What a Journey!

It took me a while to read it, probably because there was often too much to digest. But I just finished it and it will go down as one of my favorites. It will be one I am truly glad I endured! I Know This Much Is True. - Wally Lamb

Composition Moment

Due to a lesson in Relief Society, I keep a composition book for all my boys. I use these books to write random, positive moments I may have had with them on a particular day. Today they each gaveme a moment and I thought I would share.

JACKSON - Nap time was rolling around and so I asked him if he was ready to sleep. We went in his room, I pulled down his curtains and prepared his bed. He then walked me out of his room, had me lie down on the couch and made me put my head on the pillow he gave me. He then put the blanket on me, said goodnight and left to his room. I heard him close his door and I did not see him for two hours.

RYAN - He had so much to say tonight. He was changed and ready for bed, but just had to chat for a while first. Jackson was in bed so I think Ryan knew this was HIS one on two time. Andrew and Ryan carried most of the conversation and it was a delight to hear. The last week or two he has really started to grow up - it's all so exciting! After all, he is a big brother now!

"We know exactly where he is now"

My sister-in-law Paige just sent this to me. I am so happy that we now know where Wes is - it was a little awkward going there and just trying to guess where he lies. As hard as it is to know he's there, it's also a strange comfort. I look forward to the next time we are up there because now I think we will have a chance to fill a little closer to him.

Me and my little man.....

Last night our new ward had a father and son camp out. The groggy weather brought on some hesitations, but we decided to give it a go anyways. We arrived at the site around 6:30pm. First things first, Jackson and I set up camp by flattening an area and pitching a tent. We then headed straight to the camp fire where we made some smores and then somores. Jackson mostly liked the hershey bars, but he did get down a couple of marshmellows (or lellos). Somebody brought out a gasoline powered RC car which was a little loud and apparently very frightening. After his 45 minute panic attack, Jackson settled down for some games and stories by the camp fire. We then decided to hit the deck. We slept pretty well considering the cold and the wonderful bedrock we were on. As our bishop said, "it was good camping sleep." This morning we awoke at first light and breakfast was on. Pancakes, eggs, bacon and o.j. Can't beat that with a stubby stick. We hung out for a while longer, and then headed back to mom for a shower and some hugs. (for me.) It did rain, and it was a little cold but we had a blast. Jackson did very well at his first camp out ever.

Aerobics

A couple of weeks ago, a lady from our ward started teaching aerobics at our Stake Center every mon., wed., and fri. at 8:30am FOR FREE! PLUS we can bring our kids. As a chubby mother of two, this was some of the best news I have received in some time. My plan was to get in shape like never before, but the new baby kind of threw me for a loop with that one. BUT I am still going to kick butt there and get in the best pregnant shape I can.

Anyway, if you are ever around and want to join me, feel free. It's a blast and it kicks your butt!! There aren't usually so many kids, but they didn't have school yesterday so there they are :)

In other news... Jackson is really warming up to his motorcycle! He is now sitting on it and pushes his way around the house. One day little man!!

Tonight's Festivities

Jackson had some family coming over tonight to celebrate with him, so he thought he should get Ryan a new diaper. He wouldn't let me help with the diaper change, so this is what we got. Our families came together tonight to celebrate the little man's day. They were all so excited to be here with him - it's wonderful that they love him so much!
Mamma and Papa Anderson, Tori, Ivan, Mya and Zoe

Mamma and Grandpa Arrietta and of course Ryan, all helped to make Jackson's day complete.

Near the end of the evening we played the cell phone game. We put all our phones out on the table and asked him to hand us our phones. He got every single one right! We are not sure why, but he has always been 0bsessed with our phones and he can't stand the idea of someone using a phone that is not their own.

We can't wait for him to get a little more comfortable with this moving object. He loves to watch other kids, but he became very nervous on his very own motorcycle. In many ways I am thankful for a cautious child.



We also want to thank Jackson's aunts for their phone calls. It's impressive that they remembered even though they are so busy. Thanks guys, it means a lot. Miss you both!
I can't guarantee this will be the last birthday post - sorry :)

A TWO YEAR OLD!?!?

Whatever will we do now?? There is so much life in this little body he amazes us on a regular basis - and he tries us on a regular basis :) But we love him so much and we are so blessed to be able to watch him grow. Happy Birthday JACKSON!

Rewind... Saturday - THE ZOO for the BIRTHDAY BOY!

For Jackson's SECOND birthday - we decided to forego the party and take him to the zoo. We missed all those that couldn't make it, but I am sure you were glad to be out of the 100 degree weather! The morning started out very relaxing! Jackson and Ryan watched a morning cartoon while we got things together for the day. Grandma Nette showed up with a gift... FISH!
Jackson took many pictures of his fish and I will spare you from most of them - but I thought it was cute he got grandma.


10am and we were off! Our drive was easy, parking was easy, loading into the stroller was easy, we were off to a good day.

This is Jackson looking at the TIGER!

He's hanging out with his buddy!
His favorite seemed to be the GIRAFFE!
Gee I can't tell why...

He was in awe of these creatures!



Ryan thoroughly enjoyed himself. We didn't hear a peep from him the entire time we were there. He kicked, smiled and slept - such an angel!
We left the zoo around 1 I think... not sure... and headed to Burbank's FUDDRUCKER'S. This has been one of our favorite's since we lived in Arcadia. As for Jackson, these machines are his favorite. He spent very little time eating, and much time analyzing and climbing.
Before we continued the party in the pool, Jackson needed about an hour and a half time out. I found him like this, with all his animals on the bed, and him on the floor. He really takes care of them!

Swimming was a nice way to end such a hot day. Our pool is freezing, so it was very refreshing.
It was great to have some family and friends at the pool - we are so blessed.When Jackson got tired of the pool, he decided to play catch on his own with the big pool ball. He rarely caught it, so I guess it's called throw.

We are so thankful for our little man and there was no better way to spend that day. He's a blast and I don't want to know what our life would be without him. He truly is the life of the party!

Rewind... Friday - Giselle & Softball

Giselle and I are trying to get together once a week - the half hour drive each way is worth it for great conversation and candid pictures of the boys!
No pictures of the players - just the cutest spectator!

Rewind... Thursday - Haircut & Nightmare & SURPRISE!

His SUMMER Buzz!
This is what happens when Jackson has a nightmare - it becomes mommy and daddy's sleep nightmare!
And no picture for this one - but we found out we are pregnant again! Who would have EVER imagined this would happen??? About a month and a half ago we were still trying to decide if we were done or planning on having more. Then about three weeks ago, I just kind of knew. Everything decision we were making these last few weeks, we had to include the idea, "well what if we are pregnant?". Well it was confirmed Thursday night and we think we are looking at JANUARY 19th!

Yeah Shay!!!

Congrats on your new job you little nurse you!

A Decent Find

I call it decent because it was not ideal, but it will do. We have been debating as to what we should do about a double stroller - should we get one, should we not, if we do what kind, bla bla bla...

When I finally decided I wanted one, I decided I wanted Dayna's (http://www.babybungalow.com/phandtee3foi7.html) - I should have stolen it when she was here. BUT I was not able to go that route :( So back to the drawing board.

Last Saturday I saw signs for a HUGE yard sale...lo and behold, they had a double stroller. It wasn't at all what I wanted so when they asked for $75, we said no and left. During the day, I was thinking about how I didn't want to spend a lot of money on a stroller I didn't really want, but I also couldn't get the one I really wanted - SO I figured the best bet would be to go back and offer $40 for the stroller at the yard sale.

$45 later, we had a double stroller and it's actually been very nice having it. It's ugly, well in my opinion, but it works!

I think the thing Jackson likes best is he can get in and out of it on his own! Crazy little man!

The Boys' Room

Standing in the doorway, this is to your very left.
Center of the room.
Right side of the room. The closet is there at the foot of Jackson's bed. We did what we could with white walls, but I am glad it's done - for the most part. I would love to still paint Jackson's bed and fill the cork board with candid pictures of the boys. Today Ryan tried out his new bed - in fact he's been sleeping in it since 3:15pm today - I think he likes it.

Maybe he just likes his blanket - huh Aunt Paige!