The Andersons

I May Be Back!!!!

2011-06-28T14:52:00.001-05:00

I just realized that as much as I've kept up with technology, I may not have tapped in fully to my app capabilities. This could open up a whole new world, people! I know you've been missing the fire out of me ;)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Williamsburg Rd,Walnut Ridge,United States

Hop on in and see my (recent) favorite photo!

2009-07-06T22:53:00.007-05:00

I'm joining in on a blog hop! This week the theme is your favorite photo. I have lots ;) But this is my most recent favorite photo of the kids playing in the sprinkler. Lest you think I just run and get my camera and capture a moment, I must confess that this photo was a little "set up". I've been playing around with different light and different settings on my camera and the kids happened to be playing in the sprinkler at just the right time. I did make them move so I could get the shot I wanted ;) It was a good experiment, I think. Click around and check out some other favorite photos. I have found so many great blogs by linking around off of others!

Trying out some backdrops

2009-06-10T12:56:00.002-05:00

Don't look at my kids. They just came in from the pool. I had to use them to try out some new fabric I got. I'm not sure about the black and white. The pic itself is not so great either, but it gave me a little indication of what the fabric might look like. I think it might look better with a baby shot that would be more close up........ or maybe a full length shot. I don't know. What do you think? It seems a little busy. I do think I like the brown and blue, though. Opinions??? I may just have to use that fabric to recover something. Oh darn ;)

I hate to sell things on my blog....... but....... ;)

2009-06-09T10:08:00.005-05:00

I thought this is something I could easily do over the summer for a little bit of extra cash ;) I have been making these for friends and family for the past year and they have gone over very well for wedding gifts and anniversaries. They work best with names under 6-7 letters long, but longer names can be done. If you are interested in one, they are $40 locally and $45 if I need to ship it to you. They are 10x20 in. mounted on double weight mount board but not framed. I can frame them for you for an additional $35 (inquire about shipping for a framed print). I will let you in on a little secret though. Hobby Lobby half prices their frames with glass about 2 times a month and there is a frame this size premade and on sale it runs $15 to $20, glass and all.

I am always trying to collect letters as I see them. Right now, all of my letters are from right around here, which makes them really special for people in our area. I am currently trying to get some from other areas as we travel (because we are just such jet setters ;)

Just leave me a comment if you would like more information!

Ups and Downs

2009-06-04T22:50:00.005-05:00

I'm joining in Jessica again and sharing my funnies for the week. I often wonder if some of these are just funny because they're my kids?? Anyway...... hopefully you'll enjoy!

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Avery was talking about how strong she is as we were eating dinner.

Tate: "Do you think she could lift 20 labels?"

Me: "What are labels?"

Tate: "I don't know."

I tried to figure out what "labels" might be and finally realized that his interpretation of the abbreviation "lbs" might be a little off but his phonics and word decoding is spot on ;)

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Rob was walking Tate through the yard to Mom's and he was a little skiddish to walk out in the dark even with Rob at his side. Rob tried to ~~tell him he was ridiculous~~ comfort him, but he was so frustrated with his own fears:

Tate: "Dad, why am I afraid of everything? Dogs that attack, cat's with no homes......!!"

It's a good thing he knows danger when he sees it.

*************************************************************************************

Avery just this moment came into the living room.

Avery: "That paper says when you die, Jesus comes to your house."

Me: "What paper?"

Avery: "This" (produces random scrap of paper)

Me: "What does Jesus do when he comes to your house?"

Avery: "He rides a motorcycle. Remember?"

Where have I gone wrong, Lord?

Changing gears.......... On a truly "not funny" note, please send up a prayer for my grandparents this weekend, if you can. My Papa Ralph is in the CCU with symptoms of congestive heart failure. He's on a ventilator, but seems to be making some slight recovery. My Papa Jean is in the local hospital and will be moving soon to the nursing home. My Mema will be living alone now which, with her dementia, may not be a good thing. The kids and I went to see "UP" today and it was a sad reminder of the fragility of life and the lonliness of old age. It was, sadly, a timely message as we struggle with my grandparents' care. Sorry to end with a "downer", but that's just the way life on this earth is. Everyday brings laughter and heartache :( I'm so glad this is not MY home!

Have a good weekend!

Look What We Got!

2009-05-28T21:47:00.003-05:00

I've been begging Rob for months for a dog and ~~I decided to do it without his blessing~~ he finally gave in. We welcomed little Miss Sassy a few weeks ago and it has been so much ~~work~~ fun! The kids absolutely love her, but she has added a few more things to my "to do" list (because I needed just one more thing)! She is hillarious and has done fairly well with the training.

She really is a cutie and I've even caught Rob snuggling with her a few times. She's a Bichon Frise and isn't supposed to get really big. I wanted something substantial enough that the kids wouldn't kill, but also small enough not to be a huge nuisance.

All of this kind of happened after I accidentally killed our family cat. Yes..... I killed it. Shut the garage door on its neck.........doh! It was traumatic for all of us. Poor Sandy was the BEST mouser. He was not, however, the most friendly pet. He was tough, though. There were several occasions I thought that cat was on the last of his nine lives when LO AND BEHOLD--- he would pull through. Not this time. Rob, Tate, and Avery came home from a walk and Rob saw him stuck under before the kids could see.

We realized how tough he must have been when a week after we buried him, we found where the coyotes had finally gotten the best of him-- this time when he couldn't fight back :(

I hope we have more pictures to show of Sassy in the coming years. I think maybe even Rob has gotten a little attached. It helps that she is just so darn cute ;) And the little girl holding her isn't so bad, either :)

2009-05-08T23:27:00.005-05:00

I thought I'd join in on Jessica's fun this time. I've started a post several times and never got to finish it ;)

Tonight, Avery got out of the bathtub after spending a little too long and says, "Look Mom, my hands and feet are OLD!"

Avery comes into the living room last night and sings:
"Don't you wish your girlfriend was hot like me."
I swear she learned that at school.

A few weekends ago, Tate decides he wants to try a "pizza burger" from our local BBQ drive in. Now a pizza burger in NE Arkansas consists of a fried patty of some sort with some italian seasoning and a piece of cheese melted in the fried stuff. It's regional flavor ;) After trying it, he decides that it wasn't for him. Later he informed me that "on the Billy Mays commercial for Big City Sliders, he makes a hamburger with ALL the ingredients of a pepperoni pizza". Too much TV? Naw.

Avery wants to be a mermaid when she grows up.

He Did It!

2009-05-03T22:07:00.007-05:00

Well I never doubted that I would be able to type that title, but it did get a little scary along the way! Rob will graduate this coming Saturday with a Bachelor's in Fine Arts! Yay! This past Thursday, he had his Senior Exibition and, for those of you who weren't able to make it, it was fabulous. I was a little concerned with the location at first, but it turned out to fit his work well. He had about 50 or more in attendance and everyone seemed very impressed with his work. Here are some shots of my artist and his "wares".
Congratulations, Rob!

I Finally Picked!

2009-04-08T22:00:00.010-05:00

Well, after stressing over which picture to order for about a month, I finally decided to bite the bullet and just get one already! I realized that no matter what I got, I could always replace it pretty inexpensively in a few months if it wasn't just right. So here it is! I can't remember which one you each picked. No one picture got way more votes than any other, so I just ended up going with the one I thought showed the most personality and was most natural. I think it looks pretty good if I do say so myself ;)

I also slid in a couple of pictures of Avery that I have liked lately. She and I are having some huge struggles right now. It seems to be a constant "push-pull" with her and we are both learning a lot. It's not always pretty. I feel like I am constantly reminding her who is in charge. I know that doing it now will be easier than doing it when she's 16, but we are both feeling the frustrations. Please be in prayer that we will live through this with my sanity and her spirit intact. At some point, I'll post some pictures of our vacation and give you a little bit of a story. I'm still waiting on some inspiration. I mean, a post about Disney HAS to be a good one, right ;)

2009-03-23T21:13:00.001-05:00

Tate just said "MP blew me a kiss during the parade and I didn't like it!"

MP would be Mary Poppins.

Tate's not down with Mary Poppins puttin' the moves on 'em.

Steph

This is a test!

2009-03-21T08:10:00.001-05:00

I wanted to blog somethings while on vacation by I wasn't sure this would work. So, this is a test. Hopefully, more to come!

Steph

Hello, my name is Rob and I like to do drawrings......

2009-03-16T21:51:00.006-05:00

Thanks for your input on the pictures. I still haven't decided which one to get, but when I get it, I'll post a picture of what it looks like in my house!

This post, however, is dedicated to someone you don't hear much about on my blog..... my better half. I am so proud of him, lately. He has managed to hold down a full time job (swing shift 12 hour shifts, no less) and he will graduate from COLLEGE in MAY! He is getting a degree in Fine Arts from Arkansas State University. I know, I know..... you are probably thinking that getting a degree in art must be a real gravy train. Well, on the contrary, he has been blessed with a gift that he has been unbelievably humble about. Of course I am his biggest fan and his worst critic so sometimes it's easy for me to forget how talented he is--- until someone else weighs in on it.

We joke about when Rob was a freshman in college and we attended the student art show at ASU. When we got out of the car, Rob said, "There's one of my sculptures." I was a bit embarrassed. It was literally a pile of logs on the grass! During the awards presentation, I remember practicing the "it's okay"s and "better luck next time"s in my head. How shocked was I when Rob not only won Best of Show with that pile of logs, but also won 3 other awards and skipped away with a sweet $600 in prize money. I've never looked at his art the same.

This year, Rob entered two shows where your work had to be chosen for show before the show even began. He took third place with a painting (he just got into painting this year) in one of the shows and first place in the Annual Student Show, also with a painting The third place painting is pictured above and is titled "Red Delicious". Do you know why? It is currently hanging on my living room wall and I like to think it wasn't a coincidence that it matches perfectly. Of course, he says it is. A true artist isn't inspired by what will match your living room...... or so he says. What do I know? The green one below is another in that series. I don't have a picture of the painting he won first with.

His emphasis is in ceramics, or pottery. I hate to call it ceramics. It just makes me think of molded greenware owls just waiting to be painted that perfect shade of harvest gold.

You will hardly ever hear Rob brag or even tell others about his accomplishments. He is often too humble. So, I wanted to share his success with you and give him my public "Congratulations"!

I love you, Rob! I am SO proud of your accomplishments!

I need your help!

2009-03-09T22:52:00.006-05:00

I finally got some pictures of my kids where they have semi-natural smiles and look most like themselves. I want to get a new picture for my mantle but I've got on my mommy goggles and am having trouble picking one! So, I need your help. Which one, if any (don't worry--it won't be expensive) should I pick to print big for my mantle. I have a very traditional home with traditional colors and want it to also match my decor. Be honest-- but nice ;) I know they aren't perfect (the pictures...... or the kids ;)

#2
#3

2009-02-26T23:39:00.007-06:00

Sharp as a Tack

I've been lax in blogging. I haven't had great pictures to post or any stories to tell that I've even felt like talking about. February has certainly been a month that I'm not sure I want to see come again next year. Next February will be sure to remind us of some extremely difficult times. It's been hard to be optimistic about life on this earth.

But thankfully, this month has done more than just come and go. It has left it's mark. God wants us to remember and that is the blessing in it. Satan would be happy if February 2009 left us bitter and hateful. But God has assured me that this is not His plan. I have seen more grown men gripped in sorrows this month than I care to remember, but God has proven that He is here to be our strength. It's funny how most of the struggles I have experienced I remember more fondly than I can believe. I know that God used those struggles to change my life and I pray, and am certain, that God will not disappoint this time, either.

I've been wanting to get a new lens for my camera for a long time. I've just been using the lens that came on my camera because I wanted to be sure of what I wanted before I dropped that first chunk of change on a new one. I decided on a prime lens which means it only has one focal length. You can't zoom in or out--you just have to let your feet do the work. I'd read that this particular lens will create fabulously sharp images and allow you to control your depth of field and get some very nice bokeh....... am I losing anybody? Because it sounds a little Greek to me, too. This shot is pretty clear all over. You can still make out all the junk in my backyard ;)

I have learned a little bit about depth of field and have learned that by changing your aperature, you can create some clear shots where everything is in focus or a shot where just one area of the picture is in focus and the rest is blurred or distorted. The blurry area in the background is called bokeh. That dead grass behind my daffodil is not clear. Although, it is still there, it is less sharp and all we see are the beautiful details in the focused part of the flower.

Please don't get bogged down in my impromptu photography lesson because, for goodness sake, I do not claim to be anywhere near knowledgable. But thinking about lenses made me realize that February 2009 is still a little too "sharp" all over for me. But, I know that thanks only to Him, next year our depth of field will change and we'll see February as that well focused picture with those sharp images fading into a creamy bokeh that only a good lens can give.

2009-02-01T15:27:00.008-06:00

Sorry to leave you in the dark.......but....

Well, my posts were few and far between before, but for the past week, I've had a good excuse. Monday evening we had a horrendous ice storm. If you aren't local, you may have even seen it on the national news. Ice over an inch thick covered every surface after it was finally over following almost two full days of freezing rain. I can easily say it was the worst storm of any kind that I have ever seen in Lawrence County and have verified with my grandparents that it is the worst they have seen in their lifetimes, as well.

My inlaws house

Tuesday morning the power went off at about 8 am. That day seemed like the longest day of my life....... little did I know. At one point, Tate even complained that it was "the worst day of his life." Of course, I tried to gently correct him that a little lack of video games, lights, and TV never hurt anyone and that I'm sure he would live. However, as the days progressed---- in those weak moments, I could sympathize.

That first day we fried bisquit donuts, made homemade playdoh, and played board games and almost got a bit comfortable in the moment. We went to Rob's parents and listened to the limbs start to crack that night. As one crashed down, we would run to the window to survey the damage but we could see nothing but blackness. It was a scary night. I kept wondering about my grandparent's house. They have one of the oldest trees in Walnut Ridge sitting in front of their house. One limb from that tree could completely obliterate their house. Luckily, in our new neighborhood, trees are few and our house was well protected and my grandparents were safe and sound at the time in a "shelter" at the local nursing home.

My mom's

That night we regained power at about 8 pm only to lose it again--for good at 11 pm. We drug mattresses into the living room and took pictures of our little "campout". Oh how fun this would be to remember in the future, we thought. But on Wednesday night, we realized the fun was over. As darkness crept in every night, it was a trick to see how fast you could cook all the food that was spoiling before it got dark as well as light all the candles and figure out what the kids were going to do while all of this was going on. Avery also thought it was so much fun to go around and blow out all of the candles as soon as they were lit.

Night #1

Rodney and Kristi moved in with us on Wednesday. Their help was priceless. We actually cooked up some spaghetti on our gas cooktop (in the dark, no less) and Rob ran an extension cord from the power inverter in the truck to power a lamp! It was a true blessing. We ran the truck for over 4 hours running a lamp and a small tv. We played cards and thought, once again, that this would be laughable tomorrow.

gas lines

By the next day, Rob and I started wondering if buying a generator might be a good idea. We were warm and we could cook (both serious blessings!) but the darkness was enough to send you over the edge. So, on Thursday, we bit the bullet and Rob waited in line for 3 hours for a generator. We ran extension cords that night and wired our house to it the next day. What a dream to flip and switch and see lights, run the washer, blow dry your hair...... the list goes on and on!

Brother-in-laws backyard

Friday, Kristi and I took the kids to Pocahontas to eat at one of the few open restaurants in a 20 mile radius and shop for some groceries to replace all of the spoiled ones. That evening, Rob had to go back to work so Kristi and I decided to take the kids to Jonesboro for some civilization (Rodney was in a meeting at Little Rock). I had found out earlier that day that my grandparents had begged to go home after being ejected from their "shelter" due to overcapacity (long story). Anyway, my uncle put them to bed (he lives just next door) and set out to take care of some other errands. As we arrived home from Jonesboro, we found out that my Papaw had burned his arm badly. I left Kristi with my kids and took off to their house where I had to call an ambulance because his arm was so bad. Neither he nor my Memaw could explain what had happened. He was taken to Jonesboro and Memaw went home with me. He ended up having 2nd and light 3rd degree burns and obviously this was the last straw for them being independent.

We finally got power late Saturday afternoon....... over 100 hours without power ANYWHERE in Walnut Ridge or Hoxie (except for one gas station that had lines for gas that were LOOONNNGG). Many in our area still do not have power, including my maternal grandfather, my paternal grandparents, my good friend Amanda and her family, my uncle, and my brother and his family. We spent the day moving generators-- again! We have missed a full week of school, now, and don't know when we will go back. Our county has been included in a Federal Disaster area.

I have to say that this has been one of the hardest weeks of my life. I have learned so much, though. To say that some things are "fluff" is an understatement. As I watched the video today of shelters in the area, I remembered how blessed we have been. And, although I have had my Memaw for 2 nights and spent the day with my Papaw in the hospital today-- which has been difficult, I remember how close we were to losing them in a tragic accident on Friday.

The hole over Jon and Hillary's bed..... the branch stuck through a few feet.....eek

This post could really go on and on. I could tell you about the limb that actually pierced the bedroom ceiling of my brother in law and sister in law, about how we kept our food outside in a cooler for over two days, about the threat of losing our water supply and running water into every empty container and bathtub for precaution, about my brother working as a lineman every day and then coming home at night to hook up and unhook generators, or about the burned up shirt that we found at my grandparents' house.......... but I'll leave you with this:

Lord, we are so grateful for Your mercy. We are also grateful for those material blessings we receive from You. But, most importantly, Lord, we are grateful for your Son-- our hope for life after this one. We know the things of this world are not permanent and that only You are powerful enough to offer what we need. Please restore us both physically and spiritually. Bless those who need You in whatever way.

2009-01-11T14:03:00.005-06:00

My Rainbow

Avery is going to start the preschool program at Walnut Ridge on Monday. The program is a part of the cooperative that I work for, so it's not like I'm totally sending her out into the real world. I do think she is very ready for it, though, or I would think about waiting until next year. She is definitely a very social child who will do well with other kids to play with during the day.

The birth of this girl was certainly a rainbow in a very rainy season. She causes me a ton of trouble, but she's always worth it. She has the most spectacular personality and is extremely independent. She's has become quite "my sidekick" even when I wish she weren't so attached to me.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Avery!

2009-01-03T22:42:00.002-06:00

Tate On Being Culturally Diverse

With a thick Asian accent, the waitress at Fuji asks Tate whether he would like soup or salad with his meal. He turns to my mother with a confused look and she answers the waitress. As she leaves, Tate turns to my mother and says,

"I don't even SPEAK Spanish!"

2008-12-28T16:03:00.005-06:00

The Season's Favorite Shots

The only dog Avery's dad will allow her to have. His name is Sparky..... I mean Jo Jo...... oh wait, that's Chinook....... his name changes by the hour.

Rob's company Christmas party at the bowling alley.

Maddox and Logan

Tate and Maddox got Marshmallow shooters but Maddox cracked us up by seriously being most excited by the bag of marshmallows.

This is a family picture we won't forget. Let's just say I had to hone my photoshop skills because SOMEONE decided to make screwed up faces in all but ONE photo. I was a little peeved after running back and forth to the camera timer about 6 times. See if you can guess who got a new head :)

Tate's new 4 wheeler that Santa brought

Oh my...... it's only the beginning.....

2008-12-11T21:25:00.025-06:00

Christmas Survey

1. Fresh or Fake Tree

My dad was a freak about fires so we always had a fake tree growing up. I think we had a real tree once and my parents took it down the day before Christmas because it was so dried out and such a fire hazard. I like my fake tree, though. I always know what shape it is going to be. The thought of "the Christmas tree hunt" does sound fun, too.

2. Favorite Ornament

The year that we lost Reese, a co-worker of Rob's sent home this sweet little embroidered piece of felt. Every year when I put it on the kids' tree, I remember. I also let my kids pick a Hallmark ornament each year and as we put them on the tree, I remember all of their outgrown toy fads. It's always very sentimental.

3. Favorite Christmas Song

Okay, here's where I get "grinchy". I don't really care for Christmas music. Something about it seems so cheesy to me. I don't mind to hear it and I'll probably even hum along, but I don't typically buy Christmas CDs or put any Christmas music on my ipod. I know........ bah humbug.

4. Favorite Tradition

Well, traditions change as you get older and start your own family traditions, but I guess my favorite "old" tradition is opening gifts at my mom's on Christmas Eve. My brother, even at 29, gets so stinking excited. He is typically so quiet, but at Christmas he gets a little giddy. My mom is also so much fun at Christmas. I have truly inherited her joy of gift giving. She always goes a little overboard with the gifts, but it's not because we are spoiled or expect it. It's because she loves it.

My favorite tradition with my kids is making and decorating cookies for Santa. We always just use some good ole slice and bakes or those prerolled sheets of sugar cookie dough, but the kids love it none the less.

5. Favorite Gift Ever
Hmmmmm....... this is hard. (I heard that Kristi) My most used gift ever is a fuzzy blanket I got from my grandma when I was in the 4th or 5th grade. I wore mine out, but my brother got one the same year and I am still using his. I sleep with it under the sheet.

My most favorite gift ever would probably have to be Tivo. We got it from my parents just a few years after DVRs came out and I don't know how I ever watched TV without it. We have had to have it repaired or replaced a couple of times and when we do, I refer to it as if Tivo was a good friend going into the hospital (of course only kidding).

6. Favorite Christmas Meal
Ham, turkey, dressing, sweet potato casserole, Sister Schubert rolls, hash brown casserole, green beans, and strawberry salad. Mmmmmmm...... I looooovvvvve dressing.

7. Favorite Christmas Cookie
Okay, this is a new one. A co-worker, who also happens to be Rob's sister-in-law's mother, brings these iced sugar cookies that her sister makes to work and they are TO DIE FOR. I think she gave me the recipe last year, but I can guarantee I could never replicate it. There's also something special about cookies when someone else makes them. I also love those little shortbread balls with pecans in them that are rolled in powdered sugar. I've tried to make those and I have never gotten them to taste right. Leave it to me to have a whole long paragraph about food ;)

8. Favorite Place to Be
My mom's. The kids get crazy, but it is still fun. I love my family because we can always just be ourselves.

9. Favorite Memory
The year Tate was two and we had just moved into our house. He was just beginning to talk (yes, he was late) and when he got up on Christmas morning, he opened all of his gifts and just gushed about each and every one. He got a Viewmaster and I remember he tried to reach out and grab the air as he was looking through. It was precious. Rob and I were in tears with joy.

10. Favorite Christmas Movie
Okay, I'm going to get "grinchy" again. I'm not big into watching movies repeatedly. Once I watch it, I'm usually done unless I happen to see it on TV when there is nothing else on. I guess I would have to say the old Dr. Suess How the Grinch Stole Christmas, seriously.

I'm hoping to start some new Christmas traditions with my own family this year now that the kids are older. If you have any ideas that have worked nicely for your family, please pass them on! This year we got an "Elf on the Shelf" and it has been really fun. I can't wait for Christmas break so that I can put together some more thoughts on things to do. Happy Holidays!

(What is up with blogger that every time I publish a post it messes with my spacing! It drives me crazy to look at it all messed up but I can't fix it)

2008-12-07T19:55:00.007-06:00

Calgon, take me away!

I'm trying to keep my cool today, but it has been hard. I've been on the verge of tears or a breakdown all day. But this takes the cake........ This will explain why a quiet almost 3 year old (who is not asleep) is a BAD, BAD thing.....

That is lipstick. In the lovely shade of Mary Kay Downtown Brown. She gets her artistic abilities from her dad and her cosmotology skills from her mother.

Avery also ran away from home 2 times in the last two days. Luckily she ended up at my mom's.

I got about 20 gray hairs today.

2008-11-30T23:10:00.005-06:00

Where did Baby Tate go?

This weekend we celebrated the birth of our first born, Tate Aaron. He is a great kid. He has caused me a mountain of worries, but has also seen me through some tough times. He doesn't always listen, but seems to hear everything. He makes me cry my eyes out and laugh my head off. He can't remember where he left his shoes, yet, he knows the lines for every infomercial on TV. He's weird enough to be interesting and a nonconformist. He cries often because he's sensitive--like his dad.

Tate has grown into a wonderful boy. His innocent belief in the Lord makes me crave a theology where God is my Superman. I worry often that I will "mess him up" and I pray like crazy that he will be fine. He loves his family and finds his "best friends" within it.

Happy 8th Birthday, Tate!

I love you,

Mommy

Now, Tate will also share his birthday week with a dear friend's second born, Aaden Isaiah. Aaden was born on good ole Black Friday (the 28th) at 5:07 am. I got to be there!!!! After having 3 c-sections, a good old fashioned delivery was a new experience for me and I was thrilled to get to be a part of it. Welcome, Aaden! And Happy Birthday to you, too!

2008-11-27T11:57:00.005-06:00

Thanksgiving
by Tate Anderson

I am thankful for many things. The first thing I am thankful for is God. I am thankful for him because he loves the world and he gave his only son. The next thing I am thankful for is toys. You can play with them and have fun with them. The third thing I am thankful for is home. It keeps me safe. The last thing I am thankful for is pets. They keep me company. I am glad that I have God, toys, home, and pets to be thankful for.

(And I am thankful that Tate has had some fabulous teachers!)

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!

2008-11-19T19:12:00.012-06:00

Rainbows

I remember the day well. I was sitting at home in my flannel pink striped pajama pants that I had worn for over 3 weeks. I was nursing a wound- and not just in a physical sense. It was one of the darkest times in my life and, thankfully, God has helped me to forget the intensity of that pain. But the impression still remains. And that I am thankful for.

A day full of rain. Great. Just what I always needed on a day like this. I tried to shake the grief and overwhelming despair. Why did this happen? The rain darkened my mood and reminded me of my sorrow.

The rain finally stopped late in the afternoon. The sun was just starting to set in the sky. As I sat on the couch, I wondered whether there could be a rainbow. I thought about when rainbows appear. I thought about how the sky is usually so definitely divided -the dark sky moving away, heavily contrasted by the bright blue-grey sky in it's clearing. Surely God wouldn't fail me. I went to every window in the house. I knew where the rainbow had to be, considering the time of day that it was, but I couldn't see it from any of the first 6 windows I looked out.

I ran to each room, frantic at the thought of the "promise" not being visible to me. And then I stood at the threshold of the nursery -the nursery prepared for a promise never fulfilled. I ran to the window, skeptical and hopeful at the same time.

And there it was. My promise. The promise that was first given to Noah and now, I believed, to me. His promise. The promise of new beginnings. The promise of safety. The promise of peace. From that moment, I knew that His promise was unfailing. I realized that I was never promised a baby here on earth. His promise isn't about this earth at all. His promise is much more than that.

I recently drove home from work to a beautiful rainbow arching over my home. I remembered His promise given with the rainbow and I remembered that day four years ago in late November when I searched frantically for it's presence. I am constantly reminded of His promise and, every passing year, I remember and long for the day when it is fulfilled.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

2008-11-04T00:07:00.003-06:00

Ten for Tuesday

Friday Favorite has been MIA lately so here are ten things I'm happy about today:

1. My husband is off work for the next 3 days! Yea! Of course he still has school, but beggers can't be choosy. I miss him like crazy. I get a little crazy here without adult conversation.

2. My birthday is this weekend. I don't forsee any huge parties, but maybe I can eek in some hubby time and shopping..... maybe?

3. My daughter is potty trained! Yippee!

4. Post-it paper on a roll. What can I say? My life is simple. This stuff is super for the kids to create --it sticks to the table and then they can hang it right on the wall.

5. Fisher Price Digital Arts and Crafts Studio....... I love you. You have occupied my kids for hours this weekend. Yes, you have been neglected for almost a whole year since we got you for Christmas, but thank you for your patience.

6. The Duggars. Watching freaks like you makes my life seem much more normal. No offense.

7. It's almost "tights" season. So much easier to keep up with than little socks.........

8. The leaves, the smell ..............this time of year often brings back some creepy memories --but I can't help but love it. I thank God for that.

9. Daylight Savings Time. I know, I know, it screws with your mind for a little while, but I so enjoy waking up when it's light outside and having an earlier "come inside" time in the afternoons. It makes my life much easier.

10. Sweet tea. I know, it's random

2008-11-01T09:01:00.023-05:00

Boo!

We had a good Halloween despite Rob having to work. The kids are getting old enough that it's much easier for me to handle hectic holidays such as this one without pulling all of my hair out. My only complaint is all of the driving and stopping at relatives' houses. Mainly because driving on Halloween is never fun and the kids start to get a little frustrated with all of the getting in and out. My kids also love to give out candy so all of the driving around limits their time for doing this. I love going trick or treating with the kids, but I'm also looking forward to the day when we can decorate and dress up and just stay and home and greet trick or treaters. If only my kids had two parents ;)

Avery, Tate, and cousin Maddox

Avery was a Bobcat cheerleader. I was a little worried about a costume she might actually "wear". She's been a little particular lately about what she has on. So when we went to the ballgame a few weeks ago, I thought this might be an good idea.

My sister in law, Jennifer, rolled Mallie's hair on sponge rollers for her princess costume. It was so funny. She looked like a little old lady who just came from the beauty shop for her weekly "set".

This is why all of the driving around is worth it. My grandparents are housebound and don't get to see my kids very often.

This was Avery's pumpkin request. Her daddy carved this the night before Halloween.

Rob carved pumpkins for hours. It's his "thing". We had a lot of trouble this year because our pumpkins were so thick and tough. He broke every tool he used and finally ended up cutting the tops off with a Saws-all electric saw thingy. When he had just finished the last one (nearly 3 hours later), he missed his stool and sat on one of them and broke it. He just shoved it into a flower pot for a "stand" and you would have never known....... bless his pea pickin' heart.

Tate was Indiana Jones. He loved his costume so much that he wore it for 2 days before Halloween just because. He looked in the mirror and said, "I look like a hunk."

Maddox's costume had a little "problem". This is the back :)

Hope you all had a great Halloween! Time to get out the Christmas tree!

2008-10-29T21:25:00.003-05:00

A Laugh At Our History

I'm sorry if some of you don't "get" this. Always trust the "Gospel Advocate".

2008-10-22T21:40:00.003-05:00

Me, Circa........

1956

Hi, my name is Alice Anderson. I'll never forget senior year, although I'd like to. Those sock hops were not so fun from the sidelines.

1994

Hey! My name is Jennifer Anderson. It took 2 cans of Aussie and a good blow dryer to get this hair.

1985

Hello, My name is Tracy Anderson.

1978
Hello, my name is Peggy Anderson.

1962
Hello, My name is Patsy Anderson (aka Patty). I was senior class president and lead saprano in the glee club.

1977

Hi, my name is Susan Anderson.

I just can't comment on this...... I'm just too busy laughing!

I'm seriously about to wet my pants!

2008-10-15T22:40:00.004-05:00

Remembering Reese

For those of you who haven't met her, this is Reese Avery Anderson. She was born asleep from unknown causes on November 20, 2004 at 34 weeks gestation weighing 5 lb 2 oz-- a beautiful thread in the tapestry of our lives. She changed our lives forever and we will never forget her. Today was the National Day of Remembrance for pregnancy and infant loss. We remember her every day as we are not the people we were before she came. We thank God everyday for her brief physical presence in our lives and His eternal care for her. Reese is at home in heaven with another sibling who we lost due to miscarriage in the summer of 2006. We rejoice in the hope of seeing them both again. You can read my post from last year here.

2008-10-12T16:16:00.019-05:00

A Not So Stinky Day

Amanda, Jeremy, Mason, Addie, and Tate, Avery, and I went to Pumpkin Hollow in Piggott yesterday. We loaded up into my mom's truck with four kids, two wagons, and a picnic lunch and set off on the hour plus drive. The kids were good on the way up and besides a little scenic tour of the backroads of Clay County, we made it safe and sound.

After our picnic lunch, which we had to fight some flies and bees for, we decided to take the kids to the porta-potties. This is where the fun begins. I helped Avery use the bathroom while she questions everything inside. Of course I just want her to hurry, but she is facinated by the indoor/outdoor potty. I help her finish up, get her pants pulled up, and try to shimmy around in the potty, keep her from opening the door and find enough room to pull down my own pants.

Then I heard it PLUNK.........

Oh yes, something fell. Keys. And yes, I looked in the potty just in time to see the bubbling of their decent into the blue abyss.

I stood in shock for a moment. How deep was it? Since it was so blue, you couldn't see the bottom. I had a clue where the keys had landed, but what had they landed on? I couldn't tell. My only hope was to reach in. I know, *gasp* I reached in and grabbed them as quickly as I could. My arm went a little more than wrist deep. UGH I quickly grabbed some toilet paper, and wiped as much as I could from my hand. Then, luckily, there was a little outside sink with some antibacterial soap where I attempted to scrub my hand of the vile disgusting horror.

And then there were the keys. I washed them under the sink and lathered them around in the soap as well. I didn't think the keyless remote had much of a chance of survival at this point anyway.

Of course, Jeremy and Amanda didn't believe my story. Would I actually make something like that up? Like I pride myself in reaching my hand into a toilet filled with other people's crap? They finally bought it.

The rest of the trip was good. Avery had her heart set on riding a horse and Tate really enjoyed the "barn". Aside from the keys in the potty, dumping Avery out of the wagon as I pulled it, and the kids nearly getting trampled during the pig scramble, I think we could call it a good time.

By the way, after a little more drying, the keyless remote still works. And, I forgot to tell you that we had taken my mom's truck instead of mine............ shhhhhhhhh

"I don't think I can pick this one up"

Cowgirl Addie

Avery fed the goats white oak acorns..... Jeremy's idea

King of the Hay

Four tired children "sitting" on a bench........ priceless

2008-10-09T22:32:00.002-05:00

I've been tagged!

Seven random things about me:

1. I can sew. I know most people know this, but in a day and age when few people do, it might seem random.

2. This might be a downer and most of my readers already know this, but I have a rare acquired blood antibody (kell) that could threaten any future pregnancies. It's kind of like Rh negativity but much more rare with no known cure or treatment.

3. I can't stand to hear or see anybody cut, chew, chomp, or grind ice with their teeth or any other tool.

4. I am a terrible housekeeper.

5. I have never broken a bone. I've always assumed it's because mine are so big.

6. I would honestly make a batch of brownies right now just to eat the batter.

7. I don't really like chocolate chip cookies.

I tag Andrea S. and Kari R.

2008-10-05T19:42:00.005-05:00

Whew!

What a week! Even though I have been here at home the week and weekend, I've had a lot of projects to finish up on. I finally got all my clothes priced for the consignment sale (I still need to check for ironing needs--yes, you heard me right, it has to be ironed or they supposedly won't take it. I have had them cull some of my stuff for minimal staining or wear, also), had my friend Deana's shower today, and finished an art project for her baby room this morning at 3 am. I didn't have to have it finished by today, but had I not finished it while I had it out, my house would have been turned upside down while I waited to finish. I also got few bow orders last night and would like to get those completed either tonight or tomorrow night.

Friday night, we went to a cookout at a friend's house who has a son Tate's age and a daughter Avery's age. It was wonderful weather and company. The kids had a good time. I tried. Being at events where Tate is with age matched peers is often very hard for me. I may blog about that later..... but not tonight. This post is not meant to be that deep ;)

So, tomorrow, I have to drive to Jonesboro to drop off my consignment clothes. Doing this sale can be a real hassle for me, but it's worth it in the long run to get that little extra money in a few weeks. I always take on too many things at once. Why does it always seem like everything always hits at once?

Anyway, I'm leaving you with a picture of the canvas I made for Deana's baby. We saw these at a boutique children's store in Jonesboro for $250! Of course I think, "I can make that!" But after finishing, I realized that those things are worth every penny of that $250. It was very time consuming--- lots of layers of paint and mod podge drying. I am going to try to make Avery one for her room while I have it in my head. Of course hers will be much more girly and HAS to have some bling on it.

Sorry to bore you with my crafts! Have a good week!

2008-10-02T21:39:00.004-05:00

The Logical Choice

A conversation between Tate and I while we were watching the vice presidential debates:

Me: Tate, who would you vote for, if you could vote? Barack Obama or John McCain

Tate: John McCain

Me: Really? Why? What have you heard about him that makes you want to vote for him?

Tate: Well, I can't say that other guys name

2008-09-30T22:06:00.002-05:00

Too busy to blog

Sorry I've not posted in a while. I've been super busy trying to get some things done. I've been working on some hairbows that Kristi's mom takes along to craft shows with her children's clothing, planning a shower for a friend, making some things for my house, and getting some clothes together for a biannual consignment event. On top of it all, I'm cooking our twice a month supper for church tomorrow night. Maybe these pictures will give you an idea of how busy I've been. Hopefully, I'll have something profound to post about in the next few days, but for now, you're stuck with some pictures of my junk.

Hairbows!!!!

I got this idea from a link from Nester.

I'm hoping this will grant me some more spending money!

2008-09-14T21:45:00.008-05:00

Was it a depression?

I started out the weekend in a funk.

You know, the kind where you just can't figure out what is wrong but you can't stop crying. Sometimes I wonder if it's depression. Rob insisted that I explain what was wrong, but I couldn't. I prayed hard that it would pass. I also decided on a little "friend" time, some good food, a little wine (to be honest), and some retail therapy.

It helped.

I came home Saturday evening, took two Tylenol PM (wine headache), and thought a good deep sleep might clear my mind. Then I realized I couldn't sleep. Isn't that crazy? Even with Tylenol PM? Anyway, I was up every hour. And finally, at about 2:00, I realized that I was not going to be able to sleep anyway because the wind was blowing like crazy. I had just received a weather text from TWC indicating that we were under a "high wind warning". I wasn't really worried. We have very few trees in our fairly new neighborhood and it didn't seem too bad. But then I started to worry about my grandparents. They live in an old neighborhood with one of the oldest trees in Walnut Ridge in their front yard. That tree has to be over 6 or 7 feet in diameter. Just one limb falling from that tree could obliterate their house. I prayed hard over it and tried to sleep some more.

We were up and down for the next few hours watching the lights flicker and listening to the creak of every piece of wood in our house. It made me quite uneasy. At 5:30, it seemed that our electricity was gone for good. We rode out the rest of the morning a little stuffy, trying to catch a few more winks. I did get to have a really good dream where I got to tell someone I don't particularly like how much I don't like them. It was a very therapeutic dream ;)

At 7:00, daylight called and we rolled out of bed to survey any damage in our yard. Our yard seemed clear. Then Rob's dad called to tell us that a tree in my mom's yard (actually it was just about at our property line with hers) had been uprooted. As I said, trees are few in our neighborhood and this one was easily one of the biggest we had--a beautiful weeping willow that had become known as "the secret tree" to my children and their Nanny. We were glad no one was hurt, but we were all a bit sad to lose an old friend.

We spent the rest of the morning without power. Most of the town was without power and we called off services at our small church because we had no power there, either. Seems that all of the power crews were deployed to Texas this week (including my brother) and only a skeleton crew was left behind here in Arkansas. Needless the say, the power companies were not prepared for the amount of damage here and, honestly, they were most needed in the more devastated state of Texas.

Being without power, however, was a true blessing. There were no TVs and no internet. We ate french toast (we never have french toast). We opened the windows and let the now gentle and cool breeze blow through our house. We went for a stroller ride and then a car ride around town to see the rest of the damage. We ate lunch with friends at a restaurant in Pocahontas that had power and came home to find our electricity was on. The entire family came to see the tree cut apart. It was sad, but it was such a good day.

The winds were, of course, the remnants of Ike passing over Arkansas and, I heard they were considered a "tropical depression" as they moved through. Maybe the winds were enough to blow my threatening "depression" away. Maybe God knew just what I needed. I sure hope so.

**Here are some picture of the secret tree. The picture at the beginning of the post was from about two years ago**

**And BTW, my retail therapy resulted in an adorable furry little brown dress coat and hat for Avery at TJMaxx and some pumkins and pedestals for my mantle. Watch for pictures! They are both brag worthy**

2008-09-13T10:41:00.007-05:00

Who Am I and Why Am I HERE?

When I graduated from high school, there was no doubt that I would go to college. Nobody asked me if that was what I really wanted to do or even assumed that I would choose anything different. My parents were hard working, middle class parents with high school diplomas. They proved to me every day that life would have been so much easier with a secondary education.

When I graduated from college, there was no doubt that I would get a job. Although my son was born one week before I graduated with my master's degree, I knew that at some point, I would go to work.

And I did go to work. I was blessed to have my mother in law to be a caregiver for my son while I was at work so I had minimal guilt for leaving him. And, when the time came, he started public kindergarten in our small, rural town in Northeastern Arkansas. My daughter, who came along 5 years later, stays with my mother in law as well and will start public preschool in January.

I've never felt guilt about working outside of the home. I've never felt guilty about sending my son to public school. Until now.

Recently, I have become much more aware of the unspoken battle between stay-at-home/homeschooling moms and working moms. I've heard lots of SAH moms talking about "their calling", being "fully mom, fully wife", and the advantages of homeschooling your children. But I hear very little justification from the other side. My side.

Just recently, I've started to feel guilty. But the guilt is not due to any family concerns that are calling me to stay home. (Except the fact that I am feeling pulled in a gazillion directions because my husband is working full time and is going to school full time--but this is a short term problem) The only explanation I have for my guilt is worrying about what others are saying about what their reasons are for staying at home and homeschooling. Don't get me wrong, I'm not blaming anyone for my guilt. But, it has got me to thinking about the justifications for my decision to send my kids to school and work outside the home.

I haven't come to any profound decisions about why I work. Sure, I feel that my job is somewhat rewarding and sometimes I feel like I might be helping somebody. But why are those people more important than my own children? Why isn't God calling me to put them first? Am I wrong?

I also realize that God has a definite plan for our lives. Often, I look back and think about the experiences I have had in the workforce. I have definitely been blessed by several Godly friends that I know God placed in my life that I would have never have encountered had it not been for working outside the home.

So whether my decisions in the past were based on selfish desires, I'm not sure. I wonder if my decisions were just made based on what I "knew"--this is what I was supposed to do. Maybe I was called by God to make those decisions. All that I know now is that I can't worry about the decisions I made in the past. At this time in my life, working is not an option either financially or personally. I have to make the best of what I've made of my life and pray that God will meet me where I am.

My goal is to become a living example of what a Christian woman looks like. No, I won't have time to teach my children the Torah or any verses in Hebrew, for that matter. But I hope to make my life a living example. I want to show my children that taking what is not mine is wrong and that giving to others is paramount. If I have to do this at Wal Mart on the way home from school or at a quick trip to the gas station or waiting in line at McDonalds because we are eating out again, then so be it.

I won't boast that my plan is the best way, because I don't know that it is. I can't even say that I have directed my decisions by a set plan. I do know that the Lord has a plan for my life and that sometimes following it seems hard. I'll just trust that He knows best.

Proverbs 19:21

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails."

2008-09-06T22:32:00.004-05:00

It was the best of times.......???

Last Sunday night, Amanda and Jeremy and Rob and I took our kids to the Redbirds game in Memphis. Typically, these games are very laid back, with small crowds and a real small town atmosphere.

Well, evidently, we picked the wrong game.

It was the last series of the summer and the last game where they have fireworks after the game. This drew a record crowd - over 18,000 fans. We ended up buying standing room only tickets (we all got in for $24 with some coupons-yea!) so technically, we had no seats. We ended up sitting in a section where my mom, Fred, and my brother's family were sitting. It was an interesting evening, to say the least. I can't go into all of the detail. But, let me tell you a few words to describe the event: HOT, LONG, LOUD, CROWDED, OVERSTIMULATING, HOT. The combination of these things was a little much for all of us. Especially when two of the four children have sensory processing issues and one of the four is potty training. I seriously don't remember watching even one second of the actual ballgame.

To make a long story short, it was the best of times...... it was the worst of times. We were so glad to get out of the house and spend some fun times with our friends and family. It was worth it.

The lady in charge of the slide was a bit passive, to say the least. Her attempts at getting the kids off of the slide when their turns were over had me laughing my head off. We finally had to wrangle them off ourselves

Addie, Avery, and Mason

Tate and Maddox (his cuz)

P. S. I didn't forget about Friday Favorite........... Sarah Palin. No apologies.

2008-08-28T23:01:00.003-05:00

Friday Favorite(s)

I've discovered a couple of new things in the past few weeks and this weeks favorites are very, well, random to say the least.

First, I've been eating diet frozen lunches for a while now and haven't found anything new or even somewhat tasty in this department since I burned myself out on the Lean Cuisine panini when it released a year or so ago. But, I recently tried a Lean Cuisine Margarita pizza that is more than decent. I'm sure I will eat enough of them in the next few weeks to remind myself that diet food should never be listed as a "favorite" food.

Okay, I admit it.

I love Contemporary Christian music, but I often listen to *gasp* secular music, as well. I love the nostalgic feeling I get when I hear a song from somewhere in my past and I like to think I'm cool enough to keep up with some Top 40 stuff, too.

So, today's other favorite is XM 22. It's my favorite satellite radio station. It's a great mix. Today I heard Coldplay's Viva la Vida followed by Prince's Let's Go Crazy and then Verve Pipe's The Freshmen. It was like experiencing a multisensory photo album. Where else could you find such a great mix?

I'm realizing that my "favorites" are so sad. I mean, really, a cleaning product, a diet pizza, and a radio station? My life is so sad....... ; )

2008-08-21T22:16:00.002-05:00

I caved (a Friday unFavorite)

Well, I swore that I would never buy my children character shoes. But tonight I did. Avery saw these shoes in a magazine and was in love. When we saw them at WalMart tonight, she had to have them. And, what can I say, I caved. Not only are they *cringe* Strawberry Shortcake, they are *cringe* light up........... can you say ugh? Oh well, I 'm hoping she will settle for wearing them as play shoes, but..........

..... I'm afraid that the fact that she had to put them on before bed tonight with her gown is a bad sign. A quick Friday Favorite for ya..... I was looking for a way to make Tate's room more "thematic" without going overboard and I found this vinyl guitar on ebay and I think this might be just enough. He really likes it.

2008-08-21T00:25:00.002-05:00

Sweet

A few weeks ago, I found out that Elmo was coming to town. You know, the stage show where an enlarged Elmo and Sesame Street entourage bound around on stage singing all your old PBS favorites. I so wanted to buy tickets for Avery and me, but just could not rationalize the $45 dollars that it would require.

I was a bit disappointed that we weren't going to go as we have been religious in the past about taking our kids to many of the traveling shows without once thinking about the cost. But this time, in the midst of remodeling the kids' rooms and recouping from some extra summer expenses, I just could not even consider it.

At the last minute, this afternoon, Amanda called and was gracious enough to share two tickets with us to go with her and Addie. FOR FREE! I was almost a little too excited about going. I always get a little teary at events like this....... I know I'm a freak, but I just enjoy seeing my kids get to experience something that I think they will remember. And the tickets were free, it was worth a few tears of joy.......

Anyway, we met at the Convocation Center and found our seats. As we waited for the show to begin, the peddlers started to make their rounds trying to taunt the children with various treats and toys. Amanda and I decided to split a bag of cotton candy but at the last minute I decided to treat both the girls to a bag in thanks to Amanda and Addie for having us along.

What sweet joy....... cotton candy. All the girls (including Amanda and I) were enjoying the cotton candy when I looked at Amanda and she diverted her eyes and grinned a shy smile. I looked and saw two children in front of us watching every bite that went into our mouths. I couldn't help but laugh. Amanda's face was enough and who hasn't seen a kid who wants something. But then I looked closer. They weren't just watching. They were staring. Almost in disbelief. I looked next to them and noticed their mother who looked terribly uncomfortable in the sea of bow-headed girls and Elmo backpack clad little boys being overindulged.

I immediately started wondering what we should do. We both had come with very little cash and were trying to be frugal in our own spending. And the thoughts of handing them a chunk of our moist, half eaten, squashed cotton candy just didn't seem appropriate at the time.

At first, I was quick to judge. My job often leads me to my calloused idea that parents like this probably don't work and that they are too lazy or too self absorbed to be able to give more to their children. But as I tried to clear that from my head, I thought about how she probably had the same desires as I do to make our children happy.

The cotton candy suddenly felt gritty in my mouth. I felt guilty. Guilty for the cotton candy, guilty for the free tickets, guilty for the $8 pennant, guilty for the gas to drive to Jonesboro........ just plain guilty. Although I probably did not do the right thing in the situation (which was nothing, by the way), it was a humbling experience.

But on the other hand, I felt grateful. What a blessing is to be able to have what I have - what a joy to get to experience the simple things like 2 year old girls with sticky hands and sugar induced wiggles.

As the show started, the kids in front of us lost interest in our treats and were soon clapping and laughing to the songs of Elmo and his crew. Maybe they won't remember their craving for cotton candy by tomorrow, but thankfully, I will.

Thanks again, Amanda, for the tickets and the company. It was truly a blessing and, yes, I did choke back a few tears as I saw the girls dance and smile and get blue mouths from the yummy cotton candy. So many life lessons learned in just one little moment. But who could expect anything less from Sesame Street : )

2008-08-16T23:41:00.006-05:00

Big Boy Room Redo

Tate and Avery's rooms were getting overrun with toys and furniture. We decided to downsize beds and clean out and clean up! It has taken us almost a month just to get one room "done". So, whether you like it or not, here are the end results for Tate's room. We are all pretty pleased with it. I wish I had taken before pictures. It was cramped, disorganized, and full of junk. Many of the toys have been moved upstairs to the "next on the list to redo" playroom. (I do still need to get a lamp. If anyone has any suggestions, feel free to let me know.)

Avery had to pose on the bed.

Ignore the upside down bank on top of the armoire. Tate broke the bottom and now all the change dumps out. Papaw will have to fix that....... This armoire was my Mema's and she gave it to us to use in Tate's room. His Papaw Bob built some shelves for it and, voila! I bought the CD/DVD holders on amazon.com and they have been great. I hung two in the playroom and one inside Avery's closet doors. Shrek looks like he's about to climb right out of that toy storage area at the bottom :)

Inspiration from The Nester led to the creation of this window "mistreatment". It is so hard to figure out what to do with this window because to hang a rod would be next to impossible because of the width and the fact that there is no way to attach it to the center of the window (I'm afraid it would sag something awful). But who needs rods, right? Just hang those ring clips up there with some upholstry tacks! I got the panels on clearance at Bed Bath & Beyond and found the striped fabric at Hancocks for next to nothing. The striped fabric is attached to the valance of the blinds with binder clips! I love being sneaky...... Consider yourself warned..... there are more mistreatments to come!

I'm thinking of backing some of these more open shelves with some nifty scrapbook paper for some more color in the room. What do you think? Tate's Papaw Bob gives him a wooden toy that he handcrafts for Christmas each year. He also made the bookcase.

2008-08-16T11:24:00.002-05:00

My Child is a Genius......

Okay so maybe not. But I just didn't realize she could do this. She was drawing last night and this was her final product. She said it was our family. Sadly, we don't have legs but, luckily, we can fly.

2008-08-11T21:42:00.002-05:00

Tateisms

For those of you who know my son personally, you know that he is a rather eccentric kid. Although his personality suggests "odd", we have always embraced his differences and hoped that others could view him as we do. This is a conversation from tonight:

Tate: "Mom, I just saw something cool on TV. It was a motocross vehicle. It had a steering wheel just like MarioKart Wii and you could steer it. And it popped a wheelie with just the push of a button."

Me: "Really? That sounds cool."

Tate: "Yeah, it was. You could steer it."

Pause

Tate: (in his best announcer voice, a bit under his breath) "Made by Tyco RC."

2008-08-11T01:02:00.002-05:00

Prayer Request

Please be in prayer for my son, Tate. Although it's been said that "kids are resilient", I fear that childhood experiences can affect us emotionally later in life. Although I try to be a good parent and I am not EVER perfect, there are experiences and happenings in life that are out of my control.

I can not expound on what exactly he is going through, but I can tell you that he needs to feel the peace and love that only the Lord can give.

Thanks.

2008-08-11T00:00:00.002-05:00

God My Shepherd, I don't need a thing!
(Psalms 23, The Message)

I have recently realized that I am a "wanter". Okay, enough with the snickers....... I know it's not an epiphany, but it has become more evident how much time I spend wanting things. I started wondering if there has ever been a day that I haven't wanted for something whether it be new shoes, a new bag, new floor coverings, a new bedspread, a new book, a new CD, clothes for the kids....... I go from one thing to the next.

With the rise in gas and food costs lately, my wants have become nagging. I worry about how hard it is getting to just "live" much less get what I "want". My spirits have not been too damp, however, and many times I am scrounging the house over trying to find something to sell on ebay to cover my next purchase.

But I question my desires. Is "want" a human characteristic that we can not squelch? Is wanting itself a sin or is it a sin only when those wants require so much that you can not rely on God for your fulfillment?

I want to rely on God for my fulfillment. I want to want less.

Just a Test......

2008-08-08T16:45:00.000-05:00

This is simply a test to see if I can send posts from my phone....... Who knows if I ever will, but it's worth a try.

2008-08-08T14:16:00.001-05:00

2008-08-08T14:16:00.000-05:00

2008-08-07T23:20:00.005-05:00

Friday Favorite

Well, I haven't been inspired to write great things lately. Not like I ever was writing great things but....... anyway, you're stuck with just another boring Friday favorite. This week it's Photoshop. The only place you can take a not so great photo and make it wall worthy. Or at least they are to me. But you know, I do have on my mommy goggles for one of these.

...... I love to see the pictures go to this

........from this.

.....or this nice picture of the nasty but infamous Bono bridge

......from this.

I've had Photoshop Elements 5.0 for about a year now and still know only a tiny bit about all there is to do with it. When I do discover one of those tiny tricks that can make worlds of difference in my photo, I feel like I've won the lottery. Now don't go thinkin' that you can just whip out the $80 bucks for the program, push two buttons and magically transform your pictures into a professional looking masterpiece. The learning curve is rough to say the least. However, it is rather gratifying to play around and know that you can always undo what mess you just created. I downloaded a free trial and played around for 30 days before I made the investment.

And if you are better at photoshop than me and you know all about layer masks and magnetic lassos and gradient maps and can see right through my shabby editing skills, save it for your own blog. But if you are a professed amateur like me, feel free to share your photoshop glories! I'd love to see them!

2008-07-31T22:17:00.002-05:00

I'm tryin', Lord

Well, it's been a popsicle night.

For those of you that know me outside of this blog, you know what I mean. It either means supper was so horrible that my kids have resorted to about 15 popsicles afterward or that I was so "out of myself" that I was too disabled to fix supper and they had to resort to popsicles for nourishment. It's happened. I'll leave you to decide which actually happened.

Anyway, going back to work has been harder than I had imagined both emotionally and logistically. Rob has only been a real part of our family for about 35 hours in the last 7 days. This puts a real emotional and physical stress on me. We've also been trying to remodel the kids' bedrooms and are currently in the midst of chaos. I'm trying not to become discouraged about the coming school year with Rob and Tate going back to school. When Rob goes back, his time with us will be even more limited. Please pray for my strength. It may seem whiny and frivolous, but it is important. I need it. I commented on Amanda's blog about how I so admire single parents. I just don't have it in me.

Please also pray for Rob's safety. He is on the road a lot and many times, without much sleep. Sometimes I wonder why we thought this was such a good idea, but we have to remember that it is only a season and it will soon be over and we will forget what trouble it was.

Anyway (again), tomorrow Amanda, Kristi and I are headed to Searcy for a girl's overnighter to attend a Beth Moore simulcast. I need it BAD. There was actually a simulcast location in Jonesboro, but we thought a good excuse to spend the night was in order. And boy, did we know what we were doing when we thought of that!

Shalom out!

2008-07-26T01:40:00.004-05:00

Friday Favorite

I've had an ipod for a few years now. Rob actually had one of the first, the mini. I recently upgraded to the Classic and I have loved it. Lucky me, I ran across this little dodad at Walmart on the clearance isle a few weeks ago. I can now enjoy my music in the bathroom while I dry my hair (might as well have cut my drying time in half as much as it keeps me entertained!) or at the pool. It doesn't get really loud without distorting the music a tad, but we are able to hear it fairly well if it is sitting near our chairs outside at the pool. The quality is great inside. I have loved it and it has already been well worth the $50. It also came with a little travel tote and the front piece where your ipod sits closes forward to fold the unit flat.

I've always felt like I couldn't use my ipod as much as I wanted to. I mean, it's a little hard to stick something in your ears and make the world go away when you have two children to tend to. But not anymore! So, go....... scrounge the clearance isle and free your ipod from the shackles to your ears and share the love :) So are you tired of my advertising yet? Too bad.

2008-07-21T11:58:00.003-05:00

I do too, Avery.......

...btw, this video brought to you by the new Flip video. The thing is really neat. Thanks, Mandy.

2008-07-20T00:56:00.004-05:00

The Beauty of Blogging

I fear sounding like a crazy person, but I must tell you. Blogging has changed my life. I mean, do you realize what blogs have done? I have been connected in the past year with people who I have never met in person but have given me some pretty amazing inspiration in so many areas of my life.

Have you realized that there is a blog for about every topic under the sun? Sadly, mine is just an eclectic mess, but it's who I am, what can I say? But I digress......

My first blog connections were mostly related to religious and spiritual journeys. These have inspired me in amazing ways and I still find them to be some of my favorites. I have even learned that some of my friends should really consider writing professionally. There are some gifted writers in this world and I have discovered that God is sure using the blogosphere for his glory!

I have also been able to keep up with family in friends in a deep and personal way. Where else but blogland can you find out what your cousin in Tennessee did this weekend, how her family felt about it, and see pictures at the same time. And all in the comfort of your own home without having to talk on the phone while your children try to rip off your clothing, try to change their own dirty diaper, and squirt toothpaste all over your bathroom floor. (Yes, this is what happens when I talk on the phone...)

My favorite new found blogs even have FASHION and DECORATING tips! How fabulous is that? I even found out tonight that you can hem a pair of jeans and actually keep the original hem intact! Can you believe that? Why hasn't this shorty heard of that before?

My favorite recent outcome of blogs has been our girls Bible study group that was formed through the inspiration of the LPM bloggers (or siestas). I don't know that the four of us would have ever hooked up for Bible study without it and we are able to share and learn so much about each other through blogging.

Speaking of Bible study, I haven't posted a complete summary, but, in a nutshell, we learned a lot, we ate a lot, we talked a lot, and we cried a little. It was an emotional night.

The thing that struck me most, was in Genesis 30 concerning the story of Rachel and Leah. This is what Kelly says in the book:

For Rachel, the idol of having children was so strong that it functioned as her life. Without them, she didn't want to live, so she had to do whatever it took to get children. They had become the "ultimate" thing, and people will do far crazier things when something threatens their ultimate thing......

.......We no longer need to be controlled by our cravings and lusts. We are no longer bound to jealousy and revenge and bitterness when something is taken from us, when we are mistreated, or when we experience loss. Why? Because Jesus Christ shows the incomparable riches of his grace to us along with His kindness. He becomes our ultimate thing, and the far lesser things that are threatened or compromised are nothing to be compared to who He is and what He can do for us.

It is rather contradictory to me to think that Rachel's desire for children was an idol. Children are wonderful, right? They are beautiful asset to our lives that God desires for us, right? But even though what she wanted was "good" it had overtaken her. Overtaken her to the point that she was desperate. How many times have we let our desires overcome our lives and the hope we have in Him? And, how many times have we led ourselves to believe that God would want us to become so wrapped up in it because it is surely something He wants for us. New jobs, children as in Rachel's case, a "better" church to worship, money...........

The beautiful thing about it is, however, that we can draw closer to Him when we realize that we may not get what we want. In our despair, we know that He is there and will comfort us. He knows we won't always understand and I believe he will ease our burden when we are disappointed.

So I must finish this now. I've been inspired to great things. If I could only just spend less time on the computer reading blogs.

Like I said "eclectic mess". Sorry......

2008-07-16T10:17:00.004-05:00

Friday Favorite

Every Friday I am going to try to start posting a "favorite thing". I thought this might be a way for us girls to share those things we can't live without. I love sharing things I love. Although enjoying something myself is rather gratifying, I love to recommend things to my girls and hear that they love them, too!

Well, Angie over at Bring the Rain let me in on this little secret a few months back and I had to pick it up. Obviously, her post is not specifically about the cleaner but I thought, hey, if a cleaner can make you want to clean in that situation, then it must be sent from God, right? Well, boy was she right. I find myself wanting to clean my countertops at least 10 times a day just to release that intoxicating smell into my kitchen. I can't tell you that it is the most fabulous cleaner I have ever used, but it sure is the best smelling.

So run, don't walk, to Target and pick up some Method cleaner in the cucumber scent. Your home and your family will thank you.

PS.... we had another wonderful Bible Study experience this evening..... I'll post more later!

2008-07-15T22:12:00.004-05:00

Guilty Pleasures
***update--I just had to tell you that tonight I had to transfer some "fundage" from savings to "tide me over" until payday on Friday. I told Rob so that he would hold me accountable for the payback. After hearing my story about the talking earrings, he asked if I thought that I was tempted by the earrings. I said, "Oh no, these earrings have crosses on them. I know Jesus wouldn't let that happen." Or would he? (I also told him about the amazing will power I was granted to pass up that purse--- Satan get thee behind me!)

I just had to share my super gluttonous purchase from my shopping excursion this evening. I mean, these darned earrings just screamed my name and would not stop calling me until I payed way too much for them and put them into my ears. Oh, they are super fabulous and they will go with oh so much. I think I just used the word "oh" two times in one sentence but it's the only way to justly describe the feeling of buying something you really love. Is that horrible? I did have to resist the perfect deal on a Kathy Zeeland purse at the Maxx due to my inability to ignore the call of the "two-toned-go-with-everything-they-even-have-some-bling" earrings. I'm sure it won't still be there next week. Oh, what a sacrafice....... I can't believe I just blogged about a pair of earrings. I love being a girl.

2008-07-10T23:28:00.003-05:00

Heartbreaker

You've been to Build A Bear, right? You know how they stuff your bear and then put in a special heart and then sew him up? Well, Avery is annoyed that she can't get that heart out so this is the second bear that she has ripped open and torn the heart right out. Rob says, "Just like a woman........"

2008-07-10T17:48:00.003-05:00

Doodle Monster

This is what happens when you hear, "Hey, Mom, I found my marker to my Doodle Monster...." and you don't get up and immediately take it away before a 2 year old gets a hold of it. She called it her "costume" and said "yook, I paint on my yip".***sigh***

2008-07-03T20:43:00.005-05:00

Blackberry Season

Rob gets a little addicted to picking and seeing how many he can gather.

Avery ate more than she picked

MMMMmmmm. I've decided they are my favorite fruit.

I felt "domestic" and made some jam/preserves

2008-07-02T11:26:00.005-05:00

Summer Bible Study Session Two - Pizza and Peace

I learned so much from this section's lesson about Sarah in Genesis. I hadn't thought about how much control Sarah tried to take over her situation and what complications arose from her trying to meet her own needs. This passage from Kelly's book spoke to me:

In Genesis 21 we see the fulfillment of God's plan, and this was going to happen with or without Hagar; with or without Ishmael; with or without Sarah's manipulation; with or without Abram's passiveness. But how nice if the story had simply been Isaac, without all the baggage.

How we complicate the process. I can't tell you how moved I was by this revelation last night, even on my crampled flight. God had this beautiful plan for Sarah in spite of how bleak things looked. Defitinely she was in a bind. She had genuine cause for concern. But that's always going to be the place where our faith is tested. If it all looks easy and doable, it doesnt require faith.

Certainly Sarah had waited a long time for a "life". But God had fully intended to give that to her. Not through Hagar. Not through Abraham. Not through Sarah's scheming. But through Himself. And of course we know He fulfilled this promise in Isaac. This gives me great encouragement to wait for God and keep my feisty little mitts off the process. It doesn't mean I sit around. There's plenty to do. It just means don't force the outcome.

How many time have I idolized the kind of control that Sarah so desired? I think control is especially hard for women. I mean, weren't we born to "fix boo boos"? It's hard to let God have control. But what I realized, is how actually "peaceful" it can be to give it to Him. Let him have it........ and wait........

This is the post I left on the LPM blog for our session update:

"Our group met last night in Pocahontas, AR (we are swapping between two small towns of Walnut Ridge and Pocahontas--about 15 miles apart). Three of the four of us were able to attend and enjoy the pizza, cheese bread, Greek cous cous salad, and cheesecake.....mmmmmmmm.

We identified our idols as success, control, worry, and happiness.

We were terrible at the acrostic and decided to take it on as homework.

We talked about our "laughable" moments of joy or turnaround delivered to us by God. One of the girls' husband has overcome some significant religious and family issues to bring their family to a deeper faith. One of us recalled a time that I just had to share with you.

About 4 years ago, the three of us bonded over your LPL meeting in Little Rock, AR. This was the event where "In Christ Alone" was the "theme" song. That song greatly impacted all of us and became a favorite. Little did I know, in just two months I would be facing the most difficult time in my life--the stillbirth of my daughter at 8 months pregnant. I don't know what I would have done without these ladies and my renewed faith in God. I played "In Christ Alone" at her funeral.

Almost 2 years to the day, we decided to attend another ladies conference together...... unfortunately I can't remember the name, but it was Priscilla Shirer, Angela Thomas, and Kelly Minter leading worship. We had another faith deepening experience and commented, after Priscilla's much needed lesson on discerning the voice of God, that we felt like things had come full circle-- like God was telling me in particular that it was time to heal that hurt. We also commented that it would be even more of a "moment" if we sang "In Christ Alone". Well, low and behold, guess what the next song was........ it was unbelieveable and all we could do was laugh and cry......

We are lovin' this study!

Stephanie"

2008-06-25T19:02:00.002-05:00

Gift of Gab
Avery is napping (I know it's 7 o'clock, but our summer schedule is screwed up) and I was thinking of all of the funny things she says lately. Here are a few of my favorites......

*Mommy, you memmer? Yessernight?
*Can a have one of does? Sur I can!!
*Mommy, I so pou uh you...... (usually when I'm on the toilet.... sorry if this is TMI)
*Dis is a bahereenna! (anytime she puts on a dress)
*Yet's go fwimmin
*I pee pee...... I nee a Hersee Bah! (she gets a Hershey Bar when she goes potty)
*insert rooster crow* It's summertime........ I wake up! (when I tell her to go to sleep, she closes her eyes and does this)
*I nee my see kuh (I need my sippy cup)
*I nee a pockle (popsicle) and I ri my bye-kle (bicycle)

She really amazes me with all she can do. She can ride a tricycle, and has been for a few months, and she can put all of her shoes on. It is unbelievable how differently girls progress than boys and how differently they play and think about things. God has some amazing designs!

2008-06-23T12:48:00.006-05:00

Crazy Eights

Amanda tagged me back and this looked like fun....

Eight things I'm passionate about:

*God Enough said

*my husband I know, I know there are some of you who wonder if Rob and I really love each other because we bicker so much. But, beyond that, we are best friends. I crave time with him and don't get as much as I want.

*my kids It's easy for me to get bogged down in the "day to day" with the kids (especially lately---summer has recently gotten harder again) but I am constantly worrying and pondering what I can do better as a mother and I often get wrapped up in whatever they are currently interested in.

*photography I love taking pictures and playing around with different photo processing programs.

*do-it-yourself I am constantly seeing things and thinking, "I could make/do that......" This has created lots of half done projects around my house. (I'm passionate in my intentions and ideas, but not so much in the execution).

*good friends/family I am a very dependent person and "need" good friends and family. I've been lucky to be blessed with many good friends. Some of my good friends have seen me through some pretty crappy times and I don't know what I would have done without them.

*gadgets I love technology and can't wait to get the newest gadgets. I not smart enough to always know why they work, but I love it that they do!

*television/Tivo I hate add this to this list, but TV has provided me with some pretty necessary "calgon" moments. And if it weren't for my dear friend, Tivo, I would never, ever get to watch TV anyway. This way, I can watch it when it is convenient for me and I'm not a slave to the TV.

Eight things I would like to do before I die:
(a lot of things that could be on this list, I am too chicken to even think about)

*get a tattoo This seems to be a common theme....... must be our age or something
*drink Dom Perignon or Cristal
*see my kids become Christians, get married, have children---grow
*have both Rob and I on regular working schedules
*be able to retire and enjoy time with Rob
*go to Europe----anywhere
*go to New York
*be skinny

Eight things I say a lot:

*Stop
*How old are you?
*Wh0 made this mess?
*Go to bed/go to sleep
*I don't know
*It's up to you
*What's up?
*I stayed up too late

Eight books I have read recently (or in the process of reading):

The Memory Keeper's Daughter
Lipstick Jungle
Velvet Elvis
Blue Like Jazz
Bible
No Other Gods

(I can't think of any others...... not a big book reader lately)

Eight movies I have seen eight times:
(I'm not big on watching movies over and over..... they just have to happen to be on TV or something)

Steel Magnolias
Dirty Dancing
Grease
Lion King 1 1/2 (Tate was in the hospital once and I counted at least 10)
Wizard of Oz
It's a Wonderful Life
Silence of the Lambs
Elf

Eight blogger (or blog readers) friends I tag.... if you don't have a blog, post it as a comment:

Kristi
Kari
Andrea S
Andrea A
Leah
Gary or Lynetta
Mom
(could only come up with 7)

2008-06-22T18:02:00.004-05:00

Fotofusion Fun

My niece

I have so many things I need to be doing today besides wasting time making collages. But I had so much fun tweaking these for the last few hours while Avery napped. Still seems like a waste of time........ Why do I always feel guilty about hobbies?

2008-06-20T00:34:00.012-05:00

Midsummer Highlights

2008-06-18T23:09:00.006-05:00

Cheese Dip and Church Ladies - Session One

Well we kicked off our summer Bible study with three of us here at my house on Tuesday night. We had some great food--Amanda, that queso rocked--and some great conversation! We reviewed our memory verse for the summer and decided we couldn't hang with the competition for the best memorization idea. Our best idea was to put it to the tune of the Barney theme song because Kristi said she heard once that the tune helps developmentally delayed kids learn (leave it to two speech therapist-one turned behavioral interventionist-and a physical therapist to come up with that one).

We discussed our personal struggles with being closer to God and realized that many of our struggles come from our deep history in religion. "Do I fully believe God is capable?"..... "Do I compartmentalize my faith?"........ "Am I close to God, or am I just going through the motions?"....... "How do I share, and teach, and give without becoming bogged down in it all?" Who knew that growing up in religion could be so hard? Correct me if I am wrong, ladies, but I feel that although we are all from different "seasons" of our lives, it is evident that our struggles are common. We are each modern women, unable to accept the "church lady" identity, but hungry for a closer walk with God and understanding our place in the religious world.

I did my first two days of homework and am excited to start discussion on what our modern day idols are. It was interesting to me to realize that not all of these idols have to be negative things. I've also always pictured "idols" as being tangible, but in our study, they are described as something operating as our god..... something we want "too much". It can be a physical object or a property, a person, an activity, a role, an institution, a hope, an image, an idea, a pleasure, or a hero. What are some things that you feel can hold us captive on this earth?

2008-06-16T23:07:00.002-05:00

Summer Bible Study Update

Just letting you know that we (Amanda, Kristi, Amy, and I) are starting a summer Bible study tomorrow evening at 6:30 pm at my house. It's not too late if you want to join us either online or at my house! We'd love to have ya! I must tell you that I made one of the recipes tonight and it was a doosie! Took me over an hour just to prepare! It's gonna be good and I was so excited to make it for such a worthy bunch! Get caught up with what we will be doing tomorrow here. Watch Beth's video and get geared up for some good fellowship, fun, and most importantly, God's word!

2008-06-10T13:31:00.004-05:00

Summer Bible Study!

Beth Moore's Living Proof Minisitries blog has suggested a summer Bible study and several of us have decided it would be a great idea. So far, there are 4 of us who will meet at my house every other Tuesday night. If anyone would like to join in either at my house (if you are local) or online, get a book and let me know. If we have some friends who want to join in online, we'll post discussion questions and blog about it! We are starting next Tuesday night at 6:30ish. There will be good food and fellowship, from what I hear. LPM has some suggestions (recipes and such) for each meeting and we think it will be fun to follow! Hope you can join us!

2008-06-10T00:41:00.003-05:00

Cardboard Testimonies

Did you recognize yourself? I did....... several times. Thank God for his saving grace! What would our relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ and those not yet in Christ be like if we were more honest about ourselves and what God has done for us?

2008-06-08T21:54:00.002-05:00

I've been tagged!

Leah tagged me so here goes:

1. What did you do 10 years ago?
Wow, it's hard to remember ten years ago. Since I just celebrated my 12th anniversary, I can say I had been married 2 years. I was 23 years old and was going to college-- I know, I was on the 7 year plan for getting a masters degree.

2. Five items on your to-do list today: (since its late, i'll put it for tomorrow)
Get Avery and Tate ready for swimming lessons, help Deana with swimming lessons (just for tomorrow), get back on a healthier eating plan, do some laundry, and cook supper

3. Snacks I enjoy:
Good snacks: fiber one bars (beware! these can mess you up), honey wheat pretzel sticks, chocolate covered pretzel 100 calorie packs, laughing cow cheese wedges and pretzel chips
Indulgent Bad snacks: strawberries and chocolate, cheez its, little powdered donuts, chedder cheese and crackers

4. What would you do if you were a billionaire?
Quit my job and stay home...... then I would: do more at church, do more volunteering at the kids school, and get a second car that got better gas mileage (I guess I wouldn't care about gas mileage if I were a billionaire, huh?)

5. Places I would live:
I really do love living in Walnut Ridge because I am close to my family, but if I could take my family, I would live at the beach anywhere or specifically in Hawaii

That was fun Leah! I tag Kari, Amanda, Kristi, and Andrea.

2008-06-05T12:12:00.006-05:00

My New Job

There is much debate about which is harder, being a working mother or being a stay at home mom. I am lucky enough to get to sample both, as I have a job where I am off about 6-8 weeks in the summer. But the hardest thing is transitioning between the two. Every summer, I spend the first few weeks just trying to find my footing - trying to fingure out, "What is my job?". Although it looks like it would be simple, it really takes some adjustment.

My typical day at work consists of as much control and order as I can pull off. I am NOT an organized person but I do feel like I have "control" over my day. At the beginning of the year things are pretty hairy. But by second semester, I feel like I'm a bit more with it. Have you noticed how much easier it is to make other people's kids mind?

As most of you know, my afternoons and evenings after work are often spent at home alone with my children. So, sometimes, home is more stressful for me than my job. The summer months are just an extension of this.......

The kids evidently feel like they have free reign of the house and are intent on trying to open every cabinet and drag out every thing they haven't had the time at home to look at in the last nine months. They are also used to being occupied and entertained so I end up feeling like "activities coordinator". When you have to be "cop" and "activities coordinator", who has time to be the "cook", right? No, three meals (or more) must be prepared and cleaned up each day. My dishwasher runs at least 3 times every day in the summer.

In the first few days, I think that being at home 24 hours a day with both the kids will make me go out of my mind. But after a week or so, I get my groove. I realize that there is no conference tomorrow or homework or therapy to plan for. This is my new job-- full time parent. And the summer months make me enjoy being a parent even more.

Thank you, God, for blessing me with a wonderful job where I am given this opportunity.

2008-05-09T00:17:00.000-05:00

Journals and Journeys

Four measly little pages. My sad attempt at a journal. I've always wanted to keep a journal; something to log my thoughts, hopes, dreams. Something to have, to read, to reflect. But every time I started, I realized quickly that I didn't know what to write. If you ask my friends, they might say that it's just another project I've yet to finish (notice I said "yet"). But to me, it was a project that never got off the ground at all.

My first attempt came when Tate was two. I decided is would be a great way to write down all the funny stories and things he said. Well for those who know Tate, there wasn't much to write. He was a quiet introspective toddler with little to say and much to think about. The few journal entries I logged ended up sounding more like a medical chart than a personal account......

"Tate saying lots of words to label and request and putting some 2 wd phrases together -"bye nanny", "dat horse". Tate said "nome snack" and signed more in class and participates in activities well."

My next attempt at journaling came at a frustrating time in my life - four months after the stillbirth of our daughter.

"I want so badly to be pregnant again. I wanted and planned for a baby that never came. Tonight Tate just came up to me and said, "Mommy, I'm so proud of you." He is such a loving, funny child. I am so grateful to have him. I love and miss you baby Reese. Mommy would love to hold you just one more time. I miss you everyday......... sweet, beautiful baby girl"

And three and a half months later, I was still frustrated.

"Well, we are 10 weeks pregnant and here I am at the pity party again. This is so unfair. I've done this just less than one year ago--why do I have to go through another pregnancy! I know it sounds ungrateful. Many women would give anything to carry their own child for nine months. But for me, it feels like torture. The worry, the waiting--it just isn't as fun when you know what bad things can happen. I don't know if I can endure the mental torture! I've had to go to the doctor 2 weeks earlier than scheduled because I thought I would lose my mind with worry. I just want to be happy again and innocent - unaware of what can happen and how it can tear your heart out. God, I need you to strengthen me AGAIN...... you've been there for me before.... help me again..... I feel like I am self destructing. Pick me up and dust me off. Lord help me lean on You!"

Blogging is the closest thing I've come to journaling in over 3 years and I'm still not that good at it. But those sporadic entries with words so simple they must have truly come from some deep crevasse in my soul have reminded me of the journey I've taken, the plan God has for me, and the realization that only He knows what is best for me.

This week, I have been thoughtful of the change in my life after Reese came and left so quickly. I'll never forget the moment I knew that I would be different. After the initial "I AM GOING TO DIE" feeling subsided, I knew God had a plan and Reese's death would not be in vain. I know now that God sent Reese to change my life. I am a changed person because of her. Life events such as this wound us. But when we are healed, we have a scar to remind us - a scar to share, to show, and to use. Thank you Lord for knowing just what we need......

2008-04-21T08:28:00.000-05:00

SUPERMOM!

I saw the funniest maternity shirt today..... don't worry, I wasn't LOOKING for a maternity shirt.... just happened to come across it on the web. It said "I Grow People.... What's Your Superpower?". I thought this was so funny and it got me to thinking, "What's My Superpower?"

So, here's a SHORT list of superpowers that I think this "Supermom" holds. Not to brag, but to remind us of the little things we are able to accomplish on a daily basis.

1. I can make 3 plates at a buffet with more ease and agility than most of the "gray hairs" in front of me

2. My heat seeking abilities can "feel" a fever across the room

3. My super telepathic powers allow me to detect kid vomit before it happens..... usually

4. I can pump breastmilk and drive ( I don't know why this is "super", just thought it was a multitasking feat)

5. My super olfactory system allows me to smell a poopy diaper from 2 rooms away--this also works with any other kind of mess (ie., poop in the floor or bathtub, a puddle of syrup on the kitchen floor, toothpaste smeared all over the bathroom rug, etc.)

6. My super strength allows me to eat, drive, work, cook, clean.... all while holding a 30 pound child.

7. My super analytical skills allow me to figure how to split meals at restaurants to save the most money, allow everyone to get what they like, and still have a doggy bag to take home for tomorrow and.....

8. allow me to make a semi healthy meal from less than 4 unrelated items in the pantry.

Like I said, this is not to brag...... post one of your superpowers! It has empowered me to finish the day with confidence and fortitude....... good thing I don't have to wear a leotard.......

2008-04-20T22:44:00.000-05:00

What is Spring?

...the sight of tiny toes in new sandals
...the option of not wearing shoes outside
...a "Sonic" picnic under Nanny's "secret tree"
...the sight of kids swinging as high as they can with their eyes closed and their heads back
...fighting millions of wasps in the backyard
...putting on sunscreen to play outside
...millions and zillions of bubbles
...a messy, neglected house (oh, who am I kiddin.... this is not seasonal)
...trimming bushes and trees
...riding bikes
...tears at dusk (or should I say "dragging two kids in kicking and screaming")

2008-04-09T23:41:00.001-05:00

The Bridge

2008-04-03T00:47:00.000-05:00

It's funny how sometimes you can get wrapped up in something that is so far detached from you. A few months back, my friend Amanda shared a blog with me about a young couple who are fighting an amazing battle. This story has been riveting and I've found myself checking in on them at least once a day to find out how God is working in their lives and in the lives of others around them. Their story is incredible. I hope you will check it out and add them to your prayers http://cfhusband.blogspot.com/.

2008-03-24T15:16:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter!

Our Easter was, as usual, a whirlwind. Luckily, we are on spring break this week, so we have a few days to recover before we head to Branson for a mini vacay with Mom, Fred, Adam & Jennifer, and the kids. We had an egg dying party at Nanny's Saturday night. Tate, bless his heart, broke more eggs than the little kids. Not just cracked, I mean mutilated! Well, grace has never been his strong suit. Good thing he's super smart! Avery was a super egg hunter and found 51 eggs, coming in second only to Darren who is 11 years old!

We went to an egg hunt at Stewart Park on Saturday and my kids found ZERO eggs. It was a real bummer..... But the kids were happy just getting out and getting to play on the playground at the park.

Tate spent the night with Gran and Pawpaw last night and we got a call at 5:30 this morning saying he was throwing up and had fever...... wouldn't be vacation without a little puke, huh? So, today we are recuperating so that we will be well enough to enjoy the rest of our break. Please pray for a quick recovery and good immune systems for the rest of us so that our trip is most enjoyable!

2008-02-23T22:46:00.000-06:00

My Princess Dress
I'm sitting here, recovering from the flu. Feeling far from beautiful and not even presentable at this point. At least I did just shower and wash my hair, which was a huge step in hygiene, at least. But the best part of the day, the thing that made me feel like I was healed instantly, just happened.

I had just finished showering. I pulled my wet hair back into a rubber band, put on my glasses, and threw on an old, terribly unflattering pink nightgown. Now this nightgown is not the kind you wear when you want to feel sexy or special. This is the nightgown you put on when you just want to feel comfy. I actually got it to wear in the hospital when I had Avery. And rightly so, it looks very, how shall I put it, "maternal".

As I sat down on the couch, Avery crawled into my lap. She instantly looked at my gown, and smoothing it with her tiny fingers said, "Dis your pississ?, Aw, you pississ!" I had to ask, just for clarification....., "Do you think this is mommy's princess dress?" "Yes!", she said, her brown eyes twinkling and curls bobbing as she nodded. And at that moment, I felt like a princess, too.

2008-01-31T21:25:00.000-06:00

A Snow Day!

2008-01-13T00:14:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Avery!

We had Avery's 2nd birthday party last night, and as you can tell by looking at the pictures, she had a great time. We had to sing Happy Birthday and light the candles three times because she kept saying, "mum or time" and holding up her little index finger. Of course we couldn't resist and it gave Mommy several photo ops!

Mommy was about partyed and holdiay-ed out, so the party was a little low key (as compared to previous parties). I have a history of going a little overboard.

2008-01-12T23:45:00.000-06:00

2007-12-15T10:46:00.000-06:00

Bah Humbug????
Christmas has the tendency to bring out the worst in me. It should be the most "wonderful time of the year", right? Well, I am the type of person that gets very overwhelmed by the Chrismas clamor. All of the hustle and bustle doesn't always fit into our hectic schedule. Today shopping, tommorrow wrapping, the next day party where I am signed up to bring cupcakes....... the list goes on and on.

This year, I even tried to keep the schedule light. We don't HAVE TO do everything on the list. With Rob's work schedule, it's nearly impossible, anyway. But there are some things that are not negotiable for me. ........... Oh, who am I kidding......I'm trying to type this with Avery and Tate fighting over something and two kids screaming and crying. It's impossible. If you want to see this pictures at all, you don't get text........ sorry......... Merry Christmas!

2007-10-15T16:46:00.002-05:00

Today is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Rememberance Day

On November 20th, 2004, we celebrated the life of our firstborn and ended the day mourning the loss of our first daughter. Tate celebrated his 4th birthday with a huge, overwhelming, and possibly "overdone" birthday party. Several times that day, I wondered if I had felt the baby moving but brushed it off thinking I had just been too busy to pay attention. But later in the evening, I started to get very concerned.

It was surreal. Like an out of body experience. You remember what went on around you, but not like it was actually happening to you. You keep thinking, "This is NOT happening....how could this happen.....it must be wrong........they are going to tell me any minute now that this was all a mistake." But it doesn't go away and it gets more and more real everyday.

My biggest issue, following Reese's death, was the hard fact that it is something that nobody really wants to talk about. It's all just too sad! People walk around looking at you like you have a third eye and all you want to do is talk about it--a lot--obsessively, in fact. It is interesting how talking about a baby dying is something "taboo". It's like it's "unspeakable".....it scares people.....and, maybe, if we talked too much about it, people would be too scared to even get pregnant in the first place.

But now as I type these words, a beautiful little brown eyed girl is kissing me and asking me to hold her baby doll. A far cry from where I was almost 3 years ago. We've been truly blessed with two wonderful healthy children who have saved my life! Don't get me wrong....a never wanted to "replace" the child I lost. I want to rejoice in what I learned from her and her memory reminds me everyday what closeness I felt to God during her loss, how he held me, and how I need to get that close to Him again.

And, today, on this day of rememberance and nearly 3 years since, I have the opportunity to talk about it again. I don't feel the "obsessive" need to talk about it as much anymore. I do think about it daily, however. I will never forget.

On October 15, at 7:00 pm in all time zones, families around the United States will light candles in memory all of the precious babies that have been lost during pregnancy or in infancy. Too many families grieve in silence, sometimes never coming to terms with their loss. If everyone lights a candle at 7 p.m. and keeps it burning for 1 hour, there will be a continuous wave of light around the world.

On this day, in communities across America, expectant moms will feel their baby's first kick; parents will listen joyfully to their newborn's first cry; and families will celebrate their healthy baby's first birthday.

Also on this day, seven babies will be lost to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS); more than 70 new parents will have listened sadly to their stillborn baby's silence; and countless lives will be lost to miscarriage and other sudden, unexpected infant deaths.

Please help us remember our dear daughter, Reese Avery Anderson: born silently November 20, 2004, by lighting a candle in her honor. There is not a day that goes by that we do not think of her and her little brother or sister lost to miscarriage in 2006. We are anxiously awaiting our reunion with them!

2007-09-19T19:12:00.000-05:00

I did this just to annoy my mom....she's tired of my videos and commercials. But, seriously, there are many times that this song hits home.....I'm especially emotional tonight because Kristen West sent me a link to a blog about a month ago for a very courageous young mother battling breast cancer. It touched me even though I didn't know her. Today she lost her brave battle and left behind 4 young children. You must read her blog to understand how brave and blessed this woman was. I know, blessed sounds crazy....just read it......www.kimsprayer.blogspot.com

Funny Orbit Gum Commercial

2007-09-09T23:19:00.001-05:00

Okay, I'm on a YouTube roll tonight....this is the funniest commercial I have seen in forever.....It's given me a whole new repretoire of pseudo curse words!

Who Am I Casting Crowns Rock Church

2007-09-09T23:06:00.001-05:00

I think this is so cool. I'd really like to be able to see it in person!

2007-08-30T19:38:00.000-05:00

Look at this little spotlight hog.....Does it remind you of anyone? This child learns a new song or a new word everyday....Amazing!

2007-08-20T17:06:00.000-05:00

Schools In! Yea!

Thank goodness, school has started. I think Tate was starting to get really bored at home. The last few weeks of heat really did us all in as it was hard to go outside and play without having a heatstroke! He got up quickly this morning and was ready to go before I knew it! He almost didn't even let me walk him to his room this morning.....but he changed his mind and even turned around expecting his kiss when I left. I pecked him on the head to keep his classmates from laughing and left. It was much more emotional for me this year. Maybe because he seemed so grown up and independent......

Avery realized that Tate was going somewhere this morning, too, and threw a fit when I went to get her out of the car at Joan's. When I opened the door, she actually said, "I no go Ni," which is Avery-speak for "I'm not going to go to Gran's today, thank you very much." I was laughing so hard I nearly dropped the wild, rabid thing on the ground trying to carry her in.

Another one of my children started school today, too. Rob went back to college today to finish his degree in art. He wants to be an art teacher when he grows up...... I don't know how he's going to make it (or how I'm going to make it) these next few years, but we hope it will be the best thing for our family in the future. We've just got to get through the next year and a half (or two).

2007-07-10T00:26:00.000-05:00

My Son "the Loser"

Tate and I were traveling in the car today and he spotted a "souped up" Mustang that he thought was cool. "Mom, I wish you could get that car," he said. "But I don't want that car....maybe someday when you are older and have a job, you can buy that car," I replied. Then Tate responded with, "but I'm not going to have a job when I grow up." He's always talking about wanting to be a daddy when he grows up so I told him that you have to have a job to be a daddy. Then he explained that he didn't want to be a daddy anymore, he just wanted to be a "man". At this point, I realized my attempts at rationalization were futile. So much for aspiration........

2007-07-06T13:01:00.000-05:00

See if you can find Tate on The Joker......he's the one screaming his head off in the second picture. Tate is not much of a thrill seeker and we aren't ever sure whether or not he will like things after he actually gets on. So, we often put him on rides against his will just to see if might like it. Well, this ride was definitely not one of his favorites. He said, "I couldn't breathe!" The pictures say it all!

2007-07-05T23:57:00.000-05:00

Oh, I forgot to show you her talent!

2007-07-05T23:43:00.000-05:00

Said I wouldn't....but I did....I swore I would never let someone else tell me that my kid is of course the most beautiful child in the world (okay in the county, whatever), but I did it. I put Avery in the Cute Miss Independence Pageant at the Portia Picnic on Saturday and....(drumroll) she didn't win (sigh).......Of course it was rigged (ha ha) because this (see above) has to be the most beautiful child ever....right!????? Move over Suri Cruise.......

2007-06-22T19:33:00.000-05:00

Gas in 3 vehicles to Branson: $150

Rooms for 11 for 5 days: $1000

11 tickets to Dixie Stampede: $480

Getting a group picture with everyone looking at the camera
with their eyes open (except Mallie):
"priceless"

2007-06-12T08:52:00.000-05:00

Tate and Avery got a new kitten they

have named "Sandy".

2007-06-12T08:46:00.000-05:00

2007-06-12T08:42:00.000-05:00

Sorry it's been so long to blog but our computer went on the fritz and I completely forgot about my blog because my old computer wouldn't allow me on. Anyway, we are all good. Tate finished Kindergarten and Avery is growing quickly. We also started a myspace so you can keep up with pictures there as well. The URL is www.myspace.com/robstephtateavery .

2006-11-13T22:16:00.000-06:00

We went to Lake Charles this week to try out our new camera and catch what was left of the fall leaves. The mosquitos were terrible so we just took a few quick shots and got out of there. In one of the other pics, you can even see a mosquito on Tate's arm...pretty good camera, I'd say...

2006-11-06T20:50:00.000-06:00

Peek a boo! Avery plays this game whenever she gets the chance.

2006-10-24T19:09:00.000-05:00

Grown up.....that is all I can say when I see Tate's kindergarten school picture. I feel like I missed so much of his life already, just because I feel like I wasn't paying attention. Does the time really go that fast--that you feel like you didn't even experience it? It's like when you're driving to a regular spot and you get to where you were going and you can't remember half of the trip. That's what watching kids grow up is like, especially when they are yours. Like you need to savor every single moment. I'm not really sure who he favors in this picture. Maybe a little of both his mom and dad. When we ask Tate who he looks like, he says, "Like Tate". Of course, what were we thinking.

2006-10-15T21:40:00.000-05:00

A brisk day turned into a beatiful sunny warm day perfect for a visit to Pumpkin Hollow in St. Francis. Tate and Avery and our nephew Joe Scott had a great time looking at all of the animals, riding a train and a hay wagon, looking at pumpkins, and of course picking out a junk toy with the $2 Gran gave each of them before we left. These 3 are all so different and unique. Who would think that they are related at all? Joe Scott is so independent yet so smitten with his mother. He was so happy to spend some special time with her. Tate is so imaginative--sometimes he finds it hard to pay attention to the rest of the world because he's stuck in dreamland. And that Avery--so in love with animals, outside, and other children--she was in hog heaven! It was such a blessing to spend such a beautiful day in a beautiful place with family!

2006-10-06T16:47:00.000-05:00

Well, I decided that this blogging might be a great way for friends to keep up with us and for us to brag on our little ones. Hope you enjoy!