CHRISTmas is almost here!

Wow, I can't believe I haven't blogged in almost 2 months. Just been busy I guess. Well, here we are in mid December already. Katie will be home from France in 4 days! Yeah! We finally have our house all decorated and I am loving the tree and all the lights. Thank you to Mindy for helping us decorate the tree! :) I happened to be going through receipts and discovered our tree is 16 years old so I kinda got to feeling as if we should get a new one. BUT I LOVE OUR TREE SO MUCH! I do not like pre lit trees. I expect a tree to last for awhile and I know how unreliable lights are! After looking around at several stores and not liking what we saw, Jeff and I decided it was silly to buy another tree if we still liked our 16 year old, $99 tree from Montgomery Ward so much better than what we were seeing for 300-800 dollars! A no-brainer moment! I am just enjoying CHRISTmas time and doing my best to feel relaxed and full of appreciation for the true reason to celebrate the holiday! Jesus is the Reason for the Season! Amen!

Another week...

Well Fall Break is over and so starts another week. Gearing up to see my preschoolers tomorrow. I have enjoyed my 12 days off but am excited to see those happy faces and get those hugs. I really do feel blessed to have the job I do. Seriously how does it get any better than to share the love of Jesus with bright young 3 and 4 year olds. They bring such joy (and a ton of laughs) to me! Not to mention the part time aspect is pretty nice as well. That said... I couldn't have my schedule if I didn't have such an amazing and wonderful husband who works so hard day in and day out! I love you my Jeffrey!

Follow Katie and Mindy

If anyone wants to follow Katie's blog in France you can find the link if you scroll down under MY BLOG LIST. You can also read Mindy's blogs as well. :)

MY FOUR KIDS!

Last night we had our last family get together for awhile. :( Katie is leaving tomorrow for FRANCE. Happy for her, Sad for me. She is going to have a wonderful time. But I am going to miss her so much. I do hope she misses us a little bit at least. But not too much. I want her to have an amazing adventure. Teaching and living in France is a dream of hers. And she will get to do just that. She was gone for 7 weeks there one summer but now it will be for more than 7 MONTHS! Aargh! I love this pic that I took last night. I'd been meaning to get a photo of all the kids in their graduation gowns. Check! It turned out so cute! I LOVE THESE FOUR MORE THAN WORDS CAN EXPRESS!

9/11 Memorial

We went to the 9/11 ceremony unveiling a steel beam from one of the towers at the Gilbert Civic Center today. It was very moving and I hope others will go see the beautiful and thoughtful memorial. I spent a lot of time in the days leading up to the 10th anniversary thinking about all the people lost in the tragedy. But mostly I thought about their family and friends and what their lives must be like, 10 years later. It is overwhelming to say the least. I pray that they have found peace and comfort and joy in life again. As I watch the towers fall in youtube videos I can't fathom that in seconds so many peoples' lives ended here on earth. In church tonight I pictured them all at the gates of heaven, almost like a traffic jam, waiting to enter. But they were all joyful and whole, (unlike a real traffic jam) happily waiting to be received into eternal life with God. I believe in my mind and faithful heart that this is the truth. I pray that the family and friends of all those lost believe this as well. I also pray for those touched in any way by the events of 9/11 and hope they find joy in their daily lives. May God Bless America and May He Also Bless The World With Peace.

Go Devils!

So I am mainly posting tonight because I want to write this very cool date- 9/10/11. I have a thing for numbers. However, I have a very cool picture to go along with it. Nicaea and her "too cute" ASU jersey! After the great win against Missouri last night, it is very timely. Go Devils!

Emilio and Martin

Tonight Jeff and I got to go to a free screening of the movie THE WAY. Google it. I would describe it as a very profound movie. It spoke volumes and I would definitely recommend it to EVERYONE! After the movie, the actor Martin Sheen who stars and his son Emilio Estevez who acts and directs it had a Q & A with the audience. We were in the 2nd row about 12 feet away from them as they shared about the film and what it meant to them. Wow. It was something else. What a great experience. Film opens October 7th. Felt so privileged to see it early.

Brett: The College Man

Well, Brett started at ASU today. I think he was a little overwhelmed but excited too. Give him a week and it'll be old hat. (Whatever that means!) I'm pretty proud of him. He has worked very hard to be where he's at. Picture taken from last weekend when we walked the campus (in extreme heat) to find his class buildings. Enjoy your new world Brett. GO DEVILS!


And anything special deserves to be celebrated with a yummy dessert, right?

Coming along...

Well, I've been feeling a little better. :) Yeah! I have adapted a lot to be able to get along and be somewhat productive. My left hand is getting more useful than ever before since the right arm/shoulder is out of commission. After a couple of weeks I have even learned how to get my bra on by myself. That was the most challenging of all. I've definitely had my ups and downs. My days and nights are off. Example. Couldn't fall asleep until 4:30 AM this morning... Wondering how it will go tonight. Physical Therapy can be painful but important to do. Emotionally I just want to know that everything is moving along the right path. Some days I feel like such a baby. But Jeff is taking good care of me and being patient when needed. Phone calls from family and friends keep me sane and getting out occasionally is very nice, especially when Mindy or Katie fix my hair! But staying in during all this summer heat has its benefits too. I don't think I can recall a summer where I have been less worn out by the heat. HaHa! My trick... Just stay inside all the time. I especially enjoy when the girls come over to watch Little House episodes and the days Aaron has come over with my sweet Nicaea. Brett and I have had some really nice late night talks. I will go back to work in just 2 short weeks. Hope that will go well. I will have to be very careful as to what I do. But it will be very nice to meet my new students. Excited for that! Thanks to everyone who have had me in their thoughts and prayers during this past month. XO!

A Little Vent!

So I am at the 3 week mark since my shoulder surgery. It has gone relatively well except for a few hours ago when my sleeve got caught on a door knob and about ripped my arm off. It hurt so bad I cried for 5 minutes then continued to cry on and off for several hours because I was so upset that I might have done damage. At this point now I guess my only choice is to relax, do lots of icing and hope it didn't do any permanent damage or anything to ruin the surgery repair. I have to relax. I have no choice. It is just so frustrating. I hate the feeling of being dependent on others to do things for me. Patience is not a virtue that comes easily for me. I just have to keep reminding myself that this is temporary. Who would have ever thought that I would desire to sweep my floor or vacuum a room. :)

Happy Birthday to ME!

It's my Birthday! 52! Wow, that's old! Don't feel that old! (Most days)! :) Hoping for a great day, but gotta get to bed so I don't sleep through it! LOL!

Surgery

I had my surgery to repair my rotator cuff last Friday. I am going bonkers to put it mildly. Being a leftie has not been fun and I am not sure I am going to manage without going stir crazy. My anxiety level has grown and I could use a few prayers people! Anyone? Thanks!

Happy Anniversary to my Parents!

Happy Anniversary to the cutest love birds I know! You set a great example of what a beautiful marriage can be. I am so thankful for you and your love! XO!

Happy Father's Day!

It's been a nice day celebrating with the men in my life. My Dad, Hubby, Brothers and Son who are all great Dads! Seeing the rest of the fam was fun too!!!

Brett and Friends!

Brett is in California all week with a group of 11 friends including the ones in this picture to celebrate their graduation! Today he is at Disneyland. I know he's been having a great time doing his own thing. :) The house is quiet and it's a little different but luckily I still adore my hubby and we have sure been enjoying our time together as well! Miss you Brett and see you on Sunday for Father's Day! LOVE YOU!

Disarray

I am sitting here as they finish putting in the carpet in the Master Bedroom and Living Room. This has been a crazy few weeks of freshening up this 24 year old house. It feels like a juggling act moving furniture and "stuff" from one room to the next. I can't wait for it to all be in order. I have already taken so many bags to Savers and there is a lot more I hope to expel from the clutches of this house. Ha Ha! But when we are done we will have the entire inside of the house repainted, including the ceilings and all closets. We will have all the carpet replaced. First time for the bedrooms! 24 year old carpet is... what is the word... GROSS! But there is still a lot of work to be done in the next few weeks before I have my rotator cuff surgery! So many boxes of memories to go through and decide what to save and what to get rid of. I'm a saver so it is hard for me to get rid of anything. But it does feel good to weed out some things and feel a little less cluttered. Maybe next I will tackle the garage. It would be nice to park at least one car in there. :)

The Last Gilbert Tiger!

Wow! Our youngest Gilbert Tiger has graduated! We are so proud of Brett. He is now officially an ASU Sun Devil. I hope he has some wonderful memories that he is taking away from GHS. But I know the best is ahead of him! CONGRATULATIONS BRETT!

Brett is 19!

Wow, my baby just turned 19. That is not hardly possible. Where did the time go? In a couple of short weeks he will graduate high school. I am so proud of him and all he has accomplished. Cheers to you Brett. You are an amazing young man! God's Blessings Always!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to my wonderful MOM! I am so blessed to have my Mommy still and I thank God for her every day! Even when I forget to call her. :) She is the woman I hope to be most like in the whole wide world. And that says a LOT! I love you Mom!

One Year Married!

A little late but HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to Aaron and Lynette! A week ago today was ONE YEAR for them. My, what can happen in a year! I'm sure they could never imagine how amazing it would be to be parents to such a little angel! Nicaea is such a gift from God. May He always bless their life together!

Happy Anniversary to us!

31 years ago today Jeff and I were married at St. Daniel's Catholic Church. We have had a wonderful marriage and have been grateful to always have God be a very important presence in our lives. Thank you God for the blessing of our lives together.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter Everyone! It was such a wonderful day today spending time with my family. A big thank you to Kelly and family who always host the event at their home. We had so much fun playing games and visiting and of course eating. I don't think I'll be hungry tomorrow at all! Thank you God for all the blessings in my life and thank you Jesus for your sacrifice and unending love.

Pat's Run

I am so proud of my three guys for continuing their streak of running in Pat's Run from the very beginning. This is year number 7 so Brett was 12 that first year! Katie has 3 years going and this year Tyler was added to the event! I hope we can continue this tradition for many years. Jeff said he might want to move down a notch and maybe push Nicaea in a stroller next year. LOL! That might even get me out there! :)

Katrina!

Today is my baby girl's 23rd birthday and we are going to Liberty Market for a late lunch! Miss Katrina is sporting a whole new look with her cute new haircut! She said it was a riot when she went to school the first day after the cut. At least 30 of her students thought she was a sub until she started speaking. LOL! The picture is from our trip to Orlando and our magical day at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Happy Birthday to my darling Kate!

Happy 2nd Anniversary to Mindy and Josh!

It is hard to believe it has been two years already! Congratulations Mindy and Josh. We hope you had a great day with happy thoughts of the special day you became husband and wife! God's Blessings for a wonderful year ahead!

Me and My Sis

Today is my sister's birthday and I am so grateful to have her in my life. Life gets busy but it doesn't matter if we have talked the prior day or not for a week. We always know that we are there for each other and I cherish her and always want her to know that I am so glad God gave her to me, my baby sis! Happiness to you Kelly throughout your whole year!

Melinda

Today is Melinda's birthday! I am excited to have lunch with my girl. She has been busy trying to get a nice selection of hair bows ready for her first craft show. She has always been creative and very adept with her hands making things. As a tiny girl we first discovered her ability when we glanced to the back seat and she was braiding the tail of her My Little Pony without ever being shown. She just figured it out. She also taught herself to knit and has made over 10 Christmas stockings for family members. Recently she made the most adorable little hat for Nicaea. Happy Birthday Melinda!

Happy 79th to my Daddy!

Happy Birthday to my Daddy and a wonderful Grandpa and now Great Grandpa!

Daddy Aaron

Today is Aaron's birthday. I find it almost shocking that my first born is 28 years old! Now he is a Daddy and has his wonderful little daughter to love and adore. I have to share this special photo of my mom and dad meeting Nicaea. It was an amazing moment. Aaron is their first grandchild and now he has made them great grandparents for the first time!

Nicaea Grace Anderson

She is here! Nicaea was born at 1:58 AM Thursday, February 3rd weighing in at 6 pounds 15 ounces and 19 inches long. It was a long day at the hospital for Aaron and Lynette as they waited to see how the doctor wanted to proceed. There were about 15 of us camped out in the waiting room awaiting her birth by Wednesday night. At the hospital where she was born they play Rock a Bye Baby over the sound system every time a baby is born. Aaron did a great job keeping us posted via texts into the wee hours. When we got the news that it was "go time" we anxiously waited. Amber laughed as I paced like a leopard. In no time at all, we were hearing the song and joy filled our hearts as we grinned from ear to ear. After awhile Jeff and I got to go meet our beautiful granddaughter and we were enthralled by her alertness. Jeff of course captured it all on video so we were able to share it with everyone in the waiting room. Next Mindy, Katie and Brett were able to meet their sweet niece followed by my mom and dad, the great grandparents. Incidentally February 3rd was my due date with Aaron and he came 5 days late. Nicaea came 5 days late as well and was born on her great Grandma Anderson's birthday. Jeff could not have been more pleased. Congratulations to Aaron and Lynette. You did a great job. Especially LYNETTE! Your daughter is loved by so many already!

Waiting... not patiently!

Just waiting on baby! We cannot wait for our sweet little granddaughter to arrive but she is just chillin' for the time being! I want to see how big she is, how much hair she has, who she looks like, etc! I am dyin'! The last few days have seemed like forever. And poor Lynette is the one carrying her. I'm sure it REALLY seems like forever to Lynette AND Aaron! We will let ya'll know when she decides to debut!

Happy Birthday Hubby!

Today is Jeff's birthday and I am excited he is my age again. For six months of every calendar year I have to be OLDER than him and he has fun reminding me of that. I was explaining to some friends the other day, that I have always mindfully planned the big events of our lives during the first half of the year between January and July so that we are the same age. Ok, call me a little weird but we got married in April, had our kids in February, March, April and May. Mindy and Josh were married in March and Aaron and Lynette were married in May and even our granddaughter will follow suit and be born soon, when we are both the SAME age. LOL! I know it won't always be that way but for now it makes a funny story. Happy Birthday to my dear husband who I love more every day! You are THE BEST Jeffrey!!!

Happy New Year!

In about a month (give or take) Jeff and I will be grandparents for the first time. 2011 is sure to be an amazing year with the birth of our little granddaughter! We are so excited to meet her face to face. She will be so loved by her parents and the entire family! What a lucky little girl! We thank God for His Blessings!