Grandma and her babies...

Halle stopped by Grandpa and Grandma's for a little visit. Scrappy gets totally freaked out by Halle. Grandma tries to hold both babies at once!

It's April Fool's Eve...

St Patricks Day was festive at our house! Just look at Halle having fun with Brother Jenkins. Mat and I made our debut as Activities Committee Chairmen with a ward party ... "ShamROCK the House". We had a great pasta bar, limerick writing contest, and while I was hopeful we would have karaoke, alas, we ran out of time before that could begin. No worries, I plan to incorporate karaoke into the next ward party. (Assuming I don't get a quick release once receipts are turned in...)

Joey and Sara, helping and being good sports...as always!

Jodi and Pat, my committee...who do most of the work!

The kids are always shocked that they don't ever get a leprechaun, despite their amazing traps they set out the night before.


The Cream of Wheat turned green, though!

Mati just couldn't believe it!

And finally.....Miss Halle had her 15 month check up. She is a whopping 13 lbs 4 oz. So...Halle now gets an appetite stimulant. Yes, we are treading new waters in the Andresen home. If she can't get fat at our house, she can't get fat! We are working hard on it. She is just so tiny, and so busy when she's awake, I think she burns more calories than she could ever take in. She is doing great developmentally. She is going to have stents put in her tear ducts on April 24, but she did great with her last little eye surgery so we expect all to be well this time, too!

Chloe got her cast off. She has been such a trooper. She tries so hard to walk, and her foot is sore and stiff, but she presses on! She is a good kid.

Craig celebrated April Fools a little early - he gave himself a haircut. He came over and said "My mom's gonna be so mad. Will you call her?" So...I called Deb and gave her the good news. Craigy swore he'd never do that again.

Spring has sprung?

I hope it's really spring. I love the warm weather, and the kiddos love being outside!

We've had a busy week or two. Last week I was lucky to be part of an incredible adoption experience. A sweet birthmom, Alicia, who I worked with last year, came and placed her sweet son with the same family who adopted her daughter. Alicia and I really bonded, and I really love her. She is an amazing woman who did this for all the right reasons. I admire and respect her very much.

After a few false alarms, baby Elijah was born by c-section early Friday morning. He is healthy and doing well with his new family.

Mat's niece, Heather, got married last week and we had a great time spending time with Mat's family...Kari & Marci both came to SLC as well as some of their children, spouses and grandchildren. I can't believe I'm a great aunt, and it's even more surreal that Halle is playing with my niece's and nephew's children who are her same age, but it sure is fun.

The biggest news of the week is that

MEG IS EIGHT!!

Meg's birthday is March 12 and she is one great 8 yr old. She got an electric scooter and some new clothes, and had a big 4 tiered red velvet cake. She does not like being the center of attention, so we didn't get any real great photos of the magic moment when she reluctantly blew out the candles.

Seeing the scooter for the first time.... HURRAY!!

We LOVE our Meggity. She is an obedient, fun girl and we are so lucky to have her in our family! Stay tuned for baptism details...she wants to wait for her brother to get home. We'll let you know the date!

I adore my Grandma!

I am not afraid to say it. I have the BEST Grandma in the world. As she approaches her 96th birthday this week..MARCH 9th...I can't help but be thankful and proud to have such an amazing woman in my life for as long as I can remember. She is vivacious, fun, and always looks perfect.

My favorite things about her are... (and these are in no particular order)
1. Her love of music. Grandma has the best songs ("Up Up In The Sky" and "A Little Boy Went Walking") and I LOVE that my children have learned them from her. (Here she is singing with Halle!)

She is always my biggest cheerleader with my music. She came to every recital, listened to me play whenever I wanted (or didn't) and always made me think I was the most amazing musician she'd ever heard. (even though we both know I'm not) She arranged for me to play the Tabernacle organ when I was a teenager, and to this day, still comes to every event I play at - big or small.

2. Her cooking. Grandma has a magic kitchen. I'm convinced. No matter what time of day you show up, announced or not, Grandma starts pulling things from her cupboards and fridge and in no time, you're sitting at her table - complete with linens - eating a gourmet meal. Her cooked carrots, date cookies, and Christmas candy are unlike any other.

3. Her style. How many women at age 96 are fashion icons? If I had any sense of style like Grandma, I'd be the second best dressed woman on the block...second only to her.

4. Her sense of humor. Grandma will laugh with you. Just last week when I went to visit, she said "Oh, laws. I am getting old. This morning I thought I'd have a piece of toast, but I couldn't remember where I'd put the toaster!" And she just laughed.

5. Her interest in me and my family. Grandma makes us feel like we are the most important people in her life. She asks the kids what they are up to, and when we leave (right after we get our Kit Kat bars) she always tells us, "I'm so proud of my family..." or "There's nothing like family..."

6. Her stories...and my favorite, her love story with my Grandpa Alton. I love hearing Grandma tell stories. I love hearing her tell about when Marvin got his motorcycle...or when Alton brought home a goat...("it 'went after' the children and me...Alton took that goat away and I never saw it again!"). I love hearing her talk about how "Alton was so good to me. Anything I wanted...he figured out a way..." or "Alton would do anything for the children...anything for the family...". I love hearing her talk about "gentleman friends" who would be interested in her, and she'd tell them if they wanted more than a friend to "look elsewhere". I love that she thinks my dad (Marvin) and my two aunts (Marie and LuAnn) are perfect. Actually, they are pretty close. And they have an angel mother.

7. Her strength. I have never EVER heard Grandma complain. She has been a widow 40+ years. She has had health problems. She has had disappointments and heartbreaks, I'm sure, but I've never heard her once complain about anything. I am sure she is in pain quite a bit; her body is old and tired, her back and legs are crooked. Yet she never utters a negative word about anything. She just says how lucky she is.

8. Her selflessness. Grandma is the most generous person in the world, with her time, her resources, and her love. She is always worried about everyone else's comfort and happiness. She never forgets a birthday. She makes Christmas magical ... still. She would do anything for me. For anyone. I know that.

9. Her testimony. Grandma has a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. She lives it. She knows the gospel. She loves Joseph Smith and has studied his life and his words. She sustains the current prophet, President Monson. And she is a disciple of Jesus Christ. That's a testimony right there.
I am the luckiest girl in the world to call Verna Melville my grandma. I adore her.

(This is a photo of Grandma leading the music at LaRae Kramer's funeral. LaRae was her neighbor for 30+ years and when she died a few months ago, she requested that Grandma lead the music at her funeral.)

March comes in like a...virus!

It's been a rough week. They say March comes in like a lion. And it did...a ferocious lion....

We began our week with Chloe having surgery on her leg. She was a trooper. (And we love Primary Children's Hospital!) She cannot put any weight on it, so she has become a wheelchair wizard and queen of the crutches.

Next, we come to Meg. She's been out of school for TWO weeks...we thought she was having an asthma attack (thank you, SLC inversion!) But after 2 trips to the Dr and 2 more trips to Primary's to the ER...its looking like RSV. She, too, has been a trooper. We just really appreciate her breathing on her own when possible.

Then, we come to Mati...who had croup. She has not felt well, but again, rarely complained. (as long as she has Baskin Robbins)

And finally, Miss Halle. She has probably become the latest RSV carrier. She has 3 different inhalers, some oral meds, and a million dollar smile with TWO new teeth. Here we are waiting for Dr. Owens to come in. (she also had 2 ear infections this day) Can you tell?

And to top it all off...Mat was in Detroit this week for work.

It was ugly.

Luckily, though, we have Sara and Joey to help keep everyone fed, medicated, entertained, and loved.

And we had a few firsts!!

Halle's first trip to the airport (to welcome home cousin Ty, returning from the Hungary mission)...

Chloe and Mati had their first "real" manicures...

Halle had her first bath in the sink...

And got her first two teeth within two days...

And I braided extensions into Meg's hair for the first time (with yarn even!)

Lots of good firsts. And the kids are slowly but surely feeling better..Mat is back in SLC...and bottom line....we survived one ugly week. Grrrrr!

The Latest and Greatest.

It's been far too long, but I am going to try much harder to be better at this. Life is busy. In all the good ways.

We've jumped right into the New Year with enthusiasm...especially because we can say Tanner is coming home this year!

Sara is trying to acclimate to being home again. She is working at the Lion House doing birthday parties, and does a great job. She is also taking classes at SLCC. Her mom is

SO happy she's home. She is so helpful, and knows just how and when to jump in when I need it most! Katie is busy with the play at Evergreen...PeterPan. Yes, see her if you need tickets. She is accompanying - it's her first big production as the accompanist. I am proud of her. It's been a challenge and she's doing well.

Chloe is having foot surgery tomorrow at Primary Children's Hospital. She has a talo-calcaneal coalition. She has been in a lot of pain, and her mother hasn't been too sympathetic. (insert cries of anguish and guilt here) Chloe is a trooper and we are so excited for her to feel better.

Meg is dying to play soccer. Grandpa Marv came and kicked around with her yesterday and even this old mother played with her on Saturday. (photos to prove it coming soon) She is a natural athlete...time to get going.

Mati --our little artist. She colors and writes on everything. And we were at Robintinos for dinner the other night. She brought her friend, Zoe, and they brought Barbies along to play while we waited for food. They were sitting there chattering back and forth in Spanish (Zoe and Mati are both in the Spanish immersion program at school) I asked what they were playing, and they said "Our Barbies are on a trip to Mexico!" Of course. I can't believe I had to ask.

And finally, sweet little Halle Jae. She is so fun. We can't get enough of her. She is crawling all over, sitting up, pulling up to standing, and she has her first tooth!!

Not speechless anymore...

Since Katie's Thanksgiving post, life's been a whirlwind of activity. (don't you love that word...'whirlwind')

Christmas was wonderful. It was Halle's first birthday, and we got to talk to Tanner for over an hour. That was the best part of the day. The kids (ok the parents, too) have loved Rock Band 2, and the Wii has seen more use the past month than probably in the entire year previous.

We had a little birthday cake for Halle (red velvet, of course) but she wasn't feeling too great...little cold, little teething...and she was a pretty mellow birthday girl. We plan to really throw a fiesta on April 4...the one year anniversary of her coming home from the hospital and 'really' joining our family. Stay tuned for details!

As I reflected over the events of 2008, it was overwhelming to see the blessings in our lives. Halle is a true miracle. She has grown leaps and bounds, at least developmentally. Our 1 yr old weighs 12 lb 10 oz and is 24" long. She is so sweet. There is a peace and calm about her that brings sheer joy into this home. We are all completely smitten! She is crawling everywhere, sitting up, and pulling up to furniture. We are so grateful - and so proud - of each milestone. I am lucky to be her mother.

Sara's arrival home from China was another blessing. She had a great experience, and came home safely (keyword: HOME) It has been so fun to be together again, and makes us even more excited for Tanner's return on JUNE 2! Sara is working at the Lion House and began this semester at SLCC. It is fun to have her around, and I often spend the mornings begging her to stay home and hang out with me. Gotta stop that!

Katie is busy at school. She maintains excellents grades all on her own, and is accompanying the school play..."Peter Pan". Should be a great production; they always are at Evergreen Jr High. Chloe is a busy 3rd grader and the assistant mother around here. Science projects are in full swing...if only we could think of something involving sparkles, makeup, or nail polish. Meg is doing great. She works so hard and is reading! She has had a difficult time learning and the girl just never gives up. She is hilarious...and reminds me of Tigger...."Bouncing, bouncing, bouncing, bouncing...fun, fun, FUN, FUN, FUN!" Mati is speaking Spanish quite well nowadays...it's pretty impressive to watch how she understands things, and hear her speak occasionally. She is a little shy...but sometimes we can get the Pledge of Allegiance out of her en espanol.

Mat spent last week in Chicago and I am the first to admit I am not a good single mom. But we have fun, and all sleep together til Dad comes home.

Best news of the new year...THE KITCHEN IS almost DONE!! It is pure heaven. I have fired up all 3 ovens and we are loving every square inch. I feel like I'm dreaming sometimes.

That's the latest here...photos coming soon. Promise!

Happy New Year!

It's 2009. I can't believe it. In fact, I am speechless. More later.

Thanksgiving Shmaksgiving

This year for thanksgiving Tanner is gone and Sara is gone so the family participated in a 3 family thanksgiving extravaganza. Can you say Party! Its been enjoyable not having to go to school(this is katie) but i wish sometimes my sisters were in school haha. We have so much to be thankful for its amazing, that we even have like lights or food or anything. You would never know that i am thankful for those dumb things but i am. My mother has been very busy catering for a wedding and a big birthday thing, she is quite the lady always figuring out another way to be creative. My father is still the same, special man he has always been. I am going to play the piano for Evergreen Junior High's musical Peter Pan, that should be interesting. I have a chorus concert on Wednesday so if you want to come 6:30. The girls just love William Penn, especially because my mother is the PTA president. We are all ready for christmas, 25 days!

Hmph!

Ok so I don't know how to load new photos. And I really don't know how to add a post here without the whole page being uneven. Like, all the posts on one side in a big long list, and all the photos..in a big long list. Bugs!

Perhaps someone could come give me a private tutorial? I will bake for you if you'll blog for me.

And the update is:
Mat and Chloe are in Sun Valley helping Marvelous winterize the cottage. (I think I am hilarious calling that home a cottage) Mostly they are eating well, enjoying the out of doors (Chloe learned to fish.) and I heard a rumor that they went to a movie.

Tanner got the package with meds for his scalp crustacians. Not sure how to help with the stomach issues. Pretty sure he gets his own bathroom when he comes home.

Sara is on the countdown. 59 days. And all the while she talks about missing us and being homesick, she is talking about going back as a head teacher...perhaps Finland...or nannying in Germany. Huh? I'll wear a dierndel (sp?) and make a mean streudel if she'll stay home!

Katie is bossing us all around as always. She is stoked to try out for Peter Pan the Musical at Evergreen.

Meg and Mati are both in love with Troy Bolton, although I prefer his friend, Chad. We've seen HSM 2ce (well some of us 3 times) and we are proud of our love for HSM and are not hiding it.

Halle is still everyone's joy...pushing up on to all 4's. Doing a quick army crawl around the room, but still no regular crawl. That's ok. She gets to do whatever she wants whenever she wants.

Now...someone come help me learn the art of blogging. MWAH!