When I went to get Andrew this morning....

Here is what I saw:



(I couldn't get a good picture of his back...that was the worst part, poor kid!)

Getting better (notice all the laundry in the background, YIKES!)


MUCH BETTER!!! :-)


I guess I've learned not to feed Andrew Oat Cereal before he goes to bed for the night.

Just feelin' grateful!

I don't quite know what it is, but for some reason over the last few days I have just been feeling extremely grateful. Grateful for EVERYTHING...for family, for friends. I just can't seem to find one reason to stay unhappy or sad. Sure I've had a few frustrating moments here and there but it isn't sticking.

Maybe it's the beautiful weather that is finally hinting of Spring or the fact that Mike continues to do exceptionally well in his busy classes AND I have gotten to see him more than we originally thought. Maybe it's because Andrew keeps growing and learning and making me so proud to be his mother! Maybe it's because I have been able to take peaceful strolls in the park and watch Andrew laugh as I push him in the swing. Maybe it's because I have recently run into several old friends or because I still keep in contact with so many others I love. Maybe it's because we finished our taxes and got a nice return. Maybe it's because my grandpa tells me the most colorful stories about training horses and winning races. Maybe it's because I am finally on top of dishes and laundry or perhaps it's because Andrew has been taking better naps.

Maybe it's because Costco is so handy or the woman at the check-out was so nice to me. Maybe it's because I have a sister-in-law on a mission and such fantastic in-laws and family members who are such great examples. Maybe it's because Mike actually bought me a flower (he hates flowers) or that he got me 'Charlie' and the Tarzan soundtrack for Valentines day. He remembered those things have a special meaning to me.

Maybe it's because I have so many fond memories in my life to keep my mind busy if it ever needs to wander. Maybe it's because fruit smoothies taste so good or because it feels so great when I finish Turbo Jam for the day. Maybe it's because I got to sleep in a little this morning or because Mike took out the trash on his way out. Maybe it's because I got some new mascara or because I have meals planned out for the rest of the week. Maybe it's because I did my visiting teaching this month and mine also came to visit me. Maybe it's because there are so many books to read and stories to tell or maybe it's because Andrew likes to bop to music. Maybe it's because of Josh Groban and John Schmidt or the small keyboard in our living room, where I can practice playing hymns.

Maybe it's for alarm clocks or imagination or the color green or freshly roasted vegetables, or for positive attitudes or kind words or conference talks or prayer. Maybe it's for blogging or away volleyball games or silly children songs or soccer, or for horses or hiking or for new goals and anticipation. I guess the point is that there are just so many things to be grateful for that I can't seem to keep from smiling. I'm glad this feeling has been with me and you know what, I think I'm going to invite it to stay.

Go Andrew!

This was fun so I thought I would quickly post it. Over the last few days I have worked at teaching Andrew how to pass the ball. So...here, for your viewing pleasure is Andrew and Daddy playing his new favorite game, "Pass the Ball." :-)

Go Away!

So I woke up this morning and this is what I found outside the living room window.




I know that I am being selfish, but I am DONE with the winter. No more snow! I'll take rain, I'll take hail, but PLEASE no more snow!

At least Andrew thought is was fun...

Tori, Tori, Ecuadory! (Plus a little for the Grandmas)

Hi! So, I felt the need to share my love for an item I have had in my possession now for oh...maybe 5 years or so. Has it really been that long?!? Sheesh! Anyway, I obtained said item whilst I traveled Ecuador as a "little" humanitarian clear back in 2004. There are many treasures I gained during my stay. Por exemplo, It helped me to establish a stronger sense of moral character, I learned how to be more charitable and selfless, I became good friends with some of the best people in the world (shout-out Quito chicas, "callate y besa me, tonto!, and I learned to LOVE deeper than I could of otherwise. However, of the monetary treasures, I still have a few things that are special such as: a small nativity set, a cool yellow Ecuador shirt (which I once wore in front of Mike during the world cup as England played Ecuador--BIG mistake), some crazy knitted slippers AND, the coolest, most amazing of them all--the item which has inspired me to write this tribute--the Tori Pants. (Umm..honestly I don't know if I am spelling it correctly, but oh well, continuing on...)

Tori pants, for those of you who don't know, are spectacular! They are spun out of wool or llama fur or Alpaca (I think) and come in all sorts of colors, patterns, shapes and sizes. As far as the style, think MC Hammer with a little clown pants. Yeah, how awesome is that?!? They are stylin'! AND practical, I wore these babies when I was pregnant with my baby and at nine months I still had room to spare! Oh yeah! AND I continue wearing them. You tell me how many of your regular ol' sweats or jeans can do that?!!

When I first arrived home from Ecuador I owned about 4 pairs. Unfortunately, since then, time did catch up to some and 3 have since met their maker. BUT, good news for me, I still have the coolest and most comfortable pair, and they don't appear to be wearing down anytime soon. No sir...these are resilient! They are rainbow with two big pockets on each leg and (as is typical of tori pant fashion) they have the oh-so-miraculous draw string at the waist (of course) as well as on the pant cuff at the bottom. RAD? How could it not be?

Tori pants are great and I am not the only who thought so. They were ever so popular amongst us volunteers--our equivalent of the Louis Vuitton handbag! Did the fine Ecudorian citizens wear them? Well, not really...but no matter, more for us! And I'm sure they thought we were the coolest walking around the streets of Quito as Albino as they come sporting the "native" clothing!

Anyway, so here is a picture of these fabulous pants. Aren't they great?! I sure think so... :-)


On to other news...It's been awhile since I have posted anything about Andrew or what's been goin' on around our house. So, for the sake the grandmas I decided to post some pictures. As far as what we've been doing...nothing too exciting. Mike is still busy as ever working for the MTC, putting in hours with the volleyball team and going to class. If her ever has spare time, he plays with me and Andrew (well, he always makes time for that) or else plays a little Fifa! I am busy with our little munchkin. He is growing so fast and I can't believe is already 9 months! He crawls everywhere and has even been attempting to stand on his own! YIKES! He has had a few bouts with a cold, but nothing very serious. He likes to play patty-cake and is great at clapping! He can definitely say 'Dada' and mean it...I think 'Momma' is there too, but it could be debated. Still likes to put EVERYTHING into his mouth, and his laugh sounds more and more like a chipmunk. Seriously so funny! I've been trying to catch it on video but have been unsuccessful so far. Here are some recent pictures. Enjoy!

Andrew having fun in his play pen!


SAD! He was not feeling well so I made him a little bed on the floor. He seriously sat there for about 45 minutes without moving. Proof of how bad he was feeling that day!




Tsk, tsk...got into some tissues while my back was turned.:-)