Spitz, Green Bay Packers and Miami Mice

Picture this...it's the 1980s and it's a Sunday afternoon. A family of four has come home from church and has already eaten lunch. The brown and orange plaid arm chair in the living room has been pulled across the orange and brown shag carpet to get it closer to the TV and the dad is sitting in it. He is sporting a mustache and has changed from his church clothes (which might have, on that day, included his light brown mesh loafers that were at that time all the rage) into his comfy "Miami Mice" (a spoof on the TV show "Miami Vice") shirt and jeans. Some have said that his appearance then could be compared to the Kokanee beer guy on the recent commerials...just to help you with the mental picture. :) Beside one leg is a bag of sunflower seeds and a bowl for the shells. On his other leg sits a small and captivated young girl about 7 years old. No doubt this young girl is also wearing something that fit the decade and a hair style to match (sorry, no pictures to prove this fact) :) The chair they both occupy has been pulled closer to the TV because they are watching a National Football League football game. If they're lucky it's the Packers playing the Bears but even if it's not, the two don't mind because they are together, watching football and eating spitz. If you were to walk in the front door of the house at any part of the game you might just hear the words, "KILL HIM" or "GET HIM" as the dad cheers on his team and wants them to make that important tackle.

The picture I have painted for you is the reason why to this day I get excited about watching football, either on TV or live. I was that little girl and (sorry Dad) the guy wearing that wonderful shirt was the dad. To this day when I sit down to watch a game with Lindsay I think of those Sunday afternoons and Monday evenings when I got to sit and watch with my dad. My mom enjoy watching football once in a while and on one occasion bought him a coffee mug that read, "I interrupt this marriage to bring you the football season". He definitely used to watch a lot more than he does now. This probably makes my mom thankful.

Lindsay and I don't have cable but CTV does show a NFL game or two every Sunday afternoon after church. As I cleaned up the dishes this last Sunday I noticed that Lindsay and Liam were sitting on the arm chair in the living room and watching the game together. I grabbed the camera and the result is what you see above. Of course this made the memories flood back. Spitz, Packers and Miami Mice. :) To this day watching football with my Dad is like coming in from playing outside in December to a warm plate of cookies and cocoa. It's like coming home. I'm so thankful for my Dad for so many reasons. One is that he shared this special time with me and it's part of who I am today...a crazy football fan (Go Riders! Go Packers!) who loves Sunday afternoons, watching the game or listening to it on the radio, spending time with my guys and coming home from a live game with no voice. Thanks Dad!

2 3/4 going on 18...

Liam's friend Addison (well his mom actually) just called to see if he could come over to play. With my head cold and lack of voice I decided it wouldn't be a great idea for today so Addison then asked if Liam could come over there to play. Of course his answer was yes so we set to work getting his jacket, shoes and hat on. He gave me a hug, opened the door and from the deck looked up and said, "love you, bye". He then proceeded to run through our backyard to Addison's house. I know that for all you mom's of older children this scene is no doubt a daily occurance but for me it was the first time that Liam ran over to a friend's house by himself. It thrills my heart that he is becoming independant enough to do this but as I watched him run through the leaves to get to the other yard I couldn't help think that it will only be a couple/three years before I watch him get onto the school bus...and before you know it off to youth retreats, college, marriage... As our little man becomes more man every day I know that these years are going to go by so fast. I pray that God gives us the wisdom to parent this precious child, a gift from Himself to us to help prepare, provide for and protect.

Another Belly Shot

Yep, I'm growing...or should I say, the baby is growing. Both would be accurate. I've hit the stage where sleeping can be difficult but very necessary. I've also hit the tired third trimester. Besides getting tired more quickly, I am feeling very good. The baby kicks and moves around a lot and I am having fun slowing getting the nursery ready. This picture was taken just a couple days ago at 33 weeks. We're getting closer!

Bowling 101

On Friday night we went bowling with the Yadlowskys. Their oldest boy is the same age as Liam and like Liam, this was his first experience with bowling. Addison and Liam did a great job. They were always very excited when their turns came up and by the end of the game both of them were bowling all by themselves. The gutters got a work out but it was so much fun to watch them figure it all out. Of course, the adults had fun as well. My first shot down the lane I forgot that I had a belly the size of a basketball, didn't adjust for the extra size and ended up pulling a muscle. :) We ended off the evening at DQ for ice cream. Something that I am much more equipped to do it my state than bowl!

Liam's New Look

Wednesday night was haircut night in the Anderson home. We decided to try buzzing Liam's hair instead of using the scissors. As you can see he wasn't really excited about sitting there for the event but I think the outcome looks pretty snazzy. The razor we used is not what it used to be so there are a few spots I notice that I need to trim. People have told me since the haircut that he looks a lot more like Lindsay.

Setting up the baby's room

The other day we decided to start setting up the baby's room. Lindsay and my Dad painted in there back in August but it is exciting to be setting things up. My mom is working on curtains and Doug and Tina just lent us a baby swing and rocking chair. It doesn't sound like I've had much to do with the process. That's because I haven't yet, but I'm looking forward to opening those couple boxes marked "newborn" from when Liam was that little and setting up the rest. We're getting closer...which reminds me that I should post another belly shot. I'll try to have one on here soon.

Oh, Brother...

I love my brother. I like to be silly...yikes, our whole family likes to be silly, but Brad definitely takes the cake in the silliness department. These pictures were taken at Steven and Camille's wedding. I wanted a picture of Craig & Jen so he was on purse duty for Jen. Of course, Brad could not pass up an opportunity to use this and of course his almost equally silly sister could not pass up the opportunity to take a picture. Very nice Brad. I think the purse goes well with your outfit.

The Core

September long weekend we were very excited to celebrate with Steven and Camille as they got married in Saskatoon. Camille and I grew up going to the same church, same high school, youth group...and she was a bridesmaid at our wedding. She is a wonderful friend. Someone that you just want to be around. She's fun, bubbly, sincerely cares for others, has an amazing ability to do more than you think is possible in a 24 hour period, loves her Saviour with a passion...the list could go on. We are very excited that she found such a great guy. A guy who is now officially a part of "The Core". This is a name that we started using the year that a College & Career group started up at DDCC (the year that Lindsay and I were living in Saskatoon between years at NBC). There were some nights when it was just the Glens, Andersons and Camille. That didn't stop us from having fun and digging into Ezekiel. Yep, it was tough slugging at times but interesting and different (way to be courageous Craig!) We dearly love this group of people and very much miss seeing them on a weekly basis.

The Stuffy Nose

I hope that Liam sleeps well tonight and doesn't cry out every time he tries to breathe through his stuffy nose. This happened last night. I think God might be trying to prepare me for life with a newborn again. Yikes. I could not for the life of me get him to just relax, open his mouth and breathe that way. God forbid I try to put some Vicks Vapour Rub under his nose. He's fine with that during the day (when he doesn't need it) but is extremely freaked about the whole thing at 3:00 in the morning.

Actually come to think of it...maybe it's not the vapour rub that he's freaked out about...maybe it's me. :) I can't look all that attractive and motherly at 3 am...hair matted, big pregnant bulge gutt pushing out of my PJs, bags under my eyes, a pasted on "I love you but really wish you would sleep...forever" look on my face that probably looks like it could quickly turn to the "stop crying or I will give you something to cry about" look. Oh never mind, he couldn't possibly be scared of that! :) It must be the strong vapour rub smell. That's what I will tell myself anyway. Ahh...being a mother. Why do I get the feeling that I will never completely understand how to do this.

Camping Adventures

A couple weeks ago we decided to borrow a bigger tent and head to Nipawin Regional Park for a Friday night of camping. When it's just been the two of us we've gone farther and for longer, but with Liam we thought we would start with baby steps just in case. As you can see he was a great helper and enjoyed cooking his supper, eating it outside and sleeping in the tent. That last one I mentioned was a little fun. I wasn't scared but with all the excitement it took him a while to go to sleep. Lindsay and I had had plans to relax by the fire and read but that didn't happen quite as planned. Once he was finally asleep we joined him and had a pretty good night. Something I would suggest to other pregnant women out there considering going camping and sleeping on the ground...bring a foamy. It wasn't terrible but I was definitely happy to sleep in our bed the next night. All in all it was a great time.

Friends and Summer

A couple weeks ago we helped our friend, Doug Kroeker celebrate his 30th birthday. We did this on a house boat from the regional park in Nipawin. We had a beautiful evening and lots of fun.

Swimming Lessons

Liam went into swimming lessons again this summer. He did a great job but we could tell that he is a year older and more aware of the "risks" of such activities. Last year he didn't think twice about sliding down the slide or jumping off the edge. Although the water didn't seem to scare him, this year he was a bit more timid. Unlike last year though, he did a great job with his floats. This whole experience made me very thankful that we decided to hold him back and do the same class he did last year. That means I got to be in the water with him. That was a nice bonus. He passed "Duck" again and will go onto "Seaturtle" next summer.

The little man in the raspberry patch

The other day Lindsay and I were moving things out of the spare room and into the garage in preparation for him and Dad painting the baby's room this weekend. Liam had been helping us move the little stuff but then disappeared for a while. I went around the garage and into the yard and quickly saw a little head poking out from behind the raspberry patch. I ran back inside and grabbed the camera and got two of these shots while he was still unaware of my presence. This kid could eat raspberries until he turned into one. We often just come outside, walk through the garden and have a snack. Gardening has been a lot of fun with Liam this year. He helped plant all 27 potato plants and is a lot more excited to eat potatoes because he's got a sense of ownership. Obviously in his mind he also owns the raspberry patch. :)

Good Spirit Bible Camp - our adventures

We had a great time at camp. With neither of us having experienced tons of camp as kids we were a little unsure as to what to expect. The staff did a great job with the kids and making us feel welcome and a part of the team. Liam, of course was a hit and Lindsay did a great job of speaking and connecting with the young teens (ages 13-15).

Belly Shots...for those of you brave enough to request this.

Here is Kidlet and I at 24 weeks. Sorry that it has taken me a while to get some belly pictures on here. My mom took these pictures while they were here this weekend. Hope you enjoy!

We're heading to camp

The three (four) of us are heading to Good Spirit Bible Camp tomorrow as Lindsay will be speaking to the teens there for their Young Teen camp (ages 13-15). This is the first time that Lindsay has done this so I'm sure that he would appreciate your prayers. It's a different age group than he is used to, now that he is working at NBC with the college and career age. We are really excited about the opportunity and hope the teens have a great week. If you're interested in checking out the camp, the website is http://www.gsbcamp.ca.

Bay Beach, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Bay Beach, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Bay Beach, Green Bay, Wisconsin

For those of you from Saskatoon, Bay Beach is like Kinsmen Park on steroids. :) It's a great park in Green Bay that's been around for years. I remember going when I was a little girl. The original owners sold it on the condition that the ticket prices must always stay low. So for 25 cents a ticket (most rides just take one ticket) there are hours of fun to be had. They have about 10 kiddie rides. This is the first time Liam has ever been on a ride by himself. He was into the idea but once the gate closed and the airplane started to move I could tell from the look on his face that this might not have been what he expected. As the plane circle and then started to move up a bit Liam's expression went from "what is this" to "get me out of here". Thankfully the crying soon subsided when he noticed that the little boy behind him was having a blast. After this first ride there was no turning back. I was so proud of him. I almost cried as he ran up to each ride, gave the ticket to the worker and excitedly found the car or boat he wanted to ride in. Our little man is growing up. It was so much fun watching him.

Butterfly Kisses

Carrying on a tradition from my family, Liam and I occasionally stop for a few butterfly kisses. I love this little man!

Hanging out with family

While in Wisconsin we were able to visit with our Uncle Tom & Aunt Becky (who we stayed with), our Opa & Oma (my mom's parents) and our Great Aunt Hilda (my Opa's sister).

Who needs a public pool when there's this?

We bought Liam a blow up pool while in WI and he had a blast keeping cool in Tom & Bec's backyard. Their dog, Riley joined in the fun and as you can see Liam and Daddy enjoyed some father/son time. My favorite shot here is Liam and Riley drinking from the sprinkler.