just a mom with a camera

{izzy}

2012-02-01T14:24:00.000-08:00

I meant to post these pics closer to her bday pics because we took these photos on her actual birthday!!! It will be so fun to look back and remember exactly how she was on her special day :)

{me & kids}

2012-02-01T13:34:00.000-08:00

My photographer friend, Andrea Hallet, took a few photos of the kids, me & kids, and I even braved getting in front of the camera myself!

These photos make me laugh and cry. The smile on Jaxon's face is so incredibly genuine. Let's just say, he doesn't get to hug his teenage sister much without getting away with it :)

{family pics}

2012-02-01T12:46:00.000-08:00

Nothing short of a miracle, I will tell you!!!

{izzy jule is 6!}

2012-02-01T12:22:00.000-08:00

I just can't believe it. Pinch me. She can't be 6 already! There's no doubt about it, she is a gift. She gives us so much love and so much to laugh about. She will always be my baby.

We squeezed in some church before the party and this was a special day for Jax since it was his first time passing the Sacrament. He did awesome!!

lunch:

Party:

{my lil' indian}

2011-11-28T11:54:00.000-08:00

fun little feast in Kindergarten!

{thanksgiving}

2011-11-28T10:45:00.000-08:00

We are so thankful for the family we are surrounded by. My kids have been blessed with cousins that are more like siblings and I have in-laws that are more like my own brothers and sisters.
Thank you to Jennifer and Justin for hosting our large group this year!
We had sooooo much yummy food!

Regan always fries the turkey and its DELICIOUS!

apparently, Jaxon really like his meat on bones!

I think a few of the dads paid Jaxon and Mason to do the dishes :)

{the game}

2011-11-28T10:15:00.000-08:00

This was Jaxon's bday gift--tix to the Dallas vs. Redskins game. Regan and Mason went along, so it was even more fun. It stinks you have to pay so much for the nosebleed section, but at least Jax got to be there and experience it. Sabe really did make it a fun day for him. They packed up the car and got to the field so they could start tailgating well before the game started. Its Cowboys mania around any of the Andersons' homes and its even better living here in the DC area because the Cowboys and the Redskins are MAJOR rivals.
I think Sabe did a pretty good job documenting their day. I handed him the point-and-shoot and told him that his life depended on getting pix of their day. Well done, Sabey :)

I cracked up when i saw that Sabe set this up:

there were some die-hard tailgaters!

I love how Sabe got the Redskinettes in mid-hair flipping action:

THE COWBOYS WON in OVERTIME! Woohoo!!!!

more tailgating after the game:

{jaxon's bday}

2011-11-28T09:44:00.000-08:00

Its never fun to have your birthday on a school day, but what can you do?
Jaxon's best buddy, Dominic, came home with him and we went to dinner at Jaxon's favorite restaurant--Wild Buffalo Wild Wings. This place is perfect for anyone who likes sports and wings. There are too many games being played to count. We had a great time and then stopped and picked up a cake and a few of Jaxon's favorite treats---Root beer, parmesan, and pomegranates.
Jaxon is such a good boy. I love him so very much.

like my clever arranging?

Grandma Julia stopped by!

Jaxon let his little brother, Louis, lick his plate clean :)

{Happy Birthday, Jaxon}

2011-11-17T07:57:00.000-08:00

I can NOT believe Jaxon is 12! This is such a big year for him for so many reasons. I am so proud of him for working hard at everything he does and being such an easy going, sweet kid. I love him so much and I will never forget when I saw his cute face for the first time and when I held him--my first son---in my arms. He has been one of the biggest gifts in my life and I am so grateful that he is in our lives. He is pure JOY.

He and Olivia were so cute together---notice I used the word "WERE"

{just another day at the office}

2011-11-15T05:42:00.000-08:00

What would I do without this little model of mine? Well, I guess I would have to find some other cutie to yell at to give me the right shot!
These photos were for a designer that makes darling hair accessories. Check it out:
Georgia Blue

{Homecoming}

2011-11-15T05:29:00.000-08:00

Olivia was soooo excited to go with her girlfriends to Homecoming. We shopped and shopped for all the little details of this fun day. I had to draw the line at a spray tan. She had a blast, and I must admit----she looked BEAUTIFUL!!!!

Olivia and her bestie:

Elizabeth's mom made them a delicious dinner:
Here's miss Elizabeth--

{HaLloWeEn 2011}

2011-11-15T04:55:00.000-08:00

As always, Halloween was so much fun. A little rushed, but fun. Izzy knew for a long time that she wanted to be a witch and Jaxon just wanted to be something bloody. NIce, huh?
Olivia surprised us with the Elmo thing :) How do you like her candy bag?

{3+1}

2011-11-10T10:21:00.000-08:00

I am so lucky to call these 3-almost 4 people my family. We have enjoyed living by Jacob, Ashley, and Avery so much. My kids just adore little Avery. She has a darling personality and Ashley is the best cook/baker/entertainer EVER. We are so excited for them to welcome a baby boy in the new year!

{superstar}

2011-10-29T09:09:00.001-07:00

Minutes after the game started, we saw the Marble family arrive at the football field. I know it brought tears to most of our eyes to see that Camryn wanted to be there for his team. What a sweet boy he is!
This video is golden. After the win, the coach chooses someone to "break it down". Its usually the MVP--and last night it was Camryn.

{Camryn}

2011-10-29T09:06:00.000-07:00

Camryn Marble is one of the cutest kids in town. He has been on the Seahawks for 2 years now, and every time I see him, I smile and I want to pinch his cheeks--but I don't. His family is awesome. 2 really supportive parents, a sister, and a brother who can sing the national anthem like a pro. During last week's game, Camryn broke his leg! He had surgery the next morning--a plate and screws to hold his femur together. Our hearts go out to him and his family. Its so sad to see how hard this kid has worked in football and then to get such a terrible injury right before the playoffs is really unfortunate. The Seahawk families really rallied around the Marble family this week.
We love this kid and its a big loss to the team.
I put together this photo collage and the coaches and team signed it. I framed it and on of the coaches delivered it to him the day he came home from the hospital. I know it put a big smile on his face--those cute chubby cheeks and all :)

{pound 4 pound}

2011-10-29T08:58:00.000-07:00

We continue to be amazed by this boy. At just 65 pounds, one of the smallest kids in the league, Jaxon has shown us size does not matter when it comes to him and the football field. As the regular season ended last weekend, the Seahawks were slated for the #3 seed. Last night was the first playoff game against the Eagles. I have to admit, I get physically ill on game days. I can't eat and I have to constantly remind myself to take deep breaths. Its ridiculous.
I've been begging Jaxon to score again since I missed the last touchdown. Well, he did it and he did right in front of me. I think I was snapping the pics and crying at the same time. He made me so incredibly proud!
He also ran the ball in for the extra point right after the touchdown.
What a great game he had--making the tackles at 3 separate 4th downs, really big turning points of the game.
Even though the Seahawks were down 2 touchdowns, they pulled through, came back, and won 21-19!!!!
GO SEAHAWKS!

{jaxon}

2011-10-10T14:55:00.000-07:00

this little man is almost 12! Can you believe it?
Here are some fun facts about J-j:

loves:
football
basketball
skateboarding
Nikes
chicken wings and caesar salad
gum
AXE shower gel
going to High School football games
coming home from school and stripping down to his boxers
big, soft blankets
watching Pawn Star, Restoration, Sons of Guns, and Cowboys football with his dad
his little buddy, Louis
good music
his cousins
and most of all, his MOM

{Liv}

2011-09-23T08:06:00.001-07:00

Liv got her hair highlighted in UT and it turned GORGEOUS!

{the ekins fam!}

2011-09-23T08:04:00.000-07:00

Andrea and I have become really close over the last few years. Its always fun chattin' it up on the phone with her. We can talk about football, our favorite shows, yummy food, and gossip about our other sisters :)
It was so fun to go to downtown Park City and get these shots. Love this family!

{another one of my favorite families}

2011-09-23T07:43:00.000-07:00

This was the first summer in a long time that I got to spend a good amount of time with my brother Tom. He is such an amazing person--an incredible dad, a handsome husband, and a super cool bro. He starts the party and keeps it going. He is truly one of the most talented people I know and he is blessed with an equally awesome wife and 3 daaarrrrrlllliiiinnnnggggg kids!

{camille & holland}

2011-09-22T09:09:00.000-07:00

It was so fun to be able take these 2 pretty girls' photos! We snuck their session in right before on of my client's session at Wheeler Farm in SLC!

{the lake family 2011}

2011-09-22T08:58:00.000-07:00

If you can only imagine what its like to get 8 people ready for a photo session!! We rushed and rushed and we losing light, so as we crossed the bridge into Brunswick, MD, I decided to switch location ideas and hit the tracks! I LoVe how it turned out and with mom's help, we were outta there in a flash and back home to our root beer floats!

{the lakes came!}

2011-09-22T04:53:00.000-07:00

So happy the Lakes made the big trip to come watch Jaxon play football. it meant a lot to all of us! I think they also came to get some family pictures too :) I will post those next.
So fun to have you all here!

{first day of school}

2011-09-20T10:21:00.000-07:00

This is a big year for us! Izzy is starting kindergarten, Jax is starting middle school, and Liv is starting high school (and early morning seminary! Woo! All three of them leave at different times so its a bit crazy in the morning, but when I find myself all alone in the afternoon, its kind of sad---and nice :)
Izzy was soooo thrilled to be starting school and the chance to start riding a bus! There were NO tears this day, just a happy day!
Here's Olivia, with her shiny new braces:

Jaxon with his pumped up kicks:

and Isabella!

I swore I would never buy these for my kids, but Izzy gets whatever she wants :)

{opening night}

2011-09-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

The Seahawks had a big night this night, and their job was to defend their championship over the Oarsmen from last season. Seahawk Nation was mighty proud and they all showed their support! And best of all, the Seahawks won 12-0! WooHoo!!!!!

This is Coach LaFonte, last year's head coach. He was so great to rally on the team. He's a great man.

ANd this Darius. He is such an amazing kid. The team's natural leader--always encouraging and always holding out his hand for a teammate.

There's Jaxon!

This year's head coach, Chris Lockhart

{its that time again....}

2011-09-20T08:33:00.000-07:00

for FOOTBALL! Jaxon is on the Seahawks again this year and Sabe is coaching as the offensive coordinator. Jaxon is doing awesome as a running back and corner safety. Football Fest is the opening day of football so the teams each have 2 scrimmages. The Seahawks did a great job!

{lake anna '11}

2011-09-20T07:52:00.000-07:00

we had yet another fabulous time at Lake Anna at the best house ever with the Anderson family. The week was filled with lots of fishing, bonfires, basketball and tennis, super yummy food, nonstop swimming, sunbathing, dancing, and laughing.

First catch o' the day!

lovely lake hair, Iz!

bubble machine!

good job, liv!

sabe telling crazy stories:

dinner time!
late swim with Iz:and this is what happens when you wake up with pink eye!

next stop....Cedar City

2011-09-20T04:12:00.000-07:00

Grandma Taylor lives in Cedar City, just a few hours south of Gunnison. It has been way too long since we've made it to her home and we were so happy to be able to spend time with Afton. She has such a cozy home and she always feeds us like we are royalty. She even had a stockpile of Creamies in her freezer, so my kids thought she was amazing. The kids also loved playing with Jacques, her cute poodle. He even climbed in bed with Jaxon that night and cuddled until morning.
Sabe's cousin Ryan and his wife, Laycee invited us to their home in Toquerville for dinner. I feel so bad I didn't get any pics of them! I did get a photo of their house, which was entirely landscaped by Ryan himself. It was great being with them. On our way to their house, we took a quick drive thru Kolob which was beautiful!

the kids took a dip in her pool:

Afton had even saved 2 of her Christmas caramels for Izzy. Wow.

on our way out, Afton gave Izzy a ride :)

Kolob National Park:

Ryan & Laycee's house:

2011-09-20T03:56:00.000-07:00

We were so excited to be able to travel south to see some of Sabe's relatives, particularly his 2 grandmothers. Grandma Anderson lives in Gunnison and it is always fun to be in her home and see all of artistic creations. Her doilies and her scrapbooks are quite impressive! We were spoiled by Aunt Darlene as she hosted a super fun BBQ at her beautiful house. It means a lot to my kids to be able to spend time with their distant cousins. Jaxon is not used to playing bball with kids that wear their Wranglers, boots, AND hats, but he had a blast! The last time Olivia saw Tayla was probably in kindergarten. Now they were about to start high school! And Izzy, well she loooooved Abbie's dog and I did too. I was thinking we need to trade in Louis for one just like that!

this is Grandma's tribute to Grandpa:

Little Taylor is the CUTEST little girl in town. I wanted to bring her home with me.

this was the "Cars 2" display in front the local movie theatre!

this is Sabe's cousin, Dylan who trains horses

yummy treat before we hit the road again!

{pineview}

2011-09-19T17:11:00.000-07:00

Another boating day? No way! Let's just say that Tom is the coolest boat driver out there. Such a selfless person to take the kids all day and never get to ski himself. It was a beautiful day up in the mountains!

{thanksgiving point}

2011-09-19T17:07:00.000-07:00

Such a fun place!!! it was so fun having mom and Camille & Holland with us that day!

{BYU}

2011-09-19T17:04:00.000-07:00

It was a total treat being able to take the kids the BYU campus. if you can believe it--I've never been to the infamous bookstore so we got the kids HOOKED up!

this one's for you, Uncle Regan!

Olivia was so excited to meet up with McKenna while she was at EFY--can you tell they love each other?

look at all those cute hair bows!

totally a future cougar:

{park city}

2011-09-19T16:57:00.000-07:00

thanks to Mom & Dad for the super fun house, we all had a great time with the usual:
good food
Grandpa's boat
cute kids
Yep, that all you need!

Art lessons by Ash:

already addicted to iphones:

Alpine Slides!

and on our way out----Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory!

{ellie girl}

2011-08-11T07:52:00.000-07:00

I am completely addicted to this sweet baby girl. Those curls, that smile, her smell. I can't keep my hands off of her. Sorry Jenni :)

{Lagoon!!}

2011-08-11T07:38:00.000-07:00

Even though we flew in late the night before, there was no better way to start our UT vacation off with a day at Lagoon! My kids just love that place :)

it was so fun to run into Kelsey and Kiley LInd!

{iNdEpEnDeNcE dAy!}

2011-08-11T06:49:00.000-07:00

as always, we luuuuuuv 4th of July here in Virginia. There's no better setting than Waterford Village with the flag-lined streets, the old cars, and the patriotic spirit of all the locals.
also, we love spending the day with some of our favorite people. i wish i could explain how much all these kids love each other. my kids consider these cousins their brothers and sisters.
what a fun time~
The night before the 4th, we had a crazy storm pass thru, so Waterford ended up cancelling their fireworks show. Lovettsville still had theirs, so we watched from there!

And onto the parade the next morning....

this watermelon is cut with a BIG machete!

{sabe's bday}

2011-08-08T04:46:00.000-07:00

He's getting old, but he's getting more and more awesome as the years go by!! We sure do appreciate everything he does for us. He works hard and he loves to play hard! We love you Sabe!

{team photos}

2011-06-28T19:33:00.000-07:00

I took some quick photos of Liv's soccer team right before their final game....

{Jaxon's 5th Grade Graduation}

2011-06-28T19:16:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Jaxon is headed for middle school this fall! He has had a great time at LES, even after leaving all of his buddies at Waterford at the end of 3rd grade. He has been fortunate to be surrounded by some really great friends who are just....plain....awesome.
The school had a great graduation program one night and then some class/grade awards were given the last day. Jaxon had an awesome year with all A's and B's. Mrs. Roth was a fantastic teacher. And now, just as Jaxon is leaving, Isabella will start kindergarten. 3 kids in 3 different schools next school year!
Here's my handsome little man. I am proud of him---smart, kind, and still cuddly :)

Jaxon's BFF, Dominic:

last time at his desk:

Mrs. Roth:

goodbye elementary school!

{Olivia is 14!}

2011-06-28T18:55:00.000-07:00

Holy crap. I can't even believe that my 1st born is 14 years old! Time has gone by so fast, as it seems like just yesterday that I was meeting this beautiful baby girl into the world. It has been so fun watching her grown and be a part of her accomplishments and exciting experiences. She is one sassy, smart and beautiful girl!
Olivia's actual birthday fell on the same day as her soccer tournament. It was actually an awesome day for her because her team won the championship! We celebrated with a delicious breakfast, and a fun dinner to Olive Garden (iphone pics will soon be added) and finished off with a yummy chocolate birthday cake.
On the last day of school, I picked up Olivia and 2 friends and stayed in Reston for the night. We started off with dinner at Chipotle (Liv's favorite) and then some shopping, more birthday cake, and swimming!
So fun....
breakfast with JB:

I can't even explain how excited Izzy was....

{CaRnIvAl}

2011-06-27T07:42:00.000-07:00

its so exciting that a carnival comes to our very own little town of Lovettsville! We watched them arrive, build the rides, and for 3 days, we passed by as the carnival was in full action. And then, finally, it was our turn. Isabella was excited beyond words and Olivia and Jaxon both found their friends to get dizzy with.
It was sooooo fun!

{SmArTy-PaNtS}

2011-06-09T05:50:00.000-07:00

We are constantly impressed with Olivia and her fortitude with schoolwork. She treats every assignment and test as though the grade will be highlighted on her collage application. There are many nights when Sabe and I have gone to bed and Olivia is still up doing homework. We don't take it for granted that she is this dedicated and so hard-working. She is awesome and we really are so proud of her!
The end of the school year brings a lot of fun activities and achievements. It also tends to make me brag a little bit too. We received a special invitation to Harmony Middle School's first 8th grade Awards Ceremony. We were so pleased when Olivia's name was called for not one, but two awards! She received the award for top 8th grade student in French 2 (here we come, Paris!) There are 6 English classes in each of the 3 "teams" in 8th grade, and she was given the Exemplary Award for her team. Woohoo! Way to go, Olivia.
Sabe takes credit for her foreign language skills and I'll go ahead and take credit for that English one :)

And this is the awesome, new high school Liv will be attending next year!

isn't the scenery beautiful?

Ice cream afterwards:

Olivia brought home some of her artwork and it was so fun to see what she has been working on. She has always been such a great artist--hope she always loves it!

self-portrait

This poster was chosen and enlarged for the display:

{ACTION-JAXON}

2011-06-06T13:17:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's his nickname and it suits him well. Sabe and I get such a kick out of Jaxon the way he can move. He is so quiet and focused during practice. You never see him goofing off or getting distracted. And then, when he is handed the ball, he runs like a wild man!
There really is nothing better than seeing a ex-high-school-football-QB-father watch his little guy on the field. Its priceless!ss.

{a DREAM is a WISH your HEART makes...}

2011-06-06T12:16:00.000-07:00

my DREAM for Izzy....joy
my WISH for her...happiness
my HEART is hers...

All these months of Wednesday morning classes, proudly watching behind the glass window, watching my little girl transform into a ballerina. It has been such a joy to watch. Isabella loves this new passion of hers.

And of course, the day of the recital came and she was the star! They danced to Cinderella's "A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes." She was awesome and she did not have an ounce of stage-fright. Yay!
The second I went backstage to pick her up she said, "Where's my flowers?" And thankfully, Daddy picked out the most beautiful bunch just for her.

{memorial day}

2011-06-06T08:21:00.000-07:00

Such a fun evening on the farm, but the ultimate highlight was Darcy's friend giving the kids a ride on the horse. Isabella was in heaven. so, so fun....

{a quick trip to the farm}

2011-05-29T16:25:00.000-07:00

we wanted to get a peek at the new baby horses but they ran away from us. Here's one quick shot and then some pics with some wicked vines that grow on one of the trees on the property. SCARY.

{preschool graduation}

2011-05-29T16:15:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it. Its really happening! Isabella is growing up, much to my attempts to stop it.
She had a great 2nd year at preschool with one of the best teachers ever. She was lucky to only have 7 other kids in her class, so they all bonded as close buddies.
Kindergarten, here we come!

They had a fun little treasure hunt:

{daughters of our Heavenly Father}

2011-05-29T07:49:00.000-07:00

Look at all these beautiful girls in our Young Women group. It was so fun to do a night of "Glamour Shots" and see them shine :)

{come and get 'em! Now booking summer SLC photo sessions}

2011-05-13T12:45:00.001-07:00

{hangin'}

2011-05-11T12:57:00.000-07:00

A HUGE shout-out to my radical sister, Camille, for making these killer curtains for me. I know she slaved some serious hours for me. I am a huge fan of black & white ANYTHING, so she helped make my dreams come true when I found this fabric. If I would have sewn them, they would've looked like polka dots!
And, yes, these photos look crazy cuz I used my fisheye lens and used a vintage wash on the photos. They really are an awesome black & white!

{fundamentals}

2011-05-10T19:23:00.000-07:00

I've seen this awesome poster on several blogs lately and just had to share.....isn't it great?

{spring break & EaSteR!}

2011-05-10T06:49:00.000-07:00

Because I was away for my Grandpa's funeral and Sabe wanted to do something fun with the kids for Spring Break, he decided to take them to Smoke Hole Resort. He passes it every time he takes the kids skiing at Snowshoe. Some of our good friends decided to go along as well--they took their camper and Sabe and the kids stayed in a cottage. They had a great time fishing, which is one of Jaxon's favorite things to do.
I left Olivia in charge of capturing their fun days, so it was so fun to come home and see these photos. WAY to GO, Liv!
I am so grateful for Sabe and his adventurous side. He takes good care of these kids and this weekend will always be a fun memory for these kids and their dad!

{work it, girl}

2011-05-10T05:55:00.000-07:00

Ever since Izzy got her haircut (and yes, it took lots & lots of begging to Daddy), she has a new pep.to.her.step! She is a little more sassy (not necessarily needing that), a lot more talkative, and a super good supermodel when I need her services.
The connection that she and I share is amazing. At 5 1/2, she is truly still my baby. I love how her soft, chubby hand fits in mine, how she wraps her whole body around mine, and how she tells me I'm beautiful. She has lots of cute, brown moles all over her body--and you better believe I have memorized their locations and nibble on them daily. After all, they taste like chocolate! She begs for her 7-11 fixes, has WAY too many stuffed animals, and still stays up ToO, tOo late!
But I looooooooooooooove this sweet little girl more than I could ever really explain.

{mother's day}

2011-05-10T05:47:00.000-07:00

I feel so very blessed to be a mother to these three kiddie cats. I always wanted to be mom--nothing more, nothing less. I couldn't have dreamed of a better experience than being a mom. My feelings for all 3 of them are beyond description and I hope they feel the same way that I feel about my own mom. She taught me how to be gentle, patient, and giving. I learned so many wonderful things from her, and I continue to be inspired by her on a daily basis.
So Livers, J-j, and Poopers---you better know how much you are LOVED!!!!

{water for elephants}

2011-04-28T04:56:00.000-07:00

I knew I needed a good read, besides my People's magazines, to keep me occupied on my flight to SLC last week. I have always heard good things about this book--Water for Elephants. Now, I have to admit, it did make reading it a little easier since I could picture Robert Pattinson as the main character. Ya, I kinda have a crush on him :)
I read about half the book before I arrived in UT, and then the next few days were spent at the farewell to our grandfather. When we arrived back at my parents' house, all of the girls (except for Heather, but plus Rita), and EVEN Tom decided to go see the late movie since it has just been released.
I LOVED IT!!! It was so good, and my boy Robert and darling Reese Whitherspoon did a fantastic job. I might just have to go see it again.
Oh, and on my way back, I actually did finish the book, unlike many of my paint jobs. Loved the book & the movie equally as well.

{i love them......like, a lot}

2011-04-27T12:27:00.000-07:00

These photos will always mean a lot to me, but especially because we went back to Grandpa's farm to take them. The sky was blue and those great, big trees were full of singing birds....

{tears, laughter, and plagiarism}

2011-04-27T11:14:00.000-07:00

I feel very fortunate that I was able to be there for my grandfather's funeral. It felt better than ever to be together as a family and I know it must have meant a lot to my father to have all his children there. I was able to say goodbye to a very special man, someone who held me in his lap many times and gave me those good Garner kisses. I know he loved me as much as I loved him. I learned so much about him and the life that he lived and it left me feeling like I wanted to be a better person because of him. I am thankful that he was such a kind man to everyone around him and I am especially grateful for the father he was to my dad. I cannot imagine not having the knowledge that we will be together again.
In most cases, plagiarism is bad---very bad, BUT I have to {copy and paste} word-for-word how my sister, Camille, captured our weekend. So, here it is....with my photos.

I love this picture of my Grandpa

and

I love this last picture of my Dad with his Sibs

There is a lot of love in this Garner family

I love knowing that

I love that all my Sibs were there

I love that we all slept in one big room together

(even though we had our own)

and stayed up until I don't really remember falling asleep

laughing and crying and planning

I loved hanging out and catching up and eating treats

with my cousins

and aunts and uncles

and great aunts and great uncles

Garners love their treats

Leslee always made sure Grandpa had his

I loved hearing the stories

from Jo about the tricks and memories and heartaches

they shared

I loved hearing my Dad say that Grandpa was

the best complete father anyone could hope for

I can agree on that....for him and for me

I loved hearing Blair say that Grandpa taught him

to love his wife

That Grandpa and Grandma had quite the

love affair

with each other

I love that Scott threw out a marshmallow egg

to each of his Sibs

Because they were Grandpa's faves

I love that the funeral home let us give

Grandpa one more ride in his pick up truck

He always loved to drive his pick up truck

Fast

Hunched over the steering wheel

Smiling

I love that all of his Grandsons

rode with him

and his Sons

drove him

I love that he received a 21 gun salute

and the dignity that the honor guard gave him

and that now he is resting next to Grandma

I love that the ward made ham for the luncheon.

Since Grandpa was a butcher

He was a ham snob.

He would have loved that ham.

I love that

we drove down to Grandpa and Grandma's house

one last time

and climbed the box car

to scan the property

and looked over the canals

and stood in front of the cow barn

and listened to the birds in the trees

and listened to each other say

'remember....'

And then,

we all (except me because I had to drive)

jumped in back of Dad's pick up truck

and rode down to Kelly's Market

where Grandpa use to work

and where he and Dad always took us for candy

Oh, we got candy too, one last time.

$28 worth

I love this family.

{You will be missed....}

2011-04-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

The memories that a child has of their grandparents are so incredibly special. For me, it was so many special memories, so clear, especially today. That last big bump in the road that made our tummies tickle and meant that Grandma and Grandpa's house would finally be in view, the sound of the screen door slam behind us as we ran to hug them, the smell of Grandpa's aftershave and the beautiful smile on Grandma's face. The banana chocolate chip cookies in the jar and the beef stew on the stove. His laugh, her smile.
Playing under the weeping willows and climbing on top of the boxcar. The teeter-totter on the swingset. The slideshows in the garage and the homemade pinatas.
It was so very hard losing my Grandma when I was 15. I didn't know it hurt that much to lose someone you loved. It was even harder seeing my dad lose his mother and my Grandpa lose his sweetheart. But I did, for the first time, see how someone could accept death because they knew what awaited them on the other side. For my grandma, it was her daughter Kathy. Her little girl that left this earth too soon.
My grandma comforted our family so much during those difficult last days and I remembered her whispering to me, "I will just be in the next room." I love her so much.
And now, my Grandpa gets to join them both. It is never easy to lose someone. My heart especially goes out to my dad, who now has had to say goodbye to both his mom & dad.....for now. I am so grateful for the knowledge that will be together as families again and for eternity.
Here is a photo of Val and Virginia--the way that I remember them the most.

And here is a photo of the very last time I saw my Grandpa. I am so glad I was able to see him this summer. Thanks, Andrea, for sending this!

{just a few special birth announcements}

2011-03-29T12:28:00.000-07:00

sharing some fun designs....

Meet sweet, little Ellie Grace:

Trifold-Inside flap, back, front

And, here is Mr. Channing!

{facelift}

2011-03-16T10:39:00.000-07:00

I wish I could say that I'm the one that got some work done, but its my website---fresh, new look!
Check it out...

http://www.photographybyjennifer.net/

{miracle}

2011-03-16T09:56:00.000-07:00

You know, the thought happened to strike me yesterday that in just 8 years, I will be sending my sweet Jaxon off on a 2-year mission. Its already hard for me to think that I won't see his cute face for that period of time. I do know that it will be an experience that he, and our family, will cherish forever.
And then, I heard today that all LDS missionaries serving in Japan are safe and accounted for. How amazing is that? The Lord is truly protecting them--miracle.
Here is the article:
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700117875/Mormon-missionaries-in-Sendai-OK.html

{DA BEARS}

2011-03-07T05:05:00.000-08:00

Jaxon was lucky once again to be on an amazing basketball team. His 2 coaches were Tuffy and Butch and I'm assuming & hoping those are nicknames. They were just awesome-so great with the boys. Again, I am amazed at how these youth coaches are an integral part of my kids' childhood experience and growth. This is Jaxon's 3rd year of playing basketball and he just keeps getting better and better. He was a great point guard for the Bears and the team also included a great kid named Jordon, who was the league's leading scorer. I bet he scored over 250 points, easily.
The championship game was great. Jaxon and the Bears had so much support from family and friends--thanks again Cioffis!
This great group of boys pulled off the win--39-27!!! It was awesome and I will never forget every one of their smiles. It was priceless...
I had to start with this photo---LOVE it!

A VERY proud Papa! Livin' the dream with his boy :)

{baby ellie grace anderson}

2011-03-06T15:37:00.000-08:00

Regan and Jenni were once again blessed with a beautiful addition to their family. This sweet little baby is lucky to have such amazing parents and loving siblings. And we are lucky to call them family and some of our bestest friends....

{miss Iz}

2011-02-24T06:19:00.001-08:00

I've started a new collection of vintage cameras and just had to go out one day with my favorite little girl...

{girls get-together}

2011-02-23T14:29:00.000-08:00

Back in November, just after I returned home from visiting Heather and baby Jack, along with Camille & Ashley, I was struck with the idea of all us girls getting together---soon. We love our times together in the summer, but we also have 20+ kids to take care of. We don't get too many moments just to be together as adults. I sent out an email letting everyone know that they were invited to my place over President's Weekend and that it wasn't too late to ask Santa for a plane ticket. Well, Dad read the email and became Santa himself! He wanted it to happen. So, thanks to Mom and Dad for flying everyone to Virginia.
It was such a great weekend and I really feel like we packed a lot of fun stuff in. We had some good bonding, yummy food, and lots of shopping.
My sisters are quite extraordinary, and that definitely includes my sister-in-lawa, Hillary and my mom!
Thanks to Hillary and Mom for sending some of these pics!

Day 1:
We took the metro into DC. The weather was AMAZING. It was so fun to be downtown. We went to the National Gallery of Art and the American History Museum.

Olivia had to get a picture of this. Remember in the Olivia book series how she saw this in the museum and said "I could do that in about 5 minutes!" hee hee....

This is one of the main exhibits we came to see. Ashley was familiar with this artist's work and was dying to see it in person. The artist's name is Chuch Close and he does these large portraits with thumb prints! Isn't that incredible?

The trip is not complete with a ride on the carousel!

Pics by the Capitol:

Julia Child's kitchen in the American History Museum:

Day 2:
Antiquing at Luckett's Store, lunch at South Street Under, Jaxon's Bball game, Dinnet @home:

Hillary and her sister!

Yummy dinner and gift exchange:

Fondue Dessert!

Day 3:

Church, crafts, dinner
Camille slaving over my curtains:

Hillary's cute craft idea:

Brielle's awesome nap hair:

Jaxon taking the little girls for go-cart rides:

I thought the mashed potatoes needed a little spicing up:

Michele's delicious mud mask:

Day 4:
Time for goodbyes

cute little baby boys:

{baby channing}

2011-02-23T09:50:00.000-08:00

I know it was rude, but all of us showed up at the Lake's house the day after Channing was born.....but I brought my camera!!!

{ChRiStMaS 2010}

2011-02-23T07:42:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd post our Christmas 2010 since I still have holiday music on my blog. I have really been a slacker, but I'm definitely getting back on the blog bandwagon! We had really nice holidays this year. Traditions just keep getting better because the kids get so excited about them and they really do mean a lot to them. There is nothing I love more than to have my house decorate for Christmas, all the lights, music playing, and my family happy. What a special time of year to reflect on our Savior. We have so many blessings to be thankful for.

Isabella's preschool Holiday party:

Holiday decor:

Anderson family party:

Christmas Morning:

{inspiration}

2011-02-23T04:16:00.001-08:00