Holiday Wishes

Seasons greetings from the Anderson family. We have had a really wonderful year full of growth and learning, laughter and joy. Here are just a few of the things we've been up to for those new to our blog.

The Year that Was...
Staley continues to work for Baker Hughes Centralift. He has become an essential (and sometimes only) member of inventory. At his company Christmas party it was wonderful to meet all the people who thought so highly of him and the work he does.

As most of you know, I finished the coursework for my masters in May and passed my MA exams in October. I am currently at work on my thesis, a creative work based in Arthurian literature. I am still working in the Midland College Technical Pool. It's a completely unchanging job, but I work with nice people and it gives me time for my thesis.

Liliana has grown so much. She became an international traveler in July with our trip China. The Chinese were quite taken with her and it was all around a really wonderful trip. She started walking three weeks before her first birthday, which she celebrated with friends, family, and panda cake. Lili is currently into everything. She is full of joy and mischief, keeping Mommy on her toes.

Our dogs have adjusted to their baby sister. Perdita loves her so much and is very protective of her. Charleigh is more easy going, but is still fond of Lili. In October Charleigh and Lili won a costume contest for Best Duo as Cinderella and her pumpkin.

Another big development this year was our induction into the family at St. Nicholas Episcopal Church. Staley grew up in St. Nicks, so when we started looking for a church he suggested we try it. We wanted a church that Lili could grow with and I think we have found it. Everyone is very nice and so fond of Lili, even when she insists on making a joyful noise during the sermon. My parents started going to St. Nicks as well, which has made it even more special. We have been active with things like Angel Tree and outreach to help others.

The Year Ahead...
December 14 we are leaving on a family trip to California. Liliana will be going to Disneyland for the first time and then we will end the trip in San Francisco.

Staley will be returning to school working toward a degree in computer science. We are lucky in that his company will pay for some of the costs.
I will (fingers crossed) be finishing my thesis and graduate in May. From there I hope to find an adjunct position at the college with the desire to someday become full time. We hope to become more involved in our church and to cultivate the relationships we've developed.

And Liliana? Now that her health is better we want to start swimming again because she loves it so much. We are planning on having her start part time day care as well as dance class in the fall so she can play with other children. Aside from that, who knows? That's part of the fun. We never know what she will be up to next.

Thank you all for the blessings and well wishes we have received. Have a wonderful a safe holiday and a wonderful new year.

Love,
The Andersons
Matthew, Amber, Liliana, Charleigh, and Perdita

PS. Please feel free to browse out photo album at the left.
PPS. If you would like to be emailed when the blog is updated, feel free to email us at ladylazarus1961@yahoo.com.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving this year was so wonderful. It is probably the best Thanksgiving I have ever experienced. Liliana was supposed to keep away from people on the actual day, so we planned a small dinner at my mom's house. Larry and I were set to cook as Mom reiterated that she doesn't "do turkey."

We woke up Thanksgiving morning to soft snowfall. Mom came to pick Lili and me up to begin preparations at her house and the world was slowly turning white. By the time the turkey was half done, the snow was up past Lili's feet. She wasn't too crazy about it at first, but we did get her to spend some time outside. My (first) turkey came out really well and we all enjoyed a wonderful dinner, especially Lili. She ate all her turkey and wanted seconds. Staylee let her taste his cranberries, thinking she wouldn't like them. She ended up eating four servings. When it came time for pumpkin pie, Lili finished her tiny slice and then grabbed her Daddy's arm as if to say, "Got any pie, Dad?" Staylee has since started eating with his arm covering his plate.

Saturday we braved taking Lili out and enjoyed a beautiful snowy evening topped off with a visit to our newly opened Cracker Barrel. Liliana was especially fond of the biscuits (see pictures at the left).

Sunday morning we bundled her up for a lovely church service, followed by brunch at Cracker Barrel. Larry just wanted to try their breakfast. That evening we got out the Christmas stuff to officially kick off our holiday season.

The entire weekend was so wonderful, full of family and laughter and the addition of the snow made it just perfect. In our family album you'll find pictures of the food and festivities. I've even thrown in some of Perdi playing in the snow. Mostly because I really like my dog.

Next Friday we are leaving on vacation, but I will try to post some Christmastime pictures before then. Hope everyone is well.