Chad John Anderson

I am so happy to be home with all three of my boys. Chad John Anderson was born on 10/14/10 at 8lbs 14oz and 20 1/2 in. long, around 2:06 pm. Chad is a little angel and Owen is the sweetest big brother to his little buddy. Brett and I are so blessed with these two little spirits and I am excited to see them grow up together. Chad is a very calm baby, not a whole lot of crying and really loves to be snuggled up to you. His delivery was relatively quick only a few hours in comparison to Owen's, about 20hours+. I am feeling great no complaints. Owen is so attentive to his little brother and has been so gentle and cautious around him. I was a bit worried considering Owen has an arm like a 8 yr old and can kick a football farther than any other kid is age. I am so grateful Brett was able to take some time off work and help me at home. Sleep deprivation with a 2year old is not an option. Thank you to all for the well wishes and gifts and the abundance of food. Brett and Owen are loving all the variety and I am so grateful to not have to be creative in the kitchen.

Today Brett and I attended a funeral of a close friend of ours. She was young and vibrant and was nothing less than a ray of pure sunshine. She befriended me when I was a new mom not knowing what exactly to do when Owen would cry or fuss in Relief Society and helped me through some rough times. My heart still aches when I think of how recently I had spoken to her and how our plans for future adventure together will never happen. Life is so fragile and I will miss her terribly.Prayer and remembering good times have helped so much and I will continue to pray for her sweet husband and family as I can not even imagine their heart ache and sorrow. I was looking through conference talks and mormon ads and found this on mormon.org i love the simple way it explains trials and finding comfort through our Savior and the plan of happiness. I know I will see Marina again,though it may be longer than I would like. I know our Father needed her and that she is at peace. I am so grateful for this knowledge, the gospel truly lifts you and brings such clarity to what it important during our mortal existence


Know that while God takes no pleasure in your suffering, your difficulties, regardless of their cause, can bring you closer to Him and even make you stronger if you endure faithfully (2 Nephi 2:2, Revelation 3:19).

It’s comforting to know that God’s Son, Jesus Christ, suffered all things. He understands your pain and can help you through your trials. When you have faith in God and His plan, you can be assured that there’s a purpose to all that happens to you here on earth. Our time here is short compared to our eternal life. As the Lord told Joseph Smith during a period of intense suffering:

“Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?” (Doctrine and Covenants 122:7-8).

If we endure faithfully He will reward us beyond our ability to comprehend in the life to come (1 Corinthians 2:9). Amazingly, with God’s help you can experience joy even in times of trial, and face life’s challenges with a spirit of peace

Little helper

Hey mama do I have my goggles on right?
How bout now? I still can't see quite right!
Now I'm ready! Watch out I've got my power drill!

Owen will put these glasses on and drill for hours on just about anything and everything. Lately anything that is out for the baby has had multiple drilling sessions. He told me " I just fixin it for baby brudder, he be safe mama." Such a dumpling!

We are in the last few days of being a family of three. I am excited and nervous at the same time to have a newborn and my 2 1/2 yr old. Owen is super excited, as is Brett. Baby#2 (still nameless) has the same profile, forehead and lips as Owen. Which means he'll probably look just like his daddy,so cute and probably just as Blondie as Owen. The crib, onesies, diapers and his moses basket are all set up and ready to go and on Wednesday Dr. Kelley said we need to make some decisions about when he is coming. I was induced with Owen 2 weeks early because of his size and my blood pressure spiking and dropping. This time around I feel so much better and beside the normal swelling and fatigue not a whole lot to complain about. If I can plan it how's 10-10-10 for a birthday--kinda cool uh? Three boys soon:) what a life!


My two boys taking a nap together. Its usually a good three hours before they even stir to wake up. Aren't they so sweet?

See ya later Augusto

The month of August came and went and I am bloggless--Is that a word? I am still pregnant.Surprise surprise! I don't do those belly shots but I can tell when my insides are being rearranged for bebe #2 convinence. Owen and I watched the Sandlot for the gallionth time today--my boy knows that movie almost word for word(yep he is 2) and I can't help but laugh when he tells me f-o-r-ev-er or that he wants to be the colossus of clout. I love him, he is a sweet little guy and I am excited to meet his brother in a few weeks. We got to see lots of family this month. Both the Hopkins and Trythalls came to LV and we travled to Utah to see the Burdetts. MK was trying to teach me about our new camera but I am still overwhelmed. I will hopefully get some good pictures of Owen before he heads off on his mission:) I didn't take on picture of my sweet trythalls and they are super photogenic--go to this sister's blog, she has some do-sies.

Who told these ladies it was "ok" to grow up?

Brett's brothers, Brett and his dad in good ol' NYC --don't they look happy?

He's a big kid now......

A brief side note-- Owen has this hence the swollen eyes




He did it! After weeks, ok, more like months of trying to get this little guy to use the toliet, everything finally clicked and he has been going for two weeks now! He has is own small toliet but prefers the "mama/ daddy " toliets. Honestly I was getting a bit frustrated with him not using the toliet consistently. He had days when I wouldn't put a diaper or pull up and no acccidents Then other days when we went through three pairs of undies in an hour! With both Brett and I working full time I wasn't sure when or how this was going to get accomplished, but he did it and there is such relief to know we will only have one little guy in diapers when bebe #2 arrives and Owen is really liking all the attention. He has a sticker chart that may have done the trick. The day I put it on the fridge and explained to him how he earns the stickers, he got it and told me every time when he needed to go. The sticker chart is now more than half way full and I could not be prouder of my little guy. He is a smart cookie,and amazes me and just about everyone else around him by how intelligent he is. I am sooooo proud of my Owen!

Happy Fourth of July

What a wonderful holiday! Food, fireworks, parades, family, and a little break from work. Owen, Bosty, and I ventured out to see the Summerlin Parade early Saturday morning(well not too early I did watch the whole ARG vs GER match and needed something happy following the loss). We arrived a bit late, but were able to snag a few great seats right along the parade route and enjoyed a full hour of floats, ballons, and crazy costumes. The parade was well done, and I am happy we went. It didn't have quite the charm of Richfield's, but a good way to spend your saturday morning:) Plus the kiddies thought is was enchanting! Woody & Buzz, Wiz OZ, Darth Vader&Co, and a few otter pops made our morning. Owen is still talking about the parade, and how Darth Vader's storm trooper gave him a high five. I think they were in awe of a 2 year old clapping and cheering for Darth, but that's my boy and I appreciated the extra attention he got:)

I am grateful to the founding fathers of our country for their sacrifice and courage. Church was really wonderful today, religious freedoms are such a blessing. We watched the fireworks from Redrock Casino on the roof top of Grandpa Kurt's office, it was a beautiful ending to a great day!

Happy Father 's Day

We love you and are grateful every day for you!

Birthdays and Bellys

Happy Birthday to my Brett! I feel horrible that his birthday came and went without any special recognition. I worked late on his actual birthday and then on the day we had planned to go out, once again I got stuck with crazy lady patient who refuses to cooperate and 4 1/2 hours later when I finally get home I have zero energy. He is a good sport and never complains. I love his easy going personality and have been so thankful for his optomism, its a lifesaver. Brett is the guy everyone loves and wants to have in their corner. He is loyal, kind, honest and makes me laugh, SO HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LOVE!!!! and feel free to edit this post too:)

I just love this picture of my boys!


In other news,we are having another BOY!! We found out a few weeks ago and are still trying to convince Owen that he will have a baby brother and not a baby sister. Next time I will keep silent as to what we are expecting until I know for sure. I am feeling great, very little sickness and no complications as of yet! YIPEEEEE Names are still being discussed and I am still debating keeping both boys in the same room or use the spare room as the nursery? Thoughts? Oh and my tummy has literally grown double in circumferance overnight, I am not a small dainty pregnant girl. Big Belly and big baby, he is a week ahead of schedule.
ps There will not be any belly shots or pregnancy shots displayed--- I think my nanny would turn over in her grave if she saw those, and I am not one to publically show my chubbiness sorry for the let down:)

The stars at night are big and bright........

Deep in the heart of Texas! So its a bit late but we got to spend 10 fun filled days in the big "D" this month and let me tell you it was an adventure. My sister was celebrating her 10 year anniversay--quite an accomplishment and was heading to Europe for her own big adventure. Owen, Brett and I plus their 5 little ones were going to hang out together in dallas and hold down the fort, as my mom would say. Now back in January when they asked us if we could swing this I honestly thought "sure I can do that no problem" fast forward a few months later and I am pregnant and thinking ok divide and conquer, just as long as we don't have a repeat from the last time I did this. Imagine breaking the garage door and getting into an accident with in the first 24 hour period, not so good. So after many gallons of milk, bread by the loaves, 3 boxes of toaster strudel, diapers by the bags and laundry I don't know how we finished. I am in awe of what my sister does every day day in and day out. She has wings and maybe some help of the three good fairies from Sleeping Beauty. I had a great time, 6 babies and 10 days of seeing my husband. I told him I hadn't seen him that much since before we got married. While there we drove to Lewisville about an hour and a half away to see Aunt Sandy and her ranch. Now when I heard ranch I though sweet a few horses possibly some cows, the kids will be excited. When we drove up to a 800acre+, 125 horses and counting plus countless heads of cattle I realized everything really is bigger in Texas. There had been rain for the past few days and with the ranches breeding schedule, we had one day to drive out to see what we could. I am glad we went, and bless Taylor's heart and bum for being such a good sport. We all got to see 4 baby horses and 3 baby cows plus some big tractors, atvs, and Rufus the dog. Aunt Sandy was so sweet to all the babies and by the looks fo the pictures they all had a good time besides the fact that we all had that lovely ranch smell to deal with on the ride home:) Texas was great and I miss the Hopkin kiddos, they are little dumplings. Brett kiddingly said to me while the babies were playing " Lets take little LULU home with us, I really like her" to which Whitters replied" OH no Uncle Betttt we like her, take someone else!" We all got a good luagh after that!Owen asks where they are by name daily and if he can go see the dogs, good ol landry and big boy riggs( ps he is deathly afraid of dogs and wouldn't go near them unless brett or I held him so I don't see a family dog in our future anytime soon). Texas was good to us and I am more thankful for what my mom accomplished with 8 of us than ever before! To all you moms of multiple children - Carry on! and get yourself a good mattress:)

Happy News

Owen is going to have a new sibling around October 16th. He is super excited and has been so funny at my Dr appointments. If you ask him if the baby is a little "brudder" or a little "seeester" he'll get the sweetest look on his face, crinkle up his nose turn his head and say a "bebe" He'll answer brudder or seester, with names for each. After talking to my Dad, who puts John in every baby's name, Owen told me "I like johnny mama", "baby johnny is my brudder". When I had my first ultra sound Owen and Brett came along. I had figured I was about 8-9 weeks along but after the ultrasound tech made a few measurements we were told I was already 12 weeks. Owen saw his new little sibling on the big screen and yelled out "that's a baby", I cried. We are excited for a new little addition boy or girl.I am still in a litte bit of shock, there are days when I feel I am barely hanging on with one little guy. Brett is taking the same stance he did with Owen and will not discuss names until a week or two before I am due. No worries I've got the boy and girl name covered:) Over the next two weeks we have Brett's brothers' wedding & reception, flying to TX, watching 5 little dumplings for a week,Brett's finals, flying back from TX(can you tell I am worried about flying for some odd reason), and having our 21 week ultrasound to find out whom will be joining us in October. Just thinking about all the laundry and planning everything involves wears me out--- I need a nap

PS Brett and I had our anniversary in April-- time has flown by we sometimes feel as though we have been married for 15 years with everything that we have experienced. His surgeries went well and his kidneys are functioning again. I got our EOBs from the insurance and about fell over with shock at how much everything cost.But Brett is healthy and that's what matters. He also is pretty good at keeping a secret and got us the sweetest camera for the anniversary. I don't know where to start with it but watch out blog the pictures are a coming!

End of March

During Owen's Birthday week our little family spent way too much time in doctors' offices, emergency rooms and hospitals. Owen had bronchitis and now has his very own neubulizer and Brett had to have surgery, after going to the ER to find out he has a kidney stone. After all was said and done Owen is back to himself. Within 12 hours of his new prescriptions he was sleeping, breathing and had his appetite back. Brett is sheduled for his second surgery to zap the kidney stones on Wednesday and then we'll go from there.


Before all the chaos started we had planned to head down to Disneyland for a day and use our "give a day get a day" tickets. I was planning on postponing the trip but Brett said "nope I'll be fine" and "we'll just take it easy."Inside I was jumping for joy, so we packed up and headed to California along with half of Las Vegas. What usually takes 4 maybe 4 1/2 hours with a pit stop was prolonged to a 6 1/2 hour long creep down the highway at 20 miles an hour. Owen was so patient for the first 3-4 hours(knowing he was going to Disneyland), but even he asked to "go to his home" around the 5th hour. We made it to the hotel in one piece and after realizing we had left the memory card to the camera in the computer, we hit up target for water, some bites & a new memory card. With full stomachs we all fell soundly asleep...for a little bit! I was so excited I could hardly sleep and woke up long before our alarm went off. I love Disneyland, and taking our little boy was a wonderful experience. We got to the park early and went straight to Fantasyland. Within the first hour we had riden dumbo, peter pan, casey junior and storybook boats. The whole day was magical and Owen was so excited for everything. He woke up from a nap right before the parade and while giving his Mickey Mouse ballon a big hug or wrestling it( not sure which) the ballon came off the string and floated away. The poor little guy cried and cried and now whenever he sees mickey mouse he tells me "mama my ballon fly far away". I think he was traumatized. Toward the end of the day we went on Pirates and while walking out we saw a small group coming through the exit, it was Christian Bale and his family, Batman himself. Owen was such a doll when he met Mickey. He went right to him gave him kisses and loves and a few sweet smiles for pictures.I think he really enjoyed Disneyland as did Brett and I. We were all happy,tired and full of that yummy popcorn,so we headed home to real life. Owen tells me on a daily basis that he would like to "fly away to disneyland", me too my love,my too!

My 2 year old boy

Owen is no longer "almost twoooo," like he continues to tell everyone. Our little guy had his second birthday this week and both Brett and I got real emotional just thinking about how fast he has grown, and how we want this time in our lives to slow down a bit. Wishful thinking.

Owen is such a sweet boy, he has no meaness in him and tries really hard to be my helper. He loves eggies,toast and juice for breakfast and a bowl of chicken noodle soup or a sandwich with ham tomatoes and cheese would be his preferred lunch. Now if you happen to ask the little guy what he would like to eat most likely he'll tell you "I don't knoooow" followed by what he actually would like to eat. The I don't know response has been around for a few months now, its cute but a bit frustrating. We have a pretty set routine for our week and when we get out of sync he can tell. Mondays, Tuesdays with his Daddy, they are two peas in a pod and while a whole lot of clean up clean up doesn't happen my boys ALWAYS have a great time together. Wednesdays and Thursday mornings with me. He likes to go to Target with me and have a little popcorn:) can't beat the $1.50! And Thursday mornings are story time with Ms. Jamie. Owen has been going since he was 6 months old and knows all the songs and can't wait for his stamp. While my work schedule changes weekly friday are always a toss up but thanks to family helping out Owen always has someone to watch and play with him. He would have a basketball, football soccer ball, footy, golf ball, raquetball and a baseball with him at all times if possible. He would race just about anyone with a " mark set GOOOOOOO" and " I run fasttt mama dat way."

While at the park a few days ago the weather made a turn for the worst and Owen and Brett left a bit too soon for Owen. So Brett took him to burger king and a whole new world of fun was opened up. He loved the indoor playground but needed a good scrubbing afterward. I am making a list of all the silly things he says, and new ones come up daily. Tonight he yelled down the hall to me ---"tome on mama, prayers and night night now!" He loves to sing songs and dance. He will sing I love to see the temple, Jesus wants me for a sunbeam and I am a Child of God all before closing his eyes and while in the car he tells me to " turn musik on mama loud!"We are planning to go to disneyland in a few weeks for his birthday and if asked he will tell you whom he would like to see while there---Woody/buzzz( all one word), Mickey Mouse, and Pooh bear. I am so glad, I think seeing all of these characters is do-able.

We love our Owen sooo much and I am greateful for the blessing he is in our lives and the lives of so many others. He truly is my sunshine boy!