My Daddy sure does love me!
(Before reading it is important to inform you that the events & stories did infact happen, the emphasis however was added for humor purposes)

So this year had many accomplishments and this is not an end of year blog entry. It is however an opportunity for me to share with you another one of my White Sox stories. This year, one of the greatest things happened to Jen and I with the birth of Mason. He has been such a blessing and joy to our family and we just can't get enough of him. He has also been a great addition to the "Anderson White Sox Fan Club" by watching games, screaming at the pitchers, and crying when we lose a game or two. Some people say he likes the movement on the screen but we know better...he really likes the White Sox!
So this year the Sox did pretty good and won the American League Central Division and I was so excited because that meant more Sox baseball and the hat MLB put out was pretty cool.

Well this hat was nearly impossible to find. I wanted to get Mason one because it was a Sox hat, they won their division, and it was the year he was born. I thought it would be cool for him when he gets older. So I looked everywhere and the hat was always sold out. I had Aunts and Uncles in Chicago and Grandparents in Ohio looking everywhere for this hat and still no luck. I searched online and the best I could find was a Alternate hat, which was not my favorite, or one on ebay for 56 dollars. (Jen wouldn't let me bid on it though)
(JK, I'm not that crazy).
I even called the manufacturer of the hat and they gave me a list of stores to call that would carry or sold the hat but every store was sold out too. So as baseball season came to an end I was on the verge of giving up and accepting the fate of Mason's broken heart that his Daddy didn't get him his favorite hat, I decided to check one more time....and there it was! It was like I found a golden ticket to Willy Wonkas Chocolate factory! It was like the Sox just won another world series. The hat was for sale again! So after making sure it was in stock, and under 25 dollars, I called Jen and placed the order while asking for her approval at the same time. (Gotta ask the wife first right!) She of course said yes and three days later Mason got his first real White Sox hat!

Isn't he so cute!

That's my little Sox fan!
So the hat is going in a plastic bag and will be put away for a rainy day.
Maybe even his first game at US Cellular field. Who knows!
"I love you buddy!"

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!

November 2nd!

Happy Birthday Babe! 

Isn't he delicious?!

Wow! Thirty Years Old! 

Where does the time go?

Here are thirty things that make my sweets so amazing!

1. He is so laid back about everything (except for if it has to do with our little Mason).  He has taught me to step back and enjoy life a little more.

2. He is so patient.  

3. He loves to joke and laugh.  He always makes sure we are having a good time! 

4. He loves playing and watching baseball.  Whenever we go to a game it's tradition to share a hotdog.... and he always gives me the first bite! When playing he is the good sport complimenting everyone and keeping it positive.

5. He treats all women with such respect.  Sometimes I wonder if we really do live in a fairy tale because of the royal treatment I receive.  He is such a gentleman.

6. He is so kind.  He never has a bad word to say about anyone.  He tries to make sure that everyone is comfortable in awkward situations. 

7. He is always serving.  He is always offering everything he has including his time to others.

8. He is very creative.  He loves spending time creating videos.  He developed this talent when he was very young, and although he doesn't have much time to practice.... he is very good at it!

9. He works hard!

10. He always helps out around the house.  He even likes to do the dishes!

11. He never complains, even though sometimes life is so overwhelming.

12. He really does love unconditionally.  Something I am trying to learn from him.

13. He gives a great hug!

14. He is the best friend I ever had or ever will have.

15. He is a good listener and when I am not to stubborn to take it, he gives good advice!

16. He loves to watch sports, musicals, and movies.  He likes to do everything and anything! He is so easy to please!

17. He makes some really great pancakes!

18. He eats cookies and ice cream with me even when he doesn't feel like it, just so I don't have to feel guilty.

19. He is such a good sport! When we disagree he always says he's sorry first (even when I am the one at fault).  He is teaching me to be less stubborn and more forgiving.  

20. He is very, very forgiving.

21. He likes to travel.  A few of the places we've been together.... Mexico, San Diego, Australia...

22. He is spontaneous! One time he planned a trip to take me to Six Flags in Colorado for our Anniversary.  He even packed my bags for me.  Daring huh?

23. He loves his birthday! He makes it fun to celebrate!

24. He also loves Christmas! I love that he has a little lego train that he puts around our tree every year.  He even starts listening to Christmas music... well, actually.... he will listen to it any time of the year.... if I allow it! :o)

25. He is pretty darn smart, especially when it comes to movies and music.  He also knows a lot about computers.  If there is anything he doesn't know, just give him a little time and he will figure it out.

26. He is very sweet, and again... patient.  He has stayed up late many, many nights listening to me cry about something I've been stressed about.  Even though he can barely keep his eyes open, he will just let me keep talking until I feel better.  Sometimes till the early hours of the morning. 

27. He is a great dancer! He danced in some shows in New York before we met.  I love it when he breaks out into some of his old moves! He also did me a favor by taking a ballroom dance class with me just for fun.  He was a fabulous partner!

28. He is very sensitive.  I didn't know how truly sensitive he was until we had our little Mason. The second he entered the world and was placed on my stomach Josh's tears began to flow.  It was so precious!

29. He really loves his family! He has proven that he would do anything necessary to make sure they are safe and well.

30. He is Josh! He is truly authentic! I have never met anyone so perfect.  He is the love of my life! He is a wonderful husband and daddy!

The Carving Clan!

We are so glad Christensen's came over to carve pumpkins with us.  They made it so much fun and because of them the pumpkins actually have legible faces! (Aren't their kids so cute?!) They brought some fun little gadgets that made it possible to carve A+ pumpkins! Unfortunately we did this activity during little Mason's bedtime, so Josh found a way to include him.... 

Notice Josh's pumpkin... He is one of those talented carvers with an idea! He saw my sister Michelle put her little guy in a pumpkin a couple years ago and has been wanting to do it with his boy every since.  Well, the pumpkin was carved and ready, all we needed was to wait until the baby woke up to execute the plan!

Mason didn't think it was such a "cute" idea! In fact we tried a couple of times and then by the intense cry we could tell we were pushing a little too hard just for a cute picture! Maybe we'll try again next year with a bit bigger pumpkin!

The Pumpkini!

We had so much fun growing a vegetable garden this year.  We had lots of tomatoes, green peppers, and zucchini.  We also have a whole bunch of pumpkins that are ready to be carved.  This particular zucchini was huge and I had planned on making some bread with it.  

There was just one problem! When Josh and I cut it open, we realized our zucchini was one of a kind.  Oops! We must have planted the pumpkins too close because this was what you might call a 'Pumpkini'.  It smelled and looked just like a pumpkin on the inside.  I was still going to use it, but Josh laughed at me like I was joking.  This poor vegetable.... rejected because it was different from the rest.  

The Best Gift Ever!

We were so lucky to receive a visit from some very special friends a couple days ago. I worked with Dr. Palmer for about three years and he became family to Josh and I. He and his wife are so much fun to be around! Dr. "P" is very talented with his hands, and with the knowledge that Mason's room had been done in trains, he made us a train from wood for Mason's room. It is so amazing! Every little detail is so perfect! It is just what Mason's room needed and we had just the spot for it!
We do wish we would have taken a picture of Dr. "P" and his wife, Ilene, with Mason and the train. Josh and I both couldn't believe we didn't think of it! Oh well, another excuse to see them again! :o)

The train is situated right next to the changing table and Mason is so fascinated with this new addition to his room. We can't even begin to express how much we love this incredible train! Thank you so much!

DIVISION CHAMPS!!!!!

"GO GO WHITE SOX!"

Mason was so excited, almost more than Josh that the White Sox were actually on TV in Utah for the "Tie-breaker" to see who would be the division champions.

Mason and I suited up for the game first thing in the morning! We thought we would make daddy proud! He has all sorts of superstitions about who should wear what when. It turns out that Mason was not allowed to where his gray White Sox Onesie because the last time he wore it the White Sox lost. I promised him that "this time" it would bring good luck!
I'm sure their win tonight had something to do with his request for dinner! He sent Mason and I out to get Brats and maple bars. Somebody told him it was amazing and so we gave it a try. It was actually really good.....and super nutritious? Uh, I don't thing so! We'll have to limit our intake on brats and maple bars! :o)