Amazing Andrea!

It was a beautiful fall day . . . October 26, 1972 to be exact.  On this day my life was going to change forever . . . forever for the better for I was becoming a mother for the first time!  Andrea made this world a better place as she joined the Warr family.  Since I was new at this motherhood thing, I wasn't quite sure what to expect - but still remember the overpowering feeling as she was born that I had  just been part of a most wonderful miracle - the miracle of birth and life!  She was born at Moritz Community Hospital in Sun Valley, Idaho.  And it's true, our life has never been the same . . . nor would we want it to be!  Though she didn't have much hair, we thought she was the most beautiful little thing in this world!  And every new little thing that she did totally impressed us! 

Vic & Andrea

  Her first home was in our trailer house just south of Ketchum . . .  one of her first buddies in the trailer park was Trevor Patzer . . . and her cousin Nicole Archibald.  Since all of us moms were new at this, twas good to have someone else to compare notes with. . .   She was an only child for just a short period of time, as her little sister Erika, joined the family in 1975.  And if we thought one little girl was special, seemed that two were extra special.  Andrea went to elementary school in Bellevue - and she loved to read and hated to practice the piano.  She was very artistic and creative . . . her best friends were Tanya Rosenstein and Brandon Jones.  Though she was a model student and rather quiet and shy, there were a few Bellevue boys that will remember being put in their place quite firmly at recess by Andrea's physical prowess.  

Sweet 16

@ 607 Lawrence

Life was wonderful in the Wood River Valley and the little Warr family continued to grow - 2 brothers and a new baby sister  were added to the original 2, making the perfect family of 7!  Camping, skiing, enjoying our place on Broadford Road with the Wood River in our backyard . . . what could be better?  But economic times were a little rough and so after lots of thought and prayers, it was decided that the family would move to Boise.  Andrea was an 8th grader . . . a difficult age to move!  She made friends, but not like the close ones she left behind.  She continued to shine as a student and her creativity and artistic talents grew.  She loved art and one of her pictures was chosen as the art for a community Christmas card.  She was always so helpful and responsible . . . but  she did discover boys - and they discovered her!  And as time has gone by, oh the stories we've discovered!  But it was fun to watch our #1 take us through each new step of being parents! 

Then came high school graduation . . . and shortly after came that sad but proud day when she headed to Ricks College.  Everything seems harder with your first . . . and many tears were shed by this mom on the drive back from Rexburg.  But it was there that she met one of her soul mate friends - Sara Russell!  It was, and still is, as if they had known each other long before Ricks College days. 

Lots of changes came into Andrea's life . . . some that I am sure she would never have wished for . . . but looking back, she became a stronger and more determined person through some difficult times.  Many times my heart broke for her, but I learned a lot from watching her pick up and go forward and upward!  

Mandy and Andrea

On May 1, 1999 she married Rick Souden . . . and became an instant mom to Amanda and Rick became an instant dog owner to Otis.  They lived in Idaho Falls in half of a duplex that they bought.  Not long after they were married, they were visiting us and YAHOO!  Told us that a little one was going to be joining their family!  Being a mother is wonderful - but being a grandmother is . . . well . . . it is GRAND!  On March 9, 2000, Madeline Brianne Souden came into this world!  And if Andrea was short on hair as a baby, Madeline made up for it!   Shortly after that, they moved to Nampa - and it was such fun to have them close by! 

The new mom with proud grandma and great grandparents!

Andrea was a very calm first time mother . . .  and great little wife . . . she helped out with their finances by delivering papers every morning . . . early morning!  They moved to another little house in Nampa and then bought a house not far from 10910 Arabian Way . . .  8900 Targee a home on an acre which soon became home to not only their family, but to chickens, cats, calves and a dog, a garden and fruit trees . . . Their place is one where all critters know they are special . . . and most have very creative names thought up by Andrea and/or Madeline.  (Rick has learned he just needs to listen here).   

Andrea, Mad and the Twilight crew

Andrea, Rick & Bentley & Placerville

Not long after they had moved to Boise, Andrea (with much support and encouragement from Rick) returned to college . . . and received her Bachelor's in English.  She was - and is an amazing student!  I am sure that several of her professors will remember her for forever for her insightfulness and what she added to their classes!  She maintained very high grades - was on the honor roll, while still being a fulltime mom and wife and student!  Pretty impressive gal!  She got her teaching certificate and her first job was at the alternative high school.  She loved it and they loved her.  But it was a temporary contract and so the next year found her wondering where she would be . . . or if she would be.  That year she taught at the alternative junior high and enjoyed it . . . but same story, different school - a temporary contract.  The following year she taught at Fairmont Jr. High . . . and same thing . . . then the next year she was at West Jr. High . . . and FINALLY this year she is on a continuing contract and everyone is so happy!  She is highly respected among her fellow teachers and she has become many of her students favorite teacher!  She is probably one of the most creative thorough teachers I have ever met (and I've met my share).  There is much to be learned from her - not only as a student, but as a fellow teacher!  

Sisters . . .

The 5 Warr kids . . . the BEST!

Pops and his #1

Ma and her #1

 And so as her birthday comes around, I reflect on how proud I am to be her mom!  She is an amazing woman - mom - teacher - wife - friend!   I know that whatever she decides to do will come to be . . . from riding her motorcycle many miles through Washington to completing her Master's Degree  . . . it shall be done and done well!  No matter what she does, she does it with style and class . . . from wearing her red boots to being able to look like a model whether going out for the evening or mowing the lawn!   And I'm glad I get to be a part of her life!  She has taught me much and continues to teach me!  She can be counted on to always lend a listening hear and a thoughtful heart and she is loved by everyone in her family!! 

Lookin' it over @ Placerville