Exorcising Demons......

I PASSED!!!!!!! I GOT MY C!!!!!!!!! PAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRTTTTTTTTTTTYYYYYYYYY TIME!!!!!!!

Another session down....

Tonight was the final of my college algebra class. I think I did ok. I needed a C in the class to continue having a prayer of being able to graduate in December. At this point I don't know any more if I will or not. I feel like it's out of my hands. The right four classes must be offered at the right times, and a couple other things must happen as well. Most colleges are known for completely screwing their seniors however they can to milk that one extra semester (or two) out of them, and I have no reason to believe this school is any different. In fact, quite the contrary.

Things at home are moving along. Justin's in a race to see who can grow out of Christian's clothes first- him or Christian. He's starting to coo and smile and interact with those around him a little when he's in the right mood. He's also learning that he can do simple things like kick at his fish on his bouncer.

Christian is rapidly developing and refining his language skills. He's becoming easier to understand, and you can see his brain racing beyond the limits of his speech. Unfortunately he is also mimicking facial expressions and verbal behaviors, and he's sadly learning an awfully lot from his Daddy. If any of you ever think looking into a mirror is cruel, have a child; you'll see a reflection of yourself in many new ways.

Grant's continuing to enjoy being the oldest son. He feels useful and empowered. He knows that he's a leader and he revels in it, although sometimes he goes too far and gets taken down a peg. He is HIGHLY competitive- something his parents never take advantage of....of course not...that wouldn't be right..................

Andi's unthinkably amazing. There's not much else I can say. She carries on day after day, despite sleeping in bursts and having a motor that rarely winds down. And the most wonderous part is that through it all she still puts up with me...

And here we have our first video post. If this works out well, there will be MANY more to come; both new videos and even some old ones I have stored away, if they come with a good story to tell.

This video was taken this past week. I think it speaks for itself.

Why Am I Awake?

This is Andi. I'm new to this blogging stuff, so I guess I'll figure out later how to assign my name to the posts I write. Brian and I discussed the fact that we do not want to be held accountable for what the other blogs.
Here I am, all by myself with 7 children ranging in age from 5 weeks to 4 years old. They are all blissfully asleep, and yet I am not...even though I am exhausted and had less than 3 hours of sleep last night. Now the question is why am I awake. I guess I am duty bound to write a little something in our new blog - especially since I have failed to send my monthly family newsletter for the past 2 months. When I began the newsletter, I believe I said that it might turn into a blog. Well, since our family now has a blog (and a new baby), there likely won't be any further newsletters. You can just come here to find out what we're up to, and to see pictures of our three adorable little boys.
Enough said for now. I think it's nap time!

Blissful Silence

Oh what the peace of a quiet Sunday afternoon can do for the soul!

The past month has been a blur, to say the least, but we knew that was how it was going to be. When a new baby comes many things also come with it. Most of these things are wonderful- like all the help and support from friends and family- yet some of it just adds more stress to things. The only perspective that brings with it the sanity to survive is to know that this, too, will pass and some semblance of a "normal" life will come again in time.

Well today was the day we got over the hump. Justin was blessed in church today and most of the family has been around here and there for the past few days. Now everyone has returned to their homes and things here have settled down.

As grateful as we've been for the abundance of help we've had since Justin's birth, it feels really good to have things back to being just us. Of course it won't be life as we knew it, but it will be life as we make it once again. There's something calming and restful in that thought.

Brian

And then there were 3...

June 1 was the scheduled day for the arrival of our 3rd son, Justin Charles. He came as planned, and as I believe these pictures all illustrate, we couldn't be more thrilled. Grant is an extrememly proud oldest brother, and Christian is doing well with Justin, too. Andi's recovery has been utterly amazing, and she's now officially allowed to resume all previous activities. She's very glad to be allowed to drive again. Now if any of you have any advice on how to survive raising 3 sons..... please feel free to share.

Sheeping the Moon?

Today there was a gathering of friends at Hu-Hot Mongolian Grill; a first-time meeting for some of us. We all share the same sordid fascination with a little computer game called World of Warcraft. Prior to the event I was threatened with horrific things if I didn't get a picture taken of all of us, so there it is. This maniacal band of ruffians are responsible (from left to right) for the creation of the toons named Tayeris, Pesti, Muergglyn, Thoringar, Krunsh, and Udor. The food was good, the conversation was what you'd expect from half a dozen gamers, and no property damaged was caused by the roasting of marshmallows. If you ever have the chance to consume cheesecake rangoons drizzled with chocolate sauce....carpe diem!

In the Beginning.....

Ok ok we'll avoid the existential stuff....for now. Here's my shot at being web-savvy. We'll see how it goes. If you're reading this you likely know me, so there should not be a need for an in-depth intro.

I'm gonna post this just to see how it looks. :P