Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Certified!!!!

or certifiable? At this point I am not really sure which one that I would rather be. At any rate, I am now certified and in desperate need of employment. I will get my license in the mail, soon I hope!

EXIT INTERVIEW

Tomorrow at 930 am, I will officially be finished with the post bac program at LMU. I am so ready for that to occur.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

I hope that your day went well and you ate more than you should. Happy Thanksgiving all!!!

Mere hours from completion

Out of 685 classroom hours, I currently reside at 636. That means in a few days I will be finished student teaching and able to look for a job and a paycheck. Things have went well and I am excited to start a new career. So, if you know of a teaching position available, let me know.

I need one of these badly.

Roll Tide Roll

I was in attendance, it was hotter than blue blazes, but the final score was worth the price of admission. 41 - 17!!!! It doesn't get any sweeter than whipping the small orange and the big ball coach.

Rachel says, I do not feel the same way. It was hard to sit with a Bama fan and watch them destroy my team. But I still love the Vols! and my husband!

BUT FIRST

Fall break... I get the luxury of taking a week off. However, I really can't enjoy it. I HAVE NO JOB!!!! Donations gladly excepted.

One down, one to go

Thanks Sam Houston Elementary School

My first student teaching placement is over. I now move on to the sixth grade. Things have went smoothly and the students and staff could not have been any nicer. I look forward to my second placement.

Mark it down

Today was AA first day of daycare. Much like every milestone or change, he took it in stride. He didn't cry, whimper, or even think twice about it. This is also the week he started sleeping in a toddler bed. No tears or no real problems. We are raising a very calm child. All praise goes to God!!!!

Re-do

When I was younger, my friend and I used to call out "re-do" or "do-over" when we did something wrong or poorly the first time. We often used it to our advantage in sport when we were competing. A lazy ground ball in wiffle ball , an air ball playing H-O-R-S-E, or even a botched attempt at a jump with our bikes often led to us announcing a "re-do." Well, in my professional life, I am officially announcing a "re-do." This friday, the 20th, is my last day of work in my current profession. I am switching gears and becoming a teacher, not just any teacher, but an elementary school teacher. Although work in the mental health field will serve me well, I am anxious to start something new and different. This "re-do" has required much preparation with schooling and testing but I think that I am ready to go for it. However, in retrospect,when I was younger, "re-do s" didn't cost near as much money.

How I wish

I still had my transformer toys. Some would be worth mega $$$. Just in passing, if you haven't seen the new movie, it would be well worth it to see. IT IS AMAZING!!!!

Back to the daily grind

Since we last posted, a lot has occurred. AA took his first visit to the ocean and absolutely loved it. He was fearless as he ran in and out chasing waves. Sand? Well after a couple of mouthfuls he quickly realized that it was more fun to walk on than eat. He loved waking up with his family in the next room and needless to say, he ate everything in sight. As for the family, I have resigned and am anxious to start teaching. RA is now fulltime and will be the breadwinner after July. Things are changing. Check back for further details.

Keep them in Your Prayers

Yesterday is a day I can't forget soon enough. Logan , our sister-in-law's beautiful 3 month old little nephew suddenly stopped breathing and passed away. We are all shocked by the events and needless to say, the mother, father, and 30+ month old sister are going to need much prayer. Please remember them as they unfortunately try to move forward after this tragic event. The past few months have been especially tough for their family as they have recently had to also deal with the passing of a grandparent. Life is so precious and fragile. Please remember the Malonee family.

7 days

Jumping on Board

Well summer has brought my wife and I to the place where all of our favorite TV shows are on hold. Since the days are longer, we are spending more time at pools or just outside. However, that doesn't change the fact that Heroes, Lost, Smallville, Grey's Anatomy, and NCIS are rerunning. Even so, a "friend" suggested that we watch 24. We started it and it has been very addicting. We talk about it in our daily conversation. We have no knowledge of the things to come but we are hooked on CTU. Now, we just are trying to track down someone who owns season two.

Almost there

3 weeks OR 21 days OR 504 hours OR 30240 minutes. No matter how you slice it, vacation is almost here. As it turns out, it will be the last hooray until January of 2008 as I will be working for free starting July 26th. That stinks. So, on this vacation, I am taking my son to a ball game, I am playing some golf, and I am just going to do things that are fun, no matter the cost. I will worry about that later.

Just How unique are YOU!

There are 1,421,484 people in the U.S. with the first name Mark.
Statistically the 18th most popular first name.
99.58 percent of people with the first name Mark are male.
Names similar to Mark:
There are 938,602 people in the U.S. with the last name Anderson.
Statistically the 10th most popular last name.
Well I am, maybe not my name!!!!!!

A Okay

Things are well. AA is doing well. RA is fine. I am ready for the beach.

Below right you will find some funny videos. Two are from Saturday Night Live back in the early 90's. I rather enjoyed it then and these are two of the funnier skits. The third is simply for fun. Enjoy!!

Work got you down!!!

Sometimes it just does! I need a break. The weather is finally behaving according to plan and each ray of sunshine makes me long for the beach just a little bit more. I am not ready to shave my head, but it is close!!!! Enjoy the Spring all.

29 and counting....

Let me be the first to say......... HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! to my wonderful husband. Tomorrow, April 24th is Mark's birthday! Mark, I hope that you have a wonderful day at work and celebrating your special day with your son and me.


Happy Birthday Daddy, I love you- AA!

66 days or 1584 hours or 95040 minutes till...

VACATION. Not that I am counting!!! This year has creeped by and I am desperately trying not to wish my life away, but vacation could not get here soon enough. I need the break, my wife needs the break, and I am anxious to see my son and neice in the ocean. I am sure it will be hilarious. The weather has been crazy and I am desperately looking forward to the time off before I start my student teaching this fall. Almost there, and I can't wait!!!

3 Decades!! 3 Decades???????????

This morning I read on the internet that a 102 year old lady made a hole in one on a par 3. To be upright, walking, and able to swing a club is a miraculous feat in and of itself, but a hole-in-one, give me a break. Then I looked at the date and realized, I am a mere 2 weeks from my 29th birthday. I have lived almost 3 decades now! I vividly remember my first 2 decades with hardly a care in the world. Waking up to go to school, hanging out with my friends, playing any sport I could get my hands on all day, everyday and then going to sleep at night only to repeat it the next day. Life is awesome!! This Easter was especially tough as every song reminded me of what I had recently lost. However, standing and looking at a replica of an empty tomb, I was reminded that I hadn’t lost anything, it just went away for a moment, soon to be returned. That gap will close before you know it so this is my resolve. I look forward to each day ahead with my beautiful wife and ridiculously energetic son. I hope that when I hit 100, if we are all still here, family members aren’t saying, “Well, dad’s been gone for 30 years now!!!!” Just kidding. Life is great!!!

AA update- Nothing slows him down!!!!!

Normal???

Today we returned to a regular schedule with heavy hearts. AA is at the sitters having fun, MA returned to work, and RA did the same. Try as we may, the daily grind only distracts us from our thoughts momentarily. Over the past few days, many of you have sent flowers or mailed us a card. We want to say thanks. Some of you have shared very personal stories about similar situations and that has allowed us to gain some insight and understanding into recent events. I may not see the good in this now, but maybe someday I will. It reminds me of something I heard speaker say one time about the will of God. He said, "I don't want to die, but if in my death, the Lord's will is done, so be it." Obviously, the way things have happened is not what we wanted, BUT, if this is his direction for us, I am sure he will take us through it unharmed.

Update-AA
AA is ever so slowly learning to speak. This past week, he has said 'papaw' about a million times. However, when he is around his papaw, he just won't say it. Also, Little Einsteins on Disney has enter the fray. He says, "pat, pat, pat," while patting his thighs right be for their rocket takes off. Needless to say, he is joy and really just a funny kid.

Bitter Sweet moment

We arrived back at the house to find our son sleeping. As we both stood over him, looking and watching him sleep, a rush of emotion filled us both and we began to cry. Through the tears I watched AA rise and smile and reach out his arms to his mother. I am certain that this is what she needed in that instance. Moments earlier we received the news that our new baby had passed away at some point over the past week. At this time, there was no heart beat and there had been no growth. We now face the fact that there will be no baby growing, only missing. Please keep us in your prayers. There is a fine lining in all this though. God is faithful and true to his word. I see that in my son, I see that in my wife, and know it in my heart.

AA the mimic

This weekend we were out to eat and AA picked up a new habit. Just prior to mom handing some hot food over, she blew on it to cool it off. AA took it in hand and did the same. I'm not sure he knows what he is doing but it's funny to watch and hear. After few moments he eats it up and wants more to do the same with. He is such a little character. As you can tell, the weekend was uneventful and we continue to wait on any news regarding the new baby.

Double A Update

Walking...that was nothing. AA is into everything. In fact just he other day he removed air vents and placed wooden spoons and other objects down the into the duct work. As he did so, he laughed and laughed some more as daddy retrieved his buried treasure. Not only is he into places he shouldn't be, he is beginning to repeat things he hears on the television, especially the Mickey Mouse club House. Mickey has a special helper that he calls on when he needs a specific tool. Austin now calls for his during the show, after the show, and pretty much all the time. "OOOOHHHHHH, TOOOOOOOOTLES!!!!, he shouts. Life is great and AA is incredible.

Roller coaster ride continues

Just this past week we returned to the doctor and this is the result. The heart beat was stronger and at 114 beats a minute. However, there was no growth of the baby. This is an alarming sign and the doctor believes it to be a sign that there is a 75% chance of a miscarriage. Now, for some of you, these odds aren't promising but, for me, i like our chances even at only 25%. I serve a God that answers prayers and performs miracles. Even though I can't see it, I know that little life is in God's hands. He's got the whole world in his hands.

PRAISE THE LORD, WE HAVE A HEARTBEAT

Well, from the title you can tell that we are the recipients of some of the most wonderful news ever. Today we returned for a followup ultrasound. This time, the baby decided to cooperate and give us a listen to his/her heart. We saw and listened to it. The only the thing the stenographer could do was apologize for the last mistake. The heartbeat was at 98 beats a minute and they want to see it higher. However it has been determined that we are in week 6 of the pregnancy instead of week 8 or 9. This will self correct as we progress. Anyways, we introduce to you our second child...to be named later.

Unthinkable

I have recently come to better understand the feeling of emotional devastation. However, in my moment of devastation, I also expereinced a level of comfort that can not be dismissed. Yesterday, RA and I visited the doctor for our first ultrasound of this pregnancy. At that time, the baby was found to have no heartbeat and certain miscarriage is imminent. My heart sank to depths I have never felt...That was drafted on Wednesday March 7, 2007 and never posted. Fast forward to Friday March 9. We returned to the doctor for what we knew would be certain bad news. However, God and a miracle arrived at the doctors office before we did. Earlier that morning, RA had blood work done and it came back with resounding confirmation that her pregnancy was on schedule. All levels and blood work indicated that everything was headed in the right direction. The doctor is of the mindset that the ultrasound may have been done to early or the accuracy of the reported date of ovulation was inaccurate. Either way, it was amazing news. We are not out of the woods just yet so keep praying for this little miracle. Not to go too philisophical but I am taking each day like someone famous once said, " In life, you either believe everything is miracle or you believe nothing is a miracle." I BELIEVE!!!!!

Here we go again...

Well most of you know already but we are expecting another baby this year. As of last week RA was six weeks along in the pregnancy. Much like last time, we found out very early on so it is going to be a while. Our kids will be 22 months apart when the new child arrives sometime in late October. Feel free to make donations.

Hard to explain

This weekend was the first time that I had spent any amount of time away from my son. I left him with the sitter at 9am Thursday morning and didn't get to see him again until Saturday night/Sunday morning at 1245am. It might have been easier if he could have talked over the phone, but then again he would have been able to say, " I miss you." That would have stunk. At any rate, I enjoyed my time away but was joyful upon my return. While I was away, I attended a youth conference in Ozark, Missouri. That is about 35 minutes away from Branson if you are not a travel attraction aficionado. While I was there I experience somewhat of a rejuventation regarding my faith, my family, and my role in life. It was a really cool experience. I am not one to shamelessly plug something unless I know about it but you need to check out James River Assembly of God church. They are doing some incredible things in Missouri and around the USA. All in all, the trip was much needed but it would have been better to have my wife and kid there.

Growing, Growing, Grown

AA is seemingly growing before our very eyes. He has mastered the walking and is now speeding up a little bit to a mild jog/sprint. He is starting to point and talk about everything, but it is still barely understandable. Saying all that, I can't believe how quickly it has went from learning to roll over to walking. I still can't believe I am a father, and will be married 7 years in December. Things are changing quickly and I recommend that you try it, its a blast!!!!

Just something fun. I found my clothing line on the internet. If you have never googled yourself, give it a try. There are some really interesting stuff about you out there.

Never Leave Home without it!!

MACGYVER MULTITOOL

Talkative and Full of Energy

AA has hit a spurt where he is very loud and boisterous. I know he is saying something to me, I just can't make out what it is. This morning he woke up at 530AM sharp. Unfazed, he played in his bed until finally getting louder and louder and louder. We then went into the living room where he proceeded to pick up where he had left of the night before. Every item, every toy was again dragged out into the floor for proper inspection. The ride to day care was no different. He talked and yelled and then talked some more. We feel as though he may be a talker when he grows up!!!!

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! I want everyone in the world to know how much I love my husband. I love you Mark. I thank God that he gave me such a wonderful husband. I pray each day for you. I pray for Austin that he will grow in God's wisdom and understanding and the Lord will bless him one day with a wonderful, loving wife and that she will be his valentine.

I love you Valentine!
Your wife,
Rachel

Adventures of Lil' Quad

We took AA into the streets and let him ride his little 4x4. It was one of the funniest things to see. He had a blast and he thought he was the coolest kid on the streets. Stay tuned for some pictures of that adventure.

429, 712, 644

Check out this website and try it. You aren't as poor as you think you are!!!

http://www.globalrichlist.com/index.php

Laidback weekend

This weekend was reasonably low key. For the first time in a long time, we had no plans, no deadlines, or no where to be. In fact, it was so low key that as of 3pm on Saturday afternoon, AA/RA/MA hadn't even changed out of our pajamas! This turned out to be a great break from the norm. AA has had a runny nose and the cold air has chapped his cheeks. As a result, we kept him in all day on Sunday. Tonight is Monday night, and HEROES comes on. Maybe this will be low key Monday as well.

Cool watches

I like watches! Here are a couple of cool concepts.

Hooked

Recently we had the chance to purchase a 55" television. AA loves it, RA likes it, and I enjoy the options it provides between movies, television, and Xbox. Shows are more fun to watch, little Einsteins are now big Einsteins, and I feel like I am helping the investigation when we watch CSI-whatever. Which brings me to the point of this entry. Through the week we have a few nights of the week that we like to sit down and watch our favorite shows together. On mondays we generally try to watch HEROES as AA winds down. On Wednesday, we now will watch LOST as it has returned. We are becoming a little skeptical regarding its direction, but we are hanging on. Thursdays, we tend to share. First I watch SMALLVILLE and then RA has to watch GREY'S ANATOMY. Everyday, however, AA has to catch LITTLE EINSTEINS but we all enjoy the theme music! Between church, school, basketball league, and life we generally catch them all. I just can't bring myself to get a TIVO. Maybe later!!!

SuperSunday

Well the superbowl came and went. We watched it on our 55inch big screen and in high definition. However, most of the time the game was on, we watched our son drive his lil' quad 4 wheeler he got for Christmas. On this night, he figured out how to press the button and drive it on his own. He isn't real good at avoiding walls, chairs, feet, knees, and shins, but he can drive it. Walking is getting better and he is increasingly more interested in every drawer we have in the kitchen. By the way, the kid in the picture isn't our AA.

Rumbling......bumbling....stumblin.....WALKING

It has finally arrived!!! AA is walking. Well, really he is becoming increasingly more interested in it on a daily basis. Over the past few weeks he has went from taking one step to now taking as many as he wants before he plops down and crawls after losing interest in the moment. Mom and I are encouraging him daily as we are continuing to walk upright around the house. AA is getting closer day after day. Recently he has learned to blow kisses and wink. He tilts his head to the side and winks both eyes. Most of the time he does this at waitresses!!! At any rate, he is saying things more clearly as becoming increasingly more verbal. Things are great. We are so fortunate to have this little bundle of joy.

One year check-up

Double A is the man! Today AA went for his one year check up. At the check up he had to give blood. Did this scare him? Why no!!! He watched as the RN pricked his finger and placed his blood in the vile. Not a peep, not wimper, and not a flinch was felt. He did great. However, when he recieved his shots, he let out an awful scream. It seemed to be the result of being held down more than the shot itself. The results of the measurements are as follows. He is in the 65th percentile in height (30 1/4 inches), 50th percentile in weight (23lbs) , and the 90th percentile in head size (does it really matter). My son has a big brain!!! All in all, mom, dad, and son had a successful trip to the doctor. Check back for the on going saga of learning to walk.

About the Anderson's

Well it might be obvious that I have a son. The other and better half of my life is my wife, Rachel. We have been married for over half of a decade. We went to high school together but never dated there. Some how, and by the grace of GOD, we crossed paths a few years out of high school and struck up a friendship that keeps our marriage happy and alive. We have our moments but we are continually learning about each other daily. I am truly blessed by her companionship and love.

Learning to Walk

Wow! What an exciting time we are experiencing. Recently, our son took his first couple of solo steps. Now we can't wait for him to master the the skill and start exploring the house from a new perspective. Bumps and bruises are plentiful and we are sure that more will follow. It is a real joy to be a parent and go through this with him as he discovers the world.

Bring on the New Year

2007! Doesn't scare us one bit. Our son is one, our house is built, and we are very close to graduating from graduate school. If you know us, we are always doing something. We will see what the future holds. Keep in touch.

Mark