I took the day off from church today. Apparently I'm middle aged now as I've somehow managed to hurt my back.
I had finished printing things for my Sharing Time lesson this morning and closed my laptop and went to stand up and pulled/strained/something in my middle back. I eventually was able to get up and move to the bed. Being the wonderful husband he is, Evan rubbed on some icy hot. After a while I was feeling better and went back to cut out all the parts for my lesson (we are doing the nativity story today). I got it all cut out and looking nice and then went to get ready for church.
I showered and that hot water sure helped me feel better. My back pain had gone from not being able to move to just slightly annoying. Until I tried to get dressed.
Bending over and picking up my leg, turns out, was a bad idea.
I then crumpled to the floor and couldn't move. Evan made me stay home and relax. So I walked him through my lesson and sent him off without me. Hopefully things will go well and I will be able to walk by the time I wake up tomorrow.
Until then I will be uploading pictures from my camera and hopefully will be able to update about our wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
02 December 2012
22 November 2012
Thanksgiving
For Thanksgiving this year, everyone traveled to us! I don't know why we decided to do that, we have a two bedroom apartment, but it all worked out wonderfully and we had a great time! Since I am already 3+ months late... let me do a picture walk with you.
Tuesday night Evan's parents came in. Wednesday was "The Boss's" birthday and we walked Downtown Conway and took the padres to lunch. Wednesday Night "The Mechanist, MD" "The Strategist" "The Muscle" and "The Face" came into town. We also found out about the upcoming arrival of who I will call "The New One" until we come up with a better name. Congrats Andersons!
Thursday was Thanksgiving and it was delicious! Then the fun!
Friday we went to Petit Jean and hiked down to the waterfall. It was brisk, but a great hike.
Tuesday night Evan's parents came in. Wednesday was "The Boss's" birthday and we walked Downtown Conway and took the padres to lunch. Wednesday Night "The Mechanist, MD" "The Strategist" "The Muscle" and "The Face" came into town. We also found out about the upcoming arrival of who I will call "The New One" until we come up with a better name. Congrats Andersons!
Thursday was Thanksgiving and it was delicious! Then the fun!
Friday we went to Petit Jean and hiked down to the waterfall. It was brisk, but a great hike.
We climbed rocks.
Then we walked around to get behind the waterfall. That's what the spray is there on the right.
Photo Op.
Expecting Baby #3!
Saturday we did downtown Little Rock. First, we went to the Old Mill and had a picnic for "The Boss" and "The Muscle," who have birthdays one day apart.
Happy Birthday!
Anderson Men exploring things as usual.
Ma and Pa Anderson looking cute
"The Professor" finally got a smile out of "The Face." She takes a while to warm up to him.
Anderson Men...
Then to the Riverwalk! We went to the park, but I guess I didn't get any pictures. Then we stopped here to take a picture for "The Diva." She has, many times, quoted that LDS commercial "Family, isn't it about- time?" Of course, this installment on the medical mile is about heart disease, but I wanted a picture anyway.
It's sideways and I don't care. We went to the Peabody hotel to watch the duck parade. It was pretty cute. Also, they have an awesome glass elevator and 18 floors. I'm sad the ducks are leaving :(
They get out of the fountain, walk along the red carpet and into the elevator, then they go to their suite. In the morning, they march down. They sit in the fountain all day.
And Sunday, everyone went home. I am so glad they were able to come, and especially grateful to friends that let us use their house so we weren't too cramped!
02 November 2012
Razorbacks, Wampus Cats, and Bears, OH MY!
We were headed to a football game at UCA, but Evan did not own a purple shirt. I got my UCA shirt at the consignment store when we first moved here. I just found it by chance and it was $2 and I figured it would be handy. Before the game we went to Wal-Mart for some errands, and hoped to find a UCA shirt while there. We have seen them there. Football is very important in Arkansas.
Well, there were no UCA shirts. So we tried just a purple shirt. Not so much. There were however plenty of Razorback shirts (University of Arkansas) and Wampus Cats apparel (Conway High).
What? You don't know what a Wampus Cat is? What rock have you been hiding under? Obviously not the Arkansan rock...
A Wampus Cat is a six legged cougar looking animal. "Four to run at the speed of light, two to fight with all its might." Yes.
We did find one purple shirt on the bottom of a display near the front. I pulled it out and started laughing. As it was the only purple shirt in the building, and Evan was feeling school spirit that day we went ahead and bought it.
Well, there were no UCA shirts. So we tried just a purple shirt. Not so much. There were however plenty of Razorback shirts (University of Arkansas) and Wampus Cats apparel (Conway High).
What? You don't know what a Wampus Cat is? What rock have you been hiding under? Obviously not the Arkansan rock...
A Wampus Cat is a six legged cougar looking animal. "Four to run at the speed of light, two to fight with all its might." Yes.
We did find one purple shirt on the bottom of a display near the front. I pulled it out and started laughing. As it was the only purple shirt in the building, and Evan was feeling school spirit that day we went ahead and bought it.
I asked Evan to pose like the monkey on his shirt.
Yes, the monkey's necklace says, "I work out"
Yes, I've had that song stuck in my head since the game. A month ago.
Before the game
At the game.
You know, I still don't regret buying that shirt. Every time I see it I laugh. Laughing is good for the body and the sunshine is good for your teeth. Or so says Bob Robbins.
28 October 2012
Trick-or-Treat
Last night was out ward Trunk-or-Treat. We don't have any kids, but we went and decorated a trunk anyway and gave out some candy. We went as Toad and Princess Peach.
See, Evan found this hat at a garage sale before we got married, and it has been with us every since. He finally had the opportunity to wear it, and a lot of the kids were really impressed! Apparently, my sparkly head band was not close enough to a crown, so they didn't recognize me. Oh well, I got to dress up anyway!
The sun was setting so I wore my sunglasses... that may have been another part of the problem.
Halloween
I didn't decorate much for Halloween this year. Mostly because Evan's family is coming and I want to be well decorated for Thanksgiving, so I've put a lot of my time into getting everything clean and planned for the month of November. But I did make a wreath! It's a loose interpretation of Halloween according to Evan. I like it though.
White candlesticks, orange and black rocks, orange flowers and glittery spiders. I didn't even use pinterest on this one. I made it all by myself walking around Wal-Mart for an hour (The first half hour my shirt was backwards... I had to go to the restroom and turn it around. It was one of those days).
I covered a straw wreath with black tulle and added some purple and orange flowers and feathers. The colors look off in this picture, but you get the idea. I got this from pinterest (of course) HERE!
I also made a centerpiece at work. That house just does not feel like a home yet. I'm working on it. Over the summer Nanny#2 found a red tablecoth and put that on there then made a simple centerpiece with red candles and rocks. It looked very nice. Since Nanny#2 is no longer with us, I did Halloween. I guess I'll have to change it soon for Thanksgiving!
Glittery spider. The only kind I will tolerate.
The End!
The Dresser
Evan's family is coming to visit us for Thanksgiving. There will be 8 people in our little apartment- it sure is a good thing we love each other! This has also motivated us to get some work done around the house we've been putting off, such as refinishing one of our dressers.
Evan has had this dresser for as long as he can remember. At one time it belonged to his grandfather (until recently he thought his grandfather had built it, but according to The Tycoon this was not the case). Ever since we got married and he moved it into our first apartment he's been saying it would look really good refinished. I saw the potential and agreed. I also think it is pretty cool that we will be able to pas it on to one of our kids who can refinish it how they want and keep it going on.
It took us about a month (we put in a few hours each weekend) but we finally finished!
Evan has had this dresser for as long as he can remember. At one time it belonged to his grandfather (until recently he thought his grandfather had built it, but according to The Tycoon this was not the case). Ever since we got married and he moved it into our first apartment he's been saying it would look really good refinished. I saw the potential and agreed. I also think it is pretty cool that we will be able to pas it on to one of our kids who can refinish it how they want and keep it going on.
It took us about a month (we put in a few hours each weekend) but we finally finished!
Day 2 of sanding. This is the closest I have to a before picture. Apparently, I never thought it picture worthy... lol. You can see the color though, and some of the missing handles.
We sanded by hand. Oh my word it took forever. But it was well worth it! You can see my spring/summer wreath behind him :)
After we finished sanding. We took all the handles off (since half were missing anyhow). This was a big moment for us. No more sanding! YEEHAW
Then Evan stained it and added new handles. It's like a whole new piece of furniture! You can see where the handles were because that part wasn't stained originally, but I am choosing not to notice that. We put a lot of work in and I am very pleased with the outcome!
We just have a few more projects to do before our visitors arrive! Good thing we have a few weeks still!
24 October 2012
Road Rage and Musings
Forgive me if you've heard this already, it's at the top of my "things to complain about list."
First off, Evan and I share a car. This has proved difficult for us, but we make it work. We had two cars in Richmond, Evan drove a bit of a clunker and decided to not bring it with us when we moved because there was a very real possibility it would break down on the way. And neither of us wanted to make the 16 hour drive alone anyhow.
For the most part, it has been fine. Evan can get to class easily(less than a 1/3 mile walk), we go to church together anyhow, when we need to go different places at the same time we either time it so one can drop the other off, or hitch a ride with someone close by. This semester however, Evan has practicum.
This means he has to spend 8 hours a week shadowing a school psychologist and gaining field experience. Over the summer, Evan went to the professor in charge of placements with a friend (the only other male in their year) and both voiced their concerns that they were without transportation. It is known that placements in Conway are rare so even though he talked to her he knew it was still not a guarantee. Her response, "I'll take that into consideration," Wasn't very reassuring either.
When she had made all of the placements she announced to the class "There are two placements in Conway!" Evan had fingers crossed he had one of them. He got his e-mail and he was assigned to...
...Pulaski County.
One of the first things my teacher friend told me was- Don't work for Pulaski County. Apparently, the district has so many issues at the district level, it trickles into the schools and it is always a struggle. That isn't even our biggest issue. This placement is a FORTY FIVE MINUTE drive. Luckily (and unbeknownst to this professor who has seemed to be out to get us) one of the schools this particular School Psych works at is the middle school of one of the kids I nanny. So we worked it out so Evan would ride to work with me and either I drop him off or he drops me off and then we ride home together when we are both done. It takes a litle finagling and a lot of extra driving, but we make it work.
As it turns out, Evan isn't getting all of the experiences he needs at the middle school and really needs to go to a different site (the school psych has different schools she visits, elementary, middle, and high). He asked what elementary school she worked at, and we mapped it. 45 minutes in no traffic. Also, 30 miles from where I work. Sigh.
So yesterday we set out to find this place. We drove through every bit of morning rush hour on the Arkansas Highway System of Death. It took us nearly an hour and a half to get there. On the way home I was nearly run off the road multiple times by pickup truck drivers that choose not to see my tiny Yaris. By the time I got home (two hours after leaving the house) I was tired of driving and mad about how far we have to go to fulfill this requirement.
I set out to pick him up in the afternoon before the kids got out of school. I was hating my life at that moment and thinking over and over that this is all that professor's fault. And just channeling my rage toward her. Then I thought, this isn't fair to her. She only has so many places to send her students. This is the placement we've been given, there is nothing we can do to change it. We are in a place to get Evan a car and are working on that so before too long we won't have to share rides anymore. A thought came to my mind then, "When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed..." And I realized, yeah. I should sing some hymns. I turned the radio down and sang what hymns I could remember. By the time I got to the elementary school to pick Evan up I felt immensely better. And he was pleased with his experience. Much more so than he had been any day at the middle school.
Somedays I come home and my head feels like a beehive, just buzzing and throbbing because I spent the day listening to kids that aren't mine whine about EV-ER-Y-THING while I make them a hot meal and clean up after them, and shuttle them to extra-curriculars, and fold their laundry. And somedays I come home happy because they said, "Thank you" and smiled and told me they loved me, and were happy to spend time with me and their siblings.
What is it that makes these days so significantly different? My perspective. Every day has all of these elements, it has much more to do with what I see and acknowledge. As I've taken on spending more time with them (especially since the other nanny left) and trying to fit in with their family, I've noticed that when I choose to look for the good, I come out of the day more energized and happy. It is all about how I choose to act and feel that changes the mood of the day.
Sometimes we make sacrifices and compromises, and it is irritating and seems unjust. But when we stop to look, there are blessings there too. It's all about how you choose to look at it. I need to relearn that lesson a lot it seems. But I'm ok with it. I'll perfect it one day, but for now it is a work in progress.
First off, Evan and I share a car. This has proved difficult for us, but we make it work. We had two cars in Richmond, Evan drove a bit of a clunker and decided to not bring it with us when we moved because there was a very real possibility it would break down on the way. And neither of us wanted to make the 16 hour drive alone anyhow.
For the most part, it has been fine. Evan can get to class easily(less than a 1/3 mile walk), we go to church together anyhow, when we need to go different places at the same time we either time it so one can drop the other off, or hitch a ride with someone close by. This semester however, Evan has practicum.
This means he has to spend 8 hours a week shadowing a school psychologist and gaining field experience. Over the summer, Evan went to the professor in charge of placements with a friend (the only other male in their year) and both voiced their concerns that they were without transportation. It is known that placements in Conway are rare so even though he talked to her he knew it was still not a guarantee. Her response, "I'll take that into consideration," Wasn't very reassuring either.
When she had made all of the placements she announced to the class "There are two placements in Conway!" Evan had fingers crossed he had one of them. He got his e-mail and he was assigned to...
...Pulaski County.
One of the first things my teacher friend told me was- Don't work for Pulaski County. Apparently, the district has so many issues at the district level, it trickles into the schools and it is always a struggle. That isn't even our biggest issue. This placement is a FORTY FIVE MINUTE drive. Luckily (and unbeknownst to this professor who has seemed to be out to get us) one of the schools this particular School Psych works at is the middle school of one of the kids I nanny. So we worked it out so Evan would ride to work with me and either I drop him off or he drops me off and then we ride home together when we are both done. It takes a litle finagling and a lot of extra driving, but we make it work.
As it turns out, Evan isn't getting all of the experiences he needs at the middle school and really needs to go to a different site (the school psych has different schools she visits, elementary, middle, and high). He asked what elementary school she worked at, and we mapped it. 45 minutes in no traffic. Also, 30 miles from where I work. Sigh.
So yesterday we set out to find this place. We drove through every bit of morning rush hour on the Arkansas Highway System of Death. It took us nearly an hour and a half to get there. On the way home I was nearly run off the road multiple times by pickup truck drivers that choose not to see my tiny Yaris. By the time I got home (two hours after leaving the house) I was tired of driving and mad about how far we have to go to fulfill this requirement.
I set out to pick him up in the afternoon before the kids got out of school. I was hating my life at that moment and thinking over and over that this is all that professor's fault. And just channeling my rage toward her. Then I thought, this isn't fair to her. She only has so many places to send her students. This is the placement we've been given, there is nothing we can do to change it. We are in a place to get Evan a car and are working on that so before too long we won't have to share rides anymore. A thought came to my mind then, "When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed..." And I realized, yeah. I should sing some hymns. I turned the radio down and sang what hymns I could remember. By the time I got to the elementary school to pick Evan up I felt immensely better. And he was pleased with his experience. Much more so than he had been any day at the middle school.
Somedays I come home and my head feels like a beehive, just buzzing and throbbing because I spent the day listening to kids that aren't mine whine about EV-ER-Y-THING while I make them a hot meal and clean up after them, and shuttle them to extra-curriculars, and fold their laundry. And somedays I come home happy because they said, "Thank you" and smiled and told me they loved me, and were happy to spend time with me and their siblings.
What is it that makes these days so significantly different? My perspective. Every day has all of these elements, it has much more to do with what I see and acknowledge. As I've taken on spending more time with them (especially since the other nanny left) and trying to fit in with their family, I've noticed that when I choose to look for the good, I come out of the day more energized and happy. It is all about how I choose to act and feel that changes the mood of the day.
Sometimes we make sacrifices and compromises, and it is irritating and seems unjust. But when we stop to look, there are blessings there too. It's all about how you choose to look at it. I need to relearn that lesson a lot it seems. But I'm ok with it. I'll perfect it one day, but for now it is a work in progress.
12 October 2012
The Butterfly Effect
I came home from work the other day and told Evan my day had been like Final Destination (you know, that movie where people cheat death then die anyway in freak accidents?), but in reverse. I almost killed a whole bunch of stuff.
First, I was driving down the road on my way in to work and butterfly got caught in my windshield wiper. I watched it die as I sped along, trying to free it by turning my wipers on. That was not a good idea by the way.
Then, there was a turtle crossing the road that RAN into my lane as I approached. I swerved and missed. This happened two more times before I got to work.
THEN as I was leaving, I saw some dark shape coming from the tree that hangs over the road. I thought a crow was diving to grab something. Turns out, a squirrel FELL OUT OF THE TREE. Had I not slowed down on a hunch, it would have landed on my car. I have no idea what happened to it, I guess it was fine because it wasn't on the road as I drove off.
Then another turtle. I see an awful lot of turtles crossing the road on my drive, but four in one days was an all time high.
And that is my day of bring death or near death to an assortment of wildlife critters.
First, I was driving down the road on my way in to work and butterfly got caught in my windshield wiper. I watched it die as I sped along, trying to free it by turning my wipers on. That was not a good idea by the way.
Then, there was a turtle crossing the road that RAN into my lane as I approached. I swerved and missed. This happened two more times before I got to work.
THEN as I was leaving, I saw some dark shape coming from the tree that hangs over the road. I thought a crow was diving to grab something. Turns out, a squirrel FELL OUT OF THE TREE. Had I not slowed down on a hunch, it would have landed on my car. I have no idea what happened to it, I guess it was fine because it wasn't on the road as I drove off.
Then another turtle. I see an awful lot of turtles crossing the road on my drive, but four in one days was an all time high.
And that is my day of bring death or near death to an assortment of wildlife critters.
21 September 2012
Interviews
All of the sudden, interviews are filling up my days. In the last two weeks I've had 8. It all started when Evan's professor called to tell me they were hiring at Ann Taylor Loft (and that apparently seemed like a really good idea to her). So I filled out the application and sent it off. Within a couple days I had an interview at two different stores. I get through those and am freaking out that I will have to start working retail when an elementary school in Conway called.
No Way.
So I did the interview, I felt pretty good about it, but they didn't call back til Monday. The job started Friday. Which was also the day I went for a round two 'interview' with Loft.
Wednesday I had a screening interview with North Little Rock. She told me, "You are knowledgeable and obviously have the heart to teach. However, you are quiet and you look like you are 16, I'm just not sure how you will handle yourself in front of a class."
LIKE A BOSS. Is what I should have said.
"I'll take a chance on you and send you to this elementary school."
So off I went for another interview. I thought it went very well. But they didn't call me back, til this morning when they asked if I would be interested in a long term sub position. More on THAT in a moment.
Thursday I interviewed with the state hospital. I had no idea going in what the job entailed. So I had no way to prepare. But I did my best and I think it went well. Turns out, they work with teenagers that have essentially dropped out of foster care because of behavior problems, and adults that are sent from the court because they are deemed 'mentally unfit' for trial. And then try to rehabilitate them. Oh boy. I should hear back in a couple weeks. I have a feeling looking 16 will hurt me way more on this one.
Today, Friday, I got a call from North Little Rock asking if I was interested in a long term sub position (with no mention about my previous interview, so I guess I didn't get it). I said sure and went and interviewed. I think it went well, I don't really care. Here's the thing.
Long term subs get paid $90 a day. That isn't a lot of money. Short term subbing isn't a lot of work, so I don't expect sub pay to be that high. WHich is also why I don't sub. But for this position (at least 3 months, possibly the rest of the school year) I am expected to take on ALL the responsibilities of the classroom teacher with NONE of the benefits.
All lesson plans, staff development days, team meetings, staff meetings, parent conferences, testing, etc.
Part time pay and no health benefits. Are they kidding me?
People are always complaining about how low teacher pay is. I would now like to amend that to include long term sub pay. A long term sub MUST have a degree and go through the same interview process as a full time teacher. And MUST take on all of the responsibilities. For NONE of the benefits. I'd wager the parents don't think you are nearly as capable either. Which will make my life wonderful.
Funny thing is, I might take it. Because I don't think anyone will hire me until they see that I survived an Arkansas school.
They have apparently never been to Richmond.
No Way.
So I did the interview, I felt pretty good about it, but they didn't call back til Monday. The job started Friday. Which was also the day I went for a round two 'interview' with Loft.
Wednesday I had a screening interview with North Little Rock. She told me, "You are knowledgeable and obviously have the heart to teach. However, you are quiet and you look like you are 16, I'm just not sure how you will handle yourself in front of a class."
LIKE A BOSS. Is what I should have said.
"I'll take a chance on you and send you to this elementary school."
So off I went for another interview. I thought it went very well. But they didn't call me back, til this morning when they asked if I would be interested in a long term sub position. More on THAT in a moment.
Thursday I interviewed with the state hospital. I had no idea going in what the job entailed. So I had no way to prepare. But I did my best and I think it went well. Turns out, they work with teenagers that have essentially dropped out of foster care because of behavior problems, and adults that are sent from the court because they are deemed 'mentally unfit' for trial. And then try to rehabilitate them. Oh boy. I should hear back in a couple weeks. I have a feeling looking 16 will hurt me way more on this one.
Today, Friday, I got a call from North Little Rock asking if I was interested in a long term sub position (with no mention about my previous interview, so I guess I didn't get it). I said sure and went and interviewed. I think it went well, I don't really care. Here's the thing.
Long term subs get paid $90 a day. That isn't a lot of money. Short term subbing isn't a lot of work, so I don't expect sub pay to be that high. WHich is also why I don't sub. But for this position (at least 3 months, possibly the rest of the school year) I am expected to take on ALL the responsibilities of the classroom teacher with NONE of the benefits.
All lesson plans, staff development days, team meetings, staff meetings, parent conferences, testing, etc.
Part time pay and no health benefits. Are they kidding me?
People are always complaining about how low teacher pay is. I would now like to amend that to include long term sub pay. A long term sub MUST have a degree and go through the same interview process as a full time teacher. And MUST take on all of the responsibilities. For NONE of the benefits. I'd wager the parents don't think you are nearly as capable either. Which will make my life wonderful.
Funny thing is, I might take it. Because I don't think anyone will hire me until they see that I survived an Arkansas school.
They have apparently never been to Richmond.
19 August 2012
Virginia
We recently had the opportunity to travel to Virginia for a wedding. "The Executioner" - Evan's younger sister was sealed in the DC temple to her eternal companion, "The Grit." He may have a different last name, but he was promptly welcomed to the A-Team, shirt and all.
This is the 3rd Anderson family wedding to have a sibling missing. When The Mechanist, MD and The Strategist were married, Evan was on his mission. When Evan and I were married, The Executioner was on her mission. And now, the Diva is serving. Her wedding will be the first one to have all siblings available. Barring any extreme circumstances, we should all be there!
This trip really made us realize how much we miss Virginia. I didn't grow up there, but I feel just as much a Virginian as I do Washingtonian, if not more. I didn't take a single picture (shameful, I know), but we had a great time. We were busy every day leading up to the wedding and reception, helping to prepare. And busy the day after trying to squeeze in as much visiting as possible. I would love to go back soon, hopefully we can.
On the way back we stopped and visited the family I used to nanny. They are now living in Kentucky and were gracious enough to let us not only stop, but eat dinner with them, shower, and spend the night! It made the trip back so much more bearable. I loved seeing the kids. The twins have grown so much and are using full sentences now. And they can finally say my name properly. I was worried they wouldn't remember me, or would be hesitant, but I got big hugs from both of them. Baby Girl had to finish her pizza first, but as soon as she was done she got down and ran over to me. It felt so good to be remembered like that, they were a big part of my life and I grew very fond of all 5 of them.
A great trip that left us longing for more. We miss you, Virginia!
This song sums up my feelings pretty well:
Old Dominion by Eddie From Ohio
This is the 3rd Anderson family wedding to have a sibling missing. When The Mechanist, MD and The Strategist were married, Evan was on his mission. When Evan and I were married, The Executioner was on her mission. And now, the Diva is serving. Her wedding will be the first one to have all siblings available. Barring any extreme circumstances, we should all be there!
This trip really made us realize how much we miss Virginia. I didn't grow up there, but I feel just as much a Virginian as I do Washingtonian, if not more. I didn't take a single picture (shameful, I know), but we had a great time. We were busy every day leading up to the wedding and reception, helping to prepare. And busy the day after trying to squeeze in as much visiting as possible. I would love to go back soon, hopefully we can.
On the way back we stopped and visited the family I used to nanny. They are now living in Kentucky and were gracious enough to let us not only stop, but eat dinner with them, shower, and spend the night! It made the trip back so much more bearable. I loved seeing the kids. The twins have grown so much and are using full sentences now. And they can finally say my name properly. I was worried they wouldn't remember me, or would be hesitant, but I got big hugs from both of them. Baby Girl had to finish her pizza first, but as soon as she was done she got down and ran over to me. It felt so good to be remembered like that, they were a big part of my life and I grew very fond of all 5 of them.
A great trip that left us longing for more. We miss you, Virginia!
This song sums up my feelings pretty well:
Old Dominion by Eddie From Ohio
04 August 2012
Shopping Carts
One of my biggest pet peeves is when shopping carts are left all over the parking lot. The closer we are to the 'Cart Corral' to more annoyed I get. So imagine how I felt when I left Target and saw this:
That would be my car, across from the corral, with a cart behind me. This isn't even just the annoying cart left next to me. It was resting on my bumper! Bah. Anyhow...
One day I went to Kroger. I typically park near a corral so I don't have to walk too far (cause I'm lazy like that). I will put my purse in the front seat, load groceries into the car, put the cart away, then leave. This particular day, I found a spot really close to the entrance. When I finished loading my groceries I decided it was closer to the store than the nearest corral. I started toward the store then remembered my purse - and car keys - were sitting right on the front seat. Not a good idea. So I thought, well I'll just jog to the car and grab my keys. Except the cart started to roll away as soon as I let go. I was stuck between pushing the cart back to the car, and trying to make it stay while I grabbed my keys. Just then another lady walked by and offered to take it in. This was very sweet of her, and extremely helpful.
And I felt like a complete jerk. I was convinced this nice lady thought I was going ot abandon the cart right there in the bushes. I had to call Evan and tell him the whole story. I felt so guilty, even though my intention was never to leave the cart.
Some of you may be wondering what the point to all of this was. There isn't one. I just found this picture and wanted to share it. Then I remembered the time at Kroger I felt guilty.
Annnnnnd... The End.
One day I went to Kroger. I typically park near a corral so I don't have to walk too far (cause I'm lazy like that). I will put my purse in the front seat, load groceries into the car, put the cart away, then leave. This particular day, I found a spot really close to the entrance. When I finished loading my groceries I decided it was closer to the store than the nearest corral. I started toward the store then remembered my purse - and car keys - were sitting right on the front seat. Not a good idea. So I thought, well I'll just jog to the car and grab my keys. Except the cart started to roll away as soon as I let go. I was stuck between pushing the cart back to the car, and trying to make it stay while I grabbed my keys. Just then another lady walked by and offered to take it in. This was very sweet of her, and extremely helpful.
And I felt like a complete jerk. I was convinced this nice lady thought I was going ot abandon the cart right there in the bushes. I had to call Evan and tell him the whole story. I felt so guilty, even though my intention was never to leave the cart.
Some of you may be wondering what the point to all of this was. There isn't one. I just found this picture and wanted to share it. Then I remembered the time at Kroger I felt guilty.
Annnnnnd... The End.
27 July 2012
The Cicada
The bugs in Arkansas are GINORMOUS.
Everything just seems bigger. Evan and I may have figured it out too. With no winter to speak of, the buggies don't die off or hibernate, they just keep growing. And growing.
In the south, they have these things called cicadas. I had never heard of one until I moved to Virginia. The trees were making this crazy sound at night and I asked a new friend, "What in the world is that noise?!" Cicadas. Oh, of course.
I never saw one until I moved to Arkansas. In case you were wondering, they are 1-2 inches long and nearly as wide. I don't know why, but they just fall out of the sky apparently.
For example, we went running the other day (pick your jaw up off the ground. I'm actually doing pretty ok) and one dive bombed us, then flew around drunkenly before finally hitting the pavement. I'm fairly certain it was scorched so badly it died there. Have I mentioned it has been 100+ since May? By 9am we are usually up to 90.
Anyhow, back to the bugs. I left for work Wednesday, and there was one half dead in my rosemary! It's still there, I'm afraid to touch it. I suspect my rosemary will only last a couple more weeks in this drought anyhow, so I'll just dump it all together.
Last night, as Evan's research buddy was leaving, one dive bombed it's way into our house. It flew around drunkenly (notice a pattern?) then hid somewhere. We couldn't find it. Which is amazing because it is HUGE! So we went to bed. I woke up and there was a pillow against the crack of the door. Apparently Evan had this recurring thought that it would crawl under and start flying drunkenly around the bedroom. I'm glad we were protected.
We waited this morning for it to start flying around. It was quite the sight to see the two of us (neither very fond of bugs. Especially large flying ones) trying to get it out. Finally we got it under a cup and let it fall off the balcony. These cicadas have it out for me.
Remember when we first moved here and saw some snake head looking bug in the ground? The mystery has been solved! Cicada!
Everything just seems bigger. Evan and I may have figured it out too. With no winter to speak of, the buggies don't die off or hibernate, they just keep growing. And growing.
In the south, they have these things called cicadas. I had never heard of one until I moved to Virginia. The trees were making this crazy sound at night and I asked a new friend, "What in the world is that noise?!" Cicadas. Oh, of course.
I never saw one until I moved to Arkansas. In case you were wondering, they are 1-2 inches long and nearly as wide. I don't know why, but they just fall out of the sky apparently.
For example, we went running the other day (pick your jaw up off the ground. I'm actually doing pretty ok) and one dive bombed us, then flew around drunkenly before finally hitting the pavement. I'm fairly certain it was scorched so badly it died there. Have I mentioned it has been 100+ since May? By 9am we are usually up to 90.
Anyhow, back to the bugs. I left for work Wednesday, and there was one half dead in my rosemary! It's still there, I'm afraid to touch it. I suspect my rosemary will only last a couple more weeks in this drought anyhow, so I'll just dump it all together.
Last night, as Evan's research buddy was leaving, one dive bombed it's way into our house. It flew around drunkenly (notice a pattern?) then hid somewhere. We couldn't find it. Which is amazing because it is HUGE! So we went to bed. I woke up and there was a pillow against the crack of the door. Apparently Evan had this recurring thought that it would crawl under and start flying drunkenly around the bedroom. I'm glad we were protected.
We waited this morning for it to start flying around. It was quite the sight to see the two of us (neither very fond of bugs. Especially large flying ones) trying to get it out. Finally we got it under a cup and let it fall off the balcony. These cicadas have it out for me.
Remember when we first moved here and saw some snake head looking bug in the ground? The mystery has been solved! Cicada!
17 July 2012
Twinners
I envy Evan most Sundays. He grabs a pair of pants, a shirt, a tie, and done. Everything always matches. Always! I pick a skirt, can't find a shirt that matches, or want to wear a shirt and the skirt doesn't go. Of course, this could be avoided if I thought this through Saturday night. Or even Sunday morning since we don't have church until 1. But I prefer to wait until noon or so and rush myself into dressing. You'd think I learn, but I don't.
A few weeks ago, I was in a fury of the "What to Wears" and going through options like crazy. I finally decided on something and rushed to get my bag so we could go. Evan looked at me and said, "Hey, we match." Shirt, pants/skirt, shoes. Even my camisole matched one of the colors in his tie. Believe it or not, we did not plan this.
A few weeks ago, I was in a fury of the "What to Wears" and going through options like crazy. I finally decided on something and rushed to get my bag so we could go. Evan looked at me and said, "Hey, we match." Shirt, pants/skirt, shoes. Even my camisole matched one of the colors in his tie. Believe it or not, we did not plan this.
And there you have it. The Andersons in all of our matchy-match splendor.
03 July 2012
Babies everywhere!
It seems these days that everyone around me is having babies! It's an exciting time. And with it, I've been using my sewing machine to make new and beautiful things. I made a bib, burpcloth, changing mat (linked to tutorials) set for a friend that I am extra proud of. I think it turned out very cute :) It's been sitting in my closet for about 6 weeks now, I really need to send it along!
Our fun banner. We decorated all the onesies one night while we crafted into the wee hours of the morning.
Mrs. "I'm not crafty like you ladies" (Here on referred to as Mrs. Arkansas until I think of a new nickname) made this one. She just started painting and it turned out super cute! I don't know what she is talking about.
I made this one following this tutorial. I pinned it months ago and have been waiting to try it out! I used a different flower, and sewed it on permanently instead of making it a pin. I think it will hold up ok in the washer.
This one is an apron! Mrs. Grassroot Elegance has a collection of adorable aprons in her house and Mrs. Arkansas said, "I wonder if we could make a tiny apron to go with the collection." I started out trying to just make one on my own, freehand, to applique on the front, but it wasn't turning out so well (Anyone who has ever seen me draw knows that I probably shouldn't have even started). So I used this tutorial and scaled everything down. I didn't do the inside lining (I don't think baby Grassroot will be doing much baking in it), then sewed it on the side seams. It ties in the back. The neck straps are just sewn down on the back of the shoulder. Tiniest apron ever!
This one was also done by Mrs. Arkansas. She did see a picture of it on google somewhere and then painted it on this onesie. Of course, she glammed it up with some rhinestones on the gray stripe. This will be one fabulously dressed baby!
Our diaper cake! I can't even describe how happy we were with this. Maybe, a little too proud. It looks really crooked in this picture... I guess I got a bad angle? But Baby Grassroot gets a tutu and a headband out of it! tulle and glitter quickly took over.
See? Tulle and glitter on her wreath!
There is a strip of glitter tulle on these as well. You can't see it. Aren't these super cute though?! All from the brain and skill of Mrs. Iowa. (I know I know, not creative names. But they don't blog and we don't do many nicknames so this is what you get. She is moving to Iowa next month, so, Mrs. Iowa it is) (also, she is having a baby too! In November!) She has the talent for sure.
Tulle and glitter was on the food table too. Under the bowls of course.
There were some bibs as well, and a mobile we used for a game with a bunch of stuff attached to it. I didn't get any good pictures of it though. Overall, a fun shower and we may have had even more fun making all the decorations :) Excited for the coming babies!
15 June 2012
It's Summertime!
Alright!
It's time to start the summer! Here are some updates for us as we get the summer party started!
* The family I committed myself to, moved. It was a sad day. I miss loving on those babies! They were just getting good at saying my name too. Apparently, they were driving around their new town and saw a little white Yaris and Baby Boy said, "Sarah!" I felt loved when his mom told me that. I hope he doesn't forget me, cause I fully intend to visit them in August on my way to Sara's wedding.
*Job hunting... again. I dislike this part.
*I got a new calling! I am now second counselor in the Primary Presidency. So far, we've been busy. Those kids keep you on your toes! Evan and I both got to spend a day at Cubscout day camp. He's actually there right now haha.
* Of course, every summer starts off with our anniversary. Just another reason I am happy about the date we chose. It may nto have been the most convenient for people for our wedding, but it sure makes the anniversaries awesome (three day weekend every time!)
*Most importantly- Year One of graduate school is done!! Evan is still in classes... everyday. But year one is done! I'm so proud of him. He stressed and stressed about his grades and worked so hard and ended up with an impressive GPA. Such a good student!
* Also, we found a lake nearby. Why no one has told us about it until now I can't fathom, but it's great. It's no Belle Isle, but it is better than not having somewhere to go and chill out. Evan went with his Canadian friend one day to swim some laps and took a video of the place. He turned the camera to Mr. Canada and said, "And this is the jerk that's been hiding it from us." I mean really, we spent all last summer cooped up inside because we couldn't find anything free to do. And the whole time we were 10 minutes from a lake full of rednecks. But, we know about it this summer and we will take full advantage!
And that is all I have to say about the start of summer excitement.
Summer, Here We Come!
It's time to start the summer! Here are some updates for us as we get the summer party started!
* The family I committed myself to, moved. It was a sad day. I miss loving on those babies! They were just getting good at saying my name too. Apparently, they were driving around their new town and saw a little white Yaris and Baby Boy said, "Sarah!" I felt loved when his mom told me that. I hope he doesn't forget me, cause I fully intend to visit them in August on my way to Sara's wedding.
*Job hunting... again. I dislike this part.
*I got a new calling! I am now second counselor in the Primary Presidency. So far, we've been busy. Those kids keep you on your toes! Evan and I both got to spend a day at Cubscout day camp. He's actually there right now haha.
* Of course, every summer starts off with our anniversary. Just another reason I am happy about the date we chose. It may nto have been the most convenient for people for our wedding, but it sure makes the anniversaries awesome (three day weekend every time!)
*Most importantly- Year One of graduate school is done!! Evan is still in classes... everyday. But year one is done! I'm so proud of him. He stressed and stressed about his grades and worked so hard and ended up with an impressive GPA. Such a good student!
* Also, we found a lake nearby. Why no one has told us about it until now I can't fathom, but it's great. It's no Belle Isle, but it is better than not having somewhere to go and chill out. Evan went with his Canadian friend one day to swim some laps and took a video of the place. He turned the camera to Mr. Canada and said, "And this is the jerk that's been hiding it from us." I mean really, we spent all last summer cooped up inside because we couldn't find anything free to do. And the whole time we were 10 minutes from a lake full of rednecks. But, we know about it this summer and we will take full advantage!
And that is all I have to say about the start of summer excitement.
Summer, Here We Come!
12 June 2012
Year 2 brought to you by the letter N
Some of you may remember last year in the spring sometime I made a letter A to go in our house. I used a bunch of pictures I had of Evan and I and cut them out and Mod Podged them on. I liked it so much I decided to do our whole name. I decided to do one a year, and I figured, why not do it around our anniversary? So, after two lovely years, the letter N has been mod podged and put on display. The rest of the letters are just painted black. It looks incomplete, but I'm ok with it. I know what the end goal is, and it's worth the wait to me.
The N
The A N
And now the whole name!
It's pretty exciting to make a new letter and have it up there finally. I can't wait for year three!
For our actual anniversary, it was Memorial Day so we did the usual barbecue hang out thing. We were also house sitting which turned into Granny sitting (whole other story) so we decided to postpone for a little while. To celebrate, we went out this past weekend. Evan took me to Sushi (YUM!) and then we had Coldstone for dessert. It was amazingly delicious. I gave Evan some fabric with vintage Marvel prints and the promise to make him his very own blanket (if I ever finish the stinking jean quilt!). He is pretty excited to have a Marvel superhero blanket methinks. Plus we got our professional pictures back! (Two years after the wedding... yup... another long and irritating story, but it's done now!)
Overall, a great celebration.
Evan with the sushi plates. Spicy California roll, Crazy Salmon Roll (my fave) Boston roll, and Aloha roll (Evan's fave)
Eat up!
I love my dear husband and look forward to many more anniversaries!
One of my favorite pictures =)
23 May 2012
The Mechanist, MD officially becomes a Dr. Anderson, DO
We got to travel to Missouri to watch Evan's brother, The Mechanist, MD (if you remember our Christmas Cruise Shirts), graduate from A.T. Still University. It was pretty cool. I know his wife, The Strategist, is really proud of him. As she should be! Plus, we got to see the whole family! Minus The Diva. She is serving her mission in Utah and will be gone until next summer. Can't wait to reunite with you Sister Anderson! It really was a good trip, and I can't wait to see the fam again later this summer for The Executioner's wedding!
Brothers!
The Anderson Men
These are the only pictures I took. I was sick most of Friday and slept through about everything. Then during the ceremony Saturday I was sitting with The Muscle (age 4) and then took pictures of the Dr. walking across stage with his camera so my SIL could watch while she wrestled The Face (age 18 mo.). Evan is disappointed that I didn't take more so I said, "You have access to OUR camera too, dear." With a smile of course. he said, "I know, just my whole life I had this vision that the woman would take care of that." Eye roll. Oh well. Better luck next time!
Congratulations Dr. Anderson! The whole clan is proud of you and your big accomplishment!
Evan gets older
Evan celebtraed his 27th birthday recently, and for some reason it feels much older than 26. Or so he says. I've always thought he was old =P
The decorations! I enjoy coordinating colors
The Birthday boy :) Even he matches!
He has been on a quest for a pair of headphones to love.
He had to check himself out. That is "Pink Freud" on the bathroom wall there.
A water bottle! This is also something he has been searching for. He has a Tervis, but doesn't care to lug it around. He thought he wanted one of those plastic ones with the hard plastic straw, so we got one of those from the Tillamook Cheese factory. It isn't spill proof, so it didn't pass the whole test. I said to him, "You need a Nalgene." What is a Nalgene? he asked. THIS IS A NALGENE!
And of course, an Avengers lunchbox.
With dinner set out. He requested strawberry cake, chicken salad, gourmet soda, and exotic kettle chips
The cake. Not-quite-as-good-as-Aunt-Julie's-but-good-enough-strawberry-cake. With chocolate detailing. I love my icing tips :)
Happy Birthday Dear Evan!
Cake smells so good! We were on our way to FHE so we did pictures, at the cake there, then came home and had dinner haha.
Ta-Da!
Grapefruit Soda
Sour!
Chicken salad on crescents
Mr. Grassroot elegance put the candles in at FHE. Evan is REALLY OLD!!
And that is the story of Evan's birthday!
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