Awesomeness

I've been completely in heaven lately reading my Grandpa Anderson's mission journal. I've never met my grandpa he died when my dad just got home from his mission. I've always felt like my grandpa is sort of like a guardian angel for me. With one specific reason, but I can't really share that on the blog.
Anyway, I've loved reading things that he writes. He has such a funny personality, and the stuff he says is something completely my dad would say. I've heard that my dad and grandpa were really similar, I've never really found out for myself how much they were until I've been reading this. I look forward to reading it, and it just makes me want to learn more and more about my ancestry. :)
I think I might start up genealogy. I used to think that was for old people, and that it's really boring stuff. I've had a change of mind/heart towards it now because of the happiness I feel when I'm reading this journal. Anyone know how to do genealogy?
Alrighty, I just wanted to jot that down. I've been posting lots this week.

lil' man Ford

Introducing Mr baby Ford. :) ha ha My mom and I were talking about how cool it would be to know what Steve and my baby would look like someday. So, we went to google and sure enough their are websites that can morph you and your spouse's faces and show you what your baby might look like. (Okay, probably not at all, but I thought it was fun! )And if this lil' guy could be a possiblity I think he's pretty dang cute! :) The baby pic has Steve's eyes and lips, and then my nose.

If you have time on your hands, and want to test it out, go to www.morphthing.com

****This was just for fun, I'm not making an announcement that I'm prego****

Just thinking.

well, today's been an alright day. Really long. I wish that I could be done with work for awhile and just go on a vacation. I get so burned out sometimes taking call after call, but every job gets tiresome right? My job really isn't so bad. I have great benefits, fun people to work with, and they just set up a wii system in our break room. So, that's a nice change. I just feel like writing, so whatever I'm thinking, I'm writing.



First of all a BIG THANKS to everyone who responded on my previous post. I really appreciated every one's opinions. I think for now I'm NOT going to make our blog private, not until we have the kiddos. Which I hope will be sometime in the near future. Seriously. Waiting is so hard for me. I've always liked to plan things out and have things happen when I'm ready. Of course that's not the way it goes, it's always in the lords time. At first I was pretty dang upset that we weren't getting prego right when we started trying, but now I'm fine with it. Completely. I think it was/and still is a great learning experience for me, and right now I'm focusing on me and Steve.


I think it was a blessing that heavenly father had me called to be in the Young Women's and not with all the primary/nursery kids at the time that he did. Young women's is serioulsy so inspiring to me, and i'm even working on my Personal Progress. Which I'm SOOO excited about. I thought I had received my Yw recognition, but when I was talking to my mom I never got it. I don't know exactly the reason why I never got it, I think I had everything passed off but the last project. Anyway, that doesn't matter now. But, I'm able to work on personal progress, and I can tell such a difference in myself. I know that it's strengthening my testimony even more, and helping me focus on myself. What talents I have, and what I can do to be a better daughter of god. I'm having more confidence in myself when I'm teaching the girls now to. I absolutely LOVE this calling. I'm so happy that I get to work with the yw. I think they are teaching me more than I am teaching them. Oh and I CAN'T wait until we go to girl's camp in July! :-)


What else? um, Steve and I have been watching the Olympics every night. It's been a lot of fun. My favorites have been Lindsay Vonn, Apolo Ohno, shaun White and all of the ice skating! I LOVE it. I'm not generally lovin' watching sports, but they have been really fun to watch. The athletes make everything look so easy, I wish I could ice skate and ski like them. Sheesh. That's never going to happen...


Kolten's been in the MTC now for 2 weeks. I still can't believe my baby bro is in the MTC. He said he likes it, and the language is coming a long. So that makes me happy. We got our first letter from him today!! Finally! I seriously couldn't wait to hear from him.


Something to look forward to-this weekend Steve and I are getting family pics! We haven't had anyone take a professional picture of us since our wedding/engagement. Our good friends Dan and Carrie have their own photography business and they are going to be taking the Urban style of pics for us. Ah! so exciting! :) I seriously can't wait for the new pics. I'm really getting tired of my bridals hanging on our walls.

Debating.

Steve and I were talking to one of our good friends last night, and he told us a couple things that got me kind of worried. I never really thought that weird-o's could be looking at our blog and see what's going on in our lives. So, I'm thinking we should make our blog private.

Is it really that creepy to not have it private? Or should I just leave it as is? I haven't had anyone that I didn't know write on our blog. And we don't have kids yet, so it's not as creepy...

I'm still just debating on if it's really worth going to the trouble of making it private. Anywho, shout out your input please if your reading this post. :)

Food for Thought Thursday

Chicken Tetrazzini

1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup

3/4 cup water
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
1/4 cup chopped red pepper or pimiento (optional)
1/2 packages (8 ounces) spaghetti, cooked and drained
1 can (12.5 ounces) Swanson® Premium White Chunk Chicken Breast in Water, drained

Directions:

Heat the soup, water, cheese, parsley, red pepper, if desired, spaghetti and chicken in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat until the mixture is hot and bubbling, stirring occasionally.

Look at this! A cheap an easy meal...

Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Cost per recipe: $9.09
Makes: 4 servings

***I found this recipe and image from cambells.com***

Valentines 2010

Happy Valentines!!

Here's my new look! I went back to blonde, and added some bangs. I'm too chicken to change it to dramatically.

I love, love, LOVE Holidays! Holidays are so much fun. Valentines is one of my favorites, because I get to focus on my Valentine-Steve. :)

Steve is such a sweetheart. He treats me like a queen, always have and always will. Starting from when we went on our first date, I knew Steve was a really neat guy. He not only opens doors for me, but for any woman. He has a lot of respect for women, and treats everyone with so much love and kindness.

Steve surprised me on Saturday night with roses and carnations. -My two VERY favorite flowers! :) Along with a super cute card.

Steve took me to see "When in Rome" which is a really cute movie, and it's really funny too. I thought it was a great Valentines movie. Then we went out to dinner to Applebee's.

Sunday morning, I surprised Steve with a card and the game "Battleship". Ha ha, I know, it's a child's game, but Steve mentioned to me a while ago that he would love to have that game. So, I picked it up for him! It's actually a really fun game! We played it a couple times after church, and I even loved it!

My mom and dad invited us over for a Valentines dinner. It was really cute. My mom set up valentines plates/cups and then where everyone sat she had boxes of chocolates and cards for everyone. I thought it was really creative. We had a great dinner and had fun seeing all the fam!

Steve's mom invited us to dinner as well, but my family invited us first. So, after my parent's house we went over to the Ford's and had dessert and watched the Olympics! Bob made some popcorn and we all watched the luge, moguls, and couples skating. It was like being right there in Vancouver watching it on the 13ft screen. Whitney told us about her dance and showed us her dress that she had made her self. It was also fun to see Grandma and Grandpa Ford. They are so loving and fun to visit with!

It was such a fun Valentine's day! I'm so grateful for Steve, and that he gets to be my Valentine Forever! I sure love him!

This, is Steve writing now. Let me tell you about the love of my life, Keira! Keira is the most caring, considerate, person in the world! She is always thinking of others and is such an example to me. Keira is constantly buoying up those around her, especially for me. She does so much for me. Anything from cooking her delicious meals, working hard for us, playing a game, giving me one of her contagious smiles, holding my hand, or a warm embrace and an amazing kiss!!! She is everything and more that I could have ever wished for in a wife. I'm truly so blessed to be married to her!

P.S. Freak'n Love Steve!! How cute is that? He wanted to post on our blog. He he. I love that we've been married over 3 years, and he still gives me butterflies. :)

Food for Thought Thursday

Oreo Kisses

1 package oreo cookies (divided… use cookie including the cream center)1 8oz. package cream cheese (softened)chocolate bark

1. Finely crush all but seven cookies in a food processor or place them in a ziploc bag and crush into a fine consistency.

2. Stir in softened cream cheese. Use the back of a large spoon to help mash the two together.

3. Roll the mixture into 1″ balls and place on wax paper covered cookie sheet.

4. Then, begin to form the shape of a kiss. Flattening the bottom and forming a point at the top. (Mine ended up about 1.5″ tall)

5. It helps to put the uncoated balls in the freezer for a few minutes to keep the mixture from starting to fall apart when you drop into the melted chocolate.6. Melt chocolate as directed on package and then dip “kisses” one at a time into chocolate, tap off extra and slide them off spoon onto wax paper covered cookie sheet to dry. 7. Once dry, refrigerate and enjoy! Oh yeah, just eat the extra seven cookies.

Decorate: 1. Handwrite your messages or create them on the computer. Cut out the strips (about 1/4″ tall and however wide you need). 2. Cut up some square sheets of aluminum foil (about 5.5″ square) 3. Place dry kiss in center and start wrapping the foil around the base. Insert message near top and secure it by pressing the foil together at top.

I'm sooo excited to make these for Steve for V-day!! Everything that I've made from Bakerella's website is always so good.

*****I found this recipe and image from Bakerella.com*****

Miracles Happen

I read this story today on my lunch break, and it completly touched me. I don't even know this family, but I saw this on one of my friend's blogs, and I wanted to share it.

Check out this story at http://stakerzxposed.blogspot.com/

This sweet little guy, named Bronson went through a lot, as well as the entire family. But with lots of prayers, this family experienced a miracle. This story is seriously so inspiring, it brought tears to my eyes. Please pray for this Family and for Bronson to continue to get better.

P.S. I'm going to be starting the Book Club Blog the first of March!! I'll update information on that when I have it up and running! I'm excited to get that started, thanks to everyone who said they wanted to do it with me! I think it will be fun! :)

Book Club anyone?

This weekend was great.I went to one of my best's Thrive party (food storage) on Thursday night. It's amazing how great the food is, and I'm really excited to have some food storage.
Check out the website here: http://www.shelfreliance.com/

I've been wanting to start my own food storage, but it's always been hard for me to know where to start. I always get a little overwhelmed by it. Yesterday, in Sunday school we actually talked about moses and the ark. Our teacher gave a great analogy. It was a no brain-er for his family to get onto the ark when they new the flood was coming. But, for us, the prophets tell us all the time to get prepared and to have food storage. Food storage is not only meant for a disaster, but I also know it's times when there is financial problems too. A while ago, my dad had lost his job, and my family of 8 all lived off of our food storage. Our Sunday school teacher also said how important it is for us not to feel overwhelmed and to just do a little at a time, because eventually it will build up. It was exactly what I needed to hear.

What else?.... Friday we went out to dinner with Kris and Christina (Kris' Girlfriend). We met up with them in Provo and ate at TEPANYAKI. My very favorite place to eat. We had fun talking with them and seeing them. Christina moved back to Cali for a job, and will hopefully be back soon. I seriously love that girl. She fits perfectly in our family, and I hope someday she could be my sister in law. Tina needed to pack still, so we left them, and then went to the Ford's house to hang out with Jason and Shannon. We don't get to see them very much because they live in Logan, so it was really fun.

Saturday Kartier cut and colored my hair. I really like it a lot, I think it's a good change. I can never make up my mind how I want my hair. Mom, Dad and I went and visited with Great Grandpa Joe. Went to Whit's track meet, which was fun to watch Whit, but it took seriously over 2 hours...way too long.
Then we hang out with Tim, Marie and Deni! Seriously love these guys.

Sunday was the Superbowl party at the Behunins. We had TONS of great food, great people to hang out with, and the game was pretty fun to watch. (For the last two quarters anyway) Football games are WAY too long. WE had a great time.

That sums up our weekend...

oh and I was wondering if anyone would be interested in doing a book club? I was thinking of making a book club blog. Where I post a book and everyone read it, and everyone takes a turn each month with what book we read. Then we can comment on the book we read, what we like about it etc.. or maybe even meet up each month? I don't know. Any suggestions or any ideas feel free to let me know. I just thought this might be a fun idea! Anywho, shout out your ideas, or if it's something you want to do.

*I'll post some pics when I get home!

Kolten's on his way...

Well, Kolt's in the MTC now. I can't even believe he's already there, today almost seems like a dream.

Last night we were able to go as a family to Gecko's and have some great food, and just spend time with one another. After dinner, we went to the church and Kolten was set apart as a missionary. It was a really neat experience, and I'm so grateful that everyone in my family was able to be there to witness it. (Kris and Tina were there too, but for some reason I don't have a pick of those two.)

Steve and I

Kody, Jade, Carson

Kjersti

Chris and Kart

Dad and Mom

This morning everyone went over to my parent's house and we had a family breakfast. We talked, laughed and cried until we needed to go.

Cute Grandma Anderson wanted to see Kolt again before he left, so we hit up grandma's house. We then made our way to Provo. The drive there was a little quiet, I think just because Kolt was letting it all soak in and that he would be serving for 2 years.

The church changed how you drop off the missionaries now. I still have mixed feelings about it, but it's for the best. You are allowed to only bring one vehicle, no one goes inside you just drop your missionary off and there on their way. I'm sure it's A LOT better on the missionaries, so it's not dragging out the time that they have with the family to say goodbye. My family is big, so not all of us were able to take him to the front where they dropped him off. So, we said our goodbye's in the front of the Provo temple. My parent's said it seriously only took 2 minutes for everything to take place. (dropping off)

I know Kolten's going to be missed, but everyone is really happy for him and his good example. The people in Ventura, CA are really lucky to have Kolten as a missionary there.

Blast.

I just read this on Ksl.com and I really wish I would of known about this. I used to go to school at UVU, and I really I wish I could of been there to listen to Leigh Tuohy.

I completly LOVED the movie "Blind Side". I found it motivating, and inspiring. Sandra Bullock is one of my very fav actress's and I think this one of the best film's she's done.

Here's the article, I highlighted my favorite things...

Family behind the movie 'The Blind Side' speaks at UVU
February 2nd, 2010 @ 2:14pm
By Randall Jeppesen
OREM -- Members of the family that inspired the Academy Award-nominated movie "The Blind Side" spent the day at Utah Valley University. Leigh Anne Tuohy, who was played in the movie by Sandra Bullock, told the students miracles can happen when you don't judge people or underestimate their value.

Did you know…
The "Blind Side" opened in 3,110 theaters on Nov. 20, 2009 grossing $34,510,000 on its opening weekend. The movie hit $200 million on Jan. 1, 2010, becoming the highest grossing football movie and sports drama of all time.

"Someone today you will pass and in your mind you will place a value on them," said Tuohy. "The problem is, a lot of times we don't know the true value of that person."
Tuohy said the movie did a good job at staying true to the story of how they offered their home to Michael Oher and took him off the streets.

Who is… Michael Oher?

Michael Oher, an offensive tackle, was the 23rd pick of the first round in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. Oher spent much of his childhood in foster care or homeless. In high school Oher met Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy, who took him in, helped motivate him in the classroom and on the football field. Oher was heavily recruited by a number of Division 1 schools before deciding on and eventually starring at the University of Mississippi. Oher started all 16 games of the 2009 season at right tackle for the Ravens.
Oher is now a starting player in the NFL, making millions instead of being what he almost was according to Tuohy: a bodyguard for a gang member.

Tuohy says it was a great surprise to get a call this morning in her Orem hotel room and hear the movie had picked up some Academy Award nominations: The movie was nominated for Best Picture, and Sandra Bullock was nominated for Best Actress for the role of Leigh Anne Tuohy.
She told the students it doesn't matter to her if the movie wins awards or not. To her, the purpose of the movie is to inspire people to help others, and if it does that, it was a success.

I think Leigh Tuohy is a great example of how we should be, and how we should look at others. Her and her family completly changed Michael's life.

Holler! I'm off of work in 20 min!! :)