Anderson Family News: A new blog post!

Wow, I just looked back have only had seven blog entries this year. Seven! I am kind of sad that I don't have more time to blog, but then again, it's because I am insanely busy raising a family, and that's nothing to be sorry about ;) Today I am hanging out on the couch with a sinus infection and tonsillitis, so I thought it was a good a time as any to update the blog!

We are definitely the busiest we have probably ever been, but its all in a very good/structured way (which is totally how I prefer things to be, lol). Having a kid in school creates structure whether you are a person that likes it or not! Here is a little update on our family, and some news pics.

The Family

We became members of our church back in May and love being involved in God's mission for our church and community. Chris and I teach the 4 year old Sunday school classes one month on, one month off, and we absolutely love those little kids! We also were baptized and rededicated our lives to Christ in August! We host our Body Life Group in our home on Thursday nights and have made some wonderful friends in the process. We finally feel like we have a real support system right here in our town, and feel so much more a part of the community now. It is definitely one reason I don't blog quite as much...I have to be a much more prudent housekeeper now that I'm hosting 4-6 other families in my home every week! Chris and I are also very excited to be I the process of becoming foster parents!!! We are feeling a very strong calling to open our home and our hearts to babies and small children that need a place to go and be loved while their parents work on improving their life situation. We would also love to add to our family through adoption if the opportunity arises.

Chris

He is, as always, staying busy at work and thriving in the Finance department. His new boss is more family-friendly than the previous one, and gives him the flexibility he needs to be the super involved father that he is. He is the head coach of Ayden's flag football team through the Upward league. He was hesitant at first, but is absolutely loving it! And it doesn't hurt that our team is really good ;) He is maintaining his 125 pound weight loss with ease....kind of makes me want to smack him...lol just kidding ;) He runs 4 miles a day, because it "energizes" him. Ugh, men!! lol. I mean...Go Chris!!

I am working primarily Friday and Sunday nights and am liking it so far. It allows me to be off all week and go to church on Sunday mornings without being tired. Ethan goes to MDO on MWF, so I am able to sleep when I need to, and have a day to run errands. I still really love the NICU!! It is definitely my favorite place I have ever worked. I stay pretty busy all week keeping up with the house and the boys, but I wouldn't want it any other way :) I am currently halfway through a one month Facebook and Pinterest fast that I am doing with my sis in law to help shed the "addiction" to social media. I really am not missing it all that much, besides sharing cute pics of the boys and the funny things they say. And what all my friends and their kids are doing. And who is pregnant, and who had babies. And new recipes and ideas for how to organize and be a good mom. OK FINE.... I MISS IT!!!! But I have read TWO REAL BOOKS plus spent way more time reading my bible, cleaning, exercising, and playing with the boys, so I know the fast is worth it and hopefully has broken me from my need to feel constantly "connected" to everything that is happening.

Ayden

Our big boy is loving school and has transitioned into it so very well! He is learning so much and is starting to read! He really hasn't had a single complaint yet about school in the 2 months he has gone! His favorite thing at school is art class on Mondays and Fridays. He is a talented little artist, I just love looking at all the stuff he brings home! He is also loving playing flag football under coach daddy. He has improved a lot this season already, and is looking forward to Upward Basketball in January! (along with his momma!) He is also going to Karate camp during his fall break from school, and I have a feeling that will lead into to regular lessons ;) Lastly, he is in Awana's every Wednesday night and really loves it. He amazes me with how quickly he is memorizing verses! He is a busy little guy but is doing fantastic!!

Ethan

Oh, Ethan. What can I say. That boy never ceases to amaze me with his shenanigans and pure preciousness all in one. You have heard the saying, "fiercely independent". Well, he blows that right out of the water. He absolutely dictates the household (or, I should say, TRIES to) and pushes limits beyond anything I have ever seen. I can't even go into all the details, and I am not sure you would believe me if I did! :-) Let's just say he is 3 and he is GOOD at it! He is also very loving, affectionate, helpful, and hilarious (when he isn't causing mass chaos and destruction). We still call him the "baby" and I don't see that changing anytime soon. He OWNS it, and isn't wanting to give up that nickname anytime soon! He is doing surprisingly well at his new MDO, his teachers adore him, and he is learning so much. He is a mess but keeps things interesting!!

Here is a slew of pics from the last few months!