The Anderson's

Easter Pictures

2011-04-28T12:35:00.001-07:00

Warning: LOTS OF PICTURES...

This is how our Easter Pictures started out for the day. Halle was just in the BEST mood as you can see...

...So we sent her inside, and just took a few pictures of Money Man...

When did this kid decide to become so grown up...? (looking that is... he still acts like a 5 year old... believe me, I know!)

But on the same token, he is one heck of a sweet brother to these two....

Then we got a couple of good ones of Damon and Halle (after she had a talk with her dad and she decided to come back outside and give getting pictures taken a second try.)

...Halle being grumpy and very serious again...
But alas... we were able to get these last two pictures of all 3 cuties right before Halle threw a fit and was sent inside again...
This one is my fave! I think I will get it blown up and frame it for my wall... LOVE Cael's tongue :)

Little Dude is not so little...

2011-04-28T12:13:00.001-07:00

Cael had his 4 month appointment... He seems a bit chubby to me, but I sometimes don't expect reactions from others. At his doctor appointment, the nurse asked me to get him out of his car seat so she could start the checkup. I lifted the cloth cover off of his carseat, she saw him, took a step back and said... "Whoa, that is a BIG baby... he is here for his 4 month right?" I just giggled... I LOVE my chubby baby.

Cael's Stats at 4 months:

Weight: 17 lb 9 oz (90th %)

Height: 26.5 inches (92nd %)

Head: (Not that anyone cares... but... 72nd%)

It is already atrocious having to carry around the baby car seat with B'Dael in it, but what can a momma do? I will take this chunky monkey any day of the week... I am so head over heels in love with him... and it doesn't hurt that since 2 months he has been sleeping through the night... NO, not hit or miss or every now and then. This little boy spoils me. Every night, without fail, Cael will go to bed between 8:45 and 9:30, and he sleeps till morning! I am one lucky lady!!! Love you buddy, can't wait to see how big you are at 6 months!

BLESSING DAY

2011-02-23T14:23:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl Sunday was more than just football for us Bandwagon Packers Fans! It was Cael's blessing day...

Sweet sleeping baby prior to church :)

The Super AwEsOmE semi-family picture Joe got of the kids and I

Grandma with the Cat with Cael

Tiny Dog in his Blessing Outfit (he looks like he is jumping for joy saying..."that's right, I'm a big deal!")

Mom, Dad and Cael

G and G DeCastro with B'Dale

...and last but not least, D-Train and Grandpa with the Cat being silly as usual!

It was a beautiful day and a great blessing, and to top it off, the Packers won!!!

CAEL B'DALE

2011-02-23T13:45:00.000-08:00

...IS TWO MONTHS ALREADY...

Stats at his 2 month appointment:

WEIGHT: 12 lb 12 oz (76%)

HEIGHT: 24 inches (86%)

NICKNAMES: Tiny Dog, Cael B'Dale, Little Buddy, Chunky Monkey

Cael is becoming more fun each day... smiling at us constantly... He is such a cute fun baby! I can't wait for the day the little giggles start squealing out of him. I swear his hair is red, and actually hope it stays that color without changing to blond!!! He is a chunky monkey who already needs to be put on a diet (already wearing his 3-6 month clothing). He has learned how to take his hand to his mouth and loves sucking it. Swinging seems to be a thing of the past for B'Dale and needs to find new and improved ways to be entertained!

We love him TONZ :)

Introducing...

2011-01-25T11:34:00.000-08:00

Cael Joseph Anderson

Born December 21, 2010

2:46 a.m.

7 lb 3 oz

18 inches

Home from the hospital. I LOVE these 4 people more than life itself!

Joe and Cael. Our little Christmas baby :)

Damon and Halle love taking turns feeding Cael and taking care of him!
..... And then, we bought ourselves a new fancy shmancy camera. I have yet to read all about it and figure out all of the amazing features on it, but good thing is that I should never have to pay to go get my kids pictures taken again (once I figure out everything that is...)

That being said, I "tried" to do a photo session with my kids. Needless to say, nothing worked out all that great. Lucky for me I have cute kids. Unlucky for me, no one wants to cooperate yet, and I still haven't learned the in's and out's of my new camera. Here are some samples of my beautiful three kids' pictures though...

*DAMON JACK - 5*

I can't believe that my first baby is going to be going to school soon! They grow up too fast!

*HALLE PATRICIA - 3*

(he he he, no this wasn't her photo shoot... this was her hair the other morning right as she woke up. I have no idea how she can get it so snarley!)

I find it funny that someone so grumpy can be so drop dead gorgeous!

*CAEL JOSEPH - 3 weeks*

*** I think the pictures of Cael and Halle crying are some of the cutest pictures ever. Probably just cause I am their mom, but still, pretty darn cute!

This blog was to update those on pictures of my children... I will try my hardest to keep the blog somewhat updated, but I am NOT making any promises :) Have a great day!

4th of July in Midway

2010-07-15T15:17:00.000-07:00

So unfortunately, I didn't take all too many pictures on the 4th of July... but it was a great day. Our little family of 4 started out by taking a 4-wheeler ride from Hobble Creek Canyon, up over the top of the mountain, and coming down at Daniel's Summit Lodge. It was a bumpy but extremely gorgeous ride. I have no pictures of the adventure. Afterwards, we went to our annual BBQ at my parents in Midway. Happy Hal-Bal gladly posing for a picture! Love that smile!!!

Here is my dad with his 4 gorgeous girls.

My parent pushing their only 2 grandkids (at the moment) in the swings. By next 4th of July their grandchildren will have doubled to the amount of 4!
The entire family: L-R Jeff and Jessie Bryner, Grandma and Grandpa De Castro, Kirstin, Joe, Damon, and Halle Anderson, Alison and Travis Jarrett, Annika De Castro, and her FIANCE Vance Brown!

It was a fun evening, with many loud games played and funny stories told... all ending with the famous Memorial Hill Fireworks.

Tonsilectomy and Adnoidectomy...

2010-07-15T15:09:00.000-07:00

WHAT A SPORT!

And wouldn't you know... The SNORING is completely gone!

*Damon had his tonsils and adnoids taken out due to extreme old man snoring and possible sleep apnea! He was a champ. It took a good week and a half for him to fully recover... and at moments, I wondered if the surgery was even worth all the complaining, whining, lack of sleeping, & medication taking. But now he is a whole new man. He sleeps so quietly I now worry that he is even breathing!

Swimming Lessons

2010-07-15T14:50:00.000-07:00

Here are just a couple of shots of my baby growing up. Damon did swimming lessons this year over in Payson. He had a blast and thought he was so grown up doing them. It was adorable watching him... and it was great because there were only 4 little boys (including him) in his Pre-3 swimming class. Unfortunately he had to miss his last day (Pass Off Day) for a not so fun surgery... But he loved them reguardless... This kid is basically a fish if you put him anywhere near water!

Good Job Money Man!

D-Money and Hal-Bal have some Exciting News...

2010-07-07T09:51:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy Tickers

A BIG YEAR

2010-06-21T15:13:00.000-07:00

Someone in our house is turning the BIG THREE-ZERO this week....

Can you taste the excitement? Happy 30th Joe (on Wednesday)! Until then, he is just 29!

JUST LAST NIGHT...

2010-06-16T15:09:00.000-07:00

Just last night, Joe and I were hanging out in our front yard, pruning trees, and talking about how we have THE BEST shade tree! The tree in our front yard is big and bushy, and allows so much shade to be enjoyed in the summer time. The kids love climbing it, and frankly, I just love everything about it. Just last night...

Fast forward to TODAY...

DANG SANTAQUIN WIND! I want to cry a little...

Cadillac Cowboy

2010-06-09T08:07:00.000-07:00

Damon LOVES country music! His favorite??? Chris LeDoux! He knows so many songs by heart! The other night he just started singing the chorus to Cadillac Cowboy and I died at how cute it is, and amazed that he for the most part just knew it! So here is Damon singing for all to see. I announced the song wrong in the video... So correction on my part! It is Cadillac Cowboy, NOT Cowboy Cadillac!

Stitches

2010-06-02T15:44:00.001-07:00

Does this look like the face of a sad girl who just fell off the retaining wall, slicing the top of her ear completely open, causing blood to gush out everywhere, needing stitches?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Good thing she recovers quickly from the crashes and scrapes and bruises she inflicts upon herself!

The top of her left ear required 2 stitches to put it back together... and we decided to just throw away the shirt she was wearing at the time of her accident since it was white (now permanently stained deep red!)

Graduation [Preschool that is]

2010-06-02T15:26:00.000-07:00

I survived another year of teaching preschool! I held preschool graduation in my backyard on our last day of preschool in May. All in all it was a success (Minus a little boy in my afternoon class who did nothing but cause a ruckus while his parents sat there and laughed). Halle started coming to my afternoon preschool class partway through the year as she decided taking naps were no longer for her! Damon attended both the morning and afternoon sessions... loving it and turning into the smartest 4 year old alive ; ) It was a great year of preschool, but I am so excited for it to be over and for summer to officially start!!!

Halle sitting there proud as punch that she is "graduating". (Yes, I planned on dressing my own kids up rather nicely since it was mine and their graduation... but they wouldn't have it, so my two kids are the ones looking a little grimy!)

Damon adjusting his cap while showing off his criss cross applesauce skills!

An end of the night picture of my two favorite preschoolers! Ballerina has blue frosting inbetween her nose and lips from devouring the refreshments!

And last but not least... drumroll please... Damon has learned how to wink, so he wanted to show it off for the camera!

LOVE YOU TWO!!!

Cinco de Mayo on the Heber Creeper

2010-06-02T15:17:00.001-07:00

My dad surprised us with tickets to ride on the Heber Valley Railroad during the month of May. Growing up in Heber Valley, I can now, at age 28, say that I have finally gone for a ride on the famous train! Damon and Halle were so excited to go on a real train... needless to say, the excitement wore off about 10 minutes into it when the trian was slowly creeping along, and the kids just wanted to eat! But the novelty of the train was fantastic while it lasted! I believe it was children's day or something to that effect, so the Wasatch County Library passed out train conductor hats for all kids, and then read books and sang songs while on the train! It was a great experienceAlthough the kiddo's look extremely grumpy in all the pictures, I assure you they weren't! They just weren't fond of getting their pictures taken. Thanks Grandpa with the cat for the fun day!

From the Mouth of HALLE

2010-05-07T09:21:00.000-07:00

A conversation with Halle...

Preface: Halle has been walking around the house holding her baby doll and cell phone, and carrying her purse on her arm. She came walking back in the room with just the baby doll and purse.

Halle: [Singing] Mom and me have purses, mom and me have purses. (As if to make her brother and dad jealous!)

Me: What do you keep in your purse Halle? Did you put your cell phone in it?

Halle: No, I gotta gun!

Well OK then! Sure enough, I checked her purse later, and she had one of her brothers toy guns tucked away inside. What am I going to do with you little lady?

Happy 6th Anniversary!

2010-05-07T09:05:00.001-07:00

Happy Anniversary to my baby cakes. Yes, if I could only have one friend left on this earth, it would be you! Thanks for being a fantastic husband and even better dad! Here's to 6 more years... [And then some]. LOVE YOU!

A Weekend Away to Beautiful Bryce Canyon

2010-04-26T14:25:00.000-07:00

A couple of weekends ago we decided to take a little weekend trip to Bryce Canyon... I was born and raised in Utah, and can honestly say I had never been there before. I was a little bit sad that the weekend we were headed there, the weather here was supposed to be warmer than there (And there was still snow on the ground in Bryce), but it ended up being perfect, beautiful weather down in Bryce Canyon. We had a great time, and Damon even did all the hikes all by himself... never needing help! What a guy!

LOVE this picture of Damon and Halle...

I drove Joe and the kids nuts because I was always wincing and yelling when anyone got too close to an edge... But no one ever got hurt (except when Damon superman'd it onto the flat ground), and that is what mom's are for anywho! Thanks for the mini vaca Joe!

ODE to HALLE

2010-04-23T18:33:00.000-07:00

This is our AMAZING daughter Halle. She is 2 1/2. She has her daddy wrapped around her little finger. She wanted a bike because her brother has one. So of course her dad went and bought her a bike as soon as she asked. I have to say, I was a bit surprised that this petite little girl could touch the pedals and make them move. To some, it is not all that impressive that a two year old can ride a bike [with training wheels]. But I have to tell you that I am ONE HUNDRED PERCENT, FULLY IMPRESSED with my little lady here. For those of you that personally know Halle, you know she has a drive, determination, and HEART with all that she tries that is unsurpassable. To me, she is the most amazing person I have met, and I at times look at her and can't believe she is mine, and can't believe that Heavenly Father trusted her in my care... But I tell you what, I am one lucky mama, and not complaining one bit that she decided to become an Anderson. So KUDOS to you Halle for riding your bike. We couldn't be more proud of you! You are INSPIRING!

Check out the BLING

2010-04-09T09:45:00.001-07:00

Yep, Halle is all decked out in her fancy nancy bling! Doesn't she look just divine?!?

LOSING MY MIND!

2010-04-02T08:19:00.000-07:00

Am I losing my mind? Really?!? At only 28? Yesterday I went to run a few errands just around town. My last stop was to the post office to buy a sheet of stamps. I bought the CELEBRATE ones, and got back in the truck to head home. I remember thinking as I looked down at the stamps on the short drive home that I better put those away as soon as I get home so the kiddo's don't think they are fun stickers to play with. And I have lost complete memory about the stamps since then. I was laying in bed last night, when I suddenly thought... "I don't remember putting the stamps away." So I got out of bed at 2 a.m. to go look. I looked in the cupboard where we keep the stamps, and lo and behold... NO STAMPS. So I looked through my purse. Again, NO STAMPS. I took the lid off of the trash, and started sorting through all of it (old food and all). NO STAMPS! So first thing this morning I went out to the truck, and start scouring it looking for this $8.80 sheet of stamps. I can't find the dang things anywhere. How in the world did I lose a sheet of stamps inbetween the truck and my house? I am not even upset about throwing $8.80 down the drain.... What I am upset about is that I CAN'T FOR THE LIFE OF ME REMEMBER WHERE THEY COULD BE! If anyone has any suggestions of weird places they have found something, please let me know cause I am making myself so anxious trying to find the [DA*#] Stamps!

Look What My Baby Boy Learned How To Do!

2010-03-30T07:28:00.000-07:00

Even with all the crashes that come with the learning, this boy can't be discouraged. He is big grin, ear to ear, proud as punch. And you know what???? He should be!!!

Conversations With A 4 Year Old

2010-03-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had a few different conversations with my 4 year old! He is constantly making me crack up. These are things he said to me yesterday...

Me: Uh oh Damon, you better not use your toilet today, I think the wax ring must not be working and your toilet is leaking again...

Money Man: Where? Let me see....

Me: Point to the base of the toilet where it is SOPPING wet (We have already had a wax ring problem there and had to replace one, so I just assumed that was the problem again).

Money Man: Oh no Mom... I just pee'd EVERYWHERE there today. It was an accident.

(Then turns, and walks away shrugging his shoulders as I am dry-heaving cause I had just been on my hands and knees mopping it up like it was water.)

Then at dinner time we had another conversation.

Me: Damon, your room is a disaster. It looks like a tornado just blew through it. How did it get so messy and what are we going to do about it?

Money Man: It wasn't me mom. It was probably the Leprechauns!

M O A B

2010-03-22T14:57:00.000-07:00

We went to MOAB a couple of weekends ago to have some good family fun on the 4-wheelers. Weather reports were a little 'risque' but it ended up being beautiful for 4-wheeling. We were able to go to some sand dunes in between Green River and Moab on our way down. After arriving in Moab, we went on two other trails (Gemeni Bridges, and one other that I can't for the life of me remember the name of.) Both were a good time. At certain points, Joe had to let whichever child he was riding with off of his 4-wheeler so he could attempt and master some unsafe stunts. Me, well I am a wuss, so I was pretty much safe the whole time.

Arriving at the Sand Dunes just past Green River

Hal is ready to GO!

Getting some shade after climbing on the rocks at the Dunes

I Spy with my little eye...

THUMBS UP!

Pulling up to Gemeni Bridges... Ballerina was quite ornery.

Getting these two children to look and smile at the same time is ImPoSsIbLe!

You can almost see us on top of the Bridges!

Bal, Money, and Cupholder taking a snooze!

After being rested, D-Money snuck into some pretty cool cracks.

And the kids got loves from Dad...

MOAB was a perfect weekend... Just what we needed for a family getaway!

Midway's Ice Castles

2010-03-15T15:08:00.000-07:00

We recently (and by recently I mean at least a month ago) took a quick day trip up to Midway to see the Ice Castles that are harvested, grown and maintained at the Zermatt Resort. They were quite amazing. (Read more here.)
D-Money and Hal-Bal with the growing spikes...

Onz, Money, and Ballerina...

Brr... that's cold...

Grandma with the Cat, and Hal-Ballerina gazing at the magnificent ice!

Handsome Boys Take II

2010-03-15T15:02:00.000-07:00

I took this (<------ Click here) picture of the guys in my life a year and a half ago. Unfortunately I can't find it anywhere on my computer to compare it to this one that was taken about a month ago.... same location, same picture of my guys... just a year and a half later... crazy to see how much Damon has grown!

The Grandpa with the Farm

2010-03-15T14:25:00.000-07:00

My kiddo's love going to "The Grandpa with the Farm's" house. It means they get to go out to the farm and look at the llama's. Well, Grandpa with the farm also just got himself a couple of mini pony's, so we of course have had to go take a few peeks at the new pony's and go for a ride on them. We also got in some extreme sledding (being pulled on a hood of a car behind the 4-wheeler) but only documented that on the video camera... sorry, no pictures!

Playing on the big snow mound in front of Grandpa's house

Those photogenic Llamas

Going for rides on the pony

And this is my debut to try to get back to blogging... mainly so grandparents, aunts and uncles can keep updated with pics of the kids. Sorry blogging world that I have ignored you for oh so long. My bad!

Should I back track?

2009-10-19T15:23:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in a LONG time but decided I might try to jump on the bandwagon again. I think for now, I will just blog about our FaBuLoUs Saturday, and then add some other things we have done over the past couple of months later.

This past Saturday, the weather was supposed to be phenomenal, so I thought it would be fun to go out on a little hike, or go see the water falls up Provo Canyon. So we did just that. Halle was a bit of a pill at first. She was so cranky and ornery, but by the time we were about done, we finally got some smiles out of that little lady.

After walking the trail for a minute, we made it to the falls, and then of course, Damon wanted nothing more than to hike up to the top... Halle was having none of that, throwing yet another tantrum, so Damon and Joe got to do the hike without us girlies. If you look very closely, you can see the rugged boys on the side of the waterfall.

And this is what PrInCeSs Halle looked like down below as I tried, unsuccessfully, to convince her that we were having fun! (Check out that tear rolling down her cheek!)

As Joe and Damon hiked back down the mountain, Halle and I walked up a small hill and met them. We "tried" to pose the kids on the rocks and get some good pictures... This is as good as it gets people! Joe was in the background throwing leaves in the air to make it look like they were falling in motion on the kiddo's... but none of those pics are the greatest darn it all!After our small hikes, we walked back along the trail which was to lead us to our truck... along the way we all played and wrestled in the leaves, and I am happy to say that Joe finally got Hal-Bal happy and hyper!And now I would just like to announce, that ornery or not, I by far have the world's cutest kids. The End!

Just some DANG cute pictures...

2009-07-31T16:41:00.000-07:00

Haven't blogged in FOREVER... But thought some cute pics of the kids for the Aunts and Grandparents was much needed...

Halle has mad skills on the wiggle car...

Damon LOVED playing in the black chalk like substance left behind from those growing snakes...

Halle wasn't too impressed with the "snake" display...

Damon got to meet The Jazz Bear... He was in 7th Heaven!

Man these kids are cute... how did I get so lucky that they get to be all MINE!?

The Big Two Nine

2009-06-23T09:21:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 29th BIRTHDAY DADDY (Joe)!!!

WE LOVE YOU!

A Hairy Situation

2009-06-17T14:05:00.000-07:00

I have been learning how to do some pretty FANCY SHMANCY hairstyles on Halle. This is what her hair looked like the other night as we took it out before she went to bed. (Everytime Damon sees these pictures, he gets giggling so hard that he can't catch his breath and tears are rolling down his cheeks! )

What a kissable face!!!

What a STUD!

2009-06-17T13:48:00.001-07:00

My little baby boy is growing up. He got his first bike recently, and is so cute riding it up and down the street. He is so dang proud of himself... and as his mom, I am pretty proud of the little guy too! It kind of brings tears to my eyes though, seeing how fist they grow up!

I didn't notice this at the time, but looking at this pictures I was giggling pretty hard when I noticed how "matchy matchy" Damon and his new bike were. All's I noticed as I was taking the pictures was, "oh I have got to stop letting Damon dress himself"... Kind of funny that his bike is Orange and Blue, and so it his get up.

Our family hike to the Pot Farm... yes you read right!

2009-06-17T07:56:00.000-07:00

.... So a Pot (Marijuanna) Farm was discovered and busted up a canyon in sweet little Ephraim not too long ago. Over Memorial Day weekend, our family along with Joe's parents, and his brother and kiddo's decided to take the "short" 4-Wheeler ride and hike to see where the Pot Farm had been.... The short trip turned into a 4 hour excursion. After 4-wheeling up to the point where I was told would only be a 100 yard walk right to the old Marijuanna Farm was a little bit more than Eileen (Joe's mom), all the kids, and I bargained for. It was hiking up and down a mountain side of THICK oak and pine. I guess it is a good story however to say that I have been to a raided Pot Farm. Good memories...

This picture was after we parked the 4-wheelers, and took a look at the GPS getting started on our trek through the lush Mountains.

Playing follow the leader as we started on our journey...

Just a little example of what we were hiking through to get to this much desired place...

And at the Pot Farm, Joe had a blast pushing down dead trees.

Us posing with the water pipe that is still up there. It was amazing to see all of the things the men had taken up to the mountain to grow the Marijuanna. There were hoses and sprinklers and pipe. There were many huge areas where trees had been completely whacked out leaving plenty of room for 'Pot growing' to happen... (don't mind how utterly attractive we all look after hiking, falling, sweating, and being scratched during our hike).

This must be a hut or where someone stayed as they were tending to their precious Marijuanna plants!

I don't know that I would ever want to make this trek again unless we could find an easier way into it... but it was a cool experience and kinda neat to say I went and saw it! And to think I almost stayed back at my in-laws house...

Our Dam Trip....

2009-06-17T07:45:00.000-07:00

There were a lot of happy Dam tourists, and Dam workers everywhere. Tons of Dam water. Quite a bit of Dam walking. We had to park on the 6th floor of the Dam parking lot, and take the Dam elevators down. We got some souveniers at the Dam giftshop. I recommend this Dam trip to anyone who is already headed to Vegas! Quite the Dam experience to see if I do say so. And yes... I think I am Dam hilarious!

One Year Ago Today....

2009-05-29T08:05:00.000-07:00

Today is definitely a day worth sitting, reflecting, and being greatful. Two years ago, I was 5 months pregnant, with an 18 month old, sending my husband off to Iraq. And one year ago TODAY (Click here), Joe returned home from Iraq. I tell ya, a year ago today I was a wreck. I was completely sick to my stomach, and had no clue what life was about to bring... That may sound weird, but seriously, imagine living on your own for a year (and not just living alone, but having to finally adjust to living alone just in time for your other half to return)... doing things your way, making the executive decision on things, getting the remote (ha ha), the bed, the car, the kids, literally [everything] all to yourself. Believe me, I am not bragging... I was LONELY, but that last year had just become a way of life for me, and I was scared, yet extremely excited to return to having another adult in the house. I was mainly excited to have actual adult conversation in the evening times, over dinner, or after the kids had gone to bed...

Well, Joe has now officially been home for ONE year. Not saying that we haven't had our ups and downs during the year... And not saying that I don't once again just take him being here for granted... But I did want to take this time to tell Joe that I am greatful for what he did over in Iraq. And I am even more greatful to have him back home with us. There are still some mornings when Damon wakes up after Joe has taken off to work, and he worriedly comes and asks me if Dad is in Iraq again... But I can always calmly let him know that Dad is just at work and will be home after 5.

So here's to ONE YEAR LATER!!! I know I can get frustrated and ornery, but Joe, I really am the happiest woman alive to have you around. Everything is just better having you around from the small little tasks to the big things like the holidays and our kids. Thanks for being here! Halle, Damon and I adore you!

Here's to one hell of a year!

** Joe, just to show my love and appreciation for you, you are also entitled to a family night at any Chinese Buffet of your choice compliments of the Preschool. Love you!

My... what a big nose you have...

2009-04-24T12:31:00.000-07:00

This is the best picture I could get of Halle before she voluntarily ripped off the glasses and hair bows that Joe had so lovingly placed on her! Had me cracking up though!

Look Closely in the Tree....

2009-04-24T12:20:00.001-07:00

In case you can't see them... it's just the D-Train and Hal hiding....

Nothing to be scared of here!

For the Grandparents...

2009-04-24T11:58:00.000-07:00

I know this is incredibly late, but here are the Hal-Bal, and D-Train all dazzled up in their new Easter outfits. I think they are very possibly the two cutest kids in the entire world.... And I think they couldn't look cuter if they tried in their new Sunday outfits. So Grandma and Grandpa (with the cat and with the farm).... Here are some updated pics of the little crazies!

I liked the sequence of the pictures..... 1) Posing.... 2) Going....

3) Gone!

Just Makes Me Giggle...

2009-04-01T11:30:00.001-07:00

The other morning... Halle woke up, put on Damon's old church shoes, and just started shuffleing around the house! She has EXTREME bed head, and looks silly as can be, but she's mine, and I'll take her, cause daily, she can just make me giggle!

Trip to the ZOO... Do you measure up?

2009-04-01T11:14:00.001-07:00

We had some stuff to do up in Salt Lake last Friday, so once we were done we figured why not go check out the Zoo. I will tell you why not.... Cause the Zoo still charges full price even if they only have half of their animals out! Oh well, we still had a fun time and the kids loved running around. These days I can't get the kids to stand good together for 2 seconds so I can get a decent picture of them, so don't mind the silly pictures....

The Warthogs (in the back... not Joe and Halle... he he.)

Damon and Halle playing on the brass Tigers.

Damon looking at the Camal's backside!!!

And here are the long horned Goats.

The Stinky Giraffes....

Other than a brown bear, and some monkeys, this is about all the animals that were out for our viewing pleasure that day! NO JOKE! Kids can make any experience fun though!

Happy Saint Patty's Day!

2009-03-17T14:45:00.001-07:00

From the cutest little Leprechaun alive!!!

Tiny Scholars Preschool

2009-03-10T19:10:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am now enrolling preschool students for the 2009-2010 school year. I will have a morning and afternoon class three days a week. The cost is $70 per month. I am licenced, certified, and insured. I offer a a learning environment that incorporates developmentally appropriate practices... including *Learning centers (art, sensory, dramatic play, library, science, etc.) This will be a fun learning experience filled with field trips, active play/social interaction, number/letter recognition, reading and songs, and many other activities centered around getting your child ready for kindergarten. If you or anyone you know is interested, please feel free to leave me a comment on the blog. If you do not have an account to sign in with, please leave me a comment using the anonymous feature, and just tell me who you are at the end of your comment! This will be my second year of teaching preschool in Santaquin, and I am looking forward to all that it will bring. Check out Tiny Scholars Preschool by clicking here!

4-Wheelin' Fun

2009-03-07T11:32:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, we headed out west a little ways and did some 4-wheeling. It was a fun day.... Our short ride turned into 3 hours.... Damon sacked out (YES, he fell asleep) as we were still on the ride, and Halle was screaming... But hey, it was a good memory and experience. I have never been so muddy in my life!

*** I have to admit, that I love being married to Joe... country boy at heart... who gets us doing all these things which I... weirdo at heart, had never even tried!

One Last Update...

2009-02-27T06:44:00.000-08:00

It's official. Once a blood test comes back saying you have the mumps virus, by law, the Doctor has to report it to the Health Department. After getting your first blood test after showing symptoms of mumps, you have to get another blood test two weeks later. Until that one comes back you are just a "possible" mumps case in the state of Utah, just in case you happened to have a false positive. If the second blood test comes back positive, you are a "confirmed" mumps case in the State of Utah. Damon's second blood test came back yesterday "Positive". After talking to the Health Department, I thought I would just let everyone know that Damon is the FIRST Mumps Case Reported in the State of Utah in 5 Years! How that happens I know not! I am guessing someone out there doesn't believe in immunizations or doctors, and their child didn't get taken in once he/she started showing symptoms. Damon still has a little lump under his right jaw, but is doing excellent. With time that lump is supposed to go away! He has been such a sport through all this.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?????

2009-02-18T10:33:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning (one week after taking Damon to the doctor and being told he has a bacterial infection that is NOT contagious) I got a phone call at 8:30 in the morning. Who from you ask? Well it was Damon's doctor letting me know that he had just seen Damon's extensive blood test results that had come back to them on Monday evening and guess what?! It's the MUMPS!!! Seriously, who gets the mumps anymore? Yes... Damon has been vaccinated. Apparently there is still a 5% chance that once you have been vaccinated you can still get the mumps. Now, get this.... Once you show the symptoms for mumps, you are supposed to be held in isolation for 5 days so you don't expose anyone else! Well, last Tuesday the Good Doctors assured me that Damon didn't have mumps, and he had absolutely nothing contagious. His 5 day isolation period would have been up as of last Saturday.... but whereas we didn't think Damon had anything to worry about he still went to preschool, played with all his cousins, attended church.... you know, all the normal things. SO this is my formal apology to everyone. I had no idea... I again put my trust in the doctors! Anyways, that was just my... "are you freaking kidding me" moment of the week. Damon is doing well. He still has a hard lump under his right jaw, but other than that seems to feel fine. By tomorrow he is no longer contagious at all, and then he just waits the dang disease out... not that it seems to be bothering him at all. Moral of the story... if your kid starts swelling at their jawline and it gets as big as a baseball within 15 minutes, accompanied by a fever.... take them to the doctor, and demand a Mumps test!

**Oh ya, not to mention Damon didn't even need the day after day after day antibiotic shots in his legs!

Damon's Sad Day

2009-02-11T16:33:00.001-08:00

As told by Damon...
February 10, 2009

7:00 A.M. - Wake up and hang out with Dad while he gets ready for work

7:30 A.M. - Mom gets her lazy butt out of bed to get me some breakfast and hang out with me before preschool

9:00 A.M. - Preschool Starts. FUN DAY!!!

10:45 A.M. - Having a fun time, preschool is about to end, getting coats and boots and backpacks ready for parents to come pick the other kids up. (At this point I am still perfectly normal!!!)

11:00 A.M. - Head upstairs to go outside. Mom puts on my coat, and as she does, asks me what I am hiding in my mouth. I say nothing, so she grabs it, and I start crying.

11:10 A.M. - Mom is frantically looking at WEBMD and making phonecalls.... Then takes some pictures of me.
2:30 P.M. - We go to the Dr. A lot of things start happening to me. I get some bloodwork done in my arm. That HURT! They needed the bloodwork to rule out MUMPS. Then I had an ultrasound done on my jaw. That was needed to rule out a TUMOR or ABSCESS TOOTH. My bloodwork came back and I have a severe Parotid Bacterial Infection. So what do you think they did next.... Thats right... the most painful shot in my thigh! It was so painful infact, that for about 4 hours after having it, I don't want to walk, and don't even think about touching me!

4:15 P.M. - We finally pulled in back home from the Dr. I just laid on my mom and moaned and groaned about the pain of my leg and mouth.

***Damon should be gettng better soon. This is a non contagious infection and the doctor and I don't really have any idea where it came from. As of today (approx 30 hours later) Damon's jaw is still swollen and hard as a rock, but seems to be coming down a little bit in size. He did have to go to the Doctor again today for another shot in his other thigh (at moments now he refuses to walk at all from the pain), and is supposed to go again tomorrow afternoon. The poor kid has endured enough!

Damon Scissor... er... sock... Hands

2009-02-05T10:28:00.000-08:00

Once again, Damon fell sleep. This time not in a super weird location or anything... no no... This time, he fell asleep with socks on his hands and pudding on his face. That's my boy... Not a care in the world. He is wearing socks on his hands due to not being able to find his mittens that he would love to wear everywhere, everyday... and the pudding on his face... well, that is just my laziness, not washing it off before he fell asleep.

Oh, and check out the super cool outfit he put together for himself this day! AWESOME!!

Ready to go OUT ON THE TOWN!!!

2009-02-02T15:53:00.001-08:00

Halle will now go to the coat closet and bring you her jacket, (or any available jacket) to let you know she wants to go outside or on a drive. She will do the same with her shoes... want them put on, letting you know she is ready to go do something. The other night after her bath, and getting her pajamas put on, Halle would not leave me alone until we put her boots on too. I guess she had somewhere important to go... So here she is, feetsies PJ's, and her boots on top... All ready for a night on the town. Seriously, can she get any cuter?!

Our Little Chameleon...

2009-01-27T15:56:00.000-08:00

Who knew that a little boy would love changing his outfit so much? Damon loves and I really emphasize LOVES getting himself dressed. He will change his clothes 10 times a day... sometimes it is just a shirt... sometimes just pants, sometimes new shoes or socks. Whatever it is, Damon loves putting on something new, and it always seems he feels like a million bucks no matter what he has himself dressed in... The floor of his bedroom is constantly covered in the clothes he has thrown out of his drawers onto it.

This is Damon in one day....

Thanks for keeping us guessing little man!

My New Ride...

2009-01-27T15:48:00.000-08:00

I like to think that Joe bought this for me and that it is MY new truck... but alas, I am sure it is for the both of us, and a new family vehicle. I do however think I got into Joe's head a little bit and was able to talk him into 4 real doors... LOVING IT!

Not the greatest views of the truck due to it being squished into my tiny garage... but you get the idea...

Either way... Thank you Joe!!!!

A Great Weekend in Store...

2009-01-17T07:36:00.000-08:00

Nothing like starting a Saturday morning with a massive headache and then cleaning your one year old's poop out of the bathtub. Oh the joys of parenting. A happy weekend to all!!!!

THE ABOMINABLE SNOWMAN...

2009-01-12T13:20:00.000-08:00

SHE IS COMING FOR YOU!!!!

Actually I am sure she just hated being all clastrophobic in that puffy little snow outfit. Here are the real cuties we sent out in the snow!

Again... nothing cuter than kids in PJ's... and matching nonetheless!

2009-01-12T13:11:00.000-08:00

All the girls in the family... Ellie, Gracie, Halle, and Lexie...

And then there are the boys... Dylan, Trevin, Carson, Luke, Damon, Jay-Man, Dax, Cole...
And the big boys... Jack, Kade, Conner, Jackson, Colton, Brody, Jared, and Jeff
Not pictured is cute little Graydin who couldn't stay awake any later!!!

Spaghetti Anyone?

2009-01-12T12:52:00.000-08:00

Y U M M Y

Oops... forgot the "O"

2008-12-31T18:04:00.000-08:00

Damon loves spelling his name now that he knows how. He will spell it outloud to Joe and I, or to grandparents and family. He will tell us how to write it on his magna-doodle. While taking a bath, he will spell his name on the side of the tub with his foam letters. And we recently got a new leap frog toy for our fridge with all the letters of the alphabet. Damon will constantly run to the fridge, and spell out D-A-M-O-N on it. So it was nothing new as he yelled to me the other day to come see the fridge, because he had just spelled his name on it again. To appease him, I ran into the fridge all excited, getting ready to praise him and let him know how proud I am of him when I saw this...Looks like he forgot the "O" this time. Better not let that regularly happen.

UPDATES... honestly nothing too interesting...SORRY!

2008-12-18T10:23:00.000-08:00

Update #1:

I took Halle to the doctor due to me being a worried little mommy. Her legs don't seem right to Joe and I. She walks funny, and rather slowly, still falling quite a bit. The good doctor examined her, and she has a rather significant case of Varum Deformity. He said it is a common deformity in kids, but that Halle's is more severe than any he has seen in quite the while. What is this you ask...? Well in Lamen's Terms: Halle is extremely Bowlegged. Nothing is done until a child is two for belief they will grow out of it by then. After which, braces and surgery are the methods for correcting it. Until Halle's legs decide to correct themselves or until help is used, I guess Halle will continue to walk through the house looking stiff and silly like Frankenstein. She is still the cutest little lady even if she has a funny signature walk!

Update #2:

I am attempting to quit drinking soda pop. Particularly Mountain Dew. I don't know that I will ever be able to stop completely, but I need to simmer down a little bit my intake of caffeine and carbonation on a daily basis. Today is day three of having nothing. Days one and two were so simple.... Today however, I am craving the bubbly goodness oh so much. I really need to do this in an effort to become more healthy, and to get rid of the post pregnancy pooch that just is never going to go away as long as I am downing 44 oz. of Mountain Dew a day. Wish me luck!

Update #3:

In case you didn't read the last post... Damon is potty trained. YEAH! It is so exciting and nice to only have to buy one size of diapers, and to not be going through the wipes quite as quickly. I just pray that before I decide to have baby #3, Halle will be potty trained too. Changing one kid at a time is enough. It just took Damon some really good motivation (toys and stickers up on a shelf in the bathroom) to get him using the potty regularly, and now he thinks he is a pro, and makes fun of Halle for still using a diaper... Oh the humor. I am excited and proud of him. He can even wear underwear through the night... Knock on wood now, I know!

And that is all of my updating. Like I said, nothing too earth shattering... but updates nonetheless.

Birthday Pictures

2008-12-13T13:33:00.000-08:00

Damon had a very happy birthday. I feel bad because Joe and I had promised him a Chuck E Cheese party, but both came down with the stomach bug that day, and couldn't stand the thought of going there, so we had just a small party at our house instead. Damon got a new hat, a truck and trailer, horses, and a farm cake. Pretty much everything this little kid has been wanting! Happy 3rd Damon!

At the end of the day, Damon asked Joe and I if he got these presents because he did a "poop" in the big boy potty? Laughing, we let him know that no... he got these because it was his birthday! Yes we did bribe Damon to use the toilet, and I am happy to announce, he is potty trained, and accident free for two weeks!

HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY DAMON!!!!

2008-12-10T10:10:00.000-08:00

I cannot even believe my baby boy is turning 3 today. I remember all to well the night my water broke, and we rushed to the hospital to have him... 11 hours later. It took the entire two days of hospital time for us to come up with what to name him, but Damon Jack Anderson has fit him perfectly, and Jack as his middle name was only appropriate considering he was born two weeks early on his Grandpa Jack's birthday!!!

Damon, I love you so much. You have brought me more happiness (and frustration) than a person can comprehend over the past three years. You are the silliest, cutest, most lively little boy in the world. You have a light and love about you, and can make anyone giggle. I can't believe how much you have grown up right before my eyes. I almost wish you could stay this age forever... not a dull moment goes by with you in my life. From wanting to stay up till midnight playing trucks and trailers, to wearing nothing but church shoes and snow boots. I love you more than life itself, and am so greatful that I was chosen to be your mom.

Happy Birthday Damon! Here's to you

(Happy Birthday Grandpa Anderson too! We love you!)

Damon's Random Sleeping Spots

2008-12-04T15:28:00.001-08:00

Here are some new random pictures of Damon and his silly sleeping habits. I tell ya, this kid, if tired enough can fall asleep just about anywhere, and in any position! It is a crack up. Did I mention that during September, while playing out in the driveway and sidewalk with the neighbor kids, Damon got a little bit tired, and fell asleep right there in the gutter?! Yep, it looked as if he had been hit by a car and swept into the gutter. I didn't get pictures of that for fear of keeping him there as I ran inside to get my camera... but it is a memory I will not forget. These are the latest of him... what looks like an extremely uncomfortable position on the couch...

And this one is of him, on my bed, after finding Halle's baby dolls and putting them to sleep, he fell asleep too. I thought he was in the basement playing, and was sick to my stomach when I couldn't find him down there... I started screaming his name, went running outside... ready to start calling all the neighbors and searching the neighborhoods. When I walked into my room to grab a hoodie, I saw Damon curled up all snug on my bed. What a cute little guy... I think I will keep him!

A Red Hills Ranch Thanksgiving...

2008-12-01T10:55:00.000-08:00

This year we had a "Better Homes and Garden" Thanksgiving. We went to visit Joe's sister and brother in law in Wyoming at the ranch they manage. It is about 45 minutes past Jackson Hole, towards Yellowstone, then down a dirt road for about 10 miles. It was absolutely breathtaking... just like in the magazines. We pulled up to the Ranch on Wednesday night around seven P.M. to a beautiful cabin covered in lights, fireplace roaring... all set in the valley below the Tetons. We went to the Ranch by way of Idaho Falls. We were able to stop and take a look at the temple, and play in the park with the ducks. That alone could have been an awesome vacation for the kids... but upon getting to Red Hills Ranch, were days more of food, fun, activities, riding the horses, games of football, four wheelers, online shopping the day after Thanksgiving since there are no close stores, and would you believe... zero snow!

It was a spectacular trip minus the fact it threw off Damon's potty training a bit... Thanks so much Brian and Jodi. I would come back in a heart-beat! In fact, if you'd let me, I would move right in... kick it in front of the fireplace!

To Eric and Tara...

2008-12-01T10:20:00.001-08:00

Eric and Tara ~ We went via Idaho Falls to get to our Thanksgiving destination. As we were driving through town, we saw this store...
We were driving and trying to take the picture before we completely passed the place, and just missed the [ ' s] at the end of the Catmull store. We thought of you guys! Maybe you're related to some mattress/furniture guru out of Idaho Falls! LUCKY!

Grimy to Gorgeous

2008-11-25T13:56:00.000-08:00

Joe jokingly calls Halle "Grimy" or "Grimes" due to Halle's hair always looking straggly, unkempt, and touched up with bits and pieces of sticky food. She also usually has something gross on her outfit after a day of playing, and of course, leftovers on her face. It has turned into quite the joke, but I feel bad for Halle... we don't want her growing up thinking her names is "Grimes." To try to somewhat cure this, I took Halle for her first haircut yesterday. Mind you, not much can be done to a one year old's hair, who doesn't have all that much hair to begin with, but she did get some bangs cut and everything all around trimmed so it lays a little bit nicer. You would have thought the poor girl was getting seriously injured as her hair was getting cut... almost as if she could feel the pain of each strand getting snipped... Oh the screams down at the local Crazy Daisy (I mean down at the Clip and Curl... ha ha ha Jessie, Ali, Anni and Mom) were in full force. But the end product is cute... not much different, but Halle is no longer our little "Grimes!"

BEFORE

AFTER

*Side note: I know some of you mom's are wondering why I don't just put cute little bows, flowers, and headbands in Halle's hair..?! She pulls everything out of her hair approximately 5 minutes after I put it in, (or Damon pulls it out) and then there is a permanent kink in her hair for the remainder of the day... so my options here are pretty limited.

Tonight we're going to PARTY LIKE IT"S 1999

2008-11-20T18:40:00.000-08:00

I was tagged.... I rarely do tags, but thought this one would take me back for a minute at least!

High School Tag!
I was tagged by TARA
1. Did you date someone from your school? No, but I had many many many crushes at my school.
2. What kind of car did you drive? A 1986 Plymouth Reliant with multiple tones and shades of white and off white on the hood... I know I know... The guys were all over that.
3. Did you pass your drivers license test your first try?Yes
4. Were you a party animal?I loved being out and away from home and at any event possible, but wansn't the party animal who was out drinking or such...
5. Were you considered a flirt? I think I was considered pretty hyper.
6. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir? None of the above
7. Were you a nerd? Most likely! I actually don't really know what I was... I was friends with I felt like many different people... but also very nerdy back in the day.
8. Were you on any varsity teams? Nope
9. Did you ever get suspended/ expelled? No siree.
10. Can you still sing the fight song? Once again.... a big fat NO. Wouldn't even be able to tell you how it goes.
11. Who were your favorite teachers? I was scared to death of eventually having her as a teacher, but once I did, Ms. Southerlin was by far my fave... I also loved Mrs. Brechwald.
12. Where did you sit for lunch? Either the commons area, or wherever friends and I went for lunch.
13. What is your school's full name? Wasatch High
14. What is your school's mascot and colors? Wasp which obviously makes the colors black and yellow
15. Did you go to homecoming and with who? I don't even want to talk about it.
16. If you could go back and do it again would you? Heavens no
17. What do you remember most about graduation?Just the excitement of knowing I was moving on in life... and the thought of finally moving out.
18. Were did you go senior skip day? Lagoon
19. Were you in any clubs? FBLA, NHS, The Sharp Club ~ What can I say, I was smart.
20. Have you gained some weight since then? Um yeah! I was under 100 lbs in high school and have had 2 kids since then... what do you think?!
21. Who was your prom date? Junior Year - Cache Ferguson Senior Year - Eric Chatterly
22. Are you Planning on going to your 10 year reunion? Possibly... I was never too attached to my class
23. Did you have a job in high school? Multiple... Designs for all Seasons as the flower delivery girl.... a coveted job I know... Yodels being a server, Burgermeister before it was Yodels as a dishwasher, cook, and hostess, and a short while at The Pizza House.

I Tag... Anyone else from my high school.... That includes you, sisters!

14 months and walking....

2008-11-13T20:31:00.000-08:00

Halle is finally walking.... She and Damon both got it down about a week before turning 14 months.... weird how much the two of them have had in common. Anyways, here are some cute videos of Halle.

In this first video, Halle is just trying to get up, and keeps just falling over instead of actually taking steps... pretty cute and funny actually ~

In this second video, Halle gets it down, and is wandering through the living room. She will walk through anything to get to what she wants... hence me calling her King Kong in the video. Way to go Halle... I am proud of you!

Our New Arrival (Wink Wink)...

2008-11-13T20:22:00.000-08:00

Joe just got himself a Kawasaki Prairie 700, and is loving it. Not to mention it is tough getting Halle and Damon off the darn thing!

Q: What's cuter than a kid in a costume....?

2008-11-08T13:56:00.001-08:00

A: ..... Fuzzy Foot Pajamas!

*So cute and cuddly looking in fact, Joe and I would like to go find ourselves a pair somewhere!

Halloween (could it have been any warmer?)...

2008-11-03T18:27:00.000-08:00

Halloween was a fun night for this tiger and cow. They were out going from door to door around 5:30 at night after having nutricious and delicious dinner of corndogs and pudding! We just stayed here in Santaquin and walked around the blocks. It was the warmest, most mild weather I ever remember having at Halloween time. In fact, after we were done doing our trick-or-treating as a family, we just sat in our front yard the rest of the night handing out candy... We didn't have to wait in the warm cozy house for the doorbell to ring... no sir-ee. It was playing in the yard for us. Damon seemed to have more fun handing out the candy to the other little creatures, characters, and princesses rather than actually getting candy himself... Go Figure. Definitely doesn't take after me. I am addicted to candy, and would do anything to get some freebies. Halle couldn't care less about doing either the treating or passing of candy... she was content to crawl through the yard. Being dressed like a tiger was quite appropriate for the prowling she was doing on the front lawn. It was a great night and I can't wait to do this as a family for MANY years to come.

Halle the Tiger and Damon the Cow...

Trick or Treat...

For Halle, the leaves are better than the candy...

Trick-or-Treat....more please!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2008

2008-10-31T14:36:00.000-07:00

MOOOOOOOoooooooooo!!!

Happy Halloween from the world's cutest cow!!! More pictures to come from our evening of fun later...

4th of the 4th...

2008-10-31T08:08:00.000-07:00

This is an easy tag... I was asked by my sis-in-law Misty to upload the 4th picture from my 4th photo file... Then simply explain...

This is a picture of Damon at the Scera Pool a couple of days after Joe left for his tour in Iraq (Summer 2007). Damon was about 18 months old in this picture. What a cute little boy.

I now tag whomever would like to do this... You know who you are. Whether you post about your 4th of 4th picture or not... I know you were curious and looked up what picture you had lurking in your file that you would have to post about!

The Great Pumpkin Patch...

2008-10-29T15:09:00.000-07:00

For Preschool we went to South Ridge Farms Pumpkin Patch. It was the most freezing morning... but Damon didn't care. Damon seriously did not stop talking about it all day due to getting to ride on a LARGE trailer pulled behind a LARGE tractor... (Two of his favorite things at the moment.) To him, that was the life, and all he needed.... But we did manage to also run around and pick out a pumpkin to take home and carve. We loved being in our cozy home that evening carving the pumpkin as a family.... our first time, and a new tradition I think!!

Damon sitting with friends Clara, Jakell, and Emily on the wagon ride!

At home cutting open the pumpkin with Dad.

Damon, Mom, and Halle getting out the "guts" of the pumpkin.

Our finished Jack-O-Lantern... Not the most creative, but we love him.

Halle is ATV-ing

2008-10-24T09:26:00.000-07:00

Now that Halle has discovered 4-Wheelers, it is hard to pry her off of them. While I was in Vegas, Joe took the kids out on his dad's 4-Wheelers, and said that neither of them wanted to get off of them.... now back at home, Halle is constantly climbing on Damon's Power Wheels, and trying to get her groove on.... She is all smiles... ear to ear. Never mind the silly hair! (She had a little pony tail up top that Damon had since taken out, and of course it stuck that way!)

Halle is looking behind her before she puts the ATV in reverse.... just checking it out!

And she is good to go!!! Oh wait... minus the freezer in front of her she keeps hitting ; )

VEGAS BABY...

2008-10-24T09:01:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I went on a girls trip to Vegas with my mother-in-law and sister-in-laws. There was much shopping, girl talk, eating, and zero fighting.... The reason behind the trip was to go to the play Mamma Mia at The Mandalay Bay. I have never seen the movie, but LOVED the play.... and let me just say that a few of us had crushes on Sam after watching the play.... his voice... oh my. My sister-in-law, Jackie, was singing the ABBA songs the whole trip.... actually, she was the life of the party reguardless...singing or not!!! Thanks Jackie. We didn't get nearly as many pictures as I would have liked... but it was really a blast of a trip.... from the hours of shopping, to the midnight $5 pizza, to the $10 hot chocolate, to astronomically priced sandwhiches and cravings of Bacon Cheese Fries.... to numerous girls being sick at various moments... names will be left unmentioned! I needed the trip and appreciate Joe for staying at home with the kids so I could get away for a weekend!!!

Now that it's cold out...

2008-10-16T09:50:00.000-07:00

Now that the days and evenings have turned frigid cold... it is a lot harder to just play outside and get out any extra energy. So what do we Anderson's do you ask? We either play tackle football down in our basement, or have Joe throw us all on the lovesack... Those are definitely our two favorite pasttimes currently.

Halle is Walking.... (Kind of)

2008-10-07T15:59:00.000-07:00

Halle is now close to 13 months old, and still refuses to take that first step on her own. She can stand all alone in the center of a room with the best of them...but actually stepping one foot in front of the other... well that is just not happening. But this morning as I was getting ready to get us out the door, Halle started just moseying through the kitchen with the walker. I couldn't help but giggle as I watched her pass, and her little behind walking along! I tried to get some cute video of it, but of course once I started recording, she got stuck, fell, and then didn't want to walk anymore. Here are a few of her cute steps though! It will only be a matter of time now... I am sure of it! I guess Damon was 14 months before he took his first steps... They do it at their own pace!

So as I was writing this post, Halle was screaming in the other room, wanting to walk again, so I set up her with the walker and did a little bit more recording. This is her from the front this time. Being her mom, I just think she is adorable trying to meander on her way! Keep it up Hal... You'll get it down sooner or later!

Handbag Give-Away

2008-10-04T18:10:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love a good bag? We all know I do.... I love my huge momma's gotta go somewhere bags, not to mention bags and purses used solely for accessorizing. Handbag Planet is launching their new website and to celebrate, they are giving away a FREE handbag every hour on the hour! FREE BAGS.... Count me in! Go to their website and sign yourself up. All you have to do is plug in your email address and you're in the drawing. So dear friends, click on the link, add your name to the list, and you just may win a free bag.

When I grow up I want to be....

2008-09-26T09:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday for Preschool, we went to the fire/police station. The kids had a lot of fun playing in the fire trucks and trying on the uniforms. Damon loved getting in the big truck! The fireman jacket on Damon was longer than he is tall, and was dragging on the ground!! Unfortunately, right as we were getting the kids assigned to cars so we could leave for our fieldtrip, Damon fell off our small retaining wall out front, and scraped up his chin.... blood everywhere, and lots of crying on the way to the station! But Damon ended up having a great day.... and a great battle wound to show off!Damon's preschool class L-R: Lincoln, Savannah, Asia, Kinsley, Amelia, Damon, Sydnee, Perla, Katlyn, and Timmy.

Damon happy as a clam in the huge Fireman Jacket (Resistant up to 800 degrees of heat). And yes, it is quite heavy!

Damon's poor little scraped chin.... Luckily, he seems to have already forgotten all about his owie.

*If you have a child in my preschool and would like to see more preschool pics you can go to my new blog Tiny Scholars Preschool

Sleeping Beauty... and Sleeping Prince Charming???

2008-09-24T10:33:00.000-07:00

The kids wanted to watch Baby Einstein one afternoon. I went to fold the laundry, and when I came out of my room, this is how I found Damon and Halle.... sacked out on the floor, with Baby Einstein still playing! Of course I moved them to their beds after taking a few pictures. Ah, the places and positions kids fall asleep in.... once again, another post of my kids sleeping.

If only these amazing sleeping habits lasted through the night! DO NOT BE FOOLED... My kids aren't these amazing little sleepers once night time hits!

MY QUIRKY-NESS

2008-09-22T08:05:00.000-07:00

My friend Heather tagged me....so here goes!

1. Link back to the person who tagged you.
2. List the rules on your blog.
3. Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of your own.
4. Tag 6 bloggers to complete the meme.

1. No matter what... Even if it is the hottest night alive, I have to sleep with covers on. And it cannot be just a sheet. Just a sheet doesn't make me feel safe and comforted as I sleep. It has to be some blanket with substance. And I get nervous to have my arms or legs hanging out of the sides of the blankets...(As if the covers are going to save me from some mass murderer.) And if I am sleeping alone and nervous, or just plain cold, I will pull all covers over my head too in order to sleep! I will make a tiny peep hole for fresh air to enter, but that's it. Joe can't stand that part of my quirk. He thinks I have to be killing brain cells.

2. I hate dirty dishes in my own house. Right after dinner I always clean up the kitchen. If I invite you over for dinner, and we are all visiting for awhile after dinner, rest assured, that halfway through conversations, I will get up, walk to the kitchen, and start doing dishes and cleaning up. I have this OCD in my head, only for the kitchen unfortunately. I cannot sit and visit pleasntly if I know the kitchen is still a mess. It drives me bananas.

3. Rap music makes my day. Chances are, if you ever see me driving alone (no kids in the backseat) I will have the rap blasting in the car, and I will try to be rapping along to whatever the song is. (Funny image I am sure.) Truth is... my first year of marriage, I even totalled our car because I was listening to Notorious BIG too loud in my car as I was driving, trying to rap along, and not paying attention.

4. I get so excited when Joe gets home from work, and wants or needs to go somewhere....just a drive, or to Wal-Mart to grocery shop. For some odd reason, I love walking around stores with Joe and the kids....going alone in the evening...not so much. But if Joe is there it makes my day. Or I love it when he wants to just go on a drive, and we go to the gas station first to get a Mountain Dew to share, and then just drive around talking and looking at houses! I live for that, and think that may be what I missed the most when Joe was in Iraq.

5. I vicariously live through and night time drama shows. I am so excited for Grey's Anatomy's season premier this week. And as embarrassing as this next one may be to admit...while Joe was away, I got addicted to One Tree Hill. I know, I know....what can I say?! But I love watching shows with the couples who "need" to end up together.... ex. Derek and Meredith, and Lucas and Peyton. Call me a geek now.... I know Joe will.

6. Cheese could be my chocolate. If I ever buy cheese by the block, I will cut off THICK slices of it and eat big old chunks of cheese as my snack for the day. Give me a block of cheese during a movie, or for a girls night, and I am happy. Don't get me wrong, I love junk food and soda pop too. I am a very unhealthy eater.... But cheese really could be my happy food.... I love cheddar, sharp, medium and mild, Monterey Jack, Motzerella, Meunster, Provolone, Swiss... I could go on and on.....

I now tag Jessie B., Alison J., Misty A., Jodi C., Sarah H., and Heather L.

Happy 1st Birthday Baby Girl...

2008-09-15T07:29:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Halle. I cannot believe it was already one year ago that you entered this world.... September 15, 2007. At 5:05 a.m. you were born... 7 lb 2 oz and only 18 inches long. It was a made for TV movie how Halle came into this world. I went into labor the night before. I called Joe's sister, Jackie, to come pick me up and take me to the hospital. I had waited until my contractions were 3 minutes apart and STRONG until I called anyone because I didn't want it to be false labor, and be sent home from the hospital. Jackie got us up to UVRMC as fast as she could... going 100 mph on the freeway and letting me squeeze her arm off each time I had another contraction. I texted Joe's email from my cell on the way to the hospital letting him know that I was going to have this baby. A couple of hours after being in labor and in the hospital, my cell got a text from Joe's email letting me know he had gotten my email, knew what was going on, and he would call me when he could, but that his Chopper was leaving Kuwait for Iraq at about 5 a.m. our time, and he wouldn't be able to call me until he was settled in Iraq. It was a whilwind of a night, but by about 4:55 a.m. I was dilated to a 10, and now pushing my little girl into this world. At 5:00 a.m. Joe was boarding his Helicopter and flying to Iraq, and at 5:05 a.m. his daughter was born. She was perfect and beautiful. And I had so much support in the hospital with my parents and Jackie being there. By about 8:30 in the morning, Joe was able to call, and we decided to name our little lady Halle!

Halle has brought such a spirit into our homes. She is the happiest most content little girl. She had struggles and health issues her first 6 months of life, but was still such a calm, sweet baby. Joe often tells me that we got blessed with her. She is the perfect little girl, and we can only be so lucky to have more babies like her. She has a smile that will melt you, and a heart that, even as a baby, keeps giving and is full of unconditional love. It has been a priveledge to call myself Halle's mother. I have loved watching you grow and develop this past year Halle, and can't wait to be your mom for eternity.

I love you more than life little girl. Thank you for choosing us! Happy Birthday Halle!!!

Man I am out of shape...

2008-09-12T19:26:00.000-07:00

Damon loves Dora the Explorer...(I know, I know...) Well recently he watched an episode where Dora went into a cave and they found bears. Ever since seeing that episode, Damon begged Joe to take him to a cave. So last Saturday we decided to go hike up the Timp trail with the kids. We had one umbrella stroller, but stopped at Target on the way and bought another one so we could take both of the kids up the trail in strollers. To our dismay, once we got to the parking lot for the Timpanogos cave, there was a big sign that said "NO STROLLERS." Now I haven't hiked this trail since I was a little girl, and thought to myself..."that can't be right...they probably mean big strollers, not little umbrella strollers." But no. No strollers of any sort could be taken on the trail....it is much too steep they told me. We also weren't aware that we should have bought tickets ahead of time to take a tour of the cave, because it was just after noon, and the next tour opening wasn't until 3:30. I was ready to turn around at this point, but once again...I was wrong. Joe said that since we were already here, we might as well hike up for the fun of it. And fun it was. Joe carried Damon almost the whole hike, and I carried Halle almost the whole hike....(other than us switching kids every now and then, and Damon deciding to walk about 5 feet before wanting to be carried again!) Now I know I might deceive people....for I am thin... but rest assured, this does not mean I am in shape. I was huffing and puffing as I was carrying Halle up that trail. Man, they weren't lying....it is steep. Once we got to the top Joe talked one of the guides into letting us go on their tour right then. The 45 minute tour turned into over an hour of Damon inside the cave yelling...."Where are the bears dad? Where are the bears? Are they sleeping? Can you wake them up? Where are the bears.....?" (That dang Dora!) Needless to say, once the tour was over, Damon was quite upset we were leaving the cave without seeing a bear! Poor little guy. The next day I was so sore, and was walking like a lunatic.... But it did end up being a nice, memorable family outing... and the view was absolutely breathtaking. Moral of the story.... I need to get my butt into shape. Oh ya, and I forgot my camara at the car below, so couldn't even take any cute pics of our little family.

Preschool

2008-09-06T17:25:00.000-07:00

Well, this is it. This is my very own preschool. I have to admit, the first two days I wondered what I was getting myself into. I was trying to come up with a good routine, and the kids weren't used to any routine... so things were a little bit rough. By my third day I had a bit of an empowering moment though. Suddenly my routine was working, and all the students were starting to pick up on it. Preschool was fun, and the time the kids were there just flew by. In my head I thought... "Dang, I CAN DO THIS....And I am GOOD at it!" I also had one of the mothers tell me that she used to teach preschool and that the hugs from the kids alone are worth all the work it takes to run a preschool. I thought... "Really? That can't be true..." But let me tell you.... The kids already want to help out with everything. I told them they can call me Kirstin, but most call me "teacher" in their cute little voices. They all want to sit next to me or on my lap during story time.... And they just have this unconditional love for me already.... And it IS worth it! So far so good.... I hope things can only continue to get better and go more smoothly. Here are some pics of the little ones. Not everyone has come to school yet. A few of the morning kids are on vacation and/or can't just make it until next week.... but the ones so far melt my heart. Who would have known that this could be my calling in life!!!

Antenna's....

2008-09-03T16:18:00.000-07:00

Need I say more?....Halle is being watched during the days as I am teaching preschool, by my friend Heather. Today when I went to pick up Halle, Heather showed me the beautiful hairdo she created on top of Halle's head with what little hair she has. I think Halle looks like the most adorable little bug with two tiny antenna's..... I couldn't stop laughing at my own daughter!

Quite the Process....

2008-08-29T08:02:00.000-07:00

The past few months all we have been doing it seems is working on our basement. I took photo's of every phase that the basement went through so that we could look back and see all that it went through to get its "transformation". This weekend will be the first weekend all summer it seems that Joe and I get to go do whatever we want since all the past weekends have been spent framing, insulating, painting, cleaning, ordering, approving, plus the numerous trips to the Home Depot. After all the work though, we have an amazing finished product. We now just have to decorate. We will be bringing our wrap around couch and big screen downstairs, making it our new family room. I will also be holding a preschool downstairs in a designated section. We also made another bedroom, bathroom, and laundry room. It will sure feel nice to have extra space, and places to go to hide from one another.... ha ha...

These first pics are of Joe finishing up framing, and hanging doors.

Next was the insulation process.... Shown were a bedroom, the preschool, and a bathroom.

Then comes the sheetrock.... What a mess!!!

Painting started, and the wood floor being installed in the preschool...

Taping and painting of the moldings.... I felt like the painting would never end. Not to mention taking all of the doors off their hinges, and spending a full Saturday outside giving each of them three coats of bright white paint!!! At this point, all the lighting is also finished... All the can's in place outlets wired in, and lights to the other rooms installed!

All the tape is removed, the painting done, and the carpet in! Now we just need to get old furniture out... new furniture in... and decorated!

Thanks to everyone who helped or had some part in this basement! We really appreciate friends and family who are willing to take time out of their busy schedules to help us with ours!

A BREAKTHROUGH... (Literally)

2008-08-25T11:28:00.001-07:00

Today, at 11 months one week and three days old, Halle had her first tooth break through. I can't see anything, but I can feel the sharp ridges of the tooth coming through her gums! It is about time.... especially with how ornery and sleep deprived Halle has been lately. Now she just needs the other bottom tooth to break through so that she can be happy for a few weeks at least until the top ones decide to come in. Yeah Halle....I guess you may not need the dentures after all!

Straight or Curly...

2008-08-20T18:13:00.001-07:00

You decide... When Halle gets a bit more hair, will it end up being straight or having some curl...like her momma? This is Halle right out of her bath tonight with towel dried hair... a bit crazy if you ask me.... and Halle, what a ham you are!

My Handsome Guys...

2008-08-20T18:08:00.001-07:00

This is Joe and Damon as they were ready for church on Sunday morning. I thought they had to be the two most handsome boys in the world, and needed a couple of pictures of them. Tell me too that Damon isn't Joe's spitting image. How did I get so lucky?!

$$ Priceless $$

2008-08-18T18:49:00.000-07:00

1 GALLON OF PAINT - $15.97

3 PACK OF ROLLERS - $3.27

1 ROLL OF PAINTERS TAPE - $2.97

WATCHING YOUR SON COVER HIMSELF HEAD TO TOE IN THE PAINT AS YOU ARE TRYING TO GET THE PAINTING DONE... AND HE JUST WANTS TO HELP - $PRICELESS!

**Some things money can't buy......

Toothless....

2008-08-15T08:57:00.001-07:00

Halle is Eleven months old today....and still has not gotten a single tooth! One month till she hits a year. I wonder if she will have any teeth by then?! Here is to you and your toothless grin, Halle... You are still the most beautiful little baby girl in the world, even if we end up having to get you dentures!

It's a bird....it's a plane....it's DAMON...

2008-08-12T08:26:00.000-07:00

We took a trip up to Midway on Sunday for birthday dinner for my little sister and brother-in-law. It was a nice day with eating and talking. Afterwards was more visiting in the back yard. My newest bro-in-law, Travis, was playing with Damon. Damon loves when Travis will pick him up due to Travis being a tall 6'4". Travis will usually let Damon walk on ceilings, and toss him in the air a little bit. Well, outside, Trav started throwing Damon in the air. Damon caught more air and was clearly being thrown higher than what can even be considered safe. He had a blast, and just kept asking Travis to go higher, and to do it again. Funniest thing though.... everytime Damon was way up in the air, he would strike a pose! My mom was lucky enough to catch one of the moments in a picture.

Me, my mom, Alison, Jessie, and Annika the Birthday girl.

Kirstin flying Halle through the air.

The family posing for a pic. (Although trying to get everyone looking decent is impossible.)

Happy Birthday!

2008-08-11T19:22:00.001-07:00

Happy 22nd Birthday Aunt Annika, and Happy 29th Uncle Jeff. We love you both so much and hope you both had an awesome 11th day of August!

Hooray for Annika and Jeff!! Love, Damon and Halle.

One Year Ago.....

2008-08-07T11:51:00.000-07:00

I was reflecting on last year at this time recently. I notice myself every now and then getting ornery with Joe, or impatient with him and the kids. I really try to keep my cool, but as we all know, that is something that can be hard to do at all times. I remember myself last year at this time saying... "When Joe is home again, I will never take a second of it for granted. I will never yell at him over stupid things. I will just be happy to have him home!" Well those words lasted me about 2 weeks after Joe got home, and I am back to myself, ornery, impatient, and all. I was looking through all of my pictures I had from last year's summer, and it put me in check again...(For a day at least.) Although Damon was a blast last summer, and I wouldn't trade the memories I made, and the lessons I learned for anything..... I also wouldn't ever want my husband gone again...(let alone being pregnant months 5-9 without Joe here and during the heat of the summer nonetheless, and then having a baby without him.) I thought I would just post pics from last year to look back and reflect. It is funny and amazing to look back and see where we were in life just one year ago. I am so happy for what this new year and summer has brought us. Last summer, we sent Joe off to Ft. Bliss Texas to train to go to Iraq. I was pregnant. Damon was 18 months old.... This summer, Joe is home. Damon is an extremely active 2 1/2 year old, and Halle is on the brink of turning one! I will again try my hardest to just be happy and excited with what each new day brings.....Not take a moment for granted!

Where do I go from here?

2008-07-31T12:45:00.000-07:00

Halle is getting pretty good at getting to where she wants to go these days. Only problem....once she gets there, she isn't exactly sure how to leave to get to the next place. She will crawl up onto things, and then doesn't know how to get off of them. She will also stand under things, stuck, and not daring enough to plop her butt back down on the ground so she can crawl out. It is pretty cute seeing the little predickerments she gets herself in.

Um ya...Halle couldn't even figure out how to get off this short tub she crawled onto! Silly baby cakes.

Ha Ha....Once Again...

2008-07-31T12:39:00.000-07:00

It happened again. I just love watching where Damon falls asleep. Last night he was playing with his truck and trailer. He was driving them around the kitchen floor, when suddenly he just laid down his entire body, and within seconds (literally) he was out cold again. As you can see he is still holding onto the truck like he is driving it around. (Don't mind the extremely dirty rug... the basement got sheetrocked yesterday...workers in and out all day long...and Damon chose the dirtiest place to lay his head down to sleep!)

I rest my case....

2008-07-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

Just like I said a few days ago.....Kids can fall asleep ANY where at ANY time, in ANY position. Yesterday, Damon was outside playing with his new lizards, just waiting for Joe to get home from work. He had only been outside for about 5 minutes, when I looked out the window to check on him, and this is what I saw. He was asleep on the front stairs, too exhausted from his day to wait any longer for his daddy to get home. I couldn't believe he could just curl up and fall asleep on the concrete steps like that, not to mention it was 5:00 p.m. (Hot as Heck outside.) Too too cute!

Palisade...

2008-07-23T15:45:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was The ANDERSON Family Reunion at Palisade State Park. We headed down to it after Joe got off work on Friday afternoon. It was hot and fun. Friday night, Damon headed down to the lake with cousins, without a swimming suit, and just stripped down to his diaper and headed into the water. He was freezing and soggy by the time I carried him back up to camp. Afterwards was visiting, playing games, and getting ready for bed. Halle crawled around everywhere making truck noises with her tounge, and putting any and everything in her mouth.

Joe, Damon, Halle, and I shared a tent, and all four of us ended up on what was supposed to be Joe's and mine air mattress. Halle had a hard time falling asleep due to it being so windy. She would see the leaves shadows blowing through the walls of the tent, and just wanted to "get them". The next morning, a big breakfast was cooked, along with more swimming. Joe was swimming with Damon, and nephews Kade and Conner. He was coming back to shore, dragging all three boys through the water, when he felt his wedding ring slipping off his finger, and then fall. I just heard him scream..."I lost my wedding ring". Funny thing is, on the 4th of July, I lost my wedding rings in my parents backyard as we were playing softball...lucky enough to find them 3 days later after searching on hands and knees through the whole back yard. Well, Joe, a couple of his uncles, and cousin-in-laws helped dive up and down up and down, searching for Joe's ring. After about 45 minutes of doing this in the murkey water, Joe kind of gave up. About ten minutes later, Joe's uncle Shawn yelled out.."I GOT IT". He had never given up, and even though every other guy had come to shore, Shawn kept on looking, and somehow found Joe's ring. THANKS SHAWN!

It was a fun, hot, successful family reunion. We had a blast...

COMFORTABLE???

2008-07-18T10:05:00.001-07:00

When I went into Halle's room this morning to wake her up, this is the position I found her in. Isn't it funny the ways your children can sleep? They can fall asleep at any moment, in any amount of noise, in any position. I just giggled at her this morning!

Memory Tag....

2008-07-16T09:52:00.001-07:00

I love this tag.

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember! You can post a memory about Kirstin or Joe...we would love all or any.

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses.

The Summer is "Cruising" By.....

2008-07-14T10:02:00.000-07:00

We have been having a pretty fun and relaxing summer just playing with our cousins lately. The other day we went down to the Mona park and had a picnic and played on the playground for a little bit. Afterwards, Damon's and Halle's cousins, Jack and Luke came over to play for the afternoon. The boys had a blast taking the 4-wheeler Power Wheels up and down the street. Jack is the oldest of the bunch, and he was the driver taking Damon, Luke, and all the little neighbor girls on rides, just cruising around like he owned the town. It was a fun time, and I appreciate Jack for being such a big help, and a great sport!

Jack taking Damon for a stroll around the neighborhood...

Luke walking the ledge...

Brothers, Jack and Luke, out for a quick ride...

Damon and Luke showing me they are old enough to jump up and hang on the tree!

Some play hard while others well.....sleep!

2008-07-11T13:28:00.000-07:00

YEAH!!! The new pool in Payson has finally opened up. It is a success, because it is as busy as can be and the line to get in seems like an hour long, but this week alone, we have visited the pool twice. Damon's favorite part was wearing his new life jacket and floating around the lazy river. He kicks his little legs, and I am pretty sure he thinks he is swimming and taking himself around the river, not the strong current that is actually doing it. Halle just lounged in her car floatie, and fell asleep for the afternoon. Just a relaxing day for this little 9 month old. Fresh air, sun, and cool water splashing on her feet....what more could she ask for?

Happy 29th Jessie!

2008-07-09T07:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my big sister Jessie! Here is a little something something from Damon and Halle.... We all love you and hope you have a great day!