Welcome To Our Family

February & into March

2011-03-13T22:32:00.009-04:00

Hello everyone!! I have left February behind me and am half way through March. In February we had Angelina come to live with us for about a month. For those of you who did not know her she is Kendra's 16 year old friends who was placed with us by Child protective services while she was waiting to go to New York to live with her dad. We will miss her, but we talk often!!

On Feb 11th my Aunt was put on Hospice. She has been fighting Breast cancer for 13 years, and the stongest person I know. I got a tatoo for her. She is fond of faries, and I drew one and had the artist touch it up!! Here is the work

On March 6th we had Emmie's 11th Birthday which the poor girl had to be late to. She was at her Cheerleading compettion. Her team placed 1st and we had to start with out her, but she soon came and we had alot of fun. Her actual birthday was March 9th!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY!!!!

Lastly, Tyler had some wrestiling matches, a band conert (which I have to upload the video for) & Basketball & Emmie's Cheerleading Pictures!!

January

2011-02-01T13:46:00.003-05:00

"Happenings in January"

At the beginning of Jaunary (6th) Our oldest daughter Kendra turned 17. It's so hard to imagine my little girl is so grown up and soon with be an adult. She is a beautiful young woman and very smart. I may get aggravated and sometime angry with her, but she is a great kid, and I love her unnconditional with all my heart.

We have had quite a few snow days, which mean kids = no school = MOM a big fat head ache. So we went to the park and played in the snow one day.

Tyler has had wrestling, Emmie's indoor soccer started, Basketball...and so much keeping us busy :)

My mother had her 5th birthday too!!!!

Stay tuned for February :)

Wow......A Year has went by

2011-01-06T12:53:00.002-05:00

Wow, I hadn't realized it has been an entire year since I blogged last. Alot has happened too!! So I am going to breifly udpate and then I WILL Update once a month. To be honest I really hadn't updated because I didn't think anyone was following.

So, my last post was about Kendra's sweet 16.......here we are a year later and today is her 17th birthday.It is so hard to believe that she is almost an adult. We have had our share of up's and down's but she is a great kid!!!! She is in 11th grade and has a job, which she has been at for almost a year. She is learning how to save money (for a car), be responcible in a work place (Mc Donalds), The value of money (or lack of from spending to fast), and has a greater understanding I think for life :)

Emmie turned 10 in March and in October Tyler turned 13, making me a parent of 2 challenging teens.

In April we were reunited with my adopted sister Amy, AKA Becky. She moved here from Texas and her other family. We were very excited to see her after soooo very long.

In June we went to Flordia. Emmie danced at Disney World and we got to go this time as a family. We had a great time, but it wore everyone out.

In September Bryon & I went to Las Vegas to attend my little brother John's Wedding. Congrat's John & Michelle!!!!

Emmie is a very fun and active 10 soon to be 11 year old and wants to part of EVERYTHING! She dances, plays Soccer, has been in a program called girls on the run, plays basketball and just wants to do it all.

Tyler is in the 7th grade, and plays the tuba for the Jr. High Band. He plays Basketball with a local youth group, and is your average 13 year old boy. He has sprouted up to 5'9" and wears a bigger shoe than Bryon.

Kendra is as I said 17, stays busy with work, friends and school. She is in a program called upward bound threw the University to encourage she go to college after High school.

Bryon & I have been married 11 years in 2010 and look forward to a great 2011. I will post again soon!!

Kendra's Sweet "16"

2010-01-11T10:01:00.006-05:00

On Wednesday January 6th, my oldest child turned 16. Little did she know that we had a surprize party planned for her. She was told that on Friday evening my aunt was taking her out to a special birthday dinner. So I bought her a new dress, tights, & shoes.

Low and behold Friday again no school and she had to spend most of the day at my Aunt's house so that I could run all over picking up balloons,cake,food & supplies to complete this party. We rented our local Rec. Center Building where they have a gym, and a few rooms (classrooms as they call them). No food allowed in the gym. I had 2 hours to set up. When I arrived the DJ, yes I said DJ was already there and setting up. I was so afraid the weather was going to make them unable to make it. Talk about stress......Ok so where was I....

The Menu consisted of various finger sandwhiches, and some tortilla rollup sandwhiches my girl friend brought (Thanks Michelle) 2 different Chex mixes, a fruit & veggie tray, cookies, mints, and complete with a punch fountain. At almost 7:30 my aunt called me and pretended to be talking to the place about her reservation to let me know they were there. They led her in blindfolded and brought her to the center of the room. Lights on & Yelling...."SURPRIZE"

She was so dumbfounded she couldn't even speak, all she managed was "WOW" Then friends led her to the other room where she discovered the DJ and they danced, and we played limbo, and it was just a great night. Happy Birthday Kendra!!! We love you!!

PS: It's difficult to shove 30 balloons into the back of a mini van on a snow covered windy day :o)

2010-01-01T13:57:00.001-05:00

Create cool Profile Comments

Long time no post, & Welcome 2010

2010-01-01T11:28:00.003-05:00

Ok, so yeah I know....I haven't posted a blog since forever (July) but I guess most of what happens I keep people updated on Facebook and I don't think I have anyone (so I think) reading my blogs. However..... I am going to recap the rest of 2009 and maybe blog more in 2010. Maybe get a few followers too :o)

July: I turned 31, and I did not like it. I have never been bothered by my age, but for some reason 31 bothered me. It's ok though I am over it and um like I have any choice right :/

August: After a long summer of kids fighting they went back to school!! Kendra 10th grade, Tyler 6th grade (Jr. High), & Emmie 4th.

September: Bryon & I went on a cruise to the Bahama's! Just the 2 of us to celebrate our 10 year mark (Which occured in June). We had a great time, and loved the R&R (Rest & relaxation)

October: Tyler turned 12

November: We headed out west (Cali & Az.) for a suprize visit to most of our families. We had a family road trip, and surprized lots of people who didn't know we were coming. We spent a wonderful Thanksgiving at my sisters with my dad and lots of family. We had lots to be thankful for!!

December: Chirstmas, and with that came lots of happenings. We baked, and the kids were in the parade, we went to the speedway in lights and had a feast with our family, & the realatives that have moved to Tennessee to be with us here. Bryon & I also took a night without kids and drove to Greenville (South Carolina) and saw Jeff Dunham. He is a great comedian!!!

So now.....we move into 2010, and I hope everyone has a great year, and that great things will happen for each and everyone. I am going to promise myself (& my readers) to blog at least once a month!!! Plus try to get some pictures to update everyone as things happen :o)

"June"

2009-07-04T11:09:00.002-04:00

"June"

Durning the month of June, our family had many happenings! The first adventure we did was, our family went to the Knoxville Zoo. We took Jenny (my niece) with us. It's about a 2 hour drive from our house. It was alot of fun looking at all the animals and just spending the day together. We had a visit from my best friend Alisa. She flew in and stayed a week with us. We had a BBQ up at the lake with family & friends in her honor!! However it was one of the only days we didn't get rain that she was here. It rained every day after that untill she flew back home to California!Here is a slide show with pictures of the zoo and her visit!

Also there was Father's Day!! So big hugs to all the daddies!!!
I miss mine soooo much!

Also Emmie got to attend Camp Ta-Pa-Win-Go for 5 days. It's a Church based camp where they learn all kinds of verses and have fun all week long. I missed her. She went on a zip line and swam and made new friends. She even came home with a rash :(
I have no clue what it was, but it's gone now :)
Tyler will be attending July 6th-10th!

On June 17th, I lost my grandmother on my dad's side. May she find no more suffering and rest in peace. It is very hard for me in this time to be so far away and not be able to be in California with the rest of my family. I am glad that my dad told her I loved her and hugged her for me before her passing. I wish I could have been there at her home to see all the family gather and be with everyone. However I know everyone knows how much I wanted to be there. I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

(The last Christmas Eve we spent with her)

Also Bryon & I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary on June 25th. We are going to the Bahama's in September for some much need R&R, however we did go grab dinner and a movie. (thanks mom for keeping the kids) I would like to post 10 reason I still love this great man!!

1.) He is the love of my life
2.) He is great provider, not just finacialy, but in all area's
3.) His arms fit perfect around my shoulders
4.) He is a great dad to our children
5.) He is always happy
6.) We enjoy each other's company
7.) We hardly ever disagree
8.) This 10 years was easy and hardly seemed so long
9.) He is a hard worker & good at the things he does
10.) I love the way he loves ma and looking forward to 10 more!!!

I love you Bryon!!!!

I think that's all........untill July

~May's Mayham~

2009-06-01T21:21:00.003-04:00

So I have decided to try and post once a month for those who follow our family. I did post a you tube video from Emmie's Recital prior.Did ya watch it??

Ok So on May 1st I went with Emmie to a field trip to the Aquarium of the Smokies. We had fun seeing all the differnt aquatic life. I had a small group of 3 kids and we had a buffet lunch with lots of yummy food. On May 11th, Tyler had a field trip to Dollywood. He went with Bryon, and my step father (gpa). They had alot of fun, and Bryon's a group of the rowdy boys, poor Bryon! Needless to say though not to many pictures.

On May 15th the 5th graders got to have there first school dance with the other city 5th graders as a celebration of moving on to Jr. High. He was oh so handsome. They grow up way to fast.

It's a bit silly here I think that our city has the kids go to school on Memorial Day. However, Bryon and I took advantage. The 2 of us, since he had the day off, and the kids....at school. We went for a hike. Laurel Falls. It was beautiful, and my legs protested for days!!

Next came Birthdays!! My step dad's and my husband's are the day after one another. The 25th and 26th, so We celebrated together. Just easier!! Bryon turned the big 3 oh....

I don't have pictures but on May 27th the kids officaily finshed school untill the Fall. So now I have Kendra entering 10th, Tyler onto 6th, and Emmie headed to 4th and a long summer ahead of me.

The last happening of the month....I am the president of a local animal rescue group. We are barely hanging on because of lack of members and foster homes. I did an interview with a local newspaper and we did a car wash to help raise funds.We managed to make $93

Instead of posting all the pictures, I made a slide show for your viewing pleasure, Stay tuned for the happenings of June!

Emmie's Dance Recital

2009-05-25T21:27:00.002-04:00

Dancing to the song Freedom for her recital

As most of you know, Emmie has been dancing now for over a year. She is still with the same teacher as we went to Disney with last June. She just had her Spring recital and I wanted to share her youtube video of one of her dances. I hope you enjoy :o)

Pictures!!!

2009-05-01T21:59:00.004-04:00

As promised, pictures from Easter

It's been a while.....

2009-05-01T07:11:00.003-04:00

Ok, sorry to all of you who read my blog. I haven't been posting as often as I should or... as often as I need to intend to. So I am going to challenge myself to post once a month!! So, stay tuned and I will add my blog of the month.
Just a quick run threw August 08, I had went to visit my family, and Bryon's Dad visited us. I miss family so much since being so far away. It can be tough at times.

September is fall, and color's here are amazing!

October: Halloween & Tyler's Birthday (11th)

November, and December: Family time :o)

January was Kendra's 15th, however I have no pictures uploaded and already burn them onto a CD. She turned 15, doesn't time fly?

Feb, hum nothing exciting.......

March was Emmie's 9th birthday and I will get some pictures uploaded and posted shortly :o)
Same for April and Easter. Ok so........ Now it's May!!!
I think I am up to date, all but pictures. Stay tuned

2009-01-05T15:27:00.002-05:00

Also in the month of June......
Here is the city we live in we have a celebration in the downtown historic area to celebrate the Covered Bridge (I will try to get up a pic!!) They have vendors and events thru the week. This year both my girls took part. They had a sining contest, in which the winner could win a chance to go to Nashville and audition for American Idol, or a chance to record a CD. Kendra got a chance. She sang in front of so many people. She didn't win, but I was so proud of her for having the courage in front of hundreds of people. Emmie got to dance with her dance group. It was quite an event. Here is a link to a Youtube video clip of Emmie Dancing. Have a great day!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRPGZqf3rcE

Hello

2009-01-05T12:01:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone. Ok, here is one of the first posts to try an update eveyone. I have been busy going threw CD's,resizing, and uploading pictures from events size I last blooged. Which I realize has been about oh, um 10 months. So let's see...... Of course April was Easter, and May we celebrated my husband's 29th birthday. I didn't pull pictures of these off for your viewing pleasure however, Good News!! I have plenty of other pictures!

In June our youngest got an oppurtunity to go with her Dance class and dance at the Magic Kingdom, In Flordia. So..... we decided this was something we wanted for her. It was somewhere around $800 and that covered Emmie & I for a hotel room, and tickets to 3 parks. I was sad that we were not able to have all of the family go, but there was no way we could afford to. We car pooled with another mom & daughter. Which were the same people that we shared a room with. We choose Hollywood Studios, Magic Kindom, & Animal Kingdom as our parks. We were gone for a total of 5 days. She almost didn't get to dance. There was a huge lighting storm. So.....after a long time of waiting the show went on. It was great!!!! What a memory to last her a lifetime!!!

These next pictures are of the lobby where we ate every day (almost) and Emmie ready to dance, The Hotel we stayed in, and Emmie with Minnie at the Breakfast we got to go to.

Stay tuned for more updates........as I get time :o)

I Promise!!!

2009-01-04T11:32:00.002-05:00

Hello, it's been quite a while since I last updated my blog. To be honest I haven't updated because I really didn't think anyone was following our blog. So.... I promise that I will, in the next few days update everyone and post some new pictures. So stay tooned!!!

Emmie's 8th Birthday

2008-03-10T20:40:00.002-04:00

Hello all, Emmie wanted a Bowling Birthday this year! We had fun bowling and watching all the kids bowl. Here are some pictures from the event!

For those of you that don't know, Emmie loves dance and is taking it and gymnastic's. Highschool Musical is her "Thing" right now!!

Crazy 8's

2008-02-18T15:16:00.002-05:00

I was tagged by Nikki to do this Crazy 8s meme. This was actually harder than I thought.

8 Things I am passionate about.....

1. My family 2. Being a good parent 3. Teaching my children right from wrong along with other things 4. Animal Rescue & saving them from abuse 5. Paintball 6. My Marriage 7. Helping others 8. Being a good friend

8 things I want to do before I die
1.Watch my children grow up into healthy happy people 2. Have grandchildren 3. Pay off my house 4. See every beautiful place I can (Hawaii, others too) 5.Grow old with my loving husband 6. I would say quit smoking, but already have!! Been 16 months! 7.Be (mostly) out of debt 8. Travel abroad!

8 things I say often
1. Would you guys stop fighting! 2.Get your homework done!3. Hi honey, how was work? 4. Do you think I am blind?5. I am not deaf, I heard what you said!! 6. Do you want to get grounded? 7. I love you! 8. Did you brush your teeth?

8 books I've read recently
1. Working on Stephen King 4 past midnight 2. Dean Kootnz Door to December 3. Harry Potter 7 4. Stephen King Insomina 5. A valentine's kids book. (Don't recall the name) 6. Dean Kootnz Dragon Tears 7. Kids books 8. More kids books at the library

8 songs I could listen to over and over
1. Anything by Nickelback 2. No one by Alicia Keys 3. Anything my kids sing (On most days) 4. Most Country music 5. Most 80's Music 6. Most Rock & Roll, new & Old 7. I'm here without you (3 doors down) 8. I don't know, I just like music

8 things that attract me to my best friends
1. honesty 2. ability to make me smile 3. dependable 4. helping 5. un selfish 6. grateful 7. Their ability to see me past my imperfections 8. They let me cry on their shoulders

8 people I think should do Crazy 8s
Any one who want's to take a stab at it!!!

Some Pictures From Past Months (To Update)

2008-01-21T14:33:00.000-05:00

The Pumpkin The Kids Carved

Kendra and Her Witch Costume

Emmie The Cheerleader

The Pirate Tyler

Playing Games At The Church on Halloween

The Kids

Bryon & I

Merry Christmas From All of The Andersen Family

Santa & Kids

Kendra's 14th Birthday!

Visiting with Dad

2007-05-25T08:19:00.001-04:00

Well my dad arrived safe and sound on Saturday night at Charlotte North Carolina. Sunday we started our adventure by going to a local boat show. My husband wanted to be able to day dream ;o) On Monday My dad and I took a hike. Wow am I out of shape. This was 3.7 miles and a 900 ft. elevation change on Buffalo Mountain. Here is a picture of him. He looks so happy!

Here is a picture that overlooks Johnson City TN. It was the top of our hike.

On Wednesday I took him to the Blue Hole Falls. We ventured around a bit back in there.

The Rhododendron's are every where here and are starting to bloom!

My Daddy is Coming

2007-05-18T10:39:00.002-04:00

We are soooo excited. We just found out that my dad will be coming to visit. We have a 3 hour drive tommrow nite to Charoltte North Carolina to pick him up from the airport!!!!! Can wait :)

Scenic Pic's

2007-05-11T08:57:00.000-04:00

Even more than seeing the beauty that nature has to offer, and trying to see everything I can, I love to take pictures of it and share it with as many people as I can. So here are 2 picture I took when our family went on a walk at our historical Sycamore Shoals. Here is the website if you want to take a peek.

http://www.tourelizabethton.com/scenic-historic/#sycamore

We have alot of great history surrounding us here in Tennesse!

Here is one of the Watauga River that I took from the walking trail.

Here is one of the bright blue sky and tree's!