My 4 Best Friends and I

Beautifully Blessed!

2010-10-18T09:20:00.004-06:00

Beautifully Blessed is the best way I can describe yesterday while I witnessed the power of the priesthood. My 3rd beauty, Leah, was blessed by her daddy yesterday. I feel so very blessed to be the chosen parent to take care of another one of our Heavenly Father's children. We love her sooo much and had a wonderful day yesterday. Thanks to everyone who came and helped to make it possible.

Kindergarten and Preschool

2010-09-10T13:49:00.008-06:00

There has been some big changes in out home lately. Between kindergarten, preschool, soccer, dance and a new baby, our home is still trying to adjust to the new happenings.

Haley started kindergarten on the 31st of August and her teachers name is Mrs. Arroyo. She is in the Spanish immersion class, which means that she is learning Spanish along with the regular required requirements for kindergarten. She comes home with homework and reading assignments nightly which keep us very busy playing matching with capital and lowercase letters and putting numbers in order. Fun stuff. It is a good opportunity for mom and dad to give her the attention she needs. She also started soccer the same week. She loves to go but is not that excited to kick the ball and when she does, she thinks that should be enough for the whole game. We still enjoy watching her and supporting her in everything. I told her that if she scores a goal, dad would give her a pack of gum. It hasn't seemed to have helped, especially for as much as she loves gum. Oh well. She does however enjoy dance and has started that back up as well. We are looking forward to December when we can see her shine on the dance stage again.

Maya started school just 4 days after Leah was born. A little nervous as to how she would do, she ran in so fast she tripped on her way down the steps. She loved putting her back pack on and has loved every minute of Mrs. Farr. The first day she told me that she thinks she'll go back tomorrow. Too bad it's only 2 days a week. She is so independent anymore that she doesn't even know her sisters name. She loves to watch movies, do puzzles, play with her mother's hands (little odd) and ride her bike. We love our red head.

It's sad to see the Summer come to an end but we are also pretty excited for new beginnings. Both girls learned how to ride bikes this Summer. Haley without training wheels. Both had a good time in swimming lessons with their teacher Arielle. We boasted sales at the snow cone shack and have loved every minute of each other as we have prepared for baby Leah to join us.

Introducing Leah Louise

2010-09-10T13:42:00.004-06:00

She's here! The all through the Summer pregnancy has come to an end and miracle #3 arrived a week ago today. I feel truly blessed and can't thank my Heavenly Father enough for such a cute baby girl! Weighing in at 8 lbs. 2 oz. and 20 1/2 inches long, Leah was born at 4:32 p.m. on Friday the 3rd of September. Other then being under billi lights for 3 days, she has been a very healthy and good baby. (fingers crossed) The 2nd night letting her mother sleep 7 hours in between feedings. We love her already so much as she has made and incredible addition into the Andersen home. We love you Leah!

Some of My Latest Pet Peeves

2010-08-15T14:59:00.005-06:00

Yards that go to waste- It's bad enough when it costed us over 5 grand to put in our very plain yard, but to see one that costs anywhere near that turn into a weed garden is so sad.

Mall Shopping- As a kid, I loved to grab my lady friends and spend hours at the mall but I can't stand going there now. I hate the ever so popular, "Can I help you find something," right as I walk into an overpriced store. If I had a question, I am capable to ask someone....errrrrkkkk

Shampoo on partially dry hair- just when I think I have the girl's hair wet, I start to lather the shampoo in to find strands that are dry. Oh, it's like screeching nails on the chalk board.

Turning on the garbage disposal when the water isn't running- I don't know where I learned that you don't do that but every so often I have the water turned off before I flip the switch to the garbage disposal and it does something strange to me that I can't explain.

Pregnancy comments- There really isn't an appropriate comment to give so just don't give them unless you know the person. It seems as though people really want to open up and talk heart to heart about pregnancy when they don't even know the person. The other day I got asked if this was an oops? What store clerk asks that when they don't even know you.....ANNOYING! I almost want to wear a shirt that says,"Yes I am pregnant and unless you know me, please don't ask your question."

Living off Food Stamps and WIC- I believe this program is designed to help people when in need and to make them self reliant to get off of it as quickly as possible. It seems as though I hear of too many families around here that are living off of it and hiding income. Or that they are living in ways that show that they are spending their income in unreasonable ways while my husband and I are out working to accommidate that great life for them. Seriously, get a job...hey sometimes it takes getting two.

Lil of This and That

2010-04-12T17:04:00.003-06:00

This post is to recap the forever it has been since my last visit to my blog:

I love to be called a naughty boy by my 2 year old.

Potty training is my least favorite thing about raising kids

Growing a baby inside of me at age 31 is harder then at 25

Keeping my house clean is way too hard with two mess makers

Signing my 4 year old for Kindergarten was harder then expected...Spanish immersion or not?

Disneyland is not my favorite place during Spring Break.

Owning my own business means tax time is a little more stressful.

Friends and Family are the glue that keep us Andersen's happy.

Spring and Fall are my favorite times to be in Utah...now just hurry up and get here Spring.

When your child is sick at school and you go to pick them up and ask what's wrong and they say, "I think a little piece of my brain got stuck on my side," it's okay to laugh.

Dealing with dumb, ignorant people is my least favorite part about selling on ebay.

Family vacations are well needed but a lot of work to go and to come home.

Finding a husband like Matt has been one of the biggest blessing in my lives.

I have loved that Haley has loved being involved in gymnastics and dance this year.

Learning how to ride a bike without training wheels is hard work for both mom and kid.

When eating ice cream on Main Street in Huntington Beach, all the weird people and nice cars makes it a great parade for Haley. "Mom are we watching a parade"- Haley

So excited to share the simple gospel truths with Haley and talk about what she has learned is been a big joy in my life.

A Little Bit of This and That

2009-12-17T11:53:00.008-07:00

I feel like the days of my little girls are passing by too quickly and some of the funniest things that they do aren't getting documented so here are a few pictures of my little red head's purses that get drug from home to Walmart and all around the bathroom floor at the mall. Love bug even sleeps with the purse right next to her. I thought that some of the things in these purses were things that I can't figure out why I don't have them in my purse because they are things you can't live without, right? hahaha....I love my Maya!

I'm back....

2009-08-25T12:06:00.003-06:00

Okay. Wow it has been since...oops March since my last post. Oh sorry. I found facebook and ebay to take up a lot of my online time. No excuses though, right?

Matt, the kids and I just got back from a trip to my parents place in AZ. They have 41 acres of ranch property there. I call it a bed and breakfast because we go and my mom plans and cooks 3 amazing meals everyday we are there. It's like being on a cruise but better food. The kids just played in the dirt, sand and we rode them around on the 4 wheelers. It was fun but there is no place like home. I LOVE MY OWN BED!!!

On our way home, we were driving and could hear a little scratching noise in the dash board but didn't think much of it until a freaking squirrel, pop gut, whatever the crap they are called took a nibble at my toes. Oh crap!!! You haven't seen me fly to the back seat quicker then I did when I saw that little critter at my feet. To top it all off...we were in a construction zone with no way to pull over so the dumb gut popper, whatever he's called, ran up on the dash and I haven't found him yet. I haven't smelt any dead animals yet coming from the old pathfinder, but still trying to figure out how he got in my freaking car. Any suggestions???

As Easy as 1-2-3 Chocolate Chip Cookies

2009-03-21T11:02:00.004-06:00

It seems as though everyone else has better tasting chocolate chip cookies then me. Mine always turn out like pancakes with little lumps of chocolate chips here and there. I hate it. So for years now, every time I see a chocolate chip cookie I like, I ask how they make it. Here are my 3 tips that I have gathered from many different domestic bakers that have helped me to perfect the old fashioned chocolate chip cookie recipe.

1. Use real butter, not margarine - margarine melts at a lower temperature. This is why my little boogers would flatten like pancakes.

2. Use more white sugar then brown - not too sure why on this one!

3. Add more flour then the recipe calls for - This is cause the chocolate chips cookies to keep a round and raised look.

California in February!

2009-02-19T11:55:00.011-07:00

I thought we would have a warm trip to California...well warmer then what I was getting here in Utah and that wasn't the case. Besides the cold weather, sick kids and a little soreness from the dodge ball game the Friday night we got there, we still had a great time.

158 Years Ago...

2009-01-27T15:40:00.004-07:00

My dad sent this to me and I thought since I am a Californian that moved to Utah 10 years ago, it was worth posting on my blog.

158 years ago...

Do you know what happened this week back in 1850,

158 years ago?

California became a state.
The State had no electricity.
The State had no money.
Almost everyone spoke Spanish.
There were gunfights in the streets.
So basically, it was just like California today; except the
women had real breasts and the men didn't hold hands.

What is the Grossest Thing your Kids Have Tried?

2009-01-08T12:12:00.004-07:00

When I was little, my family would call my sister and I the "Queens of Gross." We thought everything was gross and now that we have kids of our own, I have kids that test my ever so popular "Queen of Gross" name.

Yesterday, I went with a friend to the local jumping place with the kids. Of course the trampolines get old after a bit and the kids tend to wander into places they shouldn't go. Maya decided to try the bathroom out. I followed her in there not seconds after to find she had just taken the lovely green tampon applicator out of the nasty toilet trash. Yes..in the mouth it went. GROSS. Okay, so I made this big scream and pretty much barfed in my mouth and am still barfing right now, flicked the NASTY green lollipop tampon applicator on the floor and washed her mouth out until she squirmed out of my arms screaming.

I guess things are working as normal today with her but that image is not leaving my mind. What was the GROSSEST thing that your kids have sampled?

Christmas Morn

2008-12-26T15:08:00.004-07:00

More pathetic picture taking. Here are some action shots of our fun Christmas morning. The kids didn't roll out until 8 and Matt and I didn't know what to do with ourselves until they woke up. Matt's parents came for breakfast and to finish up the last of our presents. Fun had by all.

This year was the first time we had not been with families on Christmas eve. Christmas eve was spent with the Snows. We had yummy cordon blue, cesear salad, dip, rolls, jello and sparkling cider. We did a picture nativity with the kids participating. We had pictures strung from here to there and none of the pictures were going in the order the nativity was supposed to go. It was fun getting in the Christmas spirit.

Some Recent Pics

2008-12-14T09:52:00.008-07:00

I'm trying to take more pics but my camera or the operator of the camera is retarded and I'm never happy with the pictures it takes. So here goes the December haps around the Andersen home...

really intense sugar cookie making

sugar cookie decorating with Mac, Taft and Bryce...what a mess

2nd attempt with Santa

1st attempt with Santa

Glamour shots at the mall with BFF Sadie and Maddie

At the mall

Fun Christmas Tag

2008-12-13T13:54:00.003-07:00

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends. Fill out your answers then tag 5 people you want to learn more about!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping please. There is more fun in ripping off the paper then opening the bag.

2.Real tree or artificial? Artificial this year but real all the years before now.

3.When do you put up the tree? Usually Thanksgiving day or the day after.

4.When do you take the tree down? Christmas day or the day after. I hate Christmas after Christmas.

5.Do you like Eggnog? Gross. Just the sound of it makes me barff.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Talking Cabbage Patch Kid

7. Hardest person to buy for? My mother and my inlaws. My mother who has a cheese grater on her list this year and 5 of us to buy for her.

8. Easiest person to buy for? Probably me! Is that bad?

9. Do you have a nativity scene? No, I need one...I'm just afraid baby Jesus would be found in a purse somewhere around the house in May or something.

10.Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail them hopefully this year!

11.Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings so ask me in person on that one!

12. Favorite Christmas movie? Christmas Story, National Lampoons Christmas Vacation

13.When do you start shopping for Christmas? I shop all year.

14.Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? no, not Christmas but others yes!

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? My mom's homemade cinnamon rolls!

16. White or colored lights on the tree? white...I'm kinda blah like that!

17 .Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night, I'm Dreaming of a White Chirstmas, and Believe!

18 .Travel at Christmas or stay home? I love to travel but it's getting harder with weather conditions, getting work off and you know having kids.

19.Can you name all Santa's reindeer? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph.

20. Angel on the tree top or Star? Star

21.Open presents Christmas Eve or morning? All on Christmas morning!

22.Most annoying thing about this time of year? The bank account depletes and you spend all year trying to build it back up!

23. Favorite ornament? Should I have one?

24. Favorite Christmas dinner? Probably honey baked ham and funeral potatoes

25. Favorite Christmas cocktail? okay...milk or 7-up

26.What do you want for Christmas this year? wii, cruise money, website money, clothes, purse

27.What don't you want for Christmas this year? lump of coal

28. What is something you have never done that you want to do for Christmas? have a really snowy Christmas morning!

29.Who is the most likely to respond to this?

30.Who is least likely to respond?

I tag everyone!

Christmas Poem & Sugar Cookie Recipe

2008-12-12T16:03:00.004-07:00

I picked Haley up from preschool and she handed me yet another art project. This time a poem right in the center of the hand printed wreath from those cute 3 year old hands. It seems as though I get really frustrated these days with her and her 3 year old attitude but this poem actually made me cry:

Sometimes you get discouraged because I am so small,
And always leave my fingerprints on the furniture and walls.
But every day I'm growing up and soon I'll be so tall.
That all the little fingerprints will be hard to see at all.
So parents dear I give you my hand as it was this December(2008)
Then when I grow up big and strong, you'll have this to remember.

Best Sugar Cookie Recipe Ever

1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 egg
3 cups flour
1/2 tsp. salt
3 tsp. baking powder
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla

mix and chill dough
place on ungreased cookie sheet
Bake 375 for 6-9 minutes. Cookies will puff in the oven.

Never A Dull Moment on Ebay

2008-12-05T16:31:00.005-07:00

Here is a good message I got after someone had purchased something from me. It was left as a comment at check out:

thank you! also, if you happen to have one that is red/or burgundy and has a fluffy flower or maribou I am interested! thank you for these adorable headbands!

What is a fluffy flower?

You have to worry about where you are sending some of these items when you get a confirmed ebay address that is like this (the name and street address blocked out by me):

XXXXX XXXXXX

XXXXXXXX

do not leave at door please

Brooklyn NY 11225

I'm glad I'm not the mail lady in that neighborhood!

Straight From the Garbage...Instant Bed for the Baby

2008-11-26T20:29:00.002-07:00

Who needs Santa to come when we already have a great bed for our baby?

Friday Fill In on Saturday

2008-11-22T10:34:00.002-07:00

1.The last band I saw live was wow I can't even think of their name. It's been like 7 years ago.
2. What I look forward to most on Thanksgiving is mashed potatoes with lots of gravy and looking through Black Friday ads.
3. My Christmas/holiday shopping is going to be severely less this year.
4. Thoughts of attacking Maya's snotty nose fill my head. She's getting too quick.
5. I wish I could wear sandals year round.
6. Bagpipes are depressing.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a night with nothing on the agenda, tomorrow my plans include work, a early visit to santa at the mall and an afternoon of go BYU football with a visit to see some old friends in SLC and Sunday, I want to go to church and chase the kids around the building...did I say want???

Calling All Pepsi Drinkers

2008-11-21T11:13:00.004-07:00

Okay so my husband is obsessed with making sure no yellow pepsi cap gets thrown away. So if you have one or see someone at work with one, make sure you get the code inside the cap. After all, I'm not going to Hawaii with all the points but Matt gets to fill his itunes library with more tunes. So if you want to help Matt get more music, email him at andersen.matt@gmail.com or leave me a comment with the code inside the pepsi cap or on a 12 pack.

Grandma's Been Sewing

2008-11-20T09:53:00.002-07:00

I love anyone that can sew because I can't sew worth crap. More times then not I get the bobbin thread all balled up and a few choice words come out and well it is best if I don't sew. I am really good at getting Matt's mom to stitch some things up for me. She made these cute skirts for the girls. Of course matching. That's why I have 2 girls...so they will match all the time like I did. Only I had to match with my twin brother. Here is the best picture I could get of these beauties!

10 Not So Common I Am Thankfuls

2008-11-17T08:41:00.008-07:00

1. Ebay
2. iPod - these days it is my vent out of "I'm not just a boring mom, but I do pump the jams like I did in high school"
3. my cleaning lady - worth every dime
4. kleenex with aloe - every home needs to be thankful for a not so raw nose during a cold
5. Roberts - we have become really good friends in the past year
6. Gap online - the only place I have found jeans that are almost too long
7. Comcast On Demand - Haley and I do get a break from one another
8. Active Learning Preschool - Haley's preschool that she just loves
9. Milk - that I can buy a gallon for $2
10. Gas - holy cow, $1.98 a gallon...that's awesome...I think that the pathfinder can come out of the garage now.

More eBay

2008-11-03T13:56:00.003-07:00

Okay, so eBay consumes a lot of my no time lately. I have to laugh at some of the messages that people send. It almost seems as though some people really are retarded. Here is another message sent to me asking about one of my items. I cut and copied exactly how it was written with the bold faced. Oh and just to let you know, these type of people go into my "I will not sell to you folder."

Are these new? What type of materials are your handbands made from? Are any of the materials from China? Are all the materials 100% child safe?

Visit From Mom and Dad

2008-10-29T09:37:00.007-06:00

Maya man handling the animals, and Haley afraid to touch them

Two LeRoy's

Checking out the bunnies

Are they for Haley, or Me?

2008-10-21T19:00:00.009-06:00

Does it seem like sometimes we shop for ourselves when we shop for our kids? You would think I bought these for myself. I just love them. I saw these on a little girl the other day at the pumpkin patch and thought I needed them. Okay, since they wouldn't fit me, Haley needed them. I asked the little girl's mom where she got them and she directed me to Pediped where they were sold out. My last resort was ebay were I found her a pair. It seems like lately most of my favorite finds have been for my kids. Their stuff looks cuter then mine anyway. These gems were a must buy. I just want to eat them. They look so cute on Haley.

Look at My Mess Tag

2008-10-09T10:10:00.012-06:00

Okay this is an interesting tag but I thought it might be fun to see other people's junk and maybe make me not feel so bad about my not so perfect home!

Fridge: Dirty, nasty shelves that you can't see. My mom is coming in 2 weeks. This is usually something she checks, so I need to get on that.

Closet: Never enough space to put my crap

Self Portrait: Gotta love taking picture of yourself

Favorite Room: It's always clean because not even the home teachers get to go in there.

Sink: Wow the dishes are done this morning

Laundry room: Don't ever buy a front loader washing machine!

Toilet: Okay this is the one that if you could see in the bowl, you would be able to see some pee left from our most recent potty trained in the home.

Where are your kids: Maya is ripping Haley's scarecrow and Haley is at school.

Dream vacation: Cancun, does it surprise you?

Favorite Shoes: A little dirty and lets be glad that it' not a scratch and sniff tag.

TAG...YOU ARE IT!!!

California for 10 Days!!! Yeah!

2008-10-06T09:10:00.019-06:00

I have been meaning to post our trip to California for over a month now and I'm just getting around to it. Here are the happenings...I'm a horrible picture taker.

Breakfast and a walk on the HB pier one morning

We took family pictures...everyone was in California to bless my sister and brother's babies(Nigel and Laney) The photographer did a better job then I did but this a snap shot I got of the girls

Family Fun Center

Beach with cousins

Finding Nemo ride. Not my favorite. In fact if the line is over 1o minutes, don't wait.

Disneyland with my sisters, their kids and my friend Courtney and her two kids. The princess lunch! Haley didn't want to talk to them, just give them a real good stare down!

Our anniversary dinner. Ouch $60 later.
I still love the Cheesecake Factory the best!

New kittens to strangle at Aunt Christina's house.

Before church at grandma's house

Cousins at the park

Busy Maya at the park

Friday Fill Ins

2008-10-03T12:13:00.004-06:00

1. October is an awesome month in Utah until it freezes towards the end just in time to put the ballerina costume on with a huge ugly jacket to cover it up.
2. Geriatrics on the road scare me!
3. Leaves are falling all around, it's time to do yard work.
4. My favorite horror movie is the post season NBA payoffs last year because I'm lucky to watch any movie let alone horror movies.
5. Some good friends+ a night with no kids = good memories.
6. It was a dark and stormy night and Haley ended up in our room saying the pirates were in hers.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to the BYU game and Cafe Rio, tomorrow my plans include work and hopefully a nap and Sunday, I want to watch some conference with the Snow's while the kids fight!

Einstein Bros Pumpkin Bagels

2008-09-26T11:33:00.005-06:00

Okay, I am a sucker for anything pumpkin these days. More than anything though I can't wait for Fall to come around to go over to Einstein Bagels and get one of their pumpkin bagels with pumpkin cream cheese. Oh...good stuff.

Have you tried them or can you suggest any good pumpkin yummies I might not know about?

What Would You Do?

2008-09-22T18:11:00.004-06:00

So today the girls and I took a trip to US Bank inside of Target. There were 2 people in front of me; both had more then just a basic transaction. I started to check my watch. Ten minutes, then fifteen, finally after about twenty minutes of standing in the line with my squealing girls I felt a little tickle on my neck. I gave the quick itch and come to find out the tickle moved down my shirt. I looked down to find a HUGE spider down my shirt. EYYKKKKK! Yep that is what I said, not knowing whether I should take my shirt off right there or run to the bathroom and get back in the line which had accumulated about 6 more people and the same idiot was up front trying to pick out some checks that would work best for his business.

Well the shirt didn't come off but it was a quite a site at the US bank as I hurried and pulled the center of my bra, did a bra jiggle and pop, out comes the spider. The lady behind me gave me the courtesy, "was that a spider?" How could she tell?

What would you do?

Blogging Fun!

2008-09-21T14:34:00.002-06:00

Okay so my friend has organized a blog for all women, mothers, I guess men too if they like girl things. It is kinda fun. It has fun recipes, tips on handling motherhood, some real good stuff. You have to check it out. I just saw that she posted PF Chang's Lettuce Wrap recipe. Here is the link.
www.richfreshair.blogspot.com

Mom, do you want to play laundry?

2008-09-16T14:36:00.005-06:00

Today I let out a big sigh and told Haley, "oh I need to do some laundry." She told me in the cutest voice, "mom do you want to play laundry?" I was reminded of the good old days and spending hours with my sisters or my friends playing house. It was so fun holding our babies, doing our dishes and doing laundry. For some reason the babies slept all night and didn't cry, they never hit each other and when it was time to do the dishes or laundry...surprisingly they were all done.

I was remembering when my sisters and I would play barbie town and leave it up for days. The barbies never got sick and barfed all over the floor. They always were smiling and looking their best. Their houses were always clean. Their furniture didn't have milk mouth all over the cushions.

The reality of it, how boring would life be if we didn't have anything to do. Oh my do I love being a mother but wow the whole reality of it didn't hit until I had a house and children of my own. How about for you?

To Polish off the Week!

2008-09-12T11:21:00.004-06:00

Those of you with multiple blogs or private blogs...if you could add a link to your blog when you comment, that would be GREAT!

Friday Fill In

1. I enjoy a long pair of jeans.

2. Making hair accessories is something I wonder about often lately.

3. In your heart, you knew when you bought Maya's squeaky shoes they would drive you up the wall in no time. Squeak is finally out!

4. Take football, add a little Fall weather and you end up with a happy Andersen Home.

5. Life has gifted me with too much.

6. More free time is an instant vacation.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to dinner at the in laws, tomorrow my plans include work and football and Sunday, I want to go to a missionary homecoming and eat some green jello!

A Fun Tag

2008-09-08T10:01:00.003-06:00

A= Attached or Single: Attached at the hip
B= Best Friend: Matt, of course
C= Cake or Pie: Is cheesecake an option?
D= Day of Choice: Sunday or Monday maybe
E= Essential Item: nyquil...at least right now
F= Flavor of Icecream: cookie dough
G= Gummy Bears or Worms: worms
H= Hometown: Fountain Valley, CA
I= Indulgence: chips and salsa
J= January or July: January when I was born
K= Kids: Haley and Maya
L= Last movie I saw at a theater: "WALL-E"
M= Musician: Is Andy Bell one?
N= Number of Siblings: I have 2 brothers and 3 sisters
O= Oranges or Apples: oranges
P= Phobias or Fears: heights, spiders, death of a loved one
Q= Quote: You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone
R= Reason to Smile: when my kids are nice to each other
S= Season: fall... I LOVE FALL
T= Tag: anyone who would like to do this
U= Unknown fact: I am addicted to eBay
V= vegetarian or oppressor of Animals: Not a vegetarian but not real into meat either.
W= Worst habit: biting my finger nails
X= Xray or Ultrasound: ultrasound
Y= Your favorite food: mexican
Z= Zodiac sign: aquarius

Rockin' Nut Road Snickers

2008-09-07T12:38:00.007-06:00

I think Kyra was thinking of me Friday when she had Mac's birthday party. She put all of my favorites in the pinata including this new beauty. I typically don't like dark chocolate but I love any candy that is "rocky road" style. Plus mix it with a Snickers bar and get all the calories in at once. It was worth every calorie!

Sweet Pulled Pork and German Pancakes

2008-09-05T09:18:00.004-06:00

Sweet Pulled Pork

Not that they go together but they are both tasty and on the mind today!

3 lbs. pork roast
2 C. dark brown sugar
1 C. worchestsire (sp)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp powdered ginger
1 tsp salt
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp dreied minced onion
1 can red enchilada sauce

Cook all ingred. except the 1 cup brown sugar and enchilada sauce in crock pot on LOW(seems like forever...I think it depends on the size of roast too) for 15-20 hours. One hour before serving take roast out and shred meat. Remove fat. Drain crock pot and put meat back in and add the enchilada sauce and sugar.

German Pancakes

Preheat oven 450 degrees
1 cup flour
6 eggs
1 cup milk
4 tbsp melted butter
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar

Place in a 9 x 13 for 20 minutes. It will puff and brown on the edges. Cut into squares and serve with powdered sugar, syrup or jam.

"Apples are Red, Mommy"

2008-09-04T11:47:00.006-06:00

Those were the first words out of her mouth as I picked her up from her first day of preschool. She learned about the color red. It was a success, well so far. Here are a few pics...

Blast From the Roommate Past

2008-08-23T13:07:00.007-06:00

You guys will love this one. I have had some awesome roommate stories. My mom just brought me some of my letters I sent home from the post high school, before marriage years. You have to read the following typed letter from one of my roommates to another. You will love it!!!

Dear roommate

I am shocked!!!!! Let me remind you of a few small things. You blow your nose with my tissue; you wipe your butt with my toilet paper; you use my hair dryer; you use my toothpaste and you watch my movies. Now I'M sorry that you got me sick and I am therefore sorry that I had to use 4 tablespoons of your cough syrup. But really, was that worth complaining about using my things. I gladly let you use everything of mine. Now let me remind you that you are the one who got me sick in the first place. But I'm making a deal with you; you don't touch my stuff and I won't use your cough syrup. And another thing, please stay out of my closet I found my very expensive white sleeveless blouse in your closet, wrinkled, damp, and with a stain on it. I don't let people borrow my clothes; my parents spend hundreds of dollars on designer apparel, So we have a deal you have your cough syrup and I have my belongings and we won't have to argue, or complain to roommates about each other. Thanks for your cooperation.

Sincerely,
Jen

Do you miss the roommate years?

Bath and Body's Antibacterial Soaps

2008-08-20T09:05:00.008-06:00

One of my favorite household must have items is on a good sale through the end of the month. The Bath and Body hand soaps are on for 5 for $15 or 7 for $20. Just thought I would fill you in on the sale if you haven't heard already!

She's Not Done Yet

2008-08-15T11:45:00.004-06:00

I sent the unpaid claim to eBay on the 7th day as described in the message sent to her. This was her response...

[HeY I ToLd u wHy i dIdNt gEt uR ITeM!..
WhY U dO DaT]

So to give her some of the same information, I sent this message...

I paid money to list this item. I want my money back for listing it and you took the sale from another eBay member that really wanted it and would have paid for it. How is that fair to me? This is why you don't bid or agree to buy an item on eBay unless you do it.

Then I got this good one from her...

[if u want to know sumone hacked in my ebay ok im really sorry..]

Note: The writing changed and all the sudden it's not that she doesn't want my freaken item. It was that "sumone" hacked into her brand new eBay user account to buy some newborn flower clips. Wow, I will keep you posted. It should be good when we close the dispute and eBay issues her a strike.

i aM a FrEaKeN IDiOt

2008-08-10T08:05:00.004-06:00

Here it is word for word, Blake and Lindsey...

For most of you that know already, I have been selling on eBay for about a year now. I probably sell about 25 items a week. I have found that for the most part people are very nice and easy to work with. I have dealt with very new buyers who are still learning the system as well as very experienced buyers who most of the time become a repeat customer.

The following is correspondence from an eBay member who purchased one of my items on a "buy it now," which means they had to click through 3 screens when they agreed to commit to buy my item. As a seller, I require payment to be received through paypal within 2 days of the close of the auction; whether it be a buy it now or auction style. This eBay member never paid or responded after 2 days so this email was sent...

[Aug 5, 2008] Hello. This item was won 2 days ago and I still have not heard anything or seen payment. Please respond so I can get them right out to you. Thanks.

I never heard anything so I always send another a couple days later. This is what was sent...

[Aug 7, 2008] Hello again. This is my 2nd attempt to reach you regarding your purchased but not paid for item. I require payment within 2 days of end of auction. Please submit payment right away so I can get them out to you. A unpaid claim will be sent to eBay on the 7th day of unpaid item. Thanks for your prompt attention to this message.

Later that day I recieved the first reply...

[Aug 7, 2008] I dOnT WaNt iT IdIoT!

Then only moments later, this...

[Aug 7, 2008] 4 DA LAST TIME I DONT WANT UR FREAKEN ITEM

So, I decided to respond with this...

[Aug 7, 2008] Why did you agree to buy it then? You shouldn't be on eBay agreeing to buy things if you don't freaken want them. Sellers pay money to list things that people don't freaken pay for.

I got this one message in response...

[Aug, 7, 2008] I DeLeTeD It oK So dOnT EvEn sAy sh*T

Who the hell is this person? Are there really people out there that know how to turn on the computer, set up an eBay account and send email messages like that? CLASSY!

Recipe Time

2008-08-08T15:19:00.003-06:00

Here's to you, Kyra and mom...

Hot Chicken Ceasar Sandwich

Large loaf of french bread ( I use, the rosemary basil or the sun-dried loaves to add to the flavor. Walmart has some yummy specialty breads)
1 bottle of ceasar salad dressing
1/2 cup fresh shredded parmasean cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 pound chicken breast (deli style)
6 slices of provolone cheese
oregano to taste

Cut the bread in half. Smother each side of the bread with the 3 shredded cheeses. Put into a low broiled oven until melted. Watch carefully to not burn. Take out and smother it with the dressing, then chicken breast and lastly the provolone cheese and sprinkle oregano. Place back into warm (maybe 275) for about 5-10 minutes. Cut into sandwich size pieces. Enjoy!

Fly Swatting Lessons...anybody????

2008-08-06T11:10:00.003-06:00

Okay so if any of you know Matt, you know that he is the best at lessons for everything. Especially for me with technical issues. Patience is his middle name. Well, lately the flies have decided they like our house the very best. And if it is any surprise, I can't swat them for the life of me. I can spend the whole time while the girls eat their breakfast or lunch to swat the crap out of one. Well, I think I'm wasting more of my energy then getting any closer to killing them.

Well...that's when Matt comes in. He gave the lesson on the form. He says that, "it's all in the wrist...just like tennis." There you have it. I have killed 2 since. I think my problem before was that my whole body got involved because they were pissing me off so much.

So if your looking for some one on one lessons, we will schedule you in.

Mac & Chesse Crackers???

2008-08-05T14:24:00.006-06:00

Did Kraft's Mac and Cheese Dinner turn into crackers? I would have been as confused as the lady I saw in the grocery store today as she picked up what she thought was some mac and cheese for a hefty $2 a box. Yep, and for as well as the highly projected sale item was supposed to be, Kraft, in my opinion sure failed at the idea of making these little guys look like the same old box of Kraft Mac and Cheese. As for the taste...I was not all that impressed myself.

Have you tried them? What did you think? Did Kraft fail as they tried to make the cracker box look just like their award winning Kraft mac and cheese dinner box?

Friday Fill In on Sunday

2008-08-03T16:17:00.003-06:00

1. If I could travel back in time, I'd go to my basketball years without the 3 hour practice or hell week.

2. Give me some food or give me my bed (fast Sunday).

3. I am listening to the hum of the Mac (kids are asleep).

4. Somewhere, someone is thinking they should do their home teaching.

5. I'll always be wishing I didn't live in Utah for the Winter.

6. My idea of a good time includes friends, family, and some good food.

7. And as for the weekend, Friday night we went to PF Changs with some friends, Saturday my plans included mowing the lawn, making cookies and preparing dinner for the neighbors to come have a BBQ and Sunday, I want to go to church and run the halls with Maya, go to the young adult meeting for institute, then up Hobble Creek canyon for dinner with some friends!

Glitter Toes

2008-07-31T11:38:00.004-06:00

It's the new thing. Everyone around here is getting them done. I had to jump on the band wagon and get my nasty toes dolled up yesterday for the first time. At just $20, these sparkly beauties last up to 6 weeks. For someone who has "hot dog" toes, they look pretty darn good.

Have you had them done yet? Are you looking for someone that does them? I can give you the info.

Why This...Why That???

2008-07-29T15:10:00.004-06:00

I think I have heard, "why" about 50 times already today. I thought Haley would never hit this stage but it is in full force now. I ask her to go put her clothes on...."why?" I ask her if she would get a snack for her sister...."why?" This is the best one of the day...

Me: Haley, wash your hands after your done in the bathroom.
Haley: Why?
Me: Because they have poop on them.
Haley: Why?
Me: Because you just went to the bathroom.
Haley: (Looking at her hands) why is there poop?

I give up...I'm not winning this one!

I'm looking for some answers I can give her that might make it stop really soon. Do you have any? The real answer just is not cutting it.

24th Parade

2008-07-28T11:15:00.007-06:00

Mac and Haley getting ready for more candy.

Our spot on the parade route. Mom and dad loved it!

The girls and I

Haley gave Snow White a big hug

The pink tractor! Only in Utah do you see a parade with several kinds of tractors with random people on them.

Dumpster Diving

2008-07-24T16:33:00.001-06:00

Well...I'm proud to admit I'm raising a "dumpster diver!"

No Thanks!

2008-07-22T21:46:00.003-06:00

I bought some of these the other day and brought it over to the neighbors to share in the excitement with me. The colorful $1 bottles sold me. I thought it would taste like Snapple. I was extremely disappointed when I choked down a glup. The low calorie, low carb beverage defined the meaning of tasteless! Why can't I learn my lesson: healthy drinks = waste of my money

Has anyone tasted these? Maybe I had the wrong one.

Maya's Birthday Party

2008-07-19T10:11:00.008-06:00

Here are a few pictures from Maya's actual birthday. It was fun to celebrate at the Veterans pool with pizza, cake and ice cream after. Maya loved her little puppy cake. She loved it so much, she wanted it all over her face. Enjoy the few pics that actually turned out! Sorry, I didn't take many of all her company that celebrated with her. I need to fire myself from picture taking!

Friday Fill Ins and Facebook

2008-07-18T12:08:00.006-06:00

I figured I haven't done this in a while so here it goes...

1. If I could be a fly on the wall I would love to sit in the Bishop's office of my ward.

2. Jealousy is something Haley struggles with ever since Maya was born!

3. When I see a shooting star my wish would be that I could have my house paid off.

4. I'd rather be at the beach than on the slopes any day!

5. Certain songs when I hear them make me wanna blast out the speakers and sing and look ridiculous while doing it.

6. If time were in a bottle I would keep my kids at the age they are at without the three year old attitude.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to neighborhood BBQ, tomorrow my plans include work, yard work and pressure wash the sidewalk and driveway and Sunday, I want to go to church and hopefully be able to listen to some of it while Maya and Haley do circles around Matt and I!

As for all those that are on Facebook and I haven't found you yet, give me a shot out...I would love to be your friend. This is my new addicting place that I spend my no time that I have.

My First Bedroom Set

2008-07-16T15:37:00.007-06:00

My dad is amazing. I ordered my bedroom furniture about 2 months ago and it was delivered to my bedroom all the way from California just last night. The pictures don't do justice of really how cute this new set really is. Thanks to my favorite dad for all the hard work. Now I just have to open my wallet for the severely discounted furniture.

My Red Head Is "1"

2008-07-10T07:36:00.013-06:00

My baby turned one today. I still remember this time last year. Counting down the days that I was going to meet her for the first time. I remember having feelings of how I was going to cope with two children or how was I going to love her the same as I love Haley? It is amazing how our Father in Heaven sends his choicest children down for us to love and nurture. Maya has not been a hard one to love as she has made a perfect addition to the Andersen home. We love our little red head.

Bear Lake 2008

2008-07-07T13:59:00.010-06:00

Haley thought she needed to suntan with her lady cousins.

Cousin Lovin

Our swimsuit shots.

Maya and her watermelon.

The 3 blondies playing in the water.

Our set up everyday for 3 days

My love bug Maya didn't care much for the sand.

Fruit Stripe Gum

2008-07-02T15:07:00.004-06:00

We all remember this stuff, right? I made my mother buy it almost every time I gave a talk in sacrament meeting. This stuff was the best. Well, not anymore. Haley spotted this catchy package in the checkout the other day at the store and thought she needed it...so I bought some thinking I would have the same opinion as I did as a child. Ughhh, can we say, "tasteless?" Unlike most bubble gum, this stuff lost it's flavor in 3 chews instead of 10. What a disappointment. As long as Haley got a good chew out of it, I can't complain. I will just stick to my polar ice.

My Favorite Cleaning Helpers

2008-06-27T13:24:00.009-06:00

We have our favorites for cleaning. My mom raised me on the traditional comet powder. That is still a staple in my house but I have found a few extra helpers that make my life a little cleaner.

This Dirt Devil Classic vacuum is amazing. My new boyfriend is weighing in at maybe 4 pounds. It sucks like no Dyson has ever done. This was a Christmas present from Matt and it is the best thing. It picks up every crumb and does an awesome job on stairs. No loosing suction on this cordless beauty.

These little guys do the job with no powdery mess. One tablet...close the flap...you're done.

Why did I buy a house that has a glass shower door? Looks nice when it's brand new, but you put a few dirty bodies in there for a wash and you have a nasty, grimy shower door. That was until Matt found this stuff. Comet bathroom spray makes it so you can see through the glass again.

"Mom, where are they going?"

2008-06-25T10:37:00.008-06:00

Matt, the girls and I all went to the duck pond by our house last night and to our surprise this is what happened. It was kind of depressing at first when they all started heading across the street but at least some still stuck around for some moldy hot dog buns.

Some Recent Fun

2008-06-24T12:53:00.016-06:00

Well, I'm trying to do better at the picture thing. I decided to post a random bunch of pictures of the happenings lately.

Bounce house fun up Hobble Creek Canyon for the Harper's baby blessing

Thanks to the Snow's for a fun camping weekend. We were camping dummies together but somehow we all survived all the bears and bugs.

It's okay to sit and rub your hands in the dirt, then put them in your mouth.

Our family portrait. Don't we look like campers?

The Best of friends, the Best of enemies.

Rake the dirt, rake the table with the food on it, take the rake part off...hit each other. You name it, they did it!

Oops...got a little out of order. Wait, I think I just deleted the other picture. Haley and I at the carnival. I wish she would just look at the camera once in a while.

Maya getting frustrated at walking.

Friday Fill In

2008-06-20T14:19:00.002-06:00

1. A smile is better then nothing at all.
2. Canasta and How Many Tricks are my favorite board or card games.
3. I would love to have more kids in my life and less stress. Somehow they don't go together.
4. When I think of the Summer Solstice, I am mute.
5. I just remembered I need to call someone to teach on Sunday.
6. One of my favorite song lyrics goes like this: "Take me back to the place where I once belonged...this could be any place...a place where you and I could sing this song.(Take me back, Erasure)
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to the PG rodeo tomorrow my plans include shampooing my carpets and camping and Sunday, I want to wake up without a sore back from sleeping on the earth floor.

Chocolate Skittles

2008-06-18T12:22:00.003-06:00

It sounded gross to me but my impulse buy wasn't a disappoint. They taste like maybe a chocolate laffy taffy. I think what sold me on them was the fun flavors. Come on, who can pass up a flavor like smores?

Have you had them?

Maya's First Steps and My First Bite

2008-06-10T11:50:00.005-06:00

Well, it's official, we have another one in the home on the move. Not to sure if she's really sure about the whole concept but Maya is taking more and more steps every day. She skipped over the crawling thing to get to the more important stuff. She is 11 months today.

Don't forget the trip to mosquito park on Saturday. I forgot what that park was like until I found my bite this morning as I was leaving out the door. Does Summer have to bring mosquitoes with it?

I know this is kind of random but does your bites itch a few days after the bite happens? I think that is the weirdest thing.

A Fun Tag

2008-06-04T15:15:00.003-06:00

Thanks for the idea, Kyra!

Joys:
1. Taking a Nap
2. Watching my kids play nice together (which hardly ever happens)
3. Being with Family

Fears:
1. Being alone with no food (I'm so weird)
2. Car Accidents (I think I'm this way because my brother died in a car accident)
3. Anything that has 8 legs

Goals:
1. Find a preschool for Haley this week
2. Clean out my cluttery closets
3. Get my own website up for my small business.

Obsessions:
1. Orange Dream Machine from Jamba Juice.
2. Shopping
3. warm weather

Random Facts:
1. Ran our sprinklers during the rain today. Oops!
2. My mom retires on the 3rd of July. Yeah, I get my mom back... and even to visit Utah more often. (I hope)
3. I decided I have had way too many run ins with bad customer service lately. It must be gas prices.

I tag whoever reads this!

Are you an Impulse Buyer?

2008-05-30T13:27:00.005-06:00

Well...since I started my Kraft University DVDs last week, I have been thinking a lot about how seventy two percent of ALL cookie and cracker sales come from an impulse buy. I don't know about you but when I go to the store, hardly ever do I put chocolate cakesters or dove chocolate with nuts on my list. Wait, do I make a list? I think I impulse buy everything. Wow, they are right. Not too many people put these things on there list. That's were the devil of my job comes in. My job is to put the product right in front of the buyer's face and make it look so good that the buyer skips over their grocery list of laundry detergent and bread to get to the wonderfully new fattening Fugee Oreos. Well, sorry about. You have to admit though, our taste buds don't lie.

What do you buy that is an impulse buy?

Happy Birthday to Hoo Hoo

2008-05-27T09:25:00.003-06:00

Well, Haley turned 3 today. I still remember holding her for the first time. I remember she came out pail because the cord was wrapped several times around her neck. I didn't get to hold her for the first 3 hours of her life. I sat in a room all by myself as doctors worked to get some color in her skin. I remember what an amazing miracle my Heavenly Father had given me as I finally got to hold one of his choicest children.

Despite all the tantrums and hardships I have had as I have raised her, I can safely say, she is one of the most amazing blessings in my life. Happy Birthday to my first baby, Haley!

Party Time!!!

2008-05-26T13:01:00.010-06:00

Sorry about the 800 pictures. I just couldn't decide which ones to do. Thanks to everyone who came. It was fun to share the fun with everyone and Haley loved everything about it. We are still talking about it today and how her party was yesterday.

Mismatched Socks

2008-05-21T15:42:00.006-06:00

What do you do with your mismatched socks? I have been having a hard time with this lately, especially since Maya's socks are like finger warmers and slip in between the seal and the door of the washer.(Yeah, our washer eats our socks) Anyways, after my surgery they sent me home with a tub to use in case I needed to throw up. Well, that became my mismatched socks bin and every time laundry comes around all the socks go in there and now I think I'm down to 6 odd sock matches. Maybe one day my washer will spit some of them back out. Until then, I have my little bin.

I am just wondering what you do with your odd socks without a match? Do you have a mismatched sock bin?

SOMEONES TRASH IS ANOTHERS TREASURE

2008-05-21T15:14:00.003-06:00

Well...Maya is offically on the move. No, not crawling but very mobile on the feet, as long as there is something to hang on to. She has discovered the trash and today she found this Capri Sun that still had some in it. Gross. This is one of the hardest things about being a mother for me. I just am not looking forward to the day when my boy brings home a snake or snail.

Another Friday Fill In

2008-05-16T13:53:00.003-06:00

1. There is absolutely NO way you can get me to massage your feet!
2. Watermelon reminds me that summer is almost here!
3. I cannot live without my really high soft King size bed.
4. Rip sticking and playing a game of ice hockey are two things I'd like to try.
5. When life hands you lemons I complain to someone about it.
6. Going to the beach every Saturday afternoon with my friends to pick up on some hot surfers is one of my favorite childhood memories.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to the new garlic alfredo pizza we got at Costco last night, tomorrow my plans include work, and playing outside and Sunday, I want to make some bows and go to church!

A Day in the Yard

2008-05-14T11:15:00.008-06:00

We spent the afternoon in the yard. It seems like ever since we moved into our home, our yard consumes a lot of our time. Between pulling and spraying weeds, mowing the grass, fertilizing, watering, trimming, planting, everything keeps us very busy. I decided I love having a yard but realize how much work it really is to maintain a home and yard. It was fun yesterday. We made it a family affair. I got the kids greased up with sunscreen. Haley rode her bike and played with the neighbor kids. Maya sat in her buggy and play house. Matt mowed and I did the weeds as I worked on a very well needed tan. What a fun family outing.

Happy Birthday and Mother's Day Mom

2008-05-11T07:32:00.003-06:00

My mom is lucky enough to celebrate both her birthday and mother's day in the same week.

Since it's about 7:30 and the kids are still sleeping, I wanted to post to my mother, who reads my blog every so often.

Maybe a lot of you feel the same way but it took me to have kids of my own to really appreciate my mother and the role that she plays in my life. I still am amazed at how she had 6 kids and how she continues to work hard to love and care for each of us, even at the grown stages that we are all at.

My best memories of my mother growing up were of us going to the grocery store every week and walking up and down every isle. I don't know why but that was so fun to me, seeing how my mom would load up 2 full carts and it would all be gone the next week. I also remember our trips to the mall. The best three words out of her mouth, "Don't tell dad."

I think about that saying, "When mamma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." That was the truth in our home, only I can't remember very many times that my mother was not happy. To the best mom, grandma and friend ever, I love you mom. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY AND BIRTHDAY!

WHAT MAKES ME, ME

2008-05-04T21:09:00.005-06:00

Kristi gave this idea to me and it has taken me a couple weeks to think about it and have Matt point some of them to me.

1. I LOVE the smell of blueberries but can't stand the taste.

2. Same with tomatoes. Can't stand tomatoes alone but love everything made with tomatoes. (ketchup, spaghetti sauce, salsa)

3. I Hate toes. Don't want to touch or look at anyones toes. Especially, toe nails. YUCK!!!

4. My friend growing up told me about ice in milk. It has become a favorite with me lately. Oh and I hate any variation of milk.(chocolate, strawberry)

5. I could pay $50 to go to Disneyland to watch people. I love to watch what people do and how stupid people act. I think that's why I'm a fan of reality shows, fake or not.

6. I don't like to touch any part of a public restroom. I use about 4 seat covers to cover every part of the seat. Once I wash my hands, the door is opened with the paper towel and is thrown in the trash as the door closes behind me.

7. When I watch a movie or show, I will often fall asleep if I stay in the same spot for longer then 5 minutes. That's why movies are not the best for me.

8. I'm a time freak and hate being late. I start to get all stressed inside when I'm running behind or my love bug husband is taking his sweet time.

9. Kinda a weird one but I use about 8-10 wipes to change any poopy diaper.

10. Same goes for blowing my nose or my kids, use as many kleenex as possible. Just as long as I don't have to touch snot.

11. While Matt is trying to explain something that has to do with fixing the computer, I would rather save the brain space for something else.

12. Same with video games, that Halo game...my gun is always up in the air and I'm in the corner of the room. I just can't figure it out. Plus, I'm dizzy after playing for a few minutes.

What makes you, "YOU?"

Baby Sheep, Right in my Backyard

2008-05-04T15:41:00.005-06:00

well kinda... just over the creek from my house.

I moved to Utah about 10 years ago from Orange County. It was a hard change to leave my whole family but an easy change as I saw a lot of my friends from high school leave and move on to different locations and schools. I decided I needed a change in my life.

Not long after moving here I began to see how different Utah was from California. I remember a tumbleweed peacefully passing through State street. I remember the beautiful mountains and that there was this season called, hunting season. Coming for a city where the local freeway was 14 lanes wide, it made me really excited to get on the freeway and it would actually be moving at 5 o'clock.

Although there are many things I miss about California, I have made a home for myself here. I have enjoyed my drives home as I get to be close to farms with sheep, goats, horses and cows. The house down the street has a full on zoo there that is free with pigs, kangaroos, llamas, you name it. There is a stream that runs right outside my back yard. It's so fun to be apart of Utah. I just wish I could move back to California in the winter. The beauties of our Heavenly Father's creations amaze me everyday.

Saint Patrick's Day???

2008-05-01T11:01:00.004-06:00

I was a little alarmed when Haley walked in with this outfit on today. You would have thought it was St. Patrick's Day. Oh, they keep getting better. I guess I can't complain. She can dress herself. Whether that is a good thing or not...???

One Word

2008-04-27T21:04:00.002-06:00

One Word

1.Where is your cell phone? away

2. Your significant other? Hussy

3. Your hair? thin

4. Where's your mother? bed

5. Your father? Arizona

6. Your favorite thing? family

7. Your dream last night? huhhh???

8. Your favorite drink? Water

9. Your dream/goal? cruise

10. The room you're in? loft

11. Your ex? weird

12. Your fear? Aloneness

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? California

14. Where were you last night? bed

15. What you're not? rich

16. Muffins? Chocolate

17. One of your wish list items? furniture

18. Where you grew up? California

19. The last thing you did? laundry

20. What are you wearing? purple

21. Your TV? NBA

22. Your pets? NOPE

23. Your computer? MAC

24. Your life? Busy

25. Your mood? Sick

26. Missing someone? Mom

27. Your car? running:)

28. Something you're not wearing? bra

29. Favorite Store? Target

30. Your summer? HOT

31. Like someone? always

32. Your favorite color? green

33. When is the last time you laughed? tonight

34. Last time you cried? yesterday

35. Who will/would re-post this? Everyone!

Nilla Cakesters

2008-04-27T10:29:00.007-06:00

I'm a sucker for Nabisco. Why???...I guess because I get to see when all the new products come before they actually hit the shelves for consumers to buy. My company is coming out with some good ones lately. Here is one to try. I got a box last week and they were very tasty. While at the store, pick one up and give them a try. On a 5 star rating system, I give em' 4 1/2 stars.

Friday Fill Ins

2008-04-25T09:45:00.005-06:00

1. When I fell in love, I kissed the others good bye!
2. I feel like mowing my lawn when the flowers bloom and it heats up outside!
3. Oh no! The internet connection is down, call Matt for technical support.
4. Saved By the Bell is the craziest tv show ever.
5. Cheese and bread or crackers make a great meal!
6. Never been successful at a garden.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to being home with a sick child, tomorrow my plans include probably more sick child care, work and planning for a Gospel Essentials lesson and Sunday, I want to take Haley to nursery for a 2 hour break.

Any Similarities???

2008-04-22T19:19:00.009-06:00

Now I know why Haley is the way she is. We all went through the, "I will dress myself" stage. Here is some evidence. Oh...and we even have the same hair.

Some Tips on Filling Up the Tank

2008-04-20T10:20:00.006-06:00

Every time I go to fill up the gas tank these days, I pay at least a few pennies more to get the same old gas. I don't know about you guys but I'm getting to where I have to decide whether I want to spend the money to drive places. I thought about it yesterday as I was going to return something at Target for the 3rd time. I might as well of just thrown my $10 away that it took in gas to get there to return my $4.99 item.

One of my friends emailed these tips to me the other day and I thought maybe some of these will help. Maybe you can try some out. Let me know if they work. After all, anything is worth a try.

1. Only buy or fill up your car or truck in the early morning when the
ground temperature is still cold. Remember that all service stations have their storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the ground the more dense the gasoline, when it gets warmer gasoline expands, so buying in the afternoon or in the evening....your gallon is not
exactly a gallon. In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and the temperature of the gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, ethanol and other petroleum products plays an important role.

2. A 1-degree rise in temperature is a big deal for this business. But the service stations do not have temperature compensation at the
pumps.

3. When you're filling up do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to a fast mode. If you look you will see that the trigger has three(3)stages: low, middle, and high. In slow mode you should be pumping
on low speed, thereby minimizing the vapors that are created while you are pumping. All hoses at the pump have a vapor return. If you are pumping on the fast rate, some other liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapor. Those vapors are being sucked up and back into the underground storage tank so you're getting less worth for your
money.

4. One of the most important tips is to fill up when your gas tank is HALF FULL or HALF EMPTY. The reason for this is, the more gas you have in your tank the less air occupying its empty space. Gasoline
evaporates faster than you can imagine. Gasoline storage tanks have an internal floating roof. This roof serves as zero clearance between the gas and the atmosphere, so it minimizes the evaporation.

5. Another reminder, if there is a gasoline truck pumping into the
storage tanks when you stop to buy gas, DO NOT fill up--most likely
the gasoline is being stirred up as the gas is being delivered, and
you might pick up some of the dirt that t normally settles on the
bottom.

Manwich or Seasoning Packet?

2008-04-15T11:50:00.003-06:00

We had sloppy Joes last night and they were, "SLOPPY."

Growing up, my family always made sloppy joes with the seasoning packet. While in Arizona last month, my mother made them with Manwich. Suddenly one less step to one of my favorite dinners. I found out what I was missing out on as a child.

Are you a Manwich or make it from scratch with a seasoning packet and tomato paste kind of person?

Egg Rolls and Fried Rice

2008-04-11T11:05:00.004-06:00

My mother in law gave me these yummy recipes. Here is for you all to try!

Egg Rolls

Egg roll wrappers
1 lb. ground sausage(cooked)
1 cup onion cut into small pieces
1/4 head of cabbage cut into small pieces
1 cup shredded carrots
salt and pepper to taste
soy sauce to taste

Saute cabbage and onion in a little bit of oil. Remove from heat, mix the rest of ingredients except wrappers. Wrap some of the mixture into wrappers. Roll up wrappers and paste closed by putting your finger into a bowl of cold water and running it across the edge of the wrapper to seal closed. Fry into an inch of oil. Turn and fry onto the other side. Serve with sweet and sour and soy sauce.

Fried Rice

4 strips cooked and cut up into small pieces bacon
1/4 of a head of cabbage cut into small pieces
1 cup onion cut into small pieces
2 cups cooked rice
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
6 eggs scrambled and cooked
Soy sauce to taste
salt and pepper to taste

Make rice, set aside. Cook bacon into pan, remove bacon but not the grease. Scramble eggs into the grease. Add the onion and cabbage. Saute for a few minutes. Add frozen veggies. Last add soy sauce , salt and pepper, cooked rice and bacon and heat all together until cooked through.

Friday Fills in On Sunday Morning

2008-04-06T08:58:00.003-06:00

1. Tonight I saw the tops of my Spring bulbs making their way to the surface.
2."Die Another Day," by MADONNA makes me wanna dance!
3. Splitting a few appetizers between friends makes me want to buy my own next time.
4. Sandra Lee (off the Food Network) is someone I'd like to get to know better.
5. The smell of walking outside and being able to stand it without freezing my butt off reminds me so much of springtime!
6. I put a bandaid on it and that made it all better.
7. And as for the next couple of days, today I'm looking forward to breakfast at the Snows', and dinner at the inlaws tomorrow my plans include a few hours of work in the morning, laundry and getting ready for bunco at my house and Tuesday I'm looking forward to having a house full of woman at my house for a rip roaring night of bunco, BBQ beef sandwiches, cheese fondu, and cream puffs for dessert.

Say Good Bye

2008-04-05T16:13:00.003-06:00

Well, I'm here to bring the bad news. It seems like just when Nabisco ropes me into one of their products, they discontinue it. They did it again with Peanut Butter Oreos. Peanut Butter oreos are offically gone through the Salt Lake City warehouse. That means when they are gone in the stores, they are gone for good. So, buy as many packages as you can to be able to enjoy them for as long as you can.

I'm not a store bought cookie fan, but these are ones I really do like. What are your favorite cookies?

Finally...a use for Pennies

2008-04-04T11:30:00.004-06:00

Well folks, I found a use for my unwanted pennies. Today the girls and I went to the mall and of course the dumb fifty cent rides always catch Haley's eye before I can distract her away from them. Well today, I had to break down into the lovely wallet to find the big silver coins to waste on the lovely ice cream truck.

After I had Haley coming back the second time, I told her that there were no more and that is when the drama started. Finally, I pulled out the old copper coin and to my surprise, she accepted it with a smile on her face. Mean mom, I know. Hey, it worked. Even though the ride didn't work, she was excited to put that old copper coin in that flashing ice cream truck. I saved forty nine cents for that ride.

As we were leaving, she spotted the fountain with all the coins in there and we used up the rest of what I had copper in my wallet. Well, until I get a few more pennies saved up, we'll wait to do the mall.

The Names I go By

2008-03-31T12:06:00.004-06:00

I got this funny thing as I was looking at a friend of a friend's blog and thought it was pretty funny. Give it a try...

1. My rock star name (first pet and current car): Big Red Pathefinder
2. My gangsta name (favorite candy bar and favorite cookie): Galaxy Homemade Oreo
3.My "brotha" name (first initial of first name and first three letters of last name: Sand
4.My detective name (favorite color and favorite animal): Green Fish
5. My soap opera name (first name and city where you were born): Susan Huntington Beach
6. My Star Wars name (first three letters of your last name and first two letters of your first name then the word "of" then a medication you are on): Andsu of folic acid
7. My superhero name (2nd favorite color and favorite drink with "The" in front): The purple milk
8. My Nascar name (first names of your grandfathers): Darwin Harm
9. My stripper name (name of your favorite perfume/cologne and your favorite candy): Angel Chocolate with Nuts
10. My witness-protection name (mother's and father's middle names): Gail Nels

Arizona Fun!!!

2008-03-31T10:05:00.007-06:00

Here are a few pics I took of our trip to Arizona this past week. My whole family was there. We had so much fun. From paper bag skits, to dune buggy races, a luau, and capture the flag for the adults. For the kids we had smearing dirt in your face and all over your body, touching cow poop and roasting marshmallows until the marshmallow was too scorched to eat. It was a rip roaring weekend with the fam. Haley loved being with her cousins and taking the 4 wheelers out with dad and Maya. She even got to get on grandpa's tractor.

Now, back to reality...

Friday Fill In

2008-03-21T13:38:00.003-06:00

Friday Fill In

1. Making a new recipe is so exciting, even if it takes 2 hours to prepare!
2. Strawberry fields reminds me of a perfume from Victoria Secret. It's probably discontinued.
3. An orange cream oreo sounds like it would taste delicious!
4. Why does a nice warm bath by myself make me feel so good?
5. Mr. Michael Buble is someone I've always wanted to see in concert.
6. It's sad when I see a child with a irresponsible adult. Example:Brittany Spears
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to an Easter Egg Hunt with my friends and their kids, tomorrow my plans include another Easter Egg Hunt and coloring of eggs with Matt's family and Sunday, I want to have another hunt for my hussy and Haley before church! Oh and then get ready for Arizona on Wednesday with the whole big fam.

Going Back Home

2008-03-19T13:06:00.009-06:00

The girls and I took at trip back to see grandma and grandpa this past weekend. We had fun seeing family and friends but didn't get many pictures. Most of them got taken in one day while we were at the beach. Maya hated the sand and Haley loved the surfers and being on the pier. The worst part of the trip, the airplane with Haley. Note to self: Never fly with a tired 2 year old by yourself. I think everyone on the plane turned around to see what all the screaming was about.

Mr. and Mrs. Andersen

2008-03-11T12:35:00.002-06:00

I looked in Haley's doll house and saw the mom and the dad sitting at the table just like this and decided that couldn't explain Matt and I any better.

My Top Ten Naughty List

2008-03-09T21:58:00.003-06:00

Haley has for sure filled the terrible two role this week. Here are the top ten of the week. The sad thing is they all happen with me being within 5 feet from her. She is the silent mess maker.

1. She dumped a whole can of Gerber puffs on her sister who happened to be sitting on our bed.

2. She dumped out all my crafting jewels onto the carpet. That was fun trying to pick those up in my shag carpet.

3. While in time out, she peed all over the floor.

4. I had just finished folding all of the girl's clothes when the whirlwind of love comes tumbling right on in between and all around.

5. She took some blue lipscopee (chapstick) and smeared it all over her car seat and car window.

6. She poured the Rit dye down the sink. (This could have been much worse)

7. She took a bottle of water and poured it into her just made for lunch, mac and cheese.

8. She thumped Maya with Mr. Potato head.

9. Poured the whole bag of goldfish all over the floor in the Family room. (This was last weekend and thankfully Regina helped clean that one up)

10. Stuck a sheet of smiley face stickers all over the wall in her bedroom closet.

Do you have any to add to my naughty list that your child or maybe spouse has done?

Hurry, Grab the Camera

2008-03-08T14:40:00.006-07:00

I love moments like these...you know, when you want to strangle them but instead you grab the camera and laugh instead. I turned my back to grab a paper towel and when I turned back around she had helped herself to the carrots.

Friday Fill Ins-Something to Blog About

2008-03-07T12:48:00.003-07:00

1. Ahhhh, it's so nice when my little ones are taking a nap. This is my time.
2. One of my favorite things on my desk is the broken bobble head Ralphie.(Christmas story)
3. Japanese Cherry Blossom is a random & expensive tree.
4. My comfy couch is my favorite place to sit and read, but that's if I read.
5. Mr. David Beckham and chips and salsa from Chili's are delicious!
6. I love to watch a good comedy scene in movies .
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Pwack's Surprise birthday party, tomorrow my plans include planting some Spring bulbs the neighbor gave me and shopping for some Spring clothes and Sunday, I want to go to Sacrament Meeting only because our ward split last week and we lost some leadership. That means don't answer your phone this week, right? HA HA

Wow, these things take longer then I thought.

A POsT To pOSt tHe WEek iN a NuT sHeLL

2008-03-02T20:34:00.006-07:00

Sometimes I think wow it's been a while since I've posted. I have had many things on my plate this week and decided to attack this post the way Lindsey did and say the things I would have posted about if I were up to posting.

Have you ever felt like the hospital or a doctor's office is run a little like the temple? Real slow and simple but wow does it practice your patience.

Meals from the ward are always good, especially when you don't have to cook it yourself.

There are a lot of very good friends and family out there. They come out of the woodwork when you are in need.

Husbands get the real picture of what a women does when you are out of commission for a few days. And in attack to that, wifes get the real picture of how awesome a husband can be and is. Thanks Matt.

I'd rather have a baby then gallbladder surgery. At least you feel decent the next day after having a baby. Oh and you get to come home with a cute little baby to hold and stay up all night with.

Did you know that when you pee your pants that you can just put the underwear in the nightstand door to be washed?

I discovered a new show but can't remember the channel, but it's called, "Just For Laughs." Have you seen it? It's a good one. Watched it this week.

All the snow has melted on my driveway and lawn. Spring is in the air but still not so near.

Mothers are always there when you are not feeling good, even 700 miles away can seem so close.

2 year olds choose their own outfits. It will save you a long drawn out throw down that can last up to 30 minutes of kicking and yelling.

Nice tax refunds come around this time of the year. Finally we are settled up with ol' Uncle Sam. Have you?

Dove Truffle Eggs

2008-02-24T15:25:00.003-07:00

Well Regina posted about my 2nd favorite Easter candy (Cadbury Mini Eggs). These little guys are my very FAVORITE. They are pretty pricey but a must have in my Easter basket.

Have you had them? What is your favorite Easter candy?

Fill it in-stolen from Hyatt Family Fun

2008-02-23T15:48:00.002-07:00

1. Eating out and not having a strict budget are the best things about traveling.
2. I love a good warm cheetah blanket wrapped around me when I'm cold.
3. I often use a paper plate because I hate doing dishes
4. I'm reading everyones blogs right now; I love to do it as much as I can.
5. Movies are something I dislike talking about.
6. When I visited the bathroom this afternoon, I most looked forward to seeing no pee pee on the seat.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hangin with Kyra and the kids, tomorrow my plans include Stake conference and dinner at the in-laws Monday, I want to get my house in order for my post surgery. I won't want to do anything after Wednesday.

Tagged

2008-02-18T07:10:00.006-07:00

Rules:
Each player answers the questions about themselves.
At the end of the post, the player then tags 2 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

10 Years Ago . . .

I had just graduated from high school and was living at home. I was hanging out with Katie McCluskey and Darrell Mundy and going to school at OCC. I was teaching a few aerobic classes at the college. I had just started working for Nabisco. I was trying to decide whether I wanted to move to Utah and start a life up there. I thought making out with lots of different guys was the best thing in life.

5 Things That Were/Are On My To Do List Today . . .

1. Laundry
2. Clean up my house from company.
3. Call to raise hell with the idiots who haven't sent out our license plates for our car we bought 2 months ago.
4. Make some hair bows
5. Feed my 3 kids

What Would I Do If I Became A Millionaire?

Pay off my house, spend some money on a few vacations and stash some away for a rainy day.

5 Jobs That I Have Had . . .

Passing out fliers for my friend's dad's roofing company
Max foods as a grocery clerk
mother
chocolate fountain co-owner Ah Chocolate Fountains
Nabisco, still here

5 Things People Don't Know About Me . . .

1. I want to work in a bakery some day.
2. I am having my gallbladder removed on the 27th.
3. I could eat Mexican food everyday of the week.
4. I throw away any leftovers in the fridge after 3 days.
5. I don't drink the milk after I eat my cereal.

I tag Kyra and Amanda

Valentine Tag

2008-02-11T12:45:00.001-07:00

What is his name? Matt Andersen

How long have you been married? 6 1/2 years
How long did you date? met, dated, got married 9 months.
How old is he? 29(almost over the hill)
Who eats more? Depends, usually Matt. Matt doesn't take time to eat but when he does, he eats.
Who said I love you first? Wow, I can't remember. I think him.
Who is smarter? Matt is more book smart and technical smart. I think I'm more street and common sense smart.
Whose temper is worse? Mine but Matt can really gets fired up about some things.
Who does the laundry? I do mine and the girls. Matt does his. It's funny because our first big fight was about folding laundry. I didn't do it right.
Who does the dishes? I do. I HATE DISHES. If I ask, he helps.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Matt
Who pays the bills? Mostly Matt but I have a couple I keep track of.
Who cooks dinner? I do.
Who drives when you are together? He does. Sometimes I do if he's taking too long to get outside.
Who is more stubborn? This might have to be Matt.
Whose parents do you see the most? Matt's parents. Mine are 700 miles away.
Who proposed? Matt. Who else?
Who has more friends? We both have probably the same.
Who has more siblings?Matt. He comes from the Brady Bunch family. 4 bros and 4 sisters.
Who wears the pants in the family? Haley... no probably me...I come from my mother.

I tag those who want to share about their Valentine?

Fighting the Winter Blues

2008-02-10T15:31:00.000-07:00

At church today we got a little pep talk from the RS president about fighting the winter blues. This winter has been especially hard for me because my 2 year old is very busy and my 2 year old and my 7 month old are not at an easy stage to play nice together so I have been more of a referee then a mother and when you can't go anywhere or do anything, it makes it very difficult. I added a couple to the list that has helped me.

1. Open your blinds
2. Turn on lights
3. Do some kind of exercise each day whether it be cleaning your house with music or running up and down a flight of stairs a few times.
4. Plan something to do each day. Even if it is frightful outside.
5. Take a shower and put on your make up. (I got this one from my mom) It's a good one.
6. Dress your kids
7. Eat breakfast
8. Call a friend
9. Make something for yourself to put in your home
10. Take a deep breath and be patient.

Do you have any to add to the RS's list?

Valentines Day Ideas???

2008-02-09T19:26:00.000-07:00

I'm looking for some ideas for the big V-Day. Is it just me or is V-Day one of the hardest times to buy for men? You can't do a CD or DVD like Matt would want because that's not romantic enough. You can 't do flowers or chocolates because that is too barfy and not manly enough. I come to you with ideas for the big day. After all, this year will be spent with the whole fam at Tucanos. That's okay right? Party of 15 for the romantic night?

No really, any good gifts that your valentine just loved?

FHE Treats

2008-02-04T15:46:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you guys but growing up for FHE, treats were more times then not, Rice Crispy Treats. Well, over the years I have had many variations of these yummy treats. My grandma makes some really yummy ones with butterscotch and chocolate on the top. Well yesterday I looked for something else. I found this recipe and it was yummy and easy. The best part, you don't have to hunt in the back of your pantry for some crusty marshmallows.

Have you had any fun variations of these yummy treats you'd like to share?

Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats

1 cup sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup smooth peanut butter
5-6 cups rice crispy

Heat sugar and corn syrup over low heat on stove top until combined. Add peanut butter and bring to boil. Let boil for 1 minute and remove from heat and add rice crispies. Put in a greased 9x13 pan. I put chocolate chips on top to add a few more calories. Enjoy!!!

California Girl in Utah Snow

2008-02-02T13:04:00.000-07:00

I decided yesterday, I wasn't going to be depressed about the snow but rather I would go and enjoy it. So I planned a day with Kyra and Lindsey and our kids to a park that has a perfect hill for our 2 year olds. Here are some pics of our fun time. The best part, the babies all slept through the excitement.

Mac wanted his own ride and the girls stuck together.

And you thought your job was bad. I know, random picture but this poor guy had to shuffle or snow plow the walks and well you can see how deep the snow is.

Taking a ride on Kyra's snowboard.

I can't believe she isn't crying because it's too cold.

Don't you remember this was the worst part of sledding?

Oh, cute little snow pals.