Frog PJ's

Ry 2008

 Cole 2011

*Because I lost all my pictures, I don't have one with Jackson.

**Jackson ran out of his room and said, "Dad, get the camera.  You have to get a picture of this.  It's SO cute."  When I got home that night, Jackson again ran out of his room to make sure Andrew showed the picture to me.  (Picture with the elephant)

Fall Break

Monday - Boot Camp / Music Makers / Picnic / Evening at the Park

Tuesday: LA Zoo (in fear of rain, we almost switched it to Lombardi - glad we didn't it was PERFECT Zoo weather) / Menchies / Rockin' Baby / GNO Panera Bread

Sunday Cole got up on all fours and began rocking.  Yes, the beginning of a mobile baby.

Wednesday: Boot Camp / Hanging with socks / Blowout / Dinner w/Becky / BBall

Who knew the sock bin would be so much fun!?

A few months ago I bought a Brazillian blowout on Screamin' Coupons.  With the expiration approaching, I decided to go cash it out.  What better time to get some girl pampering time than the week all the kids are home!  "It looks good, it's so thin" - haha, yes, at this point in time thin is good :)

Thursday: Fundamiddles / Ry School / Skirball / Stake Leadership Mtg.

Poor Mr. Cole so wanted to get his hands on the kids' cupcakes.  Don't worry, I didn't make him suffer, I gave him a teether biscuit.  It seemed to appease that crazy look in his eye.

After taking Ry to school, I came home and took some Benadryl.  Then I realized I had already taken some pills before I went to school.  Oops.  9:30-1:30pm I was sacked out on the couch.  I vaguely remember asking Andrew to pick up Ryan (thank goodness he unknowingly changed his schedule which meant he was home Thursday) and I vaguely remember my mom telling Andi to go to her so she could do Andi's hair.
The only reason I even got off the couch was because we had plans to go to the Skirball at 3pm.  And let me tell you, it was well worth dragging my sick butt up off that couch.

We went last summer and so we knew we were in for a treat.  It's exciting to see their interests change over the year.

Cole was such a trooper.  He either hung out on the floor or he chilled, chewing on his sock, while in the stroller.  

That evening I dreaded going to my leadership meeting.  I can't even tell you.  But in good conscience, I couldn't miss it despite how sick I felt.  I'm so glad I went - I needed it.  This is a calling I never would have expected.  But, no matter how I feel about something, if I am going to do it, I am going to do it right.  This meeting gave me that little push I needed to remember who I am and what I stand for.  But the best part of that night was the musical presentation.  Honestly, the most uplifting part of my week.  BEAUTIFUL!

Friday: Boot Camp - Oops, didn't happen :( / Balboa Lake Park / Abuelos / Pampered Chef

I almost didn't make it out the door today but I am so glad I did.  Huh, theme of the week.  But honestly, when we arrived at the park, the weather was spectacular.  A beautiful 75 degrees - could you ask for anything more?  Oh yeah, sure you can, I asked that the lake be a glimmering blue and... it was.

Yes, I was nervous when I heard Fall Break was an entire week but we had a fabulous time.  I am exhausted from entertaining these four, but it was well worth the memories.  And as always, I am grateful to those that added to our experience.  At the Zoo Ryan asked, "Why are our friends here?".  To which I replied, "Why not?".  And Jackson, in his infinite wisdom replied, "Because, it wouldn't be as fun without our friends".  It's always great to share an experience with people you love.

Quality Time

Sunday morning our house was clean.  We had cleaned it the night before and with the kids at my parent's house, there was no one to mess it up.  But of course, that ended as soon as they got home.  Oh the joy they are :)

We have been doing our best to spend more time with Jill and Ben.  It has been great watching the children grow to love them more and more.  They really do enjoy our time together.  This weekend we had Mexican Chicken Pizza (thanks Pampered Chef and Amber S.) and then made our way over to Placerita to work off that meal.  The weather was fantastic which made up for the dry waterfall.  Luckily the kids weren't too disappointed.  The kids did fairly well - Andi was a bit difficult from time to time because she was all of a sudden afraid of the hiking backpack.  Ryan was a true hiker for the first time - he really kept up with Jackson which was very exciting.  And Cole went back and forth from me to Andrew.  Jill and Ben are natural helpers so that made it even more enjoyable.  We can't wait until next month's outing!

Scary Date

Saturday morning was the typical morning of a family with four kids.  But that evening, we went crazy!  At 3ish I took the kids to my parent's house for a sleepover.  This was Cole's first one and he was a rock star.  It makes it so much easier when they're excited to have a sleepover.

Once home, we cleaned up the house for our Sunday guests and then we went to get Cory and Laurel.  

KNOTT'S SCARY FARM!

My dad took me and my friends there for my birthday - maybe my 13th - and I don't think I've been back since.  It all began with Five Guys Burgers (slightly overpriced but way yummy) because the park didn't even open until 7pm.  It's sad when I heard 7pm and I think bedtime.  But, we did it!  We stayed up, walked around, ate, laughed, screamed, shrieked, and partied until 1am.  Rockstars I tell ya.  Actually, in a way we lasted even later because that was just when we left the park.  I'd say that was the perfect way to start off the month of October!

Mini Photographer

Jackson has been in a picture taking mood lately.  

After showers

After dinner (he ran over and asked for my camera out of my purse so he could capture the sunset)

*I love Andi's expression in the top left.  And I love how Andi is holding Ryan back so he doesn't fall - top third from left)

It's especially funny to see Andi so alive considering we woke her from a dead sleep to go to dinner.  

Tomorrow my little/big man will be SEVEN MONTHS old.  And with this advancement has emerged his FIRST TOOTH!  I do believe this is much earlier than any of the others and believe me, I will double check that.

He also walks all around the house in the walker

He rocked on all fours this morning

He watched his first General Conference this morning
He loves to make his voice heard these days

He holds his own bottle - for about two weeks now he's been getting mostly bottles

He didn't even let us know a tooth was coming

He's still a joy to have around

Tonight he will have his first grandpa and grandma sleepover.  Stay tuned....

Kindergarten 2011

*A blast from the past - we never scanned his T-Ball pictures...

Octopus' Party

"Ok everybody!  Put on your scuba gear and dive in.  You've been invited to an Octopus' party!"

Yes, of course Jackson volunteered to have a speaking part.  The sad part was the PA wasn't working properly and so of course, Jackson's group was barely audible.

The songs were still fun to watch.  Jackson yawned quite a bit and this concerned me.  Last night he was asleep by 8pm.  Why was this boy so tired?  He did have to use the restroom right when he got to school this morning.  I have said it before and I'll say it again, I think this boy inherited my anxiety - so maybe he just worked himself up so much that he was exhausted??  Tough to say.

After the program, we were instructed to work on a packet with our student.  This packet consisted of things they have learned during their ocean unit.  The thing that stood out to me was the coloring page.  The directions said for me to read the directions to him just once and he should listen and then execute.  Well, I didn't need to do that because apparently he had colored this Pirate before and he remembered what color each item was supposed to be.

The packet questionnaire asked the kids to tell us their favorite part about the program.  Jackson said, "Um, the program.  About singing and everybody watching us and having a great time.  I like all of our friends being here and I like to wear my costume."

Once finished, we headed to Valencia to meet up with Ryan's preschool.  Today was the CPK field trip and luckily Andrew was able to take the other kids while I was at Pinetree. 

*Photos stolen from Marci :)

 Jackson and I got there just as they were finishing up at CPK and getting read to head to the park.  The park was beautiful and it was nice to sit and chat with good friends.  Isn't that the point of a preschool field trip???  :)

Pinterest

There are points in our lives when we need distractions to keep us from focusing on things in which we shouldn't dwell.  Things we should allow to roll off our shoulders, but struggle to do so.  At this point in time, I am grateful for Pinterest.  It takes me out of the mundane where my mind wanders into dreaded territory.  It really is insane the amount of creativity that is out there.  I had a friend that inspired me to be more creative and now, Pinterest has helped me learn how.  Still, things don't always come out the way I would like (the paper storage boxes made out of cereal boxes... maybe I should have checked to see if they were wide enough to fit paper BEFORE I assembled it all???) but it's still a good way to clear your mind and escape for a brief moment.... or two :)

Luckily, I think we're done with that awful bug and can now get things accomplished.  I swear I have never seen a bug hit so many people so horribly.  Ugh!

Andrew's finally digging up all the dang rocks in our backyard and we will "soon" have pavers.  I can't tell you how excited I am about this.  Maybe I'll actually spend some time back there once this is complete.

But what's really weighing on me, is the Primary Program.  The script is finished, assigned and distributed but there are some kinks I am mentally digesting.  One thing in particular, seating arrangements.  How in the world do I make the program work and place the little children so they can be seen?

My request to move the organ and piano have been denied - Plan B?

As Long As You're Living....

Jackson,

While walking you to class this morning, I informed you that I would be working in your classroom today.  I can still see your expression; the excitement was oozing from every muscle.  I laughed to myself, thinking how short this time is that you would be happy to have me hanging around at your school.  You told me it was awesome and you wanted to know the entire time frame of the day.  I gave your our "secret code" and you looked up and smiled at me.

"Boys and girls, I'd like to introduce you to my mom.  Mrs. (long silence) Anderson" - you are such a stud in class.  There may be a time where you will have to control yourself, as sad as this is, but for now I relished in the fact that you loved to raise your hand and give the answer.  You are so eager to learn, so eager to please.

Mrs. Evans told me that this morning, you Principal came in to your class.  You guys were discussing the shark tooth and she asked if it was too sharp to touch.  Confidently, you explained, "No, it's no sharp.  The water and sand make it smooth."

Tonight, while lying in bed, you told me you want to make a thank you card for dad.  "Dad, I hope you had a good time at basketball.  From, Jackson."  I asked you why and you said, "Because I want to make him happy".  You even had the great idea to make the card in the shape of a basketball.

You have so much love to give and I am so grateful you are my baby.  But this morning, you proved you are not of the mindset of a baby.  You were chewing gum and we had no idea where you had gotten it.  "Remember the night where we had marshmallows and chocolate.  I wasn't helping cleaning and you told me to spit out my gum.  I spit it out in a bag and saved it!"  Oh boy, you are too smart for your own good you sneaky little punk!!!  You better use that brain for good little man!!!

*Your first Listening and Speaking (1.0 & SA 2:2) Rubric:
2/2 Speaks clearly and is easily heard
2/2 Maintains eye contact with the audience
2/2 Demonstrates good posture
1/2 Needs no help or reminders
2/2 Uses appropriate actions
9/10 :)

St. George, UT

THURSDAY
When I first texted my MIL to let them know we'd be coming out, she offered to book us a room at their time share in Vegas.  I didn't think that would be necessary considering Vegas is just a couple hours from St. George.  When we realized we'd be leaving Canyon Country late afternoon, we figured it'd be best to stay in Vegas, get a good night's sleep and have happy children the rest of the weekend.  Oh my heck thank goodness we did - there was no way any one of us could continue that drive Thursday night!  Cole was put into bed and was knocked out in thirty seconds.  No joke.  That's how we all felt.

FRIDAY
Once in Utah, we checked in to our hotel so our car wouldn't be stuffed with people and luggage.  Cole and I waited outside while the kids helped Andrew.

From there we met up with Tori so we could go pick up her kids from school.  We toured their campus and it really was amazing.  I would love to teach at a place like that.  The "piano lab" was probably the most impressive!  After the tour, we headed to Tori's.  Again, we needed a tour this being our first time at their new home.  It was wonderful seeing them so happy and content there.  And the cousins, they were stoked to be reunited.  Just as stoked as we were to see Paige again after two years!

We needed to burn off some energy that afternoon so before dinner, we all went to the indoor Aquatic Center.  There were slides and "lillypads" and rope climbing - fun was had by all.  It was so wonderful knowing my kids could swim; really that made such a difference.

Whew, what a day!

SATURDAY

The reason Mike and Paige made the trip to St. George that weekend, was because Mike was in a bike race from Provo to St. George.  Yep, PROVO to ST. GEORGE.  Can you believe it??  They rode all day and all night.  We all went to the park to watch Mike ride in.  Crazy!!  I so wish I could do something like that.

Don't you love that Paige and Andi match - with such a color combination, it's simply crazy!

After Mike was tucked into bed for some much needed rest, we had pizza at the park.  Cole enjoyed his lunch with grass between his fingers.  Apparently no one told him it's supposed to be between his toes.

Friday night Ivan had his first football game.  It was cute to see him nervous for the big game.  How great was it that everyone was there; Chris made it into town in time and Mike and Paige headed over after Mike's award ceremony.  This is when Richard started to feel "off".  Curtis and Tristan were missed.

And yes, they won!

SUNDAY

We had planned to leave Sunday and so we did not bring church clothes.  So while everyone else attended Sacrament, we and Chris swam at our hotel.  It was a bit chilly at first but it was nice family time.  And of course, who doesn't enjoy swimming with a fun uncle??

*Our plan was to walk the St. George Temple grounds while everyone else was at church, but the family requested we wait for them.  So yes, we did have good intentions :)

Up to this point, Cole's naps were very limited.  After swimming he knocked out - dead to the world.  But we were once again forced to wake him so we could say good-bye to Paige and Mike who were planning on leaving at 12:30pm.  Can you believe, it's almost been four years since Wes has passed and here we are, still loving our time with Paige and now loving time with her husband Mike.  What a blessing.  It was sad to see them leave and we so hope to see them sooner than two years!

We BBQ'd for lunch that afternoon and hung out a bit more at the house (this time Jackson had some Clariton in him and that made for a much more pleasant experience!).  It was cute to watch Weston and Cole - apart, they look so similar.  Together, not so much.

Once our food had settled (well, for most of us.  This was the point where Ivan began to feel uneasy!) we headed to the "spinning park".  Really it was Cotton something or other park, but the kids called it the spinning park because so many items spun.  I have never seen such things before.

But first, check out the pose my daughter stuck.  Hey Tyra Banks, is that SMIZING or what!?!?

We all played but being the hottest day so far, we didn't last too long.  This is actually the point in which Zoe began to feel "off".  And next time, I will not be in heels and jeans - I will so rock that spinning ring thing.  But it's OK, Shay represented all mom's out there and showed some major grace.

Afterwards, we took a drive to see the high school that drew Tori to St. George.  They are in the middle of some productions right now and we are the stars.

When we were ready to leave, we couldn't.  Yep, we were locked inside the gate.  We don't know how this happened, but it resulted in a call to the Sheriff's Department.  Luckily, he was so kind to come to our rescue!  Oddly enough, he grew up in Northridge, CA.  Don't worry, Ryan made the best of the situation!  I did feel bad for Chris though - he was still planning on driving home that night and there we sat, waiting.

After we said good-bye to Chris, we made our way over to the Temple.  Finally!

This really was the best way to end this trip as it was one of the most enjoyable experiences we had.  Actually, another favorite moment of mine was when Cole fell asleep on me in the shower.  I couldn't believe it - it's funny when they do little things that remind you they're still babies.

MONDAY

OK, so maybe Sunday didn't totally end it.  Monday, we were able to meet up with everyone for breakfast before we headed out on the road. I didn't get any pictures, well except for the traditional self-portrait of Shay and myself.  These are a must have!

It was a gorgeous morning so we moved all the tables into one big circle.  Finally, Richard was able to come back out and enjoy the fun.  The kids were done - ready to get home.  

Luckily they cooperated as we packed, but as soon as we got in the car they were asking to go home.  This was THE longest car ride ever and we don't plan on doing it again any time soon.  But I do have to say, Andi was a perfect angel the entire ride.  This is some sort of record for sure!  

Then to top it off, we came home to our front door wide open - OK, this part was good.  We actually felt blessed to live where we live because who knows how long our door was open and everything inside, untouched.  But the part we didn't like was coming home to gobs of medical bills in our mail box.  Bla!  Reality isn't always fun.

TODAY

Life resumed as scheduled.  Jackson went to school, Ryan went to school, we went to Story Time - not normal was the fact that Cole didn't wake up until 9am.  Now, it's time to clean this house!  Overall, it's good to be home!