Mom's finally getting some sleep again and so the kids are spending less time in front of the TV and more doing DOING things. USING their brains. Don't get me wrong - Noggin has taught my children many valuable lessons and I don't think they were wasting brain cells while watching it, but it's nice seeing them come up with activities to entertain themselves.
Lately they love to paint. Which is great until tweedle dee and tweedle dum decided to get a sheet of paper, place it on the couch and then pour a bottle of paint onto that paper. How's the saying... "All fun and games until someone gets hurt" - believe me, it applies! (*Jackson even asked Andrew to make an artists panel for him to hold his paint)
Monday was so random and yet so inspiring. Michalle called Monday afternoon saying Matt needed a hair cut - this hair cut turned into dinner, dessert, and FHE. Michalle's a rock star and is now invited to our home every Monday night. She's got that gift with kids - the gift I don't have. But yes, I do want to work much harder on a better lesson from here on out.
Yesterday Ryan had his field trip to Mountasia where the kids all indulged in some ice cream. Ryan of course ordered chocolate because he thinks he likes it but of course, he only ate about a 1/3 of it. Andi was a terd and wouldn't give me a good picture. This chick! But, about 11mo. after the first time she was potty trained, she's now potty trained again. The key, LIP GLOSS!! Yes, that was her motivator. What a year it has been.
Yesterday while the youngers were sleeping, Jackson and I worked on some sight words (Thank you Pinterest for the "parking lot idea"). He gets easily frustrated because he's a perfectionist. Today, while working in his classroom, I tested him on his words. In all the times before, he has never been as at ease as he was today. I'm so excited because this really does work.
Right before lunch, the kids got to go up and read some of their work. I laugh when I look at this picture of Jackson because he is so comfortable. Check out his hand in his pocket.
Jackson, lately dad and I have been talking a lot about what you will do with your life. Your potential is through the roof and we pray you recognize it, value it, and use it for good. Your deduction will give you the answers to many questions of your life. Be wise.
Last night you came out of your room and told dad, "Mom had a bad idea. I can't sleep because she let me have hot chocolate and it was too much sugar". The night before you told me your schedule for the next day and said, "Yep, I have a pretty busy day. You need to write it all down so you don't forget!" Dad said, "So you won't have time to play?" but of course you retorted, "Well I'll have a little bit of time". And when we were working in the yard the other day, dad and I commented on how ripped you are. I asked you if you work out and you said, "Yeah, a little bit". My oh my you're so much fun.
Goal #1 By 4-1-2012 Ryan will increase his ability to produce /k/ and /g/ in isolation, given one model, in 2 out of 3 trials, with 80% accuracy.
*6-5-2011 Ryan has already met his goal. Ryan is a joy to work with.
*11-2-2011 Ryan is not applying /k,g/ production to other positions of words and with blends. He is producing /k/ in many words initially, but he needs practice with "cowboy". Ryan is producing /k/ in the final position like "pink, book, sack" and even "box". Ryan produces a few words with the "k" in the medial position, such as "pocket, rocket", but needs, "racoon". We have no moved on and we are focusing on the intial /l/ sounds as well. Ryan is producing the /s/ sound in all positions of words. We are working on developing /f/ as well. Ryan is making terrific progress.
Goal #2 By 4-1-2012 Ryan will increase his ability to produce CVC words using age appropriate sounds in 2 our of 3 trials, with 80% accuracy.
*6-6-2011 Ryan has made great progress toward his goal. He does require a model at times, to produce the final consonants correctly. Ryan tries so hard during speech-language sessions.
*11-2-2011 Ryan is now producing CVC words consistently. He has met this goal. Super!
Goal #3 By 4-1-2012 Ryan will increase his ability to use the following sentence structure: noun + present progressive (ex. The boy is jumping), when describing pictures actions, in 2 out of 3 trials, with 80% accuracy.
*6-6-2011 Ryan is able to produce a complete noun + is verbing sentence with 10% accuracy. He needs a word by word model during the majority of the session, but he is getting the hang of the concept. Ryan has been such a joy to work with and I will miss him so much!
*11-2-2011 Ryan is using N+is+V+ing 75-80% of the time. He is not yet using plural N+are+V+ing. We will focus on developing the plural noun next. Ryan is so cooperative and eager to please.
RYAN can now write his name and would love to show anyone that will watch! He always says, "Grandma K taught me this!"
For such a solid man, your percentages seem average, if not a tad small. Huh, didn't expect that. You are not a thrill seeker, my friend. When we laid you down to get your length, you immediately grabbed on to either side of the table. The nurse laughed because you have done this before and she insisted I get a picture - so I did. You had a death grip on that table. When dad and I throw you back and forth, you're not too happy about it. Maybe one day you'll warm up to the idea?
Your hair seems to be pretty dark and those eyes are still blue. You grab onto my hair and jewelry any chance you get but thankfully you understand, "Let go" and "no". But lately you don't listen the first time I tell you. And you do seem sensitive because when I get upset about you not letting go, because it hurts, your heart breaks.
You still prefer water over juice, which is fine by me. For two weeks you had a full serving of Greek Yogurt and fruit for breakfast. But during the second week you seemed a bit off. After two doctor's visits trying to figure out what was up, we decided that much yogurt was just too much for your little system. For lunch you have baby food, as long as I give you some finger food that allows you some control over the situation. And water of course. After your afternoon nap, you have some milk but are so ready for food again at 5ish. Only this time, baby food doesn't really cut it - it's all about whatever we are eating. You have another sippy of milk before bed at 7pm. Way to go kid because when you're a year old, you shouldn't have any more than 20oz. of milk a day and that's exactly where you are now. Easy transition.
You don't pull up too much and doc was shocked by this because of your strength. The fact is, you're rarely down on the ground because it's tile and it's freezing. And when you are down there, there's nothing to pull yourself up onto. SO, we're working on giving you that time. I stand you up against the bath while I get our shower ready - you're getting much more stable!
Cole, you've found your voice. This past week you have started screaming when you run out of food. Oh boy, we're going to have to work on taming that :) But not too much because you love to sing. Love it. In the car you sing along, when the kids sing around the house, you sing, when you hear music, you sing. The other night we went to see some lights. When the band started playing, you started singing. We love it!
You are such a good boy and so patient - your naps are interrupted and you're often thrown into the umbrella stroller for long periods of time or multiple times during the day. Your belly lap is hilarious and you love teasing people. Cole, you're everyone's favorite and your siblings all think they're your favorite!
J: "Mom, why is everyone else having fun instead of just eating?"
M: "Huh?"
J: "Everyone else is out playing and we're just eating"
M: "Who?"
J: "Everyone in this whole city!"
M: "How do you know?"
J: "It's just a hypothesis. My best guess... that's what a hypothesis is!"
Monday, December 12, 2011
Friday night I attended a homemade Christmas party. Last year I didn't do too well but this year, with the help of my brilliant friend, I scored BIG TIME.
JOY
Saturday was gorgeous - best weather ever. Which was perfect considering being inside the house stressed me out because there was so much to be done: Baptism talk, Primary stuff, cleaning, mopping, bills, blogging, etc. I didn't want to do any of it so Cole and I went outside to rake the leaves. He loved it.
To end a crazy but fabulous day, we attended our Polar Express Ward Party. Insane! Perfect! Hilarious! Spiritual! Fran did the most amazing job covering all the bases.
Thursday was Mark's last day in Acton. He found a way to follow a dream and we're so proud of him. Before the farewell dinner, I picked up Ryan and took the kids on an impromptu drive to Corona to pick up the grandparents. I mean really, what's a party without them?? It really wasn't that bad, I made it each way in an hour and ten minutes and the kids seemed to enjoy the ride. But best of all, it made Mark's night.
This past weekend my parents took Mark to his new home up in Utah. There's no doubt in my mind he'll love it there. Seriously, it just looks like him.
The twins entertaining themselves. Andi LOVES getting herself dressed. I do not look forward to the day where I won't be able to dress her for our adventures outside of the house.
I rearranged the living room today because Sunday Andrew exclaimed, "I know, we'll put the tree in front of the window. I've always wanted a tree in front of the window". So there you have it. The thing I adore about Jackson is his take charge mentality. He saw me moving the piano across the room and he immediately went into action. Grabbing the piano bench, moving the chair, sliding the table - the only problem is we now butt heads. I know where I want things and well, he knows where he wants things. But his helpfulness is so appreciated - like when we were all running late yesterday morning so Andrew put Jackson in charge of making toast for everyone.
Back to the tree - this year was different because my parents weren't able to join us for the tree hunt. We just headed over to Walmart to grab some things and on our way out, Andrew hunted for the perfect tree. I believe his words were, "I don't want your mom to make fun of my tree again" - yes, Andrew has a tendency to pick scrawny trees... But not this year!!
The kids thoroughly enjoyed decorating the tree but this did result in three casualties. Oddly enough, they were all Andrew's. Aww, the memories...
I'm scanning most of these to print out as a book, but I still wanted to document this. "Write it as you hear it":
lemin - lemon
liyin - lion
lef - leaf
lam - lamb
lobr - lobster
lizrd - lizard
loc - lock
litboll - light bulb
Cole has seen the doctor twice last week and we still don't know what's wrong.
But other than that, things are going, and going fast.
*Notice Ry's mouth is open - Andrew does the same thing when feeding Cole; or any of our babies!
Some amazing friends, with extraordinary connections to the North Pole, hooked us up with our own "Elfy". He arrived on our doorstep and the kids couldn't believe their eyes. Elfy shows up in random places each morning but I think he's saving the really good places for the end :) Although Jackson was concerned with how messy Elfy got when he made a snow angel in the sugar. Jackson often wants to tell Gunner about Elfy's appearances - I'll have to clue him in on that irony years from now.
In my eyes, Andi has really changed. She's huge! True to her gender stereotypes, she loves to be pretty, to paint her nails, to brush her hair, to be a princess, to have anything purple, to boss everyone around, to mother Cole, to help in the kitchen, to wear heels, to draw, color and write, to push the limits, to say no and wait to see if it works, to cuddle with daddy, to get love from "the boys", to be her.
Speaking of growing up... Ryan had his first experience with Primary closing exercises and singing time. I can't believe we will soon have two in Primary. (I can't wait until we have two in the nursery!). When the Primary children sang the welcome song, Ryan and Gage looked like deer caught in the headlights. There are more moving up with them but all were absent. This was the only shot I got but he was so cute. It makes me happy knowing he's more than ready for this advancement. He talks a mile a minute, he works on stating things clearly, he gives, gives and gives some more, he listens, he asks why, he is a joy.
But of course, the younger three aren't the only ones growing up. Jackson has shown so much growth over the last 3.5 months. I had to record him reading because I love listening to it. It's good for him too because he can be so hard on himself; so hard that it keeps him from trying. (Gee that sounds familiar)
I work in his classroom every Wednesday morning and I love it. I am grateful I have the chance to see the kid at school.
*I just missed Jackson and Gunner holding hands.
These guys are so much fun - usually :) Saturday was a chilly day and it made some not very happy.
Cole's misery was at its peak that day as he finally had a fever. Considering that, my mom came to watch the kids here while we went to the Annual Quest for the Vest. Who doesn't love leaving a party with an enema and rubber chicken? But really, the best part of the night was coming home to a clean home. Ahhhh
(*This morning I lectured Jackson about being late to school, to which he replied, "But mom, it's the chicken's fault. He made me take a long time in the shower!" Uh, yeah, I told him to tell that to Mrs. Evans - he begged me not to)
Yesterday afternoon we attempted to decorate the house. I was so bla, it didn't all get done. I mean, it's tough to go all out when you still don't have the tree. From my perspective: Cole enjoyed the lights, Jackson had a blast singing ("Hey, Dad, I just realized I'm not afraid to sing anymore" and he ran to get his guitar), the kids enjoyed inspecting and remembering each item and Pinterest helped me figure out a new card display.
From the kids' perspectives (yes, they took turns taking pictures):
We left all as is so we could run out the door for the First Presidency Devotional because yes, as Becky O. said, we are crazy. The first half was a struggle but then they played a video depiction of Christ's birth and all three were glued to the screen. When all was said and done, I'm glad we went.
But today, today I am tired. We were supposed to go to Boot Camp at 9, Music at 10, and a baby shower at 11 - we missed it all because Cole napped from 8am-11:30am. He needed it! So instead, Ryan thought we should take some pictures.
As I close this post, I want to take a moment to recognize those out there probably more tired than I am. Hudson and Stockon, we're thinking of you and pray you are well soon so your mommies can rest - surgery is no fun for the ones in the waiting room.
2011 was the least chaotic year out of the last 12 or 13 years. Instead of doing both families on one day, we were able to do both over two days. Tuesday night we headed out to Corona, late that evening, to break up our Wednesday drive to Fallbrook, CA. Of course, as we're walking out the door, Andi dropped my favorite nail polish on the tile - splatter. Because yes, every 2.5 year old must bring nail polish so they're nails look just right for Thanksgiving!
Wednesday morning Juana did the kids' hair while I did my own. Finally, we were off - oh wait, we did make three stops on the way there. Of course.
Once we arrived at Dale's, Cole and Weston were ready for some lunch. Ito packed up some avocados for us and so the boys dug in.
The majority of our time was spent outside swinging, running, or playing with the animals.
Annette, Tori, Shay and I had to run to Walmart; for hours! Upon our return, we all got ready for dinner. We also took this time to celebrate Weston's 1st bday. We weren't able to stay for his cake that night but we hope when he hears our voices reading this book, he'll learn who we are and that we love him.
Of course, we had to attempt a group shot because most everyone was there. I think we really need a professional one of these days! Oh, and coordinating outfits. Oh, and children not looking like rag dolls :) Yes, mine.
This is the point where our children lost it. Ryan, Andi and Cole all wanted to go to sleep. Jackson did too but he would never admit that :) Three were asleep before we even left the driveway. Jackson followed shortly after. It took us two hours to get home and we were so grateful. After unloading us all, Andrew took off to the grocery store to get ingredients for Thanksgiving desserts. I went to bed. The man is crazy I tell ya.
Thursday morning, Thanksgiving, Andi kept telling the boys, "Look at me boys. Look at me!" I love that she wants the approval and admiration of her brothers.
Once Andrew returned from the Turkey Bowl, we tried to pack up and head out as quickly as possible. Yet, we still made it to my parent's house at 12:15 - 15 minutes late. Nonetheless, it was fabulous seeing everyone because we hadn't all been together since my dad's birthday, but that was chaotic. And before that was Easter.
Many insisted on "the hike". It was cute that Marci and others even made sure to bring a change of shoes for this hike. Honestly, after all we ate, it felt so good to get out there. The kids struggled because they were so tired which meant, a few of us had to carry a child up and down. Because of my obligation, I put Jackson in charge of the camera. This went well until he couldn't make it up one steep hill and grandpa grandpa had to run up and rescue him. The lens experienced a few injuries but Jackson was fine. Phew!
We have been so blessed this year. To be reminded over and over of all the love and support that surrounds you is really the most comforting feeling. We are grateful for the love of God shown to us through those around us. Happy Thanksgiving.
News Flash: We're still pretty obsessed with our scootin', straw sippin', avocado eatin', belly sleepin', medicine chuggin', chatter box. He's such a happy boy, unless you bring food around him and you don't share.
Don't worry, we haven't completely neglected the "others". Today Ry and Andi created a moment after they asked to leave music class and go home. Strange considering they love staying for the parachute at the end. Anyway, outside they were themselves, loving being with their best friend.
And Mr. Jackson made me so happy this evening. After dinner Andrew headed over to Dick's with Wes Pollard to gather needed supplies for the Turkey Bowl (I'm pretty sure Wes would have supported this outing :)) so I had to take the kids home and put them to bed. Not always a fun task an hour past bedtime. In the car, I told Jackson I had to get in the house, change Cole and put him to bed so I needed him to get everyone else's pj's. He of course replied, "Got it". Once Cole was in bed, I came out to find Jackson working on the fire. I love it when he steps up to the plate to be the "man of the house".
All I could think was, "Why is Andrew calling me so early?" I mean typically I would have finished getting ready, after all, I had just walked out of the shower, but I chose to pick it up. He was so weird. Why was he asking if I had spoken to Shay? And then, he lost it. "I think Wes is dead!". No, what. What was he thinking? Once I hung up the phone, I fell to my knees. I began a prayer, but couldn't finish it. It was ridiculous. I didn't need to because let's face it, it was Wes. He was going to be fine. He had to be fine.
The day before, Wes called me just to chat. I remember talking about school, Paige, Andrew, life. But just incomplete thoughts are all I have left of that conversation. He had called Andrew that night to tell him how excited he was to graduate soon and apply for Chiro. school. How could this be.
I made Andrew come home and I am glad he did. Soon after walking into our room, he received the final call. He collapsed on the bed. I can still see it. I can still feel it.
Four years ago today, we had plans for Thanksgiving. They quickly changed. I remember walking into the Anderson home, Cosmo running down the stairs and into my arms crying out, "I'm so sorry. I don't know what to do." As I sit here looking at the clock, I am thinking that at this point, where were piled in an RV: Cosmo, Annette, Tori, Ivan, Mya, Zoe, Chris, Andrew, me, Jackson, and (Ryan in my belly). We laughed, cried, reminisced, pondered, reflected, prayed, CRIED. In Vegas, I believe, Cosmo and I were outside getting gas. He asked, "What do I do?" I can still feel that as well.
Wes was the glue. Wes was my buddy and one of Andrew's best friends. We used to call Wes our son because when he lived with us, he would seriously call to see what's for dinner. He tagged along wherever we went. He even tagged along on our anniversary. But we loved him. We couldn't get rid of him :) I remember a time I thought he almost got rid of me! We were driving home from school and he took his truck (Sean Maloney's old truck) through that gigantic dip on Banson. Well after a good rain, that dip turned into a pool. I thought that was the end of our lives. But that sparks another near death experience. Wes and I decided to race from from Seminary. He took Ave. V and Ricky and I took Red Rover. I saw Wes coming and I hit it hard, in the Firebird. On a bend. Not a good idea. Once I got the car straightened out again, Ricky and I just looked at each other, hugged amidst the violent shakes, and said "I love you". And yes, I blame it all on Wes :)
(*because I lost all my pictures since 2005, this is what I could find on my blog. But I guess the fact is, I could sit here and put up a million if I had the resources)
Four years. Four years. I sat down to write something completely different, but it is what it is. Each year is slightly different. This year there were many tears in the morning. Then life carried on. Tonight we spent time with family and friends. We didn't dwell on Wes, but it felt good to be in company of those that loved him too. We love you Wes.
Before I left last night, about an hour before, Jackson disappointed me real bad. So just before I walked out the door, Jackson asked where I was going. While giving me a big 'ol hug, he said, "Mom, I hope you have a great time!" and then he patted my head. His little brain was turning, that I could see; the result... "Hey guys, let's all tell mom something nice about her. Oh, and let's all make a card for mom." Yes, this is my little man, the one that hates to disappoint me and will go to great lengths to try to make me pleased with him yet again.
Thank You cards were our assignment for this month. My sister-in-law Tristan allowed me to steal her "Thank Who? Thank You!" idea and I ran with it. It was fun really. Jackson even wanted to help out and so we were able to put to use some Kindergarten skills together.
I in return received some fabulous cards I'll have to post at another time. But seriously, these people are talented. I had no idea this world existed.
But let's not forget last month: Birthday!
Because I don't have a silhouette or circuit, I have to handcut everything. On my Christmas list this year... a SILHOUETTE (yep - cause I learned the difference last night!). But this card was fun - cutting the cake and sewing on the button.
I am having a fabulous time hanging out with these girls, talking and learning new things. I am grateful for a supportive husband because this week has brought three GNO's in a row - oh, and I made an escape Monday night as well. A girls gotta do what a girls gotta do.
"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!
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