Merry Christmas

A Tree for Christmas

The other day I set out to look for a Christmas tree. I had walked through the woods for some distance and finally came into a clearing, this being an electric power line right of way, where small pine trees were numerous. I selected one and was backtracking when it occured to me that the tree was becoming burdensome. I thought of our savior Jesus Christ, how he bore his cross amidst the coaxing and jeers of those who denied Him recognition; the tree did not become lighter, but I was granted endurance to complete the mission; being assured of His presence for all around me there were reassurances or evidences of His presence, from the earth beneath, sky above, trickling of a stream joined in with the hum of the wind blowing through the leafless trees. Also, being aware of the love of family and friends with whom to exchange thoughts and experiences-the comfort of home in a great nation, though troubled, but increasingly aware of the birth of Christ and what it means to all.
-Al Adamz (Dec. 1980)

This was written by my grandfather who passed away a few years ago. He was one of the best men Heavenly Father made and Christmastime holds many wonderful memories of him. The thoughts he shared encompass my feelings at this time-love of family, friends, the comforts of my life, and most importantly gratitude and love for my Savior.

Merry Christmas!

Andrea's Christmas Poem

Merry Christmas Andrea ....

My poem is not nearly as creative as Davin's poem this year, but, to be fair, I didn't spend hours on it like he did. (But i did spend hours on the gift)

Here is the poem:

away in a manger
no crib for a bed
i used clay to make his head

the stars in the heavens
look down where he lay
it's what Christmas is about anyway

Quote of the day

Asher: Mom, can we go get some McDonald's happiness (Happy Meals)?

Lights of the South

Something our family looks forward to do during the Christmas season is visiting Lights of the South. It is this cool little place that has TONS of light displays. You can take a hayride through it, and afterwards enjoy some hot chocolate and roast marshmellows. Asher fell asleep on the way there and let's just say, he was a little grumpy-just check out the pics., it's true that a picture says a thousand words. Thankfully he did start to enjoy himself near the end. Who can blame him though? I'd hate to be awaken and drug out into the FREEZING weather. We picked the coldest night of the year thus far to go. Anyways, we made it through the hayride, the marshmellow roasting and even in playing on the "candyland village." Olivia then began melted down mode and I took her to the car kicking and screaming. Once in the car everyone thawed out and the kids fell asleep...AHH!

Making Gingerbread houses

A favorite holiday tradition our family does is decorating gingerbread (in our case graham crackers) houses. The kids have a great time doing it and we always end up eating about the same amount of candy as we put on the houses. Olivia didn't even want to decorate, she just wandered around the table like a little puppy waiting for someone to drop a gumdrop or smartie.

We named Micah's the peppermint palace. No explanation necessary.

Dudi's masterpiece in progress.

Asher went with the less is more approach. The less he put on his house, the more he ate. Notice the eyes- too much sugar will do that to you.

Needless to say, the houses lasted for about a week. Every now and then I'd see a new hole in a house were the candy use to be. Finally some structual problems (too much candy caused the walls to come sliding down) finished the houses off. Good times. Until next year...

hanu-kwanz-mas

Merry Christmas, Taylor .....


The concept for this little number was born last summer at the Anderson family reunion at Bear Lake when I made the push to insist that a poem of some kind was required to go along with each grown-up gift at the family holiday gift exchange this year. The poems were meant to connect the gift, the giver, and the receiver all in one. This is what I came up with for my gift to my brother Taylor. As is obvious, I adapted the song from Adam Sandler's "Hannukah Song." Initially, I wanted to try to imitate his voice, but as I practiced the song over and over again I found that it is actually very hard to sound pre-pubescent and overly obnoxious while singing. I recorded the song with my webcam, so the sound does not exactly sync up with the video.

The song really only makes sense if you know what the three different gifts are that I got for Taylor. (1) The book is Bart Ehrman's Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why. In this book, Dr. Ehrman is able to convey in layman's terms the hard-to-grapple with, but spot-on facts and theories I came to acknowledge as a biblical studies graduate student at Vanderbilt. I am usually cast out as a heretic when I try to bring up these ideas during Sunday School. I learned long ago that it better to be quiet about such things on Sunday. (2) The picture is a 5 x7 artistic representation of an elephant made out of thin strips of wood glued onto a black piece of cloth. It was made in Ethiopia. The white tusks stick out because the body of the elephant is made up of shades of brown. Mary and I made the frame for the picture from red-stained bamboo shoots purchased at Michaels, hot glue, and rope. (3) The kipa (alt.: keepah) is the Hebrew word for what is more commonly known as the yarmulke, the Yiddish equivalent, worn by Jewish males. This particular kipa is one of six that I purchased in the Old City Jerusalem during my second semester as a student at the BYU Jersualem Center from January to May 2000.

After deciding to adapt the song from Adam Sandler's tune, I thought it would be fun to incorporate the three major December-centered celebrations into the gift itself. This is how I came up with the title. My choice of shirt (Ethiopia soccer shirt) and accessories (kipa and Coptic cross) in the video are meant to drive this point home:
(1) the book = Christmas
(2) the picture = Kwanza
(3) the kipa = Hannukah
After eight years of marriage, Mary is pretty much used to my eccentric antics, but I think she is still in shock from the cross necklace I put together.


Here are the lyrics for the song:

hanu-kwanz-mas
(adapted from Adam Sandler’s “Hanukah Song”)

come on now let’s celebrate, anderson party twenty-0-eight
clap your hands, don’t hesitate; red sweater vests are never out of date

some people think that a present is complete without the silly poem that lies underneath
enjoy this little diddy; it has three parts to tell about each gift in that overpriced postage box

this one book i bought for you
illuminates my point of view
explains why i hide and run
when sunday school has just begun

the picture comes from Africa
we made the frame from “scratch-ica”
umoja, ujima, ujamaa
the tusks are as white as shauna

this kipa cap I kept for you
covers your fading hairline too
represents your jewishness
so have a happy, happy, happy ... hanu-kwanz-mas

The Streaker

In the seven years that I've had children, there are really only a few times that they have made me really embarrassed. I just tell myself kids will be kids, what can you do?! Well, yesterday my three year old was "just being a kid."

It was the last day of school before Christmas break. Micah rides the bus home in the afternoon so Ash, Liv, and I were waiting outside for him. A couple minutes before the bus was expected to come around the corner, Asher ran in the house to go to the bathroom. The bus came while he was still inside. I had made Mr. G (the bus driver) some holiday treats and since the bus drops the kids off at our neighbors driveway, I went down and gave the cookies to him-Asher still going to the bathroom. This is how the rest of it went down.

Mr. G: Thanks so much, I wanted to let you know that starting at the beginning of the...(the kids on the bus start yelling and laughing and they are all on their feet out of their seats).

Me (thinking): Man, he needs to get a hold of these kids!

As Mr. G turns back to talk to me something catches his eye and he starts to smile.

Mr. G. : I think one of your children needs you.

It all happened in slow motion. I turned to see my sweet little Asher running down the hill to the bus in nothing but his tee-shirt. NOTHING, but his t-shirt. Horror. Yep, that is what I felt. My face must have turned 10 different shades of red. He was leaving nothing to the imagination.

I was SO embarrassed.

Me: (apologizing over and over)

Mr. G: I see you've gotta go, I just wanted to let you know that there will be a new bus driver starting next year.

We say good-bye and I take off after Asher who has now planted himself in the grass to wait for me. The bus rolls away to the chorus of childrens laughter still loud and clear and all the students gathered around our side of the bus. I hear Mr. G tell the kids to settle down and be seated once again. Can't he control those kids?!

After gathering my bare boy, I asked what he was doing. He simply explained that he didn't want to miss seeing "his buddy" get off the bus. What do you say to that? I then told him to put his pants on first next time and had a quick lesson on modesty.


(okay, so this pic isn't from yesterday, he does have undies on in it. Just picture a shorter tee, no shoes, no undies, no hat or glove-that would have been a nice touch though-and a short sleeved top. But still those cute little white legs. Got the mental pic now?)

Ah, it'll give the kids something to talk about over their holiday.

It's me!

Okay, so I know it has been a while. I really have every intention of sitting down at night once my three little ones are sleeping, and blogging the days events. But, when that time of night comes, I'm busier than I am during the day. We really do have so many fun things going on right now. Making gingerbread houses, school parties, holiday shopping, Christmas tree decorating, making gifts, redoing a bathroom (that's a whole different story), on and on. I promise I will post many lovely pictures of it all soon. I love this season, but something has got to give-sorry my dear blog, it's you.

blackmail

WARNING! If you need to go to the bathroom, go before watching this video.

Is this what your house looks like at 9:00 in the morning?

They come by it honestly. Micah learned how to dance from his dad. My favorite moves are around the 45 sec. mark. I also enjoy watching Liv as she starts feelin' it. Ash is a little more reserved in his dancing-takes after me.

Enjoy.

Andersons on ice

What could be better than spending a Saturday afternoon watching beloved Disney characters dancing around on ice?

The kids were enthralled. I was pretty captivated myself, especially when they played some sweet Elvis tunes during the "Lilo & Stitch" segment.

So now that you've thought of a couple dozen other things that could be better than how I spent my Saturday, I'll tell you the answer- Nothing. Nothing could be better cause I had the 3 cutest little kids (and one big one) with me. It was a fun afternoon, it always (okay, usually) is when we get to be together.

Dressing up my doll

I found this adorable coat pattern and had to try it. I'm not an experienced sewer by any means, but I'm always up for a challenge. It actually turned out pretty cute, considering I accidently bought a size 7 pattern (there was only one left and I didn't even pay attention to the size). I trimmed a little here and there and then something close to a size 2 was created!





A better picture of it on her will be coming.

Girl clothes are so fun! I wish this fit me-it wouldn't look nearly as cute though!

R2-D2 Dance-Off {by Dudi}

I took the rare opportunity (blessing?) to stay home from church today because Asher has been sick for the last two days. We figure he has some sort of stomach virus because he has vomited two or three times. The poor kid is now petrified of the whole puking experience. He asked yesterday why "stuff" was now coming out of his mouth instead of his "po." (We strongly encourage the use of substitute words in our household for obvious reasons; "po" is the German word for "bum.") Trust me, that was one of those fun parent-child teaching moments that are impossible to prepare for. I just hope that Asher didn't come away with the impression that poop and vomit are one and the same because that is simply gross to think about.

Anyway, I took this video about an hour after church started this morning. (Sorry about the poor quality; we don't have a digital camcorder.) Based on the fluidity of the sweet dance moves, the virus that was plaguing Asher has obviously passed. I guess I could have taken them to church after all. Oh well, there's ALWAYS next week!

As you can see, Asher is doing his best to teach Livy the ways of the force. This life-sized R2-D2 was a gift from Grandma Marcia a few years back. Despite the abuse it takes from regular lightsaber hits, the droid is still ticking. Livy has only recently discovered R2, and there's a good chance that she may be the only one in the family who understand R2's beeps and squeaks because they happen to mirror her own speech patterns. When she kneels down, the two of them are the same height. It really is adorable. Although she prefers pink (Mary's influence), I'm doing my part to keep her well-rounded with a steady dose of boy stuff.

Thankful

I crashed last night before I could do my Thanksgiving post. With all the Thanksgiving day festivities, we were all worn out by the end of the day.

The kids did tell me the things they were grateful for.

Micah-

1. family
2. Jesus
3. x box
   
4. grandma's and pa's
5. swimming pools (it is the South, that gets my vote too)
6. friends
7. home

Asher-

1. Jesus and Heavenly Father
2. mom and dad
3. Micah
4. Liv
5. Grandma's and pa's
6. toys (with a list of favorite ones that I will spare everyone from)
   
7. swimming pools (I think he stole that one from Micah)

Liv (if she could talk, I'm sure this would be her list)-

1. Backpack (monkey backpack)
2. mom and dad
3. Brothers (that I can tease)
4. flowers (that I can pull out of mom's flower boxes)
5. dolls (LOVES the baby doll section of toy stores)
6. food
   

Here is a list, in no particular order of a few of the things I'm grateful for (Dudi echo's most of mine).

1. A wonderful husband who works so hard for our family and makes me laugh constantly
2. The Savior
   
3. My beautiful children
   
4. Health
   
5. That I can be a stay at home mom
   
6. Parents and grandparents (Dudi's included) who are good role models and always supportive
   
7. Siblings who made growing up fun
8. A country where I'm free
9. That I can walk into a store now and not cringe because of all the Christmas music playing and displays set up
   
10. That it is the Christmas season now
11. Good friends (25 of them spent Thanksgiving with us-It was awesome)
12. That a new season of 24 is just around the corner (had to throw that one in)
    

I could go on about the many blessings in my life, but I will wrap it up here (my children are running in to attack me now). I truly do have so much to be grateful for.

Fun run 2008

Each year Micah's school holds an event called the "Fun Run" to promote exercise and health in kids. What happens is, the kids train to run a mile in P. E. for a few weeks and then on a given day they race. Parents are encouraged to run with their children or come and cheer them on.

The fun run is a big deal.

This year Micah really wanted to win a ribbon. Only the first 4 get one. Oh, boy. Here's how it went down.

Micah and his running partner (Dudi, not me) at the starting line with about a zillion other 1st graders.

Run, Micah!

Micah ran the entire mile. No stops, no drinks (till after the race).

He placed 5th. He did AWESOME.

I couldn't have been prouder.

Ode to my handyman

What words come to mind when thinking of Dudi? Maybe handsome(definitely handsome), Smart, Funny, talented? Do you think of his awesome carpentry skills? NO? Well, think again.

Dudi has spent MANY hours doing projects I've come up with for our house. I like to think of it as helping him develop his talents.

He built this awesome storage area for our laundry room. Complete with chair rail and hooks to hang the kids stuff(above and to the right). Below is the kitchen backsplash we tiled. I usually come up with the design and Dudi builds it. In this case, I did the tiling, but he did cut the tile(thanks for the wetsaw Marshmans).



















Dudi just finished building his new desk and putting up crown molding in our family room (sorry, I'm still trying to figure out how to upload the pictures in a better way).




Bookshelf(below)


Liv's room(chair rail and below, yes, it is fabric). We had fun doing this one.


Boy's room toy storage



Oh, I forgot to take pics of the kitchen table, I'll post those when our new projects are done(I'm upholstering a chair, Dudi's making a sofa table). In case you are wondering, we haven't made everything in our house(yet).

Two words-Love him.

The return of an old friend

In June Asher went shopping with some money he had gotten for his birthday. After looking up and down all the aisles something caught his eye. It was a pack of Scooby-Doo jointed figures. His decision was final.

After a month of playing with them day after day, the novelty had not worn off. Amazing.



We were waiting for Micah's bus one day, the Scooby Doo gang included, and Liv decided she would chuck Shag(as Ash so lovingly calls him) into the front bushes. Not such a big deal, I'll fish him out just like I have about 1,000 other toys she's thrown down there. No Shag. We searched every inch of that shrub-filled area, and no Shag. Dudi came home, we all headed back out there and looked, nothing. It was a mystery(a job for the Scooby-Doo detective agency). Everyday since then we go out and look while we are waiting for Micah's bus, and everyday we come back empty handed. Everyday I hear Ash say, "I really miss Shag. Can you get me a knew one?" in a pitiful voice.

Three months of this same conversation .

Until today(actually yesterday).

While waiting for the bus, I went to fish out a light saber Liv had thrown into the bushes. I looked down to grab it and there he was, just sitting right there, a place we've searched HUNDREDS of times. Oh happy day! He ran upstairs and played the rest of the night. Shag was back.

Icons?

I had a couple comment about how I got little icons on my last post. I'd like to say I planned it, but I really have no idea.

My computer has a mind of its own.

All I see is the type, no pics. If any one does know how to get the icons up(they seem to be fun), please share with the rest of us.

Today

How was my day?

-Up and at 'em(came too early today).
-Coaxed Micah to go with a friend after school to an inflatable jump place(He doesn't like new things).
-Church meeting(long, but enjoyable company).
-Chatted with Marcia(thanks).
-Lunch(did we have lunch?).
-Cleaned yogurt from Liv's hair(why do we have bib's, we need hair nets).
-Book I won on ebay came today(I shopped victoriously. FYI-It was Shel Silversteins "Falling Up." The boys have "Where the Sidewalk ends" and LOVE it).
-Waited in the car rider line(way too long).
-Chatted with Kina(fun).
-Listened to Micah talk about how much fun he had with his friend(told ya).
-Dinner and homework(didn't really feel like cooking).
-Haircuts(much needed).
-Cared for a rather traumatic head and nose injury(Micah's, OUCH).
-Bedtime(Yeah)

It was good.
How was yours?

The Good Stuff

I had a funny conversation with the kids the other day so I thought I would share.

We were eating apples so I asked Micah what his favorite fruit was. He really likes fruit so I figured he'd have a list. Not one to disappoint he answered, "apples, no strawberries, oh, and also watermelon, but I like grapes too." Typical Micah response. He always makes sure not to leave anything out. I like that. Hopefully it won't change as he gets older.

Next I asked Ash. I was trying to guess in my head what he would say, I was interested to find out.
His response, "Caramel Dip." Yep, his favorite fruit is caramel dip. We had to break it to him that technically caramel dip isn't a fruit.
In case your wondering, apples were the runner-up.

I love that childhood attitude and innocence.


Does he have to grow up?

Fall!

Enjoying 70 and 80 degree weather in November is just one of the many reasons I love the South! Outfitted in our t-shirts & shorts, we enjoyed a day full of fun outside!
Amid the sidewalk chalk art, blowing bubbles, making silly shadows, raking leaves, and riding bikes, we also managed to get a good start on cleaning out the garage!

Dudi and I went on a date to celebrate.





Micah thought it would be fun to jump in a pile of leaves. He raked up all the ones he could find and by the end had an ankle high mound. No jumping occurred, but still impressive. What a good kid.





We all took our turn blowing the bubbles. The fun ended when Livy decided it was her turn and grabbed the bottle of bubbles. The boys chased her, the bubbles were spilled, tears were shed... on to the next adventure.







P.S- Olivia found the monkey backpack a few days ago and since then, it has rarely left her back. Meals, naps (I do sneak in and take it off when she's asleep), trips to the gym, car rides, you name it. All day, every day. I'm wondering how long this will go on.

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away

We have finally decided to join the world of blogging. I figure it's a good way to journal our lives as the kids grow up and it'll make it easier for long distance family and friends to keep up with us!

Although Halloween is past, I wanted to post some pics of the kids in their costumes. What did we all dress as? Well, after 2 months of sleepless nights trying to decide between Scooby-Doo and the gang, the Wizard of Oz, Toy Story 2 characters, or milk maids and Austrian children (this one got my vote-wouldn't Asher look so cute in lederhosen?), the boys made their choice.

Star Wars. Again.

But they do make some awesome Jedi.




Don't worry, we didn't let the "older Anakin" leave the house with his wig on!


Our little Princess Leia



Micah as Clone Wars Anakin and Ash as Yoda (3rd year running). Cute little guys!