The Smallest Anderson

This is the smallest Anderson, Frazier. He is a joy and brings smiles where ever he travels. I will pray he will always be so happy, so secure, so free....I looked into those eyes and thought this is the state the Lord wants for all of His children....no matter how big or small.

I will begin praying all his days will be good ones. I am not so nieve to believe there will never be any saddness or any pain because I know of few people who travel through this life in perfect bliss, but I will pray he will live his life as the Lord would have him live, that he will be submissive to His creator and He will seek the Lord and His will. You see I believe those who are living their lives in the center of God's will for their lives and seek Him are the ones who are whole, free, and at peace in this world.

Here are some of the photos I took this weekend. I think he has as many expressions as I have pics ...and I can't post all the pics I took. As I have said before, he sure is a great blend of his Mommie and Daddy. I did get some pics of Frazier and his Mommie, but I don't think Randi would like me posting pics of her in the am in her pjs. And as for pics with Daddy....well, I didn't get any cuz we sorta "hogged" the baby and Josh didn't do as much baby holding this weekend as usual. Next time I see them I promise to get more pics of Frazier and his parents. Sorry.

This was Josh's bouncy seat and we figure about 10 other babies have used it over the years.

Uncle Ross was by far the funniest thing Frazier has ever encountered....laughing out loud!

Miss Helen also was quite entertaining and he was happy to sit on her lap for quite a "spell".

Grampa Jim worked his baby magic when Frazier got fussy and he was soon laughing and having a great time.

Saturday morning was just perfect....once Mama fed Frazier he was ready for a little cudding.

I had to resurrect the Peter Rabbit blankey that was Josh's.....it is still a fav of mine.

Frazier holds his hands a lot and looks like he is praying or he is really worried and wringing his hands.....I prefer prayer mode.

Lowes vs. Walmart

Here is just an observation which also qualifies as a sweeping generalization: Lowes' shoppers have got there act together much more than the average Walmart patron.

Why do you say that? you quiery....weeeelllllll I was in both stores today and I was waiting for Jim by the register of Lowes while he went to pick out an oak board (6' x 10" $40!!!) for the coffee table be is building for me, I noticed the resolve and purpose in the walk of those who came through the door at Lowes. These are "no nonsense folks" who are in the middle of a project and making a mad dash to Lowes to get that one more essential ingrediant to completing their task.

Walmart, on the other hand, has shoppers who appear to be there for something....just not something specific. They are hungry, but not sure what for and they wander the isles reading the labels and trying to decide which flavor, brand, or color they prefer. Or maybe they have some money in their pockets and it is "burning a hole" (as my mother used to say) and they wanna be relieved of this problem.

See I told you these were sweeping generalities. The fact that I was in Lowes proves people who have no particular reason for being there do wander the isles looking around for new and improved their old and outdated whatjamacallits, but many times they are with someone who is on a mission.

So where would I rather hang out? Well, it turns out even if there is no ice cream or candy bars at Lowes, I prefer to be in there. The atmosphere is charged with "I can do-ism" and it feels good just to stand next to the builders and the painters and the plumbers who are going to be making some portion of the world a more pleasing place. It just feels right if you know what I mean.

Happy Birthday, Randi / Mommie!

We were so happy we were able to celebrate Randi's 26th Birthday in Longview, even if it was
one day early.

This is a very special birthday for Randi....her very first birthday as a Mommie! That, my friend, is not only a BIG deal, it is a HUGE deal. No longer are you just someone else's daughter (kid), or someone's wife or sister or granddaughter; you are someone's Mom, a unique and special relationship unlike any other. You are responsible for all aspects of this little person's life and as overwhelming as it can seem somedays, there is unlimited happiness and satisfaction which comes along with this labor of love.

So, Happy Birtday, Randi. May you have a wonderful first year as a Mom. (You are off to a grand start!)




Josh provided the lovely birthday roses which were really opening up beautifully.

We tried to get Frazier to sing Happy Birthday, but alas he was resting up for later action.

Randi was the center of attention for most of the day, but it is hard to focus when there this little cutie grinning at you. He eventually stole the show.

Happy Birthday, Mom, you're the best...hey, and thanks for the good breakfast...oh yeah...and lunch....and that wonderful dinner.....and oh yeah, that great snack! You really are too good to me!

Caption: Hey Grammy, you crack me up with that camera in my face all the time! Comeon, knock it off, ok?

Grampa Jim got to hold Frazier while Grammy was out throwing bean bags with Dad.

The bean bag toss game that Randi got Josh for his Birthday was a lot of fun. Jim even beat Josh one game and I came pretty close. (Actually, I had to let him win cuz I didn't want to spoil his nice Sunday.)

Can you tell Frazier seems to like his Mom a little....well, I guess I should say A LOT?

Early Morning Concerns

There are a lot of concerns on my mind that I really don't feel like blogging about, but they are on my mind much of the time so here goes.

My sister, Lori, (as many of you know) is having health problems and is taking some heavy duty medications which leave her with pain. It hurts me to think about her in pain. I think about her all the time and pray for her many times throughout my day. There is also a whole list of folks I care for who are literally fighting for their lives dealing with diseases and I pray for them. I pray for those who have lost loved ones. Suffering is all around me and I feel so very helpless much of the time.

Then there is concern over the direction of my country. I see trillions of dollars, most of which we don't even have being spent, and I and most of America feels confused and concerned.

I am concerned about this administration's desire for control over just about everything. The thought of government control health care is especially scary to me in light of my sister's battle. It doesn't comfort me to look around the world and hear how those people with life threatening illnesses are treated. (Those who suffer with ordinary illness might be satisfied, but when you are relatively healthy why wouldn't they be?!) Being reduced to a number is just what happens when you are part of a huge system that is trying to be "fair". The individual seems to get lost in the shuffle.

52% of our population voted for CHANGE and it appears we may get it, but something tells me when it all shakes out those voters are not going to like it. It just reminds me of when I was in Cuba and the folks there shook their heads and told me that they thought the govt was going to solve all their problems, yet 50 years later they now know things are much worse. They were deceived into thinking there was a noble purpose, yet they have nothing now. They feel duped. So I took away an important lesson : "beware govts bearing gifts". They will hold out something you want and when you reach for it the bars will slam closed and next thing you know your life is totally changed and you are wondering what happened. "Don't it always seem to go, you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone..."* Yes, I am very concerned.

Here is something that should raise concern.....our president wants a "national civilian security force", a domestic army if you will, to handle dissidents within our borders. Who are these dissidents? Are they any people...even bloggers like me who disagree with the administration!? I thought the national guard was to address the law inside the border, but it seems they want something closer to them...their own personal army to enforce "their" rule of law. Yet, they will defend tyrants and give them asylum and set terrorists free. I guess their army won't waste time on these folks. Do they need this army to enforce the edicts of the 36 Czars who have been appointed and answer to noone but the President? I am concerned that questions such as these will not be addressed.

As I type there are also those in the present administration working diligently to pass legislation which will silence any media from their opponents.....they call it the "fairness doctrine". SILENCE as a verb now that is a concern. What sorts of governments want to SILENCE those who disagree. To them it is fair to only hear one side of any argument.....their side. The first amendment to our constitution might go up in smoke while many citizens of the country worry more about things like the death of Michael Jackson or what team is headed for the Super Bowl. I am concerned that popular culture trumps any serious conversation concerning the direction our republic is taking. I am concerned what sort of country my children and their children will inherit.

Power grabs like this have happened before in history....way too many times, yet because our memories are so short and we as a nation are not serious students of history, we are are big trouble. Remember George Santayana's quote, " Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it."

So what to I do in the face of all these grave concerns? Well, I am ashamed to say I worry, (sometimes I write to legislators), but I am also proud to say I pray. I pray more now than I have ever prayed. Does it "work", you ask. Sometimes it brings peace, but much of the time it leaves me feeling as if I am knocking at a door that will forever remain closed. Even then I have hope because I know the Lord's attributes of love and mercy and I will not stop because the scripture tells us to keep knocking, keep asking, and to keep seeking the One who created heaven and earth and has the ultimate power. We may not see every concern addressed to our liking on this side of heaven, but I have faith that all things will work together for the good....God's ultimate good. On days when this faith of mine grows weak....well, I pray for faith and in His mercy He continues to answer that prayer.

* lyrics by Joni Mitchell (Big Yellow Taxi)

Happy Birthday,Josh....aka Daddy!

Josh and Mom Photo by Jim A.

Dad and Frazier Photo by Randi

Today is the 27th anniversary of the day my son, Josh, was born. Each year on this date I hearken back to that momentous day and I recall all that transpired over its course. From the time we got to the hospital at 1:15 AM until 9:02 PM (when Josh finally decided to make his appearance) it was as if time had nearly come to a stand still. Obviously, it did not, but it was probably the first time ever I had gone one whole day without the thought or desire for food. Even though it was a long, and I might add, uncomfortable way to spend a day, it was time very well spent and I like to think of it this way....nothing worth having comes easily. With this axiom in mind, it is no wonder Josh has always been such a joy. I have never felt anything but blessed by this boy who seemed so bent on not entering the world.

So Josh is beginning his 28th turn around this great mandella and it will be his first go around as a Dad. I pray he will have the same joy I have been blessed with all these 27 years along with the deep love which comes with parenting. And even though I have no way of knowing what the future holds, I pray that in 27 years I will be able to witness Josh reflecting on a son who has brought him the same joy and inspired the same admiration he has drawn from me.....and possibly even see Josh experience the wonderful role of grandparent.