Lately I have been trying to stay on top of things. You know the saying, "Pardon the mess but we LIVE here"? Or something like that... well it's true, to an extent. I mean really, there's come a time when it's just no longer a HOME because it's so out of control. You know, "House of Order" and all that... So we're trying to just keep things clean. Or at least organized and put away. This is DIFFICULT. There's always a block, a ball, a doll, an article of clothing, a cracker, or a kid that you must step over to get through this house. But, the kids are doing an OK job of helping me out - even if it means they demand a picture on the big giant bear that is to be taken to the bedroom.
My mom had the kids pick out some flowers at Costco (btw, best deal we've seen) to plant in the front yard. Let's face it, once you see past our white picket fence, our curb appeal really is struggling. Ha, refer back to the list of crap you must step over to get to your final destination. But, back to the flowers, the kids were so very excited; despite how much they so needed a nap. (I love how Jackson took it upon himself to rub Cole's sleepy head)
Saturday Andrew went golfing with my dad, Bri and Steven and so the kids and I went off to Lowe's to get paint and to scope out back splash options. The house is so very white and considering we can't yet paint it, I figured a colored door would give it that umph I am so craving. The kitchen also needs much love but a bit of back splash I feel will give an umph. BUT... now there's a chance we may be able to do more so the back splash is on hold. But isn't it ridiculous - I love the glass ones, but they're double the price of the tile. Tough call.
Sunday was crazy, as always. I think Sunday's might actually be our busiest day. Cole sported his $2 jacket from Children's Orchard so Andrew attempted to get some shots of the stylin' man - would have worked out better if he would realize he can stand on his own! Chicken!!
During Sacrament I thought about my grandparent's and how nice it would be if we had church from 9-12 so we could go visit them. I wanted to go Friday, but Andi woke up throwing up so that didn't happen. Then, I checked my phone shortly after 4, while we were cleaning up the Primary room, and my mom had sent me a text saying they were headed to Corona. So, I put off things I needed to do, jumped in the car with my family, leaving Andrew's car in the locked parking lot, and flew to Corona. (Thanks to Paola we had an avocado to feed to Cole on the way). Of course, everyone fell asleep except for that crazy baby of ours.
Dinner was so nice because we don't get to spend enough time with our extended family. It was great that for no special occasion, we were all able to get together, catch up, and visit.
*Not pictured are Rob and Sharon :(
Beautiful weekend; simple yet satisfying. The kids even got color on their shoulders from working in the yard in their bathing suits. Ryan of course was the only one still burned in the morning, and still today even; poor white boy!
But now Mr. Cole is sick - took him in this morning because he didn't sleep well last night. He's wheezing and had an infection in each ear. Time to break out the breathing machine. I do count our blessings because typically that machine never gets put away this time of year. We've only needed it one other time!
On the way home from Cole's birthday dinner, we passed a stopped bus on Shadow Pines.
Andi: Why did that bus crash?
Mom: It didn't crash, it's just dropping people off so they can walk home.
Ryan: Why?
Dad: Some people don't have a car. We are very blessed to have a car.
Andi: Why don't some peoples have a car?
Jackson: Because maybe they got in an accident and they don't have money to fix it.
Mom: Or maybe they just don't have the money to buy a car.
Andi: We have a car.
Dad: Yep, we are very blessed.
SILENCE.....
Jackson:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for all of our stuff. For a good day. For all our friends. Thank you for our family. I hope everybody in other countries will be alive. But not when they're old. Thank you for all the stuff we have that you made for us. And thank you for making us. And I hope we have a good day tomorrow. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
March 2nd you turned one year old. I truly cannot believe you are now one. I have no doubt this has been the quickest year of my life. I don't want to make your head too big but the fact is, we just adore you. You are so good and there is not a person in his house that does not enjoy everything you do.
YOU LOVE:
eating - everything. But to give you an idea, you love beans, tofu, cereal, crackers, sushi, rice, chicken, mac 'n cheese, yogurt, Greek yogurt, pancakes, waffles, eggs, pb&j... anything, really.
hugs & kisses
pulling off mama's glasses
playing with balls
taking baths
snuggling in a blanket
going on outings
giving high fives
walks in the stroller
foot massages
YOU HATE:
not being fed (notice the theme)
people not sharing with you
your bath being delayed
walking - assisted of course because heaven forbid we have a child that walks before they're a year old
when mama won't take you from someone else
to be thirsty
when you food pouch runs out (if only they came bigger than 4.2oz)
getting dressed
to miss out on the party
For your birthday we took you to the mall to get your picture in the #1 box. When Jackson turned one, dad took him to the mall to get it down while I was at work. It was my surprise. So, we have done it with you all and I love them. While we waited, you rode the carousel with Aunt Bri - ha, I guess I should add this to the hate list because you held on for dear life!
While waiting for pictures you were so very thirsty. Ridiculously thirsty. You drank so much that you actually threw up during pictures. Ewww. Might have been your first throw up.
You were a little pill during the pictures because you did not want to stay still. I guess I shouldn't have expected anything else but man it took so long. And even though I told them I only wanted the box picture, they still insisted on all the others. But in the end, it was a success and I just love your facial expression.
*You can thank grandma for your shirt....
After pics we all headed over for dinner. At this point you were just exhausted. You see, you're trying to transition from two naps to one and life can be frustrating when you simply won't get the sleep you need. Man, I am so not a fan of this transition; it's not you, it's me! But you humored us for the most part and we enjoyed your company. You were so thirsty that day!
Your cake arrived at about the time you were ready to call it quits. You began with your hand on your head, obvious sleepy sign, found some enjoyment in the middle but by the end you just wanted to go to sleep.
We of course had to get a group picture which is never easy. But know you were so very loved that day and we all felt quite blessed to spend that time with you.
The next morning, because yes we celebrate more than just a day... get used to it, we headed over to Nikki's to take some birthday pictures.
Again you were a "diva" but man still very much adorable. It's funny what little expression you gave during the cake pictures but I'd say it was safe you say you enjoyed it nonetheless.
*individuals will be posted later
That afternoon we had a chance to meet up at the Huntington Gardens with Great Aunt Jill (dad got way sick and wasn't able to make it and Great Uncle Ben had to work). Oh my it was the most beautiful day and you very much enjoyed yourself.
I love the library. I love books. But I didn't love the idea of borrowing books of which I would have to keep track for three weeks. We went to the library to read to the dogs but then as we were leaving, the kids begged to check out some books. Because it was that polite, sincere beg, not the kind that makes you want to ring their necks, I couldn't say "no".
Each kid picked their own card and I loved it their choices. When we got home, Andrew was even able to figure out who picked which! It was such a great outing and it made me even more excited that they are growing up.
Another reason to be happy about their growing older is the day Jackson decided to switch, start, and transport about four loads of laundry. "Mom, you have a lot of laundry to fold!" - yeah, it'll be even better when he's old enough to fold it properly.
Family Home Evening has actually been a positive experience here. Again, a positive aspect of their aging. Cole is in bed when we do it so it goes very smoothly and the kids are so excited. Granted, it has only been a month of consistency.
What makes me not excited about Andi growing up is that we are now battling over clothes each morning. The pressure is on for me to pick the cutest outfit and to her, some of my choices are not so cute. She's even becoming particular with her pj's!
With pride and enthusiasm, Jackson showed off his award to my friend, Michalle. She read it, "Radical Reader & A Wonderful Writer" and said, "I'd expect nothing less from the son of an English teacher." Haha I laughed because this has popped into my head so much. This poor kid has had his grammar corrected since birth. Ok, maybe not birth but surely by the time he was six months. But in all seriousness, I find it amazing at how we are innately gifted in certain areas. My grandma, the woman I resemble in so many ways, loves science and history - psh, I can't stand to even think about science and history. An innate difference! And so here we are, the parents of a kid that loves to staple a stack of papers together so that he may be able to write a book. I love it. I love to write and I love that he does too. But most of all, I love to read what he writes. I love that I can read what he writes. I know this award is not rare and hangs in the homes of many, but we are still proud nonetheless.
*Unrelated to some but in my mind, relevant enough to include here.... Jackson's "spotlight" answers for church:
favorite color: green
favorite food: artichokes
best candy: chocolate
eyes: green
hair: blond
favorite scripture: Nephi
can follow Jesus Christ by: reading my scriptures
I can: ride my bike and I can draw
favorite Primary Song: Book of Mormon stories
scriptures teach me: how to be kind
siblings: 2 brothers 1 sister
Jackson Anderson
May 20th... 5 years old.
I have not taught since 2010 and yet, I hesitated to write the letter. I hesitated to attach the letter. I hesitated to send the letter. The fact is, I want to teach. I love to teach. I love to work. I watch Glee and I yearn to be in the classroom yet again. BUT, I need to be home. Because I can not live two lives, I had to choose. It is rare these days, these days in California especially, that one can choose to stay home. And yet here I am, opting to do so. It's not easy. And in no way is it comfortable. We're hanging on barely but we are hanging on and so, with that said, I have resigned. After two years of leave, it was time. Hmm, maybe I should change my "email signature" before I hesitate yet again.
Dr. Dan Stepenosky
Deputy Superintendent
Las Virgenes Unified School District
February 27, 2012
Dr. Stepenosky,
Please accept my resignation as high school English teacher at AgouraHigh School. At this time I find it necessary to stay home with my children and therefore cannot teach full-time at AgouraHigh School.
I have truly valued the last seven years I have spent with Las Virgenes Unified and I hope to one day be able to return. My peers have taught me a great deal and I know I will take those lessons and apply them into my everyday life.
If I can ever be of any assistance, please let me know.
Things have been very busy around here and I can't even recall with what. Life, I suppose. I wanted to reorganize the pantry, thanks pinterest, and the kids wanted to make a gift for ita, thanks birthday season. The kids have wanted to play in the front yard, thanks California, and friends have invited us to the park, thanks Cali... again! Well, that was until Ryan got sand in his eye and begged to go home... I guess it was a valid request considering he fell asleep immediately after leaving Oak Springs Park. Crazy.
But back to Juana. We were excited to have an outing planned out of Canyon Country mid week. I knew there was something grandma loved about a certain restaurant on Olvera St. as we have taken her there for her birthday before. But this time around I found out it was because, "Sam & I actually worked there when we were dating. I was 16 and he was 17. Boy how time flies when you are having fun," in Chicago" Hee,hee. :-)".
We arrived early and were very grateful to our family for making the journey to LA considering it was much closer than Corona is to us. The kids had fun walking around and then jumping around in the restaurant. *I assure you they were in no one's way and in no way were they out of line. My pet peeve!
As soon as the birthday girl arrived, the kids wanted to give her the gifts they made. I love that they love the gift of giving!
And really, how can you not love the gift of giving.... check out her face as she opens the Nook, her gift from us all. Notice how the Flan came during the opening of this gift and she can barely take her attention off the Nook. It's priceless, really.
This woman is so very loved and is truly an inspiration to us all. When I need a logical, non-biased opinion, I know I need to call her up. She is always there to listen and offer advice but never in a judgmental or condescending way. I am grateful for all she has taught me.
Now in the honor of our birthday season:
I am... 79.
My best friend is, and this sounds corny, but... Sam.
My favorite thing to do is... read.
My favorite color is... black.
My favorite food is... enchilladas, even though I don't eat them all the time.
With my family I like to... travel or go to restaurants.
My favorite toy is... the Nook.
When I grow up I want to be... an engineer.
What makes me happy is... Everything. Flowers, birds, stars, the moon, nature.
What makes me sad is... when I get sick.
My favorite TV show is... at this time, The Mentalist.
My favorite book is... what I am reading right now. I never re-read a book so it's whatever I am currently reading. (I now have my own answer for this question!)
I love to learn about... science and history.
My favorite thing about my birthday was... family and food and the attention.
I love to go to... museums. Although I don't go enough.
My teacher is... Mike. O.
My favorite treat is... although I don't eat it anymore, cherry pie.
Before I go to bed I think about... getting a good night sleep. Being safe and not staying awake.
A famous person I would like to meet would be... George Clooney. I'm serious!
My favorite birthday gifts were.... from my children (Nook and eye brows).
When Andrew's parents started talking about their February visit, he thought it would be nice for them if we met them in Vegas. They come out every month so he thought this would be a good break. It became stressful and I am starting to realize just how much that is this stage in our life. But, despite the stress, we headed up Thursday after Jackson got out of school and after Andrew returned home from work. I think it was about 4 which was bad timing. The kids were beyond exhausted because of no naps, it was an hour before dinner, and we weren't able to fix our car DVD player. Bad combo. Most passed out immediately but only to wake up whining and complaining in Victorville. So whether we liked it or not, we were stopping there to eat dinner. The rest of the drive was OK, well, irritating but manageable, and so I "flew" to Vegas. I think we arrived around 8pm and the kids were sleepy.
Everyone came down to help unload and then we made our way to our room to unpack and put the kids down. Papa and Gramma Nette then stayed with the kids while Andrew, Curtis, Tristan and I headed out to the strip. I am way disappointed I didn't get a picture that night but I guess I was too baffled by the lousy TI Pirate show. BTW, "lousy" is being kind!
The next morning we were left to entertain ourselves. It was chilly and Andi was sad papa missing papa, but they were very pleased when they saw the TI Pirate ship (luckily for them that lame pirate show was not in action). Then as we walked out onto the strip, they were amazed by the large buildings and what not. It was nice, at 9am, the strip is relatively clean and empty.
So we took the kids out to try to see the Lion Exhibit - turned out it didn't open until 11am AND it was $18 a person. Oh my, I don't think so! Being 9:30am, there weren't too many options so we walked and walked. The kids were entertained so that was good. It was nice having that time to just enjoy our family. We stopped at the McDonald's so Andrew and the kids could have a snack and once we finished, the trashiest Mickey Mouse parked himself right in plain view of our kids. They were so excited and wanted a picture because none of them realized his "white" gloves were filthy and that his change bucket also held his Heineken. Jackson was taken back when "he took off his head" but he didn't ask any questions. Hmmm, weird. So glad Andrew gave the kids money to tip the dirty man - ugh! Things got better though when we made our way into the Venetian. Well, that was until we had to tell the kids that we weren't going to pay $18/ea to ride the 10 minute "boat" ride. Thanks a lot, Vegas!
Curtis and Tristan met up with us in the Venetian and the kids were so excited to see them. It was nice to have some company for the last little bit. We then headed back because we planned to meet everyone for lunch at 11, but we detoured in the arcade for a bit.
Lunch was delicious and I could so have some Canter's this very minute! After lunch we went up to the room, changed our clothes and then headed out to the pool. Andi was not in the mood the swim, Jackson was upset I didn't bring his fins, Ryan was a swimming stud and Cole was the happiest, splashing baby ever. When papa joined us, Andi quickly attached herself to his hip. Shay, Weston, Curtis and Tristan came out to swim with us too and we were all pleased with how nice it was. Cole went from happy, splashing baby to sleepy baby. He seriously fell asleep on me in the jacuzzi - tough life, eh!
The pool was so relaxing the few hours we were there but once the kids started getting restless, we knew it was time to move on. We changed and got ready to tour the Ethel M. Chocolate Factory in Henderson. Hahaha, yeah, that was lame. It wasn't running and so we walked through in 60 seconds, got our teeny sample and headed out to the cactus garden. Memorable, I am sure :)
But then two exciting things happened, Cole enjoyed riding facing forward for the first time - yeah big boy! And two, we were able to hit up Down East and Andi scored a "fancy" pink purse for like $3. Pssh, why can't my stuff be that inexpensive?
We rushed back to the hotel to try to make the 6pm cut off for our buffet vouchers. The line was long when we arrived at 5:45 and I was doubtful... but we made it! It wasn't the most enjoyable evening for myself, but everyone else seemed to have fun.
Cole and I ate some pesto pasta and then went back up to the room to put the sleepy man to bed. All three cuddled with me on the bed for a bit before everyone else finished eating and were ready to head out. Cosmo came to watch the kids and this time Shay joined us out on the strip. We tried to hit up a piano bar but I think Andrew and I were the only fans. So we roamed and just enjoyed the freedom until about 1am when we headed to Curtis and Tristan's room to play Phase 10. I couldn't hang like the rest of them so I went back around 2am I think. Maybe I'm off. (mind you, I had already come back to the room once and released Cosmo. So while we played, we had the phones on speaker - aka, hotel baby monitor! Sweet). Andrew returned back to our room around 3:30am after winning back most of the money we spent on the trip. Nice.
Saturday morning we took our time getting up and out. I think it was about 10am when we sent the kids off with papa and we packed and loaded our stuff. Being hungry and ready for a long drive, we thought it'd be nice to stop at CPK before heading out. The wait was ridiculously long but the kids didn't seem to mind and neither did I. The food was delicious and just what we needed before making our way home.
The drive home was better than the drive up there. We still wish we had the DVD player fixed because it makes such a difference. But the kids slept about an hour and a half which was nice. We stopped at Target in Victorville because everyone was awake and needed to stretch out and so we finally made it home at about 5:30 I think. Or somewhere around there. They were so very happy to be home which is why I think the drive went better going home.
We had a good time and made some great memories. But, in the future, we will be saving our Vegas trips when it's warm enough to live at the pool. The cool thing is Tristan scoped out a cool mall and fabulous playground for our future visits. This one was so super fast we couldn't have checked it out if we wanted to. And the next time we go we have to see our dear friends! So, here's to next time, Vegas. OK, maybe I should go get those suitcases out of my living room!?!? Yes, we're all still adjusting to being home.
"To you women of today, who are old or young, may I suggest to you that you write, that you keep journals, that you express your thoughts on paper. Writing is a great discipline. It is a tremendous education effort. It will assist you in various ways, and you will bless the lives of many--now and in the years to come, as you put on paper some of your experiences and some of your musings." --President Gordon B. Hinckley
The end of 1995 was the start of our life together. We took a break for two years in 1997, but once Andrew returned, we continued finding out who we were together and apart. We both ventured off to college but came back together again in 2003 when it was finally time to get married. Our first son was born May 20, 2006 and we love every minute we have with Jackson. Our second son, Ryan Wesley, was born February 15, 2008 and he is simply adorable. Both so wonderful yet so very different. We gained a daughter with the birth of our third child on January 13, 2009. Andi keeps us on our toys and we can't wait to see all she does! Our fourth child, Cole, was born March 2, 2011. This little man makes us all so very happy. We are grateful to God for our incredible family and all the joys and challenges they bring!
But now Mr. Cole is sick - took him in this morning because he didn't sleep well last night. He's wheezing and had an infection in each ear. Time to break out the breathing machine. I do count our blessings because typically that machine never gets put away this time of year. We've only needed it one other time!
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