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.