Where to Begin?

The computer inside the house will no longer connect to the internet.  This means I now need to use the computer in the garage, aka Andrew's Office.  Hence my falling behind on the blog.  So here we go, blog marathon....
Cole is growing up like you wouldn't believe.  I love it.  In a few weeks he'll be eating some solids - wahoo.  I bought his first sippy cup today but at four months, when I start giving him diluted juice, I would like a good sippy cup.  This has helped my kids adjust so much easier.  It's fun around 8 months when they get the sippy with the straw so they can start practicing that.  OK, back to the present.  He's loving his reflection but is madly in love with his big brother Jackson.  These two have a fabulous relationship.  He's still waking up once in the night but I haven't worked on breaking that either.

Ry did finish swimming lessons and let me tell you, it was totally worth the difference it made in him.  He is so proud of himself and now so brave in the water.  Today we went to the beach (that will be on another post) and he was the only one fully immersing himself in the water.  The last day of class we walked to Lauren's and  I told myself I would do that often because it was such a good workout.... haven't done it since :(

OK, back to Cole - it happens.  He has really become attached to his little bear and elephant (not pictured).  I love that he is now grabbing onto things and wanting to find comfort in something.  When I put him down I put his snuggly in the crook of his arm and he turns his face to snuggle it.  So cute.

You know it must be gorgeous weather when we finally pack our butts up and head out to Placerita.  We love it there and again, something we should do more often but instead we let life get in the way.  This particular morning I did not want to get on the elliptical so off we went.  It was perfect.

 We saw a monkey on the way but other than that, it was a calm morning.

With this warm, OK, HOT weather, we have been able to get a lot of use out of Jackson's Slip 'N Slide.  This has been a lifesaver!

"Is it summer mom?" - J
Yep, it's here.  Free movie time.  Well, now it's $1, but that's good enough for me.  The first week I took Andi and Ryan to the Pollard's so I could then take Jackson and Taylor (and Cole) to the movies without the little ones.  It went SO well for their first "date" (and no I did not tell them to hold hands).  The second week I met up with Laurel and we had all the kids.  That one tougher but I credit that to the lame Yogi Bear movie.

Last Thursday my grandparent's came out for the weekend so they could celebrate Andrew's birthday with us.  It was, as always, a great time.  Thursday we went for a hike around my parent's house and then had ribs for dinner.  Simple yet memorable.

Because Andrew's birthday landed on Father's Day this year, my family decided to go out to Black Angus on Friday for Andrew's birthday celebration.  Andi and I made cookies for dessert and she even helped clean up afterwards.

 Jackson and Ryan had a conversation in the car regarding Andrew turning 33:

Jackson: Ryan dad is going to be an old 33.... Mom, I don't want dad to die.
Andrew: I don't want to die either bud.
Jackson: Why?
Andrew: I want to live a long time with with you guys.

Jackson: Why? Because we're so much fun!
Andrew: Yep!

Because Ito and Juana were leaving the next morning, we gave Ito his gift in the parking lot.  (Not pictured, Andrew received a Kitchen Aid... as if he didn't bake enough already!)

So here we go, back to Mr. Cole.  Mr. Cole gets cranky in the morning if he has to take his morning nap before having his morning shower.  The boy loves his showers; as did all the kids.  He could be getting fussy in the living room and as soon as I bring him into the bathroom, he knows what's coming.  He will patiently wait until I'm through with my shower and can finally bring him in there.  He just relaxes before, during and after.  Such a cuddle bug!

Oh how we love Isabelle!  She turned one and it's just crazy to think about.  And she's not even mine.  But even so, when you watch a child come into this world and then watch them turn one, it's pretty cool.  Saturday she had a fantastic Carnival party and she couldn't have been cuter.  Becky really did an amazing job and everyone had so much fun.

That night, as I do often, I had a cankering for Chronic Taco.  Because that particular night was so hot, we actually ventured to the other side of town and satisfied the craving.  BUT, on the way, Andi's seat proved to not be anchored in very well.  But her big brother came to the rescue and gave her a sense of security.

And would you look at that, Mr. Cole sneaks in again.  I am still holding on to Cole's infantry in little ways but in one aspect I have made progress.  After feeding him around 3 or 4am, I no longer keep him in my bed.  I now set him in the bassinet that is still next to my bed, but at least I can sleep better for the next couple hours.

Father's Day = busy, busy day.  Not only was it busy, but I was mentally preoccupied.  9:30pm Saturday night, I was called to be the new Primary President.  Yes, me, the one that prefers teenagers over little children.  I am still in shock and oh so overwhelmed.  Needless to say I couldn't sleep that night and church, man being bombarded at church didn't help either.  So, I adore the fathers in my life and I so wish we could have done more for them if we had more time and if I wasn't in such a cloud.  But we did enjoy the time we had with each of them.  It was adorable, the second Jackson woke up, no exaggeration here, he ran into the living room to work on his card for Andrew. (I thought it was very revealing of our personalities that that morning Andrew went straight to the kitchen, Jackson went to the desk and I went to grease the squeaky door hinges.)

After church we went to my parent's house for that portion of the day.  Mark really pulled off a nice lunch (tacos) and I think we all had a great visit.

2pm hit and off we were back to our place for an Anderson dinner (carne asada) at 3:30.  With Annette, Richard, Tori, Ivan, Mya and Zoe leaving for St. George very soon, it was nice to be able to sit, visit, and play Bocci Ball.  For Andrew and I, it was like Wes was there with us through Bocci ball.  Everyone didn't leave until 9pm.

 Tori pointed out the difference in Andrew's gift pile from his dad's.  Why didn't he get more of that organization from his father????

 We did take some time on Sunday to celebrate Andrew's birthday.  Curtis and Tristan did a stellar job in personalizing the dessert for him.  A die hard chocolate cake and everything revolved around golf.  So great.

Right before the Bishop called me to Primary President, I told him how I'm just so tired.  To which he responded, "You don't know what it's like to really be tired".  WHAT?  I mean really, I have never been so tired before.  I feel as though I can't catch up and I neglect many things that are important to me.  I have never wanted more hours in the day until now - but I know I couldn't handle more hours because I am just dying to lay my head down each night.  But here I am, reflecting on the past couple of weeks, and I know it would be foolish for me to not be grateful for all that exhausts me.  As they say, enjoy it now because it's all over in a blink of an eye.  And so I pray for strength, for endurance, and for finding JOY IN THE JOURNEY.
*Ha, the irony that I just finished this marathon of a post and am STILL behind.  Oh boy....

Ryan's Week

This week we were trying to go to Utah to see my cousin graduate, WITH HONORS, high school.  She is truly remarkable as she has impressed me all these years.  Honestly, I remember her as a child and even then she was a better person than I.  Jess, we're so proud of you.

But back here in Cali, this week was all about Ryan.  Monday Ryan had his dentist appointment with the specialist.  This visit did not go as I thought it would.  We get there, we as in all five of us, and the kids quietly played in the waiting room.  Thankful for that one!  Once we finally get called, we walk back to a normal exam room.  Ryan willingly goes into the chair and the others stand by.  I speak with the lady for a moment and she's telling me how she will be giving him a filling and a consultation on his back teeth.  

NO WHERE in that conversation does she tell me, "We will now take your three year old to the other room, strap him to a papoose, fill his tooth while he cries and have you wait for him in the waiting room."

HELLO, a little heads up would have been nice.  Ry may have been a little more at ease if he was given some warning - but no.  He was simply thrown into the other room and tied down.  AWFUL.  And it only made it worse that the others witnessed it.  Yeah, I'm sure they'll be SO willing to go to the dentist in six months.  Thanks a lot.

Monday Ry also began swimming lessons.  It's a at home lesson (thank you Lauren) and she guarantees he'll be swimming by the end of the week.  Monday he did well.  Tuesday, he whimpered, yesterday he was hysterical.  Why, I don't know for sure but I'm putting my money on exhaustion. 

Because Wednesday morning, before his swim lesson, he had another appointment.  He was at first sad to hear that everyone would be staying here to play with gramma netter except him; that he would be going to the doctor's AGAIN.  But after assuring him he would not get a shot, he cooperated.

Ryan has not been to the cardiologist in two years.  He did have an ultrasound last year when he was admitted to the hospital for his asthma and they were pretty sure his holes were closed.  So this was to just make sure they were closed and that he wouldn't need surgery.

His original VSD heart murmur is GONE.  CLOSED.  Good to go.  But he does still have an open flap which is allowing blood flow between chambers.  Apparently 20% of us have this and it's not a problem.  Typically, it's not even treated.  BUT, due to Ryan's asthma, this could cause a problem.  This "flap" could allow too much blood flow into his lungs which will make his asthma worse.  Really, it's not a big deal.  It will require another check-up in a year and IF it needs to be taken care of, it will require only a catheter.  We feel blessed.

So... how are swimming lessons going?  This was yesterday:

Can you see how she has him swimming to the edge, falling (or being pushed) into the pool and swimming back to the edge, congratulating himself with arms raised, and swimming from one side to the other??  

TODAY he did even better.  "Dad, I swim all by myself.  My teacher watch me.  I not cry.  I big boy!".  He JUMPED into the pool today and swam to the other side.  He freaks a bit when he reaches up and doesn't get the edge, but she doesn't help him and he eventually gets it.  It's crazy!  I have to remember to not have him swim TO ME but instead to the ledge.  I have to also remember to have him tuck his chin down to his chest.  Tuesday he was simply gliding, now he kicks the majority of the time.  So, this summer we will or sure have to keep it up.  Tomorrow, the last day, she will be giving us more tips and we can't wait to do it all.

These lessons have messed up our routine a lot and I have had very cranky kids, but it's worth it.  Yesterday, the day I forgot a change of clothes, Ryan was so tired he couldn't even stay awake for the three minute drive home.

I did get some peace this afternoon out front with Cole.  I read, he slept.  Oh how I envied him.

But then the other kids found us and the peace didn't last long.

Many are crying now.....



Finished post
Published post
Brought my stuff inside so I can feed Cole
Heard water running
Found Andi (and the soap, and the gel)

Cleaned that up
Found dug up plant
Found Andi and Ryan

A bath would have been a reward so yes, I just hosed off my daughter outside.

Cole's Blessing

We suddenly realized Fast Sunday was here and considering our son is now three months old, we figured it was time to bless him.  Wow, we're way behind.  With all the others we blessed them around six weeks and then we moved shortly before or after that.  With Cole, everything is different.  I really don't know what has taken us so long, but it did.  Typically I would have loved to have invited close friends and had a gathering afterwards, but I am just exhausted these days.  The weeks have been filled and there's always a kid or two, aside from Cole, waking us up during the night.  I have always felt fortunate that I rarely had to sport the bags under the eyes, but now, there's here for good.  Oh well.

There was some consideration of entertaining family at our place after church.  But Saturday came and went and I had no time to give my home some attention.  I think we were home Saturday for a total of 90minutes.

It was a great day, but an exhausting day.  Our kids still need naps and so do we!  

(I'm back - isn't it funny how you get too busy to talk about how busy you are??  And let me just add, I'm so thankful my kids are all for being handed a pb&j for lunch so I can get back to blogging.  Haha stellar parenting there!)

Where was I..... SUNDAY.  Cole was so very happy the day had FINALLY arrived.  He waited his whole life for this day :)

Annette, Richard, Cynthia, Mark (grandparents), Matt, Michalle, (and Allie), Ethel (great grandma), Curtis, Tristan, and Tori all ventured out to our ward in support of our family.  In our ward, we were grateful for our friends that also made the effort to be on time so the guys could participate in the blessing circle.  Although we would have liked to have been better prepared to invite other friends, we were still very grateful for those guys that were there: Wes, Ben, Cory, Matt, Richard, and Curtis.

Cole Remington Anderson

Cole, we would like to give you a blessing.  We bless you with strength and faith to survive this generation.  We bless you with a keen desire to serve other and be watchful of those around you.  We pray your sweet spirit will be a light and an example to those that surround you.  We bless you that you will have the ability and desire to know between good and evil and the ability to make good choices.  These things and all things that Father in Heaven has in store for you we bless you in the name of Jesus Christ amen.

I so badly wanted a group picture this time around, but again it just didn't happen.  But I did get a couple candids at the Anderson's.  Yes, we ended up over there for a quick lunch with family.

We were especially grateful for Grandma Ethel's effort in making it out that day.  She woke up at 4am to leave by 6am to be here for Cole.

We love you Mr. Cole.

PS.  At the end of this post, I found Andi and Ryan had finished their lunch but they had also found the Desitin.  Yes, they are covered in Desitin.

This and That

I guess what better place to start than with the one that always keeps us on our toes.  This girl draws attention everywhere we go - whether it be because of her blue, blue eyes, or her death stare, or her infectious smile, or her playful ways, or by her disastrous hair - whatever it is at that point in time, we adore her all the way.

 Yesterday the silence was enjoyable - but it lasted a bit too long and I became nervous.  Planning to find destruction, I walked outside and was surprised by the peaceful setting.  The kids were simply collecting Rollie pollies.  They were so content and they were doing my very favorite thing - working together.  They were talking and helping and smiling and laughing.  Ahhh, if only it could always be that way.

 But I was quickly grossed out - yeah, I'm not much of a nature gal.  Just sit me on the beach and I'm happy as a clam.  That's my oneness with nature!

While the older three were playing outside, Cole was playing inside.  These pictures aren't too different from the first ones I took with my phone, but I just can't help myself.  This guy brings a smile to my face constantly.

Today was Ryan's last day of speech.  It really is sad because he didn't get to go long and he was really loving it.  He loved Miss Shannon, he loved the games, he loved his progress - yes, he has been very proud of himself.  I am going to miss going to boot camp, late of course, and then walking all the kids over to Canyon Springs Elementary.  Wednesday and Friday mornings really have been nice for us all.

I think Ryan will miss hanging out on the table enjoying the sun.

But for Jackson, today brought the beginning of KINDERGARTEN.  I have been looking forward to this for five years and it's finally approaching.  Today I had mixed emotions as I know Jackson will so love the school atmosphere.  But I worry about the stress this new stage will bring on our family.  Homework, early rising, all day school, packing lunch - going to stop there so I don't go to bed thinking about it all.  I know we'll get used to it all, it's just crazy to think how much our lives will be changing August 18th.

Jackson loved checking out the classroom and hanging out with the kids.  When I met back up with him after the parent meeting, he told me it was "AWESOME!".  I'm so glad he's excited.

I love the picture where he's holding his buddy's, Gunner's, hand.  So cute.  I thought it was also interesting that Jackson chose to wear some pretty loud sunglasses.  His cousin Zoe gave them to him yesterday and so today, he made a fashion statement.  Will he be "that" kid?

But I am going to take Mrs. Evan's advice and enjoy this summer.  The last summer before it all begins.  We will work on using lower case letters in his name and we will work on cutting different patterns.  

Here's to new beginnings this Fall!

Memorial Day

Remember Memorial Day, way back in June?  Well, we had a nice one this year.  What I really liked about it was reading all the tributes posted on FB.  There are pros and cons to FB of course, but to me, it's things like that that really make it enjoyable.

Andrew had to work early Monday morning but he made it home in time to join us for our ward picnic.  Last year we really didn't have too many friends in our ward and it simply wasn't a good day for me.  This year we were hoping to have better memories - and we did!  Jackson was a huge help going across the backyard (believe me, this isn't the size of any ordinary backyard) getting us all drinks.  The "twins" ran around independently enjoying themselves.  I had Cole in the Bjorn and Andrew got our food.  It worked out nicely and even better because this year we were there with people we have really grown to love this past year.

 Around 1pm they finally started the games.  The kids were getting done, OK, I was getting done, but we couldn't leave without games.  I can't get over just how much Jackson LOVES playing games.  Oh, and face/hand painting.  

After the water balloon toss, we packed up the kids and headed home for naps.  Awww, naps!  My nap was divine but oh so short.  We had to get ready and head out to the Anderson's at about 4pm.  Overall it was a very nice day and we were very grateful for that!

13 Weeks

A few weeks back my friend found this thing out on her street.  She picked it up and dropped it off and we then scrubbed it down.  I have always wanted one but never got one.  Cole and I are stoked we have it!  He has been way needy this week.  Wanting to be held during all this awake time making it nearly impossible for me to get anything done.  Being there again today, I decided to bring this sucker out and see if Cole was ready.  HE IS.  He loves it.  So apparently, this week he has simply been bored!!!  Wahoo - freedom.  Thanks Jenni!

But I guess we should rewind a bit.  I am apparently behind and now that Cole is entertained and the other three are still napping, I will take advantage.  No, I won't clean my house or fold the laundry, I will simply blog!
In efforts to get Cole sleeping from 10p-7am, I was trying to keep him up about a half hour at his 10pm feeding.  The first night I needed to get something to I set him down on the couch and he fell asleep.  The next, he knocked out on Andrew.  Needless to say, it's not going as I planned.  So instead, I am not waking him up for his 10pm feeding; what's the point?  This means he's still eating around 5:30p or 6pm and then he wakes at 3am ish to eat.  Not bad but I can't wait to get a full nights sleep!

But I have even bigger news than that.  Yes, HUGE.  Andrew and I actually went on a date last Sat.  OK, not just a date, we had all day!  My dad showed up at 7am and off we went.  Our first stop was breakfast at the Griddle Cafe.  We got there about 7:35am and people were already waiting outside.  The doors opened at 8am and seriously it was packed with minutes.  People were waiting outside!  The portions were insane and the menu beyond creative.  The only downfall was the headache I had all day from the amount of sugar I consumed.

"Creme De La Creme: Graham cracker crusted French toast drizzled with our must have creamy cheesecake frosting and powdered sugar.  (For SERIOUS cheesecake lovers!)"
*I added strawberries!
And for Andrew....
"Tis the Season: Our "good ol' fashioned" recipe mixed with our own pumpkin pie filling.  Topped with real whipped cream and powdered sugar.  (Everyday is like a holiday at "The Griddle")"
After finishing breakfast - wait, keep in mind we didn't actually FINISH our food, but once we were full enough to leave, we headed out to Madame Tussauds.  Considering our early morning, we had about an hour or so before Tussauds opened.  So we walked around and took some pictures.  My favorite shows the shoe size difference between myself and Judy Garland as well as the size difference between my foot and Michalle's belly.  OK, the belly part wasn't planned but it was still cute.

10am and we were the first ones in the doors!

I feel like Jennifer Aniston and Juliet Roberts were not at their best.  But the rest were pretty incredible.  It was also worth it because it was half the price as it normally is and because we had great company.  But really, it was just so nice to walk around and not worry about four little ones.
We came home to a clean yard and a clean house but an empty one.  My parents had the kids and they were on adventures of their own.  So we finished working on some laundry and then decided to drive across town for some Chronic Taco - you know, simply because we hadn't had enough calories for the day.
That evening we were lucky enough to attend a wedding for some friends of ours.  They have been together for many, many years.  In fact, Wes joined them on their first date.  As always, this type of memory brought on some emotions for the both of us.  We talked about how Wes would for sure have been down and Paige and I would have either gone out for the day while the boys golfed in the morning, or we would have joined them on the course.  Either way, it would have been a different weekend with two people we love so very much.  BUT, it was still very nice to attend the wedding, think of Wes, and support two amazing people.  It turn out well though because we were able to hang out with Curtis and Tristan for the evening and that was a lot of fun!

We got home around 9:30pm and were welcomed by very sleepy but successful grandparents.  Oh, and a sleepy Jackson :)  It was such a great day and I am so glad we were able to go out.  We even made it to church the next day - late, but we made it.