The Anderson Clan

The Newest Happenings

2011-05-21T15:49:00.000-07:00

It is official.... Hudson has been potty trained for about 3 weeks now. I would have to say it was challenging and exhausting the first week, but we stuck it out as a family. I thought boys would be difficult but he did great. A friend had given me an ebook on the 3 day potty training. Is really any kid completely potty trained after 3 days? We did a sticker chart, tons of praise, new underwear(superhero ones, his fav is Batman, which he has never seen before.) It must be a boy thing. No diapers for 2 months until baby girl Norah decides to come visit our family. He has stayed dry at night and through naps for the most part, so proud of him. A church friend gave Hudson a potty chair, which made things a lot easier for mommy and daddy to help with the training. The seats which go one the toilet did not work with him. The potty chair has a guard on it which helps with the occasional boy stuff. He also uses "the big toilet," which he calls it when we are out and about.

Hudson continues to talk and repeat everything we say. He is so much fun and brings much laughter into the Anderson household.

Bailey will be finishing up her Pre-K year of school on June 10th. She graduates on June 11th and has her dance recital on the same day. Bailey has learned about butterflies and their crystalis. Bailey had an amazing Mother's day treat at school at the beginning of the month. She sang to me, served me goodies, made me a card, and made a decopodged flower pot with a marigold planted inside of it. Bailey has completely amazed me on what she has learned this year in school. She will do half day kindergarten in the Fall.

I am currently 27 and a half weeks pregnant. Moving right along and doing pretty good except for syotic nerve pain on left side where baby Norah sits. Hudson did the same thing to me. I am glad it is only a temporary thing. Ob appt went well. I got myself some nice stockings for my vericose veins I have developed. Oh yipee skipee!!!

Jon continues to be busy at work, and we continue to wait on our house short sale contract.

We hope all is well with everyone.

Boy or Girl????

2011-04-06T15:41:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday we found out from taking a bite into a cupcake we were having a boy or a girl. The cupcake revealed that we are having a girl. This was a surprise to me because my mothers intuition was I was having a boy. My pregnancy mimicked a lot of Hudson's pregnancy. My intuition was wrong. I should of know when I started morning sickness in the 2nd trimester. We had our ultrasound last Friday and baby is very healthy. Her name is Norah Sedona Anderson. Norah means light and honor. Sedona Arizona is where Jon proposed to me and where we first saw Norah Jones in concert at the red rocks. Norah's expected arrival date is August 19th, my dad's birthday. Bailey is excited to have a sister join the family. Hudson only knows it is a baby, he has not quite grasped the girl and boy thing. Hope everyone is healthy and is enjoying Spring. I love this time of year because of Easter and our Savior Jesus, it is a celebration time. Will try and post pics soon.

Where to begin....

2011-03-16T11:15:00.000-07:00

For the last month and a half the Anderson world felt like it was crumbling. We have had so many trials and health issues from family and friends it feels like Satan has attacked. I have only found strength through Christ, but I have to admit it has been difficult trusting this whole time. I have been tested! God works in these ways to trust him more and to strengthen us all at the same time.

In a nutshell, we have been faced with a death of a cousin of Jon's. A friend who just had a baby a month ago... My friend Krystal had a seizure which led to a brain tumor that was found through MRI and which is operable on March 22nd. Her faith will sustain her through all of this, she is one tough cookie and a fighter! Praying for a speedy recovery and restoration for her. Our short sale of our home, Jon's grandmother who had to undergo quaddruple bypass surgery. An accident on our way home in the snow from the mountains a lot of damage to our van, but God had his angels watching over us. We did not have our van for 2 weeks, but thankful we had our truck to get around. Jon ended up with some bruised ribs. There have been many other little things to add to the bigger but will not go into detail.

I have learned to trust God in the little and bigger things. God will only give us what we can handle. My friend Krystal has her surgery tomorrow morning. I am praying the tumor is not cancerous, they get it all, and she has a remarkable recovery to get home to be with her kids who she loves and adores. There will be a long road ahead of her but I know her faith in God will sustain and keep her going all the way. We serve an amazing God!!!!

If you are interested to hear more of Krystal's story her blog is at the end of my blog lists titled Warwick Words.

Oh where did blogging go?

2011-02-15T14:02:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been way too long since I have blogged anything about anything. I used to blog once a month. We were hit in December/January with sickness after sickness. February has been a much better month so far. To bring everyone up to speed we are expecting our 3rd child in August, super duper excited about it! I have never been pregnant in the Summer time so we will see how that goes. I will have to blog about it. Our house is on the market we are going through the short sale process. We cannot afford our home any longer. Long story don't want to bore anyone. God will see us through this time he always has when we don't know the direction he is taking us we usually go with the flow.

Bailey continues to love Pre-K at our church which she attends 3 times a week. Bailey is back to dancing again which she can't get enough of. Mommy and Daddy always look forward to her recital in June. Netflix and the Wii have been pretty popular in our house right now with both kids. I wish the weather would hurry up and turn Spring on us so we can play at the park and get outside more, cabin fever anyone?

Hudson turned 2 in January. Hard to believe he is 2 already. He has been talking more, 3 words at a time. He loves trains, trucks, making boy noises, animal noises, bugging his sister and copying everything she does. They keep me busy to say the least. Hudson is very into doing what his sister does and wants to join in at all times.

Bailey and Hudson are excited for their new brother or sister. Hudson kisses my belly right now and Bailey asks when is the baby coming,(no concept of time.)

Jon continues to work hard at the City of Bellevue. Busy guy doing household stuff and leading men's group on Saturday mornings at our church. We also have a couples group at our home on Thursday nights. Tuesday nights he hangs with the kids so I can lead a women's group. We have been more than busy but enjoy every minute of it.

Wishing you all well and happy!!! I will try and be better about this blogging thing in 2011!

Obsessions......

2010-12-07T10:21:00.000-08:00

I have not blogged since October it looks like. I really need to find some more time to do this. It is a great outlet for me even if no one reads. Wow, where did Thanksgiving go and now it soon will be Christmas. I love this time of year, one of my ultimate fav's. The best part is having kids to enjoy this time of year and sharing with them why we celebrate Christmas. This holiday we are leaving in a few days to go back to Nebraska to spend time with Jon's family. We have not been back in 2 years around the Christmas time. Looking forward to the visit. We will be home for Christmas. Yesterday I took the kids to Fred Meyer's to pick out a present for the Women's shelter, our church will be donating presents to this year. Hudson did not quite understand why he could not keep the present, but in years to come he will understand. Bailey almost got it...she picked out a barbie and some Littlest Pet Shop for another little girl and then asked if she could play with the Barbie when we got home. While I was looking at make-up she asked if I should get a mommy who does not have make-up some. She gets it! Our latest obsessions in our house from Hudson are drum roll please....Watching Finding Nemo and the Incredibles at least once a day. These are the only 2 movies this boy will watch. He calls Nemo, "MOMO." Both of these movies are really action packed plus have great story lines. It must be bad when your 4 1/2 yr. old recites "Mail order, Ebay." Oh no!!!! Bailey's obsessed with having a real live pony in her backyard. She has asked Santa Claus for this hairy, pretty, but live animal. You will have to tune back in to the blog to see what I have come up for this present. She is obessed with horses, dancing, arts and crafts, and drawing pictures on her drawing tablet. I may have a real picasso on my hands. What is your obession? We all have them. Francis Chan from the book Crazy Love talks about being Obsessed with our Lord and Savior. I continue to work on this daily. I am obsessed with homemade crafty things, Etsy stuff. I love to support handmade things. Enjoy your holiday season. Jesus is the reason for the season.

Pumpkins and More

2010-10-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

I have not blogged since Labor Day, whew. I think that is telling me I have been way too busy. I love Fall. The changing of the leaves have been absolutely breath taking. Simple things like warm apple cider, listening to jazz(Norah Jones, or Jack Johnson) just makes me want to sit and relax and take in all that God has to offer me. The Anderson's have been busy. Bailey started preschool and loves it at Kids at the Creek. Hudson now tells his sister "bye" when we drop her off at school or he cries. I guess it depends on his mood for the day. We have been to the pumpkin patch as a family already and Bailey gets to go with her classmates tomorrow. Bailey will be Rupunzel and Hudson is a dragon for Halloween. We will be going to the trick or treating at Country Village this year. Something new for us as a family. Our church is having a Under the Big Top, which is to have a circus theme to it. We are looking forward to attending this event too.

Happenings lately....Hudson continues to use the word,"no." He loves balls, especially footballs. He screams in Fred Meyer's when he sees the football balloons at the top of his lungs,"ball." Hudson also likes Little People and trains. Thomas is becoming an obsession. Hudson is starting to use more words and continues to keep us busy.

Bailey is loving school. She has a letter of the week she learns and has made chicken rice soup at school. Her favorite part about school is taking Little Tiger home and writing about her experience with him, a little beany baby. Bailey also loves show and tell.

Jon and I will be gearing up to celebrate 8 years of marriage next month on November 16th. I never know where we are going, it is always a surprise... I only know we are going South. What a clue?
I love this man so much. He is such an amazing man and continues to amaze me daily. He shows so much leadership in our home and with our kids which I love and thank God for. Happy Fall days to everyone.

Labor Day Weekend Happenings and School has started

2010-09-17T16:03:00.000-07:00

We saw so much on our Labor day trip down to the Ocean. There are so many photos, so I only chose a couple to post. We stayed at Cape Disappointment State Park on the WA side. It was no disappointment, beautiful state park. We visited two lighthouses at this park. The beaches were amazing. We also went to Astoria, Oregon where they filmed the movie Goonies. One of our fav's. We got to visit the county jail, the Goonie house, and Cannon Beach area where the ship comes in at the end and where they race in the beginning. We still need to recap and watch the movie soon. I loved Astoria there was so much to see. I would love to go back sometime, a little quaint town with a River, and ocean surrounding. We went over one of the steepest bridges I think I have ever been on. We also visited the Astoria column, which I did not like due to it was a 160 stairs and I do not like heights. Jon and Hudson loved it though. We played on the beach and in the sand a lot of the time and went sightseeing. My two fav's were Astoria and Cannon Beach area. We went with my sis and her family and my mom. We had a great time by all. I would love to go back and visit again soon.

School has started for Bailey. She started pre-K, which is prekindergarden just a level up from preschool. Bailey attends Kids at the Creek which is the preschool our church offers. She loves her teachers and is making friends already. We attend her first function tonight, the Hoe-Down BBQ. I will have to post some pictures at a later time. Bailey loves school. She told me the other day at home she was bored. I can't keep her I guess entertained or thinking all the time like she would like. I am watching a little girl who is 4 months older than Hudson part-time during the week so Hudson shares my time. It has been a blessing.

Hudson is going through the pre 2 stage, is there such a stage? He knows the word "no," way too well. He is also in a hitting stage. I would love my little sweet man back soon. I hope this is just a phase that he will soon move out of soon. Discipline is hard sometimes but Jon and I are on top of it! I hope Fall is treating everyone good. I have already indulged in a couple of Pumpkin spice lattes and/or frapps! Oh to Fall!!!!

Random thoughts

2010-08-27T15:24:00.000-07:00

I should not title blog posts as such, but here it goes. We went on a camping trip to Birch Bay at the first part of August. It rained but we made the best out of the trip. Here is my story....showing compassion and giving when God nudges you.

Sat of the campout there was a camper next to our campsite, well during the rain they packed up and headed out. By the evening two guys were parked next to us. When I say parked it does not mean a car, they parked their bicycles. During our potluck dinner with family I noticed that they were setting up their camp for the night. I felt a sudden urge, (a God thing) totally out of my comfort zone to tell Jon to go ask these guys to come and eat with us. We had a spread of food and all of us at our campsite had already eaten dinner for the most part. The guys were very accepting and came over and ate with us. The guys told us (Alex and Todd) how they had been riding their bikes all day and when they got to Birch Bay all they wanted to do was set up camp and eat their Top Roman noodles, which they had been eating for the last few days on their bike adventure. They were not greeted by other bikers in a bike group very well, hostile people. I knew my family would probably mock me or criticize me for this but I did not care. We learned about their bike adventure starting from Portland Oregon and continuing on to a conference they were headed to in Canada. Grad Students from Oregon. They ate a lot of food, which in the morning we still had to throw out some food. We had an abundance of food. We even played one of our favorite games Settlers of Catan with these guys. Alex had played before but Todd was a rookie. I have shared this story with many. It reminds me of Jesus asking complete strangers to come and eat with him. When you give whole heartedly everything to anyone God blesses that and it is a feeling that is unexplainable.

Here is my random thought that does not pertain to this story at all. I have been looking at Amy Butler fabric online for awhile. There are not many places here in WA that carry her fabric, which surprised me! I thought I was so close when a girl I met at a softball game had the perfect fabric made into a purse, exactly what I was looking for. The problem has been she told me it was Amy Butler, well I did not realize Amy Butler makes a purse pattern, but the actual fabric could have been anything. If you are looking online or in a fabric store let me know if you find Amy Butler fabric or some kind of fabric that has the colors yellow, black, gray, and white. Yes, those exact colors!!! It is driving me bananas that I cannot find this material for curtains in my kitchen. I want to make my own. Enjoy the little rest of Summer that is left. My daughter starts Pre-K at our church preschool Kids at the Creek very soon, where did Summer go?

2010-08-05T14:48:00.000-07:00

Kla-hye-ya- days, something like that. Watched the hot air balloons. One of Bailey's most favorite thing is hot air balloons.

Hudson getting his haircut for the second time. Loves the lollipops.

1st AquaSox game. The boy loves baseball, taking after his Uncle Donnie. He has to wear the hat he picked out everywhere we go.

Bailey will end her first VBS this week. Bailey has had so much fun and has learned a ton. Honestly it has been a great break from each other that we both needed. We are camping this weekend at Birch Bay which is a childhood fav of mine. The beach will be within walking distance of our campsite. Wishing everyone a great weekend.

Fun in the Sun

2010-07-27T22:08:00.000-07:00

Too Late for this....

2010-07-26T00:14:00.000-07:00

It is way too late to be blogging but since I lost my background I created a whole new look to my families blog. I am not very computer savvy but after about an hour and a half I finally got it looking how I wanted it to. I will be adding some more stuff soon. Here are recent pictures of the family and my two most precious things God has given to me, my children. The latest have been....my four year old loves to tell knock, knock, jokes. Bailey makes up her own, oh boy! I laugh at them because she laughs at herself after she tells the jokes, quite humorous. Hudson lately has been Mr.Repeat of words. He is learning more than 5 words. He says "yeah," to everything, except now he also knows the word....drum roll please....."no." He shakes his head in a cute way and says "no," if it is something he does not want or want to do. Amusing sometimes as a mommy, otherwise not so cute! Hudson loves balls, especially golf balls and baseballs. We went to our first Aquasox game today. The kids were not so into the game, but they were kept happy with the ballpark junkfood. Summer has been going by so fast I can't hardly believe it is the end of July. Hudson turned 18 months today, as a mom this is hard to believe. I really do not know where the time goes. Hudson wants to be like his sister and wants to try everything his sister does or copies what she does. He likes using the Elmo potty seat, which is cool until he does not hold down his "you know what" and it sprays the entire fabric shower curtain, floor, rug, etc. A mess a mommy laughs as she cleans up.

Diet update doing well. I have lost 9 pounds. I tried this last week to walk 30min, 5 days a week. It has sure helped me out a lot. I have more energy and that is the best part of the diet. I read labels now when I grocery shop.(I shop without the kids a lot of times so I can concentrate on label reading) My kids love going to Trader Joe's and they do great in TJ. Finding Freddy the frog helps the grocery shopping experience, and at the end of the shopping they get an organic lollipop. Life is great!!!! When Hudson knows we are going to TJ's he claps his hands with excitement. Remember as adults to get this excited over little things, your kids will think you are a complete goofball. It is late, 12:30am time to sleep. Goodnight!

Summer finally hit here in Seattle

2010-07-11T19:46:00.000-07:00

Wow, it was a whopping 90's this last week. We call that in Seattle barely living, because it usually is not that warm in the summer time. When you do not have central air conditioning it can get unbareable. We do have more than some people, two window air conditioning units which have helped so much. This last week we went to the spray park to cool down and finally gave in and bought a pool. I am glad I waited though one day before buying it. I had my eye on a pool at Ride-Aid, it was $40. The next day I went back, because my hubby said go ahead and just buy it and it was 25% off. I was so estatic that I got it on sale. Since it was on sale I bought the kids a few toys too for the pool. Well worth the money spent this last week with the weather and the kids loved it. I on the other hand have not been in the pool yet. I will get there sometime.

During the last week and weekend, Bailey has been sick. I feel so helpless when my kids are sick. I have a horrible gag reflex so my hubby steps in when they get sick. Thank the Lord my kids hardly ever get sick. Bailey also ended up with a wierd rash that needed Benadryl. I believe we are on the mend and no one else got sick, thank you Jesus!

This last week for me I have started watching a little girl who is 21 months old to help out with some extra income coming in. When I got paid, my hubby thanked me and smiled really big. Finances are tough people, but through prayer and trusting in him all things are possible. I also got another cleaning job that will be starting up at the end of the month and going just for a few months. I am truly blessed and thanks to my friend Krystal for passing the word along that I needed a job. Everything works out for a reason. That is all the happenings right now in the Anderson household.

My diet is going good. I have lost 6 pounds, but mostly I have more energy and I read labels more than ever now and take my time grocery shopping. I started doing the shopping at night when the kids go to bed and Jon can watch them. Makes it so much easier to shop and take my time instead of buying unnecessary purchases. Enjoy these summer months.

2010-06-23T21:46:00.000-07:00

Bailey and I at her school field trip in May. I am frompy looking so I hope I can change this. I am growing out my hair, it has been a long process but I am doing it.

I do not write a lot about myself or what I have been up to lately, so I thought I would take that approach on this blog post. On Father's Day I started a new diet according to my blood type. My chiropractor gave me a list of foods that were medicine for my blood type, neutral foods, and posion foods for my type. Pretty strict diet, but I am liking it actually. It has made me realize all the junk I put in my body before I started the diet. My goals are eating healthier to a healthier me, having more energy, which I need as a domestic engineer AKA stay at home mom, and finding if there are certain foods that create more problems for me with my acne prone skin that I have dealt with since a teenager. I am not doing any eggs, milk, or dairy of any kind for this diet. I can eat red meat, fruits, veggies, some nuts, fish, lots of it, turkey, chicken, and so much more. I prayed that I would not have any cravings or extreme caffeine headaches. I was a one cup coffee drinker, maybe a pop in the afternoon sometimes and I love my sugar and breads and grains. I do not get any of these with this diet. You can say "poor me," but really I feel so much better getting rid of this stuff. I make much healthier dinners and food choices just in 4 days. If I lose weight with this that is an added bonus. I would not mind losing 10-15 more pounds. I have found with this diet you can really do anything you set your mind to and your heart. I have lost 2 pounds in 4 days which to me feels like a slow start but I am thankful for the 2! Woot Woot!!!

I had 5 free sessions of Holy yoga, so I thought why not while I am eating better. Wow! My idea of yoga was a lot of meditation and relaxation, not so much. I loved the music the instructor played while working out. Let me tell you....it was a work out. I did yoga for the first time on Monday night and it is almost Thursday and I am still sore. A good sore though. Yoga made me feel at peace and it made me put my day aside and focus on God and to worship him during this time. If you are struggling with something right now or have in the past give it all to him and do something with giving it your all!!! Have a great week!!! What are you doing for a workout regime or diet these days? I would love to hear your comments.

Busy Anderson's

2010-05-30T21:56:00.000-07:00

Who has a garage sale, camps, a birthday party, and dinner all in one weekend? You guessed right, The Anderson family did this. The rain makes you go a little silly around here. Camping in the rain did not sound at all appealing to me, but my husband was up for the challenge. We did not sleep in our tent, thank goodness. We stayed at our friends RV spot in Gold Bar WA in the shed on the property. We stayed dry and warm. I think if you have a campfire you are bound to just have a great time regardless of the nasty weather. Jon and I have been on a campout before where it started hailing on us when we went to bed. I never thought our friends Jina and Mike would ever camp again after that campout. That particular campout I thought we were going to freeze, we could not have a campfire due to high winds in Arizona up in the Pinetop area. Jon and I have left a camping trip due to high winds before. We went home and slept in our nice comfy bed, it was the best decision we made on a camping trip. It was the worst hike I ever went on, except to see the grandview at the top....DQ was at the bottom and I told Jon after what we hiked(rock climbed!) and I had to face one of my greatest fears...heights, we were going to DQ after the hike for icecream.

My boy Hudson.... I thought could not get any dirtier, he got dirtier I believe. The wetness and dirt stuck to him like glue. He started out having a tough time walking in his rain boots but got the hang of it at the end of the weekend because he was running from me in them before we left. Swimming in 57 degrees and rain, the guys took the kids swimming, crazy!!!!! The pool was heated.

I wrote this right after Memorial day weekend and forgot to finish and post. Here are the lastest happenings around the Anderson house....

Hudson has mastered the words "ball, and boots," boots pertaining to his rubber boots he wore camping. After coming home he wanted to put them on everyday with his jammies. Our screaming fits have got better, but he likes to do this for attention which is not appealing to Jon and I at all to say the least. Hudson loves to be outside playing at all times. The other day I was scrapbooking at my kitchen table and looked out and did not see him so I went to check on him and he was digging up my flowers out of my pots and just smiled I had to laugh it was funny but not really!!! Hudson knows where his bellybutton is and mommy's, his nose, ears,eyes, head,and mouth and he sticks his tongue out when you ask him to touch his mouth.

Bailey has her dance recital this Saturday. She is a Christmas tree. I will have to post pictures next week. Bailey has been in dance since 2 years old. It is amazing how much she has learned and continues to learn at dance. Bailey finished preschool in May and will be attending Gold Creek Community Church Pre-K in the Fall. Our Summer will be filled with camping trips, the park, the zoo, aquarium, and any other outdoor activities in the area. We will be attending a Mariner's game for Father's Day. I wish I could have seen Ken Griffey Jr. play one last time, oh well! Enjoy your summer and I will be better about not being so lengthy in my posts, maybe!

Mommy, Mom, Mother, and Ma and Our MeMa

2010-05-06T18:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all you Mother's out there. I look forward to this day that is observed for us mom's, grandma's, aunts, sister's, friends, and anything else I may be forgetting.

One of the best things about being a mom is I love when my kids do funny things or say the little things that I loathe to hear. Bailey melts my heart with how she tells me I am the best mommy ever. She also tells me I am the best baker, and daddy is right up there too, go figure! She brings me dandelions which she has claimed are a flower and they are beautiful to her. Her daddy crushed her spirit one day when he told her they were weeds. I accept them as the most beautiful flowers that I have ever seen, because she picks them for me. My joy is my children and I love them more and more everyday. Being able to stay at home with them and be a domestic engineer I really would not change it for the world. There are days that are exhausting and my patience has run dry but then I have to stop and remind myself that my kids love me to be there for them. I need them as much as they need me.

Hudson shows me he loves me in his own way by giving me kisses. He used to do this to wake me up in the morning when he was snuggled in my bed. He has not done this in awhile but he finds other ways to show me. He is a cuddler and loves to hold my hand when I tuck him in to his crib at night and then I pray for him. Praying over your kids is so important. Praying not just for their safety but for their future, health, and well being in everything they do.

I just have to stop Bailey was playing outside with her daddy and brother and she came in and gave me a kiss and told me she loves me. I love being their mommy.

I love my kids.

Dear Mom,

Thank you for being the most amazing mother in my eyes. Thank you for teaching me to stand firm on what I believe and to let others know even if their opinion or actions differ from my own. You are unique and beautiful in your own way. I believe I take after you in that area. I love being different and unique from the style of my clothes to the new things I like to try and cook or bake to my home. Thank you for being there when it meant the most. You were there for me when I became a mom and to me that is the biggest most cherished blessing a daughter can have. You gave when you did not have. Your faith and strength shine through. Even when things hurt you press on. I love you always and hope your Mother's Day was a great one. Love your daughter Heather Ann

10 Things About the Blogger

2010-04-19T21:59:00.000-07:00

So I thought I would write a little about myself. I always blog on the kids, the hubby, the dog, what the lastest is on our family, but I do not think I have ever blogged about myself. I already do not like the sound of this one, but I will give it a shot. I am not one to put attention on me...what girl is? Okay for some, like Pamela Anderson want attention, if you have been watching Dancing with The Stars you know what I mean. I have read some blogs lately that actually tell about the blogger, one I love which is linked on my blog is the Pleated Poppy. She took pics of herself and posted what she wore for a week. I can tell you right now I do not have time to do this, maybe down the road.

Well...Here it goes....1.) I am in love with my Savior Jesus Christ! I am more outwardly spoken about my faith than I have in the past. People need to know what he has done for me. I recently got rebaptized. If you have questions just ask.

2.)I do not like heights of any kind. I have been forced though in the past to overcome this fear of mine. I do snow ski and have to go up the lifts, not my favorite thing to do. I am the one wrapped around the pole to the lift white nuckling it until I get to the top of the mountain. I have also had a hiking experience I wish not to repeat.

3.)Camping is a great thing. I would not call myself a girly girl by any means, okay I like massages and pedicures that is about as girly as it gets.

4.) One of my favorite foods is my hubby's homemade pizza.

5.)I have an awful gag reflux, meaning smells or gross things set it off and I will gag and sometimes even vomit. It intensifies when I am pregnant. I could tell you stories. I know this is something you probably did not want to know about me.

6.)I'am an avid scrapbooker, card maker, etc. My sister and I have our own business.

7.)I love to rearrange things in my house after a few months. I am ecletic in my style. This means a little bit of everything in my style.

8.)I love coffee. Before I moved to Seattle I did not like coffee at all. It would seem a little wierd to me if you did not drink coffee and you lived in Seattle.

9.)I am a breastfeeding momma. I breastfed Bailey my girl until she was 17 months, I only wanted to go for a year, hah! Oh...and Hudson yeah he is almost 15 months and still breastfeeding. He does not feed during the day, I wish so I could sleep better at night. He will give it up when he is good and done I guess. My kids are my joy.

10.)Here it goes the last and final thing you may have not known about me is....I am an avid watcher of Amazing Race on Sunday nights. Jon and I tried out one time with his parents, funny huh? If I had extended cable it would never leave HGTV channel, probably a good thing we do not have extended cable...I would get nothing done, or wait I would want to redecorate every room in my house.

I hope you all enjoyed the post. I challenge you to be different!!!!

The picture is in front of my new curtains my mom made me for my living room. They look better when they are opened up. My hat is from my friend Miriah, it was a birthday present. She makes hats. I love them. If money was not an issue I would have more and in different colors. Check her site out on my Blog. My messenger bag was made from Alice Cross one of the most hospitable people I know who attends GCCC, all proceeds go to American Cancer Society. I bought this with birthday money. Oh and my necklace...you can't see what it says...It is stamped jewelry that has my kids named stamped with their birthdays on the back and has H heart J and our anniversary on the back with a heart and a cross charm. My friend Sara Cross from GCCC her mom Cindy makes the stamped jewelry. I bought this one for myself for my birthday. If anyone knows me I am not a necklace wearing gal, well...it changed when I bought this one, I wear it practically everyday. Bailey asked me to wear it to bed one night, I did for her. She knows it has her name on it and birthday. I told her she was close to my heart when I wear it. She is close to my heart regardless of wearing a necklace. If you want to get some of these amazing homemade goodies there is an open house this weekend. I can get you the details if you are interested.

Easter and baptism

2010-04-06T13:59:00.000-07:00

We had an amazing Easter weekend. It all started with an Easter egg hunt at Life Care Center in Bothell by my sister's house. It was cold, but the kids seemed to enjoy themselves. The afternoon on Saturday April 3rd, brought Easter food prep, carrot cupcakes and orange yogurt muffins with a yummy glaze. Naps for everyone that afternoon.

Easter morning woke to Hudson and Bailey finding their baskets, mommy was still in bed. I missed some of the picture taking. Bailey said a few nights back while saying prayers, "mommy it is not about the Easter bunny, it is about Jesus dying on the cross." My heart was so full after hearing these precious words. My 4 yr. old gets it, and I love that. She had a lot of questions about Jesus this Easter if it hurt him getting nailed to a cross and the thorns. Jon's mom last year bought Bailey the Resurrection eggs at the Christian book store and we followed the story through Easter morning with the eggs. A good tool to have for little ones. We were off to church at 9am because Jon and I were recommitting our lives to Christ through baptism. I also volunteer in the nursery at the 10:30 service so we had to go to the early service. My family...husband, sister, aunt, mom, cousins were present during the baptism. I chose to get rebaptized, that sounds a little wierd, but here is the story.....

A church we were a part of in the past, liked their volunteers to get baptized if we were to keep volunteering in areas in the church. Jon wanted to get baptized and I think at the time I wanted to more to support him, but felt it really was not my choice. My faith and walk with God has inspired me to show the world where I was and where I am now with Christ. When talking to my husband about getting baptized again he suggested I speak to our caring minister Cheryl, who I have got to know through women's bible studies and with working with our children. Cheryl asked some questions, but made me realize that my choice and this tug from God was not going to go away and should get baptized if I felt so strong about the choice to recommit. Jon then the week before Easter wanted to get rebaptized too. Realizing that he has made Christ the center of his life and has given up past behaviors that trapped him. Our marriage has been strengthened through our ups and downs, but having the common ground be Christ in our marriage and recommitting together seemed even more fitting. My husband got to help Pastor Dan baptize me, what a moment and I will never forget. I'm so humbled that we have a God who is forgiving and who loves me for who I am.

Photos I said I would post some of the remodeled bathroom. Baptism photos to follow.

Palm Springs and Easter soon!

2010-03-26T14:20:00.000-07:00

A lot has been happening in the Anderson household. The kids and I went to Palm Springs, California for 7 days to catch some sun. Husband was left at home to remodel our bathroom which had mold and needed some updating. I will post some updated photos real soon, I have not had time to download photos as of yet. We had a great time. Bailey went swimming every day we were there. She has been in swimming lessons this Spring and will hopefully get to continue at the YMCA, she is on a waiting list. We went to the Living Desert which Bailey wanted to see the Butterfly house and ride the carousel. We traveled to Joshua Tree National Park which was incredible and something different than I have ever seen. The Joshua trees were intersting and the rock formations even more interesting. We checked out a few local parks which the kids love to play outside. The kids had a great time spending time with their papa, my dad. At the end of the trip, Hudson starting to whisper papapa, so cute! Our trip was a success, but it was great getting back home to daddy, we missed him.

My husband remodeled our bathroom which turned out beautiful. He is amazing with tile.I will post some before and after photos. I get to take my first shower in it today. I am glad God made my guy to have awesome talent with tile and the know how to be construction savvy. I love you honey MKISA!!!!

Easter is this Sunday, which is also my sister and bro-in-law's anniversary. Happy Anniversary they are getting to go away for an evening and I am watching my nephew Josiah. My mom is watching my niece Sophie. This Easter is different than past Easter's Jon and I are getting rebaptized, which sounds wierd, but God has us in a totally different place than we were a few years ago and we wanted to go public with showing our faith and how God has worked in our lives. The book Crazy Love has shown me how much God is crazy in love with me and how I can be crazy in love with him on a daily basis. If you want a good read pick up this book today, it has changed my life. Happy Easter to everyone and hope that you celebrate Jesus' resurrection on the cross, he shed his blood for you and me. Have a great one!

4 Really???

2010-03-09T14:04:00.001-08:00

I was discussing with my husband the other day on where did four years go. Pretty soon we will blink and our precious daughter will be sixteen. Bailey was born four years ago today at 10:32am in Grand Island, Nebraska at St. Francis hospital. She weighed in at 8 pounds 10 ounces and she was a week early. I wonder what she would have weighed if my water had not broke, and she went to her due date which was St. Patrick's day March 17th. Bailey is my lovey is what I call her. She got this name awhile ago, I don't know how I just know it fit her. Bailey loves on everyone she knows. She loves to give hugs and kisses and is lovely in everything she does. In four years it actually has gone pretty smooth. Bailey has been a healthy toddler. It is hard to say toddler, because she is so tall and mature for her age. Most people think she is 5 or 6 years old since she has been 3 years old. Bailey's interests are....her brother Hudson which she loves and adores on daily, tea parties, playing with her barbie's and my little ponies, anything outdoors to riding on her new bike she got for her birthday to playing in the dirt or with bubbles, dance, singing songs, playdoh, painting, any arts and crafts she can get her hands on, preschool and her friends, church, and she loves reading her bible every night with daddy or mommy, and so much more!!!!!

This year for parties we had her first tea party birthday at a special place called 3 Cups of Tea in Bothell. The service and everything at the tea shop was amazing. Bailey invited 8 other girls to join her for her birthday party. The girls had passion orange tea in beautiful glasses, heart scones with whipping cream and jam, petite fours, a story was read, cupcakes, and just the whole experience was a lot to take in for the little girls. My husband captured some great photos. Great place to have a mom's day out or morning out for tea and crumpets. An awesome place for tea parties for your little girls.

With all of this said....I can't believe my girl is 4 today. I love her from the time she was made in my tummy to her arrival and now. My daughter is a masterpiece which God created and a girl who loves life. I am so blessed to have Bailey in my life. I love you baby girl, Happy Birthday, cha cha cha!!!!! Love, your mommy always

New Shoes for the walking lil man

2010-02-24T08:41:00.000-08:00

Time to retire the Robeez for Hudson. I love them my dad bought them, but Jon and I picked them out. They are blue with monkeys on them. So fitting for him. He is a little monkey man. I have been looking online to buy shoes for Hudson off and on in my spare time, which is rare. I like See Kai Run shoes. My sister bought a pair for my niece when she was walking and they did her really well. She wore the See Kai Run shoes out. I like that they have a flexible sole and with Hudson he has a high arch on the top of his foot which makes it difficult to put shoes on without jamming his foot into the shoe. I spend more money on my kids shoes than I do shoes for myself. I want them to have good shoes for walking and running.

On See Kai Run's website there were some shoes on sale but not in Hudson's size. I am glad I did not buy them online, because I really wanted to try on a pair first to see how he would fair in them. My dad bought a pair of sketchers, but he knows I had to take them back due to being too small and they were kind of clunky and big and Hudson was having a hard time walking in them. After taking the other ones back, I had the money to put towards the See Kai Run shoes. My dad does not know yet, but I think he will be happy with the purchase, so I hope. I love all the names of the See Kai Run Shoes. Hudson ended up with the Eric ones. Here is a pic of them. He is cruising all over with these shoes. On the bottom of the shoes it says, See Kai dance, run, skip, hop..... I know you do not see the bottom of the shoes because they are taking up pavement, but I thought what a cute idea. I wish they made See Kai Run shoes for adults, I would have a pair.

Be Still.......

2010-02-16T16:12:00.000-08:00

Oh, it has been an interesting week in the Anderson household. Check out my new background, it was called "Home." I liked it and needed a change. My hubby helped with the color combos. I titled this Be Still, because that has been the message for me for this last week and until now. Last week our family was trying to get to Phoenix on President's weekend. Wish we would have known it was one of the busiest times to pass ride. Pass riding means you are on standby to see if there are any seats left after those who have already booked their tickets who get a seat regardless. I am going to try and make this short. My blogging tends to be lengthy, I am working on these details. To make a long story short we did not get on the plane, God's blessing in disguise even though it made my little Bailey girl cry because she did not understand why we could not go see her Grandma Pat. We missed a friends birthday too, Happy Birthday Mikey, so sorry we had to miss.

I woke up Thursday morning to the worse back pain I have ever experienced. My parents have chronic back pain and I only got a smiggon, if that is a word, of what they may deal with most of the time. I was literally walking crooked and every little move I made I hurt, I cried, I was in pain. Went to the dr's and she suspected a possible herniated disc. With my hubby playing Mr. Mom for 5 plus days it was so hard for me to see him go back to work. He did come home today in the afternoon to help out. I cannot sit for long periods of time without discomfort in my lower back. My sleep last night was horrible. I am hoping for a more restful nights sleep. I had my first MRI yesterday. It was not a fun or enjoyable experience at all. I relied on God during this experience by singing praise and worship music and focusing on my kids and hubby. 15 minutes in that machine felt like forever. I just got the dr call back about my results and I do not have a herniated disc but I have a bulging disc. I am not for sure about the difference. I guess that a bulging disc is better than a herniated one. I am waiting to hear back from the dr. on call since my dr. is on vacation of what to do in the mean time. Going back to my title God has shown me in my devotion time and prayer time to be still. I am supposed to concentrate on him and give him the time that I am usually busy and running from here and there to him. I have in my kitchen the verse Psalm 46:10 which says "Be still and know that I am God." Luke 1:37 hit home for me too. I have this verse stickered to my living room wall. "For with God nothing shall be impossible." I look at this verse so many times a day, but until now I realize I look at it and God speaks to me through that verse.

Today's devotion read Thank Me for the conditions that are requiring you to be still. I am supposed to thank him in my pain and suffering. It finally hit me, he sent his son to suffer on the cross for my sins, my wrongs, for me. Here is some of the rest of the devotion...Do not spoil these quiet hours by wishing them away, waiting impatiently to be active again. Some of the greatest works in My kingdom have been done from sick beds and prison cells. Instead of resenting the limitations of a weakened body, search for My way in the midst of these very circumstances. Limitations can be liberating when your strongest desire is living close to Me. Much more on that devotion but I gave the little bit of it. All I could think about before reading this devotion is how can I get better faster. God does not want this to be a speedy recovery he wants me to spend time with him like I have never before.

If you go about your day and not give that time to him he will find a way to have time with you even if it is uncomfortable or painful for the time being. I have been reading a book in my women's study group called "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan this study was exactly where God wanted me to be. I am wanting to have that Crazy love for my savior Jesus Christ, because he is crazy in love with me.

My Little boy will be turning 1 on Monday, January 25th

2010-01-21T15:26:00.000-08:00

I need to get back to regular blogging, so sorry if people have checked out my blog and I have not updated in forever. I guess I can say I have been busy, everyone has their own definition of being overwhelmed with stuff to do.

Hudson will be one years old tomorrow, Monday January 25th, I do not know where a year went, honestly. It seems like just yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital and starting all over again with a little baby. Hudson Tait Anderson was born at 2:57am on Sunday January 25, 2009. I should not say little boy, there was nothing little about him. He weighed in at 9 pounds 14 ounces. Looking back at my labor and delivery I remember finding so much strength in God during my delivery it was an amazing experience. Natural child birth is the way to go if at all possible. I remember every morning after bringing him home his big sister Bailey would ask where Hudson was. I would tell her he was sleeping in his bassinet. Bailey fell in love with her brother at first sight. The bond they have right now is so sweet and I love watching her teach him all she knows. Hudson then went from a lil one to falling asleep in his swing to crawling and putting everything in his mouth. Hudson now at almost a year has mastered the crawling and now he is an avid climber. Later in life this will serve him well. Hopefully he will be an avid hiker or rock climber. The Anderson family likes to hike. We will be venturing out this Spring and Summer on hikes around Washington State. Having a son is so different than a daughter, not just their sex, everything!!!! Hudson captures my heart in a totally different way then my daughter Bailey. Bailey being my first born is my sensitive, loving, kind hearted to all, and empathetic. I could go on forever about my kids, but to try and keep this shorter I will not. Hudson is adventure, never know what is going to happen, and what kind of pickles the boy will get into. Hudson though is so loving towards his sister and mommy and daddy. He can say "dada," really good, but also knows how to say "momma." Watching the two of my kids play and be kids is my joy and great blessing as their mommy. Happy Birthday big boy, I love you from the time I found out I was pregnant....and the rest is history. Have a great day my little man. I love you always. Mommy

Prep & Landing

2009-12-23T09:20:00.000-08:00

So when I saw this for the first time I couldn't help but think that my family would enjoy it also. Little did I know my daughter Bailey would fall in love with the elf movie, as she calls it, and would want to watch it almost every night when I get home. Not that this is a bad thing, I truely enjoy spending whatever time I do get with my family any way they would like. Besides when I see her face light up or her sitting with her brother in the chair (all snug in their beds), it really tugs those heart strings.

You see Prep & Landing came at a good time for me as I've been dealing with alot of stress and now health issues (shhh: High Blood Pressure). So when I did have a chance to slow down I watched this little Disney show. As I watched it I thought to my Saturday Morning Men's group I go to at church and how we just talked about "Entitlement" and how we all tend to think that we are due to a better life than what we have just for what we've done.

People: We haven't done anything!

For me: my kids, wife and I still have a lot to learn in life and we have a lot to give and just when we think we've given enough the Big Guy tends to give us something new to work on.

I know I'm doing good with my walk with God but I can't quote you specific verses besides John 3:16. I know a lot of them I just can't tell you where to go, specifically, to find them. =Work on being in His word and a student of His ways.

I know I have a few friends (370some on Facebook) but I don't really know any of them as well as I should. =Work on being with people.

I know I'm married and I have a loving wife that cuddles and kisses but as we taught the Fire Proof study I couldn't help but think I'm barely out of grade school when it comes to knowing everything about my wife. =Work at being a better husband.

I know my kids love me and look up to me but they're both under the age of 4 and I'm only just begining. =Work at becoming the teacher, mentor and leader they will need in life.

I know in order to do these things listed above I need to give up a lot of things I may have had planned in life or things that are not bennificial to anyone but me. =Work at living a selfless life.

There are a ton of more things I could list here but as Wade (Call Sign: Little Drummer Boy) finds out in Prep & Landing, what we do is not about us or where we are at in life. It has to do alot with who we're with and how they're effected. So here's to the end of this year and to the begining of a new one. How should we make it through 2010, by using Bailey's most used quote:

"Laughing all the way my friend, laughing all the way."

P.S. The link to watch the show is posted but if it does not work for you copy and paste this one: http://www.hulu.com/watch/113712/disney-prep-and-landing-prep-and-landing

Giving in a time of economy yuckiness

2009-12-02T14:20:00.000-08:00

Christmas will be here soon before we all know it. It sneaks up on us even though it comes the same time and day every year. This morning when I left the house my van needed to be warmed up to clear the frost away, it was a chilly one at 34 degrees. I am ready for snow. I love the snow. I may not be ready for 22 inches of snow again like we had last year, but I am ready for snow.

This blog is a little different than most, due to I usually dicuss what my family has been up to lately. I can tell you a little what we have been doing but want to focus on giving and what that means to me. We have our tree up, decorations done, and lights were hung a few days ago. My husband had gone and bought LED lights this year $80 worth I know it would have saved maybe some money in the long run, but I made him take them back, okay I did not make him, he knew we could not keep them. We needed the extra cash to try and get our emergency fund back up so we are not tredding water anymore. We need to live like no one else so we can live like no one else in the long run of things. Dave Ramsey quote for you all. We have tried to do his money makeover but have selfish desires take over. Well, when your husband's health has a little spin to it and you have to try and make a little cash go a long ways until next pay period, there is nothing more than to get rid of our selfish desires and take control of our finances. Since making certain decisions lately that will change our future down the road, we know it is just a season in our life we will overcome through God's grace and love for us. God gave his son for us and we are forgiven of our sins. I am so thankful I have Jesus as my Savior. I would definitely be in a different place than I am today if I did not have him. God has given us a second chance to get our finances under control. We do not have credit card debt anymore, but have a tough mortgage payment due to our choices we made 2 years ago. God has blessed us in so many ways and he always has provided our needs. Our church this holiday season has showed me in so many ways how to give back to the community in not always financial ways but other ways. GCCC is giving away Christmas trees this Saturday for those who have lost their job, A Tree for All is what they have called it. Our small group will be giving in some way back to the community with a service project. I am so blessed for the church my family is apart of they are so giving in so many ways and are truly passionate about reaching the lost.

We have been teaching Bailey about giving and she took so hardly used toys to church last weekend to give to our Peru Mission to the children. I had her put the toys in the box to give. Bailey came to me the other day and said we needed to take some canned food to her preschool. Her preschool is collecting food for the local food bank. I am so thankful for this holiday season and for us as a family financially are working through our tough times but realize their are other families who have had to go through some really tough times this last year.

"Be Still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

Sister's Simplicity and Thankfulness

2009-11-24T13:37:00.000-08:00

My little boy and what he has been up to lately. He loves the fireplace hearth.

My sister and I have been making cards for awhile now. We love it. We just got back into the swing because my mother-in-law placed a big order with us. We made 20 Christmas cards for their business and 25 assorted cards. We have had so much fun coming up with new ideas and enjoying our time together. My brother-in-law just made a fan page for us off of facebook since everyone is connected this way. We will offer specials in the near future. I have found though I need to get caught up on my scrapbooking of my children. I recently finished Bailey's book which was a year in the making. No one says you have to have a time limit on scrapping thank goodness. I went for the first time to a scrapbookers convention where you buy stuff. It was overwhelming indeed. I got some pretty good deals though and I did not spend a lot of money. Our cards are in a few shops around the area. On Thanksgiving I will be taking pictures of my kiddos and then I will be off to a great start making my Christmas cards for all to enjoy. It is crazy that Thanksgiving is in 2 days. I wish you all a Happy Turkey day and be thankful for what God has blessed you and your families with this year. I am thankful for my husband who rocks in so many ways, my adored children who are the best thing a mommy could have, healthy family, and family and friends, thankful for an awesome church we attend too. Have a good one!

Back at blogging-Happenings at the Anderson house

2009-11-19T22:17:00.001-08:00

Sorry for those who used to read my blog or attempted to. I am back on. We had some computer virus that would not let me get on my blog for some wierd reason. I hope this took care of it.

Hudson is now almost 10 months old. I don't know where time went. Bailey is 3 1/2 yrs. old. Bailey started preschool in September and loves it and her teacher. Bailey can now say the pledge of allegiance which I think is totally cool. She said the pledge this morning at breakfast with placing her hand on her heart but no flag around. I have to remind myself that she is only 3 and not 3 going on 10 yrs old. Bailey dances on Wednesdays now for an hour and loves her pre-dance class. We have seen last years recital DVD just a handful of times :) We will be starting to get ready for the Christmas season soon. She wants it to snow. We have been getting a lot of rain, oh Seattle how I love thee!

Hudson is crawling, standing with support of anything and everything. He loves the bathtub and taking baths. Hudson jabbers a lot and can say, hi, mama, dada. He waves to people and loves to clap when he hears music. Hudson is totally different than Bailey ever was as a baby. He is more curious about everything and puts everything in his mouth. I have had to move a lot of my decorative things aside or away from his reach. He is eating lots these days. He was not big into baby food which is good, because it is expensive. He has been teething for months now, which I hope will soon pass soon. It feels like forever since I had a decent nights sleep, oh mommyhood. I would not trade it for the world though, you other SAHM's know what I mean. I need to get off to bed since he is sleeping right now. I will try and blog at least once a week now as long as things keep working right.

MIA-Fall Happenings

2009-10-03T20:18:00.000-07:00

I bet everyone thought she will never blog again. I thought too. We have been having computer virus errors on my side of the computer and I have tried getting onto my blog through my husbands side and no luck either. I am on vacation and thought I would try my inlaws computer. It works, stinky virus!!! I have not blogged since July I believe. A lot has happened since then. Hudson is now 8 months old and standing up and crawling everywhere. I can't keep in out of anything. He has also ventured to finding our stairs he climbs 2 of them. He loves cords so daddy has had to baby proof everything. What is it with boys and cords and electrical stuff? I love Fall it is one of my favorite times. I decorated before leaving on our trip to Minnesota and Nebraska. All that is left to do is go to the pumpkin patch to pick our pumpkins. We go to The Farm in Snohomish WA. Love it there. It will be our 3rd yr. there. They have a cow train, corn maze of the State of WA, fishing for kids, petting zoo of lots animals, duck race, pigs,etc. They have an awesome gift shop that I could buy lots of stuff if money was not an issue. Corn on the cob that is yummy and other yummy food. Our camera broke too so I have not posted any recent photos of the kids and our family so sorry. Hope to get a new camera soon. I miss taking pics of my kids. Hudson also has been talking his favorite words are "dada, mama, and bababa whatever that means. Bailey started preschool this Fall which she loves. On the first day of school she did not even kiss me goodbye, made me sad. I will post some pics when we get a new camera and I will try and stay up on this a little more. That is all the news I have so far. Oh, Hudson has 2 teeth on the bottom, working on more. I hope he sleeps soon.

Oh The Funny Things Kids Say.....

2009-07-18T08:40:00.000-07:00

Bailey is 3 years old. 3 year olds are so funny to me. Maybe not all 3 year olds are like this but she keeps life pretty interesting. One evening recently she was in the bathtub and asking about boobs, or for correct terms breasts. Bailey did not like that her boobs were small. I told her when she gets bigger she will probably have bigger ones. Bailey told me she did not want big boobs she wanted princess boobs. I cracked up! I then had to proceed and ask what princess boobs were, I was very curious. Bailey said like, Cinderella, Ariel, Aurora. I then said, "oh."

Yesterday we were talking about eyes and I told her I love her blue eyes and that daddy has the same eyes. Bailey said she did not want blue eyes and wanted pink eyes. Can you guess what her favorite color is?

We have been recently reading out of her children's bible almost everyday. She loves to hear the stories and talk about them. Last night she said she liked Jonah so I discussed with her the story of Jonah and getting swallowed up by a whale because he did not obey God when he was asked to go to Ninevah. I learn more from reading out of her children's bible then mine sometimes. I can remember the stories better and what God is trying to teach us.

My friend scored 4 free tickets to the Wiggle concert. Bailey loves the Wiggles. She had a great time, but was getting tired toward the end of the concert. Bailey wanted to see them on the floor seats, and kept asking to go down there and why we could not go down and see them. I took lots of pictures. She danced and sang a lot of their songs. It was a Wiggley good time. One of the better kid shows I have seen. Bailey and her friend Clara had a great time. I will post pics later.

July, July, July????? My Heartstrings!

2009-07-07T14:04:00.000-07:00

It is actually July. I don't know where June went at all. June was busy with birthday parties, my nephew being born, and Summer beginning. July 4th is gone. We had a great one! Bailey and her cuz Sophie were in their first parade in Bothell. They rode in the bike trailer while Jon pulled them through the parade. Bailey made out great at the parade with all the hard candy they throw out. Whoever designed hard candy, was not thinking about little ones. I always think hard candy is a choking hazard, oh well. We went to our friends Dan and Miriah's to watch fireworks and to eat some more. I felt all I did on the 4th was eat. I do not want a hotdog or a hamburger for a long time.

I woke up this morning to Hudson wanting some milk at 3am, then wanting to go back to sleep I laid there and tossed and turned. This usually means I need to pray. I even told God I am tired and want to go back to sleep, but he had other plans for me. I was up until 5am and then Hudson woke up again and ended up in my bed. God was pulling at my heartstrings and I felt challenged by our high school youth pastor who gave the message for Dan this last weekend. The challenge was talking to someone about being a christian and asking them if they want to be a christian. Praying for the lost. I thought of someone and God clearly showed me what I needed to do. This sounds good and all, terrified of this!!! Brian our high school youth pastor said tell them your experiences. I can tell about my experiences it made it seem easier anyways. I read in my devotion this morning after reading my bible in Matthew 18:12-14 "If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?" God is talking about people wandering. At the end of my devotion it said, Today there are more than four billion sheep outside the Shepherd's fold. Half of them live so far out of the fold that there are no representatives of the Shepherd nearby. If we want to be in tune with God's priorities, we must pray, give, train, tell, send, go-and never rest-as long as sheep are outside the fold. The devotion totally hit home for me today. Now I am clearly aware why I was not resting at 3am this morning.

5 Month old pictures of Hudson and the Family

2009-06-30T14:11:00.000-07:00

We went down and saw Ruth in Renton on Saturday and she took some amazing shots of Hudson and our family. I can't hardly wait to see the rest of them. I have already made up my mind to make our converted garage into another family room so I can hang more pictures of my family. I am running out of wall space. My family is my life and I love to look at the photos everyday, especially the ones Ruth has taken. Ruth is an amazing photographer. I have to do the other room cheap, cheap!!! I am going to find some bummer paint, paint that people got mixed up but decided they did not like it or did not work. I will then look on Craig's list to find freebies. I will try and do the whole room for $50 or less. I don't know if this is possible but I will sure try since our budget does not allow for it. We need more space for family gatherings so this will be great. We have to find register heaters because there is no heat source in the other room, may be chilly in the winter. If you have any ideas let me know. I will show you before and after shots. I guess I am bored and want a new project. You would think 2 kids keep my busy enough, and they do that is for sure. I will hopefully have this project done by the end of summer. I guess I am giving myself a due date because it may never get done if I do not.

This last weekend we saw my Uncle Tim and Aunt Katie's home in Buckley WA. They have a beautiful house with beautiful landscape. Bailey got to pick strawberries and we had homemade strawberry shortcake. Bailey had a swing set to play on and a hot tub to swim in, needless to say she did not want to go home. Thanks for the great time Tim and Katie we had so much fun. This summer is just rolling by. We are gearing up for the 4th of July. Bailey and her cousin Sophie are appearing in the Bothell Children's parade on the 4th of July. They are riding in a bike trailer that Jon is going to bike them down the parade path. We will be decorating the mini float this week. I will have to take pictures and post them. Happy 4th of July to all and may you have a safe one! The Anderson's

Around the Anderson House

2009-06-17T11:42:00.000-07:00

We have been busy this Summer. I can't hardly believe that it is the middle of June. Seattle has had beautiful weather so far. We have been going to the spray park at Willis Tucker, great park for the kids. Bailey loves the spray park, does not like to get water in her eyes but fun. She likes the sandbox the best. Bailey has also climbed up to the top of the rope tower at the park, her daddy showed her this. I get a little nervous watching her do it, but she loves to climb. We have had a few birthday celebrations, new nephew was born June 2nd, Josiah Jeffrey. He is a cute one I must say. We tried are first drive-in theatre experience. It was fun, but the movie choice wasn't the best. Pixar's the movie Up. Bailey did not care for it. Bailey loved the fact she got to stay up late and eat candy and popcorn while sitting in the back of the van with the back open. Hudson did not go to sleep until 10pm, he was liking the fresh air and the movie too. Hudson is almost 5 months old. He will be having his 5 month old pictures taken soon with Ruth. I will post these once we get them. He has changed so much. He loves to smile and laugh, especially at his sister. He rolls over from back to tummy, he has found his voice at 6am in the morning. I think he may be starting to teeth, we drool on everything and put anything in our mouth.

Bailey and I have made playdoh. It was a little messy but fun. Bailey has her dance recital this weekend. I am glad I get to sit back and watch it happen. Last year I had to participate in the mommy and me class. Bailey loves to dance and enjoys seeing her friends at dance class. We hope all of you are having a great Summer. To all the Dads out there, Have a Happy Father's Day!!!! I love my husband and the father that he has become.

Party at Church

2009-06-07T15:10:00.000-07:00

Did I read that right? We had a party at church this morning. Our church was giving out $100 bills and Jon and our family took the challenge. Life Together was the message this morning. Together we can build this church. Our church started a building fund awhile back and when the economy flipped the bank backed out of the funding. Gold Creek has an active building permit. The challenge that our pastor put out to us was our church needs $4 million dollars to complete the rest of our building project. Our pastor has no idea where this money is coming from but he knows we have a God that can do all things and hopefully this money can multiply. We have dirt that needs to be moved for more church space. Gold Creek Community Church is growing by each Sunday. As a family through the summer we will be doing a carwash, selling lemonade, and many other things to turn the $100 of investing to something way bigger. I will continue to pray for this $100 to multiply and I am excited for the challenge. Psalm 61:8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

If you have any ideas of how to multiply the $100 I would take them.

PLEASE COPY AND PASTE THE FOLLOWING LINKS AS WE'RE STILL WORKING ON FORMATTING THESE.

Posted Video Spot:
http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/money/church_gives_members_100_bucks

Posted Radio Spot:
http://www.kmps.com/topic/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=3789747

Newspaper Article:
http://heraldnet.com/article/20090606/NEWS01/706069896

4 Months Old- Hudson Tait

2009-05-27T14:43:00.000-07:00

My boy is already 4 months old. Can I turn back time? I want the little infant again. Okay there was nothing little to begin with since he weighed in at 9 pounds 14 ounces. He is already rolling over from back to belly. Hudson gets upset though if he is on his belly for too long. Hudson is the most mellow easy going baby I have ever met. I am not biased either. We lay him in his crib for naps and bedtime and pull his elephant tail thing that plays music and off to sleep he goes. I love giving him kisses and telling him to have a good sleep. He wakes up twice during the night to breastfeed and then right back to sleep. I know what you are all thinking, she has it good!!! I really am truly blessed with my children. Hudson has also started to like to chew and suck on anything you give him, toys and he loves his thumb. I can't take the thumb away so I guess if it soothes him back to sleep I am okay with that. I take Hudson in for his 4 month appointment the second week of June due to my sister having her boy June 2nd for a scheduled C-Section. Our boys will be 5 months apart. Josiah Lamer is on his way! I am going to guess Hudson weighs at least 20 pounds, my back says he weighs 20 pounds. He loves to smile and just hang out. He likes it when I sing to him and when his sister talks to him in his carseat. This morning Bailey wanted Hudson to sit next to her in the big chair in the livingroom and Bailey read him the little baby bible, Guess How much I love you, and a Tractor book. Of course Bailey cannot read but started singing "Jesus Loves Me." She almost made me cry. It was the sweetest thing ever. They keep me going and keep me smiling. I love my kiddos so much.

Thought for the day: Time goes on, take each little moment like the little moments mentioned above and be thankful.

Sister's Simplicity Cards

2009-05-18T11:54:00.001-07:00

Just when I think that my life could not get any busier it becomes more of a blessing. As a stay at home mother of two I like to find time to do something I enjoy doing. Scrapbooking and making cards is my hobby. My sister and I have been to a few card making classes and really enjoyed them and thought... what if we were to try and sell our cards. We know we will not be making millions here, but enjoy the hobby and enjoy the time together, this is the blessing part. We were tired of paying high end prices for cards and could not afford expensive cards anymore. A handmade card is much more meaningful than a store bought card, we seem to think so. You can write your own thoughts and message in one of our cards. Check out our website and you can email us if you have any questions. The website is up and running but is in the making: www.sisterssimplicity.webs.com. Our email is sisterssimplicity@hotmail.com We are very excited about this and will be at the Farmer's Market on Wednesdays at Park Ridge Community Church- Maltby Road and 35th Street Bothell, WA starting June 3rd from 4-8pm through September. I will be posting a few photos of our cards. God is good and I am so truly blessed!

Mother's Day Celebration

2009-05-11T13:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we dedicated both Bailey and Hudson at Gold Creek Church. Child dedication or should be more appropriately called parent dedication, we want to bring up Bailey and Hudson according to God's word and his will for our children. It was a beautiful morning. I was greeted in bed by my 3 year old Bailey, with a Mother's day card she made me. She had painted a picture and my husband helped her draw pictures all over it and they wrote their appreciation on the card. Bailey also made me a flower picture in Sunday school with her hand print painted on it. I will be framing this one. We had a brunch after church with our family to celebrate Mother's day and the kids dedication. We took my mom home to Ferndale later in the day and had Sonic, one of my fav's. Cherry Limeades are my favorite and icecream to top it off before heading home. I probably indulged a little too much. My husband took a scenic road home. To top off the day my hubby made me a panini sandwich and we sat as a family and watched the season finale of Amazing Race. I love being a mom to Bailey and Hudson. They are God's gifts to me. Motherhood has changed my life their are no words to explain it. Each morning when I wake up and I see my children's smiles nothing more can bring me greater joy than this. I hope all mom's had a Happy Mother's day.

The Walk

2009-05-04T21:53:00.000-07:00

The walk for March of Dimes was great. The weather was perfect for a walk by the waterfront walking toward Seattle and the Space Needle. What a humbling experience for me. I am so blessed to have two healthy children when they were born with no complications. I did not realize how often there are preemie babies and babies born with so many problems and have to fight to survive. Walking with friends and for friends gave me a jolt. It was so great to see all the walkers who were walking for friends, family, or their own little ones. My heart goes out to all of the families who have endured a loss of a child, or a child who had complications at birth. "My strength is in you Lord." I raised $50 for MOD. I hope next year I can triple that!!! Thanks to all who donated.

Here is the Link for March of

2009-04-28T12:09:00.001-07:00

Click here to help me reach my goal!

March of Dimes Walk

2009-04-28T10:43:00.000-07:00

I am walking this Sunday, May 3rd at Qwest field, 3.5 Miles. I will be walking for my friends Joe and Carlene Vaule who I attend church with at Gold Creek Community Church. Their little girl Hope went to be with the Lord on March 22, 2009. My heart goes out to Carlene and Joe. They are in my prayers and thoughts. Their faith remains strong in the Lord to get them through this. If you want to contribute to the March of Dimes here is the link.

Headbands, Princess stories, and sweetness

2009-04-15T22:25:00.000-07:00

Bailey loves to wear her hair down. I like it when it is not in her face and all crusty and sticky from stuff getting into it. Bailey only lets my mom and my sister cut her bangs and we are growing the rest out. Bailey has only had 2 haircuts since birth. I used to make a fuss about her hair, but then realized I should choose my battles wisely. I love her strawberry blonde locks. Bailey has to wear her hair up for dance class on Thursday mornings and has to wear it nicely for church on Sundays. This seems to be the agreement or I should say the not talked about hair-to-do. I have recently discovered her liking for headbands. This is a fun one because I found her first one at OshGosh on sale for $3 in some odd change, which matched her cute flower shirt she likes to wear from OshGosh. I then found another one to match her Easter dress which she wore to church. The likeness of headbands is growing in our house. I hope we can keep this one up for awhile.

Last night I got home from my women's bible study group and she said she missed me. I was only gone for 2 hours and have not left her home with daddy in awhile and she missed me. I love that! This is what is all means to be a mom. She wanted a bedtime story at 9:30pm, since she waited up for me. I told her it was too late for a book, but that I would tell her a story about a Princess named Bailey. As you can guess, it was a story about her. She loved the story so much she wanted me to tell her another one. A mom's imagination only goes so far. I thought going to Nordstrom's to buy Prada shoes for $350 with pink sparkle rinestones would be out there but I guess she wanted more! A girl can dream.

Bailey is really into telling me she loves me which just makes me sparkle and smile. I will have to remember this when she is 13! Bailey is so sweet when someone is hurt or in pain. She is a very caring little girl. I love her so much.

Brother and Sister

2009-04-08T15:52:00.001-07:00

Happenings at the Anderson Household. Hudson is now 10 and a half weeks old. Where does the time go? I love being a mom to these two wonderful little ones. They make my life so complete. What did I do before having kids? We had the yuckies visit our house and now we are finally all starting to feel better. I do not like it when my kids get sick. I felt so helpless as a parent. One day we stayed in our pj's all day. Bailey loved this idea. It was nice to sit around and do nothing. I would say I did nothing but then that would be lying to you. Easter is this weekend. I love Spring and I love Easter. Bailey and I were working on her Resurrection Eggs she got from her Grandma Pat and Papa Larry when they were out visiting. When it came to the cross one, Bailey said "Jesus died on the cross." It almost brought me to tears. For a three year old to repeat and say what she has learned was amazing to me and to her dad. It is not about the Easter bunny and the eggs. Easter is about Jesus dying on the cross for our sins and rising from the dead three days later. Our Savior is amazing! Easter Blessings to all!!!

A Nudge.....

2009-03-30T15:31:00.001-07:00

This past week was a hard one. Through the rough times I saw God shining through. A dear friend of mine in my women's small group bible study lost her baby girl 3 weeks from her due date. I was and still am deeply saddened by the news. I cannot even fathom what she and her husband has gone through. Prayer keeps them going. I diligently prayed for them throughout the week and continue to pray for them. After having my own little one 9 weeks ago this continues to be on my heart daily. I saw them both on Saturday when I took them dinner. I saw enormous strength in my friend. Strength I don't know that I would have or ever will have like she did.

On Wednesday of last week I had a "Pay It Forward," moment. I was getting my sister and I Starbucks in the afternoon on Wednesday at a Starbucks we do not routinely go to. I was in line and there was a couple behind me. I heard her say, "I can't use my card." I then heard him say to her as he was pulling out a few dollars from his wallet, "Where did my other money go?" I heard a little more from him that he had $2 and she had some change. Well, we all know when we go to Starbucks it cost more than $2 usually. I felt a nudge......God wanted me to help them out. I paid for my Starbucks and took over some of the extra wadded up money and said, " Coffee on me." The gal smiled and said that is so sweet, and accepted the cash and stood in line to get her coffee. The best moment for me though was when I was standing to wait for my order she paid for hers and looked over and mouthed "thank you." I mouthed back "your welcome." As I was leaving with my order, she was waiting for hers and said "have a nice day." I said the same to her. This moment was just what I needed for this week. That night I got in a bind with our van key and a dear friend of mine came to the rescue. Wow, a nudge! Enjoy your week. God is Good!

Princess Party, Need I say More.

2009-03-17T15:33:00.000-07:00

Bailey had her princess party this last weekend and boy oh boy I think it was a hit. We had 6 princesses running around our house. They made princess castles out of recyclable materials, colored Cinderella pictures, ate pizza, present time, and ate princess castle cake. After all said and done, it was a success but I was pooped! I forgot how much work birthday parties are. We all had a lot of fun. Bailey's grandparents from Grand Island Nebraska came and visited for the weekend event and to see their grandson for the first time. Bailey ended up getting 4 Barbie dolls. I thought barbie dolls came later like at age 7, but at 3 years old she has 4. She got a lot of Princess type gifts too. I now will be going through old toys to find what we can get rid of for our garage sale that will happen in May. Enjoy the rest of the day. We are going to the mountains this weekend with friends. It will be a great get-away since we have no funds for extended trips like going on a cruise, or California, or somewhere hot and sunny. My aunt and uncle's cabin is the best for a weekend get-away. It only costs us gas to get up the mountains. Thanks Aunt Yvonne and Uncle Bill for letting us stay up there, looking forward to it.

Bailey Turned 3 Today!

2009-03-10T21:46:00.000-07:00

My little girl turned 3 years old today. Wow, I do not know where the time went at all. Bailey is 3 going on 10 sometimes. What I mean by that is....she says the darnest things and acts sometimes so much bigger than what she is and what she comprehends amazes Jon and I. Her birthday started out with cinnamon rolls with birthday candles on a Princess plate and streamers on the chair and a Princess tin purse that she wanted with $3 inside. She was so excited this morning when she woke up to her birthday breakfast. Bailey is having a princess party with her little girlfriends this weekend. Bailey's grandma and papa are also visiting from Nebraska to see her and her new baby brother.

I kept a surprise from Bailey since Saturday. If any of you know me, I don't keep surprises very well. I have to tell someone about the surprise. Bailey is totally into firefighters, fire trucks, what kind of equipment firefighters use to fight fires, etc. I have a friend who works at the Bothell Fire Department, thank you Lisa who gave Bailey a tour of one of her most favorite things right now, the fire house where the firefighters hang out. Bailey's facination came from watching Fireproof with Daddy and Mommy. She only saw parts of this movie when Kirk Cameron fights the fires and started asking questions and would not stop. The Bothell Fire Department was so kind to Bailey. Bailey got a fire hat, coloring book, and a little Easter Bunny from Firefighter Mr. Kirk Robinson. Bailey told Kirk all about her Princess party she will be having this weekend and some. Firefighter Kirk made Bailey feel right at home at the fire department with letting her sit in a firetruck with him to showing her the lights on the truck and his firefighter gear, totally cool!

It was a lot to take in for a 3 year old, but she will be talking about this one for awhile. Thanks again to Bothell Fire Department. Bailey wants to be a firefighter when she grows up, is what she tells mommy and daddy. We would be more than proud of her if this is what she wants to do. Bailey knows about fire extinguishers, fire alarms in our house, and what to do in case of a fire. She crashed on the way home this evening due to no nap because the birthday day continued with dinner at her great grandma's house, opening presents, and eating cupcakes! I am attempting a Princess castle cake this weekend, stay tuned for pictures.

Photography By Ruth

2009-03-04T15:25:00.001-08:00

We had professional photos done when Hudson turned 3 weeks old. Ruth did an amazing job and with our family. Ruth took 3 hours of her day to spend with our family capturing moments of our family and children. Bailey does not like to have her pictures taken. Bailey warmed right up to Ruth. I love photos, especially photos of my children. Ruth is out of the Renton area in Washington. She also does Senior portraits, maternity photos, and much, much, more. Take a look at her website and our current photos. www.myproofs.org Hudson is the password. Her website is www.photographybyruth.com Thanks again Ruth for doing an amazing job with our family photos.

4 1/2 weeks old

2009-02-26T15:28:00.001-08:00

Wow, does time fly when you have 2 kids! I have not had a chance to blog more due to being mommy to 2 wonderful children. Hudson will be 5 weeks old this Sunday. I try and take in every moment of the baby stage with him. I love to watch him sleep, eat, swing, and look all around when he is not doing any of the above mentioned things. Bailey is a huge help around the house and with Hudson. Bailey says, "I am glad we had a baby." I tell her, "me too." Bailey is very much into the why, how, what, where???? stage in life right now. Bailey loves to ask questions about fire trucks, fire, fire extinguishers, fire alarms etc. We have ventured to the library to try and find books on fire, DVD's etc. We only found one book and one movie, but they have kept her content so far. We were shopping one day in Carter's store for children's clothing and she found an extinguisher and said, "mommy this is like the one on my puzzle." She wants to be a firefighter when she gets older, she is almost 3 so we will see how many times her occupation changes until adulthood.

A princess party is in the making for her 3rd birthday. I will be making a Princess castle cake. I love making her birthday cakes. Last year she was into trains so I made a train cake, it turned out better than what I imagined it could. We will see what happens to the Princess cake. She has her Grandma Pat and Papa Larry coming from Nebraska to see her for her birthday and to visit Hudson too. I am going to keep this post short, because I need to get a few more things done before the kiddos wake up from their naps. I love being a mom, even though some days are challenging. God has blessed me with 2 amazing children.

Breastfeeding 101

2009-02-17T13:44:00.001-08:00

I am a devoted breastfeeding mom. I breastfed Bailey my oldest until she was 17 months. It was harder for me to give up than her. It was the best thing for her though. Bailey rarely gets sick whether that has anything to do with breastfeeding her that long I do not know but I will bet on it. Since my new little one Hudson has arrived. Breastfeeding has been something I have had difficulties with and set backs. Hudson did not take to me for the first 24 hours of his life. I thought something was wrong with me, my boobs, my milk, something drastic. Hudson took in a lot of fluids when he was born and spit that up for the first 24 hours of life. He had to have formula due to his blood sugar being low, which he spit that up too. I told my husband before leaving the hospital I wanted to get him to latch on to me with no problems. A lactation nurse came in and he had no problems latching on.... so what was I doing wrong.

At home for the first 3 weeks Hudson has and continues to have difficulties latching on. God has been my rock through this. I have been in tears sometimes and almost given up, but then God reminds me to keep going and trying, Hudson will eventually get it. In the first week of life at home one day it took Hudson almost 45 minutes to latch on to get his milk intake for the morning. I was in tears and crying out to God to help me and to help him. I tell Hudson, "you can do it." Already cheering on my little guy just so he can eat! I got a call later that day from a neighbor who attends our church. She asked and had heard I had Hudson and wanted to make sure all went well. She also told me over her baby monitor she picked up some of our frequency and heard me when I was trying to feed Hudson. She asked if he was having problems latching on and figured it was Hudson and me that she overheard on her monitor. She said she prayed for me and for him because she had difficulties with all of her children in the breastfeeding department. Wow, stop and think.....This is truly answered prayers and God working in my life to strengthen me more through this difficult time. Praise God!!!!

A week later I woke up with a very tender breast and felt total engorgement. Through church it started hurting way worse than just engorgement. I then cried into my husband's arms after church telling him something was wrong with my breast. I called the lactation nurse at the hospital and left a message. I prayed she would get back to me soon. I was in a lot of pain and in tears. I could not feed Hudson on my right side it hurt so bad, I could pump on that side. The nurse called me back within 30 minutes. After hearing my message she was pretty sure that I had a clogged milk duct. I was relieved to know the pain was not just in my head. For the next 24 hours I put warm compresses on my breast and used olive oil on a cottonball at the end of my nipple to help open the milk duct up. Within 24 hours, I was feeding Hudson on the right side again. Praise God again!!! Hudson does much better with latching on, but I still stop and pray many times when things get difficult and when things are going good with breastfeeding. I am not one to really open up about the whole breastfeeding thing, but it is the experience I like to share where I put my trust in God alone. Breastfeeding is such a beautiful gift God gives woman and I am thankful I can breastfeed.

My LIttle boy has arrived

2009-02-03T11:32:00.000-08:00

I will probably be leaving out some details but wanted to share my birthing experience the second time around.

Saturday January 24th, I started having contractions when we were having lunch in Seattle with my family and extended family. The contractions were 4 minutes apart and I had trouble walking, talking through them. We were headed to see my brother-in-law's new Restaurant Depot Store, but decided to take a detour to the hospital after lunch because the contractions were getting stronger and the nurse that spoke to me on the phone said come on in. My nurse who checked me said I was still 3 cm dialated and 90% efaced. I was in shock I had not changed any. She told us to walk for 30 minutes and come back and she would check. After the 30 minutes, no changes. I was almost in tears, okay I was in tears. She said she would call my doctor let him know and he would make the decision from there. I truly thought I would be going home. When she came in with the news that my doctor would be willing to break my water I was more than thrilled. My doctor broke my water at 5:50pm Sat. January 24th. My nurse had me walk and continue to move about. The nurse had problems getting my IV hadlock in, which was a valve if they had to hook me up to the IV for an epidural. I had in my mind I would be going this route. I did not take an epidural with Bailey and wished I would have, but after she was born the pain was gone.

I was progressing marvelously thanks to a little monkey I was focused on through my contractions and more walking and breathing through them. My nurse was the most helpful when they started getting harder for me. I asked her when I was 5 cm dialated what she thought about epidurals. She gave me her experiences with her children. She had 2 epidurals and the other 2 natural. She told me she did not like that her legs were numb and she had a hard time pushing. The other thing she said was an epidural could prolong my labor and they may have to use a vaccum or forceps to get my baby out while pushing. I took this all into consideration. Through my labor God was with me. I prayed a lot through my labor and concentrated on Bailey and how my body was designed for giving birth. God was my Strong Tower. A band called Kutless sings this song which is one of my favorites. I also had in the background, Jon played my favorite Christian artists throughout my labor. I could eat popsicles, drink water, and even have chicken broth if I wanted. Jon kept saying I was a witness to people in the room. My mom, 2 Aunts, and sister were in the room with me. About 7-8cm dialated my blood pressure shot up and beeping on the machine was going on. My nurse tended to me well and with God's guidance my blood pressure finally went down. The anxiousness was taking over, but I managed to get back on track with breathing differently through my contractions. My nurse talked me through each contraction and with locking in on her eyes I made it through each one the harder they got. With a technique of doing "hehehoo" and really forcing the "hoo" out is what really helped me. 8cm dialated my back started really hurting and I almost wanted to get the epidural and the thoughts of "what am I doing?" kept running through my mind. Again, asking God for strength to get me through this was my hope and strength.

I was finally to 10cm and ready to push. The pushing part I was not looking forward to, because I pushed for 3 hours with Bailey. I started out pushing against a bar that was connected to my bed. This technique only lasted one time, because it made me feel yucky sick. I then had my sister on one leg and my husband on the other and beared down and screamed like no other but his head crowned within one to two sets of pushes. On the next set I remember hearing her no more pushing and she called for my doctor. My doctor came in and with one more set of pushing and screaming my doctor said, next time no screaming on the next push and sure enough I beared down again and did not scream, focused on what I had to do to get my baby out and he was born the next push at 2:57am on Sunday morning January 25th. Tears of joy and relief came over me like you would not believe. I only pushed for 15 minutes which felt like to me an eternity!

Hudson Tait Anderson was born weighing 9 pounds 14 ounces and he was a week and a half early. Thank the Lord my doctor wanted to break my water otherwise he would have been growing bigger and bigger inside of me. What an amazing experience this was. I totally went natural. I took 2 Tylenol due to a headache that would not go away, but I don't think that counts. My husband calls me "Super Woman." I would say I was more of God's "Super Warrior" that through Christ I can do all things and all things are possible. I have a scripture above my mirror in my living room, "For with God nothing shall be impossible." Luke 1:37 this scripture went through my mind as I labored and delivered, plus others. I have other stories to share from at home and my walk with God strengthening me through my son, but I will have to blog another day about those. Enjoy some pics and Blessings to all!

The Birth of a Son

2009-01-25T10:38:00.000-08:00

Heather would like me to announce the birth of our baby boy,

Hudson Tait Anderson.

Hudson was born on January 25th, 2009 at 2:57 am. He weighed in at 9 pounds 14 ounces which is 2 shy of a full 10 pounds. He measured approximately the same as Bailey, our 32 month old, at 21" long along with a 14" head. He currently has strawberry blond hair but we shall see if and when that will change. He has been sleeping pretty much since he came into the world and is now in his mother's loving arms.

I am extremely proud of my wife as she did all of this with only 2 tylenol for a head ache, otherwise she had no pain medicine of any kind. It was truely the power and strength of God that help "push" our way through this adventure. The main thing I remember telling Heather and praying for was for God to give her strength and relief from the pain and that "Through Him all things are possible".

Please take a look at the attached photos and share with us in our time of great rejoicing. For God is good all the time, and all the time God is good. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers and we will be in touch through every means possible.

God Bless us All and Thank you Lord for this Wonderous Miracle.

Almost 39 weeks and counting!!!

2009-01-20T10:34:00.000-08:00

I had my dr's appt yesterday. I was hoping for change this week since I went walking 3 times last week to get this labor going. My nurse said if there was no change to cry and maybe my dr. would give me good news regardless, hehehe! Well, I did not have to cry because I am 3 cm dialated and 70% efaced. My baby boy is still kind of high but he is in position. This was the best news I received all week. I have had so much pressure and contractions off and on all last week. My dr. thinks I will see him again before next appointment. I am really hoping I see him. He had 4 deliveries last week, it is my turn, right? My friend Jina from Phoenix guessed the 22nd of this month, she may be the winner of Starbucks coffee. My baby is plenty big enough to come out, at least 8.5-9 pounds, yikes! Bailey was 8 pounds 10 oz. and a week early. The Anderson family makes big babies, I think my husband is proud of this.

I am totally going for the epidural this time around. With Bailey I thought I would be superwoman and do it without. It was a gruling process, but at the end I had a wonderful gift waiting for me. My beautiful baby girl Bailey. Bailey will be 3 years old in March, I cannot hardly believe this. I look at her when she sleeps and think, "where did the time go?" She will be my little helper. Through this last month Bailey has asked lots of questions anywhere from pertaining to breast feeding to car seat, stroller questions, about going to the hospital, and using my bellybutton as a microphone to talk to her baby brother, too cute! When he has kicked me really hard I let out a moan and groan and she tells him, "you be nice to my mom." She is my little protector. I hope the next time I post I will have had my little guy. Thanks for everyone's prayers and thoughts truly appreciated.

Olive Garden experience and hopefully my last post before having baby.

2009-01-17T20:41:00.000-08:00

We went to the Olive Garden last night since we had a gift card to use and I did not want to cook being as pregnant as I am. I walked in while Jon parked the car, he dropped me off at the door, which was so sweet. I have walked 3 times this week and no baby still. Here I am blogging again. So.....Olive Garden, walked in and put our name in it was going to be a 30-45 minute wait for dinner. It was packed at the restaurant. I walk over to where the benches are with the cushy seats to find a seat, but the seats were plum full of others waiting for their table to come available. Here at 38-39 weeks pregnant I stand against the wall by all of these people and they stare me down, I wonder what they were thinking. Probably something like...."Wow, she looks like she may pop." Something to that nature I am sure was going through their minds. You would think that one of them out of 8-10 people would be so kind to give up their seat for me, since they all saw me in the condition I was in. Ohhhh no way!!! They sat and sat. When finally someone's table was available I got to sit. This drove me crazy. I could not believe not one person asked if I would like to sit down or take their place.

I have been so tired lately that my patience for all things has completely consumed me. I try and be as patient as I can, but really just want to hold my precious little baby boy and welcome him into the world.

38 Week appointment

2009-01-12T18:03:00.000-08:00

So here I sat and waited for my routine check-up and wanted so bad to be dialated more than what news I received. I am still 1cm dialated, but I am 50% efaced. I got sick this morning because there is no room in there. It does not matter what I eat or drink at this point in my pregnancy journey, everything gives me heartburn. I have tons of pressure down there and some braxton hicks contractions, but I guess that is it. I think I may start walking soon to speed things along. I did this with Bailey and I went into labor that evening, but I had been having contractions with her off and on all day then my water broke that night. Hopefully my water will break this time around too so then I know I am in labor and it is time to go to the hospital. My husband has been sweeter than sweet. Brought me home flowers on Saturday morning and a huge Jamba Juice smoothie. I crave cold stuff all the time. Smoothies and Cherry Icee's are my favorite. I am so blessed to have such an awesome husband. He has been a real trooper through my moaning and groaning and whiny behavior lately. At 6am one morning I was not feeling good I wanted one of my icee fixes and he went out and found me a grape one, it wasn't cherry but it was good!!! Thank you husband of mine you are the best!!!!! Hopefully the next time I post I will have had a my baby.

37 weeks.......

2009-01-06T11:26:00.000-08:00

I had my 37 week appointment yesterday. I was not supposed to go to the dr's until Wednesday of this week January 7th, but I was not feeling well this past weekend. My iron levels were checked again, and finally they have gone up to where they need to be. I got the results this morning. When my dr measured me he said, "big baby." I asked what this meant, he said "at least as big as your last baby." Bailey was 8 pounds 10 oz. a week early. Any guesses on the weight and when he is due. I did post awhile back I would send a $5 coffee on me card to Starbucks whoever wanted to give their guesses on his due date you can add the weight if you want to too, if your nice about it. When my dr. checked me yesterday I am 1 cm dialated already, dr. said he would be here early. What does this mean? I wait!!!!! It feels like I have a small melon stuck between my legs and I am just waiting for him to come. I see my dr now on a weekly basis, so we will see what will happen come next Monday.

Baby Boy Anderson's room

2009-01-02T14:20:00.000-08:00

His room is pretty much complete. I am very excited how it turned out and how I did not spend a lot of money. We used Bailey's crib and changing table, and rocking chair for him. My aunt bought me his Pottery Barn transportation set for his bed and from there is where I got ideas for his room. I got some stuff at consignment stores, the white shelves used to be Bailey's. The curtains I got at Pottery Barn and got a killer deal on them. $8-$12 each panel, sweet!!!! My sister and aunt threw our family a shower so we are set in the clothes department, blankets, and odds and ends. My sis-in-law from Nebraska who is my best friend sent me all of my nephews clothes when he was a baby, so I scored big!!! Thank you so much for the nice shower-Amanda and Yvonne and thank you Brandi for the hammie downs!

I am definitely in the nesting stage of pregnancy. I am so ready to be done. I have had this awful numbness/cramping in my hands for weeks now, especially when I sleep and it will not go away. Sleeping has not been the best for me. Last night I was up until midnight with dragon heartburn forever! To all you mom's or soon to be mom's you know what I am talking about. It does not matter what you eat it all burns later. We get a tour of the hospital tomorrow in Bellevue. I was 36 weeks on Wednesday and see my dr. next Wednesday so we will see. I have our bags almost packed for the hospital, bought a car seat, Jon has already installed the seat so now it is Wait Time!!!! Bailey got a book about being a Big Sister from my Aunt Lorenna and just loves it, it is a must read every night before going to bed or nap. She is definitely getting excited about being a big sister. My husband and I are going on our last date night tonight before baby, because we know it will not happen for a long time after he is born. Date nights are so important to Jon and I and they definitely spark your marriage even when I am 36 weeks pregnant I look forward to eating dinner and going to a movie with my hubby with no interruptions. Our date is free because my mom and sis are watching Bailey for us and Jon got a gift certificate from work for dinner and a movie. No money gone there! Enjoy the pics of Anderson boy's room.

Snow, Snow, Snow!!!

2008-12-26T14:21:00.001-08:00

It has been snowing forever here in the Northwest. We did make it to all of our Christmas gatherings despite the snow. Here it is a day after Christmas and we are getting dumped on again. Our trash man has not come in 2 weeks we may have to go on a dump run. After Christmas you have twice the amount of trash you normally have. I said I would post new photos so I had to write more about snow. I will never forget this Christmas because of the snow, and that I am 8 months pregnant, and now awaiting when my little guy will arrive. We wanted to go shopping today, baby shopping for a car seat and stroller and many other things. Since it is down pouring of snow this will have to be postponed. We truly had a blessed Christmas and enjoyed time with our family. We ate way too much. I still have cookies, cookies, and more cookies left over. Wishing those who have traveled in this safe travels back home or to their destination if they still have not made it to their final destination. I am so thankful we did not have to fly anywhere this year in all of the snow and crazy weather. Enjoy the photos of snow. I guess I cannot complain about the snow because this means I can be doing lots in the house that I have been needing to get done. Happy Snow!!!!

The Winter Blizzard

2008-12-20T12:43:00.000-08:00

Now being a Seattlite, and the weather forcasts a winter storm warning is this something I should be concerned about? I grew up in the Midwest and so did my husband for the most part of our lives. When it says it will snow and freeze no big deal in the Midwest. When it says a "Winter Storm Warning," here in Seattle it means go to the grocery store get last minute food items, generator ready to go, matches and candles, flashlights ready to go with lots of batteries, firewood if you have a fireplace etc. Power outages are common in the Northwest during the winter months. I am hoping this does not happen though. The anticipation of a storm is getting to me. Between 4pm-7pm we are supposed to get hit. We had planned to go to the Nutcracker performance tonight, but we will see if they cancel or not. The temperatures here have been cold, not has cold as the midwest like we were used to, thank goodness!!! So cold, our line to our washing machine has froze and we have had water everywhere. We are also in need of a hot water heater too. When Murphy comes to visit he comes to visit, for all the Dave Ramsey fans out there. Well, I will post some pics of our snow now and then we will see later what happens.....

32 weeks and counting.....

2008-12-11T15:51:00.001-08:00

My dr's appt went well. I have gained another 7 pounds, I am really feeling this! I am at my weight I was when I had Bailey. What does this mean? I am either eating more, and gaining more weight, or he is a bigger baby, who knows. I have some adema going on, swelling in hands and feet. I am supposed to rest during the day and drink more fluids. I like the resting part, which is not like me to rest for long periods of time. Thinking about Christmas stuff I need to do, getting his room ready, taking care of Bailey, and all the other domestic engineer stuff I need to do, rest? The drinking more fluid thing, not a good thing because then I have to go to the bathroom constantly. My baby boy is already head down, which has created some more back pain and not sleeping. I have to say though although this has happened I have had a pretty smooth pregnancy thus far. Due date either the end of January or first of February. Any bets yet? Post them up! My friends in Phoenix did this and offered a $20 gift card to the one who bets the closest to the actual birth of my son. I don't know if I have $20 extra bucks to give away, but I could do a Starbucks card for $5. Coffee on me!!! That is the best I can do for now.

I went to Target today to look for curtain rods for his room and found the cutest truck tie back hooks, (in his colors) which I am going to have to get. His room is coming together. I will post pictures at a later time. We are saving on using Bailey's crib and changing table and I have got hammie downs from my sis-in-law, thank you so much! My sister and Aunt threw me a shower so I am doing pretty good in the clothes department for my little guy. They also had at Target little canvas boxes for odds and ends that would match on sale, could not buy because budget says I can't, so I will have to wait for extra money!!! Baby boy clothing is growing on me, cute stuff, still not as cute as girl things, but not bad.

2008-12-04T06:31:00.000-08:00

The true meaning of Christmas! Celebrate this holiday season with family, friends, and making memories. Enjoy the season.

December 1st, 24 days left before Christmas!

2008-12-01T10:36:00.000-08:00

I can't hardly believe Christmas is soon approaching. We just got back from a weekend at the mountains and there was a little snow at Steven's Pass on the way but that was it. I love snow and I love the winter time. We have already decorated our tree and Jon is putting out the lights today. Bailey said while decorating the tree, "I love you tree!" This is what the holiday season is all about. I actually got choked up about it. She really reminds me to enjoy the simple things in life and take in each moment. We have also made a gingerbread house together. She loves the candy so I had to put it up where she could not get to it, due to candy missing!!! Bailey will be making some presents this year for the grandparents. I want to give in other ways this year and teach her what Christmas is all about. Christmas is not about the presents, the snow, Santa Claus. It is about our Savior being born on Christmas day and how special this day is. We read the Christmas story every Christmas since Bailey has been born. It is called, "Room for a Little One." The book is sitting up by our nativity scene. Bailey has her own nativity scene in her room this year, because she was wanting to play with the breakable one her grandma and papa gave to us our first Christmas in Phoenix. At church, Bailey will be debuting at her first performance of Jingle Bells and Away in the Manger on December 14th. She has Jingle Bells down, but is still working on Away in the Manger. I am so excited for her. We will be taking lots of pics and video.

Enjoy your holiday season and find time to enjoy the simple things of life and not get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the season. Holiday cheer to everyone!!!

Live Like No one Else so you can later Live like no one else!

2008-11-18T23:37:00.000-08:00

For those who don't know this quote it is from Dave Ramsey-Financial Peace guy. Dave has been in our family for awhile now, but really took off this month. We went to his conference in Portland Oregon the first weekend of November. I would have to say his conference pumped Jon and I up to really tackle our debt and stick to our budget. The sticking to our budget has been a struggle for us, this month it is surprisingly going well. I don't like budgets, they give me headaches I don't like numbers but hopefully at the end of the month things will look good in the Anderson budget. I have become more coupon savvy and I have pictures of gazelles by my computer. Weird, yes!!!! Inspiring, I guess!!! Dave talks about the gazelles you have to go through his financial peace class to get the "just" of it. I'm thankful my husband pushed this class and the conference. We gave up cable tv 2 weeks ago, b/c our cable bill was going to go up. We get some channels with rabbit ears, not bad. I am not much of a tv watcher anyways so does not bother me, the constant snow sometimes does, but hey to save a few bucks will count later in life. I want to scream I am debt free when that time happens for us. We have sometime to go before becoming debt free, but we will get there.

28 Weeks and Counting.....

2008-11-12T14:21:00.000-08:00

I have my 28 week dr's appt today. I get to drink this lovely orange drink that tests for gestational diabetes and other things. I can't drink fruit juice or eat sweets for 3 hours prior to my appointment, ugh! I can do without the fruit juices, but I love sweets!!! I love them more when I am pregnant. I am going to ask my doctor what else I can do about my syotic nerve problem I have had since month 2 of this pregnancy. My baby boy lies on my pelvic region and puts pressure on this nerve. It is getting harder to sleep at night or he wakes me up at 2:30am until 4:00am with kicking me and this nerve thing continuing to hurt. I love feeling him move though, it is the best feeling ever. Having a little one inside of you moving around is awkward, but wonderful! Bailey loves going to the dr's with Jon and I because she gets to see the fish tank in the lobby and gets stickers from the nurse. She does get excited when she hears her brothers heartbeat, but is more occupied with the fish and the stickers.

My dr's appt went well. Heartbeat great, on schedule with everything, return in 4 weeks and then every two weeks and then every week. This pregnancy is flying by. I have had the worst heartburn but that is expected. It does not matter what I eat. I hope to get massages to help with my syotic nerve pain soon. Dr wrote a note so I just need it covered through my husbands flex plan. I love massage, it is the best thing ever especially when you are pregnant.

Is it almost Thanksgiving?

2008-11-12T14:10:00.000-08:00

I love Thanksgiving and this year my 83 year old grandmother turns 84 on Thanksgiving. I am thankful for her and all she has taught me. She always wants the best for her family. The holidays mean so much to our family. Most families do not want to spend time with each other on holidays, but for my family we like spending time together. I am thankful for so many things I could write a book on what I am thankful for. There are days that I am not thankful enough, or so I think.

Here is a small list of what I am thankful for....my life, husband, daughter, baby boy on the way, good pregnancy, health, mom, dad, sister, brother and extended family, my faith in God, answered prayers, love, strength to get through things that are tough, house, vehicles, rain, snow, holidays, air we breath, fruit, sweets, chocolate, friends, books, great church, okay the list could go on forever. I challenge each of you to make a list of what you are thankful for. At Thanksgiving, tell others when you are stuffing your bellies of turkey and pumpkin pie what you are thankful for.