Aspirations of a 3 Year Old

Tonight while eating dinner, completely unsolicited, Lucy declared, "When I grow up I want to be a GREAT BIG BEAR (raised hands into claws and threw them high into the air as she finished with) that will lift super heavy rocks!" Not sure how to respond, we told her that was a great idea and opened up the conversation to the other kids and what they might want to be when they grow up. We have a future Shark Catcher, a Police Man, and a Part Time Veterinarian-lawyer-doctor-animal trainer, and mom the other half of the time. I am so proud! I have to admit I am not super thrilled about either of my sons future ambitions. What is it about sons and making a mom worry? Both of my boys want to swim with sharks... I would prefer a nice desk job far away from any danger. At least, my baby only wants to be a bear!

I've been bragging about my kids' mad soccer skills on Facebook so I knew I had to offer some video proof before long. This is a few seconds of Nathan DOMINATING on the soccer field. I know, he's 5, but it is still a ton of fun to watch him go. It makes me want to run for the sheer joy of it, like I used to...up until my back, and my knee, and my hip all begin to ache at the thought of it. Elaina's equally awesome, I just don't have any footage yet. Its difficult to coach and film at the same time. Stay tuned...this video will end up on "Beyond the Glory: the Nathan Anderson Story" someday.

The flu, Disney On Ice, & a Half Marathon

This week has been a busy one. Usually the course of things entails my kids catching some germ, a week of me cleaning it up, and then catching it; realizing only after they are all done being sick, how terrible they felt. This time, however, I was blessed to catch the flu first.

Monday was a holiday and we had a great time just relaxing at home enjoying a Star Wars Movie Marathon....then Tuesday morning came the flu. Elaina came into my room around 6:00A, complaining about her stomach. After helping her, I had to send her back to her room because my stomach was turning, too. Dan, the incredible husband that he is, stayed home and I spent the day in bed. By the end of the day, around 5:30p, I was feeling better (the one good thing about the flu is that unlike a cold we usually catch the 12-24 hour crud and then we are done). I came downstairs just in time to tag Dan and let him have his turn. I was hoping that the kids would be skipped or could quickly get on with it so they could be better in time for Disney On Ice the next day, and believe it or not, my prayer was answered. Lucy and Nathan spent the night on my lap,but luck was on our side and by morning everyone was feeling much better so.....

We made it to Disney on Ice. My parents gave all of the grand kids tickets to the show for Christmas. Our crew included Grandma Gibson, four moms, and fourteen 9& under cousins. It was alot of fun! Really, the kids had a blast! (Thanks Mom and Dad!We love you!) Dressed up in Disney costumes, we went to Metro Pizza for dinner and then off to the show in the uncanny, 3-day straight rainstorm, which, I have to mention, rarely happens here. (I don't even own an umbrella.) The only drawback to the evening was that I failed to plan for souvenirs. Those Disney people are geniuses when it comes to marketing!

Thursday was a good, normal day, and I turned my attention to the upcoming race. We were already down two sisters due to injury, Callie has a sprained ankle and Bec had already run the Ragnar, an earlier half marathon and was feeling ready for a change of pace- she is now biking like 15+ miles a day with Dave) Then, on Thursday Nat got sick with a sinus infection and it didn't look like she was going to make it.....Well anyone that knows me knows that one, I NEVER stress about anything, once I make a decision there is NO wavering, NO second guessing, and that I LOVE to run by myself... ....Oh wait that is only the woman I hope to be NOT the woman I happen to be currently ... Anyway, it looked like I was on my own, but at the last minute Nat decided to go with me and this morning, I ran my second half-marathon. I improved my time by 20 minutes from last year and ran the whole thing-- that was my goal.

It is funny how good voluntarily making yourself run 13.1 miles can make you feel but it does. I am really pleased with myself. My intention is not to brag, but it has been a long time since I have felt able to say that. I ran the whole thing by myself-- well with 2200 other people- but I mean at my own pace, pushing myself when I started to waver, and without relying on someone else to pull me through. I do have to admit that knowing Natalie was running with me-- well like 10 minutes in front of me, with a sinus infection I might add- she really is incredible- did help to keep me motivated. I also have to mention that I couldn't have even done it without the support of my wonderful husband. He watched the kids and encouraged me to go when I wasn't sure what to do. I am so grateful for you Dan!

You might be noticing the lack of pictures on this post. You wouldn't believe it! I, of course, didn't take pictures of the flu and forgot my camera for Disney on Ice, but you would never believe that I remembered my camera for the race and on my drive over to the race I put my camera down in the cup holder which just happened to be holding a cup full of water. I didn't even know what I had done until we got to the Dixie Center and went to grab it for a pre-race picture. I am cursed when it comes to photography!

Well this post is probably long enough, I plan on updating for the last few months, too, but have to run and help Elaina, she is using her Easy Bake oven and has "been waiting forever"!!!

6 months later and not much has changed....

I still don't take pictures and each day I regret not having a better record of my kids, but I am not a photographer. Since our family photographer's (Grandpa Jim)last visit was in August, these are the most recent pictures of our family and what we have been up to:

Tommy, Nathan, and cousin 1st day of Kindergarten

Elaina and Lucy first day of 1st grade

Mom and Lucy at ward party

Nathan and Lucy being Nathan and Lucy

Really, the more I think about it the past six months have been quite full, we have have survived and enjoyed a new car, tonsils and adenoids surgery, birthdays, camping trips, family outings, youth conference, girls camp, shots, dentist appointments, a trip or two to Utah, summer fun and summer heat- thanks to our pool, air conditioning, and large pine trees, a few colds and strep throats, substitute teaching, Ragnar Relay Training (Dan not me), 1st days of Preschool, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade, and most recently a PTA fundraiser. I still would refer you to my sisters blogs or facebook for cute write ups and pictures of my little ones.

Now for the changes, I am hoping to start blogging a little more frequently- I often read others blogs, I just don't write anything, so I am going to write maybe once a quarter instead of every six months- for sure the next time our photographer (Grandpa) comes to town.
I realized today that I do not have an infant for the first time in six years, and will hopefully be free from changing diapers as soon as I teach Lucy how to open doors. This left me with a little longing for those not so distant days as I realized that we will probably not be entering into that time of our life again unless it is unexpected. I finally grasped a tiny bit of the feeling of old ladies when they say "enjoy them while they are young." Now I am not yet willing to accept that I am old or am I saying my kids aren't still young to enjoy them, but I am just finally separated enough from that phase in my life that I can see how you might miss it, and I, of course, wish I had understood it then. Oh well, nothing like the present to start trying harder to enjoy it now.

The best thing about blogging is that every time I sit down and write something I always feel so grateful by the time I am done.....

Savor the Teaching Moments....

While driving to my moms tonight, the boys started their usual brotherly kindness:
Background noise- Pogi blowing zirbits

Thomas(Yelling): "Stop Spitting on me!"
Mom (patiently): "Tommy please use your manners, ask him to please stop spitting on you."

Zirbits continue
Tommy (Still yelling): "Nathan, Please STOP SPITTING ON ME!"

The spray continues

Mom (still patiently): "Nathan do we use our mouths for spitting?"
Nathan(very confidently): "Mom, I am not using my mouth for spitting, I am using my mouth for tooting"

Spraying commences
My original plan was to remind him we use our mouths for kind words not spitting, but completely caught off guard by his reasoning it goes like this-
Mom: "Nathan we do not use our mouths for tooting, we use our bottoms."
Nathan: "OK"

Spraying stops.

About a half hour later. We are at my moms and Nathan with a grin...uses his bottom for you guessed it....as he puts it...tooting on his brother.

I know I am a Pro. I am raising little gentlemen.

Thanksgiving, Christmas, January, and Others

Where to begin? I really need to do this more often. The last few months have been a whirlwind. Some exciting news. I found my camera so here are some random pictures:
Labor Day Campout

Elaina's 1st day of Kindergarten

September Swimming


Thanksgiving was really nice this year. We got together with my mom's side of the family. It was so fun to see all, well most, of my cousins with their families. We had planned to have Thanksgiving outside, one of the perks of living in Vegas is Thanksgiving weather, but due to rain (go figure) we reserved the church building and I think it ended up working out really well. Dan's parents were able to join us and thanks to Jim I took some pictures, although I didn't get pictures of everybody. We were about 80+ in all. Warning: I am a terrible photographer, but I would rather have bad pictures than none at all. I know that it is not difficult for the majority of the human race to hold the camera still, but perhaps, as you will see, I am not human after all.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Christmas went by so fast. We stayed in Henderson for the before Christmas festivities and only had only a few hiccups with the seasonal flu and my ever present procrastination. The day after Christmas we took a vacation to Utah to be with Dan's family. It was COLD and FUN. I do not normally use those words in the same sentence unless I am saying the cold is NOT fun, but I was pleasantly surprised. Dan's parents are more than accommodating and work hard to help us feel welcome and entertained. We are spoiled, lucky, and extremely grateful. While there we went skiing, ice skating, sledding, running, bowling, played games- Rockband and Speed Scrabble (my new favorite), and just took it easy. Dan and I spent some much desired one on one time, and we got to visit with some friends and family. The time always seems to fly by so much faster than we would like so next time we hope to catch up with a few more friends. I still did not have my camera so it is again thanks to Jim, Dan's dad, that I have any photos.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Tommy's fifth birthday was the next order of business. He is such a fun and happy little guy, I mean big boy. It is hard for me to believe that he is five years old. When I think about it I get teary. It really caught me by surprise. While in the thick of the toddler years time just seemed to drag on forever and now that we are finishing up with them completely, it seems like a dream and I don't feel ready to wakeup. Tommy loves Transformers and infomercials. He is always telling me about the latest craze. Recently, he wanted me to buy the bendaroos and when I told him I didn't have the money, he said, "Just use your credit card, MOM!" Everything is just so simple when you put it that way.
Transformer Cake
Birthday Breakfast
In January, I ran my first half-marathon. I was hog-tied by my pride and gently persuaded by my Gibson sisters. We started training just before Thanksgiving and I thought I was going to die. Now that I am all done, I have decided this kind of venture is similar to pregnancy and childbirth. The training just bites. It takes forever, and it is painful. However, after the rush of the race and some recovery, you find yourself thinking, "Hey that wasn't so bad, I'd like to do that again." While your husband is thinking,"Really???? Do you know what you are like while you are training?"
In all seriousness, it was well worth it. I couldn't have asked for better training partners and it was a perfect first race experience for me. Even though it desecrated any slight desire or aspiration of mine to run a marathon. 13.1 miles is far enough for me. I have been thinking a triathalon might be fun....well, if I could swim, had a bike and had three great partners to train with...What do you think ladies???

Soccer

For the past eight weeks we have been enjoying the soccer season. Dan is head coach of Tommy's team and Asst Coach to Nathan's team. It has been fun. Tommy is great at defense and Nathan loves to score. They truly are salt and pepper in every way. They are unique and distinct but create the perfect combination together.

For those of you who wonder....

why doesn't Tiffney post on her blog very often?????

There are the parents who have it all together. They blog, they take pictures, buy new Halloween costumes each year instead of recycling the same costumes from at least two years ago(hey if it fits wear it, right??), they do crafts with their kids like carving pumpkins, and they on top of it--keep their house clean.

I am the parent who has just put her boys, Tommy and Nathan, in time out while I sit in the puddle of bubbles they just poured down my back and write this vent. I am the parent who buys all of the supplies to make fun ghosts and spiders, sets up all the needed equipment to play traditional Halloween games, and somehow runs out of time with nothing to show for it but a pile of supplies for next year. I mean Halloween is over now right? Is it technically too late to have a Halloween party? I am the parent who is going to refer you to her sister's blog (The Lamoreauxs) to see cute pictures of my sweet energetic family. I am the parent who has just noticed the pile of foam stickers on the floor for the twentieth time in the last two days- RR RR!!! how many times do I get to assist?? (harhar) with picking those stinking things up. I am the parent who now finally calms down, chuckles at my completely saturated wet seat- they were just trying to get my attention, and wonders do I even post this? Why not if I don't it may be another four months before I ....let my boys out of time out- time to go....HAHAHA isn't life grand. Happy Halloween everyone, it's on to Thanksgiving! Really we had a great night and my sister does have cute pictures!

Elect David Gibson

I am endorsing David S. Gibson for Henderson Justice of the Peace. I have known this candidate all my life and know him to be a knowledgable, respectable, and good man. He is a good judge of character and he cares about keeping our city safe. He is the best candidate to serve our community. For more information please visist www.ElectDavidGibson.com.

What a difference 4 months make....

This is home sweet home. We have been living here for two months and I can finally say I am glad we bought this house. I have been glad but had too many reservations to really say it.

We have four bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, a family room and a swimming pool. It is not a mansion but it is in a culdesac and I am sure I prefer the latter.

Our life is completely different now than four months ago: Lucy turned one, we moved, Elaina started kindergarten, Pogi started preschool, Tommy and Nathan started soccer, and now that I start to list it it doesn't seem so crazy, but living life has seemed like a whirlwind.

I have my adjustments- cleaning three bathrooms versus the one almost says it all....but through it all the Lord has truly blessed us. After conference this weekend, I have pledged to be more grateful. So, no more murmuring until ...well probably tomorrow but I am going to try. All kidding aside, when I really stop and think about the tremendous gift I have in the gospel, it brings all other things into perspective. I am grateful for the hope I have in my ability to endure all things as I laugh at myself, more earnestly seek the Lord in prayer, and embrace the changes that come to us all.

I am still looking for my camera but when Dan's dad was here he took some pictures. My kids and I are so lucky to have others around helping to take care of the meaningful things like pictures.

This proves it....

No one can dispute that it takes a real man, to do this! My family competed in a Family Biggest Loser. In order to motivate themselves, they had monthly weigh-ins and prizes and punishments for the winner and loser of the month. In June, Dan lost the weigh-in and had to wash my brother Daves car in nothing but a speedo. This picture may not stay up for long but it was too cute not to share. David ended up winning the whole thing. Way to go Dave and Thank You Dan! (Out of respect I didn't put the video on our blog, but if you think you dare, check out www.thatcrazykishkumen.blogspot.com)

31 Reasons why Dan is the Man:

.

1-he works to provide for his family 2-calms the psycho storm 3-he makes the best ice bags 4-dedicated dad 5-my favorite friend and hunk-of-a-husband 6-self motivated, once he makes his mind up to do something, he will 7-concentrates on the positive, he rarely complains 8-catlike reflexes 9-he can throw a mean Frisbee 10-comfortable company, I can't think of anywhere else I would want to be 11-great teacher, taught the kids to swim 12-belly laughs at commercials 13-beautiful voice 14-looks great in every kind of suit 15-helps put the kids to bed every night he his home 16-always puts us first, he still doesn't have his TV 17-good judgment 18-love of music and name that tune 19-"what's your high?" 20-reads to kids 21-can down any size of water cup in one breath 22-buying us a house and wants to design it 23- a great sport, wears costumes for Halloween, kids birthdays, etc. 24- wants to be around and always there when needed 25- he can "drive fast!" 26-handyman or at least learning to be one 26-a grill master, he has cooked dinner 90% of time since Mother's Day 27-plays with kids, they love to wrestle with their dad 28- supportive of my ideas 29-smart and quick-witted 30-genuine 31-he is OLD! and he can still dunk a basketball.
What a babe! I love you, Dan. It is an honor to share this life with you. Happy Birthday. I hope it is a good one.

Lucy Goosy

The blog update on the kids would not be complete without Lucy and all that she is into. That is not a typo I meant into. Over the past few months, she has become quite the joyful handful. Today, Dan and I noticed she was head-butting us. Apparently Elaina taught her. I guess she needs to know how to defend herself from her two big brothers.

Lucy had RSV in January and we have not been able to keep her well for longer than 2-3 days since. I took her to the doctor this week and she called her symptoms Reactive Airway Disease. The doctor said that it is a common side effect of RSV. So, the end of nebulizer treatments is nowhere in sight. Surprisingly, it doesn't slow her down much. She loves to pull out the videos as many times as I will clean them up, makes several attempts to crawl into the bathroom and climb in the tub, and climbs up and down on the furniture. I love her open mouth slobbery kisses and her little conversations, at least she knows what she is saying. She is so much fun and I cannot believe how fast this year has gone by.



On a different note, I think being a mother of four has been my hardest but most rewarding transition, but I am far from feeling transitioned. I heard myself say the thing I hated hearing when I had my first child. I said to a friend with one child, "When you have four kids, you won't worry about that stuff so much." Does that mean I have arrived or unplugged? I love Lucy as much as I love Elaina, Thomas, and Nathan, I just don't seem to be as intense as I was with the other babies. For example, I barely let Elaina down to crawl because I didn't want to her to scrape her knees, whereas, Lucy crawls everywhere and at night we have to scrub the black from her knees. I am trying to accept the reality that you can be angry or you can roll with it, so choose to roll with it. I think it is a blessing that I am not wound quite so tight, but the trick for me is finding the right balance. Mothering is not easy but the blessings that come from caring for children are innumerable. I guess that is one measure of something valuable--did you work to gain it or was it handed to you? (duh right?) Perhaps that is why the family relationship is so expensive in time. It truly is an asset of incomparable value. One I hope to have for time and all eternity, so I will roll up my sleeves with a smile.

The 3rd Article of Faith is....

Tommy was asked to give the scripture and opening prayer in Primary on June 15. The theme was Jesus Christ is our Savior so we chose the 3rd Article of Faith. Tommy memorized it. He did a great job and we are so proud of him. (Stay tuned as soon as I find my camera I am going to record and post it). We have been working on learning the Articles of Faith. Tommy's favorites are the articles that say the Holy Ghost (#1 and #4).

I would like to report that our family nights and scripture study are reverent and productive, the truth is that I often wonder why we try? However, it is amazing what these little ones pick up when you don't think they are listening. An example- the other day I pulled some sad looking carrots out of the fridge and Tommy says,"Mom you need Green Bags!" and then something about how they release the harmful gas so your fruits and vegetables stay fresh. I cracked up, it was like I was watching the infomercial. It also made me realize how careful I need to be about what I say and do because he is always watching.

Tommy is such a fun energy in our home. Every time I get the slightest bit frustrated, he looks at me with those big brown eyes, smiles and starts laughing. Most of the time I am really trying to be serious, but he just puts everything back into perspective. His newest and funnest to watch tricks are the air guitar and push-ups, yes, I mean full body push-ups. What a ninja!

The Four Greatest Words

"Mom, you're the best!" It tells you what kind of mom I am that it only took 5 1/2 years and four children to hear this without bribes or prodding, but the wait totally paid off. It still brings a smile to my face when I think about it.

Nathan, my 3 year old, came running into the kitchen about three weeks ago (yes it takes me this long to write it down), threw his arms around me and cheered, "Mom, you're the best!" My reaction must have been what he was looking for because he has repeated this same scenario about eight times since. It is like the experiment where they ring the bell and then give the dog food. After a while all they have to do is ring the bell and the dog salivates. Let's just say Nathan has "found my currency." Now it has become, "Mom, youre the best (hug for 10 seconds)...Can I have some yogurt?" or "Mom, you're the best (hug for 3 seconds)...will you hold me instead of making me go to bed with everyone else?" How do I say no to that!?!? I am sure this won't last and soon it will be "You're the meanest mom ever." Don't you love it!

My dancing princess

May was a busy month for Elaina. She graduated preschool on May 9. She had a part in the school program and received a diploma. They dressed the kids in caps and gowns and everything. I thought it was a little over the top in theory, but once the program began and it was my little girl up on the stage I couldn't get enough. The kids did a great job and I was impressed with all of the things they have learned this year. The "high" for Elaina was going on to kindergarten. She has been waiting to start kindergarten since about October. Grandma Gibson and Dan were able to attend along with the boys, Lucy, and me. I was surprised that Tommy and Nathan were so well behaved during the program. They were mesmerized by their beautiful, bright, big sister.



She also had her year end dance recital on May 29. She did a great job. It is so fun to watch her dance. We all appreciated that Grandma and Grandpa Anderson were able to come for the weekend. Her class performed four numbers, two tap and two ballet dances. She and her cousin Grace did a great job. My favorite performance of the year was not performed at the recital; it was performed at the Art fest in Henderson on May 10. It was a routine to the 12 dancing princesses. The class choreographed the dance on their own and Elaina was queen of the stage. It was so cute. She twirled and leaped with the best of them. We are sad to say that she has decided to hang up her dance shoes for gymnastics. We will really miss watching her perform but look forward to seeing her tumble. She loves to do handstands and cartwheels, and we know she will be great.

Fun in the Sun

The month of May brings the heat but with the heat comes fun in the sun. The City of Henderson is the best. We have water parks to enjoy May thru September, and the kids love them. My dear friend Mandy and her two darling children came to visit for the day. I am so grateful for her visit. We haven't lived in the same place for quite some time, but have stayed quite close. I feel like the Lord has truly blessed me with the association of a kindred spirit, and it was so much fun to spend the day with her little family. Thanks to Steve for sharing them with us for the day. These are the pictures we took at the park.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

The Breakfast Picnic

Wednesday morning, 5/7/08, Dan and I were wakened by a bright flash of light. Elaina quickly told us in self-defense that it was time to get up because they, Elaina, Thomas and Nathan, had a surprise for us. When we came out of our room, we found them sitting just like this . They made us a breakfast picnic in the kitchen. While waiting for us, however, Pogi (Nathan) got a little hungry and then thirsty. This is the glass he lovingly offered to share with me.

Elaina loves surprises. Over the past couple of months she has periodically brought us breakfast in bed. The first time she brought me breakfast we had a trail of spilled milk from the kitchen to our bedroom. While grateful I felt it important to go over a few basic food rules. She is the master of ideas when it comes to the fruition of her surprises. So, after many attempts I think she has finally hit the home run! The breakfast picnic! Thanks Elaina you are so thoughtful and sweet-hearted. I love you!

Here it is!

I officially have a blog. Now what?