Anderson Family

New Do's

2008-09-02T16:54:00.000-07:00

We finally got around to having Chels (our resident hair expert!) give the girls their back to school hair-do's. Man - after a summer of lots of chlorine and sunshine we were due. The hardest one to keep moderately healthy is my poor Kassidy. She came into this world with no hair and hasn't grown a ton since. This would be my husband's fault. All of the genetics point in that direction. I love her cute little pixie hair cut but she is wanting to grow it out. The problem is - it naturally grows into a mullet if I do that. Her hair on top does not want to grow. We gave it a pretty good trim and cute Chels worked forever on getting all of those yucky ends off. Our solution to her crazy hair is to put lots of very expensive hair product on it. Nano works and some other stuff that I can't pronounce let alone spell! Well - her hair does feel so much better and yes- we still got some pig tails in this morning. Saydi wanted the same haircut but with swoopy bangs. Again - our hair expert hooked her up. Then Jordyn decided she needed a haircut because it just seemed like the right thing to do. They all turned out great! Except for Trav, poor guy. We took too long doing the girls hair and Chels had to journey on to Weiser. That really is a place. I have no idea who thought up that name! Here are the results. I should have done before and afters but you know - who would have thought of that?

There are no pictures here of my Kendi. Two reasons - she didn't get a back to school haircut because she is only 2. Although we did give her a pretend one. Second - until she decides to let me do her hair I am boycotting all pictures. Just kidding - sort of!

Camping

2008-09-01T18:00:00.000-07:00

Since we decided to buy a camp trailer this year we thought that it might be a good idea to actually use it before summer was completely over. Although the trailer does look mighty good in my driveway, it is destined for sure to be in the mountains. We have affectionately named it the Sunchaser. It's a real bute. However, when Trav pulled it around front he found himself a little surprise left over for him in the freezer. It was a bag of chicken that had been left in there since our last camping trip which was in June. No seriously, I couldn't walk within a 20 foot radius of our trailer without wanting to hurl. Trav said it was my fault but I am holding my own saying it was his because, well it just is. Anyway, the two of us (mostly Trav due to my hurling issue) spent the entire day trying to rid our camper of this horrific smell. We did pretty good. Used a whole bottle of Clorox bleach, lit candles, the works. The smell was minimal, but still there a bit if you stood in just the right spot. We opted not to use our refrigerator because as long as it stayed shut we could survive.

So off we went. Happy Campers. As usual, by the time we got to our designated camping spot none of us were speaking much. We decided to find Tyler and Netter down at the river to take a little float. The river was low this time. You actually had to lift you kiester off the tube to keep from hitting rocks. It was slow and easy. Way different than our previous experience. There were tons of people, again much different than last time, which I am thinking may all be related to the speed and depth of the river. For sure! It was way fun. We left to go back to the campsite where Travis and Tyler managed to jerry rig a bridge to get us across to the optimal campsite. I couldn't watch. Secretly I may have been hoping that the stinky sunchaser would take a dive and we could claim it on our homeowners insurance. We all made it! And the campsite was great. We had a blast up until Sunday afternoon. We were having our little Lava mountain sacrament meeting and we just about got blown off the mountain. We weren't even sinning. Then the rain came. It rained, and rained, and rained! In fact, the rain even started a little river at the base of our camp. Not a problem unless you are trapped inside a tiny trailer with four restless kids. I really was worried I might go insane. Finally Kendi, Kassidy and I went to watch Nemo in the truck. Kendi and I fell asleep and next thing you know it was dark and freezing cold. We put Kendi to bed and I really did try my hardest to stand around the campfire but I was shivering so much I was afraid that I would fall in. In my defense this was a wimpy fire which was not very warm by the way! Trav's parents came up Sunday night just in time for the rain. They were the only ones who did get stuck on the bridge! Oops! They decided to stay down a little lower than everyone else which was a good decision. Their trailer is new and they probably wanted to keep it dent free on it's maiden voyage. Monday morning was very cold but at least not raining. We ate breakfast and then slowly packed up and headed out. Here are some pics. Notice that yes, Kendi is still in either her pj's or her swiming suit. We did make her wear her clothes over the swiming suit, but it was usually her pajamas. Oh well!

Back to School

2008-08-28T18:45:00.000-07:00

Ready or not here we come! School seemed to come way too fast this summer. We were totally enjoying the relaxing mornings without having to wake up at 5:30 a.m. UGG! Well, the girls looked so darn cute. They clean up alright I think! I made the girls get up early this morning because I thought that we had better get a day in before our crazy week started. Jordyn actually had to go in on the Friday before school started (totally crazy) so she was all primed and ready to go. Kendi was so cute. When she woke up as the girls were getting ready and decided that she was way to big to miss out on this action. She ran into her room, threw on her flip flops and a clean pair of pajamas (since these are all that she will wear lately). Then she brushed her own hair and came out to announce to me that she was leaving. It actually sounded more like leafin but I just used my superior mother translating skills to decipher. I said, "Honey, you are not quite big enough yet. You get to stay home with me." She gave me a determined look and said,
" No mommy, I am leafin. I am big. Bye!" She was heartbroken when the bus came and I really didn't let her get on. We've had fun though. Good bonding time for the two of us. I miss my girls but love the structure and I must admit I love my house a little cleaner. Bittersweet.

Sweet Lacy Jae

2008-08-24T12:40:00.000-07:00

My heart is so full today. Full of thanks and love for my family. Full of gratitude to my Heavenly Father for his plan. And SO thankful for the knowledge I have that families can be together forever. This is my niece Lacy. She passed away last night at about 10:00 p.m. after struggling for over a year for her little life. She was born in a body with a heart and lungs that didn't function right for whatever reason and so we watched her fight as hard as she could until the very end. Lacy is such an ispiration to me. This sweet little girl would hardly ever cry. She was so loved by her Mom, Dad, and two brothers who will be very anxious to see her again some day. I sat with her yesterday and watched her family love her while her mom held her ALL day. Her dad rocked her to sleep last night and sang I am a Child of God to her as she passed away.

Sorry for being so personal, but I need to write what I am feeling right now because I really feel like my heart might burst. What I really want to say is that Lacy is a Celestial Spirit. She is literally in the company of her Heavenly Father right now. That is so amazing to me. She just needed to get her little body, however challenged it may be, so that she could get back to where she came from. I came home last night and just wanted to hug and kiss my kids to death. I felt so grateful for their health and strength and for all of my many blessings. I am thankful for Lacy, that I had the chance to know and learn from her. In times like these more than ever I am grateful to know that familes can be forever.
I sat in the Twin Falls Temple this morning during the first dedicatory session and I was overwhelmed with the spirit that I felt. It hit me like a ton of bricks what a blessing the temple is to us and why. It seals us together as forever families. What an amazing blessing! I am so thankful for my family.

Bear Lake

2008-08-23T19:37:00.000-07:00

So...It really has been forever since I blogged. So sorry! I have been summer crazy. You know, like the rest of us. I did just get back from Bear Lake where I had tons of fun with the girls as a last hurrah before school starts. Yuck!

My girls are always up for anything that involves water and sunscreen. We had so much fun just being lazy and hanging out at the pool and the beach. Well, I guess that there always has to be a little drama!

Here is little Miss Kaidence. She is not one of mine, although she is cute and blonde! Jut kidding, she is my friend Jamie's. Well, she was running and tripped over a big huge metal grate that was sticking out of the ground and the rest is history. Three stiches. She was SO proud of them! After the fact that is!

Playing in the sand is just the best. They even buried themselves and lived to tell! We had such a blast. I guess a little drama never hurt anyone right??

Independence Day...ROCKS!

2008-07-04T21:10:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July! I love the fourth. It is always such a fun day to hang out, eat lots of food, and get sunburned. Today we started our festivities by going to the famous parade! It was great, not as hot as usual so we'll take it! Here are my girls with grandpa. He grumbles every year about going to the parade but is always the first one there and this year even wore his fancy dancy shirt that made him look just like a flag! No more parades whatever! He'll be back for more next year NO DOUBT! The girls ate candy and managed to score more than their share of Otter Pops!
Now to the river to play! Here is one of the few pictures that I got because I was chasing this crazy kid around most the day. She is quick as lightening and is never to be trusted near large bodies of water! She played in this little pool all day. In fact, she even almost fell asleep in it but I, being the ever observant mother that I am, picked her up with closed eyelids and took her home. She has been asleep since 6:30. Can't wait until 4:00 this morning!@#*@!

Then there were fireworks!! The kids can't get enough. I love to see their little faces. In fact, the fireworks are still going on. I can hear them outside, but I came home to be with the little sleeper. Trav went back. I hope all of you had a GREAT day. Happy 4th!

Happy Campers

2008-07-04T20:52:00.001-07:00

Doesn't the dirty face say it all?

So...It has been a while since I have updated and I thought that I had better write about our recent camping adventures. For our family reunion last week we went camping up at Lava Hotsprings. It was a total blast! There were a few death defying experiences but other than that we all did pretty well. I have to say that I think that my life tends to be a comedy of errors! Or is that just being a mom?? As we were getting ready to leave my Saydi says , "Mom, my cheek hurts." I look over at her and sure enough she looks like a chipmunk. We had to freeze everything, call the dentist and hope that we could get things taken care of quickly - which we did. She had an absessed tooth. I am thinking in my head REALLY?? Of course. Everytime I am walking out the door one of my kids gets hurt, throws up, or ..... gets an absessed tooth. Anyway, we did get her taken care of and the rest of the trip was great. We camped in cowpies, jumped off rediculously tall platforms, and almost lost a few going down the Lava River. Just so you know - YES!! you do need life jackets if you are going to float this river!

Only Jordyn would think to do a toe touch while plumeting to the great water below. Crazy girl. Takes after her dad!

Happy Birthday Kassi!!

2008-06-22T19:32:00.000-07:00

So my Kassidy just turned seven this week. Hard to believe for me! She is such a little sweetheart in our home and we are totally crazy about her. Since it is her 7th birthday I thought that I would list seven of my very favorite things about her!

1. Her smile! She has one of those smiles that starts slow and grown. Genuine and sincere! You've gotta Love it.

2. Her enthusiasm! She is always so delighted with the little things. You would have thought that I gave her the moon when I gave her this swimming suit for Easter!

3. Her ability to love others. Kassi loves to play and is friends with everybody! She loves her cousins and is always excited to see them and play!

4. Her size. She is such a tiny little squirt! It defines her! My little pixie.

5. Her freckles. Otherwise known as her kisses from the sun. I think I have kissed them all!

6. Her seriously crazy hair! She has the best bed head that you've ever seen!

7. Her laugh! It is a giggle that makes YOU giggle and then turns into a belly laugh that won't quit!

Happy birthday Kassidy! We love you and are blessed to have you in our lives!

River Fun

2008-06-22T18:25:00.000-07:00

So...it looks like we may FINALLY have a little summer weather! Once the sun hit my girls could not wait to get out on the river. They played and played!

(We have the sunburns to prove it!)

The girls started to strike a pose the second I got the camera out. I have trained them well!!

I love their little smiles. The make my day for sure.

I think that I may have to zap Jordyn to keep her from growing. She is growing way to fast and is going to Jr. High next year. Yikes. She is such a great helper and my little friend.

Kendalyn is full of it, and by that I mean everything! She is full of smiles, bologne, energy, tantrums, giggles, hugs, you name it. We love her.

My Dad

2008-06-15T07:14:00.001-07:00

So - It's Father's Day today and so I thought that I would write a quick tribute to my Dad, who I believe is the best in the world. I am so blessed to have the example that I have in a father. My dad is one of the kindest, most generous, and fun people that you could ever meet. I can't tell you how many times I have known him to reach out to those who are struggling. He has such a big heart, which makes him such a great bishop, and always presses foreward with an optimistic attitude. I remember as a kid if I ever complained he would say,"You know what I always say don't you?" Then I would moan, and he would say,"Chickens one day, feathers the next." In other words, it's all good. Growing up I used to love to take long walks with my dad. We could solve the problems of the world walking up and down those canal banks, and I recieved many words of wisdom on those walks. I love to go walk with my dad to this day. His advice and council is invaluable to me. My dad is SO funny. He is always doing something to make everyone laugh. (Poor Darla!) He is so much fun.

My dad is a SUPER grandpa. We went to Disneyland with Dad and Darla this fall and we had such a blast. I think that dad had more fun watching his grandkids more than anything else. Kassidy rode on his shoulders the whole time! I love my dad and am so lucky to have him as a father and friend. Love you dad! Happy Father's Day.

FHE and snowcones

2008-06-06T18:35:00.000-07:00

So, this past Monday night Kassi and I had conversation regarding Family Home Evening. It went something like this.

Kassidy,"Mom, what are we going to do for Family Home Evening."

Mom"I don't know yet Kass, I guess we'll figure something out."

Kassidy,"I was thinking that we could go and get a snow cone."

Mom,"Well, good idea but I think that we had better have a lesson or something."

Kassidy,"I know! Lets go get a snowcone and then we can talk about it!"

Her whole quest in life these days is to get a snow cone. Maybe we could get some more if it wasn't so darn freezing outside!

Bubblies

2008-05-31T20:16:00.000-07:00

When I went downstairs yesterday I had no idea that I would find Kendi, once again without clothes, sitting in a sink filled with bubbles. Well, whether I expected it or not there she was. She was completely proud of herself and said, "Mommy, LOOK, bubblies!" I actually kept it quite together. I ran upstairs to get my camera, told her never to do that again, and then had Jordyn clean her up. Great idea right!

And here she is sporting her favorite I just might eat you smile! Gotta love it.

John Deer Green

2008-05-31T19:59:00.000-07:00

I cannot for the life of me seem to keep Kendi in clothes. I get her dressed and five seconds later she is in her skinnies again! Today she was outside, yes in just her underwear, (but my neighbors are used to it) and she found our little neighbor boys tractor. She managed to kick him off of it (he is 5) and she would not get off that thing to save her life. In fact, she even tried to run over me when I was trying to take her picture because it took WAY too long. Our days would be totally boring without her.

Dancing Again....

2008-05-31T19:37:00.000-07:00

So another year has ended and for my girls that means that we have 74 end of the year dance recitals, school programs etc! It seems like a marathon some days, but I was bound and determined to take my camera (since I never do!!) and take a few pictures.

Well...okay , could Kassidy really look any more excited???

Alright, this one is a little happier! She was the cutest little flower head, if that is, we could keep the darn flower head piece on. I think in that first picture she may have been suffering from pre preformance bobby pin pain syndrome. I just made that up. She was so darling and her little group stole the show!

This was Saydi! Her group were supposed to be sea creatures of some kind and Saydi LOVED it. She had her own names for her costume which were as follows: A creepy sea dragon, a caucas, and our personal favorite a flying chicken under water. The outfit was much more exciting to her than your traditional tutu. It is so fun to watch her dance because she has SO much personality. What a kid.

And last but not least, here is Jordyn. Probably last because at these dance things she takes off, gets herself ready and I can never seem to find her. Miraculously she always ends up where she should at the right time. I have learned to not stress and catch her when I can. She is way too grown up! She loves dancing and we love to watch her. It was a way fun night.

Saydi and the Racecar

2008-05-24T18:30:00.000-07:00

On the last day of school Saydi got to sit in a REAL racecar. She was SOOO excited and even got a Nascar racer's autograph. She had a blast.

Scoof

2008-05-22T10:00:00.000-07:00

I think that two year olds come up with the funniest words. Lately Kendi has been full of them, like she calls Jordyn Jordit, and herself Kendit. Well, last night as I was trying to watch the American Idol finale with four crazy kids Kendalyn decided that she was tired of the rest of the girls sitting by me, so she was on a mission to get them removed from the couch. She crawls up onto the couch, pushes Jordit to the side and looks her straight in the eyes. She takes her face in her hands and yells SCOOF! I am assuming that she meant scoot. It was SO funny we all just started laughing. Now when we want someone to move we all say SCOOF!

Guitar Hero

2008-05-12T19:38:00.000-07:00

Alright, so I had to take this picture so that I could prove that YES, Travis really did give me Guitar Hero for Mother's Day!?#@* (It is going back to Walmart tomarrow) I just have to laugh because Trav seems to have quite the knack for coming up with some random gift ideas. He has fabulous intentions, but I think sometimes his desire for something like oh, say, a fishing pole, golf clubs, a water ski, a bike, etc. just overpower him and he convinces himself that I will be thrilled! Well, I am going to take back Guitar Hero and buy myself a new purse. No harm no foul right!

Soccer Star

2008-05-12T19:01:00.000-07:00

Kassidy finally talked me into letting her play soccer this spring. She was the cutest thing. True to form she was WAY shy and was completely content to follow the pack, outside the circle. I think that she was either scared of the ball or didn't want to attract any unnecessary attention so I think we avoided actual contact until the last few games of the season. The smile on her face says it all! I would do it all over again, and next time you never know, she may surprise us all.

Nemo and Popcorn

2008-05-12T18:55:00.000-07:00

My two year old is SO funny. She has her definite likes and dislikes but two things that she loves are Finding Nemo and popcorn. Last night I snuggled up with her and we watched Nemo and ate popcorn. We were both in heaven. It would be so fun to see the world through her eyes!

Rocko the Beast

2008-05-10T09:06:00.000-07:00

So we have a new dog, Rocko! My daughter Jordyn wrote a whole essay on him so I decided to edit and give you the condensed version! Our home teacher gave us this dog, and while Elise is still adjusting the girls and Trav love him. He is a great dog, but my problem is that he is still a dog and guess who takes care of him! Kendi plays with him and he just lays there and loves it. Anyway, crazy or not here he is!

Dancing Queens

2008-05-09T20:37:00.001-07:00

It seems like all we do is dance these days! We recently went to the Brigham City dance competition and had a blast. The girls love to get dressed and boogie down! This time Jordyn did a solo and Saydi did a duo with her friend Kobi. To Saydi, it was all about the trophy. As long as it was big, all was well! They did great and they were all kinds of exhausted by the time we left. Such is a day in the life of a dancer!

2008-05-09T12:07:00.000-07:00

SO.....this is our crazy family! Travis and I have four girls who are the center of our universe! We or I should mostly say I spend much of my days driving to and from violin, piano, dance, soccer, you name it! These pictures were taken last fall and let me tell you, I was wondering what in the world I was thinking taking my 2 year old along. She was less than cooperative and we spent most of our time trying to bribe her with candy and gum, but mostly grandpa. She loves more than anything to go play and Grandpa's house, so thank heavens that it is just up the street! Travis spends his spare time waterskiing, biking, and golfing in the summer and snow skiing in the winter. There is always something. I love to hang with my girls, teach aerobics, play travel agent, and clean my house! Well, the last one is just necessary. We are so happy and lucky to have each other and to live so close to family and friends.