The Seven of Us

Happy 37th birthday to Jared!  The world is a better place because he is in it. And Happy Father's Day to a darn good dad.  FYI:   Jared was born to Sally Cottrell and Douglas Andersen on June 19, 1973 in Logan, Utah. He weighed in at 6 lb. 2 oz. He was born with Spina Bifida and suffered for about 7 or 8 years until he'd had several surgeries, but he became a strong, healthy farm kid who loved all things animal. He was never able to play sports (other than baseball), but he is athletically talented. He's a "smarticle"  an extremely hard worker; he  was valedictorian of his HS class in Connell, WA. He was also student-body president (he's just nice to everyone).  Jared served his mission in Hawaii from 1992-1994 (he was in the MTC when I arrived at college..aww...) , married me in 1995, and graduated from BYU in 1997.  He loves to help others, really enjoys his job (and he's very go...

Everything is happening in our lives..right now! *Today is Jared's birthday. (Inidentally, Jared is out of town for his Grandpa Cottrell's funeral.) *Tomorrow is Father's Day.  See above. (It's also Ward Conference. What's up with that? Dads are getting gyped. Maybe their kids may are, too. I guess everyone has different ideas about that, and I have certainly never been a stake president --or a dad--so what do I know?)  [PS  Ward Conference was wonderful.  Pres. Packard spoke a little about fathers and asked that the Primary kids sing, which I know Caleb loved. Right. But, it was a very good conference and a fitting Fathers Day.) *Today was Isaac's t-ball tournament. He played exceptionally well, which a neat surprise, and very fun to watch.  I'll do another post about it. Isaac is now done with t-ball. I have now attended 34 games since May 19th. Jared went to 2 games that I didn't attend, and I missed 4 of Taylor's games this we...

My parents were married 36 years ago today in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.  (My dad was stationed there while in the Air Force.) They had a simple, last-minute wedding in military housing. Two of my mom's brothers and their wives attended (mom's parents had moved to Phoenix 2 years before, so they missed out), along with a few friends from the ward and the Air Force. Like my parents, the wedding was simple.  Here are some of the things they've done in their 36 years together: Lived in N.H., Korea, TX and New York Traveled the U.S., finding many favorite destinations in the process: Big Bear Lake, CA; Phoenix, AZ; various places in Florida; Glacier National Park, various places in New Mexico Re-activated themselves and others to whom they've given service in the Church Earned a couple of degrees built our home Biked throughout the tri-county area where they live, along the Erie Canal, and in the Mojave Desert Supported one another in their endeavors Raised my brothe...

Pretty AHHHMAZING nickname, right? Well yah, because someday when I get big n' rich, living not for the fame but the love of my game, they'll praise me by that name:  T-Rae.  (The 'Issa is for fun. It's in my other nickname, Talissa.) Lately, a lot has happened. 1. Elected NJHS president 2. Elected Stu-Co president 3. RAN track. More like.. jogged 4. Started softball 4. Did relay for life 5. Became a prisoner of.. Anemia THERE IS SO MUCH MORE!!! But, I don't have enough time to tell you more. =) Love ya! ~Taylor

This post is signficant only to me. I have never actually counted the number of ballgames I have attended in June. This year I decided to. And actually, I am off by one game...Jared went to Oshkosh with Caleb yesterday, so I think I've attended 10 games so far this year. And the girls usually play at the same place, so their 2 games are like one...until I realize that my backside is twice as tired as it would be if I only had one daughter. Nonetheless, I do enjoy ball season, and I'll continue to add to the count. Eventually I'll post pictures, too. Isaac's first game was on Sat. June 5. He woke up at 7am and dressed in his uniform, stretched and jogged, and then sat down to wait. At 4 pm (1/2 hr. early) he and Caleb walked to the ball field. We weren't at all surprised when we arrived and found Isaac warming up and Caleb on the mound, feeding the pitching machine. Boys are priceless. Or crazy. Also on Saturday,McKenna slid home . Since I was in OShkosh, NE with...

Maybe parents were afraid I would do this to their child. Or maybe someone caught a glimpse of what my home life is sometimes like. Or perhaps someone was tired of Corbin refusing to take the aprons off every week. Whatever the reason, it's alright by me.

On top of the flour bucket. Hmm...RIGHT where I always look!

One sunny day in early April, I taught Corbin how to make a 'No-Man. First, we roll the snow into a big snowball. We do this three times and stack the snowballs together. We find stuff for the eyes, nose, arms and legs, scarf and buttons. We pose for a picture together. We add finishing touches as desired. Voila! Beautiful. It was short-lived; our 'No-man melted before Corbin woke up from his nap. Made me think of the early childhood years. They are also short-lived, and they are beautiful.