Thoughts

Aubrey is very much into brides these days. Goodness. It might have something to do with Aunt Shana's wedding coming up, but the girl loves all things wedding and brides. So, today I got out my wedding album and let her look through it on her own. I heard lots of, "Oh, look at your bale! (veil)" and, "Oh, your flowers!" It made me feel good and it was a little wierd. I still feel many times like I'm just playing dress up still but I had a big reality slap in my face today as my going on 4 year old was looking at my wedding pictures. How and when did that happen?!

We also rummaged through the DVD's and found the wedding video. And I cried. I was flooded with happy memories...memories of anticipation and so much LIFE to look forward to. So many lofty dreams and goals. One of the phrases of our wedding was, "Come grow old with me, the best is yet to be." Okay, Johnny, so I realize we are not quite 29 years old but you and I have both said to each other that we now have a house, a dog, and three kids, and that officially makes us grown ups. And it officially makes me feel old(er) at times. :) Watching the video today made me remember quite a few things:

-I miss my grandma. I'm pretty sure I always will but that one hit me kind of out of the blue today.
-I am thankful for the "hanging in there," that we both experienced from our parents and grandparents. We have a strong legacy of sticking by your mate that I am thankful for.
-We are living out many of our loftiest dreams. How many couples can say that? Less than six years in God has blessed us abundantly more than we deserve. You fly helicopters. Seriously. That's pretty cool. We have three of the cutest, funniest, and greatest kids on the planet. We are living the crazy adventure together.
-I believe that the best is yet to be for you and I. And that makes me excited.

-One last thing: I was kissing this incredibly cute thing today and I was struck with gratitude for how you provide for us, John. Thank you for working so hard so that I can spend much of my day loving on this guy and his brother and sister.

So Many Blessings

Today was our first full day as just our family of 5 at home. We had fun going on an adventure to a restaurant about 30 minutes away and having brunch. So far life seems pretty normal. We don't feel like we've been turned upside down and we are really enjoying the quiet of being at home.

Stuart is such a sweet baby. He has more awake time every day so I am enjoying getting to hold him when he just wants to look around and look at people. He may have rolled his eyes today at his brothers' antics. I'm kidding of course but it's fun to see his little head try to track where his brother and sister are.


And by the way, someone has definitely embraced her baby brother. You will no longer see a face when you say, "Isn't it cool that you have two brothers now?" (although "the face" was pretty classic.) Instead you will get an excited response and for that I am grateful. Aubrey, can I just tell you that having two brothers is pretty cool? I always loved it and I know you will, too.

Grammy & Papa spent Christmas with us and boy did we have fun! We went to the Christmas Eve service at church, opened presents and just spent time together. I'm amazed that John was able to get this picture of all 3 kids looking at the camera.

Bryant loved all of his presents. He loved them just seeing them in the wrapping paper. And then he went nuts once we were able to convince him to open the present.

Aubrey loved everything she received this year. I am thankful for kids who are grateful for anything and everything. It didn't matter at all what they were opening, they were excited.

Have I ever mentioned that this kid loves tools? Yeah, he does.

I don't think they come any more kissable than this. I love him.


**A very important sidenote** We get to meet another sweet baby boy in about 4 months or so. Baby Samuel James will join big brother Jack in May and we are so excited!! Congrats, Blake & Stephanie!!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas, from our home to yours.

Days at Home

We've had a few surprises since bringing Stuart home. I was sure that Bryant was going to have an extremely hard time welcoming his baby brother home. And I was sure Aubrey was going to ogle over baby. But it has been opposite reactions.

Bryant has been all about holding, kissing, and generally loving on Stuart. It has seemed that he is thrilled to have this little baby in the house. Last night I may have caught a glimpse of his struggle when he was just a little off in wanting to just be around me. He didn't want to be held or snuggled with, but he wanted to be close to me. Besides that, though, Bryant has responded so well to his brother.

Aubrey is deeply disappointed that Stuart was not a girl. She periodically will look at him and say, "But I really wanted a sister." So she has struggled and John & I are working through that one. But she is quick to want to hold Stuart (as long as he is wearing clothes. She does not like the belly button area), and she will tell him over and over, "I love you, Stuart," and kiss his face. And when we are out she tells people, "I have a baby Stuart," and she is proud of her baby brother.

Stuart? Well, he seems to be adjusting to life in this crazy house quite well. And we are crazy about him. He looks different from his siblings. And he is incredibly cute. (this from a very un-biased source in Stuart's mommy).

Baby Stuart

We are already so nuts about this kid. He has medium brown hair for now (that's new for us!) and dark blue eyes. He is not shy about letting us know when he needs something or when he is just plain unhappy.

Bryant felt like such a big boy today holding his baby brother. We asked him, "Where's Stuart?" and he pointed right at the baby. And when he is holding Stu, you better back off! :) It's his time with his buddy and he will not share.

Sissy loves Stuart, too, and as soon as she got to hold him she said, "It's okay, Stuart, I'm your big sister!" Bryant is leaning in for a kiss in this picture.

Wow, we are blessed.

Brother Baby

Stuart Graham Anderson arrived today (December 18th) at 1:28pm. He was 8 lb. 3 oz. and 21 1/4" long.



Stuart, your name means "guardian." Daddy chose your name for the strength it implies, as well as for a very dear friend of ours. He is the man that married Daddy & I and he is a man whose life has been characterized by integrity, honor, and strength. All of those things we pray for you, little man. We pray that your life will be marked by integrity, honor, and strength in your devotion to God.

Graham is after your Great Grandma Farwell. Her maiden name was Graham and her daddy, your Great-Great Grandfather, Roy T. Graham, was a hero of the faith and also as an American soldier. We have his life story written down and it will be given to you at some point in your future. Great Grandma Farwell was a woman who trusted and feared the Lord, even in the little things. She was a great influence in my life and in Daddy's as well.



We are so thrilled to get to hold you in our arms. Dear Jesus, thank you for our 2nd "big boy." Happy birthday, Stu. We love you.

Prayer Request

Please keep one of my friends and her family in your prayers. She delivered her baby today at 8 months pregnant and her sweet girl is now in Jesus' arms. My friend and her husband have two other children that are Aubrey and Bryant's ages. As you think of them please pray for comfort and peace as they mourn the loss of their precious baby.

Blessings Great...and Small...all at the Same Time

It's been beautiful here at the coast lately. Very cold but sunny. Yesterday Bryant went out to help Daddy clean up the yard, clean the chicken coop, and throw the ball with Dutch. Have I mentioned how much I love this kid?





Sissy came out after awhile to join in the fun. Or create her own, however it happened to go down.