Siena is TWO!

Happy Birthday to our sweet little granddaughter Siena Joy Anderson! It's YOUR TURN cutie! We hope she enjoys a fun day. And we look forward to celebrating her turning two! Siena keeps us on our toes whenever she comes over. She is fearless and such a little climber. She reminds us of her Uncle B. at times! She can have such a cute little mischievous side and loves to act like she doesn't hear us when she doesn't want to stop what she is doing. Bapa and I just crack up. We love you so much precious girlie and we pray God blesses you during the coming year as you get to be a big sister! XOXO!!! We also hope the day is full of happy memories for your mommy and daddy as they relive your birth. :)

Last year's Bday!

Cecily is TWO!

Happy Birthday to our precious little 2 year old granddaughter! Cecily Brynn Kinnaman! We hope that Cecily has a wonderful day and enjoys playing with her new kitchen her daddy set up. Hope you got SOME sleep Josh! Those "some assembly required" purchases can be very time consuming! To Cecily's mommy, our precious daughter Melinda, we hope your day is filled with all the joy it can hold. You are such a wonderful mommy and we are so proud of you. Blessings to your sweet little family. Enjoy your threesome cause little "Friday" is gonna be here before you know it! And Cecily Brynn, we can't wait to love on you when you get to AZ in November! We miss you so much sweetie pie! XOXO!!!

We miss you! 20 years!

It has been 20 years today since Jeff's mom left this earth. While looking through photos I ran across this most precious moment.

That day was SUCH a proud moment for Jeff's mom. Her baby graduating from college! She beamed! It was also the day we told her the baby growing in my tummy would be Brett. I will NEVER forget the thrilled look on her face. She passed away when Brett was just 2 years old. Oh how she would have loved to get to know him longer. Through the years there have been countless times Jeff has said how much he wishes his mom could have seen our kids at their momentous occasions... Concerts, Sports Events, Graduations, Weddings, and the Birth of Children. But we have to believe she does see... We just don't get the pleasure of seeing the expressions of love on her face. We know her LOVE is always there. We miss you today Mom & Grandma Anderson. And THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for raising your son to be a good man and the best husband this girl could have ever hoped for. RIP in God's Love and Mercy!

Happy Birthday Rosemary!

Today is my mama's birthday! I can't wait to spend the day with you mom, just hanging out. You are such a beautiful example of a mother and I have learned so much from you through the years. Every day I am blessed to spend with you is a treasure to me. The recent summer trips have brought such fun stories and laughs our way. The class we are taking together about our heavenly Mother Mary brings such joy and happiness to me. You and dad are both such awesome spiritual leaders for me and Jeff and your whole family. Thank you for the amazing gift we share. I love you so much my precious mom! Have the Best and most Blessed Birthday ever!

Father's Day!

On Father's Day I want to thank BOTH my parents for such an amazing trip to WI. I am blessed beyond words with the relationship we share! I love you Mom and Dad!

Tyler the Ph.D.

We enjoyed celebrating Tyler's earning his Ph.D. It has been a long haul and we are so proud of him and Katie too for all the hard work and sacrifices made. Now to see what the future has in store. Whatever it is we just hope their life is full and God Blesses them always. Hard Work Paid Off!

Katie, Tyler and Tutu.

Celebration after the Graduation where Zora could attend.                                     

We were so thankful to be included in the lovely dinner hosted by Tyler's Tutu on Thursday at Monti's.   

Mother's Day!

Being a mom. Nothing like when they are little. Cherish those moments... Always.

Happy Birthday Brett!

There couldn't be a better way to spend my Mother's Day than celebrating the birth of my youngest precious child. I am a lucky mommy, blessed beyond words!

Happy Ann. 10 days late!

Happy Anniversary to Aaron and Lynette. I hope your day was filled with happy memories of the day, 4 years ago that you were joined in Holy Matrimony! God Bless your future years together with love that will sustain you and build your marital bond stronger with each passing year! We love you!

Our Girls, Our Boys

In the past week we had the occasion to take a meaningful picture with our girls and with our boys. The girl photo was when we went to see the Anderson home newly renovated AFTER the sale of the house. The boy photo was at the 10th annual Pat's Run at Sun Devil Stadium. We love making and sharing memories with our adult children.

Happy Anniversary Love!

A few days late... Jeff and I celebrated our 34th anniversary on April 25th. He is and always will be the LOVE of my LIFE! I am so grateful to have him as my wonderful husband and loving father to our children. Not to mention the BEST Bapa ever! Growing old together is a blessing! Truly! I love you Jeffrey! I hope I make you as happy as you make me.  ♥♥♥♥ !!

Happy Birthday Katrina!

Oh Kates! So enjoyed spending the day with you celebrating your 26th birthday! Hope it was a happy one! Trivia night was fun even though... All these simple things we take for granted! I am so proud of you and the wonderful person you are, making a difference one student at a time. Don't ever deny the importance of what you do. I love you so much and you will always be my precious little wood sprite. Wherever you go, I know that boomerang will bring you back again and again. God Bless you and Tyler! XO!!!

Simon Jude

Today Simon Jude Anderson was laid to rest in Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery. Aaron and Lynette planned a beautiful tribute and Fr. Steve from their parish, Christ the King, presided. So many family members were in attendance and I know Aaron and Lynette felt their loving presence and support. Father's words and the beautiful songs were so comforting as we all had to say hello and goodbye in a single hour. It's been a hard week with more to come but we have faith in the Lord and trust in God's plan even through our tears and sadness. I pray that Aaron and Lynette will find peace and strength as the days continue. May God Bless this sweet little family.

Happy 5th Anniversary!

Happy 5th Anniversary Mindy and Josh! It has been fun today as I have replayed so many joyful moments from your wedding day! It truly was a magical day and I am so happy for you guys and how you have grown as a couple and a family. The future has so much to offer as you grown in your love. Enjoy the memories and be excited and grateful as you look to the future! Many blessings await... I love you guys so much! XO!

Happy Birthday Sissy!

I love my sister! Never was anyone more excited than I was to get a baby sis after three brothers! Love you guys too, Brian, Jay and Tim!! BUT a sister! So fun! I loved sharing a room with Kelly and it has been a joy sharing her life! Love you so much Kel!!

Happy Birthday Melinda!

Happy 29th Birthday to you Mindy Sue! You'll always be my "Susie Q".  And my little strawberry girl! I love you so much. I always have and I always will. I feel so blessed to have such a special connection with you now since you are a mommy. It does open up a whole new world for us. Seeing you adore your precious child and the love and care you pour into your sweet little family brings me countless joy. God Bless you three! XO!!!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Well, my Daddy turned 82 on the 14th. Valentine's Day! Finally getting around to doing his post. We had a fun day at the Gilbert Folk Festival. He did his Steam Engine Paddy bit for a half hour at the Art Stage and we all thought he did GREAT! He was a little critical of himself but you know how artists are about their performances. :) Then he did his bit with the 9 piece ensemble of the Mexican Beaded Lizard Band at the Water Tower Stage. After, we all went to Peter Piper Pizza for his birthday celebration. We didn't make him compete with his 81 candle blow from last year. How could he top that! But he did have a yummy Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake specially delivered by employee and nephew Jake. :) A fun time was had by all...

Happy Birthday Aaron!

Happy 31st Birthday Aaron! It was a fun day spent celebrating you and Nicaea. I am so proud to see the man you are and it delights me to no end to see you enjoying your precious little girls. May God Bless your year and you are right that the 30's are a great place to be. Really any age is when we know our purpose. Keep striving to be the best you can be and may God Bless You each day with His Love! I LOVE YOU!

Happy Birthday Nicaea!

Nicaea Grace turned three years old today! She is such a beautiful and sweet little girl, full of joy in God's love. My heart was full as I watched her fold her little hands and bow her head tonight as she listened to her daddy say a prayer before eating her pizza. More precious than words could express. Then we went over to see the puppies at Kelly and Bryce's. Nicaea loved snuggling them. Getting a pic of her with all 10 was... shall we say interesting. But the puppies survived. LOL! Too fun! In thinking of the date, February 3rd, I would also like to say a Happy Birthday remembrance to the woman who gave birth to my dear sweet hubby! Nicaea shares a birthday with her very loved Great Grandma Betty!

Birthday at the Zoo!

Happy Birthday to Bapa!!! We had a lot of fun with the family on Saturday, the 18th at the zoo. It was a really beautiful day and everyone seemed to enjoy hanging out, walking, talking, and seeing some animals. And chasing our own little human monkeys! There is nothing better than a day spent with our precious family! LOVE!

38 years!

Happy Dating Anniversary to us!!!

I can still remember the night I nervously called this very cute "boy" to ask if he would go to the Sweetheart Prom with me. Next day at school, we were a couple! I thank God every day for bringing him into my life! And that he was smart enough to recognize a good thing when I called. LOL! We have grown in so many ways but honestly, we are still those two little 16 year olds that fell in love 38 years ago! This photo was actually from prom the next year!

Surgery

Still awake at almost 2:00 in the morning. I guess my schedule has been a little off since my surgery. I am usually a night owl anyway but since my surgery I have slept weird hours. It has been 18 days since I underwent my breast reduction. I still have a long way to go as far as healing and adjusting to the new me. But I am feeling very hopeful that I made the right decision in making this BIG decision. I was very hopeful and really felt that the surgery would give me relief from my constant back, shoulder and neck pain. It all made sense and so far I am beyond thrilled in that regard. I have had no pain which is wonderful. After almost a year of pain, it is a true blessing! It was shocking to see my incisions for the first time. Each one is over a foot in length. I guess there was a LOT of extra skin to try to blend. The pain has been a little more than I expected and dealing with some irritation (although not quite infection) has been a bummer, but overall I think I am healing as well as I expected for a lady of 54. :) I am so grateful that my hubby has such wonderful insurance that covers this procedure. I am also grateful for his support and helpfulness during my healing process. He is my true partner and I love him so much! This week I go back to work and it will be a little weird to see people. I hope I don't feel too awkward. It is a sensitive situation to be sure. The funny thing is, I immediately felt comfortable with the new me. It felt so normal, like I was always this size. I expect in the next few months to still be healing, but I am so excited to not only be pain free, but to also be comfortable to run and be active without being self conscious. I thank the Lord for my life and all my loved ones for their support and comfort during these last few weeks. I am one lucky woman! Now to bed!!!

HaPpY nEw YeAr 2014!

2014!!! Amazing! So blessed with each new year and each new day really! May God work miracles in our lives and help us to touch people and make a difference as He sees fit. We are so blessed to be His children and to live in His world!

Happy First Anniversary K&T

A couple days late but Happy First Anniversary to Katie and Tyler! What an amazing wedding event a year ago! So happy for these two and many blessings are wished for them. Hope that top wedding cake will be delicious! Love you guys bunches!