Anderson Family Chronicles...

Adopted...

2010-04-20T15:46:00.002-05:00

I have been asked over the years how it feels to be adopted or do I ever wonder if things were different. I have always had much peace with this and still do today. I think especially after having Jay I have come full circle and cannot imagine what a great sacrifice she made for me.

Anyway, I came across a poem that was published in Dear Abby in 1993- my mom shared the article with me and I came across it today- I think it sums up how I feel the very best.

Legacy of an Adopted Child

Once there were two women
Who never knew each other.
One you do not remember,
The other you call mother.

Two different lives
Shaped to make yours one.
One became your guiding star,
The other became your sun.

The first gave you life
And the second taught you to live in it.
The first gave you a need for love
And the second was there to give it.

One gave you a nationality,
The other gave you a name.
One gave you the seed of talent,
The other gave you an aim.

One gave you emotions,
The other calmed your fears.
One saw your first sweet smile,
The other dried your tears.

One gave you up-
It was all she could do.
The other prayed for a child
And God led her straight to you.

And now you ask me
Through your tears,
The age-old question
Through the years:

Heredity or environment-
Which are you a product of?
Neither, my darling - neither
Just two different kinds of love.

Spring is here...maybe...

2010-03-06T11:16:00.001-06:00

Today is gorgeous...too pretty to stay inside...waiting on Jay to wake up from his nap (which he went down so good today...wish it was that easy everyday)! I hope to go for a walk! I seriously need to get after my exercise routine...

My mom and dad are coming for a vist. Looking forward to it...

I hope to post more soon- I prefer to be enjoying my little boy than stuck behind the computer! But will do my best to make more of an effort...

2010 Winter Olympics

2010-02-28T17:20:00.002-06:00

Okay...so just got done watching the nail biting conclusion to the 2010 Winter Olympic games with the USA vs. Canada hockey game. I wish it were a different outcome...but it was a hard fought game. Team USA deserves a big pat on their back and/or hug perhaps.

I have to say I have watched more and kept up more with the winter olympics this year than in year's past. I found myself watching things I had never watched before- perhaps it is coming of age. As a little girl I loved the figure skating and ice dancing imagining myself an ice princess one day...yeah- since I live in Texas! Anyway, but this year I found myself abandoning my usual fare and enjoying downhill skiing, curling, snowboarding, speed skating and hockey to name a few. Team USA kicked behind and will come home with quite a few medals and probably more importantly a lot of pride. Vancouver was a beautiful setting too- despite the unpredictable weather. I would love to go there someday...

Although...I must admit that I am much more of a summer olympics fan and look forward to the London games in 2012...only 2 years and counting...

SNOW!

2010-02-24T16:15:00.005-06:00

Just after getting Jay down for a nap yesterday, I went into the living room and look out the window. What is that white stuff coming out of the sky? Wait- could it actually be- SNOW! Not just a barely there snow...but actual heavy snow collecting on the deck? Rooftops? Ground? WOW!

I've seen snow before...but not here in Texas. It was so peaceful to watch it fall throughout the afternoon. I couldn't hardly look away in case it quit! I was hoping that it would continue until Jay woke up...even though he would have no idea what's going on or why it is significant. Still wanted to get those all important photos with him in the snow to at least prove it snowed in his lifetime in Texas!

The photos here are of the deck and backyard. Below a nice closeup of the collection on the picnic table. Jay did wake up in time so that we could snap a couple of photos. And of course today it is sunny and 50 degrees. That's Texas for you...

I'm hoping spring will arrive soon...but not holding my breath. I think it could be a cold Easter... Guess we'll have to wait and see.

In the mean time it has been nice to have an actual winter. I don't think I want one every year...but every once in a while is nice!

Are you serious?

2010-02-10T16:40:00.002-06:00

I can't believe it is actually February... I have done a horrible job of keeping up with this blog. However, in my defense...I am usually cleaning house, cooking or washing clothes during nap time...however, I see a return to blogging very soon. After surviving chicken pox (Jay), Christmas, RSV (Jay) and soon Valentine's Day...it has been a busy couple of months. I will try posting pictures soon...

Time to wake up little bit...(who is now crawling and pulling up on everything)...more pics and info coming soon...

Until next time...

Cute little monkey...

2009-11-03T15:34:00.017-06:00

Whew...where did October go?! We had a lot of fun and have been enjoying the beautiful weather (when it isn't raining)! We took photos of Jay in the pumpkin patch at his day school a few weeks ago.

The pumpkins are sold as a fundraiser for the school in conjunction with their Fall Fun Day (see previous post). We had a good time checking out the pumpkins...but this is probably one of the only photos of Jay smiling! He was "seriously" into the pumpkins!

Anyway, the day before Halloween our teacher sent us home with a goody basket for Halloween! Jay had so much fun playing with all of the items- books, toys, apple juice and even a little pumpkin! But I think his favorite thing was just the basket itself!

He is sitting up so good now and it makes a lot of things more fun!
I really wasn't sure what to do for a Halloween costume for Jay this year. I really didn't want to spend money on one... A couple of generous friends lent me a couple of costumes and I planned to use one of them.

However, in the meantime I was looking at the Mom In The City blog and noticed she was having a contest for a costume (size 6-12 months)- how perfect! All you had to do is write in and tell about your most memorable Halloween costume...that was easy! I told about my "old lady" costume...(if you would like details either find my comment on the above link or e-mail me). Anyway, I won!!

He was absolutely adorable in the costume and despite the bulk of it he really didn't seem to mind it! Thankfully it wasn't too warm Saturday and he seemed to have a good time!

We made our rounds in the neighborhood and a stop over at Granny and Grandpa's- lots of comments on how adorable he was (couldn't agree more)! I can't imagine a follow up for next year...!

Silent Auction Blues...

2009-10-17T21:02:00.000-05:00

Okay...so today was "Fall Fun Day" at Jay's christian day school (he attends half days while mommy is at work). We visited the silent auction during the festivities and while most of the items were donated gift certificates, random items of little interest or just plain silly items. The most coveted items are the class donated items. Now...when I refer to the "class donated items"...I mean the items that the class has created or the teacher has made with your child involved to commemorate his or her current school year and classmates. No matter what "guided hunts" or big ticket items might be donated...the "class donated items" are always the ones that bring in the big bucks from parents.

As a "newbie" to this whole experience I noticed Jay's class had a canvas basket with items such as board books, a turtle stuffed animal (he is in the Tiny Turtles class), a DVD and a couple of other small toys. Cute items but nothing terribly special...but then I turned the canvas basket and noticed each child's footprint on the side of the basket with their names...how adorable!!! Okay...now I know I want this item! So I casually place my bid (no one else had bid at that time) with 50 minutes left in the auction.

We went on to do other things and realized there was only 10 minutes left so we went back to check on the items we had bid on...when I got back to his class item...there had been 2 other bids after mine...the price was slowly going up...but not significant. I asked Matt how much he was willing to spend...so I upped it a fair amount- not over the top but enough to say I was serious. We decided to stand watch a few steps away...a woman came by and placed another bid on it...I then went back and upped it again...5 minutes left...she walked by and didn't write anything...I thought the sweet little footprint basket was all ours...then they called 2 minutes...there she comes again...darting across the room and she makes her way to the table...I see her writing again...I make my way over to the table and what does she do...stands there and stands there and stands there..."times up"!!! Are you kidding me?!? WOW! She stood in front it. I sure have a lot to learn!! The woman even had an older child...so this was not her first rodeo...I suppose I could have been holding Jay and given this sob story about Jay being my first child and how it would mean to so much to get the basket...blah, blah...I didn't think it would help! I almost got the feeling that she really didn't care about the basket or the items...it was just a competition! I think that's what bothers me the most! Oh well...

So I am sad that I was not able to get the cute little basket with the fun items for Jay...however, it was certainly a reality check for me...especially considering that this is only our first go round. I know there will be many more catty mom competitions over the years...I had no idea it started this early...!

Sure is Monday...

2009-10-12T15:27:00.000-05:00

Can't believe it's Monday already! We had a fun weekend. Visited my parents in Conroe. Matt and I went to SHSU's Homecoming Tailgate party. They were playing Nicholls State this weekend. We planned for Jay to go with us but it was 58 degrees and drizzly and we just thought it might be best for him to stay at Grandma and Pa Pa's (of course they didn't mind)!

We couldn't believe how much campus has changed...they have added so many new buildings! It's great to see SHSU continuing to grow! It was also great to see the strong support for the Kats and how many tailgate parties, students and alumni came out for the event. We were really impressed! The theme for homecoming this year was Sammy the Bearkat's 50th birthday!

We started a SHSU Austin/Washington Co. Alumni Club this year and are working on growing the participation. If you are or know an SHSU alum in the area that would like to get involved e-mail me. We are always looking for more folks to join in the fun!

So we had a good time at SHSU and also visiting with family. Jay loved playing in the jumper at Grandma and Pa Pa's. It's hard to believe he is almost 6 mos. old. We will be going for his 6 mo. checkup tomorrow afternoon. He will get another round of shots and most importantly a flu shot (poor thing). I am interested to see how much he weighs now (according to their scale) and also his official length. For the most part he is wearing 6-9 mo. clothes but even some 9 mo. clothes fit already!

I am also going to have to track down the H1N1 shot- he and I will both need to get it...fun, fun! If anyone hears where you can get one in the Bryan/CS, Brenham or even Northwest Houston area please let me know!

Time to wake little one up...can't believe he has slept almost 2 hours!! Hope he sleeps tonight!

The other...

2009-10-08T16:02:00.001-05:00

I am the "other" member of the family. Often pushed to the side these days...hence why I am pouring myself out onto this page. Hope mom doesn't catch me...

Don't get me wrong...I do love my new little brother but play time doesn't always include me and I tend to get a bit jealous. Playing catch with my ball is the best game anyway...who cares about Humpty Dumpty...

Grandma hasn't come in a while...I am starting to wonder if she still loves me....(and I am in desperate need of a trim- starting to look a bit mangy).

It sure is windy today...I love my backyard but I could almost be knocked over with this kind of wind.

I can't believe I let them do this...and get a picture of it! I really don't like wearing my own clothes much less Jay's...

Ugh...he's up again...gotta go! (I never knew these things cried this much!)

Inspiring

2009-10-07T21:19:00.000-05:00

Okay...so I caught part of Oprah today and was truly touched by this family's story. Christian and Stephanie Nielsen went through a horrific plane crash last year and survived severe burns and extensive injuries. Stephanie was not given a very good outcome but beside all odds she survived and is doing tremendously well a year after the crash. Her husband also is doing very well.

I know Oprah is known for her "tear-jerking" stories...but after watching this couple and visiting their blog you can see the love they share and how sweet and special their precious family is (they have 4 children). They have a strong faith and such an amazing love and it is so evident. I just felt moved to share her blog. They truly are inspiring. If you have a minute check out her blog...

http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/

I love carrots!

2009-10-06T17:04:00.000-05:00

Our first adventure into food began with carrots...and to say the least we enjoyed every spoonful! Since our first venture we now manage to get more in our mouth than on ourselves (but oh it's so fun to get messy)!

We have also added to our repertoire bananas, applesauce, sweet potatoes, pears and the latest...prunes. The only thing we have given a complete thumbs down is peas (can you blame him?) If only our digestive system could catch up to our taste buds...!