Happy Halloween!

I sent these little terrors off to school yesterday...


This morning Glen surprised us with a festive breakfast of carved pumpkin pancakes,
pig strips and frog juice... Mmmmm it was delicious

but these are just a few of the festivities we've been up to

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays
who doesn't love being someone else for a day, mini candy bars, parties, thriller, spooking people, and scary movies...
a party pooper, that's who....

well I am NO party pooper... so we've been working on "the pumpkin walk," planning our ward Halloween carnival, carving pumpkins, painting pumpkins, reading spooky stories, singing scary songs, having family parties and today we have lots of last minute spooking to fit in along with tricks and treats... I'll be sure to share the details soon!

Happy Halloween!!

The Treat

For awhile I tried to skip the treat part of Family Home Evening... you know trying to be more healthy. But I've learned that with boys anything that involves food makes it more fun for them to participate in... I am not against bribery.

and so... we usually have a Family night treat....after the lesson, of course.

At school Evan and Eli have been participating in "red ribbon week." During the week they take time to learn about drug and alcohol use. They learn about the dangers and health risks of taking drugs and they pledge to "just say no!" We decided to take advantage and reinforce saying no to drugs for family home evening. We had just recently talked about the word of wisdom so instead of focusing on that we talked about Lehi's dream (from the Book of Mormon) and the people in the great and spacious building... who call out and try to coax the people from holding to the iron rod. We talked about peer pressure and the importance of choosing the right being an example and staying on the path, holding the rod. We read from the book of Mormon about how the rod leads to the tree of life. We talked about the fruit from the tree of life and how it represents eternal life... and how that is our goal in this life... to return to our Father in Heaven and be with our families forever.

We had a great discussion and pledged to do our best to make good choices, hold to rod and seek after eternal life...the fruit... get it?.... FRUIT.... so here comes the fun part... for the treat we made carmel apples! I've never made them before but have been wanting to make them oh, forever! so this was the prefect excuse! They tasted very desirable ;) and were serisouly easy and such a fun activity for the boys!

Don't you just love it when the treat matches the lesson like that... and it all comes together? It makes me so happy inside...

oh, and so does my cute family

Mmmmmm

my baby...

Oliver has grown so much in the past couple of weeks.
I've decided that I must have skim milk ;) because now that he is no longer nursing
he is finally starting to chunk up!
look how much he has changed... no longer a newborn... oh, how I miss those days. He is a real baby now, full of personality and good at letting us know just what he wants! I cannot believe that he will be six months old in a couple of weeks. breaks my heart!

big shot...

Last week we were outside doing a little winterizing. Gabriel climbed up onto the four wheeler and with his head tilted to the side, in his sweetest voice he casually asked me..."You want me to take you for a ride?"


Him, take me? I smiled...he sounded so grown up...my mind flashed forward several years and I decided that he is going to be a little romeo... just look at his pose, one hand on the throttle... thinking he is such a big shot!

I am in trouble.

Sunday...

I snapped a few pictures after church a couple of weeks ago... about the only time they all are dressed in matching clean clothes, hair combed, clean faces... pretty cute if you ask me!

potty training already?

Not officially... he freaks out if we ask him to go potty

but he does love to just sit there...

a crush?

I mentioned in my previous post that boys are born with a crush on their mama's.

Do you know what I mean?

If you don't have a boy of your own you might not get it, even if you do have a boy of your own maybe he's grown and you've forgotten or maybe your little boy never was like my boys have been. Let me explain.

... I know it might seem like I am full of myself... like a sixth grader who thinks a boy has a crush on her....

but if you saw the way that my Ollie looks at me... you'd know I'm not lying...
it's more than a crush. He is head over hills in love with me.

It's not just his constant eyes on me, that gives it away, oh no. There is the way he kicks his legs in excitement when I enter the room or walk in his direction. The tilt of his chin and wide grin I get every time I so much as glance at him. and when I talk to him he practically sings... with his mouth in the shape of "o" he tells me all kinds of stories. And his eyes... they are so bright and full of expression... the eyes always give it away, right?

He gently rubs my face as he's drifting off to dream land and when he's awake he nuzzles his little head into my neck all day. He holds my face with his two tiny hands and gives wet kisses over and over. My Ollie can't get enough kisses, cuddling and loving.

Oh he's nice to everyone else, but sorry girls... it's obvious, he is in love with ME... and you know what?... I really like him too!

Boys...

One thing I know about boys is that they are born with a crush on their mama's

oh and something else?

they are hardwired for wrestling....

I do get in a little wrestling with them here and there but as soon as Glen gets near the floor (just about the time we're getting ready to start family prayer) all of our boys eyes light up and the next thing you know they are climbing, rolling... and laughing.
we do have a rule about it...it is "NO wrestling!" but It's a "boy thing"...and can hardly be stopped when daddy's in on it too!

Sept 11, 2009

Draco Malfoy?

The other day after getting Gabe out of the tub, Glen combed and slicked back his wet hair.

"doesn't he remind you of Draco Malfoy?" he asked.

I smiled because yes his white hair combed back made him look at lot like
the boy on Harry Potter

.....and he's kind of a stinker too.

finished!!!

My dad retired from his career as an educator the end of June. I can't imagine the feelings that must come with retirement I'm just guessing they might include... pride, apprehension, joy and relief. Although it's got to be an adjustment imagine the FREEDOM he must feel! I am so happy for my dad and so proud of all of the accomplishments he made as as educator. He has touched so many lives for the better... that is what good teachers do! Teaching is not the most glamorous profession but my dad followed his heart when he decided on it. he loves kids and he loves learning. He taught fifth grade for a long time and then he became a principal for the better part of his career. He implemented many new programs and enhanced the lives of countless children and teachers who were lucky enough to associate with him in the Logan city school district.


My sister Sara was in town for the summer and so we decided it would be fun to honor my dad and celebrate his retirement. We planned a surprise retirement party and invited all of his family and all of my mom's family too. It was held at riverwalk park.

Dinner, mingling and congratulations...

Sara and Dad

My brother Steve, he's the oldest. Sara's next, then me... our baby sister Julie was not in Utah yet... she was so happy for dad and helped us plan the celebration over the phone!

after dinner we gave a a little tribute to dad and shared some highlights about his career

My dad could have just soaked up all the celebrating and felt a well deserved sense of accomplishment but he is not like that... after we all sang "for he's a jolly good fellow" He ended the celebration by insisting that my mom was the reason for his success. He thanked her for her support through the ups and downs in his career. He wanted to be sure that we knew that he wouldn't be who he is without her. It was very sweet and so sincere...
my dad is a pretty special guy!


Congratulations Dad!
We are so proud of you and we
love having more time to spend with you now too!!

GAK

I used to be a really good mom...

When Evan and Eli were little I set up fisher price little people villages all over the front room and we PLAYED on the floor.... pretended, you know? Evan knew every nursery rhyme and could recite them when asked. Eli could recognize the letters in the alphabet when he was two years old and knew the pledge of allegiance too... they could both belt out songs -lots of songs with actions too, we molded play dough for hours together... they were so adorable and smart and I spent a lot of time talking, singing and reading to them.

That was then.

Now I feel SO busy....

Lately this has been Gabe's schedule. We wake up, get the boys off to school. Then I bundle he and Ollie up and head out for a walk, when we get home from walking around 10 AM I feed Oliver while Gabe plays by himself. After feeding Oliver I turn on the TV so that Gabe can watch a show while I shower and blow dry... Once I am done with all of that we either go run errands or I start on house work... where is the time for HIM? We get home or done cleaning, eat lunch and it's nap time for Gabe. I put him down for a nap, feed Oliver and get more things done. Pretty soon the boys get home from school, Gabe wakes, we do the after school stuff... homework, practice, scouts etc... Then what do you know, it's dinner time! I try to be prepared and put dinner together while Gabe is napping... I've found days are better when I do this.... but even with that trick It feels chaotic. Then after dinner we start the bedtime routine.... you get the idea... go go go and we haven't even started piano lessons yet!

I have been trying to figure out FOUR kids, as you know... it's a work in progress and I am one who struggles with being flexible, I like things planned but I am doing my best (most days) to juggle it all. But in the mean time... I am afraid I am no longer one of those "good mom's." Oh I love my kids and take care of them. I feed them and clothe them.... but poor Gabe... he learns all his smarts and tricks form TV I swear, because I do not spend quality time with him like I should.

How do you do it?

Well I decided it was time to turn over a new leaf (what does that mean, really?)
On Monday we rearranged the schedule... I didn't get a shower in, but I did play. I pulled out my old recipes for strange kid concoctions and Gabe and I made GAK. You mix cornstarch and water (that's all) and end up with this watery rubbery stuff that is so fun! We played with it for one hour and 17 minutes. I am not lying!
On Tuesday we went to the library for story time. Easy... we just showed up and he loved it! Usually he just tags along to all of his brothers things but it was so fun for him to have his own special thing. He picked out a mat to sit on, he listened to the nice lady read the book, shook his shakers during music time, watched a flannel board story and did the actions to "wheels on the bus" Watching the joy on his face melted me. He picked out two books to borrow from the library and we read them together when we got home

So... I've been feeling better about my mom skills this week. been so proud! I needed to be reminded how easy it is to play and laugh to teach and to pretend EVERYDAY.

But Then I watched the Duggars (18 kids and counting) on TV last night. I recorded it. They were celebrating 20 in 20 years! Renewing their vows yada yada... Seriously 18 kids, all from her body. Plus she's pregnant with #19!!!!!!!! number nineteen!!!!! Mrs. Duggar proceeded to go through and talk about each one of her 18 kids... she told all about their deliveries, and was very specific about happenings with each of them she described their personalities... I sat there in complete shock! How was it possible for her to remember?? ...I can barely keep the details straight about my FOUR boys.... Who is she?? 19 kids!!!!!!!!!? and they all seem to be nice, happy, well rounded people too!! What is she on?

Maybe I should contact her and get some tips?

As for now... I'm feeling pretty good about GAK!

how sad is that?

Teddy Bear

a chill is in the air. It is officially Fall! I LOVE Fall... it's the cuddling time of year... sweaters, blankets, slippers, .... and I have a little someone special who's keeping me warm....




Don't you wish you could cuddle up with this warm little bear?

I get to.

Every day.

How lucky is that...

creative cousin

look what I'm using for the place settings at my Halloween party this year...


Isn't that the cutest little bat face you've ever seen!?!

These adorable bat boxes are not only a great place setting but are also perfect for delivering a little treat to school teachers, visiting teachers, friends and family!

I'm going to buy some.

and you should too!!


check out my cousin's Toni's etsy shop here... She makes all kinds of fun things.... my personal favorite are her Valentine cards seriously adorable and so funky!

I tell ya, she is one talented girl

aren't I lucky that she's my cousin? ...I think so!!


now go buy something already!

Aspen Grove

July 11- 17th was the Andersen family reunion with Glen's mom's side of the family. It was held at BYU's Aspen Grove family Camp which is just above Sundance up Provo canyon. It is a beautiful place, full of fun things to do, one of the greatest places on earth for families... I promise! Last year we went to Aspen Grove with Glen's siblings and parents but this year it was with all of his extended family... aunts, uncles, cousins- there were about 150 of us total! It was fun to reconnect with family some of whom we haven't seen in a long time. the best part was being able to spend some time with Grandma Andersen who made the reunion possible! We love her so much and although we don't get to see her very often, we are influenced by her example and blessed by her love everyday! We are so proud to have such a wonderful lady as our grandma. I am grateful for the good choices she has made in her life that have rippled down and in turn blessed my life. Her life and example will continue to bless many generations to come.

our family with Grandma Andersen

There are 8 children in Glen's family. he has 5 sisters and 2 brothers... I love them all and I'm not just saying that because his mom reads my blog :) they are an incredible family and I am so blessed to be a part of it! Just read our shirts....Together really is our favorite place to be!!

We were able to get a few pictures the first couple of days that we were at Aspen Grove but then our camera broke and wouldn't focus. It was stuck on some weird setting so I had other people take pictures for me the rest of week... below are just a few...

the Huber grand kids...

with that many kids your bound to have a few homely or naughty ones right?? Well, not so! these are the cutest, most polite bunch of kids you'll ever find! We love our nieces and nephews so much and couldn't ask for better influences for our boys... they love their cousins!!

Maddie, Evan and Avery

Gabe was a little apprehensive at first to join his group, the Rompers but towards the end of the week he decided it was pretty fun. He went to his class for the first part of the day and then after lunch Gabe, Oliver and I went back to our room in the Beckham Lodge for a little nap everyday...

Eli with his group the Cubs...

and below is Evan preforming with his group the Panthers. He is a good sport and doesn't mind that all of the cousins his age are girls! Harmony, Avery and Maddie.

On Wednesday the kids do not meet back with their families for lunch, but stay in groups all day. Evan's group packed a sack lunch and went on a hike to Stuart Falls. On the hike Evan slid on a pile of gravel and hit his knee on a big boulder. His knee split open, but he was able to make it back thanks to his calm counselors and a pretty hefty bandage. When he got back to the grounds I was in our room with sleeping babies and Glen was in a Basketball tournament. Thanks to our 2 way radios we learned Evan had fallen and that he was heading straight to first aid. Aunt Stacie accompanied him and helped him to be brave until Glen could get there. I figured it was no big deal and his scrape just needed to be cleaned up a bit... The doctor on site did clean it up but said it would most likely need stitches... even after that I was not prepared for what a huge gash it was... Evan and Glen stopped by our room on the way to insta care and when I peeled back the bandage my stomach flip flopped a little and my heart went out to my little boy... he was so brave! The rest of the week Evan had a pretty severe limp and had to sit out on most of the activities at Aspen Grove.... knee's are hard to heal because they are always bending... he split the stitches out once and then even after they were gone and it seemed healed... the scar popped open again a few weeks later when he was playing... so he has a pretty big scar on his knee
and he hopes to never have stitches again!:)

There are so many fun activities to do at Aspen Grove. Swimming, mini gold, badminton, wallyball, basketball, shuffle board, paintball, tennis, air hockey, racquetball, hiking, pedal carts, archery, rifle shooting. there are parks and a little store, arts and crafts, board games to rent, Frontier land, family follies, water frolics, movies etc.... not to mention delicious meals, amazing seminars for the adults and competition sign ups. Seriously it is so fun!!!
I didn't get enough pictures but you should check it out!

Here is Evan on the climbing wall

and Glen (third one in on the left) just after winning his paintball game

Evan and beautiful aunt Sarah

The week at Aspen Grove is so busy filled with much to do and lots of ways to strengthen family ties. We can't wait until the next time we go!
Thank you so much Grandma Andersen we love you!