Kindergarten!

Jeff, Jayden and Becky went down to Pioneer Elementary today to register Jayden for Kindergarten. As we walked to the testing area, a school staff member commented: "Yay, another Anderson reader!" Then, when the woman who tested Jayden gave his test to the kindergarten teacher to review with us, she said: "You know he's an Anderson." (Jayden answered every question correctly.) Looks like Jayden's siblings have set the bar pretty high. However, I'm confident Jayden will proudly uphold the good Anderson reputation. Look out kindergarten, Jayden's excitedly on his way!

One Week Post-Op

Becky had her one week post-operative appointment with Dr. Parris today. It felt so good to get the dressing off for a little while! Dr. Parris was pleased with how the X-ray looked. You can see the two pins he used to fuse the joint they reshaped during surgery.

Becky's foot is still pretty swollen and bruised, but, all-in-all, everything seems to be going well. Jeff says he can already see how much the shape of Becky's foot has changed.

One week down, five more to go!

Becky Get's "New" Foot

On April 16th, Becky had surgery on her right foot to correct a painful bunion that she has had most of her life. It had begun to interfere with her ability to walk and drive the car, so we decided it was time to finally do something about it.

(The X-ray to the right shows the bunions on both of Becky's feet.)

The nurse who started Becky's IV marked her right foot with the "yes" to make sure they operated on the correct foot. (Its in permanent marker and won't wash off!)

The picture to the right doesn't do Becky's green foot justice, but they used some green cleansing agent prior to starting the surgery that left Becky's foot looking pretty sick once we got home from the hospital. Check-in was at 7:00 a.m. and we were on our way home by 1:00 p.m. the same day! Jeff and Jayden came along for the journey, and Jayden was sure ready to go home when the time came. =)

Now Becky has to stay off her foot, no weight bearing what-so-ever, for at least six weeks. She is getting used to crutches (her palms and underarms are bruised) and is excited to have her knee-walker arrive later this week. The knee-walker is like a scooter that will keep Becky's foot off the ground, but will make it easier to get around and do things that a mother of five busy children needs to do. Driving is still out of the question though. It's a good thing Ashley got her driver's license on Monday!

Thank you to everyone for your prayers, well-wishes and offers of help. You are the best!

She's Official

It's official! Ashley got her Idaho driver's license today. She likes to pretend that she's not excited, but she can't hide it. Most people ask me if I'm worried, but I'm not. Ashley is a very cautious driver. Besides, come this Friday, she is going to have to become the family chauffeur for at least the next six weeks.

Why I Love Couponing

This is why I love to shop using coupons. Over the last two days, I have shopped sales at Albertson's, Fred Meyer and Costco. I bought everything you see in this picture ($515.00 worth) for $27.62. That's a savings of $487.38! Gotta love it!!! =)

Here is what I purchased
3 boxes crackers
1 box fruit snacks
1 package cookies
1 bunch bananas
3 bottles spices
5 pounds red potatoes
1 head cabbage
6 pair children’s socks
12 cups yogurt
14 bags Easter candy
6 packages gum
15 pounds grass seed
87 boxes Post cereal

Happy Birthday Mom Anderson!

Today is my Mother-in-Law's birthday. Her daughter Whitney compiled a book for Mom and Dad that reviewed a year in the lives of all their family. Each of their seven children sent Whitney pictures and other information that she skillfully edited into a wonderful work of art. Mom and Dad were very touched. Thanks Whitney, and a very happy birthday to you Mom!

I have several more video clips, but decided I'd better stop here. =)

Cordell's Jazz Choir

Cordell was selected to be in the new Jazz Choir at Weiser Middle School. They had to learn the music mostly at home and refined it when the choir practised together once a week.

They were the hit of the concert tonight. Enjoy!

Christmas!

One of our Chritmas traditions is to take a picture of the children on the stairs before they get to open presents on Christmas morning. Don't they all look excited!

Jayden asked Santa for a Batman costume this year. He had to put it on at the very first chance he had. Of course, Ashley and Cordell had to try as well.

I'm A Great-Aunt!

Congratulations to my nephew Brad and his wife Dani on the birth of my first great-nephew. Garrett Theadore was born early this morning and weighed in at 10 pounds 8 ounces! My sister Tracy (who is now a grandma!) reports that mom and baby are doing well. A whole new generation just joined our family. We are so blessed!!!

Jayden Turns 5

My youngest son, Jayden turned 5 years old today. He was so excited to turn 5, because it meant that he could finally go to kindergarten. I had to explain that kindergarten would have to wait until the new school year began after summer vacation next year. Since he loves his preschool teacher and class, he took the news with only a little disappointment. Happy Birthday, Jayden!

Weiser Wins!

Megan's basketball team played Payette today. They played a great game and won 24 to 14. It has been fun to watch Megan develop her talents. She even told me that running was getting easier. Pretty good for my little asthmatic! Great job Megan!

Jayden and Bishop Winegar

We had tithing settlement today with Bishop John Winegar. Jayden made sure to point out that his birthday was in 7 days. When the Bishop asked if he could come to our house on Jayden's birthday to give him "some smacks", Jayden, after a moment of thought, replied "if you have money you can". I guess we know what Jayden thinks is important. =)

First Real Snow

We woke up this morning to our first real snow of the season. Cordell had fun taking pictures of it, so I thought I would share them with you.
I am so not ready for winter!

Since there wasn't any early morning play practice this morning, I took the opportunity to sleep in a little. When I got up, I found Cordell and Megan outside raking leaves without having been asked. Made this mother very proud!

After breakfast, Ashley, Brooke and Jayden helped rake leaves too.

Ashley and I went to see New Moon last night with my book club group. There were 18 of us, and we had a blast! Jennifer Miller and Christy Waite got to the theatre around 5:30 to make sure we'd be first in line for the 8:15 showing. Thanks ladies!

The rest of us showed up piecemeal after that.

The movie was pretty good (the books are soooo much better), but the best part was listening to all the comments those women made. Thanks for a great girl's night out!

Thanksgiving Lunch

Brooke's school had Thanksgiving lunch today, and Jeff, Jayden and I were able to enjoy the afternoon meal with her. The cooks made great homemade rolls and a pumpkin dessert that Jayden really enjoyed. To bad the day is soon coming when Jayden and I won't be able to share a meal any more. Before I know it, Jayden will rivel Cordell in food consumption volume. (Cordell says Jayden will never beat him! He may be right...)

Ashley Performs

Last night Jayden and I got to attend Ashley's Treasure Valley Honor Band performance at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho. The band performed very well. I especially enjoyed their last song - Spitfire. It had so many time signatue changes that it made the kids really work to stay in tempo. When Ashley finally gets her CD of the performance, I'll see if I can figure out how to post Spitfire for your listening pleasure. For now, see if you can find Ashley in this photo. Great job Ashley!

Figuring it Out

OK, so I think I'm learning how to do this. =)

The Begining

I've been feeling for a while now that it is time for me to do better at recording what is happening with my family and sharing those happenings with our friends and family. So, like so many of my family before me, it is time for me to enter the world of blogging. Now if I could just figure out how to customize my template....