New Talents

Almost 2 months ago, the mother of Dillan's friend sent me a text that asked if Dillan would be interested in trying out for the talent show with a small group of boys in a little basketball dance. I wasn't sure what to say. When I brought it up to Dillan, he looked confused as well. Like he had no clue what I was talking about. So I explained it would be with his friends and basketballs would be involved. He then said, "sure!"
He went to practices and did so good at listening and following directions. When I finally was able to see them try-out, I was so proud of him. He never complained about practicing or anything. I know trying to work with 6 little boys was work for the moms involved, and I'm just so proud that Dillan didn't give any of them more of a headache!
He seemed to enjoy himself on the stage as well, and wasn't nervous! Definitely an Anderson thing. I'm so proud of him for trying out something new and doing such a great job!

Because I knew you...

I have been changed for good.
Kaley passed away on Sunday. Just like that. A phone call followed by a million questions and confusion. She was only a few months away from having her first baby, a girl. It's a new experience for me. This is the first time I've had someone this close to me pass away. Most of the day on Sunday I was walking in circles, feeling the need to do something. I was restless. I cringed every time I heard a new detail about her final days of life. I cried just not wanting it to be true and allowing bitterness to overcome me that she could or should have been saved. Chris sent me to our room and told me to pray. I did. I tried to fight off the why?

Eventually peace and comfort came. It usually comes (to me) in the form of words. Words I'd heard or read before. This time it was a conference talk by Elder Scott. I remember his words about not asking Heavenly Father "why?" The answer is usually "because it is His will," but rather "what am I to learn from this experience?" He has given me this opportunity to overcome a very difficult trial. And I also believe to remind me of the great blessings He has given to me. Most importantly, a temple marriage and eternal family. So now what can I learn from the example of my cousin?

Kaley was sunshine. She smiled and laughed all the time. She lived life to the fullest. She loved everyone. She had lots of friends. She was loyal to those friends. When we were young, we played together all the time. It was always us. Pretending, swimming, dress-up and laughter.
As we got older, our interests were different and our personalities. She danced, I played sports. She liked boys, I didn't. We had different friends. She was out-going and fun. I was much more reserved and grumpy. I try to not upset myself now with my behavior and actions of back then, but I admit I wasn't perfect and wasn't always the cousin I should have been to her. Or the friend. I hope she forgives me. In spite of it all, we had each other because we were family.
She was about to become a Mommy. She glowed with excitement. I know it was what she had always wanted. Her family is eternal and she is with her baby girl. I can't wait to see them together. She loved music, she loved to sing and dance and be silly. Whatever fun everyone else was having, that was what she wanted to be doing. She loved movies. She loved Disneyland.
She cried when you cried, she laughed when you laughed. Her heart was always open to others and she served and loved to the fullest.
I am resolved to be like her. Family is one of the most vital pillars in the Plan of Happiness.
I've loved looking through old pictures and only wish I had done it sooner.

This is one of my favorites. I can't wait to someday have this relationship again.

Take me out...

TO THE BALL GAME!
America's Pastime has found it's way into the hearts of Dillan and the rest of the family. I was worried about signing up for baseball because of all the down time, but I am pleasantly surprised how much I enjoy watching Dillan's games. Yes, 2 a week, plus practice is quite a bit, but so far, we've loved it.

At his first game, I was nervous for Dillan. I had never seen him do any kind of batting practice with his coach. They use a machine that's kind of like a catapult. After 5 pitches, they bring out a tee. Seeing that thing in action, I turned to Chris and told him that our goal for Dillan this season was to be able to hit off that thing and NOT the tee. Well, Dillan doesn't need ME setting any goals for him. Every time he has been up to bat, he hits it off the machine. He gets a hit! This is his first year playing, he's one of only 3 boys on the team who have never played, and a bunch of them use a tee! I couldn't be prouder!

Plus, he looks so cute in his uniform!

Busy Bees

This month we took a trip to visit Grandma Donna and Papa Bob in St. George. It was extra special in that Aunt Leeann, Chad, Venessa and Jenasea came down as well!
We went to the Dinosaur museum, fed the ducks, played all over Grandma's fun house, and had a great time visiting with everyone!


Once we got back, everything turned BUSY!
Dillan finished basketball season with a trophy. He had a fantastic coach, Coach Todd, learned a lot and can't wait to play next year!

Baseball season has officially started, and Dillan is (surprisingly) really getting into it, so we're knee deep in practices and games start this weekend!

Leah decided she wanted to play soccer. Her reason is because she wants to get treats after the game and NOT share with Dillan. This is what she looks forward to most. We laced up Dillan's old boots with pink laces, got a pink ball, pink socks, Dillan's purple jersey and she's ready to go!

She did pretty good, even though she kept asking for water breaks. She doesn't like to sweat too much!

Dillan and Drew found a way to keep themselves entertained during soccer. Drew likes to push the stroller (as he practices walking), so Dillan tried to get a ride in the process.

Leah has also started taking ballet/tap combo with her best friend Avery. Her favorite part is shuffling the tap shoes and of course checking herself out in the mirror!

Yup, BUSY!

O to be 1!

Drew is 1. He can now have cow's milk. And peanut butter. And honey. He sits forward in his car seat! It's a whole new world to him!
We had a ton of fun at Chuck E Cheese, where Drew had his own plate of french fries. He has discovered dipping and dips everything he eats. Even if there's no dip in front of him. He ate up his birthday cake, but not before touching the burning candle wax with his fingers. He loved the cake and cried when it was gone.

He had a set of 3 shots, plus a finger prick to make sure he wasn't anemic. That was the worst. After she squeezed his finger to get out some blood for the testing piece, the nurse put a big bandaid over the tip of his finger. It drove him nuts. He was screaming and trying to pull it off. Thankfully it wasn't on his thumb-sucking hand.
He weighed just over 21 lbs and was 28 or 29 inches. Nice and proportionate.

He also makes lots of sounds, including Daddy's favorite where he sounds like he's clearing his throat. After he takes a drink, he looks at you and says "Ahhhh."
Our new house is covered in big textured tiles, so he's been crawling all over and has worn holes in the knees of 2 pairs of pants! Hopefully he'll be walking before we run out of pants!

Drewby is 1!

So a lot of things have happened lately. 1-We moved. 2-Drew is now facing forward in the car in his new seat. 3-He also started drinking cow's milk. 4-He's 1 today!
The time has gone by so darn fast, it's out of control!

Some things about Drewby and his first year:
He was 7 pounds when he was born. I remember when I first saw him all bundled up and Chris was holding him. I said, "He's so tiny!"A rough labor followed by a C-section. Thankful for good recovery and a healthy baby.
He absolutely loves his big brother. Even in his first few weeks, he turned his head towards Dillan when he heard him speaking. No one makes him laugh like Dillan.

When I took him to his first photo shoot I was asked to try and put him to sleep, to which I replied, "no problem." After nursing and nursing forever, he stayed awake the WHOLE time, not sleeping for anything. He doesn't like to miss anything going on.
He stands by himself and has tried taking a few steps, but remains cautious.
He can climb though. His favorite perches have been the step-stool in the bathroom and on top of the DVDs.
He LOVES his left thumb!

He eats anything and everything!
He says "Mama, Dada, Pappa" and just a few days ago started saying something that sounds like "Dung-a." Trying to say Dillan maybe?
He's ridiculously laid back and goes along with everything thrown at him during any given day.

We love you Drewby!

BOYS

These boys around here have been SUPER busy!
First: Dillan completed his Rocket Words, the final set in the word clubs for 1st grade. That's 786 words he knows "quick as a snap!" During winter break, he and Daddy worked hard to finish up his last few words. Dillan's motivation was he wanted to be the first in his class to finish. Always competitive, he was neck-and-neck with a friend and ended up beating him. He received another dog tag for his chain and was glowing in front of the school, so proud of himself.
He is also quite the reader and earned a level 20 on his report card. The principal wrote a note on his report congratulating him on a job well done. I'm so glad he loves reading and learning. Fingers crossed he'll keep it up!
AND...on Saturday he scored his first game-time basket during basketball this season.
Darn, no picture.

Little Drew isn't so little anymore, he's hit a growth spurt recently. He now stands on his own and has even taken 3 or 4 steps! His top 4 teeth have all sprouted at once, so no more toothless smile! He's also quite the electronics junky loving phones, laptops, Wii controllers and remote controls. He recently discovered pointing his finger to type and press keys. He turns the big 1 next week!