap, so I'm really glad it turned out!

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2010 - A WEATHERSBY YEAR IN REVIEW

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Many of you keep up with our family through Bethany’s blog, weekly pictures on our Picasa page, or Facebook. So, rather than highlighting all the things you already know, we’ll have the kids tell you a little about themselves this year.

Silas (the efficient list maker) - I like puzzles & Sudoku. I like my birthday and science. I love baseball! I like candy, especially sour patches, but I don’t like most chocolate. I like movies. I like snow. I love to cook! And that’s all.

Devon (the random comedian) - I’ve lost six teeth total and I have four that I’ve saved. I want to see if the Tooth Fairy takes a whole bunch at a time. (Insert total cheeseball voice with silly facial expressions.) I love science! I like mystery books, as long as their not 400 chapter books. I love climbing. (Return to normal voice.) I love playing tricks on my brother, especially this one –I take a piece of paper and write “Read what?” on it. Then I ask Silas to read it to me. When he reads “Read what?”, then I say (insert annoyed tone here) “Read this!”

Naomi (the sweet-tooth snuggler) – I love to go to church and have sprinkle doughnuts. I like Piggy (a stuffed animal she has) and Hello Kitty (another stuffed animal) and to decorate the Christmas tree and have fun. I like to draw. I like to have a doughnut date. I like markers.
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CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTER - 2009 EDITION

First of all, I have to say I hate trying to figure out who is going to get our newsletter and family pictures each year. Ugh. So, if you didn't get one, then please don't take it personally. I only have so many and have to draw the line somewhere on the list. However, I'm posting both the picture and newsletter here for those who didn't get a hard copy. Sorry, though, you don't get it on the cute snowman paper I printed the hard copies on.

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This year I decided to change up our newsletter a little. Most families, including ours, tend to list out all the highlights of the year and the accomplishments of each family member. That's all good and fine. I enjoy hearing what's good in the lives of our friends. However, I don't think your average Christmas newsletter gives a very realistic picture of that particular family's entire year. So, this year I wrote two newsletters. One side is a normal newsletter, written as an acrostic. The other side is a reality check.

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Without further ado, and for those who didn't get the real deal, here is this year's newsletter, followed by this year's picture.

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2009 – A WEATHERSBY YEAR IN REVIEW

Please read this side if you like newsletters that focus on the high points of the year or if you want to believe our life is sunshine and roses all the time.

Wars – We hosted three marshmallow gun wars this year with a total of about 100 people battling. This is a tradition we’ll be sure to continue each year. Lots of fun!!
Education – Silas is in second grade and Devon is in kindergarten. Both boys are being homeschooled and doing really well academically.
Adorable – Naomi is a somersaulting, funny face making, phone chatting, puffy pigtail wearing, shoe loving, climbing, snuggling, popcorn eating, swinging, and completely fantastic two year old.
Teaching – Tim finished his third year at Salem-Keizer Online, which means he’s no longer a probationary employee. He also telecommutes part-time during the summer. Job security is a blessing and he loves his job.
Hawks – The boys requested mohawks that became half-hawks (Silas) and x-hawks that became 50 yard lines (Devon invented those). All versions were fro-hawks at some point.
Experimenting – Silas really enjoys creating new recipes. His baking experiments, which have been bar cookies and cakes, have moved from being edible to being pretty tasty.
Routine – Our health was uneventful. No pregnancies, deliveries, surgeries, ER visits, 911 calls, general anesthesia, x-rays, or ambulance rides this year. First time in several years that’s happened.
Stuntman – Devon is often found in the treetops, scaling doorframes, at top of the tetherball pole, hanging from or climbing along the top of the swing set, standing on his head, or doing reverse somersault flips.
Bargains – Bethany has taught a handful of classes to women who were looking for ways to stretch their household dollar. She’s enjoyed seeing them put some of her ideas into practice and get excited about blessing their family’s finances.
Youngsters - All three kids are buds. Obviously they get on each other’s nerves here and there, but the vast majority of the time they’re dancing, reading, or playing together, offering to serve each other, and sharing their candy stashes.

2009 – A WEATHERSBY YEAR IN REVIEW

Please read this side if you like newsletters that prove other families are just as flawed as your own or if you want to feel like your family is better than ours.

Wishy-Washy – Tim and Bethany took foster parenting classes. Then they decided not to foster parent at this point in time, but vowed to help foster kids somehow. They haven’t done anything for foster kids since.
Experiments – Each of the boys have a science experiment assigned each week. Bethany and Tim never did a single one of them over the last year with the boys. Sometimes the boys did them on their own.
Attitude – When Bethany is stressed or frustrated she has a tendency to be sarcastic (the mean kind, not the funny kind), yell, and use a nasty tone of voice. It’s incredibly immature. It’s a bit hypocritical too, since she won’t let her kids act that way.
Ten –Tim & Bethany had their tenth anniversary in June. That’s a bigger milestone these days than it used be. Unfortunately, their marriage was stressful at that point and they did nothing to celebrate their anniversary.
Hands – Devon always has his fingers in his mouth. When he’s tired. When he’s bored. When he’s upset. Pretty much anytime his hands aren’t busy doing something else. He’s five years old and it’s ridiculous behavior for someone his age.
Excrement – Weathersby children poop in the toilet by the time they are two. Naomi, evidently, didn’t get that memo. She refuses to tell us when she needs to get up on the toilet. It’s disgusting that we’re dealing with poopy diapers on a two year old.
Relationships – We had friendships drift apart and people get offended by things we said. We also had someone we know steal nearly $1000 from us, and then go back and forth between admitting it and lying about it.
Scowl – Whether Tim is mindlessly staring off into space or genuinely upset he has a scowl on his face. His family is often asking if he’s in a bad mood, something he doesn’t appreciate if he’s not grumpy, which then leads to a genuine scowl.
Busy – Silas’ body and mouth are constantly busy. He’s always dancing, talking, tapping his feet, clicking his tongue, talking, snapping his fingers, running, or talking some more. It gets pretty annoying.
Yuck – Tim’s car is always a pig sty. Bethany always has piles of papers and other things she needs to deal with. The garage never stays organized. We rarely dust our furniture or windowsills. There is mold on our bathroom ceiling.

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CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTER - 2008 EDITION

I just wanted to share our newsletter and family here for those who we weren't able to give the real thing to. If there are things you want to know more about, then try checking the labels in my blog sidebar. You'll probably be able find more info there. Enjoy!!

2008 - A WEATHERSBY YEAR IN REVIEW

What a year! We’ve had tragedies and miracles, mellow weeks and insanely busy schedules, milestones and routines. Here’s a quick peek at the moments that stood out in 2008.

Devon taught himself to read. Silas turned into a chef and baker. Tim’s mom moved back to the area after living in Florida for several years. Tim played on the church softball team, participated in a golf tournament, and officiated basketball. We attended concerts and a production of Willy Wonka in local parks. Naomi identified her first (tongue – wagged on command) and second body part (eyes – blinked on command). The boys had their first dentist appointments (and, by the way, their teeth looked great, despite the fact their parents took way too long getting them to a dentist). We discovered Ciara, a cute little girl that prompted us to finally pursue adopting a child with special needs. We ended our second and started our third year of home schooling. Bethany’s grandmother moved to the area from Grants Pass. Devon had an incarcerated hernia, which led to our first combination of ER visit, overnight hospital stay, and surgery. We visited Bethany’s dad in August and went on a church campout over Labor Day weekend. Silas lost his first tooth and was visited by the tooth fairy. One of Tim’s nieces died in a tragic car accident. Several of our days had “do nothing” written in ink on our calendar. Naomi learned to sit, crawl, walk, climb, and a myriad of other things. Bethany spent a weekend in California with a bunch of women from the Sonlight forums. We hosted a summer potluck series, had various families over for dinner, and had visitors from as far as New Zealand and the Philippines. Silas drowned, and then came back to life. Tim and Bethany had their last single digit anniversary. Devon learned to ride a bike without training wheels. We saw an IMAX movie, watched the city parade, and the boys slid down a hill on cardboard while we saw hundreds of swifts roost in an old chimney.

So, there’s our year in a nutshell. We’ve had our share of struggles this year, but we’ve also seen a ton of blessings. It’s been a good year! Merry Christmas!!

THE 5 Ws

And here are the family pictures we had taken this year. Are our kids stinkin' cute or what?!

Devon trying not to smile.

Devon's fantastic smile & characteristic fingernail picking.

Doesn't he look grown up?

Silas proving that he is completely unable to stop dancing.


Trying to be serious, but failing miserably.


Silas looking handsome.


Don't you just want to kiss Naomi's little feet?

The start of Naomi's trademark scrunch face smile.

As some women at church say, she's just "yummy".

Evidently the studio liked the pose we used at home a couple months ago.

All 5 Ws

And more of the 5Ws.