San Fran weekend!

It was a whirlwind of a weekend and as I sit here typing, it's nearly surreal to think of all we packed in to the last 72+ hours, from visiting our dear friends the Swigarts on the way, to seeing PJ and the family, watching an air show, and just trying to navigate our way around a ginormous city with countless twists and turns. But our sole purpose of going to San Fran was beyond worth it. Let me just say that our precious nephew Paul Jarrett is one handsomely adorable little tyke!

 When we first arrived at the hospital, we met Mitch and Daniel in the waiting room and oh my goodness, that was quite the reunion for the 3 little boy cousins...it was a gigantic 30 second group hug/dance met with giddy-boyish laughter followed by a group tackle on the floor. Excited doesn't even begin to cover it. The trio then began their trek down the hallway hand-in-hand to lead us up to the top floor!

Reality is the pictures don't quite do baby Paul any justice but we did our best to capture his unique features and just the beautiful little bundle that he is! I have to admit that I could have sat, or stood, there just watching him sleep so peacefully, stroking his soft silky hair and smelling that sweet-baby-scented skin. And I can't deny that my tears welled up when I walked into the NICU.  Sometimes my emotions are worn on my sleeve...this was one of those times I guess.

seeing PJ for the first time!! 

baby Paul

Mama and son!

so content! Don't those look like the most kissable little cheeks?! :)

Only two people were allowed back at a time to see little PJ so we spent quite a bit of time in a small waiting room just down the hall, visiting and "hanging out" more or less. The boys were disappointed they couldn't see their cousin but they were quite the troopers just going with the flow. It helped having a great view of the city from the waiting room--makes for great "I Spy" games and plane watching. Andy and I were able to go back together for a short while to see Paul and we just stood there next to his little crib praising God for how He has carried everyone through and for just how healthy this little guy is in comparison to so many others. Neither one of us can wait to get to hold the mini-man!

Uncle Andy & PJ

a very proud aunt and uncle with baby Paul!

Pappy with all the boys looking for jets

Nanny trying to get Paul to take his pacifier

On Saturday afternoon we were treated to quite the air show by the Blue Angels and I don't even have to tell you how ex-tactic my three boys were....I'm not sure if the little guys or the big guys (Andy, Mitch, Dad) were more excited?! It was a nice "break" and diversion for everyone I think. The bay was filled with ships and the shore lined with thousands of viewers. Again, pictures just don't completely capture the scene and the awe of what was happening before our eyes. 

I love that you can see the numbers!

pretty awesome!

After a rather eventful Saturday, we did a very small amount of "sight-seeing" on Sunday morning to a local donut shop and then to a double-decker Target. Yes, I said double-decker complete with a parking garage to boot! The boys were fascinated with the fact that you can ride up the escalator and there's a "cart escalator" right next to it for your cart to ride up! I should have taken a picture but come on, I didn't want to look that touristy. Then it was back to the hospital to say our goodbyes. I'm not one for goodbyes, no matter how long the goodbye is for until the next reunion takes place. I'm more of a 'see ya later' kind of gal--especially knowing that Heaven isn't too far away!

Mason doing some coloring while we wait

Saying goodbye to PJ....not easy!

I'm so thankful that the five of us were able to make the trek to spend some time with Mitch and Heather and finally get an up close and personal view of baby Paul. It was such a blessing to meet him and to watch Mitch and Heather as they have transitioned into their role as parents of a boy who needs a little extra TLC. God knew what He was doing when he gave Paul to them as their son. Makes me wonder why we ever question what God is doing as it's obvious He knows best and His will be done if only we allow Him to have His way and trust Him. This is proof of that. It'll be a sweet homecoming for them and I know many are anxious for that day...us included. :)


 

A Taste of Fall...

Today is yet another gorgeously splendid fall day--overcast, the clouds bursting at their seams with droplets of water ready to fall any minute, a breath-taking crisp chill in the air, the sun peeking through every so often to remind us that we're not in the heat of winter yet, the smell of pumpkin wafting through the house, and now we wait for the trees to explode with their array of bold colorful arrangements. I love fall. I love my hooded sweatshirts. I love the changing of seasons as it's yet another reminder of the amazing Creator who gives us such beauty to enjoy! Just when we tire of one season, it's time to move on to the next. 

                                        (The boys making/coloring pictures for their new baby cousin!)

 We had to dig a little yesterday to find the "warmer" clothes in my boys' closets and it took a while for Mason to realize that this long piece of material flowing down his arm was staying there--it's not t-shirt weather today buddy! He quite humorously was trying to pull it off but when he excitedly heard the helicopter (ha-ca-ca-ca-ca...that's Mason language) fly overhead, all was forgotten as he pointed upward and gasped with a giggle. 

My mini-man Mason!

My niece Aven has been hanging out at our house the past two days and I must admit it's always fun having another girl around. :) Her and Mason are little buds and definitely two very busy toddlers but so fun to watch and listen to their "toddleresed" conversations. I caught them swinging their legs sitting side by side on the coffee table and shortly after that, "hiding out" underneath my roll top desk. Sneaky by nature?

Aven and Mason

Just too cute!!

We are busy baking away today amidst the normal occurrences, with a few other non-normals thrown in the mix! Carson is my little helper these days and he's always anxious to lend a hand. Ok, let's be honest...more often than not at least. :) 

CJ--ready to make some bread!

Mason watching intently

 Before I put the camera away, Carson said to me "mom, take one more picture of me in my cool hunting sweatshirt." How could I not oblige?!

Carson Jeffrey

And of course, I couldn't help but put a few more "updated" pictures of my adorable little nephew! PJ is doing well post-surgery and has been able to nurse, which is a huge praise! :) Please continue to pray for his little body to recover quickly, for wisdom for all the doctors, for strength and rest for Heather & Mitch (for the present and for what's to come), and for Daniel as he steps into his role as "big brother!" The five of us Anderson's are beyond excited to meet our new nephew/cousin and are just so thankful for God's continuing protective hand as each new day begins. 

A beautiful mama and her boy

A proud papa with PJ!

PJ is Here!!!!

God has brought another one of His precious little beings into the world and he is just so handsome!! :) Paul Jarrett Hinton made his grand appearance at 3:53pm on Monday October 3rd....all 10.9 lbs. of him! (He was 20 inches long for those of you who love all the fine details) I was able to get some pictures from Mitch and so I wanted to pass those along. Be prepared...he is a fine lookin' little fella!! 

As much as I love my various titles as wife, mom, daughter, sister, etc....there's just something special about being an aunt. It's almost like a younger, glorified version of a grandma. I get to spoil the fun little beings, sugar 'em up, and then send them home to mom and dad. :) All the while attempting to be the "favorite" (right sistas?!). But no matter what, there's a special love in the hearts of those who are blessed to be aunties. I can't really describe it, only try to share it and show it. 

Please continue praying for Mitch and Heather, for Daniel, and for baby PJ!! And you know I'll be back again with more updates. I can not wait to just snuggle that little bundle. :)

Fulfilling Days...

It seems that summer is finally winding down and that the fall weather is looming just on the horizon. And I am ready for fall. I'm ready for the freeze that takes care of these allergies and for the wonderful sights of green leaves turned golden. I have a deliciously smelling pumpkin candle that is just screaming to be lit, apples perfect for the picking and ready to be baked in a pie shell, but for now we are enjoying the warmth of the sun and soaking up it's rays while we can....without the bundling of winter coats. That will be here soon enough. 

   (Carson enjoying the outdoors with cousin Jovi)

In watching my 3 sons over the past few days, I've been overwhelmed with those feelings of how blessed I am to not miss a beat of their growing up. Sure, I have "those" moments...some that seem to turn into hours and than into days....of sheer exhaustion and wonder what it would be like to actually miss my boys during the day. But then Mason points to a picture in a book of the blue car all the while saying "blue...vrrrrroooommmmm...." in his deep, raspy, Mason-like baby-boyish voice and I can't help but laugh. Carson and I sit outside as tells me of a dream that covers everything from making donuts with his cousin Warren to racing his Finn McMissle car in Cars 4! The boys shrieking in delight as they race down the driveway on their bikes. Nope....don't wanna miss a minute of it.

Carson playing with trains

Mason dumped out the cars so he could enjoy his cracker in the bucket :)

pulling up to a stoplight!

Austin riding down the driveway

Here comes Carson!

Carson was excited after scoring a goal at soccer last night

As exhaustive, joy-filled, tiresome, cumbersome, randomly laughable, teachable, and creative as these days are...they are by far the most fulfilling and my title as "stay at home mom" is worth every tear cried, every penny pinched, every knee bandaged, every headache mended, every extra cup of coffee drank, every story read (no matter how many repetitive times). Now excuse me while I attempt to wipe the marker off the wall with a little skip in my step and joy in my heart.....Mason did point to it saying "uh-oh" with a perplexing look....teachable moments, done with a shake of the head and half-grin. :) 

Carson enjoying an apple from our tree

 (Mason pointing to a "he ca ca ca", aka...helicopter, in the sky. Who can't help but love that little grin?!)

Another week of highlights....

As I tried to figure out just what to write about this afternoon while looking through another week's worth of photos, I'll admit to feeling like there was a touch of "writer's block". Soccer. Crafts. Cute smiling boys. Sidewalk chalk. Cars. The moments not captured on film but we do them weekly, if not daily. Cookie baking. Bread making. Laundry folding. Book reading. 4boys wrestling. Mundane?? Perhaps a little. Each day seems to be somewhat predictable and yet somehow each day brings about the unexpected. Regardless, I'll still post pictures of my handsome little men with beaming smiles on their faces that speak volumes. Maybe they can bring a little smile to yours. And hopefully the weekly soccer photos won't become a bore. Reality is, it's just a part of us these days. 

 











This past week I will admit to the fact that Mason just looked older to me. He seems to be inching ever-so-close to that boyish toddlerhood phase of life. His vocabulary no longer single-handedly consists of the babyish jibberish that only I can discern. He has the actual formation of words and few of them put together make up "mini-sentences". Short and sweet--those heart-melting ones like "love you." That's any mom's favorite. :) 

Mason loves the slide these days!

  Here come the weekly soccer highlights! :)

Daniel and Carson high fiving after Daniel scored a goal!

Carson scoring!

a quick thumbs-up

looking to score!

Go Austin!

Mason got a little bored I guess :)

Austin's team "The Lightning Bolts"

Carson's team "Dragon Slayers"

My 2 favorite soccer players!!

A weekend highlight for us family of five was most definitely the fundraiser that took place Saturday evening to support Mitch and Heather Hinton and baby PJ. Oh. My. Goodness. People in Winnemucca may complain about the lack of trees, lack of rain water, crazy dust storms causing allergy irritations beyond relief, having the slowest McDonald's in America, and a whole host of other things, but one thing is for certain and that is what I saw Saturday night. Community. Support. I was first-hand witness to an overflow of people being confined to one small banquet room, standing in a line that wove out the door and around, buying baked goods as if they were made of gold...all to support and love another. Some of them might not have even known Mitch and Heather but they were there. Front and center. 

Mitch and Heather and baby boy PJ!

Little PJ's birth is only a week away. The excitement to meet this little fella among family and friends is rising and hard to contain. I can't wait to be an Auntie again! Please pray along with all of us Anderson's and Hinton's!!