awesome news!!!!

As everyone knows, over the last few months Dan and I have been anxious about wether or not we could have Devon sealed with us when we go to the Temple. Well, we found out from the Bishop this weekend that we will be able to. And it is easier because he's gone now. We don't have to get permission from Joel or anything, I just need to record a date of Divorce and we need to get a proxy to stand in for Dev. So needless to say we are soooooo relieved and soo happy. Dan, after all, has pretty much considered Devon to be his own anyway and now we'll get to be a family through eternity!!!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night

It was a fun and crazy holiday this year. My in-laws came in from Illinois!!!! And needless to say Dan and I are so psyched to see them. Christmas Eve was the traditional Anderson family home evening. It's cute..the younger cousins dress up and act out the nativity story, there's a cousin gift exchange, Dan's dad reads the Grinch, and we all eat a huge and awsome dinner.
Christmas itself was insane. We had so many palces to go and no way to get there! The morning started at my sister-in-law's house. Sara is amazing. I have no idea how she got so festive and Chrstmasy and got her house ready so quicky for her parents and sister to stay over and for us to all come and celebrate. But somehow she does it. (But major props to Sara for even getting in the spirit. On Christmas Eve I masterminded a plan to get some white out and erase Christmas from everone's calanders) It was way fun. Mom cried a couple of times, so we know she loved it, and I got tears from Dan with "Santas" ornaments. There's the obligatory Our first Christmas, but I also ---I mean, Santa also-- got a family ornamts with 3 bears that says "the Anderson's a forever family"
From there it was off to my sister's. Suzanne organized an amazing Christmas dinner. In spite of the fact that since she's just starting out she has no mixing or serving bowls, no dishes, no silverware, and she's never really been a big cooker. She got everone to come together and organiezed who brought what and she herself cooked the roast, and turkey (a little help with the turkey, but still her work). It was amazing. but there was an even bigger shock, that I am not at liberty to divulge.
Then back to the Lines house for another dinner, and fun family time. I wish I had some pictures, but Dan's camera died Christmas morning at his sister's, and mine died that afternoon at my sister's. So, I'm thinking late christmas=a new camera?? hmmm

I think I'm being followed

wow, I just can't seem to leave the house without some sort of excitement. Today I finally finished my Christmas shopping. Though I may get one or two more things just cause.-but the "official" shopping is done! And since the truck is still out of comission, I figured I would brave the city busses, and experience I haven't attempted in YEARS!! And I have to tell you, I feel old. All these teenagers with their poor grammer and overly dramatic existances. The girls giggling and talking trash about other (absent) girls and the boys trying to get their attention. And there I was working on a cross stitch project! To make matters worse, I was being followed for a very short while. As I was walking in front of a driveway to an apartment complex, a car horn sounded in my direction, which I-as usual-ignored. The car then proceded to turn into the 7 11 I was heading into and the driver got out and followed me into the store. I didn't notice until I turned around and saw how close he was following behind me. Still not thinking much of it, I said excuse me and walked down an asile. He walked down an aisle, next to me. Then he turns to me and tries to get my attention by calling me ma'am. And I look up at this tall, skinny, very old white haired man who says "I think you should give me your number" In my head I'm wondering what he's talking about and if he realzies he's probably old enough to be my grandfather. But what comes out of my mouth is "I don't know why I would do that"
I did feel bad about it later, but I've never been hit on my someone three times my age before and I kind of panicked. Had it been a younger guy I would probably have make some comment like, I don't think my husband would like that: or if I was in a mean mood, I might have looked him up and down and laughed as I turned away. But a grandpa??? I mean, what do you do in that situation?
The feeling of being followed continued as my day progressed. And at Mervyns I made the decision to get my mom something for Christmas. Even though we're not technically on "good" or even "speaking" terms, I felt the need to extend the olive branch. This line kept going through my head. "I will forgive who I will, but of you it is required to forgive all men" I don't even know the reference, but whenever I'm in a particularly snarky mood it fills my thoughts, and follows me throughout the day. (P.S. bonus points to anyone who can tell me the reference) I konw it probably won't do much, but it will make me feel good about myself, so it's worth it. And I'll feel like I did the right thing. Besides, it was an awesome sale.
And yet the persistant feeling of being followed will not go away. Even after I got home from work, Princess is laps around the living room and following my every move, and pacing circles around me. I just can't quit being followed today!

just keeping busy till something else comes along

well, it happened yet again. The truck is down. I didn't even get that far, it died and I had to park it at Desert Sam (yes I know that the real name is Desert Banner now, but to me it will always be Desert Sam). But luckily my wonderful and generous and helpful sister-in-law was able to save me from a fate worse than death. Calling out when I'm on the verge of a write-up. And my co-worker James has been able to give me a ride to and from work. And in the spirit of going above and beyond and being really helpful James even helped me tow the truck home. Which was a good thing because when we got there the truck had a citation saying that it would have been towed in about 6 hours. It's kind of sad that the truck breaking down has been the focus of two blog entries in less than 30 days. But such is life.
Meanwhile I am really looking forward to this weekend. Dan and I will go out with Sara and Justin for what promises to be a fun-filled evening of excitement and adventure.
Wow I am really stretching here. The truth is that I'm just typing something to avoid getting to work on the projects I need to finish. I am soooooo far behind on the crafty holiday projects I started. Though the secret project that Dad, Dan, Suzanne and I worked so hard on is nerly done. But I still have about a dozen small projects to finish; about half a big project and I haven't even started my dad's. Meanwhile, Dan is sitting next to me comenting on my typing skills. Apparently it amuses him to hear my type becase since I took typing in junior high I can type quickly and without looking at the keys. He's not impressed by this...oh no...he just likes to hear the clickity-clack of the keys. What a goof. But hey, he's my goof and he's all the goof I need.

Another beautiful day in Paradise

Well, it's been a fun and hectic past few weeks.

Thanksgiving at Grandma's was a BLAST!!! Suzanne and I decided that we definately need to visit Grandma more often. Dan drove all the way up and in spite of my directions he didn'teven get lost. (though I don't see what's wrong with Go to Payson, make a right at the McDonalds, then a left two Circle k's later; follow the signs toward Snowflake/Taylor-I don't know which is on the sign-then wake me or Suzanne up.) It was also a good opportunity for Dan to meet some family members he hasn't come across yet. Apparently a few hours notice before the wedding isn't enough time to introduce your fiancee to the whole family. Well, beter late than never. I cannot believe how big Mikaila Leslie and Connor are getting. And I found out that Josh is getting married. I still have a hard time wrapping my mind around the fact that he's not my 14-year-old cousin riding horses/bulls and shooting bids with his bb gun. But unfortunately I forgot to bring my camera, so no fun pics. Though I do have other fun pics.

My little sister-the one who I used to walk to the bus stop and pay to do my chores-finallyy turned 18! More on that later. Once again, *sigh* I forgot my camera so I had to pick up a dispoible and I'm finding it kind of hard to take 27 non-digital pics. Once I get the film developed I'll post pics and details.

Dan and I got to babysit our adorable nephew Jackson. It's not the first time but it was the first time at our place. And, at a huge personal emotional cost I dug through "the closet" (duhn, duhn, duhn-ominous tone) to get some fun fun toys . Actually I think it's a good sign that it wasn't a huge personal emotional cost to go through "the closet" (duhn, duhn, duhn). One of these days I may even get rid of the "quotation marks" and ominous tone. LOL.



Jack was insanely amused by his uncle tossing up a foam ball in the air. That captured his attention until he realized that sneaky AuntRachel had a camera poised to take his picture.
One thing I realized real quick was that my home has become non child safe in a BIG hurry. I mean, earlier this year myhome was child proofed to the max. I mean, it has to be with a two year old boy running around. But Jack found scissors, DVDs to knock over, the XBOX console wih its bright buttons, XBOX controler with accompanying wires, etc (Before you freak out Sara, Dan and I got to everything as he was making discoveries, so he didn't get to play with any of the cool, but forbidden stuff)

He makes me crazy/I love it when

Try this: you get to make a list of various things that your husband/significant other does that makes you crazy. The catch is that after every one you have to list two things he does that you love.

1. When he unloads the dishwasher, he doesn't sort any of the silverware.
1a. When he unloads the dishwasher, without being asked.
1b. I come home from work and find him asleep on the couch because he didn't want to go to bed alone.

2. When I find his dirty socks scattered throughout the house.
2a. We're sitting in the living room and he gets up out of nowhere and gives me a kiss.
2b. We get into the truck and he leaves the radio station where it is (even though he doesn't like country)

3. When I have to wake him up over and over again for him to get up and get ready for church.
3a. He holds my hand during prayers.
3b. He talks about taking me to the Temple.

4. When he makes me drive so that he can keep reading his book.
4a. We're in a group setting and he volunteers to pray so that I won't be asked. (I'm not quite comfortable praying out loud in public)
4b. We're at home and he asks me to pray.

5. When he invites people over and the house is a mess.
5a. I get home from work and he makes me lay down and rubs my back.
5b. We are sharing a dessert and he saves me the last bite


I noticed that when I started this I was mildly irritated (I had just sorted silverware and went on a sock hunting expedition) But towards the end I was struggling to come up with anything to fill the first slot, but I had tons of things I'm grateful for and that I love about him. Just goes to show you how easy it is to change your perception.

What a Day!

Well, it all started out pretty well. Dan had his first day at Circuit City today. So I dropped him off, and went off to run my errands. Wal-Mart is an awesome place. It's my one stop errand shop. At least it was today. I dropped the truck off to get an oil change. Then I went in to fill a prescription, cash my check, and pick up more supplies for my crafty projects.
Little did I know that that was all I would accomplish today. Alas, I had such high hopes.
When I went to pick up the truck from the oil/lube department, it wouldn't start. So here I am, sitting behind my local Wal-Mart and like any mecahanically helpless girl, I called my Daddy. He came, in his SRP van with his foreman to my rescue. Diagnosis: fuel pump issues.
Luckily Dad and his foreman were there to help my push the truck off to the side, and Justin was able to pick me up and give me a ride home.
I just hope that we'll still be able to get to Grandma's for Thanksgiving.

I LOVE my husband

Not that it's news to anyone by now, but I absoltely LOVE my husband Dan. And for anyone who dosen't know him very well, here's some pics of him to help get a better idea of what he's like

personally I'm impressed b/c it's not easy to take a picture of yourself, mch less yourself on a bicycle! I guess that just proves how great and talented missionaries are.


He loves his mom, as any good man does

I love this picture with him and his brother from the Anderson Family Reunion this summer.







And this is what happens when he doesn't take out the trash!!






just kidding...though it is a good idea. hmmmmm

But I have to say this is my favorite of all. My two boys, Dan and his "little d"

the first of many sleepy ramblings

well I knew I titled my blog the way I did for a reason. It is now 5:49am on a beautiful Monday morning. Because I seem to be some kind of masochist I decide that rather than get some much needed sleep, I would browse the Internet, read some blogs and post one of my own. Normally this wouldn't be a big deal, but...I woke up at about 6:30am yesterday to get some housework done before church.
But I do have some exciting news to report. Yesterday I saw Bishop Hardy and got a recommend for a patriatical blessing. So now I just have to call the stake patriarch and set everything up. Yay! And we also talked about me going to the Temple (for my endowments/initories? I think he said something like that--either way, for my first time stuff!) and we're going to talk some more next month and set a target date for probably some time in January, I think. So that is incredibly exciting to me.
I just can't believe that it's already been six months since Dan and I got married. In April we can be sealed, hopefully with Devon too. But that's still being worked out. The Bishop and the Stake president are trying to figure out how and if it will work. It's kind of ironic, but actually the fact that Devon has passed may actually make it easier to have me, him and Dan sealed together..go figure. I guess every cloud does have a silver lining

Craftiness

Well, I have realized that I am a special kind of nut! After hours and hours and hours of work, I am now the proud creator of 2 sheep, and a donkey. And three small crafty items, with many more on the way. I don't quite know what's posessed me, but I am into cross-stitch in a BIG way. Of course it's great for the holidays. Because what says "LOVE" like a useless knick knack that will be taken out for one month out of the year and takes almost as long to make?? At any rate it's easier than blogging. It's taken me an hour to figure out how to switch my fonts! Computers scare me. . . And I'm not quite brave enough to venture into posting pictures yet...but when I do get my courage up, prepare to be dazzled

the last 6 months...the condensed version

Here's a basic recap of the last 6 months:

April: wow, lots here. I'm going to kind of gloss over some parts..I'm sure you'll understand. It started with Devon's birthday, and his party. Dan helped throw it and we all had a blast. By this point Dev was calling Dan "Dad" which made him sooo happy. Next day was Easter. Dev hunted eggs, went to church and hung out with Gram (Dan's mom) and his best buddy Em-ma. The divorce was finalized on the ninth and it was a joyous occasion!!Then on the 18th, Dev and Em were called home. Dan and I decided not to put off our wedding or even to wait until June as we had planned. I got home from the reservation on the 27th, went to the Adams family reunion on the 28th and when I got home that night (Saturday) I went to see Dan and we set a date for our wedding. Sunday we talked to the Bishop after church, and we invited my Dad over to my place so Dan could talk to him, and on Monday we were making frantic phone calls to invite people to the wedding that night! Amid the chaos, the well wishers and one decidedly not-so-well-wisher, we were married April 30th.

May: 2 nights after we were married we left with Dan's mom, two sisters, brother-in-law and nephew for women's conference in Salt Lake City.I had never been to salt lake and Dan showed me around Temple square. it is SOOOOOOO beautiful!

June/July/August: Not a lot new going on. Just trying to keep everything together and enjoying being married. And the Anderson family reunion in July. It was mostly fun and marked my third trip to Utah.

September: We finally got to move out of the apartment and into a condo. It was a good move. My apartment complex wouldn't let me out of my lease, even with the circumstances being what they were, and it would have cost more to break it than to just stay. Also I got to go to Time Out For Women with my aunt, cousin, cousin-in-law (is that a word?) and her baby daughter. that was phenomenal and I am so glad that someone Jami knows got married that day and she needed someone to take her ticket off her hands!

October: I've gotten really into crafty and more specifically cross-stitchy things lately. Not to sound nerdy, but It's soo much fun! Also, we visited my in-laws for Dad's 50th birthday. It was my first post 9-11 plane ride and Dan's first post-mission flight. That was exciting, we ended up not having a ride to the airport, but made it on the bus..but on our way home, we had a planned ride, but we got there a little late and were seconds away from missing our flight. (which further cements in my mind that God DOES answer prayers because they had already said the doors were closing like 10 min before we ran up to the gate) So I guess the moral of the story is don't plan ahead, things work out best when you wing it...just kidding, that's usually the exact opposite of what happens.

November: well, it's just begun but it looks to be a fun filled and exciting month! Spencer turns 15 (he was on the football team and had an undefeated season until they went to city) and Suzanne will be 18!! I can't believe that my baby sister is going to be a legal adult! Also, we're looking forward to going to Grandma's for Thanksgiving. Dan and I are taking Suzanne, and Dad and Spencer are going hunting right afterwards.

I know this was long, but it's my first blog and I really didn't know where to start and who knows, I may reference some of these experiences, and now they are all neatly complied by date...sounds good anyway