Make Me

Trick or Treat!!

2011-10-31T21:12:00.001-06:00

End of Summer Fishing Trip with Daddy

2011-09-27T15:19:00.002-06:00

2011-04-29T14:38:00.002-06:00

Tatems birthday party and our Easter celebrations coming to this blog soon.

A Picnic for a Princess

2011-04-14T13:02:00.002-06:00

What this princess really needs is
a day at the spa!
Or a year at finishing school!

Who says a dog door is just for dogs?

2011-04-14T12:57:00.001-06:00

Tatem wants her Daddy to know sumtum...

2011-02-15T18:21:00.004-07:00

I had to double check, because I know I've been pretty bad at this blogging thing lately, and saw that my 2010 Valentines post was only 12 posts ago. So I guess "lately" is all relative.
And, if I remember correctly, this is the 3rd Valentines Day in a row Ian and I have been apart. So I feel the need to give a shout out to my sweetheart (or as my Grandmother would call him "mating partner"! See, lots of things are relative!)
We love you and miss you Ian! See you soon!

BE MINE!

2011-02-14T23:29:00.001-07:00

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Seriously, who does this Train Wreck belong to?

2010-11-11T18:25:00.003-07:00

My Loves!

2010-09-06T15:04:00.002-06:00

I LOVE THESE GIRLS!

When it gets too quiet...

2010-09-05T13:38:00.004-06:00

...then you know it's time to check on the kids!

The other day I could faintly hear Tatem and Hannah in the other room speaking very kindly to one another, which was a relief to hear since Tatem is kind of...strike that...replace it with TOTALLY... a bossy little stinker who feels it necessary to constantly declare that everything is "MINE!" even when it's not! So I was pleasantly surprised (and even smiled that ugly "proud-momsmile" when you think to yourself that things are going so well) when I heard:

T: ok, your turn {giggle giggle}
H: oh thanks! {more giggles} Ok, your turn Tatem!
T: ok! ...ok, your turn Hannah! {Giggle Giggle}
H: {Giggle Giggle}
T: Whoo Hoo! {giggle giggle}

But all that came to an abrupt end when I heard Lindsay yell a big, "GIRLS!!! NO THANK YOU! GROSS!! STOP!!"

Lindsay found the two of them happily using their manners whilst taking turns playing with the scrub brush and plunger in the toilet. Wet toilet paper everywhere! Toilet water on the seat and floor...and of course, all over the girls.

I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN! What am I, A ROOKIE?!?

Which takes me to this morning. Seriously too quiet. Sunday mornings are supposed to be filled with chaos, noise, fighting, crying, and anything else of the like (from kids of all ages). But it was quiet (Red Flag). All I could hear was the bathroom sink water running (Red Flag, duh!).

I turned the corner to find the two of them happy as clams up on the bathroom counter brushing their teeth...and their toes...and their knees.

Hey Tatem, that's not your toothbrush!

Thankfully not as gross as playing in the toilet! And I did smile that nearly the same but different ugly "oh-they-are-only-young-once-momsmile". But I did make them cease and desist immediately. (Well, if you consider immediately to mean after I got the camera and snapped a few pictures, yelling at them to look at me and smile, instead of yelling at them to turn off the water and hop down!)

IF YOU'RE HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT CLAP YOUR HANDS!

{clap clap}

If you're happy and you know it then your face will surely show it

(and don't call me Shirley)

If you're happy and you know it SHOUT HOORAY!!

HOORAY!

We love being here in Indiana with Lindsay and her girls!

HOORAY!

2010-08-29T18:49:00.002-06:00

I know, I know. Most of you are going to be surprised, but, I'm back in Indiana hanging with my sister Lindsay, and her girls! Shocker, I know! We are having a blast, as usual. We've been busy playing playing playing. We've also been busy neglecting the children while Lindsay teaches me how to sew. Lindsay is attempting to teach me this "new" way of sewing...how to sew sans cuss words. I'll be honest - It's hard to teach an old dog new tricks. This is one of my first dresses. I still need to sew a cute ruffle thingy on the bottom, but either way, I love the way it turned out. It was made with love...and a lot of biblical curse words.
I'm sure you've noticed Tatems neon green flip flops. Yes, so does everyone else. People tell me like I'm not aware that they are a million sizes too big. Oh really, that's weird, I'm her mother and I didn't even notice. And what's that? They are on the wrong feet? I KNOW!!! You try telling this very independent and rouge two year old that she can't wear them, and then deal with the repercussions. It's just best to leave her be. Believe me, I KNOW!

Her first shinner...and I don't mean a diamond ring

2010-08-25T11:09:00.003-06:00

She is beyond daring and reckless, I'm surprised it didn't happen sooner!

Day Two

2010-08-19T20:36:00.000-06:00

A little bit of water fun on the trampoline! Gotta love the hot summer days!

2010-07-22T20:40:00.000-06:00

My Little Sweet Pea(s)

2010-07-09T14:01:00.001-06:00

Two Peas in a Pod

GOOD EATS

2010-06-10T15:49:00.002-06:00

2010-05-06T14:31:00.000-06:00

HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY!

2010-04-27T13:44:00.003-06:00

They say if you want to accomplish something you have to set a goal. So I set one for Tatem. I gave her two weeks from her 2nd birthday to enjoy her beloved binkie and then it had to go. It was time to become a BIG GIRL!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

So, growing up sucks. For both of us.
But I am happy to say we are one week binkie-free...
and I'm sad to say, she still hates me!

Everything is better chocolate covered!

2010-02-15T20:37:00.000-07:00

BE MINE!

2010-02-14T00:11:00.002-07:00

We love you Daddy!

Happy Valentines Day!

Why the tears, Tatem?

2009-12-19T16:15:00.002-07:00

"Santa smells like beef and cheese"

Buddy: Who the heck are you?
Gimbel's Santa: What are you talkin' about? I'm Santa Claus.
Buddy: No, you're not.
Gimbel's Santa: Uh, why of course I am! Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho.
Buddy: Well, if you're Santa, what song did I sing for you on your birthday this year?
Gimbel's Santa: Um, Happy Birthday of course. Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho. How old are you son?
Kid with Santa: Four.
Gimbel's Santa: You're a big boy. What's your name?
Kid with Santa: Paul.
Gimbel's Santa: Now what can I get you for Christmas?
Buddy: Don't tell him what you want, he's a liar.
Gimbel's Santa: Let the kid talk.
Buddy: You disgust me! How can you live with yourself?
Gimbel's Santa: Just cool it, Zippy.
Buddy: You sit on a throne of lies.
Gimbel's Santa: Look, I'm not kiddin'.
Buddy: You're a fake.
Gimbel's Santa: I'm a fake?
Buddy: Yes!
Gimbel's Santa: How'd you like to be dead, huh? Ho, ho, just kidding.
Buddy: You stink.
Gimbel's Santa: I think you're gonna have a good Christmas, all right.
Buddy: You smell like beef and cheese, you don't smell like Santa.

2009-09-22T21:18:00.000-06:00

I don't care how dirty the face is, I still just wanna kiss it!

2009-09-21T21:59:00.001-06:00

The "little" cousins

2009-09-20T21:37:00.001-06:00

Hannah, Stella, Brynlee, Tatem

My daughter is not the kind who likes to follow the rules...

2009-09-12T21:28:00.007-06:00

..so when we went to the COSI Science Center

in Columbus Ohio with her cousins...

Hannah

...she decided she didn't need to wear a rain slicker

like all the other obedient kids.

As you can see below,

she isn't pleased

that I don't let her get away with much!

Still a little ticked.

Aunt Whit, Uncle Tom, Aunt Lindsay, Uncle Miles

Stella, Hannah and Keith

Brynlee

Trying to get a picture of all our little yellow ducks.

Yes, "trying". Obviously not succeeding.

Lindsay is attempting to turn Hannah around and Whitney is hopelessly chasing Tatem.

Stella was left wondering why the crap no one else could stand still for 2 seconds for a simple picture!

"PLEASE REMOVE THE YELLOW RAIN SLICKER

BEFORE PROCEEDING INTO THE PLAY AREA"

I'm telling you. She's a big time rule-breaker!

2009-09-06T09:03:00.000-06:00

Motor Boat. Motor Boat. Go so slow.

Motor Boat. Motor Boat. Go so fast!

Motor Boat. Motor Boat. Step on the gas!

Motor Boat. Motor Boat. C R A S H !!

Do Not Distrub. Elmo is on!

2009-09-05T12:24:00.000-06:00

Well...that's a load of crap!

2009-09-04T13:38:00.004-06:00

I let Tatem play outside right before dinner. Yes, she wasn't wearing pants. Don't judge me. She made her way over to the kids pool, jumped right in, then commenced playing all around the yard. Up and down the slide. On and off the swing. Riding the trike, pushing the trike.

She finally came to the door when she had had enough of that heavy, wet, gross, soggy diaper. And to my surprise, there was also a wet, gross, soggy load of crap in it. I was tempted to turn the hose on and just hose her off out there. But then I realized I'd have to actually blog that as part of the real story and not just the made-up part and then for sure you all would be judging me. So instead, I locked her out.

THE GIRLS

2009-08-27T14:06:00.005-06:00

Brynnie Boo Boo Boo

Hannie Banannie

Tater Tot

2009-08-23T14:09:00.000-06:00

2009-08-22T20:52:00.003-06:00

We are having another "Midwest Summer".

I guess it's becoming tradition!

Tatem and I went to visit Uncle Miles and Uncle Tom in Columbus Ohio, then Keith and Lindsay, and Hannah and Brynlee joined us for some weekend fun in Ohio. Then, as surprise to Lindsay, Tatem and I loaded up in Lindsays...MINIVAN...oops, sorry Lindsay, the secret is out...and drove with them back to Indiana where we are staying for two weeks.

We are loving our summer travels!

2009-08-03T12:48:00.002-06:00

I love Tatems cute little voice, although she has currently learned how to scream, but that's for another entry.

Her little jibber jabber sounds are so sweet. She comes up with some funny sounds and combinations. She loves to find my cell phone, (or take it away from me) tuck it in her neck, and then walk around talking in the loudest voice possible. She's one of "those" people, ya know, the kind of people that can't talk quietly even in the grocery store, or in the public restroom stall. Those people drive me crazy. Please, I don't want to hear your one sided conversation! When Ian first witnessed her out loud, very loud, babbeling into the phone, he looked straight at me and said, "She learned it somewhere! I told you you're a loud-cell-phone-talker!" Ya, I guess I'm one of those people. But I swear I never answer the phone while using the bathroom...in public.

So, yesterday at church Tatem was feasting on a bag of gold fish crackers. She was eating so many I thought for sure she'd poop an orange whale by the end of the 3 hour block. So I hid the bag from her when I thought she was distracted. Well, she was onto me, and she saw a glimpse of the bag as I was trying to shove it behind my back. In her "loud-cell-phone-talker" voice she started repeating over and over, "Uh-oh! Uh-oh!" as she climbed over her dad, and over to me, and started digging behind my back. But for all those who know my sweet little Tatem, her little "uh-oh's" are not gentle and dainty like. They are filled with gusto and begin with a huge "Wh"!! They go something like this: WHAAAH-Oh! WHaaah-Oh! WHaAah-OH!! And she kept saying it over and over until I finally gave her the bag of helpless gold fish.

But my favorite was when she put together this new combination for all of the congregation to hear, "ahs-ol! ahs-ol! ahs-ol! Now where on earth could she have learned that one?!?! I was waiting for Ian to look over and me and tell me I mumble under my breath louder that I think I do!

Best seat in the house

2009-07-25T16:57:00.004-06:00

Just watchin' her favorite show,
PETE'S DRAGON
in her favorite new spot...holding her favorite toy.
She sings along with Nora - she's always singing.
Laughs at Elliot - he's always making funny noises.
And yells with Lampy - he's always in a drunken stoupper yelling at something!
SHE CRACKS ME UP!

I lied.

2009-07-22T15:24:00.004-06:00

I took Tatem to get her chicken pox shot.
I asked them to weigh her to verify she weighs 20 pounds.
Well, come to find out...she's not quite there yet.
That was even after a hearty lunch and a sippy cup of milk!
(CUP, not bottle! We're doing good today!)
So, I guess I have to retract that previous post and say
at 15 months she weighs 19 pounds.

two cute little piggy tails
the end result of two cute little piggy tails

It's what a good daddy does

2009-07-22T10:10:00.002-06:00

15 month update

2009-07-21T14:37:00.003-06:00

Tatem is 15 months old and hit a big milestone.
She finally weighs 20 pounds!
She finally advanced from a rear facing infant seat to a forward facing booster seat and I think she couldn't be more happy about it. We installed it last night and took her for a drive...and I swear the little lady could not stop talking. She turned into a jabber-jaw with all she could see. She was in car seat heaven!

So, now that she's a big girl we decided to try other new things...

It's time to learn how to use utensils. This was her attempt at eating yogurt with a spoon this morning. She ended up a disast but it sure was cute. I'm loving those little (HUGE) teeth! She has three on the top and two on the bottom.
Another milestone: She finally grew out of her 6 month footy pajamas! It seemed like overnight her toes were being forced to grow upward and her shoulders were being pulled down in those footy jammas. So she got new summertime jammies. New pajamas are always fun!

Another milestone attempt: No more bottle.
Result: FAILED!

Monday morning - no bottles! By 3:00 Monday afternoon, I broke down and gave her one. The thing is, she knows how to ask for it so she knows exactly what she wants. And let's just say, SHE RUNS MY LIFE! There's this little thing called a tantrum she's perfected. It's not pretty!

Tuesday morning - no bottles! I put her morning milk in her favorite camelback water bottle. She yelled at me. So I put her milk in a regular sippy cup. More yelling, with tears this time. So I poured her milk into a...a...a...BOTTLE!!!! Yes, I did. I did it. I gave in, and she smiled through her tears and grabbed that bottle right out of my hands like a spoiled brat.

Maybe tomorrow?

Last Year. This Year.

2009-07-20T11:34:00.004-06:00

It's all about IAN - Go Team Ian!

2009-07-01T08:30:00.013-06:00

First and foremost: Ian passed the Idaho State Bar!See. There he is accepting his certificate after the mass group swearing in chant. Oh, you can't see him?? ME EITHER! Down in front!!!
"Give me that...I wanna see if it's real"
The ceremony was in Boise in early May which was also our 9th wedding anniversary so we went a day early to celebrate.
Then in June, Ian and my brother Adam, ran the Teton Dam half marathon in Rexburg Idaho. They both beat their last years time by at least 13 minutes or more. I always tell people something like, "you don't actually run these races to win them!" Well, Ian also ran with Adams Father-in-law and Sister-in-law - both of which took FIRST PLACE in their age divisions! Look at that. The first time I've ever been wrong!
Fathers Day 2009
At church on Fathers Day Sunday, they handed out these cute gifts to all the Fathers! Ian got his little gift bag, took one look at it, and asked if he could exchange out his Dads Root Beer for a Diet Coke. And then on Monday, it was Ian's birthday.
I hope Ian got enough attention over the last 2 months because I'm all tapped out.

TATEM loves her AUNT MARCI

2009-06-25T10:27:00.005-06:00

2009-06-25T08:26:00.008-06:00

TRIP TO UTAH.
MAY 2nd, 2009
For the life of me, I can't remember why Tatem and I were in Utah this time around, but we sure had fun. We went to the Hogle Zoo on rainy afternoon after a family trip to IKEA. (We had to "lie" to Karl and convince him IKEA was a computer store in order for him to come with us.)
We were headed towards the giraffes (at the Zoo, not IKEA) when I exclaimed, "OH, I love the giraffes. They are my favorite!" And the whole time we were there, this gross giraffe was liking his own regurgitated spit up off the metal railing. Over...and over...and over again. Well, I guess the giraffes use to be my favorite!
However, there was one giraffe whose neck was sooooo long...he was able to stretch it clear around this building! See! I knew I liked the giraffes!
Tatem and Uncle Bill
Seriously, I don't think they should let the tigers get this close to the humans. Plus, really, is a chain linked fence really going to do the trick in a ravenous moment of hunger?
I think Tatems best friend is her cousin, Karl.
She has so much fun with him every time we get together. They were playing 'chase' under the elephant pavilion while we waited for the rain to go away.

We sacrificed my nephew, Alex, to the alligators.
My niece, Alecia, and the groundhogs.

Back-tracking to MAY

2009-06-10T19:40:00.001-06:00

TONS happened in MAY so I've gotta some how back up and blog about it. Let's start at the end of the month and work our way back.

Starting at Memorial Day Weekend:

My niece, KAYLA, (also known as "baby Kayla" back in my Ricks College days where a once baby named Kayla would visit our apartment and would do baby somersaults and baby dance moves) married PATRICK, (whom, if I'm not mistaken, was known in his family as "baby Patrick") in the Salt Lake City Temple!

Both families - at a ring ceremony just before the reception started.
From RIGHT to LEFT: BILL and MARCI (Kayals parents...Marci is my sister)
PATRICIA and BILL (Patricia is Patricks mother)
TIM and RAE LYNN (Patricks Father and Step-mom)
The Wedding Party
My beautiful sister, Marci, and her daughter, Alecia

Dancing the night away!

Just checkin' for the breakable things...

***********************************
We then celebrated birthdays for
ADAM (my brother) and BILL (my brother-in-law)
with left over wedding cake. They each got a candle to blow out! It worked!

*************************************
Tatems Memorial Day Dance!
Ian's Grandma and Grandpa always host a Memorial Day breakfast so we made our way out to Ogden to enjoy more food and family.

We finished up our Memorial Day weekend by playing at a park with Marci, Alecia, and Alex. Tatem has so much energy - and she loves playing with her cousins.
Thirsty girl! Always drinking out of MY sippy when her's is close by! Little Stinker!

*******************************************
Then a week later, Kayla and Patrick had a reception in Kimberly, Idaho, which is just on the outside of Twin Falls where we live. So we hosted Tatems other cousins and enjoyed the Western Days Parade (see previous post).

The Kimberly reception was set up beautifully! I usually try to stay away from the food table...but I was so drawn to this one. It was awesome. There were oreo truffles that I couldn't keep my mitts off of. The fruit cascaded down in color with hollowed out pineapples filled with yummy fruit dip. I would just like to add, that although my sister Marci was the mother-of-the-bride, she had time to *make the oreos truffles *make the white mint candies *make all the brides maids dresses *and make her own dress! And if that wasn't enough...
...she made the BRIDE too! Well...with the help of Bill!
And to top off a great night -
THREE OF MY MOST FAVORITE THINGS! (In no particular order!)

And that wraps up the END of May. Now let's see if I can blog about the BEGINNING of it.

Tatem and her own little Hobbs

2009-06-05T11:12:00.000-06:00

Tatem got this dog from Scary Santa over Christmas while in Indiana. She loves this dog and takes it with her on all of her adventures. I love to hear her "talk" to this dog, it's so cute, high pitched, and filled with excitement. I'm a fan of Calvin and Hobbs so I can't help but formulate my own "comic strip" when I watch these two interact. It's very entertaining...to me...and my own imagination.

Tatem's first word was "kick"

2009-06-01T21:30:00.004-06:00

Tatem's first word was "KICK"So no matter how hard I try...to teach her to spin or twirll...
she always returns to her first love...
kicking the soccer ball!

Western Days Parade in Twin Falls

2009-06-01T16:56:00.002-06:00

Newborn - 6 Months - One Year

2009-05-29T11:32:00.003-06:00

DARE DEVIL!!!

2009-05-26T14:03:00.003-06:00

Should I be worried?
She climbed to the top of this structure
and launched herself down the slide...
ALL BY HERSELF!!!

Little Piggies

2009-05-24T10:46:00.003-06:00

This is what we've been up to...

2009-05-17T16:38:00.002-06:00

Tatem and I are working on our base tans in Arizona!

LOTS OF POOL TIME...

"The Anderson Girls"

Celebrating our 10th Anniversary

of moving to sunny ARIZONA!

9 YEARS! But only 5 years of computer picture documentation. And Ian claims we don't kiss anymore!!!

2009-05-06T15:46:00.014-06:00

2005

20062007200820082009

2009-04-28T12:15:00.003-06:00

2009-04-27T12:27:00.003-06:00

TEETHING bites!

2009-04-24T20:39:00.003-06:00

Poor little Tatem is so miserable! Her top teeth are coming in... and she has a cold! She can't breath so she's drooling like a faucet! I've tried and I can't find anything to help sooth her!
Oh! I guess she doesn't need my help!

2009-04-23T11:07:00.003-06:00

If you know Tatem, then you know she has never been bitten by the cuddle bug! Ever. However, she been feeling a little under the weather and it's amazing how much she wants to cuddle. I'll be honest, I'm really sad she is sick, but I'm LOVING this cuddle time with her! She has never fallen asleep in my arms, but yesterday, she crawled up on me, tucked herself into all my padding, and fell right asleep! Oh I just love her! We are going the the doctor today for her One Year visit. I started to think, maybe she's faking sick so she doesn't have to get her shots today! Oh, she's smart! Real smart!

2009-04-21T15:34:00.000-06:00

Mom, I'm pretty sure you're supposed to celebrate my birthday ALL month long... so, could you get on that?!

2009-04-17T11:03:00.005-06:00

Our friends, Wendi and Spencer, suggested we go to The Upper Crust Bakery and Grill for Tatems birthday. So we loaded up and drove out to Heyburn for some yummy dinner.
We brought along our party hats, and as we were all sitting there looking like over zealous birthday idiots, one of the waitresses walked by and asked cheerfully, "Is it someones birthday?" (Here's yur sign!)
So they brought out some dessert for Tatem...and the cheese head hat. Oh did I forget to mention The Upper Crust Grill is the 2nd floor above a Cheese Factory Outlet? (We're in Idaho here people!)
Ohhhhh, sheee loooooks ta-ticked! But I think she's actually ticked they took the cheese hat off! (And I'm the germ-a-phobe mom who's grossed out that they even put it on her!)

Making her FIRST BIRTHDAY WISH!
She's wishing for her own cell phone or an iPod...because she can't leave mine alone!

Oh what a difference a day can make...

2009-04-15T16:06:00.000-06:00

Remember these two chicken nuggets?

2009-04-14T14:53:00.004-06:00

Well, here they are now!

We got to stay with Cash and his mommy, Nalani, for a weekend while we were in Utah for the month of February.
Just trying to keep the love alive!
We are sad we didn't get to see Cameron! (Just keeping the options open!)

EASTER AFTERNOON

2009-04-12T20:26:00.001-06:00

Happy Easter Morning!

2009-04-12T10:16:00.005-06:00

It's my BABYS BIRTHDAY!!!

2009-04-10T11:01:00.000-06:00

We celebrated TATEM'S BIRTHDAY a week early with the family in Bear Lake. I think she loved her party! And it was obvious she LOVED her cake. (That cake was a disaster until my cousin Christine came in to save the day! If you ever need a cake saved...may I recommend her!) Tatem usually loves her bath time but I think she was just a bit offended that we cut her opportunity to devour as much sugar as possible short. She looks totally put out in her bath pictures. I love my sweet baby!!

Tatem has some GREAT news!!!

2009-04-09T15:45:00.000-06:00

We went to daddy's work to pick him up and bring him some congratulatory PEEPS (Ian's favorite! Barf!) and found his office all decorated with balloons and streamers!
I'm not sure who was more excited he passed;
his boss and co-workers... or ME?!?

unwillingly handing over the PEEPS...deleting a few client records...and showing daddy a few suggested responses to repeat clients...CONGRATULATIONS IAN!!!
We knew you could pass the bar...someday!
WE LOVE YOU!

2009-04-07T15:02:00.003-06:00

2009-04-01T15:43:00.003-06:00

There are 3 things in life EVERY girl needs!

#1 Someone to walk with...

#2 Someone to dance with...

#3 And someone to take a bath with!!

WATCH! And be inspired.

2009-04-01T15:09:00.003-06:00

This is a MUST SEE ladies!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhLlnq5yY7k

Seriously, is this not the answer as to
why making hair bows is so addicting?

Just a little journaling...

2009-03-30T16:04:00.002-06:00

Don't worry, she went straight to the bath after this lunch! Tatem loves pasta! Her favorite is shells with Alfredo sauce! She is such a great eater! She eats everything by herself except for her beloved sweet potatoes. She still loves her baby food sweet pa-tots! Other foods she loves: bananas, strawberries, blueberries, oatmeal, puffs, carrots, green beans, black beans, the veggies and noddles from Progresso Chicken Noddle soup, cheese, Mac n cheese, apple sauce, pears, and anything we are eating. It always tastes better off the mom or dads fork for some reason, right? Seriously, do I have to put a baby-gate around the toys? She's crazy! She thinks everything needs to be climbed. She still loves climbing up and running on the couch. She's really quite the dare devil. Not a thrill-seeker so much, just a dare devil. There's a small difference between the two! Tatem is confidant in everything she does! Ian thinks she has a cocky strut to her walk. And, she's gotten pretty good a running. When she's just walking around the house minding her own business, I love to sneak up behind her and scare the crap out of her. In her attempt to run away from me with her fast feet, she becomes paralyzed with giggles and fright and will sometimes lose her balance. Ever seen those mini-billy goats that fall over stiff when they get scared? Legs straight out! Yeah! That's TOTALLY what happens to Tatem, so of course it makes me want to do it over and over. I'm like a 5 year old who keeps yelling BOO over and over and, really, after the first two times, it's just not that funny any more! But I can't stop!At first, Tatem wanted nothing to do with this hat her Grandma Service made her for Christmas. It's been sitting in her toy box (the ottoman) unused and lonely. I caught her the other day trying to put it on her head, which looked like she was just throwing it over her shoulder, over and over. It was so cute! I went over to offer my assistance and now it's one of her favorite toys right now. If it falls off, she will attempt to put it back on by herself. The other night, she brought the hat over to Ian and then tucked her chin into her chest and leaned toward him. She wore it around the house for a good 10 or 15 minutes! She is so independent! And she is very observant! I love that she tried to put that hat on by herself. The other day, I caught her rolling around on the floor, wrestling with my slipper, trying to put it on her foot. She also tries to put on her own socks. SHE MAKES ME LAUGH SO HARD. And of course, I think she's so dang cute and smart. (She's got her Daddy's looks. She's got her Mommy's smarts.) She loves it when Daddy comes home for lunch! If she's in her highchair, she kicks her legs in delight as she hears the door from the garage into the house open and shut. She says "hhhhhhiiiiieeeeeeee" (extra emphasis on the "H" and the "E") in her sweet little voice before she even sees him! If she's playing and hears that door open and shut, she instantly stops all play, looks up at me with those huge eyes like "did you hear that?" and then goes running toward the door saying her sweet "hhhhhhiieeeeee", again, before she even sees him.
Daddy took her outside to kick her pink little soccer ball around in the grass. Daddy made her work really hard on building her technique and skill as an 11 month old soccer champ! Running drills. Up-downs at the blow of a whistle. Relentless wind sprints. They came back into the house smelling like the outside. Ya know what smell I'm talking about. That smell when your kids have been playing outside, sweating, and getting dirty...ya know? Well, a girl can only sweat so much before she needs to feel like a princess again! A tutu is like a white tank top. You can wear it with just about anything!

What you guys, what?

2009-03-24T08:46:00.000-06:00

What's wrong with my Daughter?

2009-03-23T14:35:00.008-06:00

She eats her bath bubbles!!!

My happy little Bubble Eater!
Tatem loves bath time. She will stop whatever she is doing if she hears the water running. She's not a big spasher even though I encourage it! However, she loves to lay on her tummy and look back at her kicking legs. While on her tummy, her daddy helps her with a few tidal waves. Every kid needs to master the art of a good tidal wave in the tub! Why not start early!?

2009-03-18T16:14:00.001-06:00

Tatem has found a new love! She LOVES walking the length of the couch! We have taken out one of the cushions so she can climb up onto the couch by herself. She knows she has to turn around backwards if she wants to get down off of something, but she spent hours last night practicing getting off the cushion going forwards. She was real proud of herself (and whacked out crazy) by bedtime last night. I swear she dreamed of walking the couch all night long, because as soon as she woke up, she was out on the couch! She is a crazy monkey! Then Daddy came home for lunch again and chased her around. She loves to be scared! It's really funny to me!

In this video I love how she gets angry as she is forced to dismount the couch because of a pillow. She is one determined little girl. And I do mean LITTLE. She is sporting a new 9 month outfit today and it's still a little big on her. She'll be one next month!

Hey, look what I found!

2009-03-18T11:01:00.000-06:00

Almost from birth Tatem has been know to hunt for the corners of her favorite blankie and slowly rub it on her face. Well, she found a "new corner" today when Dad came home for lunch!

tippy toes

2009-03-17T13:54:00.003-06:00

or should it be titled...sweet sideburns!

Feelin' a little like SPRING!

2009-03-13T19:28:00.000-06:00

Helping Dad wash the car She was having a very intense conversation with the grass!

2009-03-12T10:39:00.002-06:00

Tatem loves to climb!! For the past 4 months she's had stairs to climb up and down, but now that we are back in Idaho in our own home, she only has this window sill to climb up into. She seems to be making good use of it.

FRAZER

2009-03-11T14:30:00.002-06:00

Spunky little 4 year old Frazer is home with her new family! I love everything about her! I loved how she walked into her new house for the first time with such confidence, as if she had already been there a million times. How she found Isaac and Owen and ran to give them hugs...until she saw the dog. (Then I and O hid in their room because they were nervous!) I loved how she grabbed my hand to go down the stairs and to explore the rest of the house.
I seriously was squealing! I love her! My sister-in-law, Sage, was in Ethiopia for nearly the entire month of February. Oh the stories she has to tell. But the one I can tell you about her is SHE IS AMAZING!!! COMPASSIONATE!!! LOVING!!! GIVING!!! (and receiving). BRAVE!!!
And A WAY BETTER WOMAN THAN ME!
Sage with her two little girls, Frazer (4) and Maya (20 months)
SISTERS!
It was nearly midnight when they finally got home, but there was still time to play "dress-up" for two little princess'. We woke Maya up out of a dead sleep! She was so excited to see her new sister and kept attacking her with hugs! Frazer finally put her arm around her when the cameras came out. Sage said Frazer will pose and smile for any camera!! Part of the culture of an orphanage. Hmmm, did I come from an orphanage?
Hey, there is a troll in your family picture!

I love her. Plain and simple - I LOVE HER!

POOPIN' PALS

2009-03-10T15:41:00.003-06:00

Memory lane again. Just humor me.
My twin nephews, Isaac and Owen.
Jenny - this is what you have to look forward to!

I've been traveling down memory lane...

2009-03-10T14:28:00.003-06:00

and I can't stop laughing!

Sweet baby McKenna Diane

2009-02-23T08:36:00.007-07:00

Yippie!

I just found out Tyler and Teresa had their baby!

A little baby girl weighing 7 pounds!

I love all these new nieces in our family!

Frazer is free and clear!!!

2009-02-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

Isn't she just beautiful?!?!

I can't help but be giddy about my new niece!

She comes home a week from today!

Congratulations Steve and Sage!

Doing dishes with Daddy

2009-02-18T09:51:00.003-07:00

Tatem is 10 months and as busy as ever. She has two modes. "Turbo On" or "Asleep Off". I got her in last week for her 6 month appointment (don't judge me, we were out of town for 3 months!) and at 10 months she weighs 17.5 pounds and is 26 inches long. She's still just a little thing, giving more reason for Aunt Lindsay to lovingly nickname her TROLL. Crawling under EVERYTHING and getting all up in everyones business (and looking so darn cute) were the first reasons Lindz gave her that name, but now she is walking, and is attempting running on a rare occasion (with little success). She has mastered the stairs, up and down, and when she hears me coming to check on her, she gets all wild and crazy and kicks it into turbo drive. She jibber jabbers in all octives but with only one word, "dat dat dat". And as of these last two Sundays there has been no shortage of gusto as she attempts to sing the hymns, both times, sitting with Aunt Marci. I love her scrunched up face when she fake laughs at me. I love to watch how she picks up the food off her try with her chubby little fingers. I love how she rubs her face with her blanket while she drinks her bottle. If we are playing patta-cake and I stop, I love how she picks up my hands and makes them clap. She is so independent, and so determined, and so not cuddly! I love my little girl and I hate that she is growing up. I didn't think I would be, but I am one of those moms' who laments every stage that has come and gone.

We got to hang out with Ian for one week before heading to Utah for the rest of the month. It was great to be back together as a family. Tatem loves her Daddy!

To My Valentine!

2009-02-14T13:43:00.004-07:00

Ian really is THE BEST!
He is a best friend

a best brother
a best uncle
a best daddy

and my best valentine!

4 new neices within 4 months

2009-02-07T16:34:00.002-07:00

Tatem and I made it home safely from our 3 month sabbatical to Indiana where we were able to welcome a new niece into the family. My sister Lindsay's little BRYNLEE is such a sweet little blessing with a little miracle entrance into this world. She is healthy, happy, and thriving. Last I heard, she is on the heavy side of 6 pounds! Hannah and Brynlee make the cutest sisters around! (and I miss the crap out of both of them! Literally. I miss being there to change their diapers...and to sing n' play n' watch Elmo n' stuff.)Tatem and I can't be bothered to stay home for very long so we decided to go away for another month. We chose a different state this time, but for the same reason. We are going to Utah to welcome another new niece into the family and we couldn't be more thrilled! My sister-in-law, Sage, is traveling to Africa tomorrow morning to pick up their new 4 year old daughter, FRAZER. Tatem and I will stay in Utah for the month of Feb to hang out with 4 anxious older brothers, and 1 little princess whose world is about to be rocked with a new sister! My excitement for them is beyond words right now. Alz I know is a whole bunch of FAITH and TRUST exhibited by my sister-in-law and brother-in-law has allowed Frazer to become part of their family.
Thank you Steve and Sage. I already love her!!!!But, before we start our venture in Utah, this weekend we will be spent in Chubbuck Idaho to celebrate the birth, and attend the blessing, of yet another new niece! My brother Adam and his wife, Jenny, just welcomed little baby ALYVIA to their family. We are excited to see their new addition to the family.
And just when you thought we couldn't get enough of new baby girls around here...THERE IS STILL MORE ON THE WAY. My brother-in-law and his wife, Tyler and Teresa, are expecting the arrival of their little baby girl ANY DAY! I have no doubt they will be great parents to this little angel! I tell you what, Tatem is LOVING all these little girl cousins who are all coming down to play! Ok, actually, she might be a little oblivious right now, but I'm telling ya, in years to come, she's going to love it!

So, just in case you needed a summary of who has been added to our family:

Natalie's sister, Lindsay - BRYNLEE
Natalie's brother, Adam - ALYVIA
Ian's brother, Steve - FRAZER
Ian's brother, Tyler - ask me again tomorrow, she just might be here by then!

Honorable mention:
Natalie's sister, Whitney - praying for the miracle of adoption to be part of their family story.
Ian's brother, Tres - due in the fall
Ian's sister, Holly - due in the fall

I know, I know. Rabbits, I tell ya! Rabbits!

Tatem and Hannah

2009-01-27T21:30:00.003-07:00

Growing up, some of my best friends were my cousins.

I'm wishing, and hoping, and thinking it will be the same for Tatem!

As of late, Hannah and Tatem have been sharing bathtime. Hannah likes to keep Tatem in check...making sure she stays sitting down and helps out just a bit with shampoo time. Tonight, when Lindsay asked Hannah if she wanted to take a bath, Hannah pointed directly at Tatem and gave a hardy "Yah Yah". I guess she wanted to make sure Tatem would be joining her!

The carousel at the mall.

By the end, both Ian and Keith wanted to throw up,

but the girls were ready for more!

Taking turns!

Have you ever played the Question Game?

2009-01-22T23:56:00.006-07:00

"EVER GONE TO WORK

WITH A BOOGER ON YOUR EYEBROW?"

"MADE YA LAUGH!"

I think it was Lindsay who introduced the Question Game to our family last time we were all together as an Anderson Family. Sit in a circle, everyone making sure they can see the eyes of everyone in the circle. The first person starts by looking a random person in the eyes and asks a question. That person then looks someone else in the eye and asks a different question. And so on. Just questions. No answers. If you laugh or hesitate or actually give an answer to the question - you are out!
Just as my Mom had taken a drink of her non-caffeinated beverage, my Dad asked someone the above question, "Ever gone to work with a booger on your eyebrow?" Mom's drink came spraying out her mouth and nose! As if we weren't already laughing at Dad thinking just maybe he was asking out of personal experience, now we were pointing and laughing at Mom. Perhaps it's one of those 'ya kinda have to be there' occasions but it hasn't stopped us from turning that question into an inside family joke that is used quite often when you've just done something really stupid.

I'm pretty much giggling to myself right now just remember some of the other questions...and reactions of that evening! Ahhhh! I love my family!

Welcome Home, Brynlee

2009-01-19T14:02:00.003-07:00

Isn't little miss Brynlee the sweetest little thing you've ever seen!

She has grown from 2 pounds to 5 pounds

in her 10 week stay at the NICU

and was able to come home last week!

Congratulation Keith, Lindsay, and Hannah on your little miracle coming home!

2009-01-16T21:47:00.002-07:00

Those tears! That bottom lip!

Doesn't that face just make you want to go and pick her up and hug and kiss her?

yeah...well...it just makes me laugh!

Oh! And hey! You can actually see her bottom teeth!

And YES, I picked her up right after I was done taking pictures!

2009-01-14T21:25:00.000-07:00

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9 months!

2009-01-09T22:10:00.004-07:00

She makes me laugh!

2009-01-07T13:22:00.000-07:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

2009-01-05T15:09:00.000-07:00

{Lindsay} {Miles} {Natalie}

A quick wrap up of the holiday

2008-12-31T08:57:00.003-07:00

Christmas morning turned into Christmas day which turned into Christmas night - WE HAD AN "ALL DAY" CHRISTMAS and it was so much fun! We opened up a few presents Christmas morning before we found out that Ian had actually gotten on a flight out of Chicago and was going to be in Indiana by noon. After picking up Ian, we opened a few more gifts. We went to the hospital to visit Brynlee and Scary Santa who was there to visit all the NICU brothers and sisters. I think Scary Santa was a patient from the psych ward on the 5th floor of the hospital. Tom kept saying "no wonder Hannah and Tatem were crying! I was scared of him too!" Ian wondered if Scary Santa had just returned from him break where he went out and smoked a PACK!! Now that our children are scared for life, we visited and cuddled with Brynlee real quick. By the time we were able to get back to opening the rest of the presents it was almost 9:30 pm. We finally let Tatem open all the rest of her presents but she was spent - and cranky, so we put her to bed and finished opening her gifts. By the time we were actually done it was 10:30 and it was off to the upstairs to play a bit of RockBand! We already have a request for a Christmas miracle for next year. Could it be that all of us are together on Christmas Eve? NO. Could it be that we have a Christmas with little or no stress? NO. Could it be that RockBand comes out with Christmas Music? YES!!! Now THAT would be such a great Christmas miracle!

Christmas morning

2008-12-29T11:59:00.009-07:00

2008-12-25T18:44:00.003-07:00

IT'S A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE!!!

LOOK WHO I FOUND!!

Thanks Santa for bring my dad to me for Christmas...but it looks like I'm still mad at you!

I'm mad at Santa!

2008-12-25T01:33:00.006-07:00

He forgot to bring me my dad for Christmas!

That's right folks. Poor Ian made his connection into Chicago early in the morning on Christmas Eve...and 2 terminals, 7 gates, and 12 hours later - he was still there. He gets to wake up Christmas morning in a cold hotel room in Chicago. We are so sad for him!

We hoped for a Christmas miracle for Ian, but there were just too many others who must have needed that particular miracle more than him. Hopefully he will be able to locate some blueberry muffins at his continental breakfast as to carry out his family tradition on Christmas morning.

You are the best Daddy in the whole world!

WE LOVE YOU, DADDY!!!

Do you hear what I hear?

2008-12-23T16:08:00.002-07:00

2008-12-22T22:47:00.003-07:00

We are really excited for Daddy to come to Indiana for Christmas!!

Double your fun!

2008-12-18T14:10:00.001-07:00

Looks like Tatem found a new friend!

And she's just as crazy as Tatem!

Tatems cousin, Hannah, has taught her a love of books.

Only Tatem loves them a little differently than Hannah does.

Lil' T and I were able to spend a week in Detroit with Brittni Jo and her family, and were able to love on her sweet new little bundle of joy, Presley J. I enlisted Brittni and her amazing photog skillz to take Christmas pictures of Tatem. Check out her photog blog, POCKETS FULL OF POSES for cute pictures of my little Tater. Thank you Brittni for your friendship and your skillz! I LOVE THE PICTURES!

Pretty in Pink

2008-12-07T22:02:00.001-07:00

Hannah and Tatem in their Sunday best

Tatem's got some new tricks up her sleeves!

2008-12-02T15:22:00.001-07:00

This video is for my baby's daddy, IAN. He is the only one required to endure the entire 2 minutes of Tatem clapping. Tatems new tricks are clapping and clicking her tongue. She's learning new stuff everyday, like how to take Hannahs toys away from her when she's not paying attention. Ya snooze ya loose. Tatem is all over the place! I could have put this being moble stuff off for another couple months! Still no teeth but drooling like crazy, and everything, EVERYTHING goes in her mouth. And...embarrassing but true...she's a shoe licker! I love her! I love her like crazy!

Sweet Little Brynlee Louise!

2008-11-30T15:21:00.009-07:00

I love hanging out at the hospital with Brynlee. She pretends to be asleep every time I go in to visit, but I always catch her opening her eyes just when I'm about to leave. Brynlee raised her eye brows when I told her she's as beautiful as her mother, and she cringed when I told her to watch out for her dad - his tickles are relentless - just ask her sister Hannah! Brynlee is growing like crazy!

Tonights weigh in has her at 2 lbs 12.9 oz! Way to go Brynlee!

I am having a blast here in Indiana with Keith and Lindsay, and their two little girls. Hannah and I read books all day long, sing songs, learn new animal sounds, and eat a lot. All things I'm used too, expect for that reading part.

My Brother and his wife started a blog. Welcome!

2008-11-25T11:26:00.001-07:00

Jeff and Becky Anderson
http://andersonretrievers.blogspot.com/

Tatems concert

2008-11-16T13:49:00.000-07:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com