The Story of Syd.

This really is the whole story. So this means that it's basically a novel.  But I need it for my own memory.  So if you have an aversion to hearing about what Jeff and I did to get Sydney here, you may want to stop reading.  I promise not to go into too much detail, or anything...but I was abruptly enlightened one night at bookclub, when my sister-in-law Kelli was there, and I was commenting on some aspect of Jeff and my sex life.  Cause that's what we do at bookclub, duh.  Anyway, Kelli reminded me that yes, Jeff is my husband...but he is also HER brother, and so, it was a little uncomfortable for her.  Sometimes I forget that some stuff shouldn't be said aloud in front of certain people.  It's an unfortunate habit I have.  Like, last Saturday night, I stopped by the Anderson "Girl's night" for a little while, and after hearing about someone conceiving in a hot tub, ("Apparently, it does only take the one time...") I mentioned that Syd was conceived in the shower.  (I'll explain how I know this, a lot later).  And then I realized that my mother-in-law was right there, and I not only was talking about private activities with her son, but a lot of women there were his sisters, and nieces too.  After that realization, I also realized that I couldn't take back what had just popped out of my mouth, and it was time for me to go.  And try to forget my bad case of being socially inept.  
And now, for the story of Syd.  It all started almost 12 years ago...
When Jeff and I were first married, I had a dream.  I know I'm not some type of Prophet, or anything like that, so don't start worrying.  However, I can still remember it, and it was so real, and it's stayed with me for a long time.  In my dream, I had a little girl.  At the time, she looked to be about 3 or 4.  And, I've come to know that with my babies, because they're so big, I now think she was actually two or three.  She was beautiful...like, little doll beautiful.  She looked like her dad...brown wavy, hair, brown eyes, and dimples. Somehow she had this olive skin...maybe from my side? She made me happy, and proud.  I remember feeling this sense of accomplishment, when I looked at her.  
Seven months later, or I should say, seven months after Jeff and I were married, we found out we were going to be parents.  I won't say we were excited.  Petrified, stressed, worried, are the words that would fit better.  Anyway, you all know this.  I've not been coy about it in any way.  However, I already knew exactly what she would look like.  When I found out she was a girl, I knew my dream was true.

What I got was Riley.  She was bald. And she had bright blue eyes, and after her skin got over the "birthing purple" she was white.  Like, white-on-rice white.  And she had three big red spots:  the one on her forehead, the one on the back of her neck, (I have one, too), and the one at the top of her little butt.  At first I was confused.  Kind of like, if I hadn't felt her being pulled from me, and then saw her held up to me, I would have really thought I got the wrong baby; someone had done some unauthorized swapping.  And I worried about her red spot.  It was so red.  I was sad that someone might say something to her about it...which happened all the time, btw.  "What's that red spot?"  But, no one had told me it would fade, so I thought she had this massive birth mark.  By this time, I know I sound like the most awful, ungrateful mother ever.  Not only was I not thrilled about the pregnancy in the first place, but when she got here, safe and sound, I was worried about people being mean to her.  I want you to know, that I loved her.  Which was a relief to me...I loved her like nothing else, and while I was pregnant, it was such a completely crappy experience for me, that I had worried about what I'd do when she came out.  But seeing her little white face with the scarlet mark made my heart swell, and the thought of anyone not seeing her the way I saw her, turned me into an "angry mama", which if you've experienced this, I know you know what I'm talking about.  
And then Riley got older, and though I didn't see her mark anymore, it faded...and she was NOT the baby that I saw in my dream, but she was MINE.  She looked just like me, (so she was beautiful, duh), and she was sweet, and happy, and so easy-going, and she loved everyone.  She was that baby that had complete strangers playing peek-a-boo and smile games with her, just because she noticed you, and liked you immediately.  People loved her back.  I was so proud, and I thought, "Well, maybe my dream was just a dream".  

I was more than fine with Riley being our only kid.  I felt like I hated being pregnant.  It made me feel yucky and crazy at the same time, and essentially, was ten months of the most intense PMS I'd ever had, added with some indigestion and gross bodily functions and mutilations that I really could have done without.  So, despite not having forgotten my dream, I just put it out of my mind.  Riley was our everything.  And Jeff was the best dad.  And we were a trio.  And that was that.  
Until Riley got to be around two.  Not that she was terrible, like they say.  In fact, she just continually got better and better.  She was all personality and cuteness, and she did what she was told, and she was loving and sweet, and I was so in love with her, and with being a mom.  And that's when I saw how lonely she was.  How when we'd go to a park or play area, she didn't have anyone to play with.  And if she went up to other kids, being her sweet self, they'd look at her like, "you're just a baby", and wouldn't play with her.  And it broke my heart, because that was something I couldn't control.  She didn't really have any cousins except Taryn that were her age, and Taryn was in Washington...so there was only one true option...and that was to make her into a sister.  Isn't it sad how I was motivated to have my children?  First a mistake, and then just a companion.  It's truly a wonder that I ever was considered for Motherhood.

When we found out Cole was a boy, we were a little disappointed, again.  We loved having a girl, and I had thought that maybe this meant my long-ago dream might be made real.   Pregnancy this time around was even WORSE than the first time, and we had actually TRIED to get pregnant with a sibling for Riley.  We tried for a little under a year, and just when we thought maybe we were meant to remain a trio, and we gave it our all, (which yeah, I know that sounds ridiculous now, but at the time we thought we were baby making machines, and when you thought you were ready, you just became pregnant.  Because last time, we weren't ready, and we still got pregnant), and we were used to our little family.  And aside from Riley being lonely, we were so happy with us.   
I'm a big believer in learning lessons.  I always have these preconceived notions on how something is supposed to be, and then it happens to me, and I'm always wrong.  And it shocks me, every time. And yet, I still think I know something about everything.
So right before Cole came, I lost my job.  And we had just become utterly poor.  We'd been in our new home for almost a year, and I really worried we were going to lose it.  After wasting like, half of each pay check for our health insurance the last year, Cole decided to come late, like all my babies, and when I lost the worst job of my life, yet it paid the bills, I lost any insurance that would have helped us pay for him.  Again, for completely different reasons, I was scared to death to give birth.  

 But Cole came, anyway...just like they always do.  And he was so different from Riley.  He was BIG.  10lbs.  Well, two ounces less than ten pounds, but I feel like I'm entitled to say ten.  He had tons of hair, and it had looked like he'd had it recently frosted, just for the occasion of being birthed.  It had bright blond tips, and it was dark all over his head.  And really soft.  And he was a sleeper, and a snuggler.  And he was slobbery like no baby I'd ever seen.  And I loved him.  Loved him like crazy and again I was relieved, because I thought that I just couldn't love something or someone like I loved Riley.  And it wasn't the same, but it was just as strong, and it was just for Cole.  Suddenly rather than seeing him as "someone for Riley to play with", he was my Bubbers.  My little boy that melted my heart, and was happy and sensitive, and LOVED food and being with his "mama". Which, despite us being poorer than we had ever been, was somehow perfect for me.  Jeff decided he didn't want me to go back to work.  And honestly?  I didn't see that as an option, ever.  But while I was pregnant with Cole, Jeff and I took turns with Riley.  We each had our time with her, which was important to both of us, but at the same time, unfair to her at times, because we were tired, and she was full of energy.  And though you do what you have to, it still sometimes feels like you're getting or giving the short end of the stick.  Anyway, suddenly, I was a stay at home mom.  And despite me going to job interviews and such, I began to like it.  And when Walmart offered me a job, Jeff told me he just didn't want me to go back to work.  And I was so doubtful, but loved being with the kids so much, I didn't argue. 

 The next few years were hard, financially.  Luckily I learned a lot from having to really watch our pennies, but I can honestly say I wouldn't want to go back, and fingers crossed, we won't have to.  However, it was during that time that I saw how hard Jeff's life was.  I mean, he didn't complain.  He went to work at 1am.  And then he came home at about 11:30 am.  And then he'd sleep, and then he'd wake up and eat, and we would have maybe two hours before we needed to put the kids to bed, and then we'd have maybe two hours of alone time, in which we were both wasted from our everyday lives, and then the cycle would start all over.  And Jeff was tall, and he was skinny, and was on his feet all night long, and he had a lot of bloody noses, because of lack of sleep, and terrible diet.  I think he was existing on like, three granola bars a day, and then some dinner or lunch of an egg sandwich.  (It was very lucky for us that eggs are a cheap protein).  Somehow, I still remained chunky.  Not fair, but I won't let myself be distracted today.  At that time, Jeff's youngest sister was attending Provo College, enrolled in the graphic design program.  And she always would mention that Jeff would love what they were doing, and be soooo good at it.  This didn't fall on deaf ears.  Despite us never really having any time together, and the fact that Jeff did like his job, and Jeff's guilt about feeling like he never saw the kids, I wanted him to somehow pursue his artistic abilities.  When I met him, he was constantly drawing, creating, painting, etc.  Expressing himself through his artwork.  And he never mentioned missing it, because he took his role as the bread winner so seriously.  But he didn't have any time to just draw because he loved it.  And I knew he loved it, but he sacrificed that part of himself for our family.  I was grateful, but I didn't think it was a completely fair trade. 

So I began to mention going to the same school Kass went to.  (Above is Riley's first day of school, ever.  It's one of my absolute favorites). At first, as always, his answer was "absolutely not, and we have NO money for school".  But he began to listen more to what Kass would tell him about her classes, and what she was learning, and he paid more attention to her projects, and what she was learning to do.  And I could see his interest, and I could tell that he still told himself that it would never happen because there was no budget for school, and he never saw us, as it was.  And finally, I got the push that I needed to tell him that he needed to do it.  For us.  That his 5% raise each YEAR was never going to get us anywhere.  And yeah, he worked HARD.  Way harder than what he was paid, for sure.  And I know that it always goes that way.  So eventually I made him go back.  And I'm kind of ashamed to say that I used the "We need more" argument, to get him there.  (After reading this, Jeff says that he doesn't remember the "We need more" argument.  What he remembers is me sneakily making an appointment with the admissions office, and by the time we were done with the tour, somehow I had signed him up for his associate's in Graphic Design.  I am pretty genius/sneaky sometimes, so I guess it could have gone down like that).   I knew it was something he wouldn't do if he saw it as mainly for himself.  Does that make any sense? 

After he enrolled, life became even more lonely.  I can honestly say that I don't remember a lot of it.  I mainly remember being concerned for Jeff's health, feeling like I was an only parent and NEVER getting to do anything.  Seriously.  No weekends, no vacations, no dates....I think there are probably quite a few reasons I've blocked it out.  But even though it was hard on all of us, especially Jeff, because he missed so much of Cole's babyhood, I always believed it was the right thing to do, and wouldn't allow myself to second-guess the decision, regardless of how tempted I was.   Let me just add that this doesn't mean I didn't complain.  I did.  To anyone and everyone that would give me two seconds of their listening ear.  And I used those two seconds as fully as I possibly could.  But I didn't let myself doubt this decision.  Because it was a huge sacrifice for everyone.  And I knew it wouldn't help anyone's situation.  
But then he graduated.  With a 3.93 GPA.  Boom! (Jeff said that I needed an exclamation point after the word "Boom".  Because it was that big of a deal).  And things were set in motion...so many things that we never would have expected.  And making a very long and detailed story short, Jeff ended up with a graphic design job that was good for him.  He made a lot of contacts and even though I was HATING it by the time he'd been there for a couple years.  The reason I hated it, was that Jeff was on salary for a small time company.  So basically, he was paid a nice sum for a 40 hour work week.  But he was putting in 60 hours.  And I was ready to go to his boss myself and tell him what's what.  Jeff wouldn't allow it, but let's just say I had a lot of stress about his job...and it wasn't me working it.   
**So, now I'm to the actual part about Syd...if this stuff is TMI, you may just want to stop reading here.

I don't know about you, but I think when you have kids, the whole act of being sexual takes a lot more work.  Now, some of you may disagree, but this has been my experience.  (I thought this picture was a great example...Jeff and I wanted to take a picture of US, but look, there's Cole).  In addition to never wanting to get caught by your kids, there's always the CONSTANT of being tired.  Or if your spouse is constantly stressed out of their mind about work, and constantly trying to get more done, then it can all just put a big damper on things of the sexual nature.  And that's kind of where we were.  Our kids were older, we had paper-thin walls, and our bedroom had long ago forgone the idea of privacy.  Occasionally, Jeff and I would shower together.  That would be the only private time we got.  And private time had been verrrry rare.  So I went off birth control.  I figured, we never needed it anyway, and why not have an extra 45 bucks a month?  And it worked for us for a long while.  Until I started to get needy.  Never read Cosmopolitan when you're feeling neglected.  And if you're paranoid anyway, it will just compound every insecurity you've ever had.  And so I told Jeff that I felt like we never took time for each other anymore, and I knew he was busy for us, but I missed him and blah, blah, blah.  And a couple days later we took a shower.  :) A fantastic shower.
About three weeks later, we were right back where we started.  And I was taking Riley to my sister-in-law Amy's house for dance lessons.  On my way there, I was wondering why I was so freaking tired, yet again.  And when was this PMS going to stop, and I could get a little relief already? And then I started doing math in my head...which I never do.  I was late.  Ten minutes later I got a text from Amy asking whether or not I was coming, and I realized I'd been driving around for the last twenty minutes, and so out of my mind, that I couldn't find her house, even though I'd been  there twice before.  

And Syd was on her way.  And it only took one time of not being careful.  I was so sick the entire time.  And worried.  Jeff was still at his other job and I was afraid I was going to be a single mom--again.  And unfortunately, we didn't have maternity insurance, and no one would take me, now that I was pregnant...so it was a little like the worst parts of pregnancy with Riley and Cole, mixed together.  Luckily, we were able to use our "stimulus package" to pay for my prenatal stuff.  And from there?  We were clueless.

I'm low on patience normally, but when pregnant?  (Look at Cole's face). It's non-existent.  So I began to make a tough situation for Jeff even tougher, and started trolling Monster.com and other job sites for him to apply.  He found something quickly.  In fact, he didn't tell me much about it, because he was scared of changing jobs.  But they wanted him.  And after a lot of thinking it wasn't for us, it turned out to be one of the best jobs, ever.  He has a lot of freedom, and time with us.  
When we found out Sydney would be a girl, I again thought she would be the little girl I dreamed about.  And she is.  

(I just have to tell you that those are what Muffy made me this year for Thanksgiving, and I LOVE it.  A little cornucopia of veggies and fruits.  And Syd wears the cone part as a hat.  Unfortunately, all my kids continually play with it, so I don't think I'll be able to technically use it as a decoration...or say it's technically mine).  
There are a lot of personal circumstances that put Syd here in our family at this time.  Even more personal than the ones I've shared, if you can believe that.  But I do know she was meant to be here, right now.  She was meant to have Riley and Cole to keep her company, and love her entirely.  She was meant to have her daddy's full attention when she wants it.  She was meant to be my child that totally breaks every rule, and doesn't listen, and is more like a wild, feral animal than a human being.  She was meant to teach me patience, and teach me that everything I thought it was before, was wrong.  I don't know if I could have had more kids after her.  She literally keeps all of us busy from the moment she gets out of bed to the minute she falls asleep.  I dread the time for her "big girl" bed. I thought the other kids were hard, but she's everywhere, all at once.  She won't keep her clothing on...I have to duck tape, (and that IS the brand) her diapers, she's the kid that despite my picking up EVERY pencil, pen, colored pencil, and crayon I can find, will find one somewhere else, and draw all over my walls.  If it weren't for magic erasers, I would have had to send her back at least twenty times by now.  And she has NO fear.  Honestly.  I can yell, I can slap her hand, I can look really, really mean when I want to.  (Cole used to start crying at just, "the look").  But Syd isn't phased.  She does what she wants, when she wants.  I need so much help with her from Jeff and Riley and Cole.  And the thought of having her before now....isn't a good one. 

I am proud of her.  Fiercely proud.  She's so freaking smart.  Can figure stuff out that I don't have the patience to even wonder about.  And she is beautiful.  Like, I'm honestly amazed at what a pretty little girl she is.  It's just too bad she's such a brat, because where Riley was cute and loved you, Syd is beautiful and could care less about you--and she doesn't like you looking at her.  If Syd weren't mine?  I would totally think that she needed to be brought down a few pegs.  I can appreciate her individuality, but she's so different from Riley and Cole.  And sometimes, it's like she's a different species altogether.  

But she's here.  She's healthy.  She's completely stubborn and used to getting her way, with everything.  And she's everything to us.  She makes us smile and laugh and she pulls on heartstrings Jeff and I forgot we had, or for Riley and Cole, are just finding out that they have.  She'll be two years old on Saturday.  And I can't believe it.  So much in our lives have changed and so much of it has been because of her.  I guess that's how each child affects the family dimension. Or maybe she's just a whirlwind of life that we all needed, that we were all waiting for.  I don't know.  
The one thing I can admit?  I can't imagine our lives without her.  Where would we be?  What would we do?  Each member of this family is essential to all our happiness.  This is why I find myself being overwhelmed with gratitude most days.  I know it's the season to be grateful and thankful.  But my heart is so full.  Life is so good.  I hope and pray that it stays this way, and that it remains this way for us, and for everyone else.  Much love to all.  Much love to Sydney Joy Anderson.  You've made these last two years so different, and so special, for all of us.  Thank you, Bubby.

Thankful for...

I have been out of commission lately.  My computer took a turn for the worse, and it was beyond dead.   It wouldn't even start.  And all my programs were dead.  I guess I didn't realize how much I used it until it was dead.  Luckily, I had my iPhone and such.  But I've decided that regardless of how much I love my phone, having to zoom in, and scroll down every two seconds puts me in a bad mood, and makes me give up.  (Sad life, right?)
Anyway, on Saturday I went out and did yard work.  Mowing, and pruning trees in late November in Utah seems a bit funny, I'm sure.  Especially since it looked like the sky was going to open up and pelt me with snow.  However, it held out and waited to do all its dumping till Sunday, and meanwhile, I got most of our leaves put in the trash cans and made our yard soooo pretty.  While I did that, Jeff was detoxing my computer.  After like, 16 hours of removing, and cleaning and stripping it down to its original settings, it works better than I ever remember.  So big thanks to Jeff.  He did what I thought was impossible.  It had gotten to the point where I would turn it on, and wait ten minutes to even have the OPTION to go online.  And maybe you think this is boring? But let me tell you...when you have to go without, you realize how important everything is.  And I got to thinking about this.  Because, it works with other stuff, too.  And as shallow as it sounds, it took something like this to make me realize  I need to be more thankful.

My half-brother is going to be deployed on Tuesday.  Perhaps.  I specify half brother, because if I just said my brother, everyone would ask me when Jessey joined the military.  He went to Iraq a few years ago...and I guess it's time again.  Right before Thanksgiving.  I said "perhaps", because he's been told a few different dates.  Had to quit his current job, and just wait for someone to tell him when to get on the plane, meanwhile trying to prepare himself and his family for the day he has to go.  It makes me sad.  And then there's his family.  I think  I'm sad and worried.  And I really have no idea.  When I talked to him about it, he seems upbeat--willing to see the positive.  His family supports him, and realize that that's the way of life...but to me, it's such a long time to be without your best friend, husband, father.  I can't imagine.  I'm so grateful to have my husband here.  To know that he won't get some call to go away for some untold time.  There are people that adjust, and handle it.  And live their lives.  I'm thankful for them, and for their bravery.  And I'm thankful that I'm not expected to be that brave.  

This year is my "Siblings" Thanksgiving.  I'm excited to be able to host it at my home.  In all honesty, I hope one day to see Shelly and Jayson at this function, too.  It would be really nice to get to know them better.  Lora won't be able to make it.  And this is completely understandable, because I know what it's like to drive through Wyoming at this time of year.  It's scary and unpredictable.  And after being caught in a snowstorm with Muffy and Jeff and a baby Riley for 16 hours, I know it's just not something to be messed with.  We'll miss her, but I'm certain she'll have an enjoyable holiday with her husband and perhaps his family.  In a way it's been nice to take control and fix an entire meal.  Well, the siblings help, of course.  But I mean, there's something about fixing a holiday meal that makes me feel more like an adult.  That I can do something that for as long as I can remember, seemed to be only for "ladies".  Old ladies.  And speaking of that, I found my first gray hair last week.  Well, the first gray hair that I know of, anyway.  I'm all about dying my hair every month.  And really have been since I was 25.  I thought that I could kind of cheat those stupid grays, because I wouldn't see them.  Does that make sense?  And, I thought that I was more adjusted to the whole getting older thing, than I am.  I was a lot sadder than I had planned.  Also, Jeff has a bunch of gray hair.  And I don't know if it's society, or what, but I think on him, it's attractive.  On me?  Not so much.  
But, this was something that made me stop and think, as well.  I'm thankful to be alive at this point in time.  Where things are changing so quickly, I've been able to see a lot of things come into play in my lifetime.  Things that were just fleeting thoughts years ago.  Technology is rocking our world, and we are trying to become a more tolerant and united people.  Maybe it's not happening as quickly as we would like, but I think that for the most part, people are trying.  I'm so happy to be a part of a generation that is pushing individuality, and equality, and freedom to be...who you are.  After thinking about this, I'm okay with becoming an old lady.  I'm grateful for the things I've been able to see.

I really hope that everyone has an excellent Thanksgiving.  Regardless of where you are in your lives, or what your personal beliefs are, or wherever you are emotionally or spiritually, or physically, I honestly expect that there will be miracles occurring.  I hope that's the case with all of you and your families.  Much Love.  
Now that my computer is fixed, I'll try to be better about posting.  What's all of your excuse?  You know who you are.  
Peace out.  

October's end.

An appropriate title...however many weeks late.  But, alas...I feel like time is really getting away from me.  It has seemed lately that I can't remember jack...or focus on anything but the upcoming holidays, and my love for snuggling with Syd, and being in pajamas, and having my house smell like pumpkin bread and vanilla.  And baking, and enjoying the warmth of the fire, and so many other things have been occupying my mind and time that the day to day seems to be forgotten.  However, Amy made me one of her personalized planners, and I got it at the end of last week...so now I have no excuses.  But I'll still come up with a few doozies to hide my laziness.  At least I'm still trying to hide it, right?  Doesn't that say a little something?  No?
I will answer some questions and respond to some statements real quick, though...because I didn't get around to doing it in the comments section of my last post.  Keri--Riley's school has "mismatched" day for spirit day that week.  However, she liked it so much that she continued to wear them the entire day.  I think it was less about fashion, and more about me letting her wear shorts.  But, I thought it was pretty cute, too.  She is getting too old, too fast.  And Cole said the exact same thing about my pumpkin looking like the bat symbol.  I didn't see it until he said that.  Must be a guy thing.  Kass--Sydney DID try the pumpkin goo.  And unsurprisingly, she wasn't a fan.  And Lora?  Just looked like Syd was taking a dump.  She was having that much fun. ;)
 As you probably noticed the last week of October went by very quickly.  And was a bit surreal.  It turned out that the second grade at Canyon Elementary had been practicing for a Halloween play/concert for the parents and fellow schoolmates...but they didn't really tell anyone until the last minute.  However, I HAD been hearing Cole singing songs that he doesn't normally have access to, and busting some moves that were new.  If he would have been my nephew Erik, I would have just assumed the dancing was business as usual, but it's Cole, so I figured something was up. 

Someone is pretty excellent when they can get a ton of kids and do synchronized dance.  Much respect. I almost had to shoot that girl pirate, though.  I did NOT appreciate her blocking of my son.  And his moves. 
Jeff got to come to this event, even though it was on a Thursday.  This was nice, but lately, it seems like his schedule has been fluctuating and that's been annoying me.   Anyhoo, Riley and Cole both came up to Jeff and Syd and me after the show, and we took pictures to document Jeff's being able to attend a midday event.  It was big news.  ;)

Riley decided to be an angel, rather than the devil she was for the Anderson Halloween party.  There was a little drama with the wings, but we pulled everything else together at the last minute.  She's wearing my shoes.  They're a little big...but she can wear them.  And Cole was the Pokemon trainer again.  He was pretty proud of himself.  But, that's because he did the most awesome out of everyone else, and typically rocked the entire program.  That's just how he is.  Syd was in her stroller while all these pictures are being taken.  I feel like I need to explain that because she was being such a huge brat, that I couldn't even pretend to want to document her.  No...that's not true.  Not completely.  I just didn't want to get her out, because I knew putting her back in would be a fight for which I hadn't the strength.  She was there, though.  So don't worry.  Even though it was really tempting, I did NOT leave her in the car during Cole's production.  
So, Friday, the day after, the kids didn't have school.  And the weather was gorgeous.  We just kind of chilled all day, and put our Jack-O-Lanterns on the front porch.  We were all excited for Saturday night, when we would trick-or-treat.  Cause we're in Utah.  And apparently, that's what they do when Halloween falls on a Sunday.  I'm used to it, now...but the first couple of times it happened, it threw me.  

Saturday we woke up and the weather was terrible.  It was cloudy all day, and windy, and just cold.  And normally, I love that weather.  But not when you're supposed to go outside all eventing.  And, Syd had had diarrhea the entire day and night before...and it just got worse.  She was grouchy, and tired, and whiny...and she was pretty miserable.  I ended up having to cancel all our family visits.  
Riley and Cole were excited to go for the first time trick-o-treating here in this neighborhood.  But during the time these pictures were taken, our home was literally being shaken by wind, and there was hail pouring everywhere, and whitening all the bushes and trees.  Eventually it just began to rain, and the kids were willing to brave the weather for candy.  Hopefully, the good kind. 
Syd helped me with our Trick-O-Treaters while Cole and Riley went on their way.  Well, helped me with the candy, anyway.  She tasted pretty much everything in the bowl...and the Skittles were here favorites. 

The rest of the night I basically sat around and stressed that Riley and Cole would call and be lost, or scared, while I greeted kids in costume, and gave them vast amounts of sugar.  When the kids got home, they were happy, though.  They had caught up with neighborhood friends, and gotten a lof of candy, and were already excited for next year,  and plans that they had made.  It turned out to be a lot of fun for both of them, and I was glad.  I'd worried that Syd being sick and lack of our normal Halloween routine would bum them out.  But it seems like they are mostly interested in the candy part of this holiday.  Weird. 

They brought in some good stuff.  We are still munching on it from time to time.  I hope you all had a Happy Halloween, and that you all gained at least 5 pounds from the vast amounts of candy you've consumed.  Because if you haven't, then that's not fair to me.  
Okay, at the end of this week, I'm putting up our Christmas decorations.  For reals.  I'll post pics when they're up.  Try to contain your excitement. 

October, part two.

Occasionally Teresa, my stepmom will come visit us, and us her.  Last week she came over with Gabe, her grandson and my kid's...cousin?  Yeah, I think their cousin.  Anyway, usually we visit while the kids play, and this time was no exception.  Syd waddled around, and destroyed stuff while we caught up on what the kids have been doing, and life in general.  I always look forward to these visits, because she's a friend, and we just laugh about everything.  But when it was time to go home, she had asked if we'd been to the pumpkin patch this year, I said "no", and she invited us to go to Springville to Jakers, the pumpkin patch that is right next to where our old home used to be.  Apparently they had upgraded it quite a bit, and the kids were way excited.  So we went.  

The weird thing is, when we lived right next to Jakers, we never went.  Not once in seven years.  But this being the year that we moved away, we decided to check it out.  And, this year they added quite a few things: A maze, a hayride, and a petting zoo.  It was way more fun than I was thinking it would be, and the kids loved it.  That llama in the background looked like it had a perm.  We-ird.  And there was a baby kangaroo, as well...but it looked really sick, and it made me sad.  I really like petting zoos and such, but when they look like they've had one too many kids throw something at them, or have been poking them, or are screaming at them, it makes my inner animal's-rights-activist come out.  So, I guess it doesn't take much.   

But the hayride was a lot of fun, despite how dorky I look, and Syd and the boys LOVED the "corn pool".  That sounds really nasty, doesn't it?  But I'm not sure what one would call it. 

And Riley was pretty good at climbing up the bales of hay.  They were ginormous.  It kind of made me sick to watch, and I realized that I am in fact, getting old.  Not only am I getting the wrinkles and such, but the carsickness, and the stomach upset of heights.  Ugh.  Anyway, after all the festivities, the kids picked out pumpkins from the actual patch and I thought they did a good job.  Grandma Teresa treated them to their choice of baby gourd in addition to the pumpkins.  She's awesome like that.  ;)

And lastly, this is my most favorite picture of the event is Syd sitting in dirt.  She looks like a very special monkey, but she's MY very special monkey.  

Big thanks to Teresa for a really fun time.  All three of the kids loved it, and it was nice of her to take us out.  Plus, our pumpkins rocked the house.  As you are about to see.

We got around to carving the pumpkins about a week later.  And each of us got to create our own...it was the first time the kids got to pick and choose and make anything they wanted.  I'd like to say that I was a runner up in the most creative...but we all know that wouldn't be true.  In fact, I tried to download some sort of pattern or a cool face off the internet so my pumpkin could keep up, but my computer chose to not respond to any of my promptings. And I had to go at it alone.  

Jeff says that is my old lady face.  It's actually my "artistic concentration" face.  And this is just another reason I am not artsy in any way.  It makes me really ugly.  However, everyone else in my little family seems to do it and look great simultaneously.

(Notice that whenever Jeff does something, even pumpkin carving, it's an event that requires the electric drill)

Technically Syd didn't do any actual carving, but she did touch some pumpkin goo and rearranged the little gourds.  She's an asset, for sure.  

And in the end, I think they turned out pretty great.  The kids did a really excellent job, and Jeff's mummy pumpkin turned out perfect...but that's normal.  His is always the one that I wish I could say I made.  Instead my jack-o-lanterns have the perpetual "baby face", as my sister, Muff says. I always draw people that have the same face, apparently, and they just look like cartoon babies.  I guess it's my style, if you will.  
Rainey's, Jeff's, Cole's, and Riley's pumpkins:

Up next is Cole's Halloween play and Halloween night, which blew not only literally, but figuratively as well. You don't want to miss it.  For reals.  

October, part one.

This has been such a busy month.  It seems like the weeks have been flying and so finally, I just decided to sum it up in one post.  I'm thinking this will be a loooong post.  Just in time for work on Monday, right?  This will give you, like three hours of intense reading.  Or just reading, anyway.  Youuuuuu're welllllcome.  
It seems like I come alive at this time of year.  I feel the way I did when Jeff and I were dating...and I remember the romance, and how great everything was.  Years later, I feel even more in love with him than I was then...and that makes me so happy.  I enjoy smelling the air, and wearing the warmer clothing, and baking, and being in my home.  And with our new home, it just seems like everything is right. I feel very lucky to be me, and to have the people in my life that I do.  Sometimes I am overwhelmed at how great life is...and this time of year, I feel it most.  Also, having a fireplace is rocking my world.  
Anyway, the weather has changed.  There has been rain, hail, and even snow.  And I've loved it.  I snuggle with Syd and we watch movies and sing songs and just play around in my bed.  I love that, too.  It's this time of year that I remember my life is completely opposite of what I had imagined it to be, when I was young and still considering my options.  And I sigh in relief that I did NOT end up as Chris Cornell's fourth wife.  I know, I know.  When I dream?  I.  Dream.  Big.
 So, the Anderson Halloween Party was quite early this year.  It was fun, and the weather was nice.  But I hadn't yet gotten around to thinking up a costume, so I didn't go in one.  But my kids did...they both came up with their own ideas, and we found costume stuff in our Halloween decoration totes that they used to put their costumes together.  I was pretty impressed with their ideas and creativity.

Riley was a devil girl, and Cole a Pokemon trainer.  Cole is right now obsessed with Pokemon everything.  I think it's all a bit too complicated, and the fact that they have a bazillion cards that take up every corner of our home, annoys me.  But he looked really cute, so that's all that matters.

I had to hold Axel a bit...just to prove that I hadn't completely scarred him for life.  And he came to me quite readily, for your information.  It made me feel good.  

My baby girl was a little fairy.  And she is definitely a free spirit.  She just flitted around the entire party, checking out all the sights in Grandma and Grandpa Anderson's backyard.  And finishing everyone's half-empty drinks.  Just because she could, and they weren't guarding them.  Suckers.

Muffy made Syd her skirt last year for Syd's first birthday.  I love it so much.  And Syd does, too...she totally struts her stuff when she gets to wear it.  

I really love my girls.  And my boys.  I have two favorite boys, and two favorite girls.  See?  I'm a lucky lady.

I didn't win the ultimate prize, which was a Jack Skellington that Kelli knitted.  And there were a few times that I had to literally take myself elsewhere, as during the Jeopardy game I heard myself shouting and saying really annoying, obnoxious things that were supposed to be funny, but fell way short.  I'll admit it...sometimes I'm not as hilarious as I imagine myself. All in all, it was a lot of fun.  Thanks to Kelli for all her hard work. 

The following Monday I had volunteered to help with the kid's school carnival.  I thought it would be a little event, but it wasn't.  I thought it would be in and out, and I wasn't.  And I thought it would be low-key.  It wasn't.  Apparently, you can invite anyone.  And, the whole city of Spanish Fork showed up.  Anyway, that's what it felt like.  There was NO time to say "hi" to people, and when I was "relieved" by another parent at the bean-bag toss, I was so pooped that I hid out, rather than reporting to the office to say I needed another job.  Dude, I was sweating, like I used to before I started to use armpit acid.  It was a high-stress situation.

Anyway, the kids had a really good time, and I guess that's the main point, right?  The kids?  I hear that's the attitude good parents take when it comes to doing stuff for their progeny.  I'm giving it a whirl.  So, I met Riley's friends moms with pit-stains, but I'm okay with it, cause I was doing it for her, and Cole.  Ugggggh.  Okay, next story will be about us and Grandma Steele, and the pumpkin patch.  Good times.  So now you know to keep checking my blog, or risk missing out.  Big time.