Merry Christmas 2009!

To our dear family and friends:

This year has been tough with many, who could tell a sad tale,
We hope our letter finds all y'all are doing well.

Our family has had quite a year, just like many of you
Several times we have thought, oh what will we do?

Samantha, our princess, has shown us how to move along,
Joyful skipping and dancing while singing a cheerful song.

Myles, so wise and true, has taught us how to really pray,
A love for God and heart-felt gratitude helps us on our way.

Evelyn, our littlest one, reminds us of true happiness,
Is found in snuggling together, ignoring the big fat mess!

Our children are growing up so tall, Myles grows faster than a bean
with Samantha on his heels and Evelyn somewhere in between.

Our gift to you this Christmas is not about the toys,
The big fat turkey, nor big presents that make a lot of noise.

The truest joy comes from within as we allow our hearts to feel
The love of God and Jesus Christ, for it can truly heal.

May this Christmas Season b a wonderful tell to tale
As the Spirit of Christ dwells in our homes, for all is truly well.

The Christmas Spirit

The Christmas Spirit

Awfully Good Pumpkin Waffles

My next recipe is another family favorite. I usually make it around the holiday season between October and December. We chow down on these. If I want leftovers, I have to double it. While I was making them, I discovered my camera battery had died. So, you'll have to be a patient. I will make these again real soon and then you'll get the idea of how they turn out. As the Swiss would say, "En guete!"

2 c. whole wheat flour 2 Tbsp. brown sugar 1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. nutmeg 1/4 tsp. ginger

First mix these dry ingredients and set aside. In another bowl mix together the following wet ingredients.

1-3/4 c. milk(I use buttermilk) 1 c. canned pumpkin
2 egg yolks (save eggwhites) 3 Tbsp. melted butter

Add pumpkin mixture to flour mixture, stir until just combined. Batter will be lumpy.
In a small bowl beat egg whites with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form (tips stand straight). Gently fold beaten egg whites into pumkin mixture, leaving a few puffs of egg white.

Pour onto your waffle iron and cook according to its direction.

Ya'll let me know what you think! You too Maria!!

Dear Santa....

So I thought it might be fun to have an evening where the kids and I would sit down and write letters to Santa. I would then be aware of what they would like and would hope that "Santa" would write them back. When I presented this idea(now, i was excited, because i thought it really would be fun), they both simultaneously said, "WhY? (with that 'you must be dumb' look), when we can just go and tell him?"

Pecan-Cinnamon Sticki Buns

Okay, Maria, here is the first of many recipies to come. I keep meaning to share so many with you, and then I thought you might enjoy it like this.

1/2-1cup pecans, chopped 1-3oz butterscotch pudding, not instant
3/4 tsp cinnamon 1/2 cup butter 3/4 cup brown sugar
18 Rhoades rolls (get the name brand, it actually makes a difference)

In a greased bundt pan, layer pecans first then frozen rolls. Sprinkle rolls wth dry butterscotch pudding. In small bowl, melt butter (microwave works great), then add cinnamon and brown sugar. Pour over rolls.

Let stand over night or for 8-10 hours to rise.

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. The last 15 min. cover with foil. Remove from oven and tip out immediately on serving tray. You'll notice I left my pecans whole. It makes it easier for my kids to "pick out the nuts".

Enjoy! This is one of family favorites for holiday mornings or for whenever.

The Kitchen Table

I truly believe that the kitchen table is where you can get all your questions answered. My point was proved the other night.
Myles: Mom,(real serious, so I knew it was important) when I get older am I going to get hair in my armpits like you and Daddy?
Mom: (quickly thinking, did I shave today?) Yes Myles, you will.
Myles: Oh(silly grin, I could see the wheels turning in his head.
Jeremy: choking on dinner, turning away so he doesn't hack all over Evelyn.

Me and my Babes!

Happy Halloween!

We had a great weekend! Friday we went to our church's trunk-r-treat. Jeremy and I won the costume contest as Hansel and Gretel. J is such a good sport. I actually made the girls' angel costumes! It was tough, but I enjoyed it. Myles went as a secret spy agent. That boy has a full bucket of candy. We haven't had that much candy in our house for a long time. I really enjoy Halloween with my children than when I was a child.

He was meant to be the Big Brother

Yesterday I took the kids on a bike ride around the neighborhood and then to the park. Well, it took alot longer than I thought it would. You would understand if you've ever tried to get Samantha to ride her bike, for more than 5 minutes. Which is ironic considering the love Jeremy and I have for bikes. Myles was so good for her. He loves to ride really fast and wait for us at the corner. Instead of waiting, he would then ride back and push Sammie for a while, run back, get back on his bike, and catch up with us. At one point we lost Evelyn's hat, he rode back 3 blocks and brought it back to me. Finally, an hour and half later were on our way home. Sammie's whining is starting to get on my nerves, but I just keep coaxing her along. And then she crashed. Big Time! And if anyone knows Samantha, she continually wins the Grammy for the Most Dramatic. Myles and I help her get back on her bike and then he tells me, Mom, i'm going to ride ahead and open the garage. Okay. I carry Sammie in, trying to get her to calm down. Myles is sitting there at the kitchen table with band-aids, a popsicle, and barbie dolls to play with "so she can forget about her ouies" What a big brother! With such a good heart! I am so lucky to have such a wonderful boy.

Did i hear you right?....

So, Friday night, just before I left for Nashville, I was sitting with Jeremy at the dinner table explaining all the food and things that I have done to make his weekend with the children easier. He looks over at me with that cute boy-look he gets in eyes, and says, "Trust me, Ang, I'm not going to do any cooking this weekend. I'll be too busy managing everything to cook any meals; I'm not as good as you are." My ears perked up and with a giggle I said, "What did you just say? Why don't you say that one more time?" ...one more time please? I just loved hearing that!

Home made salsa anyone?!

Tomatoes are now in season and I've been wanting to make home made salsa. But I want to make sure it is a trued and tried recipe. I think I could come up with one on my own, but I would still like to know if anyone has a good one they want to share?

The Andersens-Before and After

I"l let you imagine which picture was taken the last day of our trip!

CAMP DESTIN

Our family survived CAMP DESTIN! My children are true campers at heart. We literally camped on the beach in Destin, Fl for 8 days-and I rarely heard them complain. We survived 2 big storms, 100 degree weather, sand in every crevice you can imagine, and a sinus rinse everytime a wave tossed us round like a rag doll. We went down with our cousins and had the time of our life! It was the first time I've seen the Emerald Coast and I loved it!
We saw sting rays, turtles, crabs, a barricuda and lots of lizards! Samantha's favorite part was chasing the crabs at night; I just loved hearing her squeal with delight. She was the only one brave enough to pick them up.
We made sand castle after sand castle, Daddy taught us how to boogie board. I think he had more fun watching me tumble and make a fool of myself. I just couldn't get the hang of it. Nearly took me all week.
We went through alot of sunscreen. We'd get burned in places that I thought the sun never saw-our behinds. I realized the sun rays were reflecting off the crystal white sand.
It really felt like a vacation. We were in an oasis despite being in such a busy tourist city. No phones, T.V.s or constant commotion. It was very peaceful. We had plenty of space to run and enjoy the sun. The campground was immaculate and the people so friendly. We can't wait to book a trip next year.-The only thing that didn't survive was our van. We had to take it easy going home. Unfortunately (or fortunately) we will need to buy a new one soon.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MYLES!!!

So, the first week of Summer vacation Myles lost a tooth. He walked around for another week with his other tooth hanging off to the side. He had the goofiest smile I'd ever seen. You couldn't help but smile back at him.



And in the second week of summer vacation, that goofy tooth came out at a friend's house. Now, he has the smile of 6 year old!! I can't believe just 6 years ago, this sweet boy entered my life. It feels like it was yesterday. And you know what he wants for his birthday? A skateboard!!! I just don't know.....

TOO CUTE!

Need I say More?

You can always get what You want!!

A long time ago, back when Myles was a little over two maybe three, I had a way of diverting my kids attention when they didn't get what they wanted. (i.e. when Mom says no). I would sing this song to them, "you can't always get what you want...". Just recently I took Sammie shopping with me. We went into Ann Taylor to see if they had any good deals. It was very quiet when we walked in, but not for long. Samantha belted out, "Mom you know, you can't always get what you want.." All eyes on me. I just chuckled. Our children now know what we will say to them if they begin to whine. I've heard Myles singing this same song when he is getting dressed. Are there any studies of what happens to kids with early exposure to Rolling Stones?

I'm So Sorry!

I've had several people call/email me and let me know that I have been a slacker! I am so sorry! It has been a rather hard long winter for our family that I just didn't have the energy to keep our blog up.
Jeremy and I are doing well. We miss our bikes. We still have them, they just haven't been ridden in a long time. They feel totally neglected.
Myles will have his last day of school tommorrow and then it is summer vacation!!!! I am so excited to have him around more! When I was at his kindergarten graduation last friday, he was "too cool" to hang out with me or for me to know that he knows, that I know he saw me. And so, this is the beginning of being "too cool" for Mom and Dad.
Samantha just recently had her ballet recital and she was a doll! Her latet thing is kissing all frogs in the neighborhood to see which one is her prince. She hasn't found him yet.
Evenly is growing and growing and growing! She is crawling and pulling herself up on the couch. She can wave "bye-bye" and can even say it too! The girl is a busy body and reminds so much of Myles. Recently she has been fussy, but that is because she has 6 teeth trying to come in at once. I'd be fussy too!
And yes, Toby is still around. I have succumbed to the fact that he isn't going anywhere. He's Jeremy's dog and the man deserves to have his; even if he did chew an 18-inch wide hole in the back of our house. Nearly got into our bedroom.

Happy Birthday Mommy

So yesterday was my 33rd Birthday and I received three beautiful gifts. The first was from Evelyn. She sang me Happy Birthday.


The second one was from Myles. He made a fancy dinner for me. He really did do alot of the work. The Crab legs were delicious!



And to save the best for last. My little Sammie left me this.

A Big Fat Mess!
And I even get to go on a date with my husband, complete with a new outfit from my favorite clothing store, Ann Taylor! I think we are going to BoneFish Grill.
Thank you everyone who called or left me a message. It was really thoughtful for you to think of me. I had a great day yesterday. So, one year down in my journey and plenty more to look forward to.

To my New 4 year old

To my new 4 year old who had the best pinkalicious birthday ever. I cannot believe how much you've grown. Finally there is enough hair for pigtails and hairbows. You are as 'Fancy as Nancy' and can sing like no other! I love hearing your voice in the background of my busy life. Your high-pitched shrilly voice complete with giggles reminds me to laugh and to love completly. You put your whole heart into your dollies and babies. I don't mind that they go wherever I go. I respect the determination and stubborness you've acquired from me. You keep me on my toes!! I know that you will learn how to ride your bike "all on your own without any help from us!" And that you will "ask for help when you want it!" I love you with all my heart. Thank you for the great joy you are in my life! Happy Birthday!

Those Moments

Very rarely do I find my house quiet. It is nearly 11:00 at night and I can't sleep. Unusual for me. I'm at the computer, of course, and loving the silence that fills the house. It's calming effect reminds me why I love the craziness. Everyone, including Jeremy, are sound asleep. Even Toby is quiet. And is it in these moments that I am so grateful to be where I am, doing whatever it is I do, being the mom I hope to be. This is what life is all about. There really is no greater journey than motherhood. Thank you Jeremy!