Here we go again!!!

Okay, so I go from EXTREME drought to millions of posts. But I have decided to go private. So, if there might still be someone that reads this, leave me your email address and I will be happy to add you to my bloglist. I plan on going private at the end of this week.

What am I EVER going to do?

I really dread this next week. Britlee is going away to a softball camp. EEK!! I love the fact that she is such a good softball player, but seriously, I am going to miss her! The photos are ones that Lee took of her playing ball. I love them!! I really hope she has fun at camp and I really hope I survive a week without her.

Appreciation

I know that I won't make this post without crying, so it's a good thing that you don't have to sit and try to make out what I am saying between sniffles and sobs. Today I have such a deep appreciation for the abundance of blessing that I have been given. For six BEAUTIFUL children, who have been entrusted to me by a loving Heavenly Father. For a husband who not only knows the core of me, but loves me nonetheless. For parents and siblings and in-laws who are wonderful examples. For countless supportive, thoughtful friends. Seriously, THANK YOU!
So, now, why the thankful heart? Well, on Sunday, Brennae started with some breathing problems. Not a big deal, we switched her meds to the red zone meds and figured everything would be okay. By Wednesday night, she still was having quite a hard time, so I thought, "Tomorrow I will call Dr. Lauret." We were in Dr. Lauret's office Thursday morning early, and were admitted into the pediatric unit at the hospital at 9:30 a.m. After many tests returned negative, I felt pretty good about her and thought we would only be there maybe 24 hours. Well, Friday was a totally different story. Nae's SATS kept dropping and she was really tugging to get a breath. This after numerous IV steroids and breathing treatments. She was put on oxygen, to keep her SATS up. I spent most of Friday night just holding and rocking a very sick baby. I rocked and cried and rocked and cried. I have never been so scared in my life! A lot of memories of Danielle came back to me, which actually were a lot of comfort. I think even maybe she was there helping me through it. Chad and Jed came and gave her a blessing. So, after a little hairy night, Brennae woke up Saturday a new girl. She was ready to be out of the hospital. She was energetic and playful. She did NOT want to lay in that bed ANY longer. The Dr. took her off the oxygen and took her IV out, and then wanted to watch her for six hours. She did wonderful during those six hours!!! So, around 3:30 yesterday, we were able to come home.
I can't even begin to name all the wonderful people who called and sent messages asking if there was anything they could do. We felt so blessed to have our family close, so that they could pick up our loose ends. I am so grateful to Jed and Chad for the blessing they gave to Nae. I am grateful that they are worthy to do things like that at the drop of a hat. I am grateful to nieces and nephews who called to check on her. Never have I felt the strength of this support system more than during this trial. Thanks guys! We sure do love you!!

A New Journey

I really can't believe he is twelve. It seriously seems like yesterday that I was wiping cheeto's off his face. (oh, maybe it was yesterday :)) But, Bryson has hit quite a milestone in his life. He received the Priesthood today. And did he look good in his new suit!! Wow! What a sacred responsibility! Bryson hasn't taken this lightly, either. He has looked forward to it for a long time now. Bry is quite a neat young man. He never ceases to amaze me. Last week, after Sunday dinner, everyone got up and left to go downstairs to play Fusion Frenzy. John offered to help clean up dinner, but I told him to go ahead and play with the kids. A few short minutes later, Bryson came up the stairs to help. I told him I was fine, but he stayed until the last dish was cleared. He is so kind and tender toward his mom. I am seriously so lucky that he is mine!

Bryson was ordained today by his dad. Both of his Grandpas were there along with two uncles and numerous cousins. As I looked around that circle of wonderful men, it made me realize that it does take a village to raise a child. I am ever so grateful that my village is made up of these fine examples. Both of Bryson's grandpas are such caring and loving men. His two Uncle Chads are hard working and honest and great examples of family men. Bry has always looked up to "Big Jed". Bry has wanted to be just like him.....and that would be fine with me! Gatlin is such a neat example of unselfish love. Ryan is just beginning to share his talents and attributes with our family, but we sure do think he's great! Richy always makes Bryson feel like a million bucks. He always takes an interest in what Bryson is doing and chats with him about it. Thanks so much guys for being a great example to those 12 year old eyes that are watching you! Bryson, I am SO proud of you. You have more talents and admirable qualities than most people aquire in a lifetime. Keep up the great work! Always know how much your mom and dad love you!!! You are a great example to your younger brothers and sisters. Thank you for all that you bring to our family!

Happy Birthday Bryson

Bryson probably has the most interesting birth story of all my kids! I went in early in the morning of June 11, 1997 to have my first prostiglandin treatment. We left and went to Hickory Kist to eat. While standing in line, I kept complaining to my mom that my back hurt. We went home to lay down, and I couldn't even lay, I was in such pain. We went back to the hospital, where they gave me my second treatment and decided to keep me and induce me. Well, it also happened to be the night of a BIG basketball game. The finals between the Utah Jazz and the Chicago Bulls. John and I hadn't decided on a name for this baby. But John REALLY wanted to name her, yes HER, Shandon, in honor of the Jazz player. Needless to say, EVERY time the door opened to my hospital room, where I was laying in PAIN, the first question anyone asked was "What's the score?" Finally, I told John he could name this little girl ANYTHING he wanted to, if he would just turn that *(&*! T.V. off! So, as thing progressed, I got ready to deliver. Bryson was born with a BEAUTIFUL head full of dark hair. After having a bald Britlee, this was HUGE! So, as we are all looking at this head of hair, my mom says: "Umm...she isn't a she." My heart sank as my eyes fell on his male parts. EEK!!!! I immediately started bawling! Bryson was not supposed to be a boy. I had spent week prior, washing and ironing and folding PINK clothing. I was ready for a baby girl to come home. We had NUMEROUS ultrasounds with Bryson, because my fluid was low. Each time we would have an ultrasound, I would say "Is it still a she?" To which I always got the "yep, she is". So, as I laid on the table and sobbed, an ecstatic dad took his new baby, followed by an entourage of people down to the nursery. Bryson was my biggest baby, weighing in at 8 lbs. and 8 ozs. I still was crying as they wheeled me to my room. But when John brought that monster of a boy to me, and put him in my arms, my heart melted. Funny thing, Bryson can still melt my heart. He just has that power over his mom! So, in honor of Bryson's twelfth birthday, here are 12 things I love about him:

• His kind heart and mannerisms. I don't usually have to worry about sending Bryson to other people's houses. He is usually very well behaved and remembers to say "Please and Thank You". He always watches out for other peoples feelings.
• His natural abilities. Things have always come easy to Bryson. He can pick up any sport. He can do anything he sets his mind to.
• His ease in making and keeping friends. Bryson is a very loyal friend. I don't hear him talk poorly about ANY of his friends. He is very easy to be around and doesn't require much maintenance as a friend. And once you are Bryson's friend, you will ALWAYS be Bryson's friend.
• His mind. It works very similarly to mine. So it is easy to help him with homework!!
• The way he looks out for his mom. He is always the first to help me. He includes me in his activities. During math class, he made sure that the other boys showed his mom respect!
• His looks. Okay, I know I am biased, but he sure is handsome!! Bryson looks a lot like my dad. And I am sure that you all know that I am a Daddy's girl, so this is a wonderful trait in my opinion!
• His desire to improve. If you mention to Bryson that he needs to work on something, whether it is his swing, or his patience, he is always willing to try to do things better.
• He is SO fun to watch play sports. I love to go and sit at the ballpark or the gym and watch the talents that Bryson is developing. He is a great basketball player and is constantly improving on his baseball.
• He loves babies. He is so gentle and tender whenever he is allowed to hold the new nieces and nephews. He snuggles with them and kisses them. He will be a great dad!
• His willingness to try new things. A few weeks ago, I ran in the house early, and had him come tryout for swim team. He was a little unsure at first, but went and did it and WOW, is he a good swimmer!
• His desire to do good. Bryson is a pleaser and wants to do everything right. He is a leader, though, and so I know he will lead out in doing good things. This makes a mom proud!
• His compassion. Bryson has always looked out for the underdog. He is always kind and respectful to his Grandmas and Aunts. He is always leveling the playing field for everyone. Sometimes this might mean playing "down" a level, but he makes sure that things are fair for everyone!

Hope you had a Happy Birthday, Bud! Sorry that we had to adjust some of the plans, but thanks so much for rolling with the punches! You are the best!

Brielle's Last Day of School

Brielle had a WONDERFUL teacher this year. Her name was Miss Windley. She did so much for Brielle's confidence. Brielle is a natural at school. Reading comes easy to her. Miss Windley has been wonderful at encouraging Brielle to branch out and read EVERYTHING. They had many discussions about different books. Brielle always looked forward to going to school and learning from Miss Windley. It is always nice when you get a teacher who loves your kid. Brielle also got a Eagle Learing Award. Miss Windley wrote: For always doing your best and then asking for help. Miss Windley isn't married yet, so I made her a cute school tote, with the promise of when she did get married I would make her a last name thingy too! Congrats on a great year Brielle! You are a star!!

Briggs' Last Day of School

Briggs had an awesome teacher this year too. He learned so much from Mr. Mendenhall. Briggs has always been my child who comes home from school eager to share what he had learned. This year he was SO impressed with science. Briggs struggled a little in math this year. But we found him some help with Ron, and now he is sailing through! Briggs also received and Eagle Learning Award. His said: January 23, 2009 Briggs Anderson is very dedicated to his work. He is a good friend to everyone. He is a good influence. He loves to learn and try new things. Briggs keeps trying no matter how hard things are! Way to go Briggs. Keep it up and you'll go far!! I made a similar name thingy for Briggs' teacher.

Bryson's Last Day of School

Bryson graduated this year from sixth grade. I think it was a little bittersweet for him. He has LOVED going to Rees! He had an awesome teacher and an awesome math teacher. :) I am kidding about the math teacher. I had the opportunity to teach math to Bryson and two other kids who were a little more advanced.....so hence the comment. His teacher, Mr. Roberts, is one of the best things that has happened to Bryson. He has been so complimentary of Bryson, and is always telling me what a great, respectful, kind boy that Bryson is. Bryson won two Eagle Learning Awards this year. Mr. Roberts wrote: March 27, 2009 Bryson Anderson was chosen by his teacher and peers. You are such a HUGE help in our village. Thank you for being a great example to the other students. The other one said: May 2009 Bryson Anderson has been a great leader all year long. He is always willing to help ANYONE out and he doesn't think if it will make him more or less popular, he just does it. The other students really look up to him. Great Job Bryson, keep up the good work! For his teacher's gift, I made a photo name thingy. (I don't know what you would call it....but I think it turned out cool.)

Britlee's Last Day of School

This year Britlee did fairly well considering how hard her classes were. She took an advanced English and Math class. She kept her grades to A's and B's. I am EXTREMELY proud of her for this. She has had to work hard to keep her grades up. When Britlee graduated Elementary School, she was having some problems with reading and comprehension. Math was her hardest subject. So, she has come SO far in such a little amount of time. She never ceases to amaze me! The second to the last day of school was fitness day. Britlee, Mariah and Brooke wanted to dress up like 80's fitness chicks.....so this is what she looked like:

Ahhhh.....there is NEVER a dull moment with Britlee around! She keeps us laughing. Great Job Britlee. You are turning into quite the impressive young woman. Love you!

Easter Sunday at the Anderson's

I sewed the outfits for all the girls. The boys clothes were bought at the Children's Place, well, except for John's!

A little shameless bragging.....

Okay, so it is teacher appreciation week, right? And I gave Bryson's teacher a bread basket, and I gave Brielle's teacher a ice cream goodie basket.....but I TOTALLY forgot to give Briggs' teacher anything. Well, Mr. M's wife just had a baby, and so, I thought it would be kind of fun to give him a gift for his baby. So, I took Briggs over to Gracie Lou's quilt shoppe yesterday. I helped him pick out some material for one of those self-binding quilts. When we got home, I had this great idea. So, I went to Shop-Ko and bought a pack of onesies. Then I appliqued a darling flower on the front and whipped up some darling ruffled bum shorts. I then still had a little fabric left over, so I made a burp-cloth. I have to say, it turned out darling!! I was SO excited! I then packaged it all together with a Blockbuster gift card and sent it to school. Hopefully Mr. M likes it! John and my mom think I should sell them. What do you think?

Conference Breakfast

Every year, the Sunday of General Conference, John and I host my whole family for breakfast. I love this tradition!! We have yummy food, which everyone helps bring, and great company. We start at 8:30 a.m., so we can finish by the time conference starts. This year we had sausage, strawberry crepes, breakfast casserole, bran muffins, biscuits and gravy, monkey bread, fruit and juices. I love my family so much and I am so grateful for this time of year when we can all get together and celebrate the council of the prophets!

Teacher Appreciation Week

Each year, for teacher appreciation week, our PTA decorates the classroom doors. This year I decorated three. I did Mr. Roberts, Miss Windley and Mrs. George, the music teacher. I don't know if you can read the doors very well, but Mr. Roberts' says: For being there when you are 'kneaded', for 'rising' to the occasion, and for never 'loafing' on the job, no matter how you 'slice' it, You're the best. Then each kid's name is written on a piece of bread. For a thank you gift, I gave him a "favorites basket" from Great Harvest Bread Co. Miss Windley's says: Here's the scoop...being in Miss Windley's class is a real treat! Then I wrote all the kids names on the ice cream cones. For her thank you gift, I gave her a basket filled with a bowl, an ice cream scoop, all kinds of toppings, and a gift card to Cold Stone. Lastly, Mrs. George's says: Mrs. George, Thanks for being a noteworthy teacher. You are music to our ears! Then I glued a bunch of music notes on it. Lots of work, but hopefully the teachers will know how very much they are appreciated!

Happy Birthday Briggs

Well, Briggs' birth story is kind of a funny one. After having a boy and a girl, we decided that we weren't going to find out what we were having, so he was a complete surprise. Brigg was due on April 4, 1999. I started to have stabbing back pain on March 22, and went over to the hospital to be checked. My nurse was a girl that I had gone to school with. She checked me, and surprise, I wasn't dilated or effaced. So she put the monitors on me. While I was being monitored, the baby's heart rate kept decelerating. This was a little concern for Dr. Hatt. He decided to monitor me over night. The next morning, at around 4:00, he started me on pitocin, because the heart decels were continuing. March 23, 1999 was Kindergarten registration for Nebo School District, so that meant that both of my sisters were helping out, over there. John and I
were at the hospital with only our moms. After having a room full of people with Britlee and Bryson, it was kind of nice to have a small group. The only bad thing was, my epidural worked a little too good, and I was completely numb. So, as we sat there waiting, I kept hearing someone pass gas. A while later, John's mom left the room and I asked my mom who kept doing that. Her answer was "That's you honey." I was SO embarrassed!!! Briggs was born without any complications. He was a very easy labor. We weren't sure what made him have the heart decels. But, even being born early, he weighed in at 8 lbs 3 ozs. He was by far my easiest baby. He still is a pretty easy child. My favorite memory of Briggs is that he weighed 31 lbs at his 1 year check-up. He was a chubby baby with cheeks and thighs that you just loved to squeeze! So, in honor of his 10th birthday, here are 10 things I LOVE about him:

• He is such a cute kid. With his red hair, his freckles and his smile, he looks like a Norman Rockwell painting.
• He is extremely smart. He is in the gifted and talented program at school. He really thinks outside the box.
• He is so lovable. My sisters are always telling him that he is their favorite. He eats this up. He loves being loved and he is always the first one to give out hugs.
• He is very artistic. He loves to draw pictures. I love the ones that he draws of Christ. He really is amazing.
• He is nice to EVERYONE. Boys and girls alike. He is a friend to all.
• He really tries hard to please his parents. Often he goes out of his way to please people. I really love this attribute!
• He is such a caring person. He takes great care of his little brother and sisters. Brevan is the first to admit that Briggs is his favorite brother.
• He takes time and does things right. Whether it is playing Lego's or cleaning his room, he does things exact and meticulously.
• I love his giggle. He loves to laugh and is such a happy person.
• He has such a deep though process. He says and does things that just amaze me. He really thinks things out before he talks. His intelligence is amazing!

Happy Birthday Briggs! We sure do love you!