Happy Birthday Lukie Boy!

One year and a few days ago I had mixed emotions.  I was excited about having a new baby in our home, but I was also nervous about how Ryan would feel and wonderin if I could handle two kids. 

 Then little Luke was born. 

He was and is so peaceful.  He just makes you feel good about life just by looking at him.  And Ryan adores him.  Anytime Luke is sleeping, Ryan is counting down the minutes until his "brudder" wakes up.

  Now I can't imagine life without Luke.  I think how lonely we must have been without him.  I love being this little guy's mommy. 

Facts about Luke at ONE YEAR:

- He turns heads. People are always walking by and taking second looks or stopping to tell me what a cutie he is.  " His eyes are so blue" is a phrase I hear almost daily.  It never gets old.

- Words: Hi, ball, dada, all done

- Luke started walking at about 11 months. Now he is walking all over the place.

- My little guy - only 19 pounds ( Ry was 24!)

-Loves books.  He will find a book and bring it to me to read to him. To put him to bed, I just lay him in his crib with a book.

- Also loves balls, baths and i-phones!

 - Luke loves to be outside.  If a door is open, he bolts!

- Favorite foods:  blueberries, black beans and chocolate

- Still does not sleep through the night - but almost.  He is up at about 5, but will got back to sleep if he is snuggled up next to me.  I don't mind that one bit!

Happy Birthday my sweet Luke!



Time

Yesterday, I needed to do something on the computer for a few minutes while Luke napped. 

 That meant Ryan had to entertain himself.  He pulled out playdough and puzzles and crayons.  Every other minute he would come into the office to ask if I could play with him. Finally, I told him that I would set the timer for 10 minutes and then I would come and do the puzzle with him.  That worked.  He gave me 10 whole minutes to accomplish what I needed to.  The timer went of and I heard him say " YESSSSSS! Mom, come play with me!"

It made me think of this quote by Elder Uchtdorf:

In family relationships love is really spelled t-i-m-e, time.

So true. 

Pictures that Make Me Happy

Nothing makes me happier than being with these handsome guys.

I love seein how much my boys love eachother.  They will sit and look at books together.  SO cute!

This aftenoon I came out to see this cute bum.  Luke learned how to take off his diaper.  He was very proud!

Half Marathon

Last week, I ran my, now traditional, half marathon one year after having a baby. After Ryan, I ran the Rose Bowl Half Marathon with friend Lorraine.  This time around I ran the fontana half.  I trained with my friend April, who also ran the race.  Thanks to her and the awesome downhill course, I beat my last half time by about 18 minutes!  I ran it in 1hour and 33 minutes ( and 55 seconds).  That may forever be my best time... but maybe next year I will try to beat it!  The race was great, but the best part was seeing Brett holding Luke up above the crowd as I came up on the finish.  So glad my boys were there!

This was probably about mile 10.  The finish line felt so close but also so far away!

I loved that they captured the moment I saw the boys!

And we're done

Memorial Day Hike

On Memorial Day, we went on a great hike with my mom and Dad. Luke loved being in the pack and Ryan was a super hiker and loved crossing all the streams.  

Lesson learned, however:  Do not hike up Eaton Canyon on a holiday!  There were so many people there,  I felt like I was on the streets of New York City!

Preschool Celebration

Ryan completed his first year of preschool.  It was twice a week for two hours.  He really enjoyed it.  I loved watching him grow throughout the year.  He learned how to cut paper, write his name, his letters and numbers and how to rhyme.  He would randomly share bits and pieces of things Mrs. Korie would teach him.  For example, we went for a walk last week and saw some flowers.  Ryan said, " April showers bring May flowers!"  I told him it was actually June. Not really...  

I am so proud of my smart handsome boy.  I hope he continues to love learning!



Ryan and his cute teacher Mrs. Korie




Luke trying to get in on the preschool action.  I love what a friendly baby he is.





The two boys.  Ryan and his buddy Jayson.


Untitled from lisa andersen on Vimeo.

The class preformed some cute dances. In all three dances, both boys were in the corner, while the girls were hamming it up.  This is the first dance and you can see that Ryan is timid, but doing it.  By the last dance he was just sitting in his chair.  Boys will be boys.

Beach Time!

We had so much fun at the beach with Uncle Dan Dan and Aunt Christie.  We are so excited that it is beach season!  

I love taking pictures of my cute boys at the beach just as much as I love being there!

Soccer Mom

I am now a soccer mom.  For real.  I coached and everything.  

Let me tell you... coaching three year olds is hilarious and tiring.  

Ryan wasn't so sure about playing at this age.  He kept asking when he was going to be able to play " real soccer".  I kept telling myself every time he ran off the field to sit down that it was because he skills are far above this level of play... 

By the end of the season he became a great defender.  It was cute because every time he touched the ball he would do a victory dance and run to me for a high five.  He never scored goals because he would only touch the ball once and then cheer, but he was so cute. Luke was love by all the players and was our little mascot.

It was a fun season.

Eater Bonnets

This hat say " cougar in training".  We start them young!

Easter Egg hunt at Aunt Becky's house

Since Ryan is getting old enough to enjoy and remember holidays, we have been trying to come up with real traditions.  I didn't want to buy my kids full on Christmas-style gifts, but it is always fun to get something.  So Brett came up with the idea of giving the boys treats and a couple of small things in a new hat every year.  I loved the idea and went with it.  If we have girls, this idea may have to change, but for now it is a great one.  When Ryan found his hat full of eggs, he said "I am so happy". Love that kid.

  I am so happy and grateful, too, that we know that because Jesus Christ that we can be together with all the ones we love forever.  That is truly the greatest gift.

Mothering Lessons

Yesterday, I learned that I had better practice what I preach.  It was about 9:30 am and I walked to the candy jar and popped a hersey kiss in my mouth.  Two seconds later, Ryan asked if he could have an Oreo. 

Here is how that conversation went:

Ry: Mom, can I have an Oreo

Me: No

Ry: Why?

Me ( still chewing my chocolate): Because it is too early for a treat.

Ry: What is in your mouth?

Me: Swallowing fast... Nothing

Oh, man.  I almost got caught doing exactly what I told him not to. 

I love that being a mother teaches me how to become a little better each day.  A little more patient.  A little kinder. More selfless.  How to not to eat chocolate in the morning if  don't want my kid to. 

It is the greatest job in the world.  I get paid in smiles and hugs and love that are worth more that gold.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!