Happy Easter

Happy Birthday Kelly

It's always hard for me to believe when another year of my children's life has passed - and yet - here we are again. Our little Kelly turned 3 last week. It seems like just yesterday we were bringing this little angel home from the hospital. Kelly was our smallest baby and has continued to be quite petite. Maybe that's why its so hard for me to believe she is actually 3 years old. She loves to cuddle and do almost anything with mom and dad. She loves dancing, reading, playing with her babies and helping out any way she can. For being such a shy and quiet baby, she has turned into quite the talker. She starts most of her sentences with "Mom (or the name of whoever she may be talking to), you're a silly goose!" and loves to throw the word "actually" in wherever she can. She loves, Loves, LOVES sharing a room with her big sister. She seems to have a special relationship with each member of our family and we all love and adore her! Happy Birthday Kells!

Abbie and Kelly then...

Abbie and Kelly now. Not much has changed!

Kelly loved all of her presents. I'm not quite sure what is in her hand????

Kelly wanted a princess cake and decided cupcakes allowed her to have all the princesses with Belle (her current favorite) as the centerpiece!

Allison's Blessing

I love this picture because is shows our kids personalities. They look so silly you just have to laugh!

Allison Ruth Anderson

Our little Angel

Lone Man

Poor Josh. This is what happens when you live in a house full of girls. Sorry buddy!

Minnesota Cold

Temp: -24 degrees Farenheit (with windchill)
Snowfall: 16 inches in one storm

Vacation anyone?

Beatiful scenery from across the street

Pete all bundled up to face the cold

This is the view of our deck from our sliding glass door

Gratitude and 4 kids

The past few weeks have been a little crazy with everyone adjusting to a new baby. Lately my attitude has been something like - "please, just let me make it through the day and still be sane".

Unfortunately, my family has probably received the brunt of my emotions. I keep focusing on what my kids aren't doing rather than what they are.

Fortunately, the lesson in Relief Society on Sunday was on the Divine Gift of Gratitude by President Monson. The following quote struck a cord with me. He said "We have all experienced times when our focus is on what we lack rather than on our blessings...We can lift ourselves and others as well when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude." After hearing that quote I decided I needed to change.

Today wasn't easy, but I tried to think of something to be thankful for when things got hard. Sometimes I did better than others. I guess you could say I am a work in progress. The one thing I can say, is that I did notice that my family did better when I focused on the things to be grateful for, rather than on the negative. That alone makes it worth while!

On a side note, here are some updated pictures of Allison.

Ali's first bath

Abbie being the best big sister ever

Dad and Ali - both fast asleep

New Addition

Allison Ruth Anderson joined our little family on November 3, 2010.

She weighed in at 7lbs 7oz and is 19 3/4 " long.

She is such a great little addition. She already fits in with her red hair and fair skin! We are so excited she is finally here!