Monday, December 28, 2009
A Little Christmas Delight
Merry Christmas everyone! I hope Santa found your home and that you had a lovely time with family & friends. I just love Christmas because it is such a magical time with all of my little brothers! There is nothing quite like the light they get in their eyes when they see that Santa
came.
Best quote of the day: Jaden is unwrapping a gift as fast as he can and when all the paper is finally off, he says, "Oh my Goodness, a box!" and then he was perfectly content to move on to the next gift. He thought the box was great, so imagine how much more excited he was when he found out there was a car inside!
Wouldn't be Christmas without the Anderson Family Christmas Pageant on Christmas Eve. I've finally been promoted to the STAR. I think I do a pretty good job! My Grandma even made sure it lit up! ;)
Turns out the Japanese just keep coming out with more and more Pokemon look-a-likes... and my brothers just keep buying into it.
Our resident photographer finally got his own camera, so i'm sure his pictures will be showing up here from time to time.
Landen is a ROCK STAR shopper, and will now be my personal assistant whenever I go shopping - Check out that outfit, I LOVE it, and it all fit! A Christmas Miracle.
Best gift of the season...a call from my very best friend in the whole world - Elder Holman! :)
My family came to SOTW to remember the real reason for the season, and now my other brothers want to do the show next year - I can't wait!
I hope this season was a JOYFUL time for each of you and yours.
MeRRy ChRiStMaS!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
This Christmas Season…
I’m celebrating this Christmas season in a way I have never done before, and it has been wonderful! I have the privilege of performing in, The Savior of the World at the Conference Center Theater. This has not only been a very fun performing experience, but has also given me a whole new appreciation for Christ, his life, and especially the lives of those around him while he was on this earth! It's also been so much fun bonding with my little brother Coleson!
Tickets are sold out, but each night they have a certain amount of tickets set aside for Missionaries and their investigators – which means, if you come stand by, you’ll get in! So if you are looking for a way to remember the true meaning of Christmas, come to the show. Coleson and I will be there on Tue, Thur & Sat, but it will be a good show any night you go!
Yes, that is what Coleson looks like as a Jew…they dye his hair each night because apparently there were no redheads (don’t get me started on how I feel about that). I just put that lovely drape up around my head every time I am a Jerusalem person.
Yup, we even have authentic shoes…you should come just for that. ;)
Monday, December 14, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Oh for the love...
of Football!
Strange, you may say as you look at this ballet dancn', high heel wearn', musical singn' girl who happens to be rather into her UTES! It all started my sophomore year of college when my cute friend Jessica convinced me to sign up for the MUSS . . . the rest is history.
After dragging me to many of the games, and then holding me there through the rain and snow (despite my rather loud complaints), making comparisons between football and ballet (many that i'm still amazed she came up with), introducing me to the joy of CRAZY LADY, teaching me the school song, trying to explain why we hated or loved the Ref, making matching blankets that show off our school spirit & keep me warm, coming up with fantastically random traditions, and even rushing the field together, Jess finally made a Utah football fan out of me!
Strange, you may say as you look at this ballet dancn', high heel wearn', musical singn' girl who happens to be rather into her UTES! It all started my sophomore year of college when my cute friend Jessica convinced me to sign up for the MUSS . . . the rest is history.
After dragging me to many of the games, and then holding me there through the rain and snow (despite my rather loud complaints), making comparisons between football and ballet (many that i'm still amazed she came up with), introducing me to the joy of CRAZY LADY, teaching me the school song, trying to explain why we hated or loved the Ref, making matching blankets that show off our school spirit & keep me warm, coming up with fantastically random traditions, and even rushing the field together, Jess finally made a Utah football fan out of me!
So now that the season is over, I look back on all of those wonderful games... funny thing is that I remember very little about the games themselves, but I do remember the fantastic times with friends I LOVE! So thank you to my UTES for the great times I had sort of watching you and mostly enjoying my time with good friends.
See you next season in the MUSS!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Giving Thanks!
I am so grateful to have so many wonderful people and experiences in my life. Tis the season to give thanks, so I would just like to mention a few of the things that I am grateful for.
*A testimony of my Lord and Savior. The knowledge that he was born on this earth, he lived for each one of us, he died for each one of us. And then He rose again. The knowledge that His church is on the earth today and we are privileged to be lead by a prophet who can receive divine inspiration and guide us through these difficult times. I know that my Father in Heaven knows me by name, loves me, and has a plan for me. I am so grateful for all of the many affects this has in my life!
*My wonderful family! I could not ask for anything more -I’ve even gotten over the no sister thing…sort of ;). Each one of my brothers have such a reaching effect on me, and I’m grateful for the examples that they are to me, even if they are younger. They are 6 of the best teachers I could ever ask for. I adore my parents, and can’t imagine my life with anyone else – no one knows me better, meets my needs the same way, and pushes me to be my best the way they can! I LOVE them all!
*Amazing friends! What can I say, I have some of the most devoted, reliable, loving, kind, trustworthy, understanding, supportive friends that a girl could ask for. I always know that I have someone to fall back on, someone I can call late at night that knows just what I’m going through, and someone to inspire me to become a better friend myself.
*My Country! I’m so grateful to all of the service men and women and their families for the sacrifices made so that I can live the life that I do. Thank you for preserving my freedoms and protecting my safety. I’m grateful for the inspired men and women who founded this country, and the work that has gone into keeping it the way it was designed to be – A Nation under God!
*Education! I am very aware of the blessing this is in my life. I know that very few people in the world are blessed with an opportunity to receive an education, let alone graduate from Collage. I’m grateful for the support and encouragement that my parents have always given me, and for the blessing that the knowledge I have acquired can and will be in my life.
*A Job! Though I may complain now and then, and granted…it’s not ideal, but I am so grateful to be able to wake up each morning, and use my skills to help those around me…and get a paycheck…mostly I’m grateful for the paycheck! ;)
*My Home! I’m so grateful to live where I do. I’m blessed to not only live in a beautiful home that my family built together, but also a wonderful neighborhood with inspiring and kind neighbors. I’m grateful to live in a city (even if it is a small one) where I can have opportunities to not only better myself, but also take advantage of opportunities to help others. I’m grateful to live so close to Temple Square, and to have the opportunities that come with it.
I have so much to be grateful for all year around, but i'm glad we all have a special time to reflect on our blessings together.
HaPpY ThAnKsGiViNg!
*A testimony of my Lord and Savior. The knowledge that he was born on this earth, he lived for each one of us, he died for each one of us. And then He rose again. The knowledge that His church is on the earth today and we are privileged to be lead by a prophet who can receive divine inspiration and guide us through these difficult times. I know that my Father in Heaven knows me by name, loves me, and has a plan for me. I am so grateful for all of the many affects this has in my life!
*My wonderful family! I could not ask for anything more -I’ve even gotten over the no sister thing…sort of ;). Each one of my brothers have such a reaching effect on me, and I’m grateful for the examples that they are to me, even if they are younger. They are 6 of the best teachers I could ever ask for. I adore my parents, and can’t imagine my life with anyone else – no one knows me better, meets my needs the same way, and pushes me to be my best the way they can! I LOVE them all!
*Amazing friends! What can I say, I have some of the most devoted, reliable, loving, kind, trustworthy, understanding, supportive friends that a girl could ask for. I always know that I have someone to fall back on, someone I can call late at night that knows just what I’m going through, and someone to inspire me to become a better friend myself.
*My Country! I’m so grateful to all of the service men and women and their families for the sacrifices made so that I can live the life that I do. Thank you for preserving my freedoms and protecting my safety. I’m grateful for the inspired men and women who founded this country, and the work that has gone into keeping it the way it was designed to be – A Nation under God!
*Education! I am very aware of the blessing this is in my life. I know that very few people in the world are blessed with an opportunity to receive an education, let alone graduate from Collage. I’m grateful for the support and encouragement that my parents have always given me, and for the blessing that the knowledge I have acquired can and will be in my life.
*A Job! Though I may complain now and then, and granted…it’s not ideal, but I am so grateful to be able to wake up each morning, and use my skills to help those around me…and get a paycheck…mostly I’m grateful for the paycheck! ;)
*My Home! I’m so grateful to live where I do. I’m blessed to not only live in a beautiful home that my family built together, but also a wonderful neighborhood with inspiring and kind neighbors. I’m grateful to live in a city (even if it is a small one) where I can have opportunities to not only better myself, but also take advantage of opportunities to help others. I’m grateful to live so close to Temple Square, and to have the opportunities that come with it.
I have so much to be grateful for all year around, but i'm glad we all have a special time to reflect on our blessings together.
HaPpY ThAnKsGiViNg!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
{Simple} Pleasures
don’t you just love it when the little things in life make your day worth it?
i do …
*the smell of new shoes
*listening to someone’s loud & irregular laugh
*hearing from an old friend
*really good chocolate melting in your mouth (shameless plug for Hatch Family Chocolates)
*moms warm soup on a cold day
*waltz turns and triple pirouettes in ballet class
*getting all dressed up
*little kids prayers
*the smell of new shoes
*listening to someone’s loud & irregular laugh
*hearing from an old friend
*really good chocolate melting in your mouth (shameless plug for Hatch Family Chocolates)
*moms warm soup on a cold day
*waltz turns and triple pirouettes in ballet class
*getting all dressed up
*little kids prayers
*Finding a note on your car
*sappy love songs (especially when it was your little brother who downloaded it and put it on your iPod because he knew you’d like it)
*laughing so hard you cry
*good hair days
*sharing a good book
*pictures from a fun trip
*Sunday afternoons on the porch swing
*extra fresh licorice
*inside jokes
*high heel shoes
*beautiful piano music
*almost getting hit by cars/bikes/anything with wheels on campus (ok, the almost getting hit part isn’t the best, but I always laugh because it reminds me of walking/dodging to class freshman year with Whitney)
*laughing so hard you cry
*good hair days
*sharing a good book
*pictures from a fun trip
*Sunday afternoons on the porch swing
*extra fresh licorice
*inside jokes
*high heel shoes
*beautiful piano music
*almost getting hit by cars/bikes/anything with wheels on campus (ok, the almost getting hit part isn’t the best, but I always laugh because it reminds me of walking/dodging to class freshman year with Whitney)
*hot pink sunsets
*the smell after rain
*watching a little kid open a present
*the smell after rain
*watching a little kid open a present
hope you have a {simply} pleasant day!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Dreaming
This past weekend, despite being ill all week long, I drug myself out of bed to do one of my favorite things in the entire world – go to the BALLET! There is something about being there - it’s the frosted lights, the smiling ushers, the plush red seats, the overwhelming feeling of a wealth of culture, that extra EnErGy in the air, and that wonderful stage.
A stage can be a portal to new worlds. It can teach you about other times, places, people, but what is truly special is when it teaches you something about yourself! I have a connection to the Capital Theater stage because I have been blessed to have quite a few experiences on it. To close your eyes and see the performers’ perspective is priceless. The overture starts – a thick silence falls over the audience, one that the performer can almost reach out and touch. As the curtain goes up I can feel the butterflies that the dancers must be experiencing and I am jealous that their extra energy is about to make something so beautiful!
Agnes de Mille said, ‘To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful. This is power, it is glory on earth and it is yours for the taking.’ Each dancer moves on to that stage as a single being, but once there, each becomes a piece of the masterpiece - like a stroke in a painting or a note in a song. No one able to do it by themselves, yet every person is an essential aspect.
One of the pieces performed was called “Three Preludes”. It was a beautifully simple pas de deux. When I say simple I mean that there was no set, no costume, nothing to hide the immensely beautiful and complex steps that the two performed. I was astounded by the beauty of the body, the miracle of each little muscle doing its part, the use of negative space, and how striking a simple line can be. I was reminded what can happen when someone is dedicated and disciplined enough to take over their weaknesses and make them strengths. The outcome is true beauty!
I’m so grateful I had the chance to watch such talented people share their passion on Friday night, and remind us all how important it is to follow a dream.
A stage can be a portal to new worlds. It can teach you about other times, places, people, but what is truly special is when it teaches you something about yourself! I have a connection to the Capital Theater stage because I have been blessed to have quite a few experiences on it. To close your eyes and see the performers’ perspective is priceless. The overture starts – a thick silence falls over the audience, one that the performer can almost reach out and touch. As the curtain goes up I can feel the butterflies that the dancers must be experiencing and I am jealous that their extra energy is about to make something so beautiful!
Agnes de Mille said, ‘To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful. This is power, it is glory on earth and it is yours for the taking.’ Each dancer moves on to that stage as a single being, but once there, each becomes a piece of the masterpiece - like a stroke in a painting or a note in a song. No one able to do it by themselves, yet every person is an essential aspect.
One of the pieces performed was called “Three Preludes”. It was a beautifully simple pas de deux. When I say simple I mean that there was no set, no costume, nothing to hide the immensely beautiful and complex steps that the two performed. I was astounded by the beauty of the body, the miracle of each little muscle doing its part, the use of negative space, and how striking a simple line can be. I was reminded what can happen when someone is dedicated and disciplined enough to take over their weaknesses and make them strengths. The outcome is true beauty!
I’m so grateful I had the chance to watch such talented people share their passion on Friday night, and remind us all how important it is to follow a dream.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
If only life were a Musical!
All my friends know that I am always waiting for the day when I wake up and find myself living in a musical - birds will be singing, the minus track will come on, and everyone will know all the words to the songs and be in perfect rhythm in our group dances... but until that day, i'll have to settle for my home being a movie set. ;)For my plattform as Miss Pioneer Valley, I'm working with MADD on a new project called the Strengthening Families Program. Right now we are involved in the filming of a video that will be available to families through the MADD website. It is an amazing program, and my family has learned a lot by working on it. Thanks to my family for supporting me and being such great little actors all weekend, and the countless hours you've put in! Love you!
Lets just say this was the best crew ever - I liked the cast too ;)
Sayonara Summer
In one last big Goodbye to Summer, half my family took a quick trip with my cute grandparents to good ol' Lake Powell (the other half went to the cabin - go figure). This was a couple weeks ago when Salt Lake got a little snow, and I was happy to be in sunny (though rather chilly) southern Utah. 
Me and Mommy dearest wrapped up in our towels and blankets to keep warm.
Me and Mommy dearest wrapped up in our towels and blankets to keep warm.
Cute Autumn - we bonded over our dislike of hot-dogs!
Our own miniature Goblin Valley. This little hike to our mushroom land was supposed to be a 30 minute hike... the water must have gone down since the last time my grandpa was there, because 3 hours later we were back to our boat. It was so much fun, and the first time I actually got hot on the trip!
Landen loves to wake-board...
Brock turned out to be a great knee-boarder...
And lets face it, i'm the best flag-waver ever...
But my real specialty is recreational reading. I got through the entire September issue of Vogue - you know I was enjoying my time. So though summer is gone, at least I got one last sunburn in. Goodbye sweet summer, I will miss you while you're gone! Saturday, August 29, 2009
First Day of School
For the first time in 17 years, I didn't have a first day of school this year. Talk about strangest feeling in the world! Everyone is busy buying books, backpacks and cute clothes, and I'm not. Even though I graduated, I don't have that 'i'm done' feeling because I plan to go back and get my MPA next year. So i'm in this strange inbetween stage where I don't feel the relief of being done, but I don't feel the fun 'start of school excitement'.
So here are some of the pros and cons of not having school.
Pros:
NO Homework (a pretty great one I must say)
No studying (although i'm taking a GRE prep class, so I do have some studying)
More sleep
More hours at work = more money
Not paying tuition (also equals more money :) )
Cons:
No back to school shopping
Not getting to see all my friends in my major
Not getting my exercize in from running all over campus
When you answer the question of 'What are you up to lately?' All you can say is work, and then you sound really lame
I'm sure there's lots more for both of these lists, but thats all I have time for now. I'll add to them later- feel free to respond with your favorite pros and cons. :)
So here are some of the pros and cons of not having school.
Pros:
NO Homework (a pretty great one I must say)
No studying (although i'm taking a GRE prep class, so I do have some studying)
More sleep
More hours at work = more money
Not paying tuition (also equals more money :) )
Cons:
No back to school shopping
Not getting to see all my friends in my major
Not getting my exercize in from running all over campus
When you answer the question of 'What are you up to lately?' All you can say is work, and then you sound really lame
I'm sure there's lots more for both of these lists, but thats all I have time for now. I'll add to them later- feel free to respond with your favorite pros and cons. :)
Friday, July 24, 2009
HaPpY PiOnEeR DaY!!!
One year ago today, I was experiencing the Days of '47 parade in a very different way. I am so grateful for the wonderful experience I had, and all of the amazing people who made it possible - especially those outstanding pioneers who made it possible for us to live in this beautiful state. I am so grateful for my pioneer ancestry and the sacrifices they made!
Our Beautiful float with the float designer from Modern Display.
The 12 foot latter we had to clime to get to the top of our float!
Happy Pioneer Day!
Our Beautiful float with the float designer from Modern Display.
The 12 foot latter we had to clime to get to the top of our float!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Miss Pioneer Valley
A few weeks ago, I got thinking about how lame this summer is compared to last summer. This time last year, I had an event (or 3) every day for Days's of '47, and this year all I have to look forward to each day is work.
So I decided to change this, and give myself a little challenge. I found two pageants coming up, one in 2 weeks and one in 1 month. Anyone who has done a pageant and understands how much work goes into them would think I was crazy to wake up one morning and decide to do a pageant in a month, let alone 2 weeks, but this is exactly what I did! I decided I would do Miss Pioneer Valley as a dress rehearsal of sorts - and then do Miss Salt Lake County and hope for the best. Instead, I am now Miss Pioneer Valley '09-'10 and will be competing at Miss Utah next June! I'm very excited and grateful for this fantastic opportunity.
And now, here is some pictorial documentation of the event. I only have pictures from the end right now, but I will post more later of the whole event.
I found a beautiful dress, and then enlisted my family to help me bead it - ThAnK YoU for all your help! Even my dad showed some talented sewing skills! :)
Me with Ariel Larsen - Miss Pioneer Valley '08-'09
Miss Pioneer Valley 2009 - 2010
Me with my 2 best cheerleaders ever!
Me and my Interview coach aka Grandma – nothing gets by this woman! It is a relief when I finally get into the 10 minute interview and know that there is nothing these 6 people can throw at me that is any harder than my interview sessions with Gigi!
I knew where my family was sitting because I could hear Landen yelling for me - thanks Landy-pants!
My inspiration in all that I do- my Aunt/twin Holly.
My adorable cousin Courtney was so excited because we had the same hair-do, so we decided we better see how hers looked with a crown. It looked dang good – watch out Miss Utah 2021, Courtney will be ready! :)
Thanks again to all those who were so supportive! I couldn't have done it without you!!!!!
My inspiration in all that I do- my Aunt/twin Holly.
My adorable cousin Courtney was so excited because we had the same hair-do, so we decided we better see how hers looked with a crown. It looked dang good – watch out Miss Utah 2021, Courtney will be ready! :)
Thanks again to all those who were so supportive! I couldn't have done it without you!!!!!
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