The dreadded mid-month slump...

Ok, so this past week has not been nearly as ambitious as the first! I'm just going to post right now so I can start over tomorrow!

Day 6 was Sunday - Movie, popcorn and eggnog. Sounds fun, right? Well, I was not prepared and did not buy any eggnog. So when I read the card, I just left that part out. Movie and popcorn sounded fun too. Well, I didn't get a movie on Saturday and was too lazy to even run to the Redbox. So....popcorn. Everybody likes popcorn, but we didn't take any pictures to post of us eating popcorn and watching TV.

Day 7...a bit better...the best of the week, I think. We went to look at the elves at Gardner Village. It snowed Sunday night and I really thought I'd back out, but when the kids were getting on my nerves at 9am, I knew we needed an activity...I am so glad we went through with it. We had so much fun! I'll post a scrapbook picture when it's done, but for now, here is one of the 3 of us...

Day 8 - Family Game Night

Jake bought a game that was going to be a Christmas present, but we decided they'll have enough gifts to open on Christmas that they could enjoy this one a bit early. It was a Very Hungry Caterpillar game based on the book. So Jake read the book first and then we played the game. It was really pretty cute and we all tied :)

Day 9 - Make a paper chain for the tree

I improvised a little. Instead of paper, we used pipe cleaners to make the circles. It was easier for the kids. They turned out pretty cute! The pictures are still on the camera though, so you'll just have to wait :)

Day 10 - Here is where we fizzled out....Toys for Tots

We haven't even been to the store yet. We just need to pick up a toy and drop it off at Frito Lay. Hopefully we can do it tomorrow....

Day 11 - Make Christmas cards for friends and family - we just plain skipped this one. There was just too much to do last week!

Day 12 - We didn't even pull the card off the ribbon. What a horrible mom...plus, I didn't get on the computer AT ALL that day, so I did not feel obligated by Facebook friends!!

Day 13 - Ride Trax downtown

We did this one...and it was FUN! We went at night after dinner at Jake's parent's house. The kids thought it was too cool to go so fast on the train. I think next time we'll go earlier in the day. It was kind of hard to see anything out of the smudgy windows :)

Day 14 - Bake cookies with Cousins!

Rachel brought Sadie, Trystan, Aubrie and McKenna over to bake some sugar cookies. They had a ton of fun! This one we will definitely do again! - but next time, we'll be sure to take pictures.

Day 15 - Sledding and hot chocolate. It was kind of windy and the kids were grouchy, so we didn't do it. Jake took them to the dollar store to pick out fun stuff though...that could count!!

Day 16 - that is today. We have not picked off the card. I think we are supposed to bake more cookies...I think we'll exchange cards with another day!

Ok, I feel better. We have only skipped a couple. Not bad. I can, and will redeem myself.

Until next time....enjoy this Holiday season!!

25 Days of Christmas 1-5

As I said in my last post, we started a new tradition this year. I made 25 little envelopes, each with a new activity for the day, and hung them on a ribbon to count down to Christmas. So far it has been a LOT of fun! Here are some pictures of this past week's activities:

Day 1 - make paper snowflakes

Day 2 - Festival of Trees

Day 3 - Paint everyone's toenails (we just painted the kids' toes. I was too pooped by the end of the day!)

Day 4 - Bake Cookies!

Chocolate Chip :)

Day 5 - Letters to Santa

Grace went to sleep for this one. Carson and I cut out pictures of toys that he wants and then we pasted them on a piece of paper. He dictated and I wrote "Dear Santa, Bring me a Nerf Blaster. I have been good to you Santa. I want a Nerf Blaster. Love, Carson"

Tonight is movie, popcorn and eggnog night!

December is looking to be a great month!

THIS is the year I've been waiting for!!!

Carson GETS it! And since HE gets it, Grace gets it (or at least 'pretends' to get it and goes along with everything)! Carson has been talking nonstop about Santa and Christmas and presents and being good...I LOVE IT! This year we are doing an eventful advent calendar. I made 25 little envelopes that each have a different activity inside. It hangs from a ribbon and we will open one every morning. I saw this idea in a Parenting or Family Fun magazine (I can't remember) and have since seen several blogs with different variations. I'm excited, the kids are excited and there is no way we'll have a boring December!!

Enjoy the holiday season!!!

Too Early for SNOW!

Carson couldn't get in the snow fast enough! He got home from preschool and begged for me to take him outside. So, I put Grace down for a nap and dug out the hats, scarves and gloves. He got all bundled up and went out to the backyard. When he was done out back, we went out front (I kind of hid from the weather in the garage...it was so cold!). Luckily, our corner neighbors love the snow and invited Carson over to help build a snowman - I went back home and started on the hot chocolate! Surprisingly, he stayed out for an hour!

Today he decided to get himself all bundled up first thing in the morning. He put on his hat, jacket, scarf, gloves and my boots and said, "These boots are FANTASTIC, let's see what they can do!" and headed outside. He forgot one thing...he was wearing shorts. He quickly came back in and said, "Mom, I'm not done yet, but my knees are cold and these boots are a little big." So we put on some pants and his own boots and away he went again.

Grace could not care less about the snow...yet.

Happy Birthday Carson!!!

So I no longer sound insane when I say I have two kids, ages 2 and 3. Ages 2 and 4 sounds much more manageable! When Carson woke up this morning I told him that today was his birthday. He got all wide eyed and smiles and said, "you mean TODAY, RIGHT NOW??" Then he kind of looked around the living room like "um, then where are my gifts?" I reassured him that he would have presents and cake, but reminded him that we wouldn't want to leave daddy out of the fun. He would need to first, go to preschool (where he would be leader and be in charge of treats), then come home and rest (please take a nap, please take a nap...), then T-Ball (again in charge of the treats), and THEN we'd come home for cake and fun. So all day he was like "Preschool, T-Ball, BIRTHDAY"...notice he left out the rest/nap.

I asked him what kind of cake or cupcakes he wanted. He said he wanted a mummy cake. Great...I was hoping to get off easy, but that's what I get for asking! So during his 'rest' (no, he did not take a nap) I made his cake. I told him that if he came out of his room, I'd have to stop making his cake. He stayed in his room for TWO HOURS! I guess he really wanted a mummy cake!

So the rest of the day was pretty uneventful. Spongebob, a couple of time outs, more Spongebob...we were just waiting for T-Ball time. The wind was whipping and I really thought his game would get cancelled, but no luck. When the game was over, he asked his coach "Is the game over?" Coach said "Yes", Carson jumps in the air "YES!!!" and ran to the car...I'm sure that made Coach feel pretty good!

Jake put Carson's brand new bike right in the middle of the kitchen so he could get a picture of his first reaction...Carson didn't even notice it! I had to actually say "Look behind you...no, turn around and LOOK BEHIND YOU" and pointed right at the bike. FINALLY!

Ethan, Ashley, Sawyer and Isabelle (and their parents) came over for dry cake and ice cream. They brought gifts as well...Trick Trax...our favorite! We played for a little while and now both little ones are fast asleep.

I did another little "About Carson" thing this morning, but funny...his answers were incredibly similar to last year's...Spongebob, juice...so I just have a few thoughts of my own...

Carson has been such a fun little blessing in our lives! He is so funny, spirited and smart. I love everything about him! He is finally starting to see how convenient having a built in playmate can be (Grace) and they actually play more often than fight :) He loves preschool, loves his friends, LOVES his dad, loves music and dancing, hates meat, but loves to eat 'healthy foods'. He tolerates TBall, but I think we'll find a more exciting sport next year. Four seems so old...he's not a baby anymore, but he's also not a teen, tween, or even schoolage kid yet! I love you, Carson! muah!

Is that Grace, or Dick Cheney?

I can't help myself....

Finally Fall

I took the kids up to Daybreak a couple days ago to take some pictures. It was a bit chilly, but we snapped a couple photos before the noses got too runny. I think we'll go again later in the afternoon when it's a little warmer, but for now...here's what we got (notice Grace's 'stink eye' in several of the pics...that's her squint!)





In case you haven't noticed, I'm a little obsessed with the scrapbooking thing. It's fun and addictive - AND it captures our priceless memories! :) Here is another one of Steph and Ryan at Temple Square during one of their visits this summer....they are crazy!

Schools and Casts.....

We officially have a preschooler...backpack and all! His only complaint is that there is not a school bus to ride. He gets to carpool every other week with our neighbor, so that helps things a little, but he just doesn't understand why he can't just get on the big yellow bus with his five year old friends every morning! :)


Grace broke her wrist in two places a few weeks ago. I was on the phone with the cable company and she was sitting on the arm of the couch. When she fell off, I tried to quiet her cries with her blanket, a binky, George...all the usual tricks. When she threw the sucker across the room, I decided it was time to hang up with Dish Network and take her to the Instacare. Sure enough. She got a cute pink cast and lots of loves and apologies from Mom for not insisting that she get OFF the arm of the couch! 3 weeks later and she's as good as new!




Jake is out of town this week...and then again next week...and then the week after that...We have a new McDonald's play place to keep us entertained when we get sick of each other, but we are missing him already (and it's only been one day so far!!)!

Just a couple stories...

Occasionally, I'll turn the ipod on to something that I actually want to listen to. Today was Niel Diamond's turn. When "Love On The Rocks" came on, Carson came in my room and said, "I hate that song, Mom. For reals, I hate it." When I didn't rush to turn it off, he just stood there with his hands over his ears until it ended. Then he went on, business as usual.


A couple of days ago, I bought a bag of DumDums as 'treats' for the kids. They LOVE to get them at the bank, so I thought it would be a good idea. Well, Grace is definately showing her two year old personality at the mear mention of "you little sucker" or "that sucks" (which we rarely say...). She runs to the cupboard begging. If you linger for just a split second by the cupboard where they are kept she starts begging. When you say, "no suckers right now" she screams and shakes until you think her eyes are going to pop out of her head "Suck, I want suck!!!! Sucker! DumDum! Sucker! Suck! DumDum SUCKER SUCK I WANT SUCK!!!!!!" And on and on and on and on...you get the point. Well, she has not stopped screaming about it all afternoon today. I think Carson finally had had enough. He went to his room, found a sucker he had hidden earlier, and gave it to Grace. Peace and quiet...


Grace was not too fond of the 4th or 24th of July. She wanted to be a part of the festivities, but was scared to death of the fireworks. Now, every time we go to the garage or front door, she says, "no fireworks, Mom, no fireworks". You are right, Grace, no fireworks.

Carson just came in and randomly said, "Mom, you're supposed to sneeze in the bend of your arm"...maybe Nickelodeon is good for SOMETHING afterall. :)

Happy Birthday Gracie!! (yes, 2 posts in one day...)

Grace turned two yesterday...my how time has flown!! We went to Bear Lake on Thursday and Friday, so we were all pretty burned out to have a formal celebration, so we just quietly celebrated here together as a family.

I 'interviewed' Carson last year on his birthday and thought it was so fun that we might make it a tradition to remember the things the kids are in to that year. Grace is a little too young still (I think most of her answers would be "ya" or "ain-a git down" -I wanna get down), so I just wrote down some things on my own.

Gracie's "ies" translations:

Chickie nuggies = chicken nuggets
Scrambied eggies = scrambled eggs
Ah see duckies = I see ducks (or birds, or puppets, etc – most things are “duckies”)
Dee dee bugs = ladybugs
Bee-bee-bee = bumble bee
Buggies = bugs
Phuai wox = fireworks
Beebee ain-nain = baby einsteins
Bubbies = bubbles
Ain-a touchie – I wanna touch it

Grace loves to dance. The music comes on and her little knees start bouncing. She does a dance that looks like a Milli Vanilli dance of the 80’s and she has recently added a little twirl, which makes her laugh uncontrollably when she gets a little dizzy. Speaking of laughing, Grace “inward” laughs (think “nerdy” laugh without the snorts). She smiles often and loves to show her “pretty Gracie” (she kind of poses with a cheesy smile).

Grace can still be calmed in a heartbeat with the mere mention of “Baby Einsteins”. She runs to get her binki, blankie and georgie, pulls up a big pillow and stares at the tv. But you’d better hurry “Ein-nain, Ein-nain, Ain-a-Ein-nain” gets old fast (see interpretation above). :)

She can count to 14, she loves cottage cheese, she will NOT drink milk, she's obedient in time out and she's a great "cleaner-upper"!

I’m so glad to have such a sweet, easy-going daughter. She is so precious to me. These past two years have really flown by. I cherish every moment with my kids (yes, even when I’m frustrated up to my eyebrows) and am so blessed to have them.

New scrapbook pages

I made 3 new scrapbook pages this weekend. Jake took the sparkler picture of Carson on the 4th of July. It turned out really cool so it kind of inspired me to get in gear and get some pages done before these pictures are forgotten and burried under the thousands of new ones we take everyday!

Carson has to WHAT???

So something happened this morning that I just had to share. Carson wanted to 'write words' on the computer...I needed to get some things done and I figured the computer is a better babysitter than the tv, so I set him up and left to do my stuff. I came back and this is what he had typed...

Carson's "cry"

I have kind of a funny story about Carson and the amazing "tricks" that work (if even for a moment). Lately he has been getting upset over nothing and then says "I can't s-t-o-p
c-r-y-i-n-g" and that he "needs something to feel me better"...like candy, juice, water, food...anything really. Well, I'm pretty much sick of it by now...it was cute at first, but enough already. So I tell him that nothing can make him stop crying except himself. A few weeks ago, Carson was throwing a fit (surprise, I know, anyway...) and would not stop crying. So I gasped with a surprised look on my face and took a peek inside his ear....it was his 'cry'! So I grabbed the 'cry' out of his ear, crumpled it up in my hands and asked him if he'd like to flush it down the toilet. Immediately the fit ended. "Oooh, yes, mom! Let's flush that 'cry' right down the toilet!"

That kid is so funny! As I type this, Jake is putting Carson to bed (I have a great husband, yes, but that's another story). I just heard Carson yell from his bed "Dad, Hurry up with that water!!"...I wonder if I can pull some manners out of his ears as well!!!

All About Me...

Welcome to the 2009 edition of getting to know your Friends. 'press FORWARD' then change all the answers so they apply to you, and then send this to your friends including the person who sent it to you. The theory is that you will learn a lot of little things about your friends that you might not have known!

1. What time did you get up this morning?
Carson came in and woke me up at 6:45, but since it's Saturday I made him patiently wait until 7 before I finally dragged myself out of bed!

2. Diamonds or pearls?
Diamonds, of course, I'm not 80 yet...maybe THEN I'll like pearls...

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
I saw the movie "Earth", courtesy of the fine folks at Frito Lay. Very well done, but the "circle of life" facts were a little hard to enjoy :(

4. What is your favorite TV show?
Starting with Sunday, they are as follows: Desperate Housewives, 24, Medium, CSI Miami, Biggest Loser, Law and Order SVU, CSI NY, Greys Anatomy, CSI, Office, Prison Break. I'm sorry to those I forgot to mention...I probably forgot some that are off season. Oh, and the Today Show...gotta get my Matt Lauer fix :)

5. What do you usually have for breakfast?
Whatever the task masters (aka kids) order. Usually cereal or waffles.

6. What is your middle name?
Don't have one...I guess Lacey now.

7. What food do you dislike?
Sea creatures

8. What is your favorite CD at moment?
We (usually Jake) make our own CDs. The fav right now is one with Taylor Swift, Jason Mraz and Trace Adkins. I'm sure it's going to remind us of these fun times with our kids in later days.

9. What kind of car do you drive?
Mazda 6 (zoom zoom) and sometimes the Murano

10. Favorite sandwich?
Turkey on wheat w/avocado, sprouts and tomatoes (cheese or no cheese...doesn't matter - in case someone wants to make me one)

11. What characteristics do you despise?
Liars

12. Favorite item(s) of clothing?
I love the "Shade" tanks and T's. Super long and way comfy...I just got some new ones yesterday :)

13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go?
on a cruise with my family: husband, sons, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews & parents - this is the same answer as Sues...I guess we should plan a trip!!

14. Favorite brand(s)?
No specific favorite brand...fit, comfort and quality are all that matter to me

15. Where would you retire to?
Wherever my kids end up. I can't imagine not being around them to meddle in their lives!!

16. What was your most recent memorable birthday?
I can't really recall...but I have a pile of presents on the counter telling me this one will be great!

17. Favorite sport to watch?
basketball

18. Furthest place you are sending this?
I'm not really sure I'll send it out...probably just post it on the blog so my fans around the globe can read all about me ;)

19. Person you expect to send it back first?
I don't imagine anyone will...I know I don't usually.

20. When is your birthday?
Monday (April 27)

21. Are you a morning person or a night person?
I'm more of a mid-day kind of person :)

22. What is your shoe size?
big, very big. I have a sturdy foundation.

23. Pets?
Ginger (our beagle) is the last one standing...Jake insists that we keep her! :)

24. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us?
New and exciting??? I wish, but no.

25. What did you want to be when you were little?
A vet and pet shop owner. Probably because that's what my BFF Stacey wanted to be...I was kind of a follower.

26. How are you today?
Super

27. What is your favorite candy?
Reeses peanut butter cups and Rollos

28. What is your favorite flower?
Any kind Jake brings home. It's kind of a rarity, but always appreciated!

29. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to?
June 13, Amber's baby shower!

30. What is your full name?
Michelle Lacey Anderson

31. What are you listening to right now?
Jake playing his guitar. He just lulled Carson to sleep a few minutes ago, but has switched gears to Metallica. He keeps asking "name this one"...and "how does this go?"...as if I have a clue!!

32. What was the last thing you ate?
I had a Very Berry Smoothie at the gym and I'm starving! I can't wait till Grace wakes up so we can go to my bday dinner at the Training Table :)
33. Do you wish on stars?
Sometimes

34. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
Green...it looks great on the living room walls...thanks Grace!

35. How is the weather right now?
Cold and rainy

36. The first person you spoke to on the phone today?
I think it was Steph or Mom...imagine that...

37. Favorite soft drink?
Diet Coke

38. Favorite restaurant?
The Melting Pot when we're feeling spendy, but I always like Chilis too.

39. Real hair color?
Brown

40. What was your favorite toy as a child?
I had a short lived monkey that I lost. I didn't have him long, but I totally remember loving him with all my heart :)

41. Summer or winter?
Fall

42. Hugs or kisses?
both

43. Chocolate or Vanilla?
Vanilla

44. Coffee or tea?
Diet Coke

45. Do you want your friends to email you back?
This is a silly question. Of course, it is always fun to learn more.

46. When was the last time you cried?
Surprisingly enough it's been a whole week!!! I got a speeding ticket and the cop caught me at JUST the right emotional moment...how embarrassing! Too bad it didn't get me out of the stupid ticket!!

47. What is under your bed?
Shoes and junk...probably some long lost binkies and socks!

48. What did you do last night?
Watched 007 and went to bed.

49. What are you afraid of?
spiders and flying insects.

50. Salty or sweet?
Sweet...definitely sweet.

51. How many keys on your key ring?
2

52. How many years at your current job?
I started at Mountain Land Rehab July 2003, but went part time in October 05. I'm still working a few hours a week...if that counts.

53. Favorite day of the week?
Saturday

54. How many towns have you lived in?
Phoenix, Yuba City, Salt Lake (Cottonwood, Taylorsville, Holladay, Sugarhouse, 9th&9th and now So Jordan)

55. Do you make friends easily?
Not really at first. I've been told I'm "intimidating", but I think I'm very easily "intimidatED". The didn't call me "Shy Shelly" for nothing!

56. How many people will you send this to?
I'm not sure.

57. How many will respond?
I'm guessing no one. I know I usually don't respond!!

This was last March...a whole year ago...wow it goes by fast!

Pics of the kids...

Ok, so I don't really have any funny stories or cute things to say...so I'll just let the faces of my children make you smile...

How's that for a blog???

Is that Grace, or Shirley McClain???

Ha, I may be way off...but for some reason, this picture of Grace reminds me of Shirley McClain...

Cute little Sweden!

So I just have a short, funny story about my 8 year old niece, Sweden. It's my mom's story, but since she doesn't blog, I feel responsible to jot it down cuz it's too dang cute!

My mom took Sweden to church a couple of weeks ago and during Sacrament Meeting, she wrote my mom a little poem...Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet and so are you. Familiar poem, I know. But she drew a rose by the word rose and little circles around the violets part. She explains to my mom, "I didn't know what a violet looked like, so I just drew blueberries!" Funny, hu? :)

Man, I love that little girl! She is so smart, clever and adorable!!! Love you, Sweden!!!

6th file, 6th picture

Grace 9 1/2 months

Shannon had this on her blog. I just 'checked' to see which picture was the 6th picture in the 6th file...how could I not post it???

What are they doing???

I just thought this picture was funny and had to post it!
(is Grace trying to hide the bird she's flipping?)

My first digital scrapbooking experience...

So Jake got us the Photoshop Elements software for Christmas (actually, he waited until AFTER Christmas to get it on sale...he knew the gift would mean that much more to his cheap wife if he waited for a good deal!). You know, new software takes so much time to learn. I have been so busy working and stuff that I haven't had time to play around with it much. Well, this weekend I played around. F-U-N. Cristi, I totally see how you get hooked! Anyway, here are my first pages. Not super creative, but I promise to try to get better! After losing our first 2 years of Carson's digital life, these pictures mean sooo much more to us. (BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP!)

Our Gracie Girl

Ok, so if anyone ever wonders why I love my husband so much...

Sure, he treats me great...he is an extremely hard worker and has a great work ethic...he plays the most beautiful guitar...yes, he has many traits that are quite loveable.

But the way he loves our kids is amazing. He put together this slideshow for Grace that has me almost in tears every time I watch it. I am so lucky to have a husband that is such a great father as well.

I had to break it up in 2 sections because I couldn't upload it to the blog. Enjoy.

Happy Birthday Lisa and "What Chipped Tooth???"

Sunday was my sister in law, Lisa's birthday. I made her a cake for dessert on Sunday and just wanted to thank her for the fun, sanity and calmness she brings to my life. She never judges me when I think I need to call the doctor because my child is "sleeping too much" or "not sleeping enough" or "looks" sick. In fact, she encourages me to do so! :) Lisa is a great friend and I am so glad our husbands are twins.

We love you, Lisa!!

I was going to do a second post, but thought I'd just tack on to the first one. It's a bit of a story, and there is a lot involved, so pay attention...

Saturday morning, I got a phonecall from my sister, Suzanne. Weird, I thought, she NEVER calls so early...especially on a Saturday. She sent a text when I didn't answer. Kevin had a heart attack and they were at St Marks Hospital. I hurried out the door to be with her (thanks again to Jake for being more than understanding with the kids). It turns out he had a moderate attack and would be in the ICU for the night. I came home in the afternoon to change clothes and grab one of the kids (Carson) before I headded back out. Kevin's mother was at St Marks also. She had hip replacement surgery and was planning to go home Saturday morning, but extended her stay one more day. Enter Carson.... He was up later than usual and pumped full of sugar to keep him happy. For those that don't know, lately when Carson gets sleepy, he starts talking about "bonkin heads". Well, aparently he bonked poor Sasha a little too hard...

Jake freaked. He did not want Carson to have a silver cap like he had growing up.

So, a quick trip to the dentist and my brave, brave, brave little boy is as good as new...

PS, I didn't at all mean to skim over Kevin's heart attack. It was such an unexpected shock and I'm so glad he's going to be ok. He and Suzanne have done so much for me and my brothers and sisters. He is a great example to me and I don't know what we would do without him. Love you Kev!!!

Grace Helps with the Laundry

Frustrating little tyke! :) Someday we're going to miss this kinda stuff....

Love you Grace!

-Dad

Christmas Fun

Where to begin...




White, White, White, White Christmas!!



Thank goodness Santa knew that a "Wall Gun" is a gun that you shoot at the WALL! Unfortunately, he didn't notice that the "bullets" the gun shoots are paint balls. The actual gun is called a SupaSplat and is for children 8 and older. It states to "wash with warm soapy water immediately" right on the box. I'm so glad he got it though...the smiles and hugs were well worth it (Carson hugged the gun...not me)! And now we have colorful "splats" all over the melted snow in the backyard!

We had such a fun Christmas! I remember thinking last year that NEXT year would be fun...and it sure was! Three is the magical age for us...Carson totally gets it! Grace was only slightly overwhelmed and loves all her new "friends". Her favorite is a Glow Worm...who knew??? She also loves her Curious George monkey...just like her mama! :)








Joseph and Mary (aka Carson & Abby) at the Annual Anderson Christmas Eve Party




Not a Wall Gun, but an appropriate "inside" shooter :)