DINNER WITH KARL ROVE!

This week my son-in-law Cory and I had a "date night!" Yes, that's right - we went on a date for a dinner featuring "The Architect" Karl Rove. I even got flowers! Cory and I are both news junkies and history buffs, so it was natural for us to want to hear a historic figure of the Bush administration.

While everyone was enjoying their meal, Mr. Rove went table to table to meet with each of the 500 attendees. He was warm, funny, and so gracious as everyone wanted to talk with him and get their picture taken.
I was impressed as he mesmerized the crowd with a rousing speech and never once used a note or teleprompter! His vast knowledge of economics, foreign diplomacy, and domestic issues was in evidence throughout his speech.
So touching were the stories about his relationship with our troops.
Everyone who attended the dinner received an autographed copy of his book. I am anxious to read it. He has overcome quite a challenging early life and I enjoy reading about how people face obstacles and break down barriers.

At the end of the evening, Cory and I decided to make "date night" an annual event!

The Face of Jayce!

This is a favorite picture of mine for so many reasons. Just moments before this picture was taken I was changing Jayce's diaper when all of a sudden, he peed all over me, the floor, and himself! I quickly stripped him down, gave him a bath, and wrapped him in a big fluffy towel. He looks so proud of himself!

What contentment! Babies always look so angelic and peaceful!
Big brother Aidan is so relaxed with his little brother. Jayce is a lucky little boy!
When Jayce was born his dad said he let out a lusty cry. He definitely has a set of lungs! Look at the little wrinkled "chicken legs!" For a tiny guy he has BIG hands!

Ryan is such a sweetie and loves to snuggle with Jayce.

There is nothing like a mother's love. This is one special little boy with a mom who loves him very much.

We love you Jayce! Welcome to our zany family!

Welcome NEW GRANDSON!

Welcome Jayce Ethan Andersen, my eighth grandchild! Jayce was born at 6:30 pm on February 1, 2011 and weighed six pounds twelve ounces. He is a little peanut!

Adam is a proud dad!

Jayce is so lucky to have two wonderful brothers and sister. They were so excited to hold him! Kari and Ryan were certain he was a boy, but Aidan was sure he would have another sister. As soon as they saw Jayce, they were thrilled!
I have been so blessed to be with my daughters on their delivery days and to hold the newest wee one in the family so soon after the arrival. These are moments I will always treasure.
Big brother Aidan couldn't be more proud of little Jayce.

Ryan loves babies and Jayce is no exception.

Karianna looks like she is holding a doll. Check out the tongue!

And the yawn . . .

So peaceful!

Yesterday Jayce came home and Ryan was the first to welcome him!

Children are truly blessings from God!

SNOW! BOOKS! FRIENDS!

Last Tuesday night, we braved a snowstorm to make it to our first book club meeting of the New Year! Four of us piled into a 4-wheel drive vehicle, driven by Tara, to make the trek to Jennie's house. It was a beautiful wintry night with the snow falling.

The seven die-hard book lovers gathered for a group shot before diving into the food that was inspired by the book, The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. It is a modern gothic novel set in England.
Tara brought an amazing venison stew. On this cold winter's night it tasted especially delicious and warmed our tummies!
A variety of wine, cheese, grapes, as well as cranberry scones made by Annisa were yummy! The recipe for the scones was by the Barefoot Contessa.
Yours truly made a Victorian trifle. I love this dessert and was glad I had an excuse to make it. I used lowfat ingredients and fresh fruit to make it healthy!
We had several tempting desserts like moist date-nut bread by Meghan, homemade (from scratch!) gingerbread, and a pumpkin cheescake roll by Becky. Such taste treats!
After sampling thus wonderful array of taste treats, we had a rousing discussion of The Thirteenth Tale. I would share our discussion, but I wouldn't want to ruin the book for those of you who might want to read it, which I highly recommend it! Next month our book is The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian. Can't wait!

A NEW DAY, A NEW YEAR, A NEW LIFE !

WOW! Another year, another decade begins. Last year I made eight resolutions for the New Year. If you follow my blog, you probably know that I achieved some and fell short on others. Here are the results:

1. Keep a list of books read. I did that and shared some of them along the way. The grand total was 45 books in 52 weeks. If I had to pick a favorite, it would be The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

2. Lose twenty-five pounds. I lost eighteen!

3. Upgrade the upstairs. We spent several months painting two rooms and the hallway, having hardwood floors installed, and reorganizing. I am really pleased with the results.

4. Plan a 20th wedding anniversary getaway for me and Jim in 2011. Have some ideas, but no definite plans. Any suggestions?!?!

5. Photography Fun - I was hoping to take a photography class this year, but that didn't happen. What did happen? My daughters got me a Sony Nex3 camera which I am having a blast learning how to use.

6. Write. The only extra writing I did this year was blogging.

7. Trip to the Big Apple. I was hoping to spend several days in one of my favorite cities, but that wasn't possible. However, I did win free tickets to Lombardi and one of my friends and I took the train to NYC for the day, saw the show, and shopped!

8. Raise $7000.00 for JDRF. We raised close to $5000.00.

WELCOME 2011!!!!

A New Day! A New Year! A New Life!

I am excited about 2011 for so many reasons. Last year we welcomed our 7th grandchild, Emme, into our growing family. We will soon be welcoming #8! Stay tuned for the news! Each new day is so special because all I have to do is think about my daughters and their families and I smile! We are so blessed.

I am also excited to establish new goals for the new year. Here are a few:

1. Continue logging what I read and aim for 52 books in 52 weeks! I just finished Laura Hillenbrand's Unbroken. I highly recommend it! I just started The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet.

2. Lose the remaining seven pounds and 5 - 8 more.

3. Raise $6000.00 for JDRF.

4. Complete Project 52. Project 52 is taking a photo a week and scrapping a layout using that photo. I actually scrapped my first layout for this project yesterday!

5. Take a photography class. Haven't given up on this goal!

6. Travel - we have our annual family vacation planned for Virginia Beach and I will be going to Minneapolis to be the "nanny" for baby Andersen while his/her Mom attends the Tastefully Simple Convention. However, I still want to get back to New York City!

My motto is "Carpe Diem," Seize the Day! That's what I intend to do each new day of this great new year! I wish everyone a fabulous 2011 filled with joy!

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES 2010

Is this a face of pure joy or what! I love babies at Christmas time. They have no clue what is going on, but enjoy paper, ribbons, and being the center of attention. Emme is no exception!

Jim's Mom and Dad host their annual after Christmas family event. It is quite a houseful of friends and family, but gives everyone a chance to reconnect.
Once there were two; now there are three! Becky, Barry, and Emme!

Last year Dixon was the youngest "elf"; this year he was ultra mobile and trying to steal everyone's drinks!

My son-in-law Cory spent the evening enjoying his wine and "women"!
Jim rescued Pickles years ago from abusive neighbors and they have been best buds ever since!
Snuggies for kids! Aidan and Ryan sure loved snuggling with their DSs and playing their new games. I think I am jealous - not about the games - just the relaxin!
Uncle Adam and Emme shared some special bonding moments sticking their tongues out at each other. She is quite the imitator!
We got Dixon his first Penn State football this year when we were in Happy Valley for the first home game. He loved it!
Clara and Sasha are quite the budding artists and I have several of their art pieces hung in my house - now they have their own easels for creating more awesome art!
There's nothing like wrapping paper to entertain the wee one!
For our soon-to-be eighth grandchild, I made a blanket for her - his (?!?) homecoming in early February.
Kari had so much fun with her gifts and LOVED this Barbie Pampered Pets Salon.
Paper Jamz is the new craze! Aidan got the drum set and Ryan got a guitar. We have been entertained by the Andersen Rock Band!
Aidan has been a LEGO fanatic for years. This year he asked for the Creationary game. It is really cool, creative, and fun!
My eighty-one year young mother always hosts Christmas Eve with our traditional spaghetti dinner. Doesn't she look fabulous?
Her constant sidekick is Sophie. This gorgeous cat loves my mom's elephant tree!
The Meyers family. Check out the ties! Like father, like son!
Jim and I feel so blessed not just this time of year, when we all are gathered together for the holidays, but every day of the year. I never would have dreamed we would have three such amazing and unique daughters and seven precious grandchildren.
Our family wishes you a New Year blessed with family, friends, and fun! May 2011 be your best year ever! Our prayers are with our troops at home and abroad and their families. These special people make the ultimate sacrifice so that we enjoy the freedoms and protections that we do. God Bless America!