Pictures

My BIL, Peter, and his family had their family pictures taken last month at JCP. When they picked up their photos, JCP gave them a $50 coupon. So, Renee asked if I wanted to get all the Gkids together and get a picture done for the Gparents. Great idea... at the time. As with all photo shoots- it was CRAZY!! I was literally sweating like a pig by the time the few pictures were taken. (And, I lost Tilly, too. I was terrified!) We amazingly got a decent picture of all of them. I got a few extra of just the girls (hence the Christmas card photos). The pictures with just my three were terrible. So we got individual ones instead. I think my girls are adorable! Their expressions perfectly capture their personalities.

She was twirling

Little Rascal

All smilesWell, this was the best of them!

Luke and Jonah were great sports. Apparently, asking them to put on a Sunday shirt on any day other than Sunday was pure and total torture! My girls loved it! The difference between girls and boys.

Christmas Letter

(if anyone knows how to fix my picture, let me know!)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Greetings from the Andrus family! It was my goal to get out a Christmas letter this year…. Better late than never!

Kevin: Kevin graduated from SJSU in May! He worked hard these last 5 years to go to school and support a family. After losing his job in January 2009, we decided that he would go to school full-time to expedite his graduation in hopes that the job market would be better by the time he graduated. Well, it is, but it isn’t. While Kevin hasn’t gotten a permanent position yet, he has been able to work some contract jobs these last 6 months. We feel very blessed that he has been able to find some work. We know the right job is out there and is just a matter of time before he finds it. Now that he has been working, he even admits he misses being home with his girls all day – but not enough to not work!

Becky: While Kevin was going to school, I was with the girls. When Kevin was home, I was working. Even when I was home, I was working! I have been very blessed to have a great job that allows me to be flexible with my hours as well as my location when working. I am able to work from home most days of the week. When I am not working, I have been keeping busy with a pre-school co-op for Chloe, keeping the house clean, and doing some sewing. Apprehensive at first, I have really enjoyed preparing lessons and teaching preschool for Chloe (and Charlie). I have also enjoyed the few hours each week with just Charlie and Tilly while Chloe is at another house for preschool. I have also enjoyed being able to join a few girls in our ward for craft night once a week. I forgot how much I like sewing. I hope to finish some larger projects this winter, including quilts for the girls’ beds.

Chloe: Chloe is 4 ½ and is SOO eager to learn. She loves preschool and she is so excited to go to kindergarten next year. Whenever we don’t have preschool, she wants to do homework and practice her letters. I hope we can continue to encourage her love of learning. She is the best big sister we could hope for and is always looking out for Charlie and Tilly. Her current favorite color is pink, she loves princesses, and is always jumping! Seriously, when she talks to me I have to tell her to stop jumping so I don’t get dizzy.

Charlie: Charlie is 2 ½. She has grown up so much this last year. We managed to ditch the bottle, pacifier, and potty train. Once we got rid of the pacifier, she finally started to talk! I can’t believe how much she has to say. She is continually “changing” her mind on who she loves and doesn’t – i.e., if I put her in time out, “me love daddy!” If he scolds her, “me love mommy!” She is starting to show a desire to be involved with preschool now and we hope she will continue to be as eager to learn as Chloe is. Her favorite color is blue, she also love princesses, and must be first at everything she does. This girl is going to be awesome in sports!

Tilly: Tilly is 16 months and the happiest little girl. She still has her strawberry hair—I love it. She is following right in the footsteps of her sisters. She tags along doing her best to keep up with the big girls. She loves to wrestle, get tickled, and be held. She has recently discovered how to climb out of her crib and loves to greet us in the morning by coming up to our room! Even her two sisters didn’t figure out how to climb out of the crib.

We hope you are doing well. We are grateful this Christmas for all of our blessings – big and small. We are grateful for each of you, the friendships we have made, and the impact you have had on our family. We hope you all have a great 2011, and pray you may see the many blessings our Father in Heaven has blessed you with as he has for us. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

http://www.kandbandrus.blogspot.com/ - I try to keep our blog updated, but sometimes fall behind. Let us know how you are all doing.

Lots of Love, Kevin, Becky, Chloe, Charlie, and Tilly

Pictures with Santa

Our ward had the annual pancake breakfast and pictures with Santa on Saturday. Breakfast was delicious and the pictures as expected. We thought Tilly would do okay- yeah right. The only way we got Charlie and Chloe to take the picture is because we gave them a candy cane and I went in with them. They were terrified, but thankfully you can't tell in their picture.

Hot Chocolate & Donuts

Our ward had a temple night last weekend. We unfortunately didn't plan very well and didn't make it when the ward went. The served donuts and hot chocolate. Chloe was very upset. She so badly wanted to go to the temple - and get donuts and hot chocolate. So, we promised her we would go as a family the following week. And we did. We were able to walk the grounds and go through the visitor center AND have our donuts and hot chocolate.

And of course, the pictures got deleted. So I found this one online. It was a great night and I hope the beginning of a new tradition for our family. Going to the temple helps bring this time of year into true perspective. Merry Christmas.

Happy 30th Kevin

Kevin turned 30 on Dec 1. I had planned a little surprise get together for Sunday, Dec. 5, but of course, Kevin found a message on FB - purely on accident - and I then spilled the beans. We decided to have him "play" surprised just the same. Either way, he was happy we had some cake and ice cream with a few friends and family. Happy Birthday Babe! I love you!

It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas!

The night we drove home from Tahoe, Kevin and the girls went and picked up the Christmas tree. He found a great tree at a great price. I love the smell of fresh Christmas trees. While they were out, I pulled out the decorations and went to work. Never mind the massive pile of suitcases and gear in the fron room that was there for a full week - I had to decorate for Christmas! On Sunday, we had a special family home evening and talked about the true meaning of Christmas, why we celebrate and what we would do to make this Christmas special. The girls loved it. We did too. I love this time of year.

Thanksgiving!

We had another great year in Tahoe for Thanksgiving. We almost didn't make it this year. We were going to head up to Seattle to visit Kevin's grandparents, but Kevin ended up getting a contract job right before Thanksgiving. With him working we decided that we would all go up on Saturday and Kevin would come back after church on Sunday to work the rest of the week. He then joined us on Thanksgiving morning for the rest of the week. And what a week to miss! :(

Driving up to Tahoe was one of the most beautiful sights I have seen in a long time. The snow was literally COVERING every inch of landscape. It was a beautiful white view. The down side to the snow- chains. It took us several hours to get to Incline Village, but the drive was worth it. Sunday, we ventured out in the snow for church. When we got there the chapel had about 30 people. Once it started, the man conducting informed us that the services were cancelled - that the only people here were those visiting! We ended up having a testimony meeting and then going home to miss the incoming storm. Kevin stayed for lunch and then we kicked him out so he would get home safely!

While Kevin was gone, the snow dumped more! It was awesome. We literally had several feet of snow and went sledding a LOT. Tuesday, we didn't even leave the condo the snow was so heavy. In all my memories of going to Tahoe, I never remember a snow fall like this. It was magical. Thanksgiving Day was a nice relaxing day with lots of game playing. Friday, Kevin and I ventured to Reno to brave a Black Friday - wow! That was crazy! In all the years we have gone to Tahoe, we have never really gone shopping. This was truly one hectic day I was glad that we have avoided for so many years. Lots of pictures- Lots of Memories!

Some pics of our Blizzard

Up the mountain - beautiful!

Chloe enjoying the snow!

They loved making snow angels

Across from the condo is a high school - this was our bunny slope we started with. About 30 minutes here and Charlie had had enough!

Austin and Charlie

Brian and Austin

Kevin was able to go sledding w/ Chloe on Friday. We found a great hill right off the freeway.

I love Chloe's expression in this picture!

I love mine here!

If you look closely, you can see that the snow almost hit the top of the tennis nets - and this was just on Monday!

our car!

Tilly did SO well in the snow. She loved it! And she looked so DANG cute!

my three girls!

Mom and Papa bear

Our annual picture - that we almost forgot to take - very last minute as a matter of fact!

Preschool is brought to you by the letter "T"

This "semester" I had preschool right before and after Thanksgiving. I really enjoyed planning the lessons and activities around Thanksgiving and Christmas. We were able to have a Feast with all the kids and make some Indian vests and hats. This week we were short two other kids, but still had a great time. I really do love preschool!

I have a very similar picture (even in the same spot!) of Jon and me at this age

Charlie, Cache, Elizabeth, Abby, & Chloe Rice Krispy turkeys

Sour Mood

I hate our camera. Have I said that before? Or maybe I hate the computer, too. But either way, I am missing SOO many pictures from Halloween activities. I was so upset the other night I had to go and play Dr. Mario on DSI to calm down. Lame. I know.

That being said, we had a great Halloween WEEK! Wednesday we went to Music Maker's in costume. Now that I am working at home more I can take the girls. They love it. I love that I have yet another chance to interact with other moms! (No pics!!!GRRRRR)

Thursday was the preschool party. We went to a park and they wore their costumes and painted their pumpkins. They got to bring everyone a treat and "trick or treat" with each other. Again, NO pictures!!

Friday we went to my office and the girls went trick or treating at the cubicles. The girls love going to the office. They get to see their Uncle Carson, Grandpa, and Grand-Uncle Mark. They used to see Shannon, but after having Wyatt, she works at home almost exclusively now. So we picked up Shannon and Wyatt that morning and headed to the office. Let's face it, Wyatt stole the show. The new babies always do. But, my girls got lots of ohhs and ahhs, too. :) Grandpa even dressed up like a cowboy! I can't believe we got one where they are all looking!

Saturday was the stake Trunk or Treat. The girls were super excited. We got there and first item of business: the picture! I tried to get Kevin to dress up, but no luck. Next year, next year. Then we went for some hot dogs and popcorn for dinner. There were carnival games galore, a cake walk, a parade, and trunk or treat. I brought Tilly home early b/c trick or treating starts so late. But, I guess half way through Charlie got too tired and wanted to go home! Too funny! So, Kevin got home shortly after I did.

Sunday, we kept low key. We carved our pumpkin that night. We wanted to do something that night, but we weren't sure. This was a great backup.

The girls got small ones at the pumpkin patch that they painted at their preschool party. Kevin split his pumpkin and he carved them each a face on one side.

Again, our camera is lame and I have NO good pictures. This was our 8th year carving pumpkins together. This is our longest tradition in our family. We hope to keep it going every year!

We hope you all had a great and safe Halloween! Trick or Treat!

Losing It

Well, remember that post right after I had Tilly that I was going to lose my baby weight... well, I finally am! I've lost 20 in total and have 15 pounds to go (granted it wasn't all at the same time- 10 and 10)! I have to say, that my body after a baby is NOT the same as it was before baby! One of my goals for 2010 was to lose 30 lbs. This may be the only one I actually accomplish in full. Here's to losing the last 15 and accomplishing 1 goal of 2010! YEAH!!!

Inspiration

I could use some inspiration...All three of you who actually read this, please!!! share some good news with me. I want to hear something happy going on in your life!

Pumpkin Patch

We had another field trip for preschool this month. We went to Joan's farm. Last year Kevin and I took the girls and they loved it. Here's to another successful trip!

this is the closest I could get the girls to the ruler (?). I was a little disappointed they couldn't paint the current year on him. I mean really, a paper plate? Is it that hard?

It finally got warm enough for the girls to take their jackets off. I love Charlie's shirt, "Watch Out, I Bite! Perfect.
Yes, there is one little boy. Poor sucker... or is he lucky?

My attempt at a photo together.

Very friendly livestock!

My attempt to get a group shot of my girls. Dismally failed!

I love Charlie in pigtails!