Kaityn Mae

Tonight Chris took the older three with him to church and Kaityn Mae and I are just hanging out. Oh how I love this little girl. She is our baby and I find myself trying to soak up everything she does. She is such a girly girl who loves everthing princess...Cinderella, Snow White, Aerial, Sleeping Beauty, etc. Her little personality is showing up these days and we just laugh.

Here are some Kaityn Mae-Mae facts...

*She LOVES her brothers ("Poopa" - Cooper;" Fiffa" - Christopher) and her sister "My Kaben" )Kaibryn. She never just says Kaibryn it is always preceded by the word "My" it is the cutest thing ever.

*She is potty trained (Hallelujah and boo hoo at the same time)

*If two things look alike she says, "Those sames."

*If you give her something like a gift she says, "Oh, thank-you-so-muuuuch" in a whisper/excited voice.

*She loves books and puzzles.

*She loves to wear a dress or skirt.

*She changes clothes and shoes non-stop throughout the day.

*She loves to wear bows and always requests one when I fix her hair.

*She can be a tad bit bossy at times.

*She gets very concerned if someone gets hurt. She is so kind hearted and likes to make sure everyone is OK.

*She is always carrying a baby around and sometimes two. One she usually calls the "Mommy baby" and the other is the "Baby baby."

*She talks fast and loud when she is really excited about something. Which means we usually cannot understand what she is saying.

*She will tattle on herself. If she gets put in time out at Sunday school or LIttle Sprouts she usually lets us know before we ask.

*Will sing the "Dora" theme song ALL DAY LONG if we would let her.

*She LOVES to point out all the baby Jesus's in a manger scene. She will point and say, "Oh, baby Jesus."

This is just a little about our princess. She makes us smile. She is growing up so fast. I cannot believe she is almost 3. It makes me sad and happy at the same time.

*

Thankful Thursday (a day late)

1. I am so thankful that today is Friday which means after today I will have all four of my kiddos home for several days.

2. I am SO THANKFUL that Chris took today off. He NEVER does that.

3. I am thankful for grandparents who jump at the chance and even volunteer to watch the kids so I can do things like go to the kids Christmas parties at their school.

4. I am thankful that all our Christmas shopping is finished and almost everything is wrapped.

5. I am thankful for a "Scentsy" that is making my house smell YUMMY!!!!!!

6. I am thankful that this has been a busy but fun week.

7. I am thankful God has created me to be organized and a planner. Chris makes fun of me quite frequently. This came in handy yesterday morning when I woke up and realized that I was supposed to take cookies to Kaityn's party and I had forgotten. I used the snowmen cookies I made the day before for Christopher and Kaibryn's parties today...the white chocolate I ended up not needing the day before (I almost threw it out)...black frosting I had saved from my cake class. It took me about 15 minutes to get the cookies decorated. So Kaityn had her cookies and they are probably the cutest cookies I have made (if I do say so myself). :)

8. I am thankful for God's loving way of teaching me. He has given me today and everything I need for right now . Too many times I say, "I can't wait until.........". When I focus on whatever is next I miss the blessing of "today." "This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it."

9. I am so thankful for this time of year. God has blessed us in so many ways. I always look forward to a new year. I love fresh starts no matter what it is...filling an empty pantry....Mondays....etc. God's mercies truly are new every morning. I am so grateful for his faithfulness.

Chickasha Lights

Last night we loaded up in the van and headed to Chickasha to look at the lights. It was so fun to hear the kids "oo" and "ah" over everything they saw. They also enjoyed some "posing" for the camera.

Thankful Thursday

I say this every year..."I can't believe it is December already." Well, once again, "I CANNOT BELIEVE IT IS DECEMBER." Seriously!!!!!

I have so much to be thankful for. It is so easy for me to look at everything that isn't going the way I would hope it would and lose my focus. When I stop (like I am doing right now) and think about all the things I have to be grateful for (big & little) it changes everything.

So here goes...

1. I am so thankful that here in a little while when my kiddos go to bed I am going to veg out on the couch and watch TV with Chris.

2. I am so thankful for Chris who stays calm when I am in a panic over certain situations.

3. I am thankful that my kids got SO EXCITED when they found out I was making brownies.

4. I am thankful that Kaityn Mae has worn big girl undies for two days with no accidents...including Little Sprouts today. She is growing up so quickly. She called Cooper "Cooper" today instead of "Poopah." NOOOOOOO!!!!!!

5. I am thankful for sweet friends who make me laugh and are just fun to hang out with..there is nothing like girl friends.

6. I am thankful that Christmas break is coming up. I have some fun things planned for me and the kids to do. Looking forward to a relaxed schedule. Just hope my kids can learn to sleep in past 7:15 by then. :)

7. I am thankful for my Mom. I seriously don't know what I would do without her. She is fun to be with and willing to help do anything. I have not felt very good this week and she has helped so much!!!!!

8. I am thankful that Cooper went to the ENT Dr. this week. I really like this Dr. and know that he is going to do whatever he can to help Cooper. He probably is willing to help him because Cooper's Mom was quite tearful during his appointment. :)

9. I am thankful that I was able to be around my nephew over Thanksgiving (and my brother and sister-in-law). I cannot even begin to express the joy he brings to my heart. Seeing my brother being a Daddy is great!!!!!

10. I am thankful that Lee and his girlfriend came here for Thanksgiving. I miss him alot and was worried the kids would not remember him. I WAS WRONG!!!!! They wrestled and played with him all day. It was great.

11. I am thankful for having a job that I really enjoy and the opportunity to work with some great girls.

12. I am thankful my husband has a job that he LOVES!!!!! I don't always like the hours he has to work but God is really blessing him and our family for his hard work.

13. I am thankful for God's faithfulness in providing everything we need plus so much more.

What are you thankful for?????

Peaches Anderson

WOW!!!! It has been a LONG time since I have posted. Things here at the Anderson house are busy!!!!

I just wanted to take this chance to introduce you to the newest member of our family..."Peaches Anderson."

Last year at Christmas Kaibryn asked us if she could have a hamster. Chris said, "No. Maybe for your birthday." Chris does not remember that conversation he had with Kaibryn. However, I DO!!!!!!!!!! I remember thinking that I would have a heart attack if the thing got loose. Well, Kaibryn has not forgotten and has reminded us several times this past year about her hamster.

Well, our little girl turned 7 on Tuesday...S-E-V-E-N (more on that later). Tonight after dinner we told the kids we needed to go to Pets Mart to get something for Jenkins (our dog). When we walked in we walked Kaibryn toward the hamsters and asked her if she still wanted one and wanted to get one today. I wish I would have had my camera because the look on her face was priceless. After talking to an employee there we were told that we would need to get TWO hamsters because they get bored by themselves and could get aggressive.

SO...

We left Pets Mart with a GUINEA PIG!!!!!!!

We were told that they were a little more tame. He asked Kaibryn if she wanted to hold her. She sat down right beside him and held it so sweetly and had a HUGE grin on her face the whole time.

So tonight, Chris and I are the coolest parents in the whole world!!!!!!!! We are also a family of 6 with a dog...2 fish...and a guinea pig!!!

What are we thinking?????

Maybe we are not. :)

Thankful Thursday

1. I am thankful that so far this week we have had no trips to the emergency room.

2. I am so thankful that Kaibryn gets her smaller cast tomorrow and will be able to move her arm a little better. She is so tough. She has NEVER cried since breaking her arm...unlike her Mom. :) The Lord is so good to care about small things. Kaibryn has been pretty sad about not being able to really play at recess bcuz she can't do much with this cast. The Lord sent the rain and they had indoor recess.

3. I am thankful that we were able to get Chris into a Dr. quickly last week after he hurt his finger and all those medical bills will be taken care of.

4. I am thankful that everyone is getting healthy again...Cooper has had a sinus infection and Christopher and Kaityn have had pretty bad coughs.

5. I am so thankful for Grandparents who will help watch the kids so I didn't have to miss a day of work.

6. I am so thankful for Little Sprouts. I am really enjoying teaching and am making some sweet friends. Chris is proud of me. He thinks I have S.A.D (social anxiety disorder). Honestly, I probably do so talking to people I really don't know is a big stretch for me. :)

7. I am so thankful that the kids are loving school and look forward to going everyday. God has answered so many prayers in this area. I am in such peace that this is where they are supposed to be.

8. I am thankful for a friend to take my cake decorating class with...especially a friend who won't laugh at my "creations."

9. I am thankful for the Lord who knows my weaknesses and the things that stress me out. He has led me to read something everyday that has changed my focus and has given me a peace. Good thing He is in control.

What are you thankful for today??

Rainy Season Then Sunshine

You know the saying "When it rains it pours." Well, I am ready for this "rainy" week to be over.

This week started off with Kaibryn breaking her wrist in two places and ends with Chris messing up his finger quite badly. God has been so good to open doors to go see a Dr. today. We thought we were going to have to wait several days.

BUT...

God is good!!!!!!! He knew this Momma needed some encouragement. Christopher has LOVED learning about the planets and solar system these past couple of weeks at school. He came home today with his "Space Journal." I was looking through it and came across his entry on August 25th.

Just in case you can't read it it says...

"on my trip to the moon i would take mom. i love hr becuse she cooks. shes good."

That was good for this Momma to read even if he only wants to take me to the moon because I am a good cook. At least he wants me to go with him...haha!!!!

Labor Day 2009 Giveaway

This year Chick-fil-a was giving away free chicken sandwiches if you wore your teams logo. Being the frugal (cheap) husband that Chris is we all got dressed up in our OU gear and headed out to..........

FIVE..... CHICK-FIL-A's.....yes, you read that right...5!!

Are we cheap or what????? Legal?????? We weren't the only ones!!!

What a Weekend?

Around our house it is always a zoo. Something going on. Something being broken. Something being knocked over. Something. But it is always fun and entertaining.

Friday night we just hung out here at the house and watched a movie.

Saturday was the game. Well, you know...not a pretty game. Chris was able to get tickets to go to Dallas to see OU play. He had a great time but got in super late.

Sunday after church we had family come over and we ate together and then took much needed naps. When everyone (but Chris) woke up I thought I would take them to the park to play so he could get some sleep. The kids were having a great time laughing and playing with each other and the other kids who were there.

While they were playing Kaibryn wanted help on the monkey bars. I tried to help her across but she was so heavy and wiggly. She got down and went and played with something else. A few minutes later I saw her climb up on the monkey bars again. She was holding on with one hand, swung back to get some momentum. When she swung forward to grab the other bar she slipped off and fell to the ground. I saw her lift her head and jumped up and ran over to her and when she stood up...her arm. Oh my goodness. it was the strangest sight. I knew something was not right. She is so tough though. She just kept saying, "ow. it hurts." But she NEVER cried. I called Chris told him we were coming home and told him I thought Kaibryn broke her arm.

We headed out to the ER...waited 3 hrs....it is broken. There are two bones broken in her wrist. They did not set it because they said that it would probably slip back. They put it in a sling and wrapped it very well.

Tomorrow we will go to an orthopedic dr. to have him possibly set it or do a little surgery to set it. We won't know until tomorrow.

Like I said...she is TOUGH. She did alot better than her Mom did last night. She wants to get up and walk around. She says it is not hurting. All the kids are being so sweet to her and helping her out. So for today we are watching movies trying to keep her still and her arm elevated.

The FINAL Weekend

Well, this past weekend was the last weekend before I become a "football widow." I LOVE football but not as much as my husband. He has season tickets to the OU games. He has so much fun & I love it. Hopefully I will get to go to a game this year.

Since football starts next weekend we decided to just spend the weekend together having fun. We started off by going to "God's country" (Norman) as Chris calls it.

Here is a rundown of what we did...

1. Campus Corner for some shopping
****CUTE STORY...We were in a store on campus corner & out of the blue Kaityn says, "Booma" and the other kids said, "Sooner" not missing a beat.

2. Playing at the park.

3. Happy Hour at Sonic.

4. Sam's - Did some sampling for a snack.

5. Home for movie night. The kids had some money left over from reading they did this summer. They decided to put their money together and get a movie. They bought "Journey to the Center of the Earth" in 3-D. It was so fun to watch them jump and reach out and try to touch things coming at them.

It was a great weekend. We did alot of laughing and just enjoyed being together!!!

BOOMER...SOONER...BOOMER...SOONER...BOOMER...SOONER...BOOMER...SOONER...BOOMER...SOONER...BOOMER...SOONER!!

We're Off...School Year 2009

Well, today officially ends the 2nd full week of school. I cannot believe it has gone by this quick. Thankfully I am able to say that the kids LOVE it. They look forward to going everyday and joyfully do their homework...right now. :)

The Tuesday before school started we had "Meet the Teacher." Before we left I prayed that God would encourage me to know that this is what we were to be doing. These were my babies who had been with me every day of their life and now I sending them off to be in the care of another. I KNOW this is what we are supposed to do but me of little faith needed another affirmation...God is good.

We met Kaibryn's teach first (Mrs. Bingham). She is very sweet. I think she could tell I was a "newby" because I kept asking questions. She said if I ever had any questions to let her know. She said that she knows how hard it is to send your kids off to school...they are your babies and you want to know that they are to be taken care of...remember the prayer I prayed that morning. Reaffirmation #1.

Next was Christopher's class. I prayed so hard for the kids teachers over the summer that there would be a special connection between them and my children. Christopher is ALL boy...hyper (all the time), finishes through things quickly (there is always something else to do or play with...and I wanted a teacher who would work with us to help him. Well, when I walked into his room tears came to my eyes. His teacher is a friend of my younger brother and used to go to our church. When I talked to her a few days before I did not recognize her married name. Reaffirmation #2.

God has been so good and faithful to this Mom of little faith at times.

Christopher & Kaibryn are both doing great. There have been a couple issues we have had to deal with but God has truly blessed us with kids who are teachable. My prayer now is that I won't look past "teachable moments."

Cooper, Kaityn and I go to "Little Sprouts Learning Center" at our church on Tuesday and Thursday. Cooper loves it & Kaityn walked into her class for the first time Thursday and did not cry. Another answer to prayer. On the first day (the first day of school for the older 2) she screamed and I walked out of the room with her...both of us in tears. She loves it though and I love going by and seeingw hat she is doing. She always talks about her friends "Dacwee" (Zachary), "Owie Tate" (Ellie Kate), "Atley" (Ashley) and "Ason" (Addison).

I teach in Cooper's class with a friend of mine. I absolutely love it. I was a little nervous at first but look forward to going each week. Cooper and one other boy are the oldest in there. He is learning that he is the leader now. He is to set the example and other kids will follow. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday I do school with him in the afternoon. He is doing so much better than I expected. He is sounding out words and learning to write his letters and numbers. I am LOVING this time with just him and look forward to it.

I have purposed in my heart that this year my kids will be sent off with a happy momma. Mornings can be hectic but we have made time before they leave to sit down, read out of the Bible and pray. They are going to be faced with alot from the world and I want them to know God's Word has the answer to any situation or problem that they will face. I want them to leave a happy home and come home to a happy home and Momma.

This is going to be a fun year and I look forward to growing and being stretched.

I also have been talked into being a homeroom Mom.....WHAT??????????!!!! Good thing I had good homeroom Moms when I was a teacher. They have set a good example for me.

Hope everyones school year is off to a great start.

Birthday Boy

Today is Christopher's 8th birthday...EIGHT!!!!!!!!! What a joy he is to our family. He is full of energy and has fun whatever he is doing. I get tired just watching him sometimes.

Here are some tidbits of information about our EIGHT year old...

Won't be long until he is taller than his Mom.
Still loves to be read to.
His Mom can almost wear his flip-flops.
He loves school.
He has never met a stranger.
Everywhere we go he makes a comment about making new friends.
Is a great big brother.
He is a leader.
He is kind.
He is obedient.
He is a big helper.
He loves OU...very important for this family.
He has a great imagination.
He At random times will just say, "Mommy, I love you."
He gets excited over anything "Star Wars."
He is tenderhearted.


There is so much about this boy to love.

Christopher, Your Mommy loves you so much. This week has been kind of bittersweet. You have spent everyday for the last 8 years with your Mommy and yesterday I took you and your sister to school for the first time. I am so proud of you and the little man you are becoming. Thank you for being a helper, a great big brother and for making Mommy laugh. I pray that this year God will continue to work in your heart and draw you to Himself. Hope you have a great day. I am so glad that God chose me to be your Mommy. I LOVE YOU!!!!!

This Week

Well...this is THE WEEK!!!!!

This is the week I have prayed about for such a long time. At the beginning of the summer I thought it was a long ways away...then June went by so quickly, then July so quickly and AHHHHHHHHHHH here we are in August.

My oldest two go to school for the first time (without their Momma). I am emotional but really feel SO GOOD and at peace at what we are doing.

With all that said, I took the kids on a surprise trip today. They had all kinds of guesses...the zoo, a museum, "Sand Antonio" (that would be Cooper)...a movie...etc. A few weeks ago my friend told me about a place in Edmond called "Unpluggits." It is a play place that has a huge playing area which includes a pirate ship, a two story play "thing" (nice wording) that you can climb through and slide on, a sand/water table, and dress up clothes. There is also an "art" section. The kids were able to paint, play with play dough, puppets, chalk, stamps and other crafty things. We didn't do the "other" crafty things because those were not included in the cost. I was not sure how long we would be there but ended up being there from about 10 to 2. My kids had a great time. I would highly recommend this place.

This being THE WEEK. I have something fun planned everyday...maybe too much with all that is going on ... we will see.

Not only is this THE WEEK for school but also THE WEEK my baby turns 8!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT?!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!? More on this later.

Sweet Friends

Yesterday on my facebook I got a message from my friend Courtney who said to come see her when we got to church. I just thought it was to give me the sippy cup we left at their house earlier in the week.

NOPE...

When I went to go see her this is what she gave me...








She is so talented. These cookies tasted great as well.

These are our friends who had Kaibryn in their Sunday School class when she was 3. They are HUGE OSU fans and we are HUGE OU fans. Every week Kaibryn's art project was sent home with something orange on it...on purpose. So I'm thinking the orange ribbons around the cookies was intentional.

That's OK. She is a sweet friend so I won't hold that against her. :)

Fried Okra Salad

I just read a blog and someone asked her what okra was????? Are you kidding me...okra. LOVE it. It reminded me of a recipe that my sister-in-law Lindsay gave me (hope she doesn't mind me sharing it). It is WONDERFUL so I thought I'd share it with my faithful readers...haha!!!!! ENJOY!!!

1 1/2 lbs. breaded frozen okra
Vegetable oil for frying
2 lg. tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/w green bell pepper, diced
1 bunch green onions, diced
6 slicers bacon, cooked and crumbled

DRESSING:
1/2 C. vegetable oil
1/4 C. sugar
1/4 C. distilled white vinegar

Fry okra in vegetable oil according to package directions; drain on paper towels. In a medium bowl, combine okra, tomatoes, bell pepper, green onions, and bacon. In a small saucepan, combine oil, sugar, and vinegar. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until sugar dissolves. Pour over okra mixture, tossing gently to coat. Serve immediately.

School Supplies

Every year, beginning the first week in August, I have this picture of Wal-Mart and Target being a ZOO because everyone is buying their school supplies. And every year I would make a mental note to myself to remember when I am getting my kids supplies (which at that time seemed FOREVER away & here it is) to get them early and not wait.

Well, I remembered and this weekend school supplies were bought. Honestly, it was kind of fun. Kaibryn went with us to get them. The boys HATE shopping so they were happy to stay home. I have never bought so many pencils, crayons & glue sticks at one time. It was still pretty crowded but we were able to get everything that we needed.

So here they are. Now the goal for the next few weeks is to keep little fingers away from them!!!!!!!!!!!

A Change of Seasons

I have NEVER dealt well with change in my life...well, major changes. In a few short weeks I will be entering a new season of my life as a Mother. My older two will be heading off to school. They will be attending the school that is in our neighborhood. This week has been extremely emotional for me as I have been filling out paperwork and making plans for them to have the needed shots (I fell a little behind on those...oops!!!). My babies are not babies anymore. I am so excited for them and know they will absolutely love it and do well. But as a Mother my heart is being ripped apart because for the past 7 years Christopher and Kaibryn have been with me day in and day out. I have always been there. But now it is time for them to go to school.

I have always gone to a private school and to be honest with you the thoughts of sending my kids to a public school has scared me to death. But this is the path that the Lord has led us on and we are going to obey. The Lord has taught me alot over the past several months about my role in this world. I am to love the Lord with all my heart and soul and love my neighbor. Yes. My priority is first to my family. But what about my neighbor?

I tend to get caught up in my own little world within the four walls of my home and not look out at the people around me who are lost or hurting. Yes. I am a mom of four. I stay at home. We go to church. We are not involved in alot of outside activity where I am around the lost. And sad to say, I don't know alot of lost people. Over and over God keeps reminding me that my life is NOT about Keli...what makes Keli comfy...what is easy for Keli. The Christian life is not easy and God never says it is. He just promises us that He will never leave us and that when Keli is weak then He is strong and He will equip me for whatver situation I face.

I prayed and prayed over the spring and summer that if God wanted us to send our kids to a private school that He would provide the money. I probably drove by a school 4 or 5 times a week and just prayed. That prayer was never answered. The phrase that kept ringing in my heart was "too easy." When I have stopped and prayed it was like God said that if we sent our kids to school there it would be "easy" for me. "Easy" because I would already know people. "Easy" because most people already went to church somewhere. "Easy" because most people talk openly about the Lord. God has not called Keli to an "easy" life.

Sending my kids to a public school is a huge step of faith for me and will be a time of stretching for me as well. Those of you who know me well know that I am not a very outgoing person. Chris tells me I am "SAD" (Social Anxiety Disorder). I do tend to panic in a group of people especially those I don't know...my heart races...I start sweating...and in my head I am constantly trying to figure out what I am going to say next...I'M WEIRD!!!!!!!! :) I really think that God has prepared my heart the past few months for the months ahead. I can honestly say I am excited (don't get me wrong...still nervous) about getting to meet new people and allowing Christ to use me to show His love to others. It is not going to be easy one bit for me but God is reminding me over and over that He will be faithful to be strong in my weaknesses and that I am just to walk with Him and allow His love, kindness, people skills, words to flow through me to everyone I come in to contact with.

Another change I am facing is...I have a job.

A few months ago I had a friend who taught at the "Little Sprouts Learning Center" at our church. She asked if I would be interested in teaching and that I should think about it. I did think it would be a good way to help earn some extra money for our family but prayed that if God wanted me to do this HE would have to allow it to basically fall in my lap. I really didn't think about it any more past that.

Last week I got a message on facebook from the director of "Little Sprouts" saying that some people had given her my name and asked if I was interested. I talked to Chris and began praying specifically for 3 things. I asked her some questions and in her answers those three things I prayed for were answered. I went and filled out an application, had an interview and got the job. It is only 2 days a week and Cooper will be in the class I will be working in. Once again, God has placed me in a ministry position where I am going to have to give Him all my weaknesses and He will show Himself strong. I will be in contact with people who don't know Him. It will be difficult for me but I know that all He asks is that I am obedient and He will do the rest.

All this to say there is a change of season coming. I am excited and nervous at the same time. It is time for Keli to grow up and to look outside the four walls of my safe little home at the world that God has placed me in.

By the way, I know most of the people who read this are just a few family members and friends. If and when you think of me pray for the Momma who is sending her babies off to school.

Father's Day

We had a great weekend together celebrating Chris. He is such an amazing Daddy. I have never met anyone more patient, loving & kind as he. He loves to wrestle and play rough with the boys and then be sweet to the girls.

Saturday we went swimming & had a blast. We all love it. If money were no option we would have one right now. It is probably pretty safe to say that the next house we buy will have a swimming pool or will have enough room to have one put in. I just wish Kaityn liked it. It is ok that she doesn't though. She stays far away from it & plays which lets me actually swim. :)

For part of Chris's fathers day gift I wanted to have pictures of the kids made. Well, with Jackson being born and all the excitement that goes with that I forgot. So Friday I took the kids to the prayer garden at our church and took them myself. They really turned out pretty good. I got some individuals and then some of them together. I ended up just following Kaityn around and taking picture after picture hoping one would turn out & they did. I was so proud of them.

Something new I discovered at Walgreens was a "collage" picture. You could get any size...I chose a 5X8 and it would hold up to 20 pictures. I just chose 11 & it turned out DARLING. Wish I could figure out how to put that picture on here but I'll just put on some of the ones I took.

The kids are growing up so fast & these pictures are proof. Some of them made me cry when I saw them. They are so sweet. The black and white at the top of the blog was one of my favorites. ENJOY!!!!!

Today I Became an Aunt

Today Jackson Alan Hand was born weighing 8 lbs., 5 oz. and was 21 1/2 inches long. The moment I heard him cry my heart melted. How I love this guy so much already. Lindsay did GREAT!!!!! She & Michael are going to be great parents.

I left pretty soon after he was born & cannot wait to love on him. I had a sweet friend watch my kids today because I was not sure how long it would be. They are so excited to go up there tonight when Chris gets home from work to meet their cousin Jackson. They are going to be great with him.

Toot Toot!!!!!

I read alot of blogs where most of the "things" in their home come from thrift stores. To be honest I have been amazed at the things that they have found. Well, I LOVE to find things for my house but obviously with 4 kiddos we can't spend alot of money. A couple of weeks ago when Chris and I had a weekend getaway for our anniversary we were driving around & I asked him if we could stop at Goodwill.

When I walked in I wanted to turn around and leave. I am so glad I didn't. I stuck with it & found 2 great items. One is a chair for our desk in the kitchen. I needed a smaller one & right as I walked in the door there it was. It cost $3.00. I haven't painted it yet. That is on my to do list.

My next big find and I am so proud of this one was a hanging book rack for the girls room. It had this ivy stuff painted on it in purple & yellow. I called my favorite paint man (my hubby) and he brought me some paint & I painted it white. I just got finished hanging it & I LOVE it. Here's the best part. It's from POTTERY BARN KIDS!!!!!!! We went to a Pottery Barn & they are $69.00. I paid $3.00!!!!!!! Woo Hoo!!!!!!

So not to toot my own horn but I am so proud of myself. I can't wait until I can go back & find some more treasures!!!!!

Weekend At the Andersons

What a fun weekend we had. It was busy but we were together and we had fun.

FRIDAY - I took the kids swimming & I am convinced that I gave birth to fish, except for Kaityn Mae. For some reason she HATES the water and will only go on the top step. However, Christopher would swim up to her and jump up and she would laugh that deep belly laugh and pat him on the head. She did this over and over until she slipped and went all the way in the water. Then she was finished. No more for her.

Friday night we had a "Connection Group" leaders meeting at a teachers house and we had a blast. Kaityn Mae stayed with Grandad & Nana because I knew that we would be late. Our older three took off as soon as we got there to play with their friends. There was fishing, a trampoline, a golf cart type car, & of course swimming. What do you think the kids did most of the time...yes, swim. It has been great knowing people with pools who will allow us to come over.

SATURDAY - Saturday I got up and ran & then fixed us some yummy breakfast - toad-n-the-holes & turkey bacon. My kids would eat bacon all day if I would let them. They love it. After Chris mowed the front yard we went swimming again. I got to swim this time because Kaityn stayed the night with Grandad & Nana. Chris and I LOVE to swim (wonder where the kids got it). I made a picnic lunch and just enjoyed playing together.

Saturday afternoon we went to a "Hawaiian" themed wedding of a couple who used to work for Chris when he was at the tag office . It was very "earthy." Everything was compared to water, sand & sky. When we left I felt weird. Where was the sacredness (word?)? I left empty. I also left so thankful for a God who is the perfect husband and who is preparing me His bride. The wedding was outside and when I say HOT, it does not even begin to describe how hot it was. We were facing the sun & we were sweating like crazy.

I brought my camera to take some pictures of my kids. They are getting so old and would roll their eyes when I would say, "Let me take your picture." You know what though...I'm going to continue to do it because they are getting so old.

Thankful Thursday

One Word - SWIMMING!!!!!