Keaton's Latest Toy

I think Keaton is really going to enjoy this one all summer. Keaton loves playing in the grass and dirt, so we new he would love playing in his new sandbox! Thanks Grandma!

Any tips for how to keep the sand OUTSIDE and not in my house would be greatly appreciated!

Our Lioness

Our kitty Clementine is SO FLUFFY! We took her for her one year vaccinations and checkup yesterday. While she was there, we decided to go ahead and get her a haircut, because her winter coat was starting to shed and get very matted and nasty. Those of you who know Clemmie understand why she has to be sedated for this process. It is called the "lion cut" because they shave everything but her head, feet, and the end of her tail. I know, she looks pathetic, but she is happy to be rid of all the fluff for awhile. Here is a picture of her before and after the haircut. Don't worry, her hair grows very quickly - she'll be back to her big beautiful self in no time.
























The bad news is that she gained 2 lbs since her last visit. (I think this is the equivalent of a human gaining about 50 lbs in 1 year) Dr Kitty (yes, this is really our vet's name) was concerned that she may be at high risk for feline diabetes. So now Scott has her on a strict diet and exercise regimen to shed the extra poundage.

One Year Portraits

Update: to see the full gallery, go to www.katysouthern.com and click on clients, the password is: anderson (all lower case). I think they turned out great! Thanks again Katy!
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My friend Katy Southern is a very talented photographer. She took some pictures of our family yesterday to celebrate Keaton's one year birthday. She sent me a sneak peak today of some of the pictures. I thought I would include them for you to see!











































































If anyone is looking for a good photographer in the Nashville, TN or Douglasville, GA areas - visit Katy's photography website: www.katysouthern.com

Happy Birthday Fridge

Happy Birthday to me! I guess you know you are officially a dorky grown-up when you use your birthday money to purchase an extra refrigerator/freezer for the garage! Some of you know that I have been adopting a new method of grocery shopping which involves alot of stockpiling of food when it is on sale. I had completely run out of space in my current refrigerator/freezer for all the great deals I was getting on meat, veggies, waffles, OJ, etc. I had been on the lookout for a new freezer for the garage, and was delighted to find this floor model Frigidaire at Best Buy Saturday on sale for over $300 off the sticker price. I can't wait to start filling it up. Yes, this is me posing with an appliance - thanks to all who contributed to the fridge fund!

Snack Time

Yesterday, while I was working on the computer, Keaton crawled into the kitchen and started opening drawers and cabinets (one of his favorite pastimes). It got really silent for awhile which is never a good sign, so I went in to check out the situation. Keaton had gotten the Cheerios out of the pantry, opened them, and helped himself to a snack! He just looked at me, smiled, and said "O's!" - how could I resist this face?

Mother's Day

Last year was my first Mother's Day as a MOM. Obviously, having a child makes this holiday take on a new meaning - but I was surprised that it was not in the way that I thought it would! Yes, it's fun that I now get flowers and a card myself. But more importantly, becoming a mother made me SO MUCH more aware and appreciative of the love and sacrifice that I received as a child and continue to receive. I feel so blessed to have been raised by such an amazing mom that loved me, cared for me, and encouraged me in my faith - and still does! I was also blessed to have two grandmothers nearby growing up - both are so unique and so special to me! When I married Scott, I got a whole new mom and grandmother to love. I am so thankful to them not only for the way they have accepted me into their family, but for raising Scott up to be the amazing man that he is! Moms are truly amazing! Becoming one myself has been the greatest joy I have experienced on earth so far. Here are some of my favorite pics of all my "moms" - HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

This one was taken at my Grandmother's birthday party in 2004!












With Mary and my mom at my baby shower last spring














Keaton loves his Nana (Anderson)












My mom and I before a New Years Eve party in 2006












Grammie!














My Grandma Ruby will be 90 this summer!
















In Miami last September...

Enjoying New Gifts

Keaton loves his new blocks that his cousins Caroline and Matthew have him. Here's a pic of him stacking them up... it's just as much fun to knock them over!
































Keaton also loves his new chair from his Grammie and Papa Anderson and his Workman cousins. He loves to sit in his chair first thing in the morning and watch his Baby Einstein movie while he drinks his bottle. We have come to realize that Keaton needs this "anti-social" time in the morning when he first gets out of bed to wake up and ease his way into the day. We are so thankful that he now has a comfortable place to sit (that is unmistakeably HIS)!

Rain Rain Go AWAY...

Come again when it's not Keaton's birthday!!














Last year on May 2nd 2008, we brought Keaton home from the hospital in the pouring down rain. I should have known that planning an all-outside birthday weekend on May 2nd 2009 was risky business. Our original plan included a day at the Nashville Zoo and family portraits at the park. Because of the wet weather, we resorted to an indoor playground (the Monkey Treehouse), lunch at Moe's, and home for naps...and later - hamburgers and cake. Despite the weather, we had a wonderful time celebrating Keaton's 1st birthday with plenty of family, food, and presents!

Here's some highlights from the weekend:

All my "Anderson" cousins!












Hanging out with Matthew!
















Keaton ate nearly half of his 9" round "smash cake" before we finally confiscated it! He had so much fun eating it by the handfuls and smearing it on his face.




































After church on Sunday














At the end of the weekend, I was overwhelmed with thankfulness that Keaton is surrounded by such an amazing family (on both sides) that love him, pray for him, and are excited to watch him grow. We are so blessed!