Look who's done with his Christmas shopping

Each year Zachary gets invited to attend a shopping event in Omaha for blind or visually impaired children. Each child is given $100 (donated to the organization) and a shopping buddy. The idea for the party is to give children the independence of shopping alone for family members. The shopping buddy is usually a high school student who volunteers time. This year Zachary made a special request (to the President of the organization) for a girl shopping buddy. Prince charming likes to sweet talk the ladies! The kids shop, wrap the gifts, eat pizza and visit with Santa. We are asked to send him with a list of "wishes" and sizes for each family member. But, ultimately Zach gets to decide and purchase the perfect gift for each one of us. He takes great pride in his presents. Last year he got me a scarf and he still pleads with me daily to wear it each time I leave the house. He loves it and so do I. This year our gifts are sitting under the tree just waiting for Christmas day. A child's "hand picked" present is always my favorite. Although, I know nothing wrapped in the brightly colored paper will mean more to me than the gift of this organization, N.F.V.I.C. We are so thankful to them. This particular organization provides many social and recreational opportunities for the families they serve. They lighten the burden of many by bringing smiles to the children they reach out to. Thank you, N.F.V.I.C.

We partied like only 5 year olds can!

Avery's birthday party was a smashing success. According to Avery it was the "best birthday party in the whole wide world." We planned a "doodle cakes" party and made sure each child felt like a real chef. They played, crafted, doodled & decorated, ate, sang, opened, squealed, giggled and enjoyed. With a room full of preschoolers, I was thankful for my friend Jodi and her help. She took 1/2 the kids downstairs to decorate their own Chef's hat, while I had the other 1/2 with me in the kitchen. Each child armed with clean hands, an apron and their very own cake would spend the next few minutes decorating with pastel bags of frosting and sprinkles. Different colors and different tips all made for very different cakes. Some children were precise and delicate while others just squeezed the heck out of the frosting bags. But, they all loved the creative thrill of frosting a cake. We quickly set them aside (without any curious finger swipes through frosting,) in a box and ready for take home. Tied with a balloon and their apron the party favor was set and done. Next, we celebrated by singing to Avery. All 11 sweet children sang little hearts out. Avery's friends love her and she adores each and every one.

(This photo is actually from our family celebration)

We opened presents with minimal distractions, Avery was a very gracious hostess and loved it all. This is a great group of children, so kind to one another. They play well and enjoy being together. Thank you to all.

Happy Birthday, Avie

Avery Hope had a birthday. Our little "caboose" turned 5 on December 5th. It was on that day 5 years ago that Jeff and I brought home this bundle of joy.

A special day, indeed. I fondly remember the smiles that lined our faces, Jeff's constant chatter of his new baby, and the tender kisses the twins bestowed upon her cheeks. She was here and our family complete.
And now 5 years later, this sweet child continues to bring smiles to our faces.

Avery is a happy little girl who knows much joy. She loves her life and sweetly expresses pleasure in most things. Especially her family. She has a best friend in her big sister. And, follows in Ellie's footsteps as only a little sister can. From time to time, she gets pushed aside by her brother. But kindly walks away as only his little sister can. She's delightful, cheerful, and compassionate. She has a gift of communicating her love to mom and dad by gently pulling on our heart strings. As only our child can. Happy Birthday, Avie!

Thanks for giving

I love thanksgiving, it makes me and my family happy. Thanksgiving week brings about a special chance to be reminded of our many blessings. And, for that I am thankful. The chance to take a moment and " count them one by one." A chance to teach our children of the things in life for which they should be grateful for. A chance to embrace and cherish our loved ones. It is at this time that I also wish my mom a Happy Birthday!

The Williams family.Dad affectionately calls the "the original 5" And as a birthday wish, I'd like to say "Thanks for giving..."
Thanks for giving us your time. Time to visit, time to play, time to help when we need it.
Thanks for giving us your energy. Travel and flying, we appreciated the energy it takes to plan a visit to see us. Especially, the times when we ask you to come on short notice.
Thanks for giving us your undivided attention. We always feel like one in a million when mom is around. Thanks for being so positive and encouraging.
Thanks for giving us your listening ear. Lengthy phone calls with important scoop, or just the daily recaps. Thanks for listening 2x a day!
Thanks for giving us your friendship. My favorite afternoons of "Hectors", shopping or manicures brought to me because of you! I love it and look forward to the fun.
Thanks for giving us your support and love. The self sacrificing and unconditional love we feel everyday. For this, we are thankful!
Hope you had a wonderful birthday!
We will celebrate when we see next.

Fun in the Fourth Grade

Zachary and Ellie are having so much fun this year in school. They have an amazing team of teachers in the fourth grade. I am impressed with their creativity and talent to teach. Ellie adores her teacher. I'm thankful to Miss Bailey for keeping the interest and intrigue alive in Ellie. The school projects and even homework seem to be more interesting to my children this year. Both Z&E are crazy about science. Ellie loves her job as "reading buddy" to a 1st grader. Zachary loves the independence that 4th grade has allowed him. We are hearing about a few new friends this year. Ellie has 3 best friends in her class...David, Micheal and Morgan. Zachary is still smitten with the triplets ( 3 girls.)

Last night was the 4th grade musical. They had fun. Zachary was nervous. Ellie was not. Ellie had 2 solo lines in the program. She did it beautifully. They sang their little hearts out. Danced a few good dance moves. And smiled. Jeff overheard Zachary saying in the middle of the program..."I'm smiling for my mom and dad." Does that melt your heart? It does mine.
Zachary had a line that he said with 4 other children. (The hat is not part of the show, but it is part of Zach's unique style.)

Today was "crazy hair day" The kids had so much fun getting ready for school. Ellie had a big poofy ponytail on top of her head (resembled me in the 80's.) Zachary wanted an impossible hair do, but settled on "sticky up, pokey out" and we called it a Mohawk ( I know... but he doesn't need to know what the real thing looks like)

Ellie is having fun telling everyone about her new glasses. And, fun wearing them. I think she looks darling and so grown up!

And, this little girl has fun everywhere she goes. (Dairy Queen after the musical)

He hears us and answers.

At the end of the school year we prayed and fasted for Zachary. This was not our typical fast for Z, as it did not involve any of the medical or health issues that usually plaque him. He was healthy. But he was stubborn. And his stubborn nature was interfering with his ability to learn. School is much harder for this little guy than your average 9 year old. To be successful he needs all the elements to fall into place. Great special ed team. Check. Wonderful and (funny) aides. Check. Utilize the resources of our fabulous school district. Check. A loaded I.E.P. Check. Continuous work at home. Now, here's where the problem lies. Nightly, when we would practice reading... we'd encounter a battle, followed by an argument, topped off with an angry pout! Not your ordinary fit, but a struggle to defy all odds. Our efforts proved fruitless. So we prayed. We prayed that Zach would take an interest in his studies in school and ultimately read. We prayed that Zach would actively participate in the learning process. Yes, it's hard. Yes, he can do it. Especially with the Lord's help on our side. We believe in that.


Fast forward a couple of months, middle of the 1st semester in 4th grade...this kiddo is interested, he's proud, and he desires to learn!!!!!! Science and social studies are his favorite subjects. He is in the regular classroom during this time. Last week he took his first science test, "sound" and the functions of the inner ear. We studied. He memorized. He scored a whopping 17/20 with + 8 bonus points. Hip, Hip Hooray. After school, he walked through the doors, grabbed his backpack, pulled out the "golden" test and proudly displayed his score. Did I get an A? I'll never forget his sweet expression. Priceless. Heavenly Father heard our prayer. He answered, just as he does each and every one. I've prayed for miracles...to spare the life of one pound babies. I've prayed for tranquility and that was answered in the form of a calm 3rd child. And, this prayer for a "change of heart in my mighty 4th grader" is no less favored in His eyes. Tonight, a prayer for gratitude.


Look at these masterpieces that have adorned the walls our home. I don't keep their projects up for very long, rather safely tuck them away in a binder, but we all enjoy the moment of "spotlight."

The many faces of Halloween

A dancing lady bug, spooktacular witch, and mad, mad scientist bring the thrill of Halloween to life. All three kids were pleased as punch with their whole "look" this year. Good gravy, this Halloween holiday has sure turned into a busy and hectic one. This year I put together costumes for the kids 6 different times for 6 different parties/activities. Gigi came for a visit and to sample some of the Anderson crazy "shenanigans"we call... day to day life. She came in time to share with us Avery's school program (& costume party), pajama party, Avery's Halloween mini dance recital, the twins school party and parade, and of course trick-or-treating. Sometimes, when things are hectic, stressed, & life is out of balance...it takes your mom to come "play" and pick up the pieces. Thanks, mom. Trunk-or treating, trick-or-treating, school parades, and parties...Zachary loved every minute of dressing up. You would think the candy would be a motivator, nope...it was his new identity. First, mad scientist. Next, doctor. He loved it all. I could see it in his eyes. Ellie mostly loved the make-up (much to Jeff's chagrin.) She couldn't wait for me to apply the make-up each and every outfit. She and Jeff attended a Daddy daughter date night, (Deal or No Deal Girl) and the make-up had to be perfect. Avery loved her sparkles. The only requirement for her ladybug outfit was it had to sparkle. Sparkle. Sparkly. That's my girl. All in all it was a wonderful halloween. We trick-or-treated in 70 degree weather, and that's the way I like it. Ellie and Jeff went to a Daddy Daughter costume party. They went as "Deal or No Deal, Howie Mandel and the Game show girl. Jeff wasn't thrilled with the idea but because Ellie loved it so much, he supported the idea. He put on a smile and dressed up as Howie.

The party and parade at school...crazy! Bless the hearts of the teachers and aides up at school, they put up with a lot of wiggles and giggles on this day.

A trip to Vala's, once again...

Vala's pumpkin patch is unlike any pumpkin patch you have ever seen. It's definitely worth a visit. Just maybe not every year. It is famous, fun, and festive. But, for heaven sakes it's expensive and needs some renovating. Never-the-less the kids love it and it always proves to be a crowd pleaser. There are many things to do and none of them have to do with getting a pumpkin. Infact, honestly we've never been out to the actual GIGANTIC pumpkin patch (we found ourselves a charming little pumpkin patch this year) So, this being our 4th year you might want to know that our "favorites" remain the same...the go-carts, The Pirate maze, the trike races...STILL, the ginormous slide, pumpkin launcher, haunted house (not very "haunted"... and still to scary for my girls.) petting zoo (manages a few giggles,) and the big giant bouncy pillow. This year we were invited to Vala's with the Nebraska chapter of United Cerebral Palsy. We had a campfire and tent and they also provided us with dinner. "Camp- out" goodies galore! The wet wood burned with a blazing smoke, so we all had sore eyes but looked beyond the smoke and enjoyed the atmosphere and our relationships with one another.

apples, pumpkins, doughnuts and cider...

It must be October!

Last week we spent our day at the Kimmel Apple Orchard. What a fantastic day trip and a "true to life" apple orchard. Miles of lush apple trees with so many varieties to choose from. First, the hayrack ride and apple pickin'. Then pumpkins. Next, doughnuts and fresh apple cider. Fall is here, yet the weather was unbelievably perfect. I was craving a day to be spent outdoors and with my family. I needed a day to reconnect and love them up! I needed a day to just "be" with each one of them. From morning till night we played. This is just a sampling of our day. These simple memories bring a smile to my face.

It was a "buggy" friday

Our family enjoyed the 75 degree weather yesterday by playing outside after dinner. We swung on the swings, played a game of baseball (Ellie's good, really good- crushed it each time up to bat.) We also (or should I say, Zachary & Avery) spent time looking for bugs. Nebraska has bugs. Big bugs, cool looking bugs and lots of "buggy" bugs. I guess it's the climate and humidity that bring the bugs home to Nebraska. I'll never get used to the flies, but I think it's fun for the kids to see and examine the slimy, and fuzzy insects. Kind of like a science lesson in your backyard.

We also happened upon this....the ice cream truck stopped by for a visit. Lucky kids. Should I tell you he actually came by 20 min. before dinner?