Time to GET OUT!!

We have been stuck in the house for the past four days!! AHHHH! I thought I just might go crazy!! Rett got sick on Tuesday morning (yes -- the yucky throw ups and runs) and then Sid caught the save virus on Wednesday night. Cole and I have made a pact that we are going to be strong and avoid this monster!! I have done at least 20 loads of laundry, mopped the floor twice, washed all the rugs twice and even organized a couple of closets this week. All in the name of sanitation!

Today -- both Sid and Rett were feeling better, so when Serene invited us to the zoo with her and Brigham -- we couldn't pass up the opportunity to GET OUT! Dale and Kyle have gone to Seattle to work on the sealing rooms there -- so it is just me, Serene and the kids for the next 4 weeks or so! It was a great day to be outside (other than the start of allergy season and the CROWDS of people at the zoo). Our favorite part of today was the elephants -- they were eating when we saw them -- it was fun to watch them in action!


When we got home - -Sid and Rett took a little walk to look for the signs of nature! I hope next week we will back to our normal work and school routine :)

She Keeps on Growing . . .

Slippin' though my fingers all the time . . .

Sid is officially entering the world of womanhood. We are getting into the Spring weather (YEA!) and I told Sidney last year, that this year I would let her shave her legs. Poor soul -- she got stuck with my hairy legs -- long, dark hair. She was so embarrassed last year playing soccer, swimming, just wearing shorts! So -- Sid decided she wants to wear shorts to school tomorrow -- you know what that meant -- the hairy legs had to go!! How could I say no -- a promise is a promise . . .

Sidney may not have any boobs, but she now has clean shaven legs without one nick of the razor!

Yep -- we're still here!!

Happy Valentines Day everybody!! I think Rett likes these socks from Grandpa and Grandma Anderson more than Sid!


We spent our Valentines evening at Cabella's this year -- blue suckers and all! No - Cole isn't mad at me, he is just a 7 year old who can't smile when you ask -- only pull as silly of a face as possible!



Finally -- if you haven't seen Brigham for a while -- I had him with me a couple of weeks ago -- he just keeps on growing!

It seems like time is just flying by -- I can't even believe it has been a month since I have updated you all! Sidney started practicing for spring season of soccer this past week. She has been practicing outdoors three days a week and then plays indoor "futsal" once or twice a week. WHEW! I forgot how busy life gets running her around! It is all worth it and she loves it!

Cole is becoming quite the mathematician. He has been learning how to add and subtract large numbers. I am amazed at how well he can add and subtract in his head! Maybe he will be our accountant someday!

Rett, Rett . . . .need I say more. He is different than Sid and Cole in so many ways! He wears m out -- or I am getting seriously too old for his energy! He is such a momma's boy and makes sure he knows where I am at all times. The other day while driving to Grandma and Ernie's house, he was sitting next to Sidney in the backseat. He started to sniff and said "I smell Sidney. You stink Sid!"

Dale is getting ready to go to Seattle for six weeks. He has been home for so long -- I think we are both feeling a little apprehensive about this job. We won't complain though - we'll take work as long as it keeps coming!

For any of you readers out there -- if you haven't read any of Jodi Picoult's books -- go get one and start reading. In order for me to love a book it has to be intense and keep my interest the entire time. That is exactly the kind of author she is. I am reading her book "Perfect Match" and I can't put it down. I finally let Sid have her Gameboy DS back and traded it for this book!

A Day to Remember . .

This past weekend has given me much time to think about family and how important we are to eachother. Dale and I attended the temple on Friday night. We have not been for such a long time. Of course all throughout the day I tried to talk myself out of going -- it is too long, I don't want to have to get a babysitter, blah, blah, blah. Dale and I pushed ourselves and made it there. What a good feeling it was to be there and to be reminded that I need to be there more often. I then had the opportunity on Saturday night to attend the adult session of stake conference. Elder Robert D. Hales attended our conference and spoke Saturday evening. He too reminded us all to be more vigilant in attending temple and sharing the blessings with our families.

On Sunday, Dale and I decided we just didn't want to fight the crowds and attend the Sunday session of Stake Conference. So, we just kicked back at home and enjoyed the time to be lazy for a minute. Rett woke up really early that day and wanted me to lay with him to watch TV. He fell asleep in my lap at 11:00 and I then took him upstairs for his early nap. At noon, Rett came down the stairs and was happy to be awake. Sid went and picked him up and at the moment he arched his back and went into a seizure. As our family experienced this moment together, I kept thinking "this can't be the time for him to go - I have not had enough time with him." I know at that moment, although prayers were not said out loud, all four of us were praying for Rett to be okay. Rett is okay today and the pediatrician believes he spiked a fever while sleeping, his temp went too high - too fast, causing a seizure. I am so thankful for family and friends who are all supporting and praying for us. I can't help but think of Amy and the trial she goes through daily with little Dawson. My moment yesterday seems small compared to her daily routines. It is moments like these that I realize life is short, our time here is brief and I can't let "life" get in the way of my family.

So far, so good today . . . let's hope we don't have to experience anything like that again!

Dale's Hard Work

For those of you who are unable to attend the open house of the Draper temple -- this is a sneak peak courtesy of KSL website. All of you who live in Utah -- you won't want to miss this. This is the work that Dale has been doing for the last couple of months. By the way -- the pictures only capture a glimpse of how beautiful the work is. Our family attended the open house a couple of weekends ago. It was so fun, especially to be able to show the kids what their Dad is doing in all of those temples! Opportunities for Dale's work to be seen don't come along very often --- I am so thankful to have a new temple here in Utah. Through all of my complaining, when I see the final project of what Dale has been working on, suddenly all the time he is away is worth it! I am so proud of him and I know he puts his heart into all he does. I am so glad that he is able to use his talents in decorating these temples. It is really beautiful!

Merry, Merry!!

As tradition has it, we spent our Christmas Eve with Dale's family, Gretchen and Steve. Steve is always such a great entertainer for the kids -- but, I'm not sure who the kid is!! What a great time they all had being pulled behind the four wheeler in the sled! Only at Gretchen's can you four wheel in your backyard!

The kids were so excited to open their traditional "Christmas jamies!"

As usual, Sid - Cole - and Rett - were spoiled rotten by Santa and everyone else!

Rett only cared about playing with his Tonka Trucks -- forget opening presents!

Briggs loves his cousin Rett!! They can't get enough of each other!

Merry Christmas to you all!!