Happy FOURTH Birthday, Mr. Ry

How old are you? Four (with excitement)

What is your favourite color?  Blue and red

What is your favourite animal? Hmm, giraffe.  I like the ocean.

What is your favourite food? Tofu and tofu sauce, chicken nuggets, and rice

What do you want to be when you grow up? A firefighter

What is your favourite book? Pirate ones with a ship

What is your favourite song? My Jesus song

What is your favourite TV show? Cinderella (oh boy, he spends a lot of time with his sister) and I even like our new shows that grandma got us (grandma shopping bought some VHS's for their bedroom)

What is your favorite holiday?  Halloween

Where would you most like to go for a holiday? Las Vegas (I'm assuming because we just left there)

What is your favourite thing to do? go to the sushi place, go to the beach with my friends and I like something special for me that Corinne and Missy won't get it

Where do you like to go for dinner? Sushi, sushi, sushi

Who is your best friend?  Gagey and Gunner and someone else I don't know

What do you like doing at home?  Play my football game

What do you love about your sister?  She plays with me

What do you love about Jackson?  He helps me to get all the water in the hole at the beach

What do you love about Cole?  I like him to color

What do you love about school?  um, paint

What do you love about church?  don't play

What do you love about mom and dad?  kissing, I just like pretend kissing (it's hit and miss, sometimes he likes affection, sometimes not so much)

Wednesday morning went like every other week; my mom came to take Ryan to speech and I went to work in Jackson's classroom.  We cleaned and prepared for the evening.  Ryan was so very happy it was his birthday and that he was turning FOUR and that dad got him his Woody pinata!

What do you want to do for your birthday?  Sushi and golfing

To honor his wishes, we headed to Sushi California for Happy Hour because really, that's the best way to do sushi!  The little man was in heaven.

From there we headed to the glow in the dark golf because it was freezing outside and because we have an awesome friend that hooked us up!  Andi was so excited she jumped out of the car and got her jacket on all by herself.

There's nothing like celebrating your birthday with your best friends!

Once all was said and done, we headed home for cake.  No, I did not attempt that lame giant cupcake.  And no, we did not have a chocolate cake.  Ryan likes red ice cream, aka Red Velvet, so I tried red velvet cake to see if I could actually get this kid to eat more than two bites.  Really, I only force cake down his throat for his birthday!  Well, he liked it and I think got down three bites.  Oh well.

Ryan I don't know what we'd do without you.  Your strong character attributes amaze us each day.  Ryan you are the perfect example of Christ like love and we thank you for reminding us all to think of others before ourselves.  We need you, we love you and we thank you for blessing us with your beautiful heart.  I only pray you may always remember who you are and where you're going.  Don't let anyone take you down.  Happy Birthday, Ry!

Love is in the Air

Friday night Andrew took me out - Andrew arranged for a night out.  What!?!?  Do you know how huge this is?  We went to dinner at Wokano and then roamed the patios.  Of course we ended up in Children's Place because we're that lame.  Next I so wanted to see the Vow but we left too late which meant dinner was too late and the next showing wasn't until 10pm ish.  Uh, no way.  I had an 8am meeting the next day and I was beat from the night before (thanks, Cole).  So instead we went to rent a movie and guess what, we both fell asleep about half way through.  Big night, huh :)  

 Andi and Ryan have been feeling the love for sure.  They have always played well together but lately, they are doing SO well.  We have had very little TV on lately and it's nice.  Their imaginations are running wild and they truly are each other's best friend.

Monday night was a long one.  Andrew ended up working until close to midnight and that changed all my plans for the evening.  I was so glad that Michalle entertained my children with a craft and watched the three older ones while I ran to Target with all the rest of the losers to purchase the kids' Valentine's for school the next morning.  There was some drama and yelling but the cards symbolizing love were eventually finished.

Valentine morn began as usual.  Jackson and I got up and I made waffles (ok, not norm but breakfast is).  I wish I had red dye but oh well.  We ate and got ready while the others snoozed.  Sort of.  Ryan was whimpering and Andrew told him to lie down and go back to sleep.  Ryan was complaining that his head hurt, but he's often complaining so Andrew didn't think anything of it.  Before Jackson left for school, he went in to hug Ry and Andi.  He came out to tell Andrew that Ryan's head hurt.  When I got home from taking Jackson to school, Andrew informed me of the drama... he went to lift Ry off bed and the entire bed pulled up with him.  Yes, Ryan was stuck to his bed - he really meant it this time when he said he couldn't get out of bed.  The boy that cried wolf actually saw the wolf!  Poor guy!  FYI, baby oil gets silly putty out of hair!

Did anyone else find FB to be rather annoying on Valentine's Day?  Ugh, keep it to yourself is what I thought.  And Pinterest, man I love you but you have really raised the stakes this year.  I mean, the possibilities are endless.  No one knew this until you came around.  So, in relation to what I viewed on FB, our evening was mediocre but if you ask the kids (or us for that matter) it was fabulous.

We had a family candlelight dinner which was so very beautiful.  Lasagna (hehe Jenn) because I craved it but let's say because it's red.

Now brace yourselves, here comes the highlight of the evening!  We created a pink and white marshmallow trail which lead to a little goody for each kid and one group gift.  It was quick but it was fun.

Finally, before bed, the kids opened their Valentine's gift from Grandpa grandpa and grandma shopping.  They were so excited and yet so obedient when we told them they had to eat them in the morning.

I feel blessed to have so much love in our life.  It's tough at times but every single night I think about all the people in our lives and I realized just how wealthy we are.  I wish I could give you all a Valentine just to let you know how very important you are to each and every one of us.  It was great that despite a great distance, I will still able to celebrate Valentine's day with my family while I mopped my floor.  Oh Facebook chat, you made our evening :)  (hehe Rob, Sharon & dad - good times).

Surprise Breakfast

6am came and no one but Cole and Jackson wanted to get out of bed.  Lying there in bed I heard commotion in the kitchen but it wasn't alarming so I continued to lie there.  When my 6:40am alarm went off, I decided to get my lazy butt out of bed so I could help my 5 year old son get ready for school.

He had gotten Cole out of his crib and the two were getting along just fine.  When Jackson saw me he was a bit disappointed, "Oh man, I was making a surprise breakfast for everyone!".  Ry had recently joined him and was assisting in the assembly line.  We all had to take our seat before we could enjoy our butter with a side of toast.  It was way cute and I couldn't break it to him that he was making himself late for school.  The next morning he wanted to do it again - I'm not sure when he's going to realize we don't all eat toast for breakfast.  I'll never tell him!

 Andi probably will though.  She likes her toast with no jam, just butter.  She let her brothers know she wasn't pleased.

 Can you believe it was hailing today; for a good half hour too.  And yet, here are these darling pictures from two days ago - check out the summer wear!  This little man has been playing on his own very well these days; especially when I am loading or unloading the dishwasher!

The other night we were invited to celebrate Talia's birthday at BJ's.  Well, actually, Andi and Ryan were invited but Jackson and I tagged along :)  It was so fun and yummy.  Thanks, Talia!

Is any post complete without including a Pinterest accomplishment?  No!  So here it is - this ruler has been in my garage for some time now and it has finally made its way onto our wall.  These pictures don't do it justice but the idea really is adorable.  On their birthday, we will be marking their height each year.  This way, we can take it with us from house to house.  Love it. 

Last night we did our bed time routine as usual until I was about to walk out of their room.  At that point I decided to add something new.  Not because it was such a blissful day; no, quite the opposite in fact.  I decided to tell each kid something I loved about them or something that made me happy.  Why?  Because all day I was telling them what they were doing wrong, which was a lot.  But now I'm thinking, this really should become part of our normal routine.  Here's to hoping I enforce it!

Disneyland

Saturday morning life was life - Andrew worked and I did the mom duty.  Saturday evening we took a step out of our reality....

At this point in our lives, Disneyland is a far off dream; that was until the Wise's made that dream come true.  I mean really, we are talking Disney :)

Walking through downtown Disney, Jackson turned and said, "Thanks mom, thanks dad... for bringing us here!".  We made our way into the park at about 6:00pm and Andrew was so very giddy.  I was afraid the kids might not feel the "magic" being dark and all, but no, the second Andi saw that castle, the joy was overwhelming.

When we took Jackson for his third birthday (Ha, let's pretend this trip was for Andi's 3rd and Ry's 4th... and why not, Cole's 1st birthday!) we decided that the next time we came back, we would go straight to Mickey's Toon Town.  Our first stop was Mickey's house.  Jackson wasn't too familiar with the Disney characters last time but it was so much more fun this time around having three kids familiar with the characters and everything else.

Ryan wasn't too thrilled to meet Mickey; he didn't want to hold his hand.  Andi on the other hand was beyond thrilled - I think you can see that in her body language!

From there we took the kids to the large roller coaster in Toon Town.  We thought Jackson would be excited - uh, nope.  He was crying off and on in line and we told him he didn't have to ride.  I stood in line with them so I could take off any kid that freaked out.  Jackson and Cole went across with me while Andi, Ryan and Andrew loaded up.

Once Jackson saw them all in there, he decided he wanted to ride with Andrew.  Can you believe our three year old's went in front!?!?

Andi's smile didn't last long.... Andrew heard crying on the ride but wasn't sure who it was.  Of course the assumption was Ryan, but nope, not this time.

Haha, don't worry, she recovered quickly. 

By now it was nearing 7pm and we knew we had to feed them.  We left the house in such a rush that we didn't even bother to feed them after naps.  $18 dollars later, we had two pizzas to share.  The good news is the pizza was actually tasty.  The kids ate and then continued to play in Toon Town.

The other ride we went on in Toon Town, is it Rager Rabbit??, I don't know - anyway, they all enjoyed it so much they were then dying to go on any ride we came across.  Cole was so into it all which was nice considering his bed time had come and gone.

The timing of it all was fabulous because as we were making our way out, they were starting to shut the gates.  Whew!

It's A Small World - always thought it was lame... until now.  Ryan said it was his favorite, Jackson said it was awesome, Andi's face said she loved it.  They loved seeing Nemo and Arial, and a different Ito.  And despite how late it was and how tired Cole was, he loved it.

The kids wanted to go on the "caterpillar" ride and so they got in line and Cole and I went to get our spot for the fireworks.  Once I heard they were cancelled for the night, we headed back over and we were able to see them load up into the green one!

Andi had to pee after this ride and so I got in line for the tea cups with the other three.  Luckily Andrew came back just in time to give me Andi and to take Cole.

9:00pm we decided to start heading back.  Cole was very sleepy and wanted to be held and we knew the others would soon follow suit.  On our way out we grabbed some hot chocolate and cotton candy.  Andi was so delirious by the point, she was hysterically laughing at the cotton candy.  Cole fell asleep and transferred into the stroller.  Downtown was still buzzing so we took our time.

But then, the fun came to an abrupt ending.  I carried a whining Andi, Andrew pushed a whining Jackson and we made our long journey to the car.  We did PJ's and some cried more than others but once we were in the car cruising out of the parking lot, 3 out of the 4 knocked out.  Jackson noticed this and observed but after getting gas and hoping onto the freeway, he joined the others.

Andi was so tired she didn't even notice her seat had shifted during the drive home.  We were beat but so very grateful for this serendipitous trip to Disneyland.  Next time we'll have to go in the daylight and with grandpa grandpa and grandma shopping because they were dying missing out.  We can't thank you enough, Wise Family!

"What was your favorite thing about Disneyland?"

J: Everything!

R: The pink, soft, candy (cotton candy)

A: The rollercoaster (I guess she forgot she was freaked?  Can we say, "childbirth")

C: (my guess based off his reactions) the lights, the people, the rides... everything

BFF

When I got word the Wise's were headed to Anaheim in February, I knew there was no way I would miss the chance to visit with them.  But even more importantly, I knew there was no way I would miss my chance to meet Tatum!  The last time we saw one another, Jena and I were pregnant and now, Tatum is one and Cole is almost there.  Too long I tell ya!

So, I loaded up my fancy GPS and Andi and Ryan (because they wanted to go with me to "visit my friend") Friday morning.  Once I figured out how to get there, thanks for nothing "fancy yellow paper", we were all ready for lunch.  CPK seemed like our best option.  The kids did well and we enjoyed visiting.

Luckily for me I have an amazing friend that took time out from her family to hang out with me.  While they were all in Disneyland, Jena and I hung out at the pool.  Andi and Ryan went swimming, white trash style until Ryan slipped and fell in soaking his underwear and shirt.  Andi pointed out a Mexican in the pool and said, "There's an Ito.  We have an ito, but it's a different one!"  Love it.  The day was winding down and I was nervous of the Friday night traffic.  I could see Andi and Ryan becoming worn and I worried about them getting to the point where they wouldn't cooperate.  So, about 5:00pm, worst time ever, we headed out.  We sat, and sat and decided to meet up with OUR ITOs for some dinner.  It took us an hour and twenty minutes from Anaheim, but man the food and company were worth the wait.  

We went to Miguel's Jr. so we didn't have to deal with the Friday restaurant traffic - I had had about enough of the traffic.  Andi was all over Ito, loving her time.  On the way there, once we had decided to meet them, she kept talking about how much she loved them and how much she wanted to see them.  She RAN to them once we arrived.  7pm we were on our way home and it worked out well now that the traffic had died down.  It took me an hour and 5 minutes to get home from there and it was nice actually.  There are things I miss about commuting - who would have thought.

But what I miss most of all is Jena.  I am grateful for technology and every other tool we use to keep tabs on one another.  There's nothing like hanging out with a friend and feeling like no time or distance has come between you.

And in case you're wondering, Tatum was adorable and I am so glad I met her!

Life is like an old time rail journey....

There are times when it's necessary to ignore the happenings outside your home and simply focus on the most important things in your life.  The "things" that live in your home.  The "things" that you sometimes trip over.  The "things" that keep you up all night.  The "things" that make you smile even during the darkest moments.  Those "things" aren't really "things", are they!?  Nope.  They're what gives you that refill necessary to deal with the issues, trials, and drama of the outside world.  Because let's be honest, you can't ignore all that is outside your little bubble; it's there for a reason.  And even if it's not there to teach you something, it's there to bring you joy at times.  The journey is crazy but it's so very worth it.

“Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he’s been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to just be people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is like an old time rail journey…delays…sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling burst of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.” ― Gordon B. Hinckley ...

JACKSON Yesterday morning was a dreary one.  That was until I had a chance to spend time with Jackson in his class.  As soon as he came in from recess, he ran over to give me a hug.  Just glad I was there.  Working with him and his peers is always so rewarding.  I love being able to see how he works with them and how he learns.  At this stage in the game, they're such sponges and it's adorable.  And then to add to my joy, this morning Jackson told Andrew, at 6:40am, "I don't want to watch a show, I'm going to finish cleaning my room."  The fact that he started cleaning on his own, while we were all still in bed, and wanted to continue cleaning, well....

RYAN Yesterday afternoon, while still slightly discouraged, I decided to take some time with Ryan and work on his speech and preschool homework.  Wow, that man is learning a lot and I had no idea.  How sad is that.  Today, after preschool, Ry asked to do some homework and I jumped at the opportunity to sit down with him despite the fact I just had that burst of energy needed to clean up my house.  So, the house sat untouched but it doesn't even matter anymore.  Andi was sleeping, Cole was playing, Jackson was at school and Ryan and I were bonding.  Today he wanted sushi - so he called grandpa grandpa and asked.  Apparently he did a good job because he got exactly what he wanted.

ANDI "I being a good girl mommy" and she always is; when she wants to play with Corinne.  Apparently the pants I put on her today, "aren't cute".  Uh, excuse me.  She took Ry to preschool, hung out at boot camp and by the time we got home, she decided she needed to change.  It's getting ridiculous really.  I have always enjoyed the enthusiasm she had for fashion, but now that she's arguing with me over what's cute or not, so help us!  I don't know what I'll do when I can't convince her no matter what; I still have SOME control.  But she's hilarious, and helpful, and sweet.  When we picked up Ry, she got out and ran to him and put her arm around him; the little pill.  Well, this little pill got grandpa grandpa to had over $10 for ice cream.  She's got a gift!

COLE He's back to normal and I am so grateful for that.  He's back to playing independently and eating and sleeping.  He was apparently love sick - after seeing his girlfriend, Stevie Haub, on Sunday, he came home and slept 14 hours.  Woke up at about 6:30am, ate, showered, etc, and then went down again.  He took 4 naps that day at least an 1.5 hours each.  She healed him!  I'm so glad he's happy again and into everything.  While "playing" today, he made his way up on the "homework table".  I guess it was in honor of his 11mo. birthday (ahh, 11months, that magically age where you can gain a younger sibling!).  All on his own - we're in for it now!!

What A Week!

Was this really only five days ago?

No, really, what a roller coaster.  But today things are looking up.  It's warm and Ryan can breathe.  No more coughing, well no more excessive coughing.  We must continue treatments so he doesn't go downhill again, but wahoo!  Cole on the other hand is giving me a run for my money.  Oh the joys of four children, there's always one!  Cole has swollen gums and wants to be held ALWAYS!

Every Friday my friend, Valeri, poses the statement, "Tell me the best part of your week".  There are more than this but a couple that stand out:

Sushi and Menchies with grandpa grandpa and grandma shopping (just what Ryan ordered)

Getting into the V-Day spirit

Nikki and Becky hooked us up with an awesome 3yr/old shoot!  And Brit hooked us up with the adorable and inexpensive romper.  I'm in love!

Jackson heard the door bell and what he found brought such a smile to my face.  So cute.  So Fun.  So thoughtful!

"Mom, I think you are cute!" - Ryan Wesley Anderson

I realized last night that you can tell a lot about a person's week by their DVR list!  Where do I begin?

Not In A Good Way

This is our third "asthmatic distress" season and I'm not happy about it.  Back in September/October, we were handing out breathing treatments like candy.  That was the point I decided to give DoTerra Essential Oils a shot.  Well, the oil served us well, until now.  Sort of.  Cole got sick Sat. night and is doing well still.  I mean he's congested and cranky, but no fevers or infections.  Jackson started coughing a couple days ago but seems to just be asthmatic and nothing else.  Andi started coughing today but seems to be standing strong.  Ry though, poor Ry, that boy began Monday night and today had to be taken in.  His oxygen level was at 96 which isn't awful, but it's the lowest I would ever care to see it outside of the hospital!  When we left it was at 97, and so we have been hearing A LOT of coughing.  Treatments are every three hours instead of 4-6 which sucks.  And his cough, his abs are getting a major workout.

Today I had a coke; which included three refills.  Yesterday I had a Caramello (thanks Becky!).  Last week I was doing so well and I was noticing a difference.  This week I am just trying to make it through the day.  I had a conversation with a friend the other day about the roller coaster of owning it or working at it.  This week, I'm owning it because I can't fathom tackling my weight along with a needy 10mo. old that can't nap because he can't breathe, a needy 3 yr/old because she's a girl and she sees everyone else getting the attention, a needy 3 almost 4 year old that can't breathe, and a 5 yr/old that needs to be taken to and from school and needs academic practice and stimulation.  I'm tired.  Last night I slept in Andi's bed because with Ry coughing in my bed, Andi whining in my bed, Jackson tossing and turning in my bed and Andrew sleeping in my bed, there was no way I was getting a bit of rest.

BUT.... I am grateful because today we weren't admitted to the hospital.  Tonight we all sleep under one roof and I pray that it continues.  When I am sitting up giving Ry breathing treatments through the night, I will try to remember to be grateful I am sitting up in my own bed and not in a hospital.  Especially considering I found out his insurance isn't covering him right now - over a $17 error.  How I screwed that up I don't know.  Let's hope I can figure it out tomorrow!

OK, Ry's almost done with this treatment - off to bed!