Family vacation

For Christmas this year we decided to take a family vacation. We have annual passes to Disneyland this year so naturally we decided that is where our trip would be. At first it was just going to be a week at Disneyland but then a good friend that lives in Burbank called us and said they would be on Utah for the whole of Christmas break and would we want to use their house an watch their cat in Burbank since we were going to be in the vicinity anyhow. It was an answer to our prayers. It gave us the ability to take the whole two weeks and spend it as a family in Southern California. Our tickets aren't good for the week of Christmas since we didn't want to pay the extra for no blockout dates but that was okay with us as we had never done anything in SoCal but Disneyland.
So here we are enjoying comparatively warm weather and seeing many sights in LA and surrounding areas.

Day one-

We arrived in Burbank about 1 in the morning and promptly fell into bed as slept until 10 or so in the morning. Then we headed up to Solvang, taking time to drive through Santa Barbara on our way. Solvang is a little Danish town and seeing as Lars is Danish, and by natural design my kids are too :) So we decided to take the 2 hour trip up to see it. It was fun though we felt we didn't have enough time to do it justice. The drive up there was gorgeous though and worth every second of those two hours.

It's a lot of family togetherness so there is plenty of squabbles and complaining but there is also plenty of laughs, wonder, an memories being made.

I'll post more tomorrow!

Good in the world- 2

Seeing as it's Christmas time as well as because of the events of the last week I think we need, or at least I need, another Good in the world post. So despite the fact that bad things happen, and so often to such very good and innocent people, I think there is evidence of good as well. It doesn't take much. I think it's so easy to focus on the bad and to ask "Where is God when these bad things happen?" I know that God has given us each the ability to make our own choices and he will not interfere with this sacred gift. Sometimes he will whisper words of warning to us that may help to keep us out of harms way, but he won't always do that. We are here in the life, on this earth, to experience things, to experience life and as much as I want it to be all rainbows and butterflies it isn't, and can't be. That is what heaven is for, right? At any rate, God not only whispers words of warning to us in times of danger he will whisper words of encouragement, words of hope, and words of happiness. He often nudges us to help others with these words. And no, we don't usually hear these things with our ears, nor voices in our head, its just a thought or a feeling, "I should call so-and-so today." or "I wonder if ---- needs some dinner brought over or a treat" Why do we feel these things at times? Because we are here to spread all the good we can, so look around and watch for the good happening around you, and even better be a part of it. Look for the good you can do, "listen" for the thoughts you have to help others even if it is as simple as a phone call or text. Here are some of my observations of good lately.

My Grandpa. This guy is a constant giver and helper to those around him and I have been lucky enough to be the recipient of his help more times than I can count, both as a child and as an adult. He has a quick and cheerful smile, he would give you the shirt off his back (and I don't doubt that he may have actually done that at some point in his life) He loves kids and always manages to make everyone around him feel young again, because he has such a jolly, youthful spirit about him. He has canned peaches with me, helped us remodel our home, given kids rides to and from places, and gone on trips and activities with us. We love to have him around and are so blessed that he has been able to do so much with us.

Sunsets. I know, it isn't much. The wonderful thing about sunsets is that it is easily accessible. It is there no matter where you live or what may be going on around you. It is a beauty that is shared with all the world. There is something so serene about sunsets. It just makes you stop, if for just a moment, and soak in the beauty, I think that is so good for the soul. Visual beauty does that. To me sunsets are a good in this world.

People helping other people. I don't have a picture of those that helped but good friends of ours that are always there when we need help took at day to help us when this big pine tree blew over in a windstorm. They have been there countless times before when we have needed help. People that are willing to set aside their own needs and to-do lists to help are such a good in this world.
Here is an article of a kid that does this on a regular basis. We could all learn a little from him.

Then there is someone out there who is doing the 12 days of Christmas for our sweet friends. It is such a blessing for them as they have 5 cute girls and work hard just to make ends meet. They also do much to spread happiness to others around them so I'm so happy to see them being recipients of that kind of goodness too. 

Babies. As always babies are just such a breath of fresh air. Their innocence reminds us to be better, their helplessness teaches us to be less selfish, their smiles and milestones remind us to take joy in the simple things of life. 

Family 

Snuggles (and naps!) 

               Friendships 

 

 

       A sense of humor and Silliness

Random and small sightings of beauty

It doesn't have to be a big thing, a grand act, or cost anything. There is good in the world, just look for it and you will find something. 

Please Christmas don't be late

Christmas, Christmas time is here!!!!! Can you believe it is in just one week?! Obviously I can't. We get to leave for California in just a few days and can't wait to spend Christmas in California and to, of course, GO TO DISNEYLAND! This trip, however, we are spending the first week checking out the other local tourist sites, which I'm not sure actually exist, I mean is there really anything but Disneyland in California, I don't think so, I'm pretty sure it's a myth, like Bigfoot. BUT if it does exist, life beyond Disneyland, not Bigfoot, then we will have some good times indeed. We tried to convince grandpa to come with us but he has chosen to help hold the fort down at home, which I'm sure the cat appreciates.

Really though, how can it be a week till Christmas? Just a couple weeks from 2013. I'm not going to wax poetic or get all sappy but seriously, where has time gone and how do I rewind just a bit to enjoy some of those moments I rushed through? Okay that's it that's my "time is going to fast" bit for this post, I know it is a common theme for me, I guess I'm getting old(er) or something. Actually I just realized that I need to get Oscar a drivers handbook so he can get his permit and get his 40 hours of driving time in. Wow, things have changed since I got my license, or did I just have a different experience than many people. I got my permit the day I was allowed, I drove as much as possible, then the day I turned 16 I went and took my driving test and that was it, I was a licensed driver. (And yes the thought of my kids doing it that way freaks me out like not many thoughts can! Really that was it?! What were people thinking?)

We are all excited that Santa gets to visit us in California instead of Utah this Christmas though Lilli is a little sad we won't have snow. She was actually shocked to learn it doesn't snow in Disneyland…EVER!
"What?? Not even on Christmas Eve or Christmas day? How is that possible?" She incredulously asked not wanting to believe this could be true. Alas it is, and probably the very reason so many people flock to southern California.  So she has declared we must go build a sandman on Christmas since we can't build a snowman, I'll let you all know how it goes. :)

Okay now I have some recommendations;
1) Check out my food blog because I actually post to that fairly regularly so if you are looking for some good recipes that's a good stop because that is one of my loves, cooking.
AND
2) I have a few books that I've read lately that I love.

• The Girl of the Limberlost- by Gene Stratton Porter
• Freckles- by Gene Stratton Porter
• The hiding place- by Corrie Ten Boom, Elizabeth Sherrill, John Sherrill
• NurtureShock- by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman (Non-fiction)
• Quiet: The power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking- by Susan Cain (Non-fiction)
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerers stone (For the 50th or so time)
• Little women (For the 1000th or so time)

That's about it for now. We are all merry and bright here, other than the occasional cold or stomach bug that seem to be a part of winter. I'll write up a new years post with a more detailed update on our crew after my vacation! Merry Christmas all!

Fall

I love fall! It is truly the best season. The weather cools down, nights are crisp, you can don all those sweaters that have been waiting in the closet. I love the decor, the leaves changing, the mountains ablaze with color, but mostly I love the smells. I can smell the "campfire" smell as people begin to use their fireplaces. There is cinnamon everywhere. And i begin to bake fall treats. Gingersnaps, pumpkin bread, pies, hot chocolate. In Denmark there is a word that doesn't really translate, it describes almost a feeling and it is hard to describe but it is how fall makes me feel. Hygge. It is coziness, and home, and feeling secure and happy. Everyone has their own way to describe it, but to me it is fall. It is how I feel when I'm home with my family drinking hot chocolate, watching Charlie Brown's halloween special. It is making christmas treats with my kids, and writing christmas lists. It isn't just fall but when I think of fall I think of hygge.

October 1st is a great day because it is when I feel like fall really begins, we can get out our decorations, start thinking about the holidays, and plan our christmas. I force myself not to break out my christmas music yet, I let the anticipation build a little longer so I can truly savor my favorite music. November 1st is when I pull it out, too soon for many but just right for me.

So this is a short and sweet post but I am a happy girl, and though I say I wish fall would last all year I know I wouldn't love it quite as much if it did, it wouldn't be the same, there would be nothing to look forward to. It is, however, far too short. (But like most short things the happiness it brings makes up for the lack of size or amount of time, just look at me) :D

There is good in the world

There are days where you feel like this world is rotten. Days where you see all the horrible news, mean comments, smog and filth, and all the other negative that is out there. You think that all hope is lost.

Then you snap out of it, this funk that enveloped you. You take a breath, look around, and start to see the good. Sometimes it is just little things, and then you start to see more and more. You take another deep breath, this time a little slower, and let it out with a satisfied "Ahhhhh" There is good in the world.


Like this

This little guy was born today. He was born to a wonderful family, one of my favorites. He is perfect, and adorable, and sweet. I'm so happy for him, to be born into a great family, I'm so happy for his family, to have been blessed with a sweet adorable boy, I'm happy for me, that I got to hold him and soak up his sweet presence. 

Like my darling friend who works hard to bring some happiness to some kids that are facing challenges I don't even want to imagine. She is amazing and selfless. She brings and is good in this world. Check it out here and here.

2 friends came to the hospital today when I had to take my Grandpa, to give him a blessing. (A special prayer) It was so kind and lifted his spirits so much. I had to hold back tears knowing that people love Grandpa so much that they will leave their families for a few minutes, at 11:30 at night no less, to help him out. I love having these good people in our lives and count them as family. 

I'm looking forward to this event, the theme of which just happens to be "Seek the Good". Perfect. I can't wait for TOFW to be able to sit and soak up all the uplifting words, music, and gentle spirits of those that present and attend. Happily I'm on the team this year to help spread the word. Get ahold of me if you do want more info. It really is a great event that will lift your spirits for a long time after. My daughter gets to attend the girls version, TOFG, while I'm at the event for women. I'm so grateful for all the hard work that goes into putting on this amazing event. It is put on by a good company, and pulled together by amazing women. I can't wait to hear about more good in the world at this event. 

Like my kids. They are the best good in this world to me. They bring me joy daily, though we have our not so good moments too, they are amazing kids and each bring something precious to my life. 

Like my husband. He works incredibly hard for our family, both at work and at home. He tells me numerous times a day that he loves me and that he thinks I'm wonderful. We have had, and will have, our ups and downs but we laugh together, he holds me when I cry, and we think the same stupid things are funny. That's love.

So I'm snapping out of my funk and choosing to see the good in this world. I am making a goal to find one good thing everyday for a month to remind myself of the good that is out there.  I'm seeking the good and I plan to find it.

What have you seen that is good lately? 

Misplaced sorrow

As I wrote the title of this post it struck me as kind of funny. Usually when we see the word "misplaced" it is referring to an object that is lost. "I misplaced my book" or the like.
With misplaced feelings it really means what it implies; to apply a feeling to the wrong person, idea, or situation. I wish I could misplace my feelings in the other sense sometimes; if I could just "lose" my anxiety, anger, or sadness that would be convenient at times.
In this case I was feeling sorry for myself for the wrong thing. Let me first just say, I had a bout of anxiety tonight and couldn't sleep after, so this post may or may not make sense. So here it goes, for now, it may be edited later.

Tonight we had a get together with Lars' high school friends. When Lars and I were dating, and in the earlier years of marriage, I didn't always feel comfortable or really a part of the group. I felt like an intruder or someone on the outside looking in; I felt displaced. That was hard for me, I've always been able to integrate myself in most any group easily. It wasn't that anyone was unkind or ever did anything to purposely make me feel that way, in fact we were quite close with one of the couples and everyone else was always kind. It came a lot from my own insecurities, from often being on the outside of reminiscing, and from really feeling quite homeless after transplanting from a different state and leaving my family behind.
Over the years I have felt more a part of the group, usually. I have also grown as an individual, as well as Lars and I growing as a couple and family and becoming "The Andersen's" and not just Lars' family.
So now you have some backstory, and like I said, tonight we had a get together with them. Most everyone finished having kids about 5 years ago, just as we thought we were done... before Sam let us know he wanted to be part of our family. Because of this they can easily chat and visit while the kids wander and play, without too many interruptions. Lars and I have a baby, a toddler really. That means at least one of us has to be up following him, helping him, or just generally keeping him safe. It is really a 24/7 job with some naps thrown in. :) So while everyone visited I chased Sam, who really is an amazing ball of energy, he does not sit still too often, and if he does it doesn't last long. At some point in the evening I started to feel sorry for myself, Lars did take turns following Sam but often Sam just wanted mama. I felt sad that I was missing out on the conversations, sad that I was left out, through no ones fault, but left out nonetheless. I was a little put out that they had all seemingly forgotten what it was like to have a baby/toddler.
Late tonight as I lay in bed with Sam as he was falling asleep I realized...I would be more sorry if I missed out on those moments with my baby. I'll have many many years of friend gathering, but just a few short years of my baby being little. It won't be long before he, like my other kids and all the other kids at the gathering, is off playing happily and safely on his own. He won't need more than occasional checking on, and even that doesn't last forever. So I'm choosing to cherish the moments, and few short years, I have to chase, wander with, and play with my baby. I love talking and sharing ideas and thoughts with other adults, but to everything there is a season. Right now is the very short season of my last baby's toddlerhood. I won't be sorry I was present and attentive during this time, I would, however, be sorry if I missed it.

What I should be doing

Can anyone relate? It's late at night, I have a hundred things I should be doing but I'm just wiped out. I had a kid throwing up today, a baby that sensed that he might be playing second fiddle for the day so he wanted to be held all day, and so consequently, I got nothing done, seriously nothing.
Piles of laundry are waiting to be put away, the kitchen really needs to be tidied up, I have paperwork/bills I need to take care of, and I just want to crawl in bed and sleep until morning. Instead I'm snuggling a baby that doesn't want to go down; you know, the half sleep where they only want to sleep if they are in your arms. And so I blog, because I can do that much.

Someday I will sleep through the night, someday I'll sit through all of church and actually be able to tell you what they talked about, and someday I really will miss all this. I know that, you know that, even the old ladies at the grocery store know that. :) That doesn't make it any easier, just reminds me that it is all worth it.
Yeah, I know I write about this a lot. But I'm a mom, I have a baby and I have 15 year old, plus the in betweens. I look at my baby and I look at my 15 year old and I know that my baby will be that big too before I can blink. Sure I have lots of long hard days ahead of me, but I wouldn't trade them for anything. And I'd really like to pause these moments where my sleeping baby is laying on my chest, content as can be. And despite all the undone things around the house, I'm pretty darn content too.

A child's view, and a mother's view too

We have some friends that just moved from their current house to another one about 10 blocks away. Upon hearing of the move of her cute friend in the family she looked up at me quite worried and upset.

"What?! They moved? Oh no!! Will I still see June?"
"Yes, of course" I replied, "The house is pretty close to the old one."
She makes of face of derision and confusion and wonders out loud "Why in the world would they move just to the next door house?"
I try not to laugh at her sweet innocence and how the world is so small to her that close must mean next door since far would mean all the way to Salt Lake City or if someone gets really brave, maybe Disneyland.
"Not quite that close" I reply finally
Relief floods over her face "Oh, well, ok then. I want to play with her soon."

Now I remember why I keep having kids, moments like these lighten your heart and remove any callousness or cynicism you start to develop as an adult interacting with a world that can seem callous or cynical. We need childlike bursts of innocence, emotion, and enthusiasm in our lives.

Yes I know that many moments, and even days, seem hard and long when you have a houseful of kids, but as I've said before, one good moment can wipe out a hundred hard ones. I read a quote recently and it sums up parenthood perfectly..."The days are long but the years are short"
Sure sometimes it feels like there aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done, but parenthood is a tough gig. When you are dealing with tantrums, picky palates, being pulled in 10 different directions there are days where it feels like bedtime will never come, for the kids or you. Then all of a sudden your baby is turning 15 and you fumble as you try to grasp back those years, if only for a moment. Believe me, it was no picnic when my oldest was a toddler, but I have a million moments that I look back on that warm my heart until it feels as though it is truly growing 3 sizes. (Grinch reference)
It is the bittersweet reminiscing that allows you to feel happiness in their growth and the life they have ahead of them, but the loss of innocence, childhood, and being able to keep your little ones close to you. But time trudges on no matter how much you pull at the hands of time trying to slow it down or turn back the years, and you have to keep finding joy in the moments, cause teenage-hood ain't no picnic either, at least not every second. Still there are still many many moments that warm my heart and I have to cherish those because it won't be too long before my sweet kiddos start to fly the coop and make nests of their own. In the meantime we live day to day, experiencing the frustrations, heartaches, happiness, and fun of having a family full of teenagers, toddlers, and everything in between. And each night I think back on the day and find at least one heartwarming moment or peek in on my sleeping kids because when they are asleep all innocence creeps back over their faces and they are angels in my eyes.

Back

I'm back. I just can't go without writing. I tried and have been itching to start again. So I'm back. That's it for now. Expect more...a lot more. :)

February and a long winter

Well I did pretty good in January at blogging. I started out with a goal to blog daily, and I was doing it at the beginning. Then I started to wonder why, why blog daily? I haven't come up with an answer yet so I will try to blog often but not necessarily daily.

Here it is, February. The month of love. As happens this time of year, nothing is really happening. It is winter blah time. And we were quite sad the groundhog did indeed see his shadow . :)
Even though it has been a mild winter, so far, it still isn't spring and we don't like that. I really want to start my garden and sit outside while the kids play, and BBQ. I want to not bundle up Sam when we leave the house. I have got to learn to like winter though. I am, in all likelihood, going to live in Utah forever and so I should enjoy it. I will try to find 1 thing I love about Utah in the winter for each day left in February. We'll see how it goes.

Getting back in touch with life

For the last couple years I have fallen into the habit of texting and keeping up with friends on Facebook instead of in person or by phone. It is very convenient and easy to fit in with other tasks. The problem is that even though I have been in touch I still feel like I have been falling out of touch a little. Quick texting conversations have their place. To confirm appointments, send a quick thought or joke, or let someone know you are thinking about them. Something is lost, however, when you replace face to face and phone conversations with texting and social media rather than using it as a supplement or aid.
So I made a vow to myself that I would reach out more to the people in my life. What are we here for, what are we living for, if we shun human contact for brief contact through distant computers that can never quite convey the feeling and warmth you can gain from the sound of a voice or a single look.
So far I have reconnected with an old friend both in person and on the phone. Several times when I have thought of texting someone to say hi I have called them instead, and I feel more alive and happy for it. That isn't to say that I will no longer text, email, or Facebook, not to mention blogging, but I will make an effort to find more balance. I also hope to use those tools to connect more with those that are far from me. There are so many ways to keep in touch with those I love, so I hope to embrace it all and fill my life with love, laughter, friends, and family.

Snowy slip and slide

400 N in Bountiful UT
Saturday January 21, 2012

Saturday Lars and I had planned on fixing a part of our fence that had blown over during the big windstorm in December. It was cold and rainy but we had the supplies and it needed to be done. So we set to work and worked until we were soaked and Sam had woken up from his nap at which point we decided to go inside, drink some hot chocolate, and warm up a bit. Once we had done that and Sam was settled, playing happily with Emma and Lilli, we went back outside to find a winter wonderland. We also found cars lining the streets, we have a corner home, and many accidents, both in progress and already happened. Our street had truly become a snowy slip and slide and many people were still trying to navigate it, despite the accidents on the street. Now I must say in their defense, before you come around the corner near our house you can't really see what is going on on the rest of the hill. They probably were quite surprised to see cars lined up along the streets, cars in yards, and people waving and yelling not to go down the hill. Unfortunately at that point it was probably already to late, you put on the brakes and begin your decent against your will. Thankfully people were finally able to get high up enough on the hill and low enough down to stop more traffic from coming up or down the hill. The severity of the situation can be viewed on this youtube video taken by someone 2 streets down from us. It was almost comical at first but then people helping those that had crashed or slid into yards and curbs were nearly run down but out of control cars. 

The snowplow was even having a difficult time making the climb up the hill. We watched wondering how this would play out. Finally after several failed attempts the snowplow began to turn around. Was he abandoning our street as a hopeless cause? And then he began to go up the street backwards, allowing the salt that shoots out the back of the truck to lay down traction up the hill instead of down. Another snowplow arrived on the scene and suddenly they were working together, one going backwards and one facing forward pushing the other along just to lay down that salt and make the road passable even for them. It was quite a scene and I am so sad we didn't get it on video. There were cheers and clapping on the street as the snowplow turned around at the top and finally cleared a path down the hill. Everyone waited, watching, as the snowplows made a couple of passes up and down the hill and finally the road was once again safe to drive on. There was, of course, clean up of the cars that couldn't be driven but everyone waiting was able to safely drive up or down the street. 

And then Lars and I finished the fence and drank more hot chocolate. It was quite a snow day. 

Fashion or clown

We are all familiar with the smokey eye look.

http://www.thebeautyinsiders.com/smokey-eyes-make-up-quickly.html

Well when I was waiting for my haircut yesterday I was flipping through one of the magazines they had out and came upon this, ummmm beauty.

As seen in an issue of Beauty magazine.

It is supposed to be the smokey eye but bright and fresh. I think it says "I'm dressing up as a clown" or "I've been in a fight with a clown"
Can someone really do this and think "Wow, I look smokin'"?! Sadly due to the power of advertising and media some poor girls and women will think just that. If they saw it on a woman walking around they would think it is ridiculous, put it on a model in a magazine and it becomes high fashion.
So, no more hiding those black eyes or dark circles under our eyes, from now on highlight and accentuate them! Makes life so much easier. (especially for us sleep deprived moms) Ü

January

January always seems to be synonymous with sickness at our house. I can't think of one January without at least 2 people being sick in our home. Nothing serious, just annoying viruses. Colds, stomach bugs, unexplained fevers.
This year is no exception. Emma had had a fever of about 102 degrees the last two days. She seems to be on the mend today but I'm on the watch for the next person. Thankfully, I don't get the illnesses myself, I'm too busy taking care of everyone else. When I get sick it's not good, nothing really gets done and I can't relax for thinking of everything I need to be doing.
All I can say is, thank goodness this January seems to be going a lot faster than last January, probably due in part to the fact that I have a baby this year and last year I was pregnant. Both of those events come with their own time warps. With pregnancy time slows way down, with a baby it's kicks into hyper-drive.
And seeing as its January and we are barreling towards February, I will be posting my annual tax post. Tax season is upon us!

Just for fun here is a picture of me and my new haircut. It was time for a change, my hair was too long and I didn't have time to dry, straighten, or whatever. With my thick hair, especially when it is long, it takes over 1/2 an hour to blow-dry. So this will be a nice change.

New addictions and fun surprises

I have a new addiction...Instagram. It is an iPhone app. It is kinda of a cross between blogging and Pinterest. It is a quick and easy way to post pictures of what you are doing or things you see. It has the ease of pinterest with the personal touch of blogging. I love it.

And speaking of pictures check out the beauty below. When we moved into the new house there was this ugly carpet downstairs but we figured it would do for now. But Lars pulled it back and found this fantastic old floor underneath. It was a great surprise, especially since so often during remodels the surprises are not fun and generally expensive. Yay for fun surprises!

A sense of accomplishment

When you have a baby sometimes it is hard to feel like you have accomplished anything, or to actually accomplish something. The day is filled with keeping the baby safe and yet providing them with a stimulating environment so they can learn the things they need to. It is amazing how much learning is crammed into our first two years of life. Not the point though. The point is that with a mobile baby the days are full of watching, teaching, and playing. (Which is wonderful, don't get me wrong) For some reason though my family also wants clean clothes, dinner, rides, etc. There is also my list of to-dos and projects needing to be done beyond the dishes and laundry. And we come to the point, it is often hard to feel like I've accomplished anything beyond the baby stuff. I know this stage ends and with him being my 5th I'm in no rush for him to grow up BUT today I actually did get to check something off my to-do list! Yay, it feels good to have one less thing on my list, though somehow 10 things have appeared to take that one tasks place. ;)
We moved into our house 4 months ago now and have had a pile of stuff on our back porch since then. It was mostly the stuff we realized we just don't need or want. It has been accumulating and each weekend we promise ourselves we'll take it to DI, a thrift shop, and yet it has sat, and worse, grown. Well my porch is no longer the embarrassment of the neighborhood! Yay!
So tonight I celebrate this one small accomplishment, tomorrow I will enjoy my baby and family.

He is so fluffy I am gonna die

Ummmm, yup, we got a new bunny. Okay, I swore I wasn't getting any new pets anytime soon but, well...look at that guy! He is huge and sweet and cuddly. We didn't go seeking him but when Lars called and told me about him I may have kinda told him not to come home without the rabbit.
His name is Chunky , following with our pet name theme thus far. In the past Chewy (still with us) Crunchy, Crispy, Carmel, Butterscotch, Licorice, Hershey, Furry Curry, Oreo, and Peanut Butter. And really, there is no other name that fits this chubby, fluffy, HUGE bunny as well as Chunky. (aka Chunk and Chunky Monkey)
He is about as big as Sam is right now, if not slightly bigger. As previously stated, he is the sweetest most cuddly thing. I'll get a picture of him laying in my arms on his back, almost comatose.
So the Andersen bunny haven is back in business apparently, and my Saturday this week will be taken making an outside pen where he can romp in the "wild".

Best friends

I don't know if I've ever written about Lilli's best friend. She and Jack have been best pals practically from birth. Jack is (for the next 7-ish months) the youngest child of our good friends. I would watch Jack to help them out sometimes and Lilli and Jack got along even as little toddlers.
They have done everything together. 4th of July breakfasts, preschool, and just spending as much time as possible together. They plan on getting married, and after the wedding...go swimming together. :)
When we moved it was so hard on them. Thankfully it isn't too far, but it isn't as close as down the street.
I don't think many of us have a friendship like this. I love watching them play. They can play for hours and never get bored. They pretend to be Harry Potter and Hermione. I love that they can play all day without ever once needing to turn on a movie or game.
They won't always be little but I hope they'll always be friends, no matter what, because friendships like this don't come along everyday.

Journals and nothing to write

When I was a kid my Grandma had a case of small journals that belonged to her grandma. I loved to read them. Mostly there was nothing very exciting or astounding, just everyday happenings. She would write that she went to the grocery store and then would list how much each thing cost. Or she would write about taking care of her baby, my grandma's mother, not how she felt about taking care of the baby just about taking care of the baby. Yet I found it all absolutely fascinating.
I don't write in a journal usually, I should but I never seem to do it. I love writing and putting my thoughts into words but with a journal they tend to sit in my nightstand and generally when I finally get to bed, I crash and am asleep quickly. So I blog and whether anyone else reads it or not I put many of my thoughts and feelings in writing. I probably should journal my more private thoughts and such sometimes too but maybe that's a goal for another year.
I sit here on my iPhone (Can I say once again, Thank you Steve Jobs for iPhones!) at close to midnight listening to my baby babble completely not ready to fall asleep, and I write, about nothing.

Parenting

Being a parent is incredible. It is incredibly difficult, incredibly rewarding, incredibly fun, and also incredibly exhausting (especially the older you get). Much of the difficult moments have nothing to do with your kids exactly; that is to say it isn't necessarily directly related to something they have done or not done. Much of it comes down to our expectations of ourselves as parents and guilt we often feel for not doing it all "the right way".
For example I go to bed each night feeling like I could've done better or here or done something differently there. Truth is I'm a pretty good parent, not perfect, but good. I love my kids, a lot, I feed them, I try to make sure they are clean and have all the other basic necessities of life. On top of that I try to make sure they have fun, that we have fun with them, and that they learn what they need to so that when the time comes and they move out they can clean and cook, and basically take care of themselves.
And yet, I still feel guilt. "I shouldn't have told Lilli to 'Hold on' so many times today."
"I should've spent more time talking to Emma instead of rushing when saying goodnight so I could finish cleaning the kitchen."
"I should've spent more time with Oscar helping him practice the song for his audition."
"I should've put down my work and watched the movie with Henry when he asked me to."
Obviously not earth-shattering but there is guilt, and there is room to improve.

I just read a post on another blog. I loved a lot of what she had to say. You can read the whole post here, but she was talking about how parenting is difficult and we aren't going to love every moment but there will be many moments that we love. I love that and wholeheartedly agree. The one thing I didn't agree with was when she said she was annoyed by being told to enjoy it because it all goes too fast. She said she doesn't really get annoyed by the people but the idea. I get both sides though. I know it goes by so fast, I know where these old ladies are coming from. Now that some of my kids are teenagers, I do miss those days when they were all little . I miss their antics, and the playgroups, and days at the park. I still have my younger kids but I miss the early days of parenting. I wouldn't trade it for where we are now but I wish I knew then how much I would come to cherish it all. But that is the thing about reminiscing, you get to remember the good things and let the bad fall to the wayside. That is the beauty of parenting. It is hard and sometimes thankless. It involves late nights, early mornings, and hours of work in between. In the end, however, it is worth it and you are happy to have been through the journey.
So you don't have to feel like you are doing something wrong if you don't "enjoy" every moment but take comfort in the fact that someday you will miss these days and look back on it all with fondness and tenderness. And someday you can tell someone how you loved these days too, but maybe let them know that it wasn't always easy, just very very worth it.

Yesterday

Well it has happened to me once again. Yesterday I wrote an awesome post, waxing poetic and thoughtful. Sadly, or fortunately, it is gone. Maybe it was a little too deep or maybe it was just too late at night and didn't make sense anyhow. No matter because it is gone, lost forever.
Instead I will write about Christmas and my latest project.
Christmas was fun, albeit crazy and hectic. My sister came in from Alabama with her family. With her having 7 kids it was a week of non-stop sleepovers and visiting. It was a lot of fun and we were so sad to see them go.
My kids really wanted to do the 12 days of Christmas again this year but I hadn't planned for it so we did the 7 days of Christmas. It was still fun and the kids seemed happy with their gifts. That always makes for a good Christmas.
Lars got me the food processor I've been eyeing. Sounds like a lame present, I know, but for me it is perfect. There is nothing I love to receive more than kitchen gear and gadgets! I've used it a ton already and just love it so much! We were so grateful to be in our new home for Christmas, though we all wished we were at Disneyland, we just were happy to be in our own home.

On to my project. I have made a goal to cook dinner every night for my family. Not to say I didn't cook a lot before but there were cereal or sandwich nights and way too many eating out nights. It seemed that if we for some reason had a late or busy evening we would eat out because it was getting late. So what changed is that I want to cook the meals at home, saving us money and giving us more nutritious meals. So if we make dinner at 7pm then that is when we make dinner. It actually has been pretty easy and so far delicious. The point is, when I decided to do this I wanted some more dinner recipes to work with. Now, I could easily go on the Internet and find endless recipes, I do that a lot. This time I wanted to try to gather recipes of friends. Tried and true meals that having been used by people I know and trust have good taste ;)
So far I have about 15 great recipes and am hoping to add more. Can't wait to compile them and start trying them out.

5-6-7...months that is

Yes, this is one of those all about my baby posts. He is adorable and I have to brag sometimes.

6 month stats:
19 pounds
29 inches
Cute as can be

Can you believe my "bathtub" baby is 7 months. Seems like yesterday I was waiting, waiting, waiting to have him. I seriously thought I was going to have an elephant pregnancy, I think they last 2 years. Yikes!

Sam is crawling, pulling up on furniture, smiling, laughing, and basically wrapping everyone around his little finger. He does love to party at 1 in the morning sometimes but that's what it's all about. Thank goodness it isn't all about the Hokey Pokey.


That's really it for today. I suppose I should do my after Christmas post next. Stay tuned.

Deer in the headlights

So, our new house is up in the hills a bit. What that means is that we have deer, a lot of deer, in the neighborhood.
It is so fun to walk to my car and see 3 or 4 down at the end of the road walking across the street early in the morning, or meandering in a nearby field. One night Lars and Henry were going to the store and saw one in the yard. The other kids and I looked out every window but we never did see it. You think deer and your mind conjures up images of peaceful forests, babbling brooks, and serene morning breezes.

But I have a confession. I am just as afraid of having a run in with a deer at night as I am of having a run in with, say...a mugger. When I go to my car late at night I am on high alert. I warily walk to the car listening, watching, ready to run or jump into the car should a mugger or, more realistically here in our small city in Utah, a deer should appear. I'm convinced if I catch one unaware that it will stomple me to death. (Yup, pretty sure that's a word)

So there you have it. Animal loving, wanna-be back woodsman, Crystal Andersen, is a little afraid of deer. (Though I also really wanna pet one!) :)

Shower

No we aren't talking about the fun parties when people get married or have a baby. We are talking about a real shower. Not that I know much about them, when I do see the shower it is about a one minute affair. Get in soap up, wash hair, hop out.
When you have a baby that wakes up at night to nurse you end up having to make a choice. Shower or sleep a little longer. The choice is simple...sleep.
Ok so it's not like I go around
un-showered for days at a time but I often have missed days for sure. It only feels like I walk around un-showered for days at a time.
Still a shower, or if I go really wild...a bath, feels like a luxury and is a treasured thing as a mom.
Don't take them for granted.

2012

It is amazing to me. Another year gone. Before I know it Sam will be 1. He is already over half a year old, hitting the ripe old age of 7 months just after Christmas.

I have a few goals this year.

Have more fun with my kids and don't sweat the small stuff.
Write on my blog everyday for a year starting with today.
Go to Disneyland :)

I have a couple more personal goals but these are a few of my main goals and hopes for this year.

So before we fully move into the new year a brief recap of 2011....

I got really huge (pregnancy)
Henry entered double digits (10)
Lilli turned 5
Sadly, an old friend passed away "before his time"
I had Sam, alone...in a bathtub
Went to San Francisco for the 1st time
Moved out of our beautiful home we ha worked so hard to restore.
We lived with family for 3 long months and learned patience and gratitude.
We finally moved into our new home!
Our renters decided they didn't like the amount of rent anymore so we "agreed" they would move out.
I stressed that our kids wouldn't have Christmas ;)
The great windstorm of 2011 and the miracle of the pine tree that fell and didn't damage anything.
Christmas with ALL my siblings.
The loss of another wonderful friend all too soon.
New years!
And here we are.

It has been an exciting year, full of happiness, sadness, strength, loss, newness, bonding, and adventures.

I can't wait to see what this year has in store and I hope to do all I can to make it a wonderful year for myself and my loved ones. (And I really hope it includes Disneyland!!!)