The Little Anderson Family

2011-10-01T16:05:00.000-06:00

GRAND OPENING!

2011-06-28T14:43:00.003-06:00

Well, Kory's new venture is officially open! He is now one of three owner's of a craft store...I know, Kory, crafting? It doesn't seem right!

Kory has always wanted to own his own business, and the obvious business venture would have been an auto body shop. But, the planets aligned, and his two good friends had this business plan right at the perfect time for us...so we decided it would be something we would want to pursue. So, Kory decided to devote his efforts all to this new store.

I won't go into all the details about the planets aligning, but this just felt right to us. The store opened last weekend and we have received so much support and positive vibes. The store is called Wood Creations; and it is all unfinished wood crafts, shelves, picture frames and supplies.

The last few months have been so hectic; with the last few weeks being the craziest of all. But, we are so excited about this store. Of course owning your own business is so much work and so time consuming, but we know the efforts will be worth it in the end. It may take many years to see the rewards, but I know it will be worth it. I haven't seen much of a Kory the last few months...we pass each other in the morning as we head out, but to get this up and running has required his constant attention. I remember my own dad working so hard to run his store, so I definitely realize all the hard work this is going to take. But, I also feel so much happiness seeing my husband so happy. He is doing something he loves, with people he truly cares about, and that is such an important thing. He was actually able to hire his brother, Brady, to work in the wood shop full-time cutting, and I know it means so much to Kory to have him there. The other day, all of the partners and their dads and the wives’ dads were in the shop working. I looked around and immediately became so emotional. Zed would have loved this shop, and would have loved to be working in it with Kory. I know he would be so proud him of him right now. Kory has Brady there with him though, so I think that makes it easier on him to have Brady to share it with.
So, the guys all cut the wood in the shop, and then there is an actual store front where the wood is purchased. So far business has been great and we are just so excited to keep filling the shelves. It's a scary, exciting, and exhausting new life we have, but it's so fun too. Our kids are going to basically grow up in this store...of course we pray that the store survives many generations. The kids run around like crazy maniacs when we are there, which is a bit unnerving, but I know they love it there.

So, that’s that. Here we go, off on this great new adventure. Wish us luck!

Here are a few pictures from grand opening weekend:

The Last Few Months...

2011-05-04T08:50:00.006-06:00

I decided it's time to share our story of our last few months. I am in hopes that I will keep up with writing on this blog and I will be able to use it as a journal of sorts. I am sorry if you are bored with my writing, but this will mean a lot ot us later in life.

As you know, our sweet Korver joined our family in January. Only a few short weeks later, Kory lost his job with Farmers Insurance. He had been with the company over 9 years and just like that, he was kicked out the door. We were devasted. Honestly. I felt like our world was over.

The day he lost his job, I loaded up all of our kids to go pick him up because he drove the company car there- and while Kory ran in to get some parts for a car he was working on, I sobbed and sobbed in the car. I could not understand why this had happened. Korver was only three weeks old, I was on leave from work and wouldn't be bringing home a paycheck--I didn't know how we were going to survive. I was also very hormonal and on no sleep for weeks, so I was a wreck. Parker climbed up to the front seat and looked at me and said, "Are you crying about dad again?" He had been used to me crying as we were somewhat preparing for Kory to lose his job...I responded "Yes." He then looked at me and said, "Mom, you can't just keep crying about dad. We need you. I need you, sister needs you and most of all, brother needs you."

Wow, to hear those words come out of my little 4-year old only made me cry more. He was right though. I couldn't carry on like this. Kory was stronger than I was. I broke down many times, but he stayed positive. It has only been three months since he lost his job, and already we can see that it was a blessing. He worked so many long hours and was never compensated for it and he was so stressed all the time. It has been hard, but I know it was the best thing for him. Kory has steadily stayed busy working on cars...busier than he has ever been. And, he is officially starting up his own business in the craft world. I know, from cars to crafts. It sounds a little strange, but we are so excited about this venture. More to come on that later...

I must attest to the power of tithing...I have always been told my whole life that blessings come to those who pay a full tithe. I have always had a hard time paying it and was honestly very selfish. It truly is a leap of faith. If you never count the money as your own though, and pay it immediately, you don't realize it's even gone. Kory and I struggled with this for years, but have now committed to paying it, and I can now say, I have been a receiver of the blessings of tithing. I don't quite understand how we are paying all our bills and still have money in our bank account, but it's happening...and I am so, so thankful. Kory is also staying busy fixing cars. Busier than he ever was before...I guess I should thank his brother and sister for getting into accidents...the point is, I know we are being blessed at this time in our lives.

Finally feeling like we were going to make it, and overcome this hurdle in our lives, we were then hit with another test. Korver had been sick with a cold, which turned into RSV at the end of March. I knew the cough wasn't normal for a 2 1/2 month old, but I had taken him to the doctor twice, and both times they told me it was just a cold. The day that we blessed him, he was acting very lethargic and wasn't interested in eating. Kory and I attended a church meeting that night, and when we returned, Kory's mom told us he still hadn't eaten and she had just let him sleep. I knew something was definitely wrong.

I took his temperature, which was 100.4, so not technically a fever yet. I decided to call the on-call doctor and she, thankfully, told me to take him to the emergency room. After 4 hours in the ER, they diagnosed him with a cold and RSV and decided to admit him. I was worried about him of course, but at that time they just wanted to keep his nose suctioned and be sure he would eat before they sent us home. So, Kory went home to gather up my belongings and we prepared to stay the night.

The next morning, the Resident and the on-call doctor on the infant floor came into the room and told Kory and I that they were worried about Korver and thought he was more lethargic than they normally see in RSV patients. They told us that they wanted to perform a spinal tap on him to rule out any bacterial infections. Of course I immediately became very worried and wanted all the information on the risks of the spinal tap. My dad had just gotten up to the hospital which I know now was such a blessing. He and Kory were able to provide Korver with a blessing right before he left to have the procedure.

Kory and I felt comforted with sending him to have the test, and waited in the room for him to return. He was gone for about 15 minutes when they rushed him back in, with 4 other nurses following alongside, and told us he had stopped breathing. They hadn't had a chance to perform the test and were now doing all they could to get him to breathe on his own. Apparently he was having spells of apnea where he would stop breathing for more than 20 seconds and he was continuing to do this in the room. I have never felt more helpless as a mother in all my life. The child life specialist came into the room and was trying to divert my attention, but of course I couldn't stop staring at my sweet baby as there were 10 or so medical professionals working on him. Kory and I just stood and watched as our little guy struggled to breathe.

We were advised that they may need to call for a transfer if they felt they weren't able to care for him and also that they may have to intubate if they aren't able to get him breathing on his own. At that point, Kory and I realized how truly serious this was and all we could do was watch...we just hugged each other and cried. There was nothing we could do for him. I will never forget the look on my sweet baby's face as they worked and worked with him to get him to breathe. As they worked with him, he would breathe on his own and then stop...breathe on his own and then hold his breath. Because he would hold his breath for such a long period of time, they became worried about the level of CO2 in his blood. So, after rushing blood tests to determine the CO2 levels, the head nurse called for a transfer. He would be life flighted to Primary Children's. That's when I officially lost it.

The life flight team entered the room and at that point we were told they were going to intubate. While the team was getting set up, the respiratory therapist started bagging him...in and out, in and out. I felt like I was in a dream and this wasn't really happening. I thought I was going to lose my little guy and there was nothing I could do. When they were ready to intubate, I left the room because there was just no way I could watch them put a tube down his throat. Kory was strong and stayed in the room with him and would come out to check on me every so often. The nurses asked if we wanted to give him a blessing before he left, and of course we wanted one. We were so lucky to have the head nurse in the unit, who was a Bishop, come in and help Kory administer to Korver. What an amazing blessing he gave. There were about 10 of us all surrounding him with our heads bowed while the blessing was given...what an amazing feeling this was. I felt immediate comfort in sending him and knew they would take care of him. At the time the ambulance team was standing by, and also the life flight team. It had been snowing that day, and they weren't sure if they would be able to fly. Minutes after they had Korver ready to transfer, the clouds lifted and they were given the go-ahead to fly. Once again, I feel this was another tender mercy.

We were able to walk out to the helicopter with him and say goodbye...I reached in and gave him a kiss and had to just walk away. I walked away and couldn't look back. I didn't want to see the helicopter take off with my baby. This was honestly the hardest and worst moment of my life. I kept having horrible thoughts enter my mind. What if we get there and they tell us they did all they could, but we couldn't help him? Or, we think he might have brain damage for lack of oxygen? What if, what if, what if?

Kory and I drove to the hospital and entered the pediatric intensive care unit. There my little guy was, all hooked up to machines. He had already been extubated though, which I was so thankful for. He was now breathing with a ventilator. He didn't look like my little boy though. He looked so sick.

Korver spent the next two days in the PICU while they slowly weaned him off the ventilator, then to high flow oxygen and then to regular. He began to heal quickly...much quicker than the doctor's expected. What a little fighter he was. He fought in that room so hard to breathe on his own and now he was fighting with all he had to get well. We were transferred to the infant floor two days after being admitted, and we only spend one day there. We were able to go home only 4 days after he was life flighted. What a miracle.

I had such mixed emotions about leaving the PICU and then leaving the hospital. We were there such a short time but while there you witness and see all the other sick children fighting. You see the parents by their bedside feeling helpless and praying that their child will get well. Why were we so blessed? Why did he recover so quickly? I know I should just be thankful, but it was somewhat bittersweet.

This whole incident really put into perspective Kory losing his job. What a trivial thing it was. Jobs come and go. Children can't be replaced. How truly blessed we felt. Why this all happened to us in a matter of two months, I don't know. Maybe this was God's test for us...maybe not. All I know is, I thank my Heavenly Father every day for my three healthy children and for my good husband. Material wealth and 'things' on this earth don't matter. Yes, it's nice to be able to pay your mortgage, don't get me wrong, but I knew we would survive this job loss after our hospital stay.

We received such an outpouring of love and support during this difficult time in our lives. I don't know what we would have done without our family and friends--they watched Parker and Preslie, brought us dinner, cleaned my house...wow, we truly have so much to be thankful for.

The pictures below are definitely hard to look at, and at the time, I was really bothered that Kory was taking the pictures. I guess I didn't feel it was appropriate in that moment. Now, I am so thankful to have them. They go in order from one being the emergency room and the picture of his little head after they tried and tried to get a vain, to the room at the hospital where they rushed him back in to try to get him breathing (this is where he is sitting up with oxygen), this is the hardest one for me, to the PICU and then last the infant floor. They were taken with Kory's phone, so they aren't the best quality and are a bit blurry--but these will always be a reminder of what we went through, a reminder of just how hard our little man fought for his life, and will always remind us just how blessed we were and are.

Remember to count your blessings daily. We all have much to be thankful for.

Preslie's Two!

2011-05-03T14:20:00.002-06:00

We had such a fun day on Preslie's birthday. We started the day off with green eggs and ham...her birthday is on St. Patrick's Day, so we had to be festive. She got to open one present in the morning-her dog, Bobby. I don't quite know where the name came from--but Bobby the Doggy sounds cute, so we went with it. She loves, loves dogs. We aren't quite ready to get a real one, but hopefully soon. After breakfast, we took the kids to the Living Aquarium in Salt Lake. Aunt Melissa, Aunt Kristy and Boston and Keaton came along too. I think she loved the penguins the most. She definitely wasn't too sure about the sting ray and she thought the Anaconda was nasty...such a girl. Maybe not the best place to take a little girl on her birthday...but hek, it was cold outside!

We celebrated her day the next Saturday with a fun ladybug party with all of our family; complete with a darling ladybug cake. You'll notice she looks a little out of it in some of the pictures. She was pretty sick this day...what a bummer.

She is such a fun and hysterical little girl. And she is definitely a girly-girl, but I love that about her. I just adore her and am so thankful that she is a part of our family.

Our Little Man...

2011-03-11T11:03:00.000-07:00

Kristy did a fabulous job of capturing our sweet little guy at his tiniest...

He will be 8 weeks old tomorrow and I can't believe how big he already is. You forget just how fast they grow..

He's Here!

2011-03-02T22:31:00.035-07:00

Korver Emmett Anderson

Our family is now 5 strong! Little Korver arrived the morning of January 15th. He was 7 lbs, 5 oz and 21 inches long. I was set to be induced on January 21st, a week before my actual due date because of the medication I was on, but our little dude decided he wanted to choose his own birthday.

I started having off and on contractions the day before but I didn't think I was in true labor... I think Kory even thought I was just being dramatic. I went to bed about midnight and woke up about an hour later feeling as if I had peed my pants. I thought, oh man, have I really lost this much control? My water officially ruptured at 1 am and with Kory as a witness, he agreed that it was time to head to the hospital. Having never had my water break before, I was a bit panicked and didn't quite know what to expect. I called my mom immediately and had to break the news to her...her birthday was the day before and we were just going to miss the day. I delivered our little guy at 10:23 am, after a long night of no sleep, being told I could not have an epidural, then being told I could have the epidural, getting the epidural and then not having it work. What a crazy 9 hours!

I can absolutely say that after this birth experience, I have the utmost respect for every woman, who gives birth naturally. I feel I am strong woman, and after this I realized just how strong I am, but the pain that I felt I do not EVER want to feel again. However, I am so grateful for the experience. Actually feeling the full contractions and pusing through them was something I will never forget. Being fully aware and feeling the pain makes you truly realize all we as women go through to get this little beings here. I though, am all for a pain free experience...

We were lucky enough to have my sister-in-law, Kristy, with us in the room capturing the birth through her photography. What a gift it is to have these photos to share with our children and our family. Unfortunately, both of our mom's barely missed the birth because things just progressed so fast. I am so thankful though, that Kristy was able to be there to share the emotional and spiritual moment with us. We could all feel the spirit of Kory's father with us there in the room and the delivery as a whole was so emotional and intimate. I was not blessed with sister's of my own, but I am extremely thankful that I have such amazing sister-in-laws, who are there for every moment in our little family and for whom I love as my own.

I am so thankful for this sweet little boy who has joined our family. I am definitely overwhelmed but I love this little boy with all my heart. I already can't imagine our family without him. I did tell Kory that I wasn't sure our family was complete yet when we were still in the hosputal, but after these last 6 weeks, I think my feelings may have changed. I guess we shall see...

Below are the photos that Kristy captured. These are some of my very favorite. There is also a slide show of some of the other images. I realize that these are intimate, but she did such an amazing job at capturing the day and I feel it's a truly beautiful momento that I will forever cherish...so I am sharing her work.

Parker Man

2010-11-09T10:49:00.000-07:00

My talented SIL, (Kristy Mayes Photography), took Parker out on Saturday and did a mini photo shoot with just him. She has taken my kids' pictures from newborns on and she always is able to capture their personalities. I am so thankful to have such a talented person in my family to capture these moments and times in my kids' lives. I love these pictures so much, and I love this little man more than I can even say. He has such a spunky personality and is so charismatic. And, I just love, love his smile. Sometimes it's a little cheesy, but that's just how I like it. He looks so old in these pictures, which honestly makes me so sad, but he is becoming such a little man, and he such a good big brother. I can't wait for his baby brother to join our family because I know Parker will be such a good help. Thanks Kristy, you did an amazing job!

Last Trimester!

2010-10-29T09:42:00.001-06:00

It's getting close... I am now officially in my last trimester and I do not think my belly can stretch very much farther. I honestly get comments everyday from absolute strangers about my large, round belly. C'mon people, I still have three months left, just wait until January...oh man, I can only imagine how large I am going to be!

For memories sake.

What a good husband!!

2010-10-26T12:35:00.003-06:00

After some wonderful and much needed good news at work, Kory congratulated me by bringing home these beautiful flowers... then he tells me, he has a babysitter coming over and that he is taking me to dinner. What?! Really? Dinner with no kids? What the, what?

I just had to share and give my sweet husband some major props. Every so often he just comes out of nowhere and does something completely fabulous... and, yesterday was one of these times. Woot, woot for my husband!

Wonderful Wedding!

2010-09-28T13:06:00.003-06:00

Kory's sister, Chelsi, was married last weekend and what a weekend it was! It was a busy few days... but we had so much fun and the wedding was absolutely beautiful. We are so excited to 'officially' welcome Clint into our family. The festivities began with the rehearsal dinner, which was a dutch oven dinner in honor of Kory's dad, Zed. The kids loved the food.

The next day was the wedding...I was so worried about Parker and Preslie being in the ceremony but my little buddy did such a good job. He and Boston carried their ring pillows like pro's. Preslie was hilarious throwing the flowers but as soon as they were gone, and she realized there were 100 people staring at her, she was not having it. All in all, they were good kids. And, they looked so darn arorable!

I couldn't get any of them both looking...so these are as good as they get.

I love this next picture. To me, this is what a brother is all about. I would imagine Parker saying, "C'mon Sis, let's get outta here. These kids are up to no good!"

The bride with her nephews and niece. The wouldn't really cooperate...really, we are lucky they even all sat there.

Preslie spent most of the reception playing at the screen door with her Great Aunt Charlene. She is getting to be so much fun and has such a cute personality. She is a total girl...she loved having the dress on and definitely loves any type of 'pretty' accessory in her hair. I just love her so much.

And, to end this photo montage, a precious picture of my two kids hugging. Preslie loves her brother so much and tries several time a day to get a hug from him or even a kiss... it's just not very often that he will return the gesture. So, for me, this photo is priceless!

Parker's First Day of Preschool

2010-09-23T16:26:00.003-06:00

Parker had his first day of Pre-School last week and he was so darn excited to go. He told everyone he saw that he was going to school. I honestly debated about sending him this year as I didn't know how I was going to get him back and forth with me working and other reasons...but as I thought and thought about it, I honestly was causing myself to have anxiety because I felt like I was depriving him. I know, I am so strange. So, I found a place that would work with my work schedule and off to school he went! He is loving it and I know it is the best thing for him. He always seems to gravitate toward older kids and I know he needs that interaction.

I was a little sad to see him go...I cried a little looking at these pictures just because he looks so big. Man, what am I going to do when he really starts school? I will probably chase the school bus down... It's just so hard seeing your kids grow up :(

Parker's 4th Birthday

2010-09-07T16:01:00.014-06:00

Parker turned 4 last Thursday. I can hardly believe it. The last four years have absolutely flown by! He started his day with the ever favorable waffles and strawberries. He has had this every year since his first birthday... and then he off to share cupcakes with his friends. I had some work to do while he was gone...

Parker is obsessed with Spiderman. He shows everyone his 'Spideyness' on his chest and shoots webs at strangers. I thought a Superhero party would be perfect for a four year old...and, a special guest was going to appear that Parker didn't know about!

So, on with the party!

Parker invited a few friends over. They were so cute...it was so fun to see all the kids dressed up!Preslie wanted to join in the fun too, so she sported the mask for a bit.

Spiderman read stories, showed the kids how to exercise like a Superhero and even painted their faces. It was so much fun to see the boys interact with him. Preslie on the other hand, she was not too sure about it.

What a fun party...so much work, but so worth it! Spiderman was a success!

Preslie's New Smile

2010-08-11T15:51:00.004-06:00

Preslie is quite the character. She now does this crazy little smile that I just had to share. If you tell her to smile or say "Cheese," this is the face you'll get. I also included one of her cute normal face too. Maybe this is how she thinks everyone really smiles?

Another?

2010-06-28T12:27:00.005-06:00

Well yes, if you haven't heard, we are expecting our third child in late January. We are having another one! LOL! This was a bit of a surprise, but I believe all things happen for a reason. I know my children have all come to us when they were supposed to. So, although I never wanted a December or January baby...January baby, here you come! At least January may not seem so bleak with a new baby. Here's hoping!

We are so excited, but also a bit scared as we have been told by a few friends that the third child changes your world. Two, we have been able to handle with a bit of man on man defense. Three we are out numbered...so, for all of you with three or more, please, I could use some helpful tips, advice and any help you can offer.

Parker is excited and has told me several times that it's a boy. He says, "I already have a little sister, so now I need a little brother." I guess we shall see.

Family Adventure/Vacation

2010-05-05T17:30:00.004-06:00

My dear friend Breanna was planning to get married in Vegas, so I had the grand idea to make a family trip out of it...well, I thought it was a great idea. Don't get me wrong, we had so, so, much fun. But, two little kids in Vegas...well, need I say more?The trip began slowly, and I thought, "What did I do?" But, as we got more into a routine, both the kids were so enjoyable, minus a few minor meltdows (by Kory and I, LOL!). The kids were so cute in the room. Parker has never stayed in a hotel so he thought it was so fun that we all got to sleep together.We stayed in St. George the first two nights, and Kory worked all day one of the days. So, the kids and I swam most of the day and then Kory joined us. Other than one scare in the hot tub, I handled the two of them quite well by myself in the pool.Parker was such a good little swimmer. He would have swam as long as we let him. He would dive in and go under and swim all over the pool; I was so impressed. His little swim floats were so great but I don't think it will be too much longer and he will be able to swim without them.We all enjoyed our relaxing pool time. It was such a bummer to drive him in the snow! Will spring ever get here!?

Another of my close friends is in the pirate show at Treasure Island. So, she got us up close and personal to the pirates. Parker loved this.

Parker was Peter Parker (Spiderman), most of the trip. He would show everyone his 'Spideyness' and then web them. Everyone at the first hotel we stayed at, would throw webs at him and play back... He is at such a fun age! In one of the pictures, you can see the pirates shooting their webs with him. At first I think he was a little frightened of the pirates...I mean really, look at their manliness! But, they were all so nice, he put on a little Spiderman show for them. It was hilarious!Tiffany is on my right in the photo. Isn't she gorgeous? It was so awesome that she got them all to come out and take a photo. We were VIP!! Preslie wasn't really sure about the tattoed guy...she couldn't take her eyes off of him.More web shooting!Then it was off to the wedding. Surprisingly, the kids sat through the ceremony...YAY!

One of the first nights we were in Vegas, we decided to eat at the Rainforest Cafe. We have taken Parker to eat there before, but thought he might enjoy it more now that he is older.

Well...we were wrong--we were close to the gorillas and Parker was not a fan! He buried his head in my lap and would not sit up. How disapointing! I tried to explain to him that they were not real, but then he asked, "Why are they talking then?!" I think it was our most expensive meal, and Parker spent most of it with his eyes closed! Not a good time. I think this is when Kory had his meltdown...LOL!This is how most of our family photos went. I thought I would post one for nostalgias sake.And finally, this is how we traveled around good ol' Las Vegas. It worked quite well. I now know that we can take a road trip with my family, and we all will survive! Yay! We had so much fun! Where shall we go next? I think it's safe to say that it won't be Sin City! HA!

Forgot to add this picture!

2010-03-18T10:32:00.002-06:00

I totally forgot to add this picture, but it is too cute not to share. After I put the tutu on Preslie, she immediately began to twirl around. I guess it's just innate for a girl... Tutu means twirling! Kristy started snapping as she was spinning...it may just look like she was running around, but she was actually turning in circles. Too funny.

Happy Birthday Preslie

2010-03-17T15:20:00.009-06:00

What a fun, busy and crazy year this has been. I can't believe my little baby girl is already one! I won't say she hasn't been a challenge, that would be a lie; but oh my do I ever love her! What fun it is to have a sweet baby girl to dress up, dote on and kiss! She is ever such a little diva and does like things her way...but I wouldn't trade her for the world! Parker loves her so much and my very favorite thing to hear him say to her is, "You look pretty Pres," I just love to hear him talk to her.

Sis is quite the daddy's girl, and yes, she does have him wrapped around her tiny finger. Isn't that the way it's supposed to be though?

Happy Birthday to our baby girl...

Kristy came over and took pictures of Preslie in her room for her 1 year old photos. I think they turned our pretty fabulous, although I never thought I would be the total PINK mom... and that's exactly what I am... AHHH! I did have a purple outfit for her to wear, but she was entirely too worn out by the time we were ready for the next background. I guess another day....man, who knew models were so fussy?! We hope to try some outside, once the flowers are bloomed and the grass is greener. I can't wait!

Bring On Spring!

2010-03-04T12:49:00.010-07:00

I can feel it... I can feel myself being lifted from my funk. It's amazing what just a little bit of sunshine can do for your spirit.... mind you, it's still only 40 degrees, but the snow has melted and the sun has been showing itself every so often. I've finally realized that I have been in a funk for the last few months. I don't know if you would call it depression, or just a funk. Probably a bit of both. I do usually get sicker in the winter, and this winter has been no exception. So, that doesn't help the funky situation any. And I seem to get very discouraged every winter. But, I have been feeling better the last few weeks and that is such a blessing!

I do know that a little bit of sunshine makes my insides happy though, and it's nice to feel some inner happiness. I realize that I have only been going through the motions the last few months... everyday, I do as little as possible to get by and I am still running on empty. I feel I am spread so thinly among all of my callings in life, and I give only 50% to each. I know most mothers and women feel this way, but today I am admitting it. I am getting by though, and taking care of the things that must be done, and I guess that is what counts.

The winter is so cold and dreary though. January is grey and cold, and then there is February; still cold, but a bit less dreary. I am ready for the new beginnings of spring. Come on March.. bring on the tulips; bring on April; bring on Easter; bring on the bright colors; bring on the green grass; bring on the outdoors!

I am ready to be whole again! Bring it on!

Remembering Zed

2010-02-10T09:30:00.004-07:00

Out of our sight, he lingers in our hearts. Out of our reach, we hold him in our dreams.

For he is gone. Yet we search for him. In every rainbow, in every song,

in all of heavens moonbeams;

Yet we must go on...

Keeping the memory of his quiet assurance, his gentle smile, his loving ways.

To hold on to this much of him, for the rest of our earthly days.

For now we will live our lives, and tend to our sheep.

One day finished, one less we must keep.

Our quest? To press onward, with one purpose in mind;

To regain the presence of this man who left us behind.

God in thy mercy, help us to be strong;

Stay by our side as we carry on.

May we never forget what he taught us each day;

And always remember our Father, an angel who passed by our way.

This poem was origally written by my mom and later arranged by me. My intent was to have the poem printed and framed for Kory, his siblings and mom, and to give it to them today. My intentions were good, but life comes and goes and this day is here. I will still follow through... but I did want to pay tribute to my father in law today, on the first anniversary of his passing. The world lost a wonderful man on this day. We will forever miss and love him.

Our little walker

2010-02-01T15:47:00.005-07:00

Preslie started taking a step here and there on New Years Day and is now getting from here to there by walking. She has gotten really fast. She seems so little to be walking and it's so cute to see. She has been going, going, since she was born. She started crawling a little before she was 6 months, so it was bound to be that she would walk early. I was just not ready to have her getting into everything already! She is a little wrecking ball --but she is so much fun! Here she is walking, missing sock and all!

Our Holidays

2010-01-26T08:00:00.002-07:00

My computer was out of commission for the past month or so; so I am now finally able to post our holiday fun!

First thing's first; the visit to see Santa. As you can see, Preslie was not a fan of the chubby man in the big red suit. And, I am afraid Parker wouldn't even get close enough for me to get a shot of the two of them. He basically yelled across the room to Santa that he wanted a Buzz Lightyear and Santa threw him a candy cane. It was pretty funny!

Next was some family bowling. We had so much fun and hope to make it a tradition every year around the holidays.We tried for a family photo in our Sunday best, but as you can see, we were not very successful...

We had fun making Santa's cookies on Christmas Eve with Aunt Melissa.

Preslie thought that she would be a big help and dump out all of the cookie cutters!

I couldn't flip this picture, but did want to show our lovely cookies and reindeer feed. Parker insisted that the reindeer needed oats AND carrots!

Christmas morning was so much fun. The kids are at such fun ages! Parker got his Buzz from Santa and Preslie got a little stroller for her baby. She is so cute pushing it!

My family came over for breakfast and we had such a fun time. Breakfast was so good too! (I am quite sure that my dad is making some sort of animal sound in this photo. He is known for his rooster sounds that for most kids would be quite frightening. My kids are used to his strange noises!)

We finally ended the day at Grandma Anderson's. These two boys are best friends and are so dang cute together. They both got new blankets from Grandma are were cozied up in them.Preslie wasn't feeling wonderful on New Years Eve so we decided to stay home again this year. I can honestly say that it was the funnest New Years Eve that I have ever had. And let me say, I have had some doozies (ok, not really,but still...). We ate lots, played the Wii, gave fist bumps, the boys showed off their muscles, Preslie slept, and we all laughed. It was so much fun!We hope you all had a wonderful holiday season. I don't know about you, but I am ready for winter to be over now!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2009-12-21T10:33:00.003-07:00

Two Thousand and Nine has come and gone
and what a year it has been;
Much has happened in our little family…
now where should we begin?

The year began slowly; we suffered a great loss,
Kory’s father, Zed, passed away.
The very next month, we welcomed a daughter,
a beautiful girl, Preslie Deziree.

What a joy she has been and a blessing in our lives;
we can’t imagine our family without her.
She has been crawling for months and is now trying to walk;
she has to keep up with her brother.

Mr. Parker turned three in September this year,
and of all sports and superheroes he is fond.
If you are around him at all you’ll hear,
“To infinity and beyond!”

Summer was fun and full of family adventures;
we finally bought a trailer of our own.
East Canyon, Lava, St. Anthony, The Uintahs…,
“Dad, aren’t you ready for a weekend at home?”

The fall came and went with much work to be done;
Kory tirelessly worked on our yard.
Digging for sprinklers, curbing and planting seed—
yes, green grass can be seen from afar.

There is always a project; something needs to be fixed;
most nights you will find Kory at the shop.
He does seem to find time to fit in a few rounds of golf,
but he never seems to stop.

Kristie stays busy working, taking care of the kids,
and trying to keep her poise.
Fridays off are a blessing with one more day to be had,
with the two kids she calls her joys.

Our family looks forward to the New Year,
and we wish you the very best.
May love, good health, and happiness be yours,
and may you all be blessed.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Dancing Girl

2009-12-12T11:42:00.003-07:00

Preslie is almost 9 months old. I can't believe it! She has been crawling since she was 6 months old and is trying so hard to walk. Anyway, she is a constant mover and a shaker. She doesn't sit still for long but I did manage to get her to sit and dance for a minute. She must get her dance moves from her dad!!!

Enjoy!

Summer Fun

2009-11-19T22:38:00.009-07:00

I realize I am super late in posting our summer adventures...but better late than never! Here are a few photos of our summer fun--in no particular order. We had lots of fun using our trailer this summer. Our first trip was to the Uintahs in late June and oh my, what an adventure that was! The heater went out and it rained all weekend. Not a very fun 'first' trip out, but it will be a good story to tell our kids. We went to the sandunes and Bear World, Lava, the Uintahs again and East Canyon. I also took a girls trip to St. George with Preslie. What a fun and HOT weekend that was. I know there are lots of photos but we had lots of fun! Enjoy!

Parting shot. So sad to see the summer end!

Mama Needs Some New Shoes!

2009-09-29T15:52:00.003-06:00

Hey y'all!

Check out this blog for fabulous shoes and giveaways! If you love shoes as much as I do, you must become a follower! I know I could use some free shoes as Kory is tired of me spending our grocery money on new shoes. Hmmm, milk and bread or shoes? That's a hard one. LOL!

Check, check, check, check it out!

http://headoverheelsutah.blogspot.com/

Preslie is 6 Months Old Today!

2009-09-17T16:00:00.001-06:00

Pressers, as we often times call her, or Lady Luck as Kristy calls her, is 6 months old today. I always say it, but time goes too fast.

To pay homage to her on this day, her half birthday, here is a plethora of pictures of our precious Preslie (wow, that is a lot of P’s!), over the last couple months. You will notice that she is a drooly girl. She is getting two teeth on the bottom, and the one is quite sharp and mostly all the way through. So, the drool is a common thing at our house!

I love this picture of her. It definitely pays to have a talented SIL watch my kids everyday!

Parker's 3rd Birthday

2009-09-11T13:00:00.003-06:00

Parker turned 3 last week. THREE, I know, I can't believe it either!

His birthday began with me waking him up by singing, Happy Birthday to you! He woke up and asked me, "Is it my birthday today, like right now?" I said, "Yes, your birthday is right now!" He then responded to me with a puzzled look, "Well, who started my birthday?" I had to stop a moment and think about this. In his mind, he is wondering why on earth his birthday is going on while he has been asleep. Who on earth started this special day without him knowing? I think it was a relevant question. So, much like a Ringmaster in a circus, or the Grand Marshal at a NASCAR race, I will officially start my kids' birthday's with, "Get Ready, Get Set, And Start Your BIRTHDAY!"Parker has always loved waffles and strawberries, so he started the day with breakfast and then on to a small party at daycare.Parker told me he wanted a Batman party, with Batman party hats and a Spiderman cake. Well, we went with a Batman theme and the best I could do were masks. Most everyone were good sports and wore the masks.
Boston didn't actually seem too thrilled to wear the mask, but he was a team player!

He even got Buzz Lightyear pajamas. Of course he immediately had to put them on and try out the wings. "TO INFINITY AND DE-ON!" (Yes, like Celine Dion, I love it when he says this. It really never gets old and I hear it about 20 times a day!)What a fun day full of food, family and a whole lof of fun. I just love this little boy. He definitely keeps us laughing!

Independence Day

2009-07-16T19:30:00.009-06:00

This year was honestly one of the best, if not the best, 4th of July that I can remember. I have always loved the 4th. I love parades and the warm weather and I absolutely love fireworks. But this year was different. This year I had a little boy who knew what was going on and who loved every minute of the day.

We started off the day with the Riverdale parade with Kory's family. This was Parker's first parade-- the day before I showed him how to march and wave his flag (I know, I am a giant nerd). He was so cute though. He held and waved his flag pretty much the whole time. Well, other than when he was diving for candy. As I was sitting and watching all the kids, I became emotional. I love seeing things through a child's eyes. I also became tearful as the jets flew over in the morning. How lucky we are to have the freedoms we have and to be able to celebrate with parades, carnivals and fireworks. We are truly blessed.

Next we headed over to the carnival to eat and ride rides. In the next picture you will see that Kory and his BIL are basically wearing the same outfit. I don't think either of them were particularly happy about it. What can I say? Their wives have good taste!

After the carnival we headed home. Our neighborhood rented some big bounce houses and slides. We blocked off a street near our home and had a neighborhood BBQ and party. Parker absolutely loved it and it was fun getting to know all of our neighbors better.We had to talk my friend's little girl into going through the big obstacle course. She was not too keen on the idea. Finally we got her in but Kory had to carry her each time. What a good husband I have!
I think Kory gets a little annoyed with me when it comes to fireworks. I try to go and see as many fireworks shows as possible during the summer but... Parker is usually too busy doing something else to watch and Preslie is not quite interested yet. So, this year I was a good sport and we stayed in our neighborhood for fireworks. This is the only picture I took.

On a completely different subject...a few weeks ago, Miss P. found her feet. I love to watch her play with them and try to get them in hour mouth. She is going to be 4 months tomorrow and is getting such a cute personality!

The Last Few Months

2009-07-08T17:30:00.004-06:00

I am really bad at posting as things are happening, so here is a brief recap of the last few months.
Enjoy!

Preslie and Kory lounging on the couch. I think they both fell aleep quite early that night.
While my SIL Melissa was in town, her, my other SIL Kristy and I had a little craft day. It was really fun. They made the cute gum ball machines and I did the wood 'P' and sign. They made fun of me for the saying because it doesn't make sense for Parker but it makes sense in my mind! Hey, leave me alone!
The next project is sewing. Kristy has gotten a head start so I am going to need to get caught up.

This is how Parker spends most of his time if Preslie is awake. He loves to be right next to her!

A few pictures of Preslie over the last few months. She is getting so big!
This isn't a great picture of her, but she does love to sit in her Bumbo. She is definitely an active little baby. She loves to sit up and look around. I think she is afraid she is going to miss something.

Kory and I celebrated our anniversary in Park City this year. Sadly we didn't know that Park City basically shuts down in May. Silly us for not knowing this. We still had a fun time though.Uncle Roice came down for Brady's graduation and planted the garden at Kory's moms. He had some pretty good help. Parker and his cute little cousin Boston got right in there and wanted to know exactly what he was doing and how he was doing it. I think Parker may have dug up more seeds than he planted but they had fun.

Here are the boys after the garden party. They have so much fun together.

Here are some pictures of Miss P. at 3 months. She is such a sweet baby.

Kory's brother Brady's graduation.

Aunt Melissa came and stayed over one night while she was visiting and made cookies with Parker the next day. Of course he loves to make cookies with her, she lets him eat as much dough as he wants. I can't wait for Melissa to have kids!

Finally, Preslie had her first 'Girl's Day Out'. Lannis, Melissa and I spent the day shopping at The Gateway and then Chelsi, my youngest SIL, met up with us to have dinner at the Melting Pot. It was so, so yummy. Definitely not something you should do on a regular basis but so worth the extra caloric intake. I could just drink the chocolate!

OH DEAR, OH DEAR!

2009-06-25T12:56:00.009-06:00

Yesterday there was a little incident at daycare...

I went to pick up Parker and Preslie and our babysitter told me at the door that there had been a little accident but Preslie was ok. She told me this while she was handing me Miss P. and I could see that she was fine, so I was not too worried. Anyway, she goes on to tell me that she had put Preslie in the swing and saw that she was slowly drifting off to sleep so our babysitter walked away and went into the kitchen. The next thing she hears is Preslie screaming. She ran back into the room and there was Parker standing over her. He had taken her out of the swing and dropped her. Preslie was lying there on her back crying. She checked her to make sure she was OK--checked her eyes and her head and she seemed fine. Anyway, so she told me this all while Parker was also standing at the door by me. He was looking at me waiting for a reaction but I remained calm. I don't know how many times I have had to tell him to stay away from her swing or to stop pulling her arms and legs and so on. It's like the teasing brother thing is innate and he already knows what and how to do it.

So, I got them both buckled into the car and proceeded to drive. I then looked back at Parker and told him that I was very, very upset with him. Now get this...

He says in a very quiet voice, "Are you goin' to kick my ask?" I definitely did not think I heard him correctly so I turned and said, "What did you say?" He then repeats it in an even softer voice, "Are you goin' to kick my ask?" Really, did this just come out of my two year old's mouth? I immediately told him that he should never say that word-even if he was just saying ask. He honestly would not have learned this in our house nor have we ever actually kicked his 'ask'. I won't lie though, I have sworn a time or two but this statement would have never come out of mine or Kory's mouths.

I really tried not to laugh because I was very upset with him but to see this little guy and to hear him say this in the right context was just too much! He then asked me if booty was a bad word and I told him no. He can say booty.

Now, some may not think this is funny and may think I am a horrible mom, that's fine. But, this is definitely something I am going to remember and write in his baby book.

Preslie on the other hand, poor girl. She is doing fine. She is quickly, at 3 months old, learning survival skills...hopefully she will make it through her first year of life severely unharmed by this crazy brother of her's.

Sweet Baby Girl

2009-05-27T10:53:00.010-06:00

Sweet baby girl, da da daaaa. Good times never seem so good!

Here are a few photos from the last few months. It's so sad to think that Miss P. is already 10 weeks old. Time flies so fast, it truly does.

My two P's. Oh I love them!

Easter afternoon at Grandma's.

Great Grandma Jackson visiting for her blessing.

Great Uncle Roice. He knew just how to hold her to help with her gas problem!

Blessing day. Isn't our backyard beautiful!Catching some ZZZ's with my dad.

My Son, The Negotiator

2009-05-20T10:39:00.013-06:00

Yesterday I desperately tried to get Parker to clean up his room. He is pretty good about putting stuff away around the house, but it's usually a fight to get him to clean up his room. So, when I went into his room for the third time, I was puzzled to find him standing in the middle of the mess staring off into the distance.

This picture is after our conversation below...

Here is how our conversation went:

Mom: "Parker, I am not going to ask you again. You need to get all of your toys picked up and put everything away. You can not come out of your room until you get it cleaned up." (I know, I am so mean)

Parker: "Mom, how about you pick up the toys and put them in the toybox, you pick up my train and then you pick up my books and put them on the bookshelf-- AND I WILL WATCH YOU."

I could not help but to laugh. In the time that he took to tell me what I should be doing, he could have had his room cleaned already. How is it that a 2 year old, already knows how to scheme, negotiate and bargain? It's like when he asks us for a treat... if we tell him not right now or after dinner, he always then asks us if he can just hold the treat. He inevitably ends up holding it in his mouth. I think we fell for that one once but everyday he still tries it. What a character!

He did finally clean up his room and it took him about 3 minutes!

Ahoy Matey!

2009-05-15T19:40:00.012-06:00

His teeth are green here because he was eating candy. Just an FYI.

I have much blogging to catch up on, but I just had to share this...

Today we were out running errands...Parker, Preslie and I were waiting in the truck while Kory made a trip into the store. I was trying to keep Parker entertained so we were watching people--it was a nice day, so we had the windows down.

Parker loves cowboys and cowboy hats so when a man walked out in a cowboy hat I said, "Look Parker, a cowboy." He seemed pleased but then he noticed another man walking out. This was a large man with a red bandana tied on his head. Parker said, "Look mom, a pirate." I looked and realized that he did have his bandana tied on his head like a pirate. I responded, "Yeah Park, he does look like a pirate." Before I could even finish my sentence, Parker yells out, "AHOY MATEY!" The man quickly looked over at us and I could not help but to crack up. I have not laughed that hard in a long time.

I didn't know that he even knew that pirates said AHOY!

He keeps Kory and I laughing. He is so inquisitive and has such a fun sense of humor!

AHOY MATEY!

Sweet Sister Preslie

2009-04-22T12:52:00.006-06:00

Here are a few of Preslie's newborn shots. These were taken when she was about 7 days old. She is just over a month old now and she is definitely all FEMALE! She is so much different than Parker was. Kory has started calling her a little DIVA because she lets you know when she wants something and it better be quick... but she definitely already has him wrapped around her little finger. Of course I had to include one of Mr. Parker. He wasn't interested in getting his photo taken--his Aunt Kristy tried. This is what he was more interested in doing. He is all BOY!

She's Here!

2009-03-21T14:20:00.009-06:00

Our little girl, Preslie Deziree Anderson, joined our family on March 17th, 2009 at 3:24 pm. Her middle name, Deziree, came about because we wanted to use Zed somehow, but it's hard to come up with a girl name with Zed. Lannis didn't like Zeddy much. So, Dez is Zed backwards. We went with the full name Deziree for a more feminie name (long story, I know). Dez actually fits her anyway. She weighed 7 lbs, 2 oz and was 19 1/2 inches long. She was born with so much dark brown hair on the back of her head but she is missing the hair on top. We think Grandpa Anderson sent her to us with his haircut so we could have a laugh. Her hair is so fun though. It's crazy that a dark brown haired baby came from me! Kory said if he wouldn't have seen it with his own eyes, that he wouldn't believe that I gave birth to her. I am just so light and fair--Kory of course has the dark hair, so that's where she gets it from.

Labor began quite slowly and I was getting somewhat discouraged. The day was flying by and I was worried I wasn't going to have her till the next day. Well, an hour passed and I dilated from a 3 to a 10 and it was time to have her. 4 pushes later, and there she was (too much info.? I am sorry).

We all love her so much and are so thankful to have her here. Parker loves being a big brother. He asked me to hold and feed him like I was feeding her (he sometimes forgets her name and has to ask us). I told him that only baby's eat this way and he seemed ok with it. He thinks it's weird that she eats this way anyway. What a transition from 1 child to 2. It's hard, but I wouldn't have it any other way!

Here she is...

Update

2009-03-09T13:08:00.003-06:00

I thought I would post a little about what's been going on at our house... The last month or so has been hard, but we are trying to make things as normal as possible.

I am still pregnant. Not that I shouldn't be, I know I have a few weeks left, but I am feeling like quite the whale. For anyone who said I was looking small before, I have definitely caught up on the weight gain. I am so dang uncomfortable. I should be trying to get some exercise but I can barely walk from my bedroom to the kitchen without being in pain. I just have so much pressure. I feel like I need to lift my belly when I walk. So, instead of getting my exercise, I am vigilantly eating my oreos, ice cream or whatever else I feel like having, in bed everynight. Mind you, I am able to make it to the refrigerator every night. Come on, I feel like I deserve it. In reality, I complain about my large behind and then 10 minutes later I am dishing me up some ice cream. What a shame, what a shame.

Anywho...

We set my induction date for March 17th. We have to take the baby early because of the medication I am on and my doctor only gave me two days to choose from. So, only one more week to go. I guess St. Patrick's Day could be a fun birthday, right? I hope she won't be upset that we chose this day. Who knows, maybe she will decide to come even earlier. It's so strange to pick the day anyway. It doesn't feel right. Things are still looking good though and we are just praying for a healthy baby.

Parker is finally starting to show that he is excited about this baby. Everyday he kisses my belly and says in the funniest baby voice, "Hi baby sister." He has picked up that adults talk to baby's and pets this way. He talks to grandma's dog this way too. Yesterday he put a chip on my belly and said, "That's for baby sister." I told him she couldn't eat it, so I did and he was not happy with me. I can just imagine him trying to feed her Doritos when she is a week old. Oh dear.

I am finding that I am feeling more nervous and apprehensive about this baby. I guess it's because I know what is going to take place during delivery and the weeks to follow. I am nervous about how we will do with two kids and am scared that Parker will feel like we don't love him as much. I know it's ridiculous, but I just have so many worries. I do know that things will be fine, I just know that life is about to really change!

My talented sister-in-law took some maternity photos of me and Mr. Parker last night. I think she did a fabulous job. She did get some of Parker kissing my belly but I don't have them yet. I will have to post them later. Hopefully she won't get too mad at me for posting these on my blog. Her blog is http://kristymayesphotography.blogspot.com/. Look at my big, round belly!

I love this picture of Parker. This fits his personality perfectly. It's totally a face he always makes!

This World Lost a Wonderful Man...

2009-02-17T14:16:00.014-07:00

One week ago today, this earthly world lost a beautiful person. Kory's father Zed, passed away the morning of February 10th. Zed had beaten Hodgkin's Lymphoma 10 years ago but after battling the disease again in 07 and after receving a bone marrow transplant this fall, he slipped away peacefully surrounded by his wife and all of his children. What a great loss to all that knew and loved him. To know this man, was to love this man.

I was blessed to join the Anderson family legally, on May 19, 2007 but I was welcomed into the family the day I met the family (maybe they would disagree). This was in December of 05. It didn't take me long to see the love that Kory's parents had for one another and for me to recognize the closeness of this family of 7. I never had the example of true love in my home growing up and I immediately was struck by the love that these two people had for eachother. I think Kory got sick of me saying, "I really think you take for granted the love you have in your home. Your parent's love each other so much." Zed and Lannis had 30 amazing years together. 30 years of true love that many are never blessed to find. 30 years though, just doesn't seem long enough.

Zed was an amazing husband but he was also an amazing father. When I first started dating Kory, I noticed that he spoke with his dad on the phone a lot. It wasn't like father and son talk though, it was like friend to friend talk. I would always have to ask him who he was talking to because sometimes I couldn't tell. I then began to realize how close he was to his dad. Kory sometimes spoke with his father 3 times a day or more. This was new to me as I have never been close to my dad in this way and my brother's did not have this kind of relationship with our dad either. It saddens me to think about, but it's true. Not only was Kory close to his father, the other 4 kids had a special relationship with him as well. Each one different it its own way. Kory lost a best friend the day Zed passed away. A friend that he had all his life. I know that Kory realizes how lucky he is to have had such a closeness with his dad and that it is something that many never have. I don't think that makes things easier for him though. I guess in reality, it really makes things harder.

Parker joined our family in 06 and I immediately knew that Zed would be an amazing grandpa. Parker was the first grandchild in the family and Zed took right to his role as grandpa. Parker was fortunate to have been Blessed by Zed and to have had almost 2 1/2 years with his grandpa. He loved going out to the shop to drive the forklift and to mess around with all Grandpa's tools. My memories will always remain of Parker following his grandpa down the cobblestone path out to his shop. And if we had just arrived at grandpa and grandma's, he always knew just where to find his grandpa--out in the shop. They shared ice cream sandwiches out there together and ate them all summer long. Parker gave his grandpa knuckles up until the very end. I am thankful to have pictures to show Parker of his time with his grandpa but it breaks my heart to think that he may not remember him. As of now, he knows his grandpa, but I know he doesn't understand where he is. I have a hard time understanding, how can I expect him to know why his grandpa isn't here anymore? We have told Parker that Grandpa went to live with Jesus in heaven and Parker has said numerous times, "I will bring him back," or "I will go and get him." To hear this come from this little boy is so, so hard. I wish so badly that Parker could bring him back. We will forever treasure the time that Parker spent with Zed and we will make sure that he knows what a good man he was.

Zed was also a good father-in-law. He had his quiet demeanor but I knew he cared about me. I will treasure the few times that he laid his hands upon my head to offer me a blessing. I was fortunate to have been a receiver of his Priesthood power. I will never forget the day that Zed and Lannis were leaving for Arizona to begin the transplant. I was not doing well with my own condition and Zed made it a point to offer me a blessing right before he left for the airport. How selfish I felt in receiving a blessing when he was the one in need of all the blessings then. This is proof of what an amazing man he was though, he wasn't thinking of himself at the time and I will forever be grateful to him.

During this past week, I have been able to be a part of the closeness this family shares and I feel so thankful to be a part of this amazing family. I am thankful for 3 sisters wonderful sisters. I never knew what it was like to have sisters. These three women treat me as one of their own and I love them so much. I am thankful for my sweet brother-in-law who is so strong and loving. I am thankful for my mother-in-law who is such a great example of strength and of faith. She is an amazing woman--I do not think I could have asked for a better mother-in-law. And finally, I am thankful for my husband who has stepped up as the Patriarch of this dear family. I have come to see a side of him that I have never seen. A side that I knew was there, but had just not had the opportunity to come out. I truly could not ask for a better man to be standing by my side and I know Zed would be so proud of him. The greatest gift that Kory could give his father would be to be the kind of father, husband and friend that Zed had always been and I believe Kory has shown that he is much like his father. Although, I already knew this about him.

Life without this wonderful man will never be the same, but to know that we can see him again and to know that Zed and Lannis will one day be reunited brings much comfort. I will hold on to the thought that Grandpa is in heaven right now, getting to know our baby girl until she joins us on her birthday. I do believe that he will know all the dear little one's who will join this wonderful family one day. We will forever miss you Zed.

Finally!

2009-01-19T17:46:00.010-07:00

I know I am quite late in posting our Christmas and New Year's photos. But, we had such a wonderful Christmas and had a nice family New Year's, so I thought I would post the pictures. Our Christmas was much different this year as we were in our new house and we had guests over. My mom and brother stayed over on Christmas Eve and then we had a big family breakfast in the morning. I actually loved having them there. Maybe it will become a tradition. I did realize though, just how much work Christmas is. I was up till about 1am finishing things and then got up at 6 to make sure Santa had come. I definitely realize how much work it was for my parent's and am so greatful for all they did.

Our attempt at gingerbread houses-

Parker checking out what Santa left.He was not too sure about the hat at first, but as you can see, he later loved wearing it. Opening baby sister's clothes.Parker got new boots and a shovel from Santa, so he immediately had to put them on. He wanted so badly to go out and shovel and didn't understand why I wouldn't let him go out dressed this way! Building a snowman and shoveling with Grandpa Gardner. And although he had snot crusted onto his face (Parker not Grandpa), he did not want to come in! (If you are wondering why my dad has an orange vest on, your guess is as good as mine.) Gotta love my father!
Although Kory thought he might die if he stayed home for a New Year's, he actually enjoyed the night. Kory said he hadn't stayed home for New Year's in over 15 years and I could tell he was a bit antsy. I thought it was about time that he enjoyed a quiet evening at home and I didn't feel like doing anything other than staying home and having a nice dinner and watching the ball drop. I am a pregnant pooper I guess. I even had to have a nap before midnight rolled around. I guess I am getting too old! Anyway, here are a few photos of our holidays...

Banging pots and pans for the New Year. I tried to tell him if he turned the spatula around it would work better but he wanted to do it his way.
He was not too sure about drinking out of this glass at first, but as soon as he tasted the cider, he was ok with it.
Toasting to the New Year.
And lastly, a picture of me and by round belly at 29 weeks. I am definitely becoming large and in charge!

HOLD ON!

2009-01-16T16:13:00.004-07:00

This is just a random post, but I thought I would share.

So, two nights ago I was driving home from work after having a somewhat crappy day. It was dark out because I left work later than I normally do. I was lost in my thoughts as I was driving, when I changed to my good ol' light FM 100. Kory makes fun of me for listening to this station. Anyway, Wilson Phillips came on. You know the song, 'Hold On'. Well, without even thinking about it, I turned the radio up and began singing along. I was singing so, so loud. At one point I even found myself doing hand motions. "Someday somebody's gonna make you wanna turn around and say goodbye. Until then baby are you gonna let them hold you down and make you cry. Don't you know!"

Oh my goodness, I am so glad it was dark out and that I was in our truck. I can just imagine what people would have thought if they could see me.

Anyway, the point of this is, it made me feel so much better. After the song was over I started laughing because I had realized what I had just done. So what, I am a big nerd. Don't even tell me you don't sing along to this song! There just aren't songs like these anymore!

Trying to Catch Up

2009-01-12T12:14:00.012-07:00

I kept telling myself that after my school semester ended in December, that I would get caught up on my blogging, but with the holidays it just didn't seem to happen.
So, I am going to attempt to catch everyone up on our happenings with the next few posts.

I am going to first start with our Thanksgiving adventure (I will try to make this as brief as possible)...

As most of you know, Kory's dad left for Arizona in October to receive a bone marrow/stem cell transplant. We heard from Kory's mom the week of Thanksgiving and she informed us that Zed wasn't doing well. At that point, she didn't think it was necessary to have the kids all come out, but we waited to hear. Wednesday arrived and Kory spoke with his mom. Things weren't looking good and she had asked the doctor's if she should get her kids to Arizona and the doctor said yes. So, the day before Thanksgiving Kory was on the phone booking plane tickets for him, his sister Chelsi and his brother Brady. At the point I wasn't planning on going but we all weren't really thinking clearly. We just knew we needed to get the kids all to Arizona to be with their father. Kory called me at work at about noon and told me that Kristy and Jason were driving and asked if I wanted to make the trip with Parker. Of course I wanted to go, so I rushed home and packed our bags.

We all met together for a family prayer and off we all went. The three of them flying and the five of us driving. We all crammed into Jason and Kristy's Subaru--Parker and I, Boston and Kristy and Jason. It was a tight fit, but it was really the only way. I was the lucky one who crammed in the back with the two carseats. Oh man, I felt like a hot dog or something. I had a thought that I needed to buy a portable DVD player for the boys, because I knew they would need some entertainment over an 11hour drive. So, we stopped at Sam's Club, I bought the players and what a blessing it was. Those boys watched Rudolph repeatedly and although we were tired of hearing it, it was better than hearing two upset children.

We decided to stay the night in Vegas because it was already midnight and we were all so tired. So, we made our way to Sam's Town hotel and lugged the boys in. I was carrying Parker through the casino to our room. He was asleep on my shoulder and as we walked through the casino, with all the lights and noises, he picked his little head up and with an excited voice said, "Are we at Chuck E. Cheese's?" I laughed so hard. I said, "No, but this is an adult form of Chuck E. Cheese.

We arrived in Phoenix on Thanksgiving afternoon and went straight to the hospital. Kory's sister Melissa had flown in too, so they were all there when we arrived. We had been receiving word though that Zed was doing better. When we got there he seemed quite weak but he wanted to be wheeled out to see Parker and Boston. Parker didn't really know what to think. Grandpa was bald and had a strange mask on. He knew it was his grandpa but it was a little strange. As the days passed, Zed slowly got better and better. From the day we left to the day we got there was a complete 180 degree turn for him. He still had a long ways to go but was doing so much better.

Lannis and Kory went shopping and prepared a Thanksgiving dinner for everyone. We were all together for dinner and that was so nice. Although it was not how we had all planned to spend our Thanksgiving, I don't think any of us would have had it any other way. We would do it all again if needed. We had more to be thankful for on this day then on any previous Thanksgiving. So many prayers were offered on Zed's behalf and so many people fasted for him. The doctor's couldn't explain why he ws recovering but we know why he was... I also think he needed to see his family. I think that made a big diference to both Zed and Lannis. What a blessing it is to have such a wonderful man as my father-in-law and as the grandfather to my children. I pray that he will remain gaining his strength and that he will continue to improve.

So that is our story. We rented a car on the way home and made the trip in a lovely Pontiac with both Brady and Chelsi. It wasn't a bad ride for me this time though-I had the front seat.

Here are a few photo's of our adventure. Sorry for such a long story!

Funny Things 2 Year Olds Say

2008-12-18T11:05:00.006-07:00

I haven't posted in quite some time, and I still would like to post about our Thanksgiving adventure, but for now, I thought I would post a few of Parker's funny's.

Two nights ago, Kory and I were going to watch The Dark Knight. Parker saw the cover and yelled, "BATMAN!" He then looked at the back of the case and saw the pictures of the Joker and said, "Oh man, that's too scary for me!" Kory and I laughed so hard. He's right though.

The other night, I was singing to Parker before bed as I do every night, and he said, "Ouch, my leg hurts." So I said, "What's wrong?", his response was, "My baby sister did it." I told him that wasn't true because his baby sister is still in my belly and that he shouldn't tell lies. So he turned to me and very seriously said, "Mom, santa is watching you." I think we must have used this line quite a bit lately because he has started saying it, but I wasn't even the one who lied!

I have always loved Christmas and the Holiday Season so much and I want my kids to feel the same. So, I had this plan to watch Polar Express with Parker the day after Thanksgiving and to get the old Rudolph, so that we can watch it all season long. I also started playing Christmas songs very early on in the car and at home. Well, my plan has somewhat backfired. Parker requests to watch 'Express' or Rudolph every day. Every day I hear, "Mom, can I watch Rudolph?" We have watched Rudolph probably 30 times already. I love the show but I am pretty tired of hearing, "Hermie doesn't like to make toys. Hermie doesn't like to make toys!" Also, if we are in the car, we must listen to Christmas songs. He requests it as soon as we get into the car. I can't listen to my morning radio show, it must be Christmas music. Heaven help us!

Better Late Than Never

2008-11-12T18:24:00.003-07:00

Well, I got lucky on Halloween...my little fiesty 2 year old did let me draw some stitches on his face and he actually wore his costume. We visited my mom's work and my work during the day on Halloween and I told him he had to wear the hood in order to get candy. So, as we made the trip around my mom's office, Parker would throw on the hat to get the candy and then as he would walk away, he would rip it back off. He had it all figured out. We had a fun Halloween though. He is going through a very shy stage, so he wasn't to keen on ringing strangers doorbells and talking to them. But, he did walk up to the door. Here are a few photos of our little Frankie.

Think Pink!

2008-11-01T15:00:00.001-06:00

Yes, it's true. Parker is going to have a little sister. We found out a few weeks ago that the baby we are expecting is a girl. We told Parker that he was going to have a baby sister and he said, "No I not." He does acknowledge that there is a baby in my belly, but he also thinks daddy has a baby in his and that he has one of his own. He thinks that the belly button is the baby. I think once I start showing more, that he will start to understand.

Here is a little profile picture of the baby:

I started heparin injections a few weeks ago as well. The specialist we saw told me that he felt it was a good idea to be on the heparin to prevent blood clots. When I was pregnant with Parker, I took baby aspirin daily as a blood thinner but this time they recommended the heparin. So, twice a day I stick a needle into my stomach or into my thigh. I have actually gotten used to the needles but it really isn't the most fun, I won't lie. This has definitely given me a greater respect for those with diabetes who much inject themselves daily. I continue to feel well and am thankful that the baby looks healthy and that things are going smoothly. Only twenty more weeks of injections to go!

October Fun

2008-10-28T22:48:00.012-06:00

Last week we tried to get into the fall and Halloween spirit by taking Parker to the pumpkin patch and we also had my sister-in-law and her husband and little boy over for dinner and pumpkin carving. I love this time of year--it's my very favorite. I love the weather and the smells in the air and the brightly colored leaves. I wish it would stay like this through November but alas the snow must come. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas and it wouldn't be the same without snow, but I just love the crispness in the air and the October coolness.

Here are a few pictures of our fun. These are mostly for G-ma and G-pa Anderson who are in 100 degree Arizona, missing the fall here in Utah. We miss you both so much and can't wait to see you again!

Of course only my child would be too busy biting his fingernails to look at the camera. I did not get even one good shot. I mean really, what two year old bites their nails!? Oh, he got it. He wasn't picking his nose, mind you, he was biting his nails!I know this picture is sideways, for some reason I couldn't turn it. I thought it was such a cute picture though. It reminds me of feeding a baby animal with a bottle. Parker is feeding the baby giraffe.Boston in his cute Halloween costume. Parker would not wear his costume. He freaked at our ward party when I tried to make him wear the hood that goes to his costume. I do think miracles can happen and that on Halloween he will all of the sudden cooperate and embrace the Frankenstein costume. I can hope right?

Parker's First Camping Trip With Dad

2008-10-22T18:37:00.006-06:00

Kory took Parker camping last month for a father son outing. This is what Kory has wanted to do since Parker was born and I will admit, I was somewhat hesitant since he is only two and I wouldn't be there. I had all the worries that any mom would have. Would Parker wander off and find water and Kory wouldn't realize he was missing? Would a bear come and steal my child or eat them or would some other wild animal find them? Would it be too cold and Parker would freeze? Ok, maybe I am obsessive, but I have to think of all the possibilities of danger. Well, they returned safe and sound and had such a good time together. They fished and cannoed and went hiking and played a little football. I know that this is the first of many camp outings they will have together and I am so thankful that they made it back safely. Ikind of enjoyed the quiet weekend home alone but did miss my boys.

Here are a few photos of their outing.

Tag

2008-10-19T21:31:00.003-06:00

Tagged by Holly

This is what you do.....You go to your pictures area on your computer and pick the 4th folder and 4th picture and then explain it!

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I got lucky with this picture, it has actually been on my blog before. This was last Christmas 07 at Grandpa and Grandma Anderson's. It would have been a good picture if we could have gotten Parker to look at the camera.

I tag Melissa, Heidi and Kristy.

Spouse Tag

2008-10-09T13:56:00.007-06:00

I was tagged by Heidi, so I think I will play along.

1. Where did we meet? Oh my, well, the first time we met was at The Lamplight and then we met again after that through mutual friends (can you meet someone again after meeting them? I think you can).
2. How long did we date before we married? Almost two years.
3. How long have we been married? We have been married for a year and almost 5 months.
4. He surprises me by....planning surprises, even sometimes romantic ones, for my birthday or our anniversary. My favorite was for my 25th birthday when he made a book and drew pictures to tell me what the gift was. He took me to Park City overnight and we went shopping and to dinner and we stayed in this cozy little hotel on Main Street. It was such good birthday!
5. My favorite feature of him is...his eyes and his hands. I love that he has manly hands that show his hard work.
6. His nicknames for me are... Gardner and mom.
7. His favorite food... Sushi and any kind of meat. He is definitely a carnivore.
8. His favorite sport .... Oh my, please don't get me started. I think my dear husband likes and watches every sport that is actually considered a sport. I wouldn't say I am the biggest supporter of watching 10 football games a day, but I deal with it. Kory loves to play golf the most I think though.
9. Where was our first kiss? It was camping by the campfire (eww la la).
10. Our favorite thing to do? We love to just sit on the couch and pop popcorn and watch a movie together or go out to dinner.
11. Any children? Yes one little boy and another on the way.
12. Any hidden talents? He is the master at Trivial Pursuit, you really can't win with him. He knows all the answers. I think he studies the cards though. He also is a really good cook. Just in case you may have not had his cooking.
13. How old is he? Just turned 30. He is so old! LOL!
14. Who said I love you first? He did. It was pretty early into our relationship, so I was quite shocked.
15. Favorite type of music? Kory is a music connoisseur. He likes everything from the Beatles and Led Zeplin to Jack Johnson and Madonna. He isn't really a country fan though, but he does listen to it for my sake sometimes.
16. I admire him most for....his drive and determination. Once he sets his mind to something he gets it done and finishes it. He is such a hard worker, I don't think I have ever known anyone who works as hard as he does.
17. Do I think he'll read this? Maybe. If I tell him there is a little something about him.

I tag everyone who reads this!

Parker's 2nd Birthday

2008-10-02T19:06:00.007-06:00

I know, I am quite late in posting this, but it is really hard to keep up with this whole blogging thing. Anyway, Parker turned two last month and we celebrated with a party in our not fully unpacked house and we took a trip to the zoo.

Parker got his new batman bike but he can't quite reach the pedals.

Licking the goods...

The finished product. I know, the frosting is a bit scary, it's all I had!

The zoo

We had a bit of an accident before the party. He ran into his bed post. Man, the goose egg appeared within seconds!

Boston wanted in on the action too.

Opening Aunt Melissa's package.

All in all, I would say it was a pretty good birthday. Minus the minor growth on Parker's head!

This is my life!

2008-09-12T11:23:00.003-06:00

So, I am not writing this for anyone to feel bad for me, I just thought I would share my luck. As most of you know, I have an auto-immune disease which puts me at high risk in my pregnancy. I have to see my Rheumatologist monthly, my normal OB and now a Perinatologist. I start with this new doctor next week. I have been told by all of my doctor's, and will be told again on Tuesday when I visit this new doctor, of my risks of carrying this baby and the many things that can go wrong. Of course, Kory and I try to stay positive and try to keep in mind that I had a healthy pregnancy before, I can do it again. I know they only tell me these things because they have to, but we are well aware by now of the possible complications.
So, on to the new ordeal...

On Sunday I developed a strange pain near my right shoulder blade. I had Kory rub it and he looked at it and told me he thought I had been bit by something. I went and looked at it myself and sure enough, it looked like something had bit me a few times. I didn't really think much of it. A few days went by and the strange bumps were still there and they were sore. A friend I work with, took a look at it and said it looked like shingles to her. So, of course I got worried and decided to go see the doctor. After three hours at the doctor last night, I was finally diagnosed with shingles. So, being the worrier I am, I looked online at the possible ocomplications and have now worried myself sick. They prescribed me an anti-viral medication to take but it's a category C drug, so they don't know how it will affect the baby!

I called my mother-in-law and had her talk to the pharmacist and she said she would take the drug. So, if my doctor and the pharmacist say they advantages outweigh the risks, I guess I take the drug.

As if I don't have enough to worry about with this pregnancy. I guess with the stress of moving and school and everything, I gave myself shingles. Ahh man! Just call me SHINGLY GIRL. I pray that things will be fine, and of course I have been told it's so rare to get shingles while pregnant. But I am always the exception.

Parker's Funnies

2008-09-10T13:58:00.003-06:00

I really need to post about Parker's birthday and post some pic's--but because of our move, and the lack of internet at home, I can't post pictures yet. Hopefully soon. So, stayed tuned for Parker's birthday post! I know, you are just dying to see pictures.

For now, I will share a funny...
Last night, Parker and I were sitting on the couch and I leaned over and kissed his cheek. He turned to me and said, "No mom, don't kiss my cheek, kiss ME!", and he puckered up his lips. So, I gave him a kiss on his lips and tried to tell him that his cheek is a part of him and that I was kissing him. Then I kissed him on the nose and he said, "No, don't kiss my nose, kiss me!", and once again, puckered up his lips. It was the funniest thing. I think he meant to say, kiss my lips and not kiss me, but it was just too funny.

You Belong in 1991!

2008-09-05T11:37:00.003-06:00

Sadly, I aleady knew this about myself. So what, I still love the old 90210 and Girbaud jeans...is that so bad?

You Belong in 1991

With you anything goes! You're grunge one day, ghetto fabulous the next. It's all good!

What Year Do You Belong In?

Parker is going to be a BIG BROTHER!

2008-08-25T14:34:00.002-06:00

Yes, we are expecting--my due date is around March 22, 2009. We are so excited to welcome a new little baby into our family and we know that Parker will be a very good big brother. He doesn't quite know what to think when we tell him that mommy has a baby in her tummy, but I think by the time my belly is round like a watermelon, he will know what is going on.

I made Parker a shirt to wear to announce the news to our family's. We had Parker wear the shirt upstairs to show my mom. Although, my mom was a bit suspicious a few weeks prior. Then we had Parker wear the shirt on our trip to Bear Lake with Kory's family. It was so funny because Brady read the shirt out loud as soon as Parker stepped out of the trailer, "I am gonna be a big brother," and everyone was like, "What? What did you say?" Maybe they thought that Brady meant that he was going to be a big brother...oh my.

Here are a few pictures of Parker in the shirt...

Summer Adventures

2008-08-18T19:00:00.000-06:00

We have had a very busy summer, and since I am so bad with posting as things happen, I thought I would post a little of each adventure here.

Parker's first Lagoon trip. He wasn't so sure about the whole idea at first, but he warmed up to the place and loved the rides by the end of it.

Watching fireworks with Grandma and Grandpa A.
Cherry Hill outing.Park trip--he always has a ball in his hands!
Night at the rodeo. Parker was more interested in climbing on daddy then actually watching the rodeo. On occasion, he would yell, "Go cow," though. The people around us got a kick out of that.

Naked swimming at Grandma Anderson's. I mean really, who doesn't love naked swimming?

Annual Anderson Family Bear Lake trip.

And finally, Parker trying to be just like his Uncle Erich (Erich always wears a bandana to help keep his beautiful hair perfectly styled. You think I am kidding...I wish I was.)

Daily Dose of Parkerism's

2008-08-18T13:37:00.001-06:00

I completely realize that every mom thinks that their child is the cutest and funniest child on earth...and I must admit, I am no exception. Besides, isn't this what this whole blogging thing is all about? We are really just showing off our cute kids and the fun stuff they do... we don't really want to blog about the naughty stuff or the family arguments or anything like that. Oh wait, none of us ever have arguments, right?

So, this leads me to my Daily Dose of Parkerism's...
Last night, Kory was reading Parker one of his favorite story's Goodnight Moon. For those that don't know the story, it is all about saying goodnight to everything in this great green room. Kory was a reading through the story and said, "there were three little kittens and a pair of mittens and three little bears sitting on chairs." Parker then stopped Kory and said with a serious look, while nodding his head yes, "They were in time out?"
Parker sits in a chair when he has to sit in time out (Yes, we put our child in time out. Sometimes even more than once a day.), and since the three bears where sitting on chairs, he figured they were sitting in time out too. I mean really, why else would anyone sit in a chair?!
Oh my goodness, it was hilarious.
Parker will be two in a few weeks, and yes, the terrible two's have already begun, but I just love this age. He is so funny~!

Our House

2008-07-22T20:23:00.000-06:00

Well, we are almost there, our new house is almost done. It has sure come a long way since the ground breaking in May. We are getting so excited to move in and make it our home... and although it has been a very stressful summer, one that I don't ever wish to repeat, I know it will all be worth it when we are finally in. Kory has been a very busy man all summer long. He and some friends and family have been busily finishing the tile this week and the last project he has is the two tone paint and the garage to paint. I know he will be a much happier and pleasant person to be around when this is all finished. Not to say that he isn't pleasant, I mean he is a pretty even tempered person, but I think the stress has finally gotten to him. The fuse is getting shorter if ya know what I mean. It will be so nice to have a night that he is able to just sit and relax, but that probably won't happen until we are successfuly moved into our house. I do love that he is such a hard worker though, I know he will teach our children good work ethic!

Only a few more weeks to go!

Oh the trouble!

2008-07-10T17:16:00.000-06:00

Alright, I am having some major construction issues with my blog. I thought I would be cutesy and try to change things up a bit and I have caused some major issues. So, since I am leaving for the weekend, things are just going to have to remain cooky! Who would have thought that this would be so time consuming? I mean honestly!

I AM WORKIN'!

2008-06-26T11:04:00.000-06:00

I just had to share this oh so cute and funny little story.

Last night, Kory took Parker out to Grandpa and Grandma Anderson's because Kory needed to work on his truck and I was not off of work yet. So, Kory took Parker out to the shop and Kory got busy working on his truck. I got off of work and drove out to do some work there too. I arrived at the shop to find grandpa and Kory trying to pry the windshield off of his truck and Parker sitting in a wrecked little Suzuki. I could see that Parker had found some miscellaneous screws and parts and was also pretending to drive.

I looked in and said, "Hi bud." I thought I would get a hi mom, or a hey or something. Parker looked up at me and said in an irritated voice, "I'm workin'!" He acted as if it was a bother that I even had asked him what he was doing. I looked over at Kory and Zed and we all started laughing. I said, "Oh really? Working, huh?" He said, "Yeah," and meanwhile was trying to fit a screw in a small plastic piece and was making grunting noises as if it was one of the hardest things he has ever done.

I was laughing so hard and was quite amazed that at 21 months, he even knew that it was truly work that daddy and grandpa do out in the shop. I didn't even know that he knew the word work. Well, I guess he should but still... I just found it so cute that he joined right in with his dad and grandpa and got to work.

I don't know what I would do without the daily dose of laughs he gives us.

Mexico Vacation

2008-06-23T22:25:00.001-06:00

Kory and I escaped to Mexico for a week and returned last Sunday. We had such a great time but I began to miss Parker on the plane ride there. It's hard to be away for more than a day from him but I knew that he was in good hands with Grandma Anderson, and I also know that it's good for Kory and I to have a get-away every now and then.

Here are a few pictures from our trip...

Plane trip there (I know, it's not very exciting).

Here is the lovely photo of Kory's chest hair. For some reason he decided to be like Tom Selleck on our pirate ship cruise, so I had to take advantage of the photo opp.

This is a photo of a magnificent church in an old city outside of the Mayan Ruins we were traveling to. I thought the church was beautiful.

This was at Chichen Itza (a Mayan City) and is one of the largest structures in the city. It's so amazing that they were able to construct these stone structures with what little they had to work with.
The beaches are gorgeous--with white sand and azure seas. The sky was quite cloudy this day though, it was pretty rainy this first few days.
Kory and I attempted Salsa dancing and we had so much fun. I would love to take some Salsa classes but I don't know if I can talk Kory into it.

We went snorkeling and after the trip Kory was able to get up on the spinnaker which is like parasailing but the boat isn't moving. It's more like a swing with a parachute.

We had such a good time but we are definitely happy to be home. I was lucky enough to receive a bit of Montezuma's Revenge so I was definitely happy to be home and near a bathroom...not fun, not fun at all.

I know Parker missed me but he definitely was clinging to his daddy when we got home. I was okay with it though, as it was Father's Day. Parker does definitely love his dad and I am so thankful that he has such a wonderful father.

Parker's new Trick

2008-06-04T22:05:00.000-06:00

I know it has been awhile since I posted. It is rare that my internet is up and working--so tonight, while things seem to be running smoothly, I thought I would share Parker's new trick.

Parker learned to do a somersault on the 'trampoline' and tried to do the trick on the bed last night. He was jumping on my bed saying, "trampoline, trampoline." Because Grandpa and Grandma Anderson have a trampoline in their backyard, Parker thinks anything that is bouncy is also one. I had to tell him that the bed isn't to be jumped on and told him to try his trick on the ground. Well he did, and he was so proud of himself. He was going around in a circle doing somersaults. He was singing a little diddy, "Round in a seecle, round in a seecle (that is how he says circle). It was so dang cute and he was really quite good at them. Maybe he is going to be a little gymnast...I doubt it, but it is still so fun to see him learn and grow!

Here is a little video of his new trick:

One Year Wedding Anniversary!

2008-05-19T09:41:00.000-06:00

May 19th, 2007

Kory and I were married one year ago today. We were married on a beautiful spring day, (which we were absolutely blessed to receive, since you never know what the weather is going to be like here) at the Ogden Country Club. The day was absolutely perfect (other than a few minor glitches that everyone experiences on their wedding day).

The past year has absolutely flown by. It seems like just yesterday that I was frantically preparing for my wedding and finishing up all the last minute details. Sometimes I wish that time would just stand still, because this is such an amazing time in our lives but I know that this isn’t possible. I also know that we have much more to experience together. Will things only get better? Yes, I think so.

We have experienced so many adventures and so many twists and turns over this past year. We definitely do not ever slow down. Kory keeps me on my toes and keeps us running and onto new and bigger projects. I am definitely never bored with him by my side.

On this one year anniversary, I want to take the time to express my love and adoration to my husband. I realize that I am not the most romantic or lovey dovey woman on the planet. I try to be, but it’s just not my nature. I do want my husband to know how much I love him and to tell him how thankful I am that God brought us together. We do not have the typical love story. Our story is a bit different then the average, ‘the couple met, fell in love, got married and had children.’ As I told him in my wedding vows though, I wouldn’t want things any other way.

Kory definitely courted me. We had our first date after much coaxing from his friends to just call and ask me out. Kory is actually a very shy person-- sometimes when we would run into each other, he wouldn’t say anything other than hi. Our first ‘outing’ together was on a camping trip with a group of friends and he didn’t really talk to me at all. I thought he just wasn’t interested. I later realized that he was just very shy. After a few weeks of dating, I think I knew he was the one, but I was scared and tried to push him away. I dated other guys and Kory patiently waited for me to figure it out! He knew that I would get a clue…eventually. He will be upset with me for sharing this, but he told me he loved me about a month into dating. I was somewhat shocked but knew that he truly did love me.

Well our story goes on…
A few more months went by and we received a shocking surprise. I was pregnant! I truly believe that someone Greater than us knew that we needed to be together and sent us our beautiful son for a reason. I have always been a firm believer that things happen for a reason. We had our son Parker and were married 8 months later. I think I grew more deeply in love with Kory after seeing him as a father (I will save the father talk for father’s day though).
Like I said, our story isn’t the ‘typical’ love story and some may be ashamed to tell of a premarital pregnancy. Well, that’s not me. I am so grateful for my son and for our trials before marriage. It has made us who we are as a couple today and I am so thankful for it.

To my husband,
I love you so much. You are my best friend and my partner for life. I can’t imagine sharing my life and my love with any other man. You are such a strong person and with you by my side, I never have to worry that I won’t be taken care of. I have loved being married to you and I can only hope to have the same love for one another that I see your parent’s have, after 30 years of marriage. Thank you for being such a wonderful husband and I look forward to the many adventures to come.
Happy anniversary!

Kristie

So Very Blessed...

2008-04-21T21:06:00.000-06:00

I was randomly looking at blogs online...I know, what a crazy and fantastically wild life I live. Well, to be honest, I was searching for my name on the blogger search and I came across a blog of someone with the same name as me. Well, my maiden name. As I was looking at her blog, I read that she recently lost her little baby girl due to the effects of Trisomy 18. The syndrome is caused by the presence of an extra material from chromosome 18 which interferes with normal development.

While reading the blog I came across a video post of another family's who son had the same disorder. The video is called 99 Balloons. I will warn all mother's or anyone who loves a child, this will be tear at your heart. The video was put together by the parent's of the little boy and it is honestly so beautiful. I wanted to share the video with those who may have not seen it. http://www.ignitermedia.com/products/iv/singles/570/99-balloons

After watching the video and seeing the true love and devotion that the parent's have and had for their son, I feel so very ungrateful and feel that I take so many things for granted. This couple has such great faith and was so thankful for each day. I should be giving thanks every day for my healthy son and celebrating each day. We get so busy with the trivial things in life that we take for granted the true blessings...I should feel so blessed to have my son to share in this life on this mortal earth.

What an inspiration this couple is...
(sorry, I am so sentimental and emotional lately. What is my problem?)

Why is this so hard for me?

2008-04-13T15:17:00.000-06:00

We are moving, yes, finally moving. We realized that we had outgrown our duplex the day we brought Parker home from the hospital. Not really but with all the toys and baby things we definitely realized that we wouldn't be bringing home another baby to live here. We need a bigger place. The whole moving idea is very, very bitter-sweet. In the conversations I have had with Kory, I have said how excited I am to have a new house and to leave our little home, which is true-- but in all actuality, it's so sad to think of leaving. I laid awake about a week ago thinking of all the memories we have had in our little home and it's so hard for me to think of packing up and leaving it all behind. I start to cry whenever I begin to think about it-- I am actually getting teary right now. This was our first home together as a married couple. We have shared so many memories here. This is also Parker's first home. This is where we brought him home to.To think of a new little family moving in and using the nursery that Kory worked so hard on is hard for me (even though we didn't use it much, other than a play room). I guess since we are not selling it though, I can ask the renters if I can go in and sit in the room and cry. That's not too weird, right? LOL.

This is where Parker first crawled and took his first steps. This is where I have spent many a sleepless night with a sick little boy. This is where Parker has had many a bubble bath and this is where he had his first sledding experience in the backyard.

This is where Parker had his first birthday party and where he learned to say his first words. I could go on and on. Kory keeps reiterating that we will make new memories in a new place and I realize this, but it doesn't make it any easier. We are closing a chapter in our lives and opening a new one. I know, I know, we all have to make changes and to grow, such is life. I just have a hard time letting go.

Goodbye to our sweet little duplex. Hello to my mom's and her basement for 6 months. We are sure going to miss this place!

SO VERY SICK!

2008-04-10T12:12:00.001-06:00

I had a bit of a scare on Monday. Sorry, this is going to be a long story. I woke up about 3 am feeling so sick. I got out of bed and went and immediately threw up. I was thinking great, Kory has poisoned me (not really). I went and laid on the couch and decided to watch a little tv since I was feeling so sick. About a half hour later I threw up again and started having chest pains. Anyway, I continued to throw up until about 8 am and still had a constant pain in my chest that had now moved into my back. I was laying in on the bathroom floor and Parker came in with a puzzled look. I said, "Mommy is sick," and he came over and said, "Sick, I so-wee," and rubbed my back. Kory saw how sick I was and told me we should probably go to Instacare to see what was going on. I hesitated but knew it was probably for the best. I actually was hesitant because I was a mess and knew I would not be able to freshen myself since I could barely stand. I actually haven't shaved my legs this winter and knew that I was going to frighten anyone that had to look at my legs.

Kory definitely knew I was ill when I left the house in maroon pants and a green shirt with slippers on reaking of sickness So, the wait at the clinic was about an hour and we finally saw the doctor. They decided to do an EKG and do some x-rays. After an hour wait another dr. came in and said that they were a bit worried about my EKG. The results showed inverted lines which could be a sign of paracarditis (fluid around the heart). Of course I started to panic and figured that I was about to die... The dr. said they were waiting for a cardiologist to call to see what the next steps would be. We waitied for another half hour when the dr. came in and said the cardiologist hadn't called but he recommended us going to the ER. Of course I didn't want to go to the ER but I was too worried about my heart stopping so we headed to the hospital.

At the hospital they hooked me up to an IV and gave me some pain medication. So, I was feeling much better at that point. They did another EKG (now two guys had to stick the sticky's on my legs and they looked so frightened by the hair. Kory was a bit embarrased.) and the ER doc said he didn't see anything too alarming. What? Nothing alarming? Why did we rush here? They did an ultrasound of my chest and looked at my gall bladder and said that things looked alright. The ER doc gave me a prescription for acid indigestion and told me to go home and take the medication. I WAS SO MAD. I went to the ER for indigestion? My gut tells me that there was something else going on because I have never been so sick. I would have rather been in labor! What a day!

P's new word

2008-03-30T20:33:00.001-06:00

Parker spent the night over at Papa and Grandma Anderson's last night and he learned a new word. Boston, Parker's little baby cousin was over all day on Saturday visiting too and Parker learned to say his name. He says a lot of things but this one is so cute. He can't quite say the 's' in his name but he enunciates quite well.

I better not over-do it though, I think he is tired of me asking him to say it since he says it over and over the last time. Like, geeze mom, how many times do I have to say this?

Parker's Crazy Hair

2008-03-30T19:19:00.000-06:00

I thought I would show Parker's crazy hair for my first video post. I am finally starting to understand this blogging thing. I know, it took me long enough. Anyway, P has never really had much hair, it's really quite sad since he is 18 months old but...he does have a bit on top that we like to mohawk. We don't want to cut it off because he doesn't have much to spare...

I don't know what I am doing...

2008-03-27T14:18:00.000-06:00

I would like to think that I am computer saavy but for some reason, this whole blogging thing just baffles me. Anyway, when I actually have an hour or two to spare, I will figure this out and post some pics. Not that anyone even knows I am a blogger yet or even will be looking at my blog. Hopefully, before I let anyone know, I will know how to work this!!!

This is it

2008-03-19T11:05:00.000-06:00

Ok, this is it. I am finally joining the blogging world...