Easter

I hope your Easter was a beautiful day.

For me, it was a wonderful day. I went to church with my family instead of going to the YSA ward. There was a special spirit during sacrament meeting that I felt. I am so grateful for my Savior. I feel blessed to be living this amazing life.

Here are some cute pictures of Jennie and I in our matching shirts. We didn't plan on matching. It just happened. (It happened on Sunday all the way through Wednesday. Serious sister goals.)



Christmas 2016

 I can't believe that Christmas is over.

This Christmas was the best. I loved spending so much time with my family. We did all the traditions and added a few more. I could sit here and type out all the little details, or I can remember those and give you a few highlights in pictures.

Dad, Heidi, Jennie, Mom
Temple lights 12/23/2016

Jennie and Heidi
Christmas Eve with matching pjs

Jennie and Beckett
Isn't his seven dwarfs onsie the cutest!
From yours truly ♥

Now only 354 days until Christmas 2017.

Christmas Eve

This year our traditions are taking a detour. If you need a refresher of all the traditions, click HERE. Instead of our normal night, our festivities are leaking into the day. You see, my grandpa is in a rehab facility and so to keep him involved we are meeting at the center. We'll do the nativity with him and then we'll go back and start the rest of the night. 

These past couple of weeks I have been thinking how truly blessed I am to have gotten to know all four of my grandparents. And the fact that they are all still living. I have taken that for granted my entire life. For 21 years, they have been there. Every step of the way. That is such a rare blessing. It hurts my heart knowing that there will come a day that I won't have living grandparents. But that is why I am grateful for my testimony. I know that I will see my family again. Isn't that just the most glorious thought? 

I wanted to keep this post short and sweet. Just wanting to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. 

These pictures are from last year. I never got them posted due to wisdom teeth removal. Also, our house looks a little different ;)

Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert

I love the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It is my dream to be in the choir (maybe one day, ha). Every year we try and get tickets to the Christmas Concert. Last year we didn't get tickets and I was so sad. So this year when we were lucky enough to get tickets, I was beyond excited. This time of year is stressful with all the holiday shenanigans and finals, but it is always worth it to sacrifice a night to go to this concert. 

I kid you not, twenty seconds into the concert, I was crying. The Spirit just filled my heart to the brim with gratitude. I felt so much love I could burst. The music was spectacular. The guest artist was amazing and funny. One of the songs sung was "Little Drummer Boy." It was just MoTab and kids dancing in the isle. Let me preface that I understood this song before Friday night. But this song took on a new meaning for me. I knew that all I have for Christ is my drum. That is it. At times I feel like my drum is broken but because it is all I have, it is enough for Him. I was in tears, again. I feel like I didn't explain that well, but that is probably because I can't explain it. It was a feeling that can't be put into words. 

I am so glad I got to share this experience with my sister and my mom.

Heidi, Jennie, Mom

Heidi, Jennie, Mom, Jordan, Leisa, Jeana, Roland

 Also, out of 21,000 people, we found my Aunt Leisa, Uncle Roland, Jordan, and Jeana! How crazy is that?

Temple Lights

My cousin Madi, who goes to school in Idaho, came to visit for Thanksgiving. This was kind of a big deal because her family lives in another state so we don't see her very often. When she comes to town, we always try and get together. We went to the temple lights the same night they were turned on. This is a big deal just because I either don't see the lights till two days before Christmas, or I don't see them at all. The lights this year did not disappoint.

Walking around temple square will always be one of my favorite things to do downtown.

Here is a list of why I love looking at the temple:

-to admire the work of our ancestors

-to remember the covenants I have made

-to remember the first time through the temple

-to count my blessings and count the temple twice

-to remember God's hand in my life

and

-to help keep an eternal perspective.

Madi, Heidi, Jennie

Selfie with the temple.

Jennie, Madi, Heidi

Labor Day

 Now that Labor Day has come and gone, I figured I should probably blog about it.

Savanna (SJ) bought a new car! So she texted asking if I was interesting in going for a drive on Labor Day. Of course I was down for a drive.
We drove to the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway. Drove passed Cascade Springs, into Midway, naturally taking the long way home through Guardsman Pass, and down Big Cottonwood Canyon.
We stopped at a few different spots for photo opportunities.

SJ and the new Jeep

Savanna & Heidi

 

 To end the day, we had some family friends over and played volleyball, pickleball, and ate Disneyland Copycat Corndogs. I didn't get pictures of the festivities, but I did get one of the sunset.

Birthday Weekend Extravaganza

I have the best friends and family.

I am going to try and explain my weekend, but in all honesty, I don't think I can even begin to explain the amazingness. 

First off, Friday night I had a great girls night (plus baby.)

Shaelee, Max, Marnie & Heidi

We ate at Chickfila, my fav, and went shopping for some wedding shoes. Did I mention Shaelee is getting married?!?! After shopping, we watched Princess Diaries, my fav, and played with baby Max.

You could say things are getting pretty serious.

Second, Saturday. Jami planned an entire day. She spoiled me. 

When she picked me up, she gave me an envelop.

She gave me a "plane ticket" to New York.

Well, more like she brought New York to me.

We ate lunch at Rich's Bagels, a cute bagel place in Holladay. Bagels is a very New York thing to do. 

Next off the aquarium. This was the original plan for the day. I have been craving the aquarium for about two months now, and Jami was the lucky person to go with me! I will be the first one to say that I am not an animal person. But I love the aquarium and the zoo. My favorite part of the aquarium is the shark tunnel.

 The aquarium was a little crowded so I didn't get a full tunnel picture like I did last year but this one will do. The shark tank was so clean that it was even better than I remember. We were able to see everything. I just love watching the fish, I feel like I am in the Little Mermaid and all the fish are going to start singing "Under the Sea."

Jami & Heidi in Shark Tunnel

Also, my other favorite part is the penguins.This time the penguins were actually swimming. I have a video if you want to see :)

After the aquarium I got another envelop for NY Pizza Patrol.

How can you go to New York without eating New York Pizza?

You can't.

I would highly recommend this place to a friend.

That garlic bread was to die for.

Next up, another envelop with "Broadway Tickets."

Guys, I think I found a new favorite musical.

That's right, I said musical. 

Jami and I were both pleasantly surprised when they started singing. The music was beautiful and the talent was exceptional. (I have actually been listening to the soundtrack for the past two days.) 

So even though Jami couldn't take me to New York to celebrate the big two one, she did the next best thing. 

Next stop on the the birthday weekend is Upton.

My family goes to Upton once a year for Memorial Day.

It is gorgeous up there. So green. *heart eyes emoji*

We eat dinner and hang out with the cousins. 

Heidi & Jennie

Also, I watched "You've Got Mail" on the way up. This is probably my favorite NON-Disney movie. 

Monday: The actual day. 

This day started out just like every other Monday. I did my school work. Economics to be exact. 

Every Memorial Day we visit my aunt's cemetery plot and then go out to eat.

This year we followed the tradition, except this year I had a baby to hold. A buddy. A new partner in crime (sorry Jen).

Beckett

He makes every family gathering more exciting. Understandable, right?

After the cemetery and food, I went back to Economics. Being the responsible adult my parents raised me to be. Went shopping with my mom and sister and then dinner with the four of us.

Basically, best birthday weekend ever. 

I spent time with all my favorite humans.

And I even have an adult license now. #grownup

Valentine's Day

Happy day after Valentine's Day everyone!

I know many people don't like the holiday, and for most of my life, I didn't. But then I met Shaelee. Valentine's Day is Shaelee's favorite holiday. When she first told me that, I made fun of her. But now, I love Valentine's Day too. It isn't my favorite holiday, because Christmas (duh), but I now appreciate the 'idea' behind the holiday.

Last year, Valentine's Day fell on a Saturday. It was the last Saturday that I would work with Shaelee. We made epic music videos, but that is another blog post. Later that day, I hung out with Marnie. We made heart shaped pizza, that was cut into a broken heart, and watched a chick flick. This was so much fun. It was the first time that Marnie and I hung out with out Shaelee. 

Because of my pleasant encounter with Valentine's Day, I am starting to understand the purpose. Now, I don't have a 'lover' (hahahaha) and so I have to be creative when celebrating V-day. This year I decided to celebrate my friendships and here is why. In the past, I had a 9-month streak with friendships. After 9-months the friendship would self destruct. I warned Marnie and Shaelee about this streak and I can proudly say we made it past the 9-months. So now, I am showing them how much I appreciate their presence in my life with presents!

 

My gifts were simple but thoughtful. I got Dr. Pepper because life isn't complete without caffeine. Nail polish to remember all those late nights doing our nails. Their favorite candy, red velvet cakes (obviously). And of course crayons.

It was so much fun putting these gift bags together. Now to think of ideas for next year.

Unusual Holiday Week

Hi Ramblers.

I feel like I haven't blogged in weeks but that is just because so much 'stuff' has happened. 

First off, Christmas was great. I read the Nativity scene for the Anderson Family Nativity. This was a role I have never played before. I only messed up a few times. Shhh. 

Christmas morning went by quickly with only two children at home.

I took pictures before we opened presents. I haven't loaded them to my computer so this phone snap shot will have to do. 

We did all of the Christmas traditions that I have written about before. It was a dream weekend. Plus, I had four days off of work. That hasn't happened since I took a weekend off to go to Flaming Gorge. 

After Christmas it was back to work and reality. 

The Anderson's did our annual get-together with the Gregory's. We eat pizza and play games. Always a good time with all the hooligans. 

To top off the week, I got my wisdom teeth out. 

Yes, this happened New Year's Eve.

I had a two pictures to pick from. This is my best option... sadly. 

Turns out that I become a blubbering child when under heavy medications.

I have been bedridden for a few days. Slowly adding more solid foods to my diet. Going back to work and school is going to be the most interesting.

Christmas Eve Eve

Shaelee, Heidi & Marnie

 The day before Christmas Eve is one of my favorite days.

I spend this day with Marnie and Shaelee. We started this tradition last year, in our first year of friendship. Our tradition includes an expensive dinner, temple square lights, and City Creek.

This year, we decided to eat at the Cheesecake Factory. We knew it would be busy but that is just part of the holiday. We started our reservation and then explored the lights on temple square. Can you say cold? haha. There was a chilly wind and so we made our way quickly to City Creek. Re-created our picture from last year. Played in the Disney Store. Walked around Macy's. Basically passing the time till we could order our food. Once we were seated at Cheesecake Factory we quickly ordered, ate our food, and ordered cheesecake to go. I ordered Parmesan-Herb Crusted Chicken with mashed potatoes. Oh my goodness, it was heaven. I would definitely recommend it to a friend. Once we paid, we headed home. We were all excited to give gifts. You could tell that we really knew each other this year compared to last year. It would be safe to say that we all left happy campers. 

I love Christmas.

Traditions, Traditions, TRRRAAADDDIITTIIONNSSS

If you didn't sing the title like the song from Fiddler on the Roof, you may need to reevaluate your life. Lately I have been trying to think of blog posts that I could write.  It is difficult to "blog about my life" when my life rarely changes. I wish that I was more exciting and I had more to share. But I don't. So for now, I will just make things up and we will see where this takes us.

I was reading on some blog that I found on Pinterest that an enticing post could be to write about traditions. 

This seems fitting considering the time of year. 

My family traditions are 'bizarre' or so I have been told. Just kidding. They are fairly normal. Bizarre is just my favorite world to describe my family because that is the world my sister-in-law used at her first Thanksgiving with us. Memorable moments. ha. Anyways, my Christmas typically spans over three days. 

CHRISTMAS EVE:

It starts on Christmas Eve when we go to my Grandparents on the Anderson side. The basement is always decorated and everyone brings lots of food. We have ham or roast. It's a surprise. We all gather. We pray. We eat. It's always a good time with the cousins. Once everyone is finished we clean up. Many hands makes light work. It is insane how quick that downstairs is transformed. After dinner we do a pinata. I know. We are white. Get over it. On a general rule you have to be under the age of 12 to even attempt the pinata. I think the best part is watching the pinata almost hit people. Never sit by the counter if you come to the Anderson Christmas Eve Party. Next up, presents. We do draw names in two groups. One for the children and one for the adults. Yours truly has been in the adult drawing for two years. That's right, I'm an a-dult. The last round of the Christmas Eve Party is the Nativity. I was always an angel. Obviously. The last few years I have been 'directing' or singing also known as getting out of the acting thing. At the conclusion of the Nativity the family sings Silent Night together. By this time it is usually 10:00 and so everyone heads home and anxiously awaits the arrival of the man in the suit.

CHRISTMAS:

 Since all the kids sleep downstairs, Santa leaves the gifts upstairs. Every year, us kids would gather together and we would sneak upstairs into the living room. If you know our house you know that to get to the living room you know we have to walk past the family room which is off limits for obvious reasons. Once we are in the living room, one brother would play Christmas songs as we all sang along: 'caroling' if you will. Once we felt like the parentals knew we were upstairs we would go and convince to come out of their room. They always try to tell us Santa didn't come and that the presents aren't as good as we think they will be. Once we go to the family room, we are always blown away by the sight. Christmas morning really is magical. The kids open presents one by one so we can all see what everyone got. Well that and to make the Christmas magic last just a little longer. Once all the presents are open I always want to go back to bed because I am overwhelmed. That is just how I feel after receiving so many gifts. But going back to bed isn't exactly an option. The day has just begun. We head off to the Grandparents on the Larrabee side. We eat yummy food all day. Sausage fondue anyone? Visiting, naps, testing the new gadgets, and more gift giving is how the typical day goes. Since I'm not married the day is pretty lax. The poor married siblings have to juggle so much more than I do. After the party is over, we head home and watch some Christmas movie. (and by we, I usually mean me and any other individual who wants to join.) 

DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS:

This day is practically as religious as Christmas. Believe me. I worked the 26th last year and I was deeply missed. This is the day we celebrate Christmas with the Anderson family. This day we travel to each house of the cousins and we 'show' our Christmas. It is an easy way to tell everyone what you got in one large sweep. If you know how big my Anderson Family is you will understand how repetitive it can become. This tradition comes from years before I was born when all the older cousins were young. It was a time for the cousins to basically play with the toys that they other cousins got. I love the day after Christmas because we spend many hours with the cousins. 

So that is an outline of my Christmas. And I am pretty excited to Celebrate fully this year.

Meme, Brandt, Jennie, Joe, Keshia & Heidi
Christmas 2014

All Is Merry & Bright

I want everyone to know that I made a gingerbread house. There is a picture below (not completed) but you get the idea. I am not creative when it comes to making things with my hands but after a few hours I was starting to get the hang of it. It was fun spending hours with my mom and her cousins. They always know how to laugh and have a good time. [I guess that is where I learned it.]

Peppermint Gingerbread House

Shaelee, Marnie, & Heidi

I also made Christmas Sugar Cookies with Marnie and Shaelee. This was a first time as well. Turns out, sugar cookies are not my thing. I kept breaking the cookies. Poor Marnie's cookies. They never had a chance.

All I know is that Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat. It is time to celebrate so don't mind me while I cram my homework into one week so I can celebrate Christmas to the fullest. 

So blast the Christmas music, go shopping, and don't forget to decorate your tree.

Merry Christmas!!

Thanksgiving Twenty Fifteen

I love holidays. Mainly because normal life is put on pause to celebrate something of greater importance. 

Plus, great food-all the time.

Grandma Anderson's Downstairs Christmas Tree

Traverse Mountain

A year later and we are still the three amigos. 

It is fun to ponder and where our lives were last year and how things have changed.

I guess you can say that we are all growing up. There are fun things in our future, and yes, Christmas is one of those things. We have thus entered the MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR! I just love the Christmas season. We get to celebrate the greatest gift to mankind, Christ's birth. It is a season of giving and believing. Also, don't forget, Thanksgiving is a few weeks away, so be thankful that you have a wonderful life. Even if you are facing trials, just remember, that you are alive and there is people who love you.  Also, tell your loved ones how you feel. Time is too short on this earth.

Wow, that post when from happy-go-lucky to some deeper thoughts. I just want to say that we live in a crazy world and it is 100% unpredictable. So just know, if you are reading this post, I must love you!!

Shaelee, Marnie & Heidi

 

Crayola Doesn't Make The Color For Your Eyes

hey.

If you know me, you know that Halloween isn't exactly my favorite holiday. My favorite thing about Halloween is that it is in the fall. Everything else I could live without. Yes, even the candy :). To be completely honest, if I didn't have to dress up for work, I probably wouldn't even consider "being" something for Halloween. Last year were made some awesome (see what I did there?) costumes. If you need a refresher course you can find the blog post here. We learned our lesson last year, that even though our costumes were amazing, we weren't able to wear them while doing our normal work activities. This year we decided to make something we could wear all day long. 

Marnie made the stencil for our shirts and she made the crayon box! Did I mention that is practically made my costume last year too? ;)

Heidi & Marnie

Caleb, Marnie, Heidi & Nick

Besides Halloween, my life is steady. School, work, church. But I am trying to make some plans for the future that will shake things up a bit. So stay tuned. 

Flaming Gorge

Labor Day Weekend is usually spent with my family at our Condo. But this year was different and special. I was invited to spend the weekend with Marnie and her family. Flaming Gorge to her is Joe's Valley to me. So I was honored to be invited to this special place. We went boating, soaked some sun, and enjoyed having no agenda. The weather was perfect. Sunny with a slight breeze and only a few rainstorms. I will have to admit, my favorite part was not having to wake up to responsibilities.

The holiday weekend has come and gone and now it is time to dive into school and work.

Marnie & Heidi

The "Flaming" Gorge

Sunset

The Beach

'Merica

I love the Fourth of July. I am still trying to decide if I like the holiday because of the actual holiday or because it is the door way to Joe's Valley. To be honest, it is probably both. This year the Klopfer Family joined us to celebrate. We watched the Murray Parade, because tradition. But my favorite part of the day is fireworks. If you can't tell me your favorite kind of firework, then we probably aren't very good friends (except Marnie, I will forgive you. haha). My favorite kind of firework is the kind that look like glitter. There are examples below :) 

So, happy birthday America.

Heidi, Madison, Makenzee

New Year

Oh hey. *waves awkwardly*

I am still alive, I promise. Busy but alive. 

I don't have a massive 2014 post but I do have a few things I want to say.

First, lets just take a moment to realize that 12 months ago I was living in a different county with roommates and rent. Second, two of my brother have gotten married. That changed our family in multiple ways. Third, I have chosen a major. That is well, pretty cool. (It's Marketing in case you didn't know.) The last highlight I wanted to touch on is relationships. I can't express enough gratitude for my new relationships that are growing at extreme rates but also for my older-"mature"- relationships that have stayed strong.

Also, shout out to having sparklers to ring in 2015.

Rebecca, Heidi. Megan, Savanna, Rachel

Rachel, Megan, Savanna, Rebecca

Savanna & Rachel

Heidi.Savanna, Rachel, Megan, Rebecca

 And because tradition: