Probably more than you want or need to know...

I saw this on my cousin, Steph's blog. I know it's useless and silly, but it's been a while since I did one of these, and oh why not! :)


65 facts about ME:

1. First thing you wash in the shower?
My hair

2. What color is your favorite hoodie?
I think the only 2 hoodies I have are both grey. I wouldn't consider either favorites.

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
Absolutely! Snotty face and all!

4. Do you plan outfits?
Not usually. I am an extremely conservative dresser. Neil’s grandma, who is about the hippest 81 year old I know, recently complimented a skirt I was wearing that was probably the loudest piece of clothing I own. After telling me how much she liked it, she said, “And you don’t normally wear color!” I laughed, because she’s absolutely right! I am a plain jane when it comes to clothing! It isn’t that I don’t like color and flowery patterns because I really do! I just hate shopping, and can never seem to find what I want when I make the effort! Plus, what's the point when most of the things I wear just get snot (and other bodily fluids) on them anyway!

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now?
As though I’ve been hit by a truck! I started Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred this morning, and have just been reminded of how incredibly out of shape I am! It’s a good feeling though, ultimately. Maybe in 30 days my butt will look as good as it did the day I got married!

6. What’s the closest thing to you that's red?
My dumbbells.

7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having.
Last night I had a dream about Neil’s uncle Curt, aunt Malinka, and his 2 cousins, Blake and Jenna. We were visiting them in Salt Lake, and Malinka was re-doing the house. Random…

8. Did you meet anybody new today?
No, but it’s still morning.

9. What are you craving right now?
Water, which I’m drinking…

10. Do you floss daily?
Not even close! I’m the patient who flosses religiously the week leading up to my 6 month cleaning, and then usually the week following. Shh, Stelene. Don't tell your husband.

11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage?
Hmmm… a couple recipes that I’m eager to try out. And one I made just yesterday with ramen noodles and chicken. Yum!

12. Are you emotional?
Not as emotional as I used to be. I can be a dwelling worry wort though, which might be worse!

13. Have you ever counted to 1,000?
Nope, and don’t plan to.

14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?
I don’t eat much ice cream, but when I do, I lick it. My teeth are extremely sensitive!

15. Do you like your hair?
I’ll like it more when it isn’t all falling out! I finally stopped nursing this week, so I’m hoping to see some improvement soon.

16. Do you like yourself?
Yes.

17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush?
If he's paying!

What are you listening to right now?
Chloe telling me to look at her thumb, and Ryan whining (he’s sick, poor guy).

19. Are your parents strict?
Well, we haven’t lived under the same roof for nearly a decade, so it’s hard to stay. Growing up though, they were very laid back.

20. Would you go sky diving?
Never.

21. Do you like cottage cheese?
I can’t eat it right out of the container like Neil can, but I don’t mind it in certain things.

22. Have you ever met a celebrity?
Yes! I met Lou Bega (Mambo #5, anyone?) outside the bathroom at the Olive Garden in Salt Lake back in 2000. I was with my brother, and he introduced himself, and then me. Last summer I saw Diana Krall in concert, and while I didn’t actually meet her, she acknowledged me and Ryan in the audience. Read about it here.

23. Do you rent movies often?
Yes! We love Redbox!

24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in?
Given the fact that my daughter is 4, I’d be willing to bet that there is something sparkly in this room. Even if I can’t see anything from where I’m sitting, I'm stickin' to my answer!

25. How many countries have you visited?
Only one. Neil and I went to the Grand Caymans in 2007. Wish we could go back.

26. Have you made a prank phone call?
When I was younger, yes.

27. Ever been on a train?
Not in years, but yes.

28. Brown or white eggs?
I don’t really know the difference. Whatever’s less expensive as far as I’m concerned!

29. Do you have a cell phone?
Unfortunately, yes.

30. Do you use chap stick?
Frequently, throughout the day.

31. Do you own a gun?
Neil does, I think.

32. Can you use chop sticks?
Now do you really need to ask this question? I am the sushi queen! I could teach lessons on proper chop stick etiquette!

33. Who are you going to be with tonight?
My 3 favorite people, whose names start with N, C and R!

34. Are you too forgiving?
Sometimes, but the worst part about it is while things appear to be okay on the outside, I still sometimes hold grudges. I’m trying really hard to overcome this unhealthy habit!

35. Ever been in love?
Yep! And I love how the older I get and the longer I’ve been in love, the more in love I grow…

36. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow?
Hmmm, well I know what my husband is doing. As for my other best friend, why don’t you ask her yourself?

37. Ever have cream puffs?
Love them!

38. Last time you cried?
It’s been a while since I had a good cry, but I get teary-eyed daily over little things. I’m a tender person, what can I say?

39. What was the last question you asked?
I asked Ryan if he was ready for a nap. He immediately walked in the opposite direction, so I’m taking that as a “No.” Or maybe he’s just in denial.

40. Favorite time of year?
From the first day of college football season to Christmas.

41. Do you have any tattoos?
Nope.

42. Are you sarcastic?
Yes, especially with Neil. Sometimes it’s how we express our affections for one another.

43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?
I don’t think I have.

44. Ever walked into a wall?
I wouldn’t doubt it.

45. Favorite color?
Green.

46. Have you ever slapped someone?
Sure have! In kindergarten, I slapped a girl across the face because she stole my friend’s ring. I was suspended for the rest of the day, and my mom, who taught at the same school I attended, was pretty embarrassed. I really don’t know what came over me, because I was a pretty timid 5 year old!

47. Is your hair curly?
Nope. Straight, straight, straight!

48. What was the last CD you bought?
Don’t recall, but the next CD I plan to buy is William Joseph’s latest album.

49. Do looks matter?
Depends on what we’re talking about.

50. Could you ever forgive a cheater?
That’s a tough call because I’ve never had to. I don’t think anyone can honestly answer that question until they’ve endured it.

51. Is your phone bill sky high?
Nope.

52. Do you like your life right now?
Love it.

53. Do you sleep with the TV on?
I don’t make a habit of it, but sure, I’ve fallen asleep in front of the TV before.

54. Can you handle the truth?
Absolutely! I’d always rather have the truth, no matter how difficult it may be swallow.

55. Do you have good vision?
Nearly perfect. I am very fortunate.

56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?
Hating takes too much effort!

57. How often do you talk on the phone?
I hate talking on the phone, but I do a fair bit of it.

58. The last person you held hands with?
Can’t remember for sure, but I could narrow it down to 3 people. :)

59. What are you wearing?
Workout clothes. It’s okay to be jealous. I’d want to see me too if I were you!

60. What is your favorite animal?
Hmm, probably a dog. I love rottweilers and bulldogs.

61. Where was your profile picture taken?
Flaming Gorge, summer of 2007, when we were camping with Neil’s family.

62. Can you hula hoop?
The last time I tried was at an Achievement Days activity when I was about 6 months pregnant with Ryan. Yeah, didn’t go so well.

63. Do you have a job?
I sure do! And it’s the best job in the world!

64. What was the most recent thing you bought?
A soft shell jacket at REI for Neil’s birthday (with the help of Dad and Mom Halliday’s gift card).

65. Have you ever crawled through a window?
I have! In fact, I have crawled through a dog door!

Now it's your turn! If you're reading this and have a blog, consider yourself tagged!

A needed reminder

My mom came out last week to visit and get her Chloe/Ryan fix. She'd been having "attacks", so thank goodness she came when she did! It was so fun having her here. We went to lunch, shopped, laughed, watched 'Seven Brides For Seven Brothers' (a Halliday favorite), and enjoyed many late night talks.

Mom also found plenty of time to spoil the kids. One thing that really stood out to me was that she was never in a hurry. No matter what she was doing, even if that was taking a rest on the couch, she welcomed any interruptions by the kids. One day in particular she'd just finished reading a rather long story to Chloe. Just as Chloe always does when a story comes to an end, she immediately asked my mom to read it again. Without hesitation Grandma Jill cheerfully said, "Okay!" and proceeded to the first page. Such a simple act inspired me to be more giving of my time. Sure, there's always that to-do list. And I certainly realize that the role of a grandmother is different from that of a mother. But we all know how quickly time passes and how children outgrow stages and enter new ones in what feels like a blink of an eye! I think this poem, which my mom shared with me years ago, sums it up well.


Babies Don't Keep

Mother, O Mother, come shake out your cloth,
Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,
Hang out the washing, make up the bed,
Sew on a button and butter the bread.

Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?
She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.

Oh, I've grown as shiftless as Little Boy Blue,
Lullaby, rockabye, lullaby loo.
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peek-a-boo

The shopping's not done and there's nothing for stew
And out in the yard there's a hullabaloo
But I'm playing Kanga and this is my Roo
Look! Aren't his eyes the most wonderful hue?
Lullaby, rockabye lullaby loo.

The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow
But children grow up as I've learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.

- Ruth Hulbert Hamilton


Thanks for the reminder, mom.

It was such a delight having you here, and we miss you already!

Neil's 31st

Before midnight rolls around, I want to wish my Neil a very Happy Birthday! Today he is 31.

We started off the day with presents in bed, followed by breakfast waffles. After church, two of Neil's friends came over for a birthday dinner: tri tip, sweet potatoes, baked beans, salad and rolls. And let's not forget chocolate cake for dessert. In Neil's own words, "It was by far the best meal I've had today."

I have grown to love Neil even more than I thought was humanly possible. He offers so much wisdom, love and support to me and to the kids, and I can say with sure honesty that I feel like the luckiest woman alive.



May all his wishes come true... Happy 31st!

14 months

Life continues to fly by in the Andersen world. Ryan's 14 months for cryin' out loud!

Here's a long overdue update:



Ryan is...

...WALKING! He took off on the 6th of December, so I guess it's old news now.


{Helping put Christmas away}

...FOLLOWING COMMANDS, and doing it quite well. Some examples include bringing me diapers when he needs to be changed, and taking the dirty diaper(s) to the garbage. He's easily done this 30 times, and it's still just absolutely adorable. Once he drops it in the can, he turns and looks at me, waiting for my recognition. Then when he gets it, he applauds his accomplishment. Last week someone, he randomly brought me a diaper. Ironically, he desperately needed to be changed. Smart little boy.

...A DANCING MACHINE! At night I sing to the kids before tucking them in, and Ryan does the same thing every time: raises his right arm straight in front of him, leans his head onto his right shoulder (don't ask, it's just what he does), and begins turning around in circles while giggling. Where he came up with such a creative technique, I haven't a clue. But it's darling. I really need to get it on video because any description, no matter how precise, could never give it justice. It is so SO hilarious. Have I mentioned I love this boy?

{Enjoying a little sunshine at the park}

...ALL BOY! Well, 95%. He loves anything on wheels and anything he can bang on or take apart and put back together. Christmas morning he was presented with way more gifts than were necessary! And all he cared about was a dinky little truck in his stocking that played 'Funky Town'. He carried that truck around with him ALL DAY LONG, bouncing up and down to the beat. Ryan also loves the TV. Over Christmas break there were a ton of Bowl games on, and each time Neil would pause the TV for whatever reason, Ryan would flip out, point at it, then look back and Neil and make this obnoxious screeching sound until Neil unpaused the game again.


{Christmas morning with his favorite toy}

I will admit he has been seen carrying around Chloe's purse, and within the last week he's been spotted a handful of times holding a baby doll, while patting its back.

Ryan has...

...8 TEETH (4 on top, 4 on bottom)! #6 came in on December 13th, #7 on Christmas day and #8 on hmm, last Friday, I think?

...LEARNED TO GIVE KISSES! He has to be in the mood, and will sometimes shake his head in refusal when asked. But when he does want to kiss, he'll open his perfect little mouth and lean straight in. Usually the combination of the tickle from his wet lips along with the nature of his style gets me giggling, which then gets Ryan giggling (and anyone else who happens to be in the room). I suppose it's one of those 'you have to be there' moments, but it's just hysterical. Sometimes he will give me a kiss, then lean in to give Neil a kiss. Then he'll move onto Chloe, then back to me, all the time uttering a "Uh? Uh? Uh?" between each peck.



...BEEN FOUND DROPPING OBJECTS AND SPLASHING AROUND IN THE TOILET, pressing buttons and adjusting the volume on the receiver, making phone calls on my cell phone, attempting to put Chloe's hair clips in his hair (or lack of, I should say), and, whenever possible, grabbing the computer mouse and carrying it off who knows where! I am also finding random objects in random places. The other day it was a potato in the coat closet. Yesterday it was baby powder and a sippy cup in the garbage.



And last night, as Neil was getting ready for bed, he asked if I had seen his alarm clock. After a quick search, it was determined that Ryan felt a more appropriate home for the alarm clock than Neil's night stand, was the bath tub! He's very creative to say the least.

...TURNED INTO MY OFFICIAL CUDDLE BUG. I know I've said it before, but he is truly the most cuddly baby I've ever seen! The other night I was awakened by his cry, and eventually stumbled to his room to see what the fuss was all about. He was standing in his crib, screaming his little eyes out over who knows what, but not a second after picking him up, he grew silent and content. Not even a whimper! You would have never known he'd been crying! I sat in the rocker and he immediately nestled his little hands between his chest and mine while resting his head on my shoulder. I don't know if he'd had a nightmare, an upset tummy, or what, but it clearly wasn't anything a little snuggling couldn't fix! I was exhausted, but just couldn't bring myself to lay him back down! He almost always rests his head on my shoulder when I go in to get him after his naps, and will sometimes come plop on my lap when he needs a break from the madness of playing, and lean back on my chest. Chloe was never much of a cuddler, so I'm soaking this up as best I can!

...STILL NOT SAID ANY WORDS, but he's babbling lots. I wonder if part of the reason he isn't talking is because Chloe does so much of it! He must not find any point in trying when Chloe can translate for him. It seems they've got it worked out pretty well. He does say "Mama" beautifully. That said, I'm content. :)


{Here he is sporting a "Santa beard", as Chloe called it}

I can't believe my boy is 14 months old, and just 4 short months away from entering Nursery! He's still such a baby to me. Must be that petite build and bald head. Oh I love him!